Annual Report For The Year 2005

Report From The Church Committee For The Year 2005

The year 2005 could be described as a historic one in the life of St. Andrew Parish Church. The 340th Anniversary celebrations which started December 2004 ended in December 2005. On May 31, 2005, the 20th Rector the Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Thompson, was consecrated and ordained Bishop of Kingston,. He was installed at the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega on September 29 and September 30 was his final day of work here at the Parish Church.

The activities were varied and interesting, starting with the Annual Congregational Meeting on January 30, 2005, chaired by Rev. Canon Dr. Robert Thompson, Rector.

Many thanks to the Church Committee, the Parish Groups, other committees and the many volunteers whose collaborative efforts assisted in furthering the ministry of the church in so many areas.

Special thanks is extended to:

• All those who assisted the administration throughout the year but especially during the period October to December 2005, after the departure of Bishop Robert Thompson when the Curate and Wardens were charged with the responsibility of managing the affairs.

• Rev Fr. Edward Jennings, Priest Assistant who gave tremendous support especially with the St. Clements Mission in Kencot - preparing candidates for confirmation and providing guidance and counseling to the youth especially the young men in the community.

• Sister Doris Levien who faithfully assisted with services on Sundays, the Bible study on Mondays and maintaining contact with members of our church family whom she might inadvertently see in the UWI Hospital from time to time.

• Rev Dr. David Kuck and his wife Mary, after returning from their sabbatical continued to assist in the spiritual life of our community here at the Parish Church and St. Andrew Settlement respectively.

• Mr. Claude Campbell who maintained our Web Site and ensured that updates were done on a regular basis.

• The Office Staff

  • Mrs. Elsie Aarons Administrative Officer for her devoted and dedicated service and who left at the end of September after five years; Mrs. Andrea Chin See, who did not hesitate to assist in the interim until the position was taken by Ms. Kirby Clarke in December.

  • Miss Lynnette Mightly who continued to devote her time and effort to providing essential secretarial service and carrying out special assignments in the church office.

  • To the various members who assisted with accounting services - Mrs Gracie Geoghagen part-time accountant , Mrs. Lynette Allen and Mrs. Trecia Elliott.

  • Mr. Orlando Strudwick - Property Manager for attending to needs of the various properties and seeing to the maintenance of the physical structures

  • The Vergers - Mr. Vernon Miranda - Verger, Miss Ann Morrison Assistant Verger.
    Miss Morrison provided invaluable support in the Church Office assisting with programmes such as Tuesday Charity ; and an important element of our ministry, that of maintaining contact with our sick and shut-in members, as well as assisting with the scheduling of visits.

  • Miss Beverley Ffrench for offering her skills when help was desperately needed at the Receptionist's Desk. and providing excellent support.

• The Ancillary Staff:

  • Mr. Linton Smith Caretaker - Church Hall, Miss Beverley Burrell, Miss Charmaine Francis, Mr. Everton Williams - Church Caretaker. Mr. Leroy Donaldson and Mr. Marlon Paulwell for the work on the cemetery grounds and immediate environs.

We are also very grateful to :
The Organists - Mr. Paul Bicknell, Mrs. June Spence, Mrs. Jacqueline Wright-James and Mr. Donald Hossack, also Mr. Dwight McBean who assists in maintaining the organ and collaborates with the repairers, as required from time to time.

The Choir Directors in charge of the music ministry Mr. Audley Davidson - Director of the Senior Choir, Mrs. Marcia Ashley Director Youth Choir and Miss Yvonne Sterrett. Also persons from other choirs who contributed to enhancing our worship at various times during the year.

Mrs. Jennifer Goodison Recording Secretary to the Church Committee.

Au Revoir
On September 30, 2005, we said farewell, with mixed feelings, to our Rector of fifteen years the Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Thompson, as he took leave of us to take on the challenging position of Bishop of Kingston. We wish him and his family well and he can be assured of our support, as and when needed.

Welcome
Hearty welcome to the Rev Major Dr. Sirrano Kitson who has been appointed as the 21st Rector with effect from January 1, 2006 and whose Admission Service is scheduled for February 5, 2006.

Congratulations
To those who have received national awards and other special recognition during the year.

Condolences
To all those who lost loved ones during the year.

Congregational Life
The Vision Statement of St. Andrew Parish Church states that it is
"A church reconciled to God, aware of its identity and healing the community through the proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel of Christ."

To this end much emphasis was placed on the spiritual life of the church during 2005.

The Highlights include:
Lenten Studies with the theme Reading the Bible as if for the first time was led by Rev. Canon Robert Thompson, Rev. Fr. Garth Minott and Rev. Fr. Edward Jennings.

Collaboration with Holy Cross in the annual Marian Service held here at St. Andrews on January 19, 2005. the Preacher was the Roman Catholic Arch-Bishop The Most Rev Lawrence A Burke S.J.

A Youth Retreat organized by the Youth Committee was held at the Church Hall February 11 to 12 led by the Anglican Youth Fellowship, with devotions by Rev. Lorraine Westcarr, then Curate of St. Mary the Virgin and presentations by Rev. Fr. Leon Golding and others.

An Adult Retreat was held at Hillcrest Retreat Centre in Browns Town, February 18 to 20, led by Rev. Fr, Robert McLean.

The sixth Alpha Training Programme was held during the period April 13 to June 22, 2005.

Two sessions were held in November on "Death and Dying : a Christian Biblical Perspective" hosted by Fr. McLean with presentations by Rev. Dr. David Kuck and Mrs. Andrea Hopwood.

Participation in the activities of the Half Way Tree Ministers Fellowship which promotes the mid-day Reflections on Wednesdays at noon, continued.

Chaplaincy through the Clergy and staff at Queen's School, Half Way Tree Primary School and the Women's Crisis Centre

The Visitation Programme which involves members of Parish Groups ministering to the sick and shut-in members continued.

The Christian Faith Formation Committee continued its activities, in particular Total .Sunday School on fifth Sundays.

Harvest Thanksgiving was held on October 23, 2005, with Guest Preacher the Very Rev Canon Peter Mullings, Rector of the Church of Ascension.

Other activities undertaken include:
The Annual Business Retreat which was held November 4 and 5, 2005 with focus on specific areas -
Out-Reach; Worship & Congregational Development; Property and Finance & Administration.
The proposals from the Retreat work shops have been reviewed by the Church Committee and implementation plans are to be formulated.
Summary of the proposals are: Out-Reach - Assessment of the effectiveness of the current programmes; greater emphasis on the promotion of Anglican spirituality; training of volunteers, development of framework , establishment of guidelines;
sharing of information with other institutions and churches in addressing the needs of specific communities.
Worship and Congregational Development - Develop strategies to build greater relationship at all levels within the church community; more involvement of young persons; assignment of skills to appropriate areas; more promotion of out reach projects; improve feedback mechanism.
Property- Maximize income from properties; establish maintenance fund.
Finance & Administration - Reactivate stewardship study explaining change in philosophy of giving; explore concept of few and large fund raisers; review of existing and proposed administrative structure.

Maintenance of the website continued with information pertaining to the activities of the church including the Weekly Bulletin, Special Events and the Parishioner updated on a regular basis.

The 340th Anniversary Committee chaired by Mr. Alvaro Casserley completed its activities during the year:
- Flower Festival which opened on April 16 and continued to April 17 when an evening of Choral Music was held.
- Anniversary Gala Banquet, October 6, 2005 with Guest Speaker the Rt. Reverend Riah Abu El-Assal ,
Bishop of Jerusalem.
- The final activity was a Thanksgiving Service on 4th December 2005 with the Celebrant and Preacher
the Rt. Rev. Hon. Alfred Reid D.D., O.J.

Recognition of our Out-Reach Programmes in special months of the year continued with Corporate Communion, special fund raising activities and general information to members on the work of the various programmes.

The St. Andrew Settlement received the Daily Gleaner's Honour Award for Voluntary Service by Faith Based Organisations in Jamaica. The Settlement was also co-recipient of the Gleaner's Man of the Year Award for 2005.

The St. Clement's Mission received a grant of J$2.7 Million based on an Agreement signed between the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the Incorporated Lay Body to refurbish two trailers at the St. Clement's Development Centre to expand their Educational/Vocational programmes. They have shown tremendous growth over the year and special thanks to Mrs. Sybil Thompson, the Management Committee and Fr. Jennings for their work.

Reports - Missions and Spirituality - Church Groups

ALPHA 2005

Alpha is a short, practical introduction to the Christian faith, developed at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), an Anglican Church in London, England and now used worldwide by many denominations as an Evangelical tool. St. Andrew Parish Church has been running the course annually since 2000. Alpha 2005, the 6th Alpha was held on Wednesday evenings between 5:30 pm and 8:15 pm from Wednesday, April 13 to Wednesday, June 22 at the Church Hall.

As in the past training sessions for facilitators were held prior to the start of the programme. The Leader of the course was the Rector, Canon Robert Thompson ( now Bishop of Kingston) assisted by Rev. Fr. Robert Mclean and Rev. Fr. Edward Jennings. Each evening began with a light meal, followed by lively worship, a videoed talk by Rev. Nicky Gumbell of HTB then discussion and Bible study in small groups. A one (1) day Holy Spirit Retreat was held at the United Theological College on Saturday, May 21. Attendance at the sessions ranged from 27 to 41. The Retreat was attended by 27 persons.

Extracted from report submitted by Joey James - Alpha Coordinator

Altar Guild

The Guild continued to fulfill its mandate of preparation of the Church for Sunday worship. This included responsibility for floral décor and provision, preparation, maintenance of altar and church linen and sacred vessels. A major successful event was the Floral Festival in April as part of the 340th anniversary celebrations coordinated by the Guild with contributions from sister churches. Members were also requested to assist in providing floral décor for the Consecration Service of the Bishop of Kingston. The Guild also participated in other Diocesan Floral festivals.. There was one fund raising effort which unfortunately did not meet the target established resulting in further depletion of the funds as the only other source of funding is by contribution from the membership. Provision of linen still remains a challenge as a significant portion of the current stock needs replacing but this has not been possible due to financial constraints. An invitation is extended to persons interested in the work of the Guild to become members to assist in the various activities and a special invitation to male members of the congregation to assist in cleaning the brass.

The Guild continued to fulfill its mandate of preparation of the Church for Sunday worship. This included responsibility for floral décor and provision, preparation, maintenance of altar and church linen and sacred vessels. A major successful event was the Floral Festival in April as part of the 340th anniversary celebrations coordinated by the Guild with contributions from sister churches. Members were also requested to assist in providing floral décor for the Consecration Service of the Bishop of Kingston. The Guild also participated in other Diocesan Floral festivals.. There was one fund raising effort which unfortunately did not meet the target established resulting in further depletion of the funds as the only other source of funding is by contribution from the membership. Provision of linen still remains a challenge as a significant portion of the current stock needs replacing but this has not been possible due to financial constraints. An invitation is extended to persons interested in the work of the Guild to become members to assist in the various activities and a special invitation to male members of the congregation to assist in cleaning the brass.

Extracted from report submitted by Phyll Williams Chairman

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The Brotherhood observes three (3) disciplines - Prayer, Study and Service. During the period under review the St. Andrew Parish Church Chapter was engaged in the following activities:

Evangelism

1. St. Clement's Mission, Kencot - Conducted Evening Prayer with Sermon on Sundays as requested.

2. St. Mark's, Scot's Hall - Conducted Morning Prayer with sermon on 4th Sundays.

3. St. Andrew Settlement - Conducted Morning Prayer with sermon on Fifth Sundays.

Outreach
Bishop Gibson's Home

• The Chapter is represented on the Board;

• Provided financial contribution - annually;

• Provided support to their annual fundraiser by purchasing and distributing tickets.

Visitation - Made regular visits to Brotherhood members who are sick and shut-in.

Fellowship Groups

During the 2005, the number of Fellowship Groups increased from (13) thirteen to (15) fifteen. They continue to meet on a regular basis and most meet every week, some every other week and others once a month. The purpose of the groups is to study the Bible together, to pray together and to share with each other. All the groups participated , as usual, in Corporate Communion on the first Sunday in Lent The annual one day retreat was held on March 5, 2005 with the theme "OUR LOVING FATHER". There were three sessions - the first one "Getting to know God as Loving Father" was led by The Very Rev'd Canon Peter Mullings; the second "The God We Never Knew" by Rev'd Fr. Robert McLean; and the third "Learning to accept God's Love" by Rev'd Fr. Edward Jennings. The Fellowship Groups have continued to take the Sunday Evening Service on the third Sunday of each month and their Joint Group Service was held on the third Sunday in November. At that service special prayers for the Region of Kingston and for Bishop Robert Thompson as he took over his new role as Bishop of Kingston. Visits to many of their shut-in members continued. Their annual social was held on December 3 at the Rectory.

Extracted from report submitted by Coordinators Joyce James, Joan Reader

Little Brothers of St. Andrew

The aims of the Little Brothers of St. Andrew are to use creative and interactive methods to teach "boys at risk" under 15 years old, who frequent the environs of the Parish Church, about God and the principles of Christianity through Bible Knowledge classes and about the world around them through World Knowledge classes.

The programme supports the St. Andrew Care Centre by assisting to bridge the gap between the Centre and the community in which it operates. During 2005, the saturday morning programme continued; the core of volunteer teachers increased from three to seven and there was increased interest in the programme among Ambrook Lane boys.

Extracted from report submitted.

Mothers' Union

The group continued with its regular programme - monthly meetings on the last Tuesdays and corporate communion on the second Sunday in each month. Four new members were enrolled in June bringing the membership to 61 excluding shut-ins.

Special Activities in 2005 include:
25 persons attended at the Annual General Meeting at the Montego Bay community center in February.
14 members attended the regional meeting held at the cathedral in Spanish Town .
Members o f the branch attended the Deanery meetings held during the year.
14 members attended the Lady Day service held at St. Margaret's Church Liguanea on April 4.
One member attended the annual training seminar held at Church House in May.
14 members attended the Prayer Breakfast in June

Out-Reach -

• Association with the Girl's Home continued. Members visited the girls on a quarterly basis and formulated activities of interest with them to generate interaction and participation. One girl was sponsored for the Summer Workshop.

• A child from the St. Andrew settlement was sponsored to attend the Diocesan Summer Camp in Browns Town, St. Ann.

• During Child's Month 14 members visited the Sunday School at the Church's Mission in Kencot and shared in their Sunday school activities.

• Blood Pressure Clinic at the church continued on 3rd Mondays

• Cradle Roll activities continued as members attended the preparation classes with Fr Robert McLean and the parents and god parents of babies to be baptised. Contact is kept with the parents of the children from baptism until they are three years old when they are expected to start attending Sunday School.

Visiting
In February seventeen members attended the Trinity Moravian Church and participated in the Women's Fellowship Group's 49th anniversary service.
Rt. Rev. Dr, Robert Thompson was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting in September. He spoke about the role of the Suffragan Bishop in the Diocese.
A member of the church accompanied by his daughter , a dietician visited in June ad spoke about his experience with diabetes and the importance of sticking to a prescribed diet.

Award
The St. Andrew Parish Church Mothers' Union won the DIOCESE OF JAMAICA :KINGSTON REGION
Centenary Award presented to the DEANERY OF ST. ANDREW. The Award was earned for outstanding
performance during 2004.

The Executive is appreciative to all the members of the Branch for their continued interest and support during the year.

Extracted from report submitted by Daphne Whitely, Enrolling Member

Reception Committee

The Reception committee consists of 16 active members. Their responsibilities are:
Assisting worshippers to prepare for a spiritually fulfilling worship experience ; ensuring that visitors are comfortably seated and provide worship material for use at services. Activities carried out during the year include: providing service at the service of Choral Music in celebration of our 340th anniversary; installation of B ishop Robert Thompson; musical ministry awards evening the 340th anniversary Gala Banquet. Other activities carried out were - Jamaica Night, cake and fruit sale hosting of newly confirmed in April

Extracted from report submitted Pearl Pottinger.

Senior Choir

Organists, the Senior Choir led Sunday services, special festivals and Feast days with new anthems, special musical arrangements to old favourites and psalms and more beautiful but increasingly difficult descants for hymns. They were confronted with a number of challenges because of the shortcomings and failings of the infrastructure that produced feelings of despair, however , they are hopeful that the areas of concern indicated will be addressed in 2006. Two members with over 100 years of combined service retired during the year. The Choir ended the year on a high note with an excellent offering for the 2005 Carol Service which featured a repertoire mixed with traditional and contemporary carols and anthems appropriate to the season which was well received

Extracted from report submitted by Mr. Audley Davidson.

Servers' Guild

Mission Statement - The Servers' Guild functions to serve God by: aiding to maintain efficiency and he smooth running of church services; assisting clergy at regular Eucharist service and at special services; working alongside other church groups to enhance our congregation's worship experience by allowing them to "offer to God a service of praise and glory along with appropriate beauty and pageantry"; being leaders among the youth of our church, joining in other youth related activities and inviting others to join the Guild, thereby promoting understanding use of and pride in our Anglican heritage.

Membership - Five new members were inducted in the guild in May. In August one server migrated and another left for college. There are currently 16 active servers.

Challenges in 2005 - The Guild continues to be challenged by low membership and lack of adherence (by members ) to the duty roster.

Activities in 2005 - improvement among the membership in attendance at church and at the bimonthly guild meetings; regular participation in Sunday worship and in training; rehearsals and Bible study at Saturday guild meetings. Additionally, the servers participated in - the annual Christmas treat for the Little Brothers of St. Andrew through donation of cash and gifts; the annual youth retreat; consecration and installation services for the new Bishop of Kingston in June and September.

Goals for 2006 - increase guild membership; improve general attendance and punctuality for church services and guild meetings; increase guild participation in the church's youth related activities.participation in the diocesan Youth Rally.

Extracted from report submitted by Minke Newman, Chief Server.

Sunday School And Nursery

Mission - The Sunday School is committed to the mission of the church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The commitment will be fostered using available communication media ato engage, encourage and challenge each individual to develop a personal, loving relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the saviour so that, filled with the holy spirit they may be enabled to live out their faith in community.

The 7:30 a.m. Sunday School offers nursery for children under 3 years.

Friends Of The Sunday School

The Friends of the Sunday Schools are committed to support the mission of the church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by supporting the Sunday Schools of the St. Andrew Cure spiritually in prayer and raising funds for administration and social development of the children under their care.

The friends of the Sunday Schools started approximately 8 years ago with the purpose of providing spiritual support in the form of prayer to the staff, students and parents of the three (3) Sunday Schools in the St. Andrew Cure namely - St. Clement's, St.Thomas, and St, Andrew.For the last three (3) years, the friends have taken on the full financial responsibility of the Sunday Schools in an effort to alleviate the financial burden on the Church.

Activities during 2005 include:
Staff Workshop in February "Helping our students to Interpret the Bible".Department of Education & youth Workshops in May and June .Bibles for confirmation Candidates.Prize-giving in May. Biennial fun Day in July. Assisted students to go to Diocesan camp in the summer. Parent/Teacher social in October. Major fund-raiser, the Evening of Elegance in February - net income $162,967.00.

Extracted from report submitted by Carole Willis

Women's Auxiliary

The Women's Auxiliary continued its work in prayer, worship and ministry.
The group once again this year increased its annual in-giving to the Bishop's Pastoral Fund at a service at May Pen Anglican Church on the 6th of January 2005. The amount presented to the Lord Bishop was $265,000.00 .
The mentoring programme which was being developed in 2004 is now fully operational and residents from the Girl's Home have been assigned mentors from the Women's Auxiliary. The partnerships have been working well.
Visits to sick and shut-ins, considered an integral part of our ministry have been on-going.
We observed Corporate communion on three Sundays this year.
One new member was admitted and the 'Group's Banner" was dedicated at the Corporative service in October.
The local chapter gave strong support to all national events throughout the year. Some of these events were theatre fundraising, retreat in Mandeville, and a quiet day at Queens High School.
We supported the annual Harvest Supper on November 18 by stocking and operating a market stall.

Extracted from report submitted by Karlene Y. Gordon, Chairperson

Women's Working Committee

The Women's Working Committee continued to play its part to fulfill the mission of the St. Andrew Parish Church.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2005
Successful Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction held April 2, financed the operating budget for the year..
Continued to build the "Scholarship Fund" to ensure the future of the scholarship programme.
Provided financial assistance to awardees attending secondary schools.
Financed installation of additional water tanks at the Rectory.
Provided financial and other support to various activities of the Church including a contribution for the purchase of the
Bishop's Ceremonial Staff, the Tuesday Charity and refreshments for the annual congregational meeting,
Maintained Christian fellowship by monthly participation as a group in the Holy Eucharist and pursued our business
objectives in bi-monthly meetings (except for July).

Extracted from report submitted by Mabel Marsh, Chairman

Young Adults Group

Mission
To proclaim the Good News and inspire each other to unity with God and each other by:
Supporting and encouraging each other in our walk with God. Strengthening the relationship with God and each other.
Creating a resource pool of individuals to support the work of the Church. Fostering in members an enthusiasm to share the Gospel and serve the community. Carrying forward and support the work of the Church in out-reach programmes. Creating an environment where we can engage freely in the exploration of our faith in a productive atmosphere. Where
possible, ministering to the whole need of people - physical, spiritual, social, emotional and professional.

Summary of Activities
Visits to Shut-in members - 5 members participated in the Labour Day visits. Members participated in Diocesan conferences and retreats.Young Adults Retreat held in June. - theme "Reviving Our Mission". Three-week survey of young adult members of SAPC conducted from September 4 to 18, 2005 suggests that more emphasis be placed on developing the individual Christian confidence of group members and strengthening the relationships among them, so the group becomes a strong support system for its members and the church community.

Extracted from report submitted by Terri Anne Wilson - Coordinator

Youth Choir

The Youth Choir with an average membership of 15 persons continued to contribute to the music ministry of the church in the services and other activities at the Parish Church, its Missions and the wider Diocese including:
Leading the music in the worship for weekly church services. Special effort made to contribute to the worship experience and foster greater involvement of the congregation through use of special arrangements of hymns and psalms, introduction of liturgical movement/dance, dramatic reading and incorporation of contemporary and Caribbean music along with the traditional hymns. Providing music for weekly services at the St. Clement's Mission; also, members assisted with preaching responsibilities there from time to time. Leading the worship in music at the Harvest Service of St. Thomas Mission, Majesty Gardens; conducting sessions in the Majesty Magic Programme on Mondays; also participating in the joint procession of churches through Majesty Gardens and leading the music in the worship service at the St. Thomas Mission following the procession. Participating in the Service of Consecration, as well as the Installation Service of the Rt. Rev Dr. Robert Thompson, Bishop of Kingston. Participating in the session held to introduce the newly confirmed youth to the various youth groups within the church. Leading opening worship for the Alpha Holy Spirit Retreat. Offering a presentation at the 340th Anniversary Celebration - Evening of Choral Music. Conducting the Fellowship Groups Evening Service on the third Sunday in October. Participating in other special services at the Parish Church including the annual ecumenical Marian Service and the Patronal Festival. Providing music and a special presentation at a service held for participants in the programme of the St. Andrew Care Centre.

The Youth Choir Orchestra continued to show growth both in membership and skills of individual members. Instruments of the orchestra include steel pans, drums, guitars, violin, flute and recorder.

Members of the choir have continued their involvement in committees and organizations of the church and coordination of activities and programmes for the Youth Fellowship.

The choir continued weekly Bible study and prayer as a group and members have participated in Total Sunday School, the Christian Teaching Conference, and a seminar on the Eucharist offered by Intercessors of the Blessed Sacrament.

Participation at the Diocesan level included- Deanery Day service for the St. Catherine Deanery; fund raisers held by the St. James Cathedral AYF, St. Patrick's Church, Church of the Holy Spirit and Deaconess House; St. Hugh's High and Preparatory Schools Founders' Day Service; Sunday School Teachers conference; Diocesan Youth Rally; cure service and Youth Choir Event - Gayle. St. Mary; Exhibition at the annual Synod of the Diocese in March; Worship through Creative Arts Workshop Montego Bay Region; Continued presentation of the Church Instrumental Programme and Development of the Curriculum for the Creative Arts Training Programme.

Extracted from the report submitted by Marcia Ashley, Youth Choir Director

Youth Fellowship

Motto - " For Christ and his Church".
Goal for 2005 - Out-Reach
Activities in 2005
Visits to St. Clements Mission- Fellowship group meetings; after school home work programme and summer programme. Participated in Sunday School sports day; Labour Day projects at the Church Hall; Harvest Supper, Youth Fora, Corporate Area Anglican Youth Council Sports Day, Bible Quiz competition and the Diocesan Youth Rally which was a high point. Weekly meetings centred around debates on a variety of topics .

Extracted from the report submitted b Daynielle Levy - President.

Special Committees

Property And Building Committee

SAPC properties

• Church environs

  • Church building/Old Court House/Church Office

  • Cemetery/Columbarium/Car Park

  • Annex/Caretakers Cottage

• St. Andrew Care Centre

• Ambrook Lane - Cottage #1/Cottage #2

• Hagley Pk. Road

• Ellesmere Road

  • Church Hall/Cottage #1/Cottage #2/Home for Girls

• Moreton Park Cottages

• #4 Hope Road

• Rectory

• St. Clement's

The PB Committee met on a monthly basis during the year under review. As a result of financial constraints a number of planned activities had to put on hold.
Repairs to the roof of the office building were completed. Discussions are in progress with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) in regard to a proposal submitted to utilize the Annex possibly for Branch Library operations. Floor plans and measurements of the building which were requested have been forwarded to the JLS. Proposals received for repairs to the Belfry and the Church roof and installation of a security barrier across the gate and a Guard House are being assessed. Some repairs have been done on the Old Court House; major works are to be carried out during 2006 as part of the overall programme of maintenance.
Work outstanding includes: major works on the Rectory;
upgrading of the Annex ; examination of options to reduce the dust nuisance in the Church so as to determine how best to preserve the organ. Cemetery extension,raising the wall in the interest of security. An offer was received in regard to effecting repairs to the walls, floors,windows,ceiling of the church office. The detailed proposal is being awaited.

CHURCH HALL
Re-painting completed. Maintenance work to floor boards, entrance to bathrooms, roof near stage and over the bathrooms etc. are being programmed for 2006.

CEMETERY AND ENVIRONS
Major clean-up of the cemetery and environs was done during the year and maintenance work being carried out on a regular basis. The debris removal issue resulting from vault construction has been addressed.
Special work to be undertaken include: repairs to the road ways and path ways which have been deteriorating; landscaping; planting of trees. Long term plans include establishing a park. In regard to the record of burials assistance is needed to continue the work which had been started. Funding is a major challenge and has to addressed during 2006.

Submitted by the Property and Building Committee.

Youth Committee

Background - The Committee is comprised of members of the various youth groups in the church. These include Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Youth Choir, Young Adults Group, St. Clement's Mission, Server's Guild, Little Brothers of St. Andrew, the St. Andrew Parish Church Home for Girls and the St. Andrew Deanery Youth Council.

Through the committee the various concerns of each group are addressed. In addition to activities in the individual groups, the committee is united in activities planned and coordinated as one body. The main objective for the year is to build youth leadership.

The main activities in 2005 include:

• Meetings as needed to update the Committee on the happenings in each group. Concerns are aired; suggestions and assistance are given in this forum.

• Youth Fora on various topics of interest.

• Some of the Labour Day projects were coordinated through the committee, such as the cemetery records, church history projects and church wall cleaning.

• A Youth Ministers' Retreat was held in September 2005 where a n analysis was done looking at Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the various youth arms within St. Andrew Parish Church.

The results are being evaluated and recommendations are to be prepared with a plan of action.

Extracted from report submitted by Dr. Nigel Elliott- Chairman

Ecclesiastical Report - Year 2005

• Membership - 3,000

• Members on electoral roll - 1500

• Overseas members - It is difficult to determine the numbers of persons who can be referred to as overseas members. However several members maintain regular contact, send donations and visit when in the island. The Reception Committee sends copies of the Parishioner to a number of these persons.

• Baptisms Adults - 3 Children - 21

• Confirmed Adults - 7 Juniors - 14

• Communion to the Sick - 395

• Shut-ins - about 107

• Marriages - 9

• Burials - 77

• Tuesday Charity (registered) - 107

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St. Andrew Parish Church - Calendar 2006

	Ash Wednesday	March 1
	Lenten Devotions	March 1 - April 13 (Thursdays)
	Youth Retreat	March 3 - 4
	Adult Retreat	March 10 - 12
	St. Andrew Settlement (Focus month)	March
	Palm Sunday	April 9
	Confirmation	April 9
	Good Friday	April 14
	Easter Day	April 16
	Diocesan Synod	April 18 - 21
	Alpha	May 3 - July 12
	SAPC Home for Girls (Focus month)	May
	Healing Conference	May 26 - 28
	St. Andrew Deanery Day	To be advised
	Moreton Park (Focus month)	September
	Adult Confirmation Classes begin	September 13
	Junior Confirmation Classes begin	September 15
	St. Andrew Care Centre (Focus month)	October
	Harvest Thanksgiving	October 22
	Annual Business Retreat	November 3 - 4
	Annual Supper	November 17
	St. Andrew's Day	November 30
	Patronal Festival	December 3
	Gift Day	December 20
	Christmas Day	December 25

St. Andrew Parish Church - Vision and Mission

The Vision Statement

A church reconciled to God, aware of its identity and healing the community through the proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.

The Mission statement

The mission of the St. Andrew Parish Church is to proclaim the good news and inspire the parish family to unity with God and one another

• By ensuring that the church establishes programs to maintain, engage and expand membership

• By identifying and mobilizing the human and financial resources available to the church.

• By responding to human needs as we work for the transformation of unjust structures and the preservation of the integrity of the created order.

• By presenting the Biblical tithe as the standard of Christian giving and the shaping of programmes of ministry that express the stewardship of God's creation.

• By immersing our members in and expanding the knowledge of Christian identity in the context of our cultural experience and the obligations they impose.

Committees

Parish Groups

2006

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying , "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said", "Here am I; send me!' Isaiah 6:8