Annual Report
For the
Annual General Meeting
20th October 2018
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2018
of Anglican Cursillo in the Diocese of Bristol will be held
on
Saturday 20th October 10.15am for 10.30am,
followed by an Ultreya at approx. 11 am
Venue – St Andrews Church, Chippenham
10.15 am refreshments
AGM AGENDA
1.
Apologies
for absence
2.
Minutes
of AGM October 2017
3.
Annual
Reports
·
Lay
Director & 4th Day
·
Spiritual
Director
·
Secretary
and Communications
·
BACC
Report
·
Financial
4.
Adoption
of Accounts for the year ended 30th September 2018
5.
Elections
of officers
·
Lay
Director
·
Secretary
·
Treasurer
(vacant)
·
BACC Rep
(vacant)
·
Palanca
Representative
·
Grouping
and Ultreya facilitator (4th Day rep) (vacant)
·
Communications
officer
·
Committee
member(s)
6.
Any
other business (to be notified to the Lay Director at least 7 days before the
meeting)
7.
Date of
next secretariat meeting
If
you are unable to attend, please send your apologies to the Secretary, Hilary
Greene. secretary@bristolcursillo.co.uk
or 01666 837850
Minutes of AGM 2017
BRISTOL
ANGLICAN CURSILLO
AGM OCTOBER
2017
The
AGM was held on 11th November in St Pauls Church, Chippenham.
Present:
Angela Smith, Alastair Davies, Richard Hovey, Hilary Greene, Jean Beech, Tony
Gardener, Steven and Jenny Colby, Chris and Hazel Tomkins
Apologies:
Karin Needham, Rachel Pound, Kate Crow, Pam Cowler,
1.
Minutes of AGM 2016
The minutes were agreed.
The minutes were agreed.
2.
Matters arising.
Alastair queried minute 5 ‘Richard has spoken to Alastair about the Spiritual Director role. Alastair understands that as Cursillo is lay led, the only way he can serve as a priest is as Spiritual Director’. Richard clarified this to the effect that the only way Alastair could serve on the secretariat was as Spiritual Director but he could be part of Cursillo as a priest in any other capacity.
Alastair queried minute 5 ‘Richard has spoken to Alastair about the Spiritual Director role. Alastair understands that as Cursillo is lay led, the only way he can serve as a priest is as Spiritual Director’. Richard clarified this to the effect that the only way Alastair could serve on the secretariat was as Spiritual Director but he could be part of Cursillo as a priest in any other capacity.
3.
Lay Director’s report
Angela provided a written report – already circulated. Alastair commented that we are in a better place now than 12 months ago and thanked Angela for all her work.
Angela provided a written report – already circulated. Alastair commented that we are in a better place now than 12 months ago and thanked Angela for all her work.
4.
Treasurer’s report
Rachel provided a report which Hilary read out – see attached to these minutes. The current balance at bank is £256.02.
Richard asked about the suggestion of monthly donations by members of the secretariat to support the finances of Bristol Cursillo as part of their apostolic action. He asked if there was a suggested amount. Angela said it was up to individuals. Alastair explained that monthly donations would enable Rachel to make a budget. Angela reported that since becoming Lay Director, she has received a lot of benefit from the National Council and in acting as South West rep. Richard felt that he didn’t want the situation that the secretariat’s donations are the only way that Bristol Cursillo can continue so he wondered about a wider approach to general membership. All agreed that this would need an explanation of what BACC does so that the annual subs are not seen as a levy, but as a contribution. This issue will be taken up by the secretariat.
Rachel provided a report which Hilary read out – see attached to these minutes. The current balance at bank is £256.02.
Richard asked about the suggestion of monthly donations by members of the secretariat to support the finances of Bristol Cursillo as part of their apostolic action. He asked if there was a suggested amount. Angela said it was up to individuals. Alastair explained that monthly donations would enable Rachel to make a budget. Angela reported that since becoming Lay Director, she has received a lot of benefit from the National Council and in acting as South West rep. Richard felt that he didn’t want the situation that the secretariat’s donations are the only way that Bristol Cursillo can continue so he wondered about a wider approach to general membership. All agreed that this would need an explanation of what BACC does so that the annual subs are not seen as a levy, but as a contribution. This issue will be taken up by the secretariat.
5.
Elections
We had no written nominations. Angela asked if those in current roles were willing to continue. All agreed. She explained that we don’t have a 4th day rep – this post is particularly important following a weekend so that new cursillistas are prayerfully put into groups and the 4th day person keeps in touch with all cursillistas. As a result of personal contact, we have had people coming back to grouping this last year.
Angela is happy to continue in this role for now but it would be good to have someone dedicated to this role.
Chris and Hazel both said they would be happy to serve on team if we had a weekend.
We had no written nominations. Angela asked if those in current roles were willing to continue. All agreed. She explained that we don’t have a 4th day rep – this post is particularly important following a weekend so that new cursillistas are prayerfully put into groups and the 4th day person keeps in touch with all cursillistas. As a result of personal contact, we have had people coming back to grouping this last year.
Angela is happy to continue in this role for now but it would be good to have someone dedicated to this role.
Chris and Hazel both said they would be happy to serve on team if we had a weekend.
6. AOB
New groups
Rev Rod Key from St Andrews in Chippenham has said that he would like to group during the day. This could suit Jenny and Steven, except on Wednesdays. Alastair asked Angela what she had in mind for regular groups. She replied that at the moment we have 2 groups established, one on Mondays and one on Wednesdays, both in the evening. Membership tends to be:
Monday: Karin Needham, Alastair, Angela, Tony, Rachel
Wednesday: Richard, Jean, Hilary, Kate Crow and Pam Cowler.
Angela is planning to try and contact existing cursillistas in Gloucestershire.
Meeting with Area Dean
Alastair and Angela had met with Christopher Bryan, Area Dean for North Wiltshire. He was unable to commit to anything at present. Angela may contact the Area Dean for Chippenham, Sally Wheeler.
The next secretariat meeting is to review publicity.
New groups
Rev Rod Key from St Andrews in Chippenham has said that he would like to group during the day. This could suit Jenny and Steven, except on Wednesdays. Alastair asked Angela what she had in mind for regular groups. She replied that at the moment we have 2 groups established, one on Mondays and one on Wednesdays, both in the evening. Membership tends to be:
Monday: Karin Needham, Alastair, Angela, Tony, Rachel
Wednesday: Richard, Jean, Hilary, Kate Crow and Pam Cowler.
Angela is planning to try and contact existing cursillistas in Gloucestershire.
Meeting with Area Dean
Alastair and Angela had met with Christopher Bryan, Area Dean for North Wiltshire. He was unable to commit to anything at present. Angela may contact the Area Dean for Chippenham, Sally Wheeler.
The next secretariat meeting is to review publicity.
7.
Fundraising
Chris mentioned easyfundraising.org – if you sign up, it gives donations to your charity for online shopping.
Chris mentioned easyfundraising.org – if you sign up, it gives donations to your charity for online shopping.
8.
Next secretariat meeting
Monday 27th November or 4th December at 10am. Angela will confirm with Rachel.
Monday 27th November or 4th December at 10am. Angela will confirm with Rachel.
Lay Director’s Report
In
preparation for this report I read through my report from last year and note
the following:
The
Secretariat have continued to meet most months – although we did have a short
break over this summer.
Two
regular group reunions have continued on a monthly basis, Wednesday evenings
and Mondays. The Monday group now tends to meet in the morning and has been
enriched by the attendance of Chris and Hazel Tomkins who live in Dursley. It
was hoped to start two further group reunions in Chippenham but for various
reasons this has been slow in getting off the ground. I have noted that in
other Diocese the Lay Director is invited to attend other Group Reunions within
the Diocese to offer support and to maintain personal links. I think this is a
good practice from which our Diocese would benefit – especially if the
additional groups become established.
It
is positive that we have been able to continue to operate more than one group
reunion per month. Group reunions are the bedrock of our 4thDay as
Cursillistas as they provide mutual support and encouragement from others in
the group which enables us to grow in our Christian life. I would like to
encourage all Cursillistas associated with the Bristol Diocese who are not
currently attending a group reunion to contact me so that we can structure the
groups to enable more people to benefit. If you are already attending a group I
would request that you prayerfully consider inviting non-Cursillistas who would
benefit from the encouragement to Christian life that the Cursillo method
offers. Cursillo has moved a long way from the secretive past and now actively
encourages non-Cursillistas to be part of Group Reunions and Ultreyas to
familiarise themselves with the Cursillo method prior to attending a weekend.
The National Council also stresses that non-Cursillistas can continue to
benefit from attending these events even if they are not able to attend a
weekend.
We have not been able to run
a weekend in our Diocese this year but maintain links with the Oxford Diocese
and if we have anyone who wishes to attend a weekend it is possible for them to
attend one in that Diocese. The next one being held is on 16th – 19th
May 2019.
We
continue to circulate a monthly prayer list via email. Those who have requested
prayer continue to benefit from the prayer support of other Cursillistas.
As
in 2017 Tony Gardner kindly offered to host a Garden Party in his lovely
garden. Unfortunately in the week running up to the party Tony was admitted to
hospital and we had to cancel the event.
During
this year we have planned and held Ultreyas in various points of the Diocese
which were advertised to the wider community in the relevant area and to which
non-Cursillistas were invited. So far these have been held in Hullavington and
Cricklade and a third is planned for Bristol at 7.30pm on 21st November.
Over
the last two years Rachel Pound has carried out sterling work as our Treasurer,
and Bristol Cursillo is now once again able to claim gift aid from HMRC on
donations. Unfortunately Rachel is having to stand down as Treasurer and I
would personally like to thank Rachel for all that she has accomplished during
the last two years.
Tony
Gardener has been our BACC Rep for a number of years and is also standing down.
Thank you Tony for all that you have done as our BACC Rep over the years. I
feel that both the BACC Rep and Bristol Cursillo benefit greatly from having a
presence at full BACC meetings which are held twice a year. The full BACC
Council meeting in November and the AGM in May each year.
Due to Rachel and Tony stepping down we have two vacancies to
be filled on our Secretariat from the AGM. Also during the last year I have
combined the roles of Lay Director and 4th Day Rep. Ideally it would
be beneficial to split these roles so that they are covered by different
Cursillistas. Please prayerfully consider putting yourself forward for one of
these roles at the AGM.
I
would also like to thank other members of the Secretariat for their hard work
and support over the last year. Hilary Greene has faithfully and tirelessly
undertaken the roles of Secretary and Communications Officer as well as
handling the duties as the Palanca Rep. and maintaining our website. Jean has
been a very insightful, prayerful and supportive member of the Secretariat and
Alastair has supported and inspired us as Spiritual Director.
Earlier
this year I registered Bristol Anglican Cursillo with Easyfunding.org and
encouraged our supporters to register so that when spending on line with named
retailers donations can be earned for our cause without any cost to the
individual. Although, to date, only four people have signed up for this we have
received donations of over £20.
Our
AGM and Ultreya is being held this year in St Andrews Church in Chippenham and
I would like to thank the Rev. Rod Key for his support and for offering St
Andrews as our venue this year.
As
we move forward into the new year I would like to encourage you all to take
advantage of all the benefits that the Cursillo method has to offer in your
spiritual life and the encouragement and support that other Cursillistas are
willing to provide. In February 2019 the
National Council are meeting in Chippenham and there will be an Ultreya on the
Friday evening, 22nd February, which they will attend. Please make a
note of this date in your diary. I would urge you to attend this event, meet
with, and be encouraged by the people who represent the Cursillo Movement
nationally.
Angela Smith, Lay Director.
Spiritual Director’s Report
“When it’s over, I want to
say: all my life
I was a bride married to
amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking
the world into my arms.
When it’s over, I don’t want
to wonder
if I have made of my life
something particular, and real.
I don’t want ever to find
myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up
simply having visited this world”.
[Mary Oliver. ‘When Death
Comes’]
We talk a lot in Cursillo about ‘The Fourth Day’ –
without I suspect really giving it the importance it truly deserves. But it is
the Day of Resurrection; the moment when we start living our lives each day by responding to the love of God. During
the past year, we have continued to meet faithfully in small Groups, and grown
in numbers; there have undoubtedly been moments of transformation, yet also
some “Good Friday” experiences. We need both, if we are to grow in the love of
Christ, and experience the renewal in the Spirit for ourselves, and for those
for whom we pray.
At the closing Eucharist of
the National Ultreya at Chelmsford
this year, the Bishop of Barking invited us to walk in the way of the cross to
the altar, yearning for wholeness in a broken world. Having received the Bread
of Life, and Cup of Salvation – we return to our daily lives, walking in
newness of life; with the mark of Resurrection upon us. That is the meaning of
the Fourth Day!
Ultreya!
Rev Alastair Davies,
Spiritual Director
Secretary’s and Communications Report
After some expert
tuition from our previous Spiritual Director (and webmaster), Richard Hovey, I
have managed to keep the website up to date this year with news of Ultreyas and
our newsletters. We have published 2 newsletters during the year, one in
December and one in June. These were published on the website and also
delivered to cursillistas on our Directory, either by email or by post. Please
see www.bristolcursillo.co.uk
GDPR came in this year
and we have taken steps to comply. We designed a consent form for people to
complete if they were happy for us to contact them and included this in our
postal communications. We have used a message on our emails to enable people to
unsubscribe if they no longer wish to receive communications.
Hilary Greene, Secretary and Communications Officer
BACC Report
In
May this year I completed my first year as the South West Area Rep. which
included being part of the National Council. This has been a very rewarding
role and I feel that both I and Bristol Cursillo have benefited from this role
and the networking with those from other Diocese.
As
part of my role I attended the National Ultreya in Southwell in September 2017,
the Full BACC meeting in Bicester in November, the National Council meeting in
Doncaster in February this year, the AGM in Swanwick, Derbyshire in May and the
National Ultreya in Chelmsford in September. The AGM in May clashed with the
wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle and the program was rearranged to give
an extended lunch break enabling delegates to watch at least part of the proceedings!
At the AGM the new BACC
promotional video was launched and a link to this is available on the BACC
website. If you have not already watched this and invited others to do so I
would recommend that you do so and see how Cursillo has encouraged and enabled
those who are part of this uplifting movement.
The
AGM also saw the launch of the revised Resource Manual. Many months of hard
work by a dedicated team preceded the publication of this manual but the result
is a more user friendly set of information. These manuals, including a ring
binder, can be purchased from the BACC Resource Officer for £20 plus postage or
they are all available from the BACC website free of charge.
As part of my role as Area
Rep I attended an Ultreya at Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in the Oxford Diocese and
gave the witness talk at that event. It was the first meeting that I had with
most of the Cursillistas within that Diocese and am pleased to say that since
then I have been able to build on that meeting over the last year.
I also met up with Roberta Smith of Exeter
Diocese and attended the Exeter Diocese AGM in November when Roberta and Alison
Crozier became joint Lay Directors. Roberta was a great encouragement to
Bristol Cursillo when she was South West Area Rep and I was glad to be of some
small support in return.
Because
of my role on the National Council I was invited to be part of the CLW team as
Gofer at the workshop in Newbury last month. As part of my role I was invited
to give two of the talks. I found being part of the team for this event hugely
rewarding – although a little scary. The other (experienced) members of the
team were very helpful and encouraging to this rookie which made a vast
difference.
I
have now completed the first half of my three year post and hope to create
further links with those Cursillistas in other Dioceses in the South West
during the second half of my tenure.
Angela Smith, South West
Area Rep
Financial Report
Thanks to regular donations
from some Cursillistas we have not had to fundraise to pay the BACC
subscription this year.
There are a couple of items
that are not included in these accounts: -
·
Payment to Jubilate Communications (£42) for the banner – the
cheque has not been debited from our account at time of preparation of
accounts.
·
Tax refund for Gift Aid donations – I have experienced
various issues with submitting the claim but am hoping this will be resolved
soon.
Rachel Pound, Treasurer
Accounts for the year ended 30th September 2018
|
Income
|
Expenditure
|
|||
|
Donations
|
£329.00
|
BACC subs
|
£270.00
|
|
|
Easyfundraising
|
£21.91
|
Stationary
|
£1.00
|
|
|
St Paul's - Room Hire
|
£25.60
|
|||
|
Total
|
£350.91
|
Total
|
£296.60
|
|
|
Summary
|
||||
|
Bank balance 1/10/17
|
£256.02
|
|||
|
Income
|
£350.91
|
|||
|
Expenditure
|
£296.60
|
|||
|
Bank balance 30/09/18
|
£310.33
|
Nomination form for Bristol Anglican Cursillo
Secretariat Membership
I
wish to nominate______________________________________________________
for
the office of _________________________________________________
on
Bristol Anglican Cursillo Secretariat
Name
_________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________
Date____________________
Posts
on Secretariat are:
Lay
Director
Secretary
Treasurer:
4th
Day Representative
Palanca
Representative
Communications
Officer
BACC
Representative
Committee
member
