ANGLICAN CHAPLAINCY OF ZAGREB

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT – MAY 2009 – MAY 2010

This year has been marked by – challenges!

Comings and goings

We said goodbye to the Powell family in June, which meant not only the loss of five people, but also the loss of a lay congregational worship leader. We committed to continuing weekly services for the first two months of the Autumn (September and October), but as no new members joined us, reviewed our capabilities and decided to change the time and frequency of services. From November onwards, we have been holding two services a month – on the second Sunday, with clergy assistance, a service of Holy Communion, and on the fourth Sunday, a service of Evening Prayer led by me. All services are held at 17.30, followed by refreshments. Towards the end of the year, we were joined by Teresa (and Eloise) Dumasy, and in early 2010, by Mike and Elaine Parnham. Mike has gained the permission of the Archdeacon to preach at services. Our organist, Maja, has also become part of our church family.

Special events

Rembrance Day was as usual a memorable occasion, and we were joined by the British Ambassador and his wife. The collection was given to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

It was a great encouragement to have a full chapel for the Carol Service on 13 December, when Jady Koch celebrated Communion. There are a number of people who enjoy attending a special service, but who do not want to be regular attenders, and part of our purpose in being here is to provide something for them, too.

Teamwork

Although numbers are small, the regularly congregation is faithful in both attendance and involvement, and this has been the main motivation to us all to continue. We share the responsibilities of planning and holding services, administration, hospitality and decision-making. I am grateful to Mark Davies, Renee Davies and Rebecca Soderberg for their work as a council, and to John Powell, who has kept up his involvement at long distance. In particular, Mark has done a careful, thorough job of keeping our finances and budgeting in order.

Visitors

We are always glad to see visitors, whether family, friends, or those passing through Zagreb, and the creation and maintenance of our website has made it much easier for those who are interested to find us.

Giving

Although our income has decreased, we remain committed to reserving part of our funds for others. This year we have contributed to Hope International (purchase of medical equipment) and to the Diocesan appeal for Haiti.

Oversight

Our task would have been harder without the constant encouragement and support of Archdeacon Patrick Curran and the staff in Vienna, Aileen Hackl and Jady Koch. We appreciate every visit they make, knowing that it means long hours of travelling and sacrifice on their part.

The future

We have succeeded in keeping to the schedule set in the Autumn, and though we are always hopeful that more people will join us, we are committed to continuing along the present lines, always open to reviewing our situation and making changes as necessary. We enjoy the generous hospitality of the seminary chapel, where we feel at home and expect this arrangement to continue. So in spite of the challenges, we do not lose heart, and look forward to the coming year.

Janet Berković
May 2010