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Review of the Minster Community Day

Published: on 31st March 2006 by Maggie Draper, Community Committee Secretary in Friends of York Minster News

One hundred and five people registered for our first Minster Community Day held at St William's College on March 18th. The Dean had invited us to come to the day in order to "seek a common mind about what the Minster Community is, and what it might be" and to "ask whether, as members of the Minster Community there is more that we can do: for each other and for others who also find their way here".

As people arrived they collected their information packs, had some coffee, and admired the photo and power point displays. People wore their name badges, found out which group they were in, and many people commented that it was an opportunity to find out people's names without embarrassment!

The Dean then gave his opening address and gave us four questions to consider in small groups. The questions were:

  • What do we have that we want?
  • What do we have that we don't want?
  • What don't we have that we do want?
  • What don't we have that we don't want?

Discussion groups were ably facilitated by members of the Community and the group discussions were very lively, and the opinions very varied. Flip chart paper was rapidly filled, under the four headings and then posted around the room.

We then all joined up for our 'bring and share' lunch, a delicious and varied spread, where people had a chance to talk and get to know each other better.

There followed an AGM of the Minster Community Committee, chaired by Canon Webster and Meg Shorland-Ball. Maggie Draper presented the Secretary's Report, and Margaret Clegg gave the Treasurer's Report and there were presentations about the social activity programme, and the Sunday School.

Canon Draper and Chris Rundle gave a power point presentation summarising the feedback from the discussion groups in the morning, and have subsequently written these up as a report under eight headings, A - H. Below is an abbreviated 'flavour' of some of the issues discussed

A: The physical feeling of the building

People talked about the high quality of architecture, fabric and craftsmanship and maintenance. They also considered issues of disability access and the de-cluttering of the transepts.

B: The style of our liturgy, music and worship

People valued the high standard of services, music and daily worship. Issues discussed included an interest in a wider variety of styles of worship and services.

C: The paid, lay and volunteer staff

People valued the quality of paid and volunteer staff. There were discussions about how we welcome congregation and visitors.

D: General Management

People valued the wider use of the Minster building, and discussed issues as varied as signage, notice boards, sound system, toilets and community space.

E: Spiritual, Management/Leadership

People appreciated their enthusiastic and approachable team of clergy. Issues discussed included the need to know the lay members of Chapter, pastoral care, and our external mission.

F: Accessibility/Disability Issues

Discussion was around disabled access, lighting and disability awareness.

G: Spiritual Life/Pastoral Care/Teaching/Development

People valued the teaching and preaching ministry and saw the Minster as a centre of excellence. The group discussed the desire for adult education and small group work.

H: Community Development, including young people

People valued social interaction, Sunday School and a growing congregation. They also discussed issues of welcoming newcomers and information about the Community.

75 Evaluation forms were completed and all 75 said that they had enjoyed the day and met someone new. 75% of people wished to have an annual Community Day, and there was feedback on the practical arrangements/timing of the day that will be useful when planning another event.

Detailed analysis of the feedback will be presented to the Dean and Chapter in May, and a joint Community Committee meeting with the Dean and Chapter will take place in the early summer, in order to carry this work forward.

Thanks to all the staff at Church House, Ogleforth for their support for this event, and Committee members for organising a very successful day.