Prayers

The meeting began with prayerful reflection on Romans 4 – the faith that endures, and remembering before God Scargill connections, naming some who have suffered bereavement or are ill at this time. The Words ‘Courage’ and ‘Trust’ came out of the reflection time.

Licensing of Phil Stone

The dates were confirmed for Phil Stone’s licensing/welcome on February 7th, the service will be at 2.30pm, with the House open beforehand and an information session planned for afterwards. The Bishops of Bradford and Bolton will be leading the service. A party from Phil’s church will be welcomed, and guests invited. Places would be limited at the event so it will be essential that those planning to be there on the day book in advance.

Business plan and works on the House

The Council were mindful once more of the quote from Trevor Hubble (Warden of Lee Abbey London) ‘without the business we have no mission; without the mission we have no business to be here’ as the business plan was presented. Much prayerful discussion took place, including on the indicative Community numbers and make-up, the overall cost, and the phasing of work.

The use of the House while work is in hand was a major item of discussion, as was the importance of ‘telling the story’ to our various constituencies. Means of making facilities available before the ‘finished item’ were discussed, in particular in relation to welcoming groups of young people to Scargill and offering hospitality during work on the kitchen and programme delivery space. It is hoped to welcome people throughout the work.

Having approved the overall masterplan at the last meeting the Council collectively ‘drew breath’ for reflection, with the size of the Appeal and the strategy for implementing the plan in mind.

The Council unanimously approved the Business Plan, with some minor additions/adjustments. Thanks were expressed to Stephen Weatherley and Simon Browning and others for the enormous amount of work they had put in. It was noted that such work would have been very costly financially if it had been a bought-in consultancy, and we give thanks for the answer to the prayer ‘send the right people’. The plan will be made available to potential funders, and an executive summary is to be prepared for this website and the Appeal brochure.

Fund-raising appeal strategy

Bruce Duncan presented an Appeal strategy, including an indicative ‘pyramid of giving’. This was approved, with grateful thanks to Bruce, and reflection on the need for balance and faith in moving on this path. The words ‘I am the God who multiplies’ and the image of tree roots and mushroom mycelium came to mind as Bruce Duncan led this discussion of the fund-raising strategy.

Vice-Presidents

Progressing the issue of governance, recommendations for Vice Presidents were requested to be notified for bringing to the next meeting (January 14th). These people will provide a collective wisdom for the future of Scargill House in the case of major decisions such as sale or closure.

Christmas mailing

The Council were shown proofs of the Christmas mailing, which is going to all on the mailing list, currently some 900 addresses. A first News Letter, the Legacy leaflet, an updated general information leaflet and a Christmas card will go out. Richard Smith (graphic designer) was commended on the work to tight deadlines for printers and posting, and on the quality of the presentation. Gratitude was expressed to Penny, Sarah and Hilary for their work, the material will be available on this site later.

Communications

Communications, including the website were discussed, including the fact that Adrian and Bridget Plass will be formally in residence from January, but are already available to support the work at Scargill, a resource we give thanks for and do not want to waste. The website is being redesigned to make the existing material more accessible and add content, recognising that web users were missing items that had been made public through the site.

A full communications strategy will be produced by Phil as one of his early tasks, and he will take responsibility for deciding, once the programme for the planned works to the House is clearer, what bookings can be accepted. Phil emphasized his desire that ministry should continue, in one form or another, throughout the works so far as may be practicable. Council warmly supported this aspiration.

Please pray for:

• Phil and Di Stone as they prepare to leave London and move to Scargill in January

• the initial approaches to the grant-making trusts; for making the right connections and for a generous response from the trustees

• the ongoing work of Simon Browning and others with the architects; and wisdom in finalising the details of the application for planning permission for the works of upgrading and rebuilding

• the Lord’s provision of the finances required

• for the next Council meeting on January 14th