The churchwardens elected at the AGM last year were Elizabeth Cherhal-Cleverly and David Bailey, both continuing from 2009-2010. Marie Colbert and Alison Coulavin were subsequently chosen to act as deputy wardens. Marie and Elizabeth between them manage the rota, an important job in the church.

We have had 4 meetings with Stephen this year, in addition to the regular monthly council meetings, and usually just before them. They were held in the chaplaincy apartment, with Marian being our gracious hostess. The topics we have discussed inevitably overlap with those on the agenda for the council meetings, but we also talk more informally about the general running of the church, the issues we feel are of importance to the congregation or individuals, and the feedback we sometimes get from people both inside and outside St Marc’s.

These are the main items we have discussed this year (in no particular order):

• The composition of the new church council.
• The results of the “Who are we?” survey.
• The French language services, first seriously considered last year and now in progress: timing, response, future organization.
• Student work.
• Support for Jean-Pierre and Josette.
• Fanny’s training for ministry and the need for a fund to help with her travel.
• The need to reconvene the evangelism committee.
• The roles of the different sub-committees.
• The appointment of additional communion helpers.
• Howard and Dona’s trip to China with Lilan.
• The church’s financial situation and our expected deficit.
• Children’s work and child safety.
• The chaplain’s stipend and retirement contributions.
• Alison’s funeral arrangements and people to take over the roles she played.

The inventory

There have been no significant additions to the church's property this past year.

We are thrilled to see how this constantly changing, diverse congregation remains a fundamentally united, welcoming and caring community. We are grateful to the Lord for the many gifts and depth of commitment we see at St Marc’s, and thankful that people always come forward to fill the gaps. Alison’s death has of course left many jobs to be done, and we pray that others will be prepared to replace her. Lastly, we once again wish to thank Stephen and Marian, Alan and Val, Howard and Dona for their leadership, Richard our treasurer, the members of the church council, and all of you who contribute in so many ways to the life of our church. We look forward confidently and expectantly to what the Lord is going to do at St Marc’s in the coming year.

May the Lord richly bless St Marc's and all its members in the year ahead.

David Bailey - Elizabeth Cherhal-Cleverly Churchwardens