St. Mary’s PCC Jottings – November 2025
The Parochial Church Council of St Mary’s, Overton, met on 18th November 2025 to review progress on major projects and parish life. Updates were shared on the bell restoration and window repairs, both attracting strong community interest. The bells have been removed and will be rehung by April, with a dedication service planned. Fundraising continues, including a campaign to sponsor a louvre for £200, supported by social media outreach. The project to upgrade the pathway is moving forward, pending an archaeological survey, and an energy audit has been completed to support plans for solar panels.
Safeguarding remains a priority, with the Action Plan scheduled for review in January and approval of the safeguarding flowchart. Health and safety discussions included fire procedures for candlelight services. Financially, the church remains stable and the 2026 budget was approved, and the church will switch to green gas as part of its sustainability goals.
Church life continues to thrive: the Harvest Lunch (5th October) and Light Party (31st October) were well received, and the Philippa Hanna concert (7th November) drew excellent reviews. Upcoming events include the Pop-up Nativity and Carol Singing (29th November) and the Herald of Herod pant-ivity in December. Plans are underway to recruit a Families Minister on a three-year contract to strengthen children and youth ministry. Overseas mission updates confirmed support for Open Doors and relief efforts in Gaza for the Christingle service.
The PCC also agreed with regret to discontinue The Test magazine due to declining subscriptions and thanked Peter Silverwood for his many years of service as Lay Preacher. The next PCC meeting will be held on 19th January 2026.