THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER
We had a busy evening given that we celebrated our Commissioning Mass as well as holding our AGM on the same night.
COMMISSIONING MASS
Fr Philip Kitchen, a longstanding friend of SPRED, celebrated our Commissioning Mass with us.
Members of all our Groups were involved throughout the Mass.
Our friend’s participation included Jason bring in our Good Shepherd Crucifix, Billy reading and others involved in the preparation of the Tables of God’s Word and the procession of Gifts.
Marie led our Prayers of the faithful.
Fr Philip conducted a Short Rite of Commissioning of all our Faith Companions or Catechists.
As usual we had a number of lovely hymns during Mass. Beginning with Companions on the Journey and ending with Shine Jesus Shine.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
After our Commissioning Mass we went into our AGM. This was attended by 31 people which included members of all our Groups.
Minutes and other documents for this meeting will be posted on the Website.
Here is a brief outline of what was covered during the meeting:
Welcome and Apologies – Hugh and Hilary
SPRED Prayer said by all.
Minutes of Previous AGM – Hilary
Trustees’ Annual Report – Hilary
Coordinator’s Report – Hugh
Finacial Report – Hugh
Election of Board Members
Constitution
Questions and Answers
Vote of Thanks – Kathleen Jones
AGAPE AND SHALOM
We finished the evening with a large-scale Agape.
The usual Group Shalom ended the evening.
OSCR REPORT FOR 2023
This will be posted on the Website.
ROARING BINGO NIGHT SUCCESS
TOTAL RAISED £345
We are always looking to increase our Fundraising Events. It was decided to go ahead with a Bingo Night and this was to be led by Marie Wilkie our Faith Companions Representative on the Board of Trustees.
As we led up to the night itself there was a frenzy of activity in terms of emails, phone calls and parish bulletin insets. There was the usual nervousness in case it was not as successful as we would hope.
A number of people came early to help set up. The tension mounted as we waited to see how many people would turn up. However around 30 people turned up to take part. Not only that but almost everyone brought something to be used as a prize or as part of our Agape afterwards. The hall was a buzz of excitement as a cry of eyes down preceded the calling of the first house. Our professional caller for the evening was Kitty from St Margaret’s Parish, who with sips of water managed not to lose the power of her voice throughout the evening. Each line was greeted by a “Yabadabado”, supplied by our backing track master Scott. Each House was also greeted with the cry of “I’m a winner”. During the interval a number of things took place. We had a fun TV Theme Tune Quiz organised by Scott.
Denise sold tickets for the Raffle we held at the end of the night. While Kitty ran a quick stand up sit down mini bingo event.
The second half ended with a Raffle with many donated prizes to be won. Nicola, one of our Friends from the Monday Night Group, won a number of prizes. I personally think it was due to her wearing her new lucky SPRED Hoodie.
Many people need to be thanked for making Friday 25 October a night to remember. Marie for all her organising skills and enthusiasm for the event. Kitty for calling the Bingo and for all her help and support given to Marie. Tony who has a magic touch with the Dishwasher, which made the tidy up at the end so much easier. Scott for his musical contribution and his sound engineering skills. The parish of St Margaret’s for their continued support of SPRED including the parishioners in attendance. But especially to all our Friends and Faith Companions who came out to support the event, with all groups within the Diocese represented.
We are always open to any thoughts about the events we hold and indeed other possible future social and/or fundraising events. Keep an eye out for details on the website.
SPRED GALLOWAY 