Notes on A meeting of the Preston Christian Action Network
on Tuesday 27th March from 11.30am - 2pm
at St Matthews Mission, Acregate Lane..PR1 5QQ
Present: Peter Nunn (chairing) Greg Smith, Ken Wales, Pete Hamborg, Tim Keightley, Ian Clarkson, Sue Griffiths, Jason Greene (+ guest) Andy Prosser
Our Agenda
1. Prayer / Reflection
Greg Smith read for us Richard Sudworth's paraphrase of John Chapter 4 - the story of the Samaritan Woman (in the book Distinctly Welcoming) and we shared a few reflections on it.
2. Update on the formation of the Joint Venture Company "Together Lancashire" and appointment of Staff
3. Consequences of this for the role and structure of PCAN
Ken Wales explained recent developments and the current position…The New Joint Venture Company has been registered under the name "Together Lancashire" with three founding Directors ( Ed. Saville, representing Blackburn Diocese, Andy Turner representing CUF and Ken Wales representing the Methodist Church). Additional directors are being sought. Recruitment processes for two part time co-ordinators have taken place and Greg Smith has come into post with responsibility for work west of the M6 and Gillian Beeley for work to the East in Pennine Lancashire.
The implications for the PCAN network would appear to be:
- We can continue operating as a network in much the same way and meeting roughly quarterly as a network gathering.
- There seems little point immediately in changing, constitutional arrangements until the full structures of Together Lancashire become clear, though it is envisaged there will be mechanisms for representation and communication of PCAN.
- Greg is now formally responsible to the Together Lancashire board and Ken has taken on the direct line management responsibility.
- Greg can continue to service the PCAN network but to a more limited extent as he will be developing new work in Blackpool and the Fylde coast and other parts of west Lancashire. For example some of the sub groups and other Preston networks such as the listening skills group, the employment sub group and the Homeless Forum may get less support and have to become more self sufficient.
- Greg can offer some support to individual Preston projects while they are at a capacity building or developmental stage but these will have to compete for space in his work plan.
4. Briefing on proposals for development of St Matthews Mission - working with Ribbleton Methodist Church and other partners
Peter Nunn explained the vision to turn the Mission Hall into a renewed community and worship facility, and to generate various activities in the building. Over £500k was needed if we were to accomplish the architects plans, but sustainability meant some social enterprise to generate ongoing income for management. The work club just started was already successful and unemployment/training is one major concern. We have a Mustard seed grant from Cuf which is allowing us to consult local community and pilot some activities, and are negotiating partnership in mission with Ribbleton Methodist church and schools. We are also hoping to get some share in the grants for Chrusch Growth in Urban Priority Areas from the CofE. There was some discussion about the need to get the balance of people and property and mission and community service in the proper priorities and balance.
5. Network Catch-up .. We shared a lot of information
unemployment initiatives,
Kingsfold work club is running well and the St Matthews work club has been going a few weeks and is also drawing in people.. Needs some additional volunteers. We are also in touch with Salvation Army and Intact Work clubs and have planned a sharing of expertise/ self training for volunteers and staff day in May.
food bank at the Salvation Army
Now regularly giving out over 120 food parcels a month. Donations still welcome.. Other organizations were also giving out food showing the need is great and increasing. We noted Major Carole Babstock would be moving on in the summer and looked forward to welcoming and working with the new officer.
Homelessness.
The Homeless forum and associated drop ins and housing schemes are all busy and making some useful impact. Countable rough sleepers seem to be diminishing in numbers. Strong teams of volunteers are working hard on a rota basis. Joe Pope who volunteers at several of the is trying to co-ordinate a scheme to provide + Idea for starter packs for new tenants.
listening skills group,
Fusion was running a course for befrienders facilitiated by Tim K from Foxton Centre. The planning group was trying to arrange a meeting to develop some sessions on "Becoming a Listening Church" aimed at stewards, sides-people and other welcomers serving in Sunday worship settings.
Guild activities, Serve the City week July 10-14
The Lent Series "I am for Preston" is running well and gave PCAN and other ministries a chance to present their work. Preston Passion on Good Friday will be a national profile event. Ian Clarkson spoke about the Serve the City week and it was suggested PCAN could have a useful role in publicizing, and maybe in evaluating a helping bring in funding. Greg will be contacting the organizing group re this.
ROC and youth work developments,
The Fire Service had change personnel and things have gone a bit quiet but there is still some interest in this. We also noted the youth work Team at City Church were now delivering Youth Club work in partnership with Lea Methodist.
PCC's social forum and money lending etc. etc.
Subject to Council elections PCC's Social Forum would soon get off the ground and PCAN has been written in as a stakeholder. This gives us a chance to work with the council on anti poverty and alternatives to money lenders.
Family Support
We noted with sadness the end of the Homestart scheme in Preston, but on the bright side the charity continues and is exploring ways to work with churches concerned for needy families, for example through the Grassroots scheme in Bamber Bridge, Caritas Care and the potential of developing new things in UPAs in Preston. We noted Nicola Greene of heritage church had long experience of delivering parenting support programmes and might be able to help.
6. Networking time over buffet lunch
7 AOB and DONM
Greg agreed to send out a Doodle for setting a date in early June
