Thursday 11 March 2021

Vestry Report by our church warden Trevor Webster

 

A reminder that we will be holding our Vestry meeting this Sunday at St Patrick on the Hill, straight after the service. All invited. If you want to nominate someone for the Council, please contact Trevor. Here follows the Warden's report for 2021. 


Lockdown

From March 2020 until February 2021 St Patrick’s has had virtual services broadcast by Maggie Verster with the ministry team of Dr Norma Fivaz, Ann Webster, Barry and Lyndon Wittstockand Rev Liz Thomas. The broadcast services were professionally done and attracted a greater congregation far and wide. Unfortunately, Liz can’t be with us for vestry, as she is on sick leave.

Council

The last actual Vestry was held in 2019 at which the following were elected: Trevor Webster (Warden), Quinton Dick (Alternate Warden, Treasurer and Gardens), Rev Liz Thomas (Priest), Dr Norma Fivaz (Lay Minister and Pianist), Ann Webster (Lay Minister, Sacristan and Pianist), Carol Nieth (Weddings), Maggie Verster (Blogpage, communication), Helen Fox and Ansie Klaassen (pastoral care, flowers). At the virtual Vestry of 2020 Jan Delport was elected. All The members have continued loyally, showing commitment in spite of the services being only virtual. In any democratic organization it is vital to have regular elections, which will happen at Vestry this year on Sunday 14 March 2021.   


Worship and Services

We are very privileged to have Rev Dr Liz Thomas as resident priest and two committed lay ministers: Dr Norma van Niekerk and Ann Webster. We are a small congregation of different denominations and we all participate in the different services. The flower arrangements are beautifully done, organised by Ansie Klaassen. Our chapel continues to be a much-visited gem in Hogsback. The Prayer Trail has become a major source of comfort for those needing to pray or meditate. Many visitors regard the chapel and Prayer Trail as a priority in their visits to Hogsback, especially as the chapel is open throughout the day. The Monday Bible Study group is a powerful worship group.

Community and Care: We donate on a regular basis to Hobbiton and Jikani. Ansie visits those in need and our lay ministers use the discretionary fund to help those in need. The blogpage and WhatsApp groups run by Maggie are very effective in reaching a further congregation not living in Hogsback. Maggie has been brilliant in reaching people through technology during lockdown.

The community identifies with the chapel by using it for memorial services, baptisms and weddings and the Wall of Remembrance, although these have not been active during lockdown.  

Finance

We are fortunate in having Quinton Dick as treasurer. We donate much of our income from tithing to worthy causes locally, in addition to paying our Diocesan assessment. We have maintained and improved our assets, especially our garden. Whatever has been done has been done to the glory of God. In spite of not receiving collections because there have not been services, we have been able to maintain our commitments. Our financial statements are presented for comment, if necessary, and acceptance by the congregation.

Weddings

There have not been weddings during lockdown.

Buildings and Gardens:  

The gardens are looking particularly beautiful thanks to the supervision of Quinton and others. We were able to cover the thatch with netting wire to protect it from baboon foraging. All this is appreciated by visitors who are constant visitors.

HUCF

The Hogsback United Church Fellowship property and assets are looked after by the Council and are not owned by St Patrick’s. The property is up for sale.

Challenges

Although the congregation of St Patrick’s is a shining example of service, we realize that there are challenges. We are grateful that we can do as much as we do as each of us has a limited time-span in this village. We appreciate the opportunity and joy to be able to be part of this beautiful, iconic chapel, celebrated daily by visitors from all over the world.  

Thank you

Trevor Webster

Chapel Warden

14 March 2021