The Sunday School art work
Click to see larger version
Church attendance
There are 72 parishioners on the electoral roll [up from 60], 23 of whom are not resident within the parish. The average weekly attendance, counted during October was 45 adults [down from 50] and 8 children [down from 9]. Attendance on Easter day was 71 [down from 107] and on Christmas day (including Midnight) was 76 [up from 75]. The church also holds regular monthly outreach services at Rydale Court and Seabrooke Manor, two residential homes in the parish. The total average attendance at these services is approximately 30. Children from the Neighbourhood Nursery were again able to visit St Luke’s at Christmas to share in the joy of Christmas and find out a little about the Christmas message.
The Sunday School continues under the leadership of Clare d’Netto and whilst the numbers are still quite small they regularly contribute their art work to the church. The PCC is grateful to Clare and her other helpers for the work they do with the children.
St Luke’s continues to maintain a close relationship with the local Methodist and URC congregations and has held three joint services during the year.
Review of the year
The full PCC met six times during the year. The only committee established by statute is the Standing Committee consisting of the Priest in Charge, Wardens, Reader, Secretary and Treasurer. The Standing Committee met informally on a number of occasions during the year. The PCC has no other committees.
The Advent art work project
Click to see larger version
Apart from routine matters the PCC dealt with
- Repairs to the roof of the south transept following the theft of metal during 2007.
- The appointment of the Revd Bridget de Mello as the first curate of St Luke’s since the 1930s.
- The replacement of Robert Andrews as organist.
- Jean Andrews’ ordination training and who will take over the various duties she has performed at St Luke’s.
- The Advent art project that was organised in conjunction with other churches in South Ilford.
One meeting of the PCC was held on a Saturday at St Margaret’s Barking when members discussed the future of St Luke’s, its strengths and weaknesses. The art project was the idea of Fr John and was sponsored by the London Over the Border Church Fund. A piece of art was created and exhibited at St Luke’s, St Andrew’s, St Alban’s, St John’s Seven Kings and the Vine URC church. The churches were open during the week and people of all faiths, or none, were invited to come and visit. A half page report appeared in the Church Times.