Vicar's Annual Report for 2012-13

The Vicar of Hoylake (Rev'd Paul Rossiter): 

Annual Report for 2012 to 2013

It is over twelve months since I was appointed as vicar of St Hildeburgh’s Parish Church here in Hoylake and in my time here I have found a wonderful sense of commitment and determination to move the Parish forward. May I take this opportunity to thank everyone here for their support, from the Standing and Finance Committee, to the Parochial Church Council and to everyone who has contributed in any way over the past twelve months I have truly been impressed and excited by what we have achieved here in Hoylake.

I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit is moving within this place, and i take every occasion to promote that to people I come into contact with.

There have been many highlights this past twelve months. I could mention many, but there wouldn’t be time. However I do think it is worth mentioning some of them, such as the increase in numbers to our congregation and the increase in children attending our services. Easter and Christmas were truly amazing, and some of my thanks must go to the work with ‘Mums and Tots’ and our work with the ‘Voyagers’ – our children’s group.

Another occasion that was special was the confirmation preparation and service in which some of our church members were confirmed, a first for a good few years.

Again Lifeboat Sunday was wonderful and important, followed by the BBQ at the vicarage, that will be an annual event, long may it continue.

Another first was our communion in a secular setting which was well attended at the Monte Carlo Restaurant on Market Street, again we will continue with this at least one more this year.

Our new (or not so new) organist has been a wonderful addition to our team, and we are benefiting from the work that has been put in.

We have had the introduction of new family praise service that is slowly starting to be beneficial to the growth of our church, as well as the increase in numbers of Baptisms, and Weddings.

Because the church is working more closely with community there has been a significant increase in funerals, which believe it or not, generate a healthy church.

Our Christmas Tree Festival was amazing - long may it continue, and our ‘Growth Action Planning’ (GAP) teams are working with increased vigour which is always a good sign and the Baptism team continue to support me and keep me in check.

There is a lot in the pipeline that I believe is exciting. One is the continued work with Holy Trinity School; the second the work with various nursing homes; and third, much needed improvement to our facilities for worship within Church.

In the coming twelve months, I will be running a discipleship course, at the vicarage, and will be looking towards people to think about engaging in a foundation course for ministry. 

The greater work of our Gap groups is, and should be, in looking outwards to the community and beyond - Jesus was our supreme example of going about and helping those in need and I hope that in some way we are trying to do this.

This year there is a Pentecost day planned at Kingsmeade School and we will play a big part in it, as will other local churches, and I hope this will honour God in the community. I have said we will help St John’s, Meols, with their Labyrinth and will be looking for help. The Bishop will lead a service in the evening and the day’s activities will be given over to children’s events and something for everyone.

I can’t stress how much we have moved forward as a worshiping community and have been blown away by everyone’s support.

That said we do have at least one significant challenge ahead and that is without doubt planned giving, I am sure with increasing numbers we are able to pay the parish share and to afford all the costs of maintaining the building while also supporting ministry. But we do have keep it in the forefront of our minds and ensure the message is heard by everyone.

May I take this opportunity to thank a number of people who wish to remain anonymous for their wonderful donations, without these wonderful gifts, my job would have been more difficult and the church would not be moving forward so quickly, my thanks goes not just from me but the whole church.

I have purposely not mentioned people by name, as it is very easy to miss someone out. But what stands out for me is the enthusiasm to let God lead us, and be willing to trust in our Saviour as we continue to grow our church. So my thanks go to every one of you and let us look forward together to another wonderful twelve months. So may God bless us as we move forward as one!

Rev’d Paul Rossiter,  VICAR of HOYLAKE

Pictured below: Rev'd Paul at the Lifeboat BBQ mentioned above: