sues, benefit claims, job searches and health matters. All leading to being able to apply for permanent single accommodation. Marie has successfully been able to resolve residency status and employment for several guests and very recently two were placed in their own flats. The volunteer churches and groups were limited with time spent with the guests while delivering food as the hostel had no communal eating area and guests would have to eat in their rooms. Though conversation was short while food was served from a relative small kitchen, there were good exchanges and volunteers were greatly blessed with guests sharing some of their lives with us. It is likely that the shelter will not return to the rotating venues as operated since the shelter was established. The shelter will assess this year’s operation of the static hostel accommodation and working with the volunteer churches and other groups, will plan for the next winter season, winter 2022 to spring 2023. Please pray for guidance for the shelter trustees as they plan for the next season and that donations will continue so the shelter is able to purchase accommodation and employ the project worker. On behalf of the trustees, we thank St Nicholas for the continued support in the work of the shelter and collectively making positive changes to those experiencing homelessness. ## _Nilesh_ **Report on the year 2021 for the** **Annual Parochial Church Meeting On Sunday 3rd April 2022** 16 1 ## **Junior Church** ## **Priest’s Report** Vaccinations made available to all of us in 2021 enabled us to return to some sort of recognisable life both as a nation and as a church. At the beginning of the year, 16 consecutive dry Sundays afforded us the blessing of singing a closing song in the garden while restrictions prohibited us from singing inside. Easter Sunday morning was particularly memorable with Sulina’s baptism on a chilly but bright resurrection day. Since then, to be able to sing again in worship has been a joy. The PCC has worked this year, particularly on our Mission Action Plan (MAP). This is not meant to restrict us but what the MAP does do is keep us focussed - helping us not to become too inward looking and forgetful of those outside our immediate community. The task is now before us: to Proclaim the Good News, to Teach and Nurture, to Respond in Loving Service, to Fight Injustice and to Safeguard Creation. What a thrill it has been to finally get the Foodbank open. Simon and his team, drawn from in and outside of St Nicholas have done a brilliant job in making this dream become a reality. Maybe one day we won’t need to do this work - alas, that day seems some way off… Thank you to each and every one of you - you contribute so much within our community. Especially to those of you who work quietly behind the scenes. Your dedication to and love for God and this small part of His Bride, does not go unnoticed. ## _Andy_ We are currently running Junior Church in-person at church but also offer the group on Zoom. Children attend when they can and enjoy our sessions but other commitments quite often mean we have few children to teach. We offer prayer support for the children and their parents and have adjusted our session content due to the fact that most of our children are now in High School. It is a joy and a privilege to spend time with our children and young people and would appreciate your continued prayers as we encourage them as they follow Jesus. ## _Andrea_ ## **Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter** The shelter operated in a different format in the 2021/2022 season. Both local and national guidance was to keep away from rotating venues hosting the shelter on different nights to prevent the potential spread of Covid, volunteers or guests unknowingly having the virus. The guidance was in support of static venues where guests would not be travelling around and be resident for a length of time. The Ealing shelter were able to fund ten rooms at a hostel type accommodation for the period from January 2022 to end of March 2022. The accommodation did not provide food and so the shelter network of churches and groups were invited to join a rota to provide one meal (morning, lunch or evening) per day. St Nicholas was able to provide a Sunday night evening meal for seven Sundays from 16th January to 27th February. A big thanks to Alison and Geraldine who supported the provision of meals. While guests experiencing homelessness stayed at the hostel accommodation, they were in contact with the shelter project worker, Marie. The safe and stable accommodation provided a platform for Marie to work with the guests to resolve status is- 2 15 ## **Worship** Psalm 100 - ‘Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth Worship the Lord with gladness Come before Him with joyful songs Know that the Lord is God It is He who made us and we are His We are His people, the sheep of His pasture Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise Give thanks to Him and praise His name For the Lord is good and His love endures forever His faithfulness continues through all generations.’ This was the Psalm I shared on Radio Maria; Christmas Eve 2021 when Phil and I were interviewed about music in church and some of the music we have written and recorded. This Psalm says it all about why we, the St Nick’s music group, have led worship for many years and continue to do so each Sunday. We believe God has blessed us with gifts and talents to offer and contribute to the life and work of our church community. Over this year we have learnt many new songs to extend and enrich our worship as well as choosing many favourites that have accompanied us on our spiritual journey over the years. We have followed the seasons and themes, adapting the songs and settings to add to the drama especially in Lent and Advent. Having some of our younger church members join us (Mia and Sathi on violin and Jay on vocals) was a real highlight. We have also appreciated the addition of drums with Bala and Daniel. If you have musical gifts that you would like to offer please come and speak with me. ## **Property Report for the Year 2021** Due to the Covid19 Pandemic and its restrictions nationally, the church building was closed for the early part of the year to all our normal activities, however the building and its surroundings were kept safe and clean. When some of the Covid 19 restrictions were relaxed in 2020 for gatherings at Churches and public places, the Church was prepared accordingly to receive members in person by sign posting on the floor, creating a one way system of getting in and out of the building. All Covid 19 protocols were observed and this included rearranging chairs to allow for two metre distance, people from the same household sat together, sanitizers and face masks were made available at the entrance to the Church, During 2021 we continued to follow guidelines as they evolved. We were unable to offer the Church building to host ECWNS which was disappointing, however, were able to use the premises as a centre for Ealing Foodbank to assist and provide food for the less fortunate people in our parish and beyond. The two heavy doors at the main entrance to the Church and the door behind the Altar which accesses the garden were faulty but have been repaired. The garden was kept in good condition by volunteers, to all of whom we say a big thank you. May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all who have helped in diverse ways to make our Church a warm, safe and welcoming place to worship. _Ben_ ## _Shiobain_ 3 14 ## **St Nicholas Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting Minutes** ## **Sunday 25[th] April 2021** Chairperson – Rev. Andy Johnson ## **Mission Action Plan -** AJ asked what ‘mission’ meant to those present and introduced the framework of the Mission Action Plan which the PCC had been discussing during their meetings over the last year. Simon talked to the congregation about contributing to building on the framework and asked everyone in church and those on Zoom to take 5 minutes to complete a questionnaire to start off the process. The main part of the APCM started at approx.10.50am. Everyone should have picked up a copy of the annual report and a summary of the audited accounts. Minutes from 2020 APCM – The minutes from the APCM on 11[th] October 2020 can be found on page 5 of the annual report. There were no matters arising. Proposal by Carolyn Blackford to accept the minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting, seconded by Jeanette Graham, all in favour. ## **Appointing an Independent Examiner –** The end of year accounts for 2020 have been independently examined by David Conacher. He performed the task for the 2019 accounts and is prepared to do the same next year. ## **Ealing Deanery Synod report for PCC** Ealing Deanery Synod brings together representatives from all the churches in the deanery four times a year. The word ‘synod’ means ‘walking together’, and all the meetings are open to any church member. Meetings include talks by inspiring speakers, case studies of good practice from the deanery, and formal processes such as voting on issues related to the wider Church of England. The synod also distributes the Mission Fund in the summer each year. The Ealing Deanery Mission Fund is an historic pot of money set aside for Christian mission in the deanery managed by the charity Pathways. Since 2012 the income from this fund has been distributed through the Ealing Deanery Synod. I attended the meeting on Zoom in July 2021, in person at St Joseph the Worker in October but not the Zoom meeting in January. Last July Rev Steve Newbold stepped down as Area Dean and Rev David Neno took over. In July 2021 Mark made a presentation applying for funds for St Nicholas to facilitate delivery of Invitation pack and our presence at Perivale Festival, which did not take place last year but all being well will happen in the coming year. The grant was also requested to help us develop the garden to use it creatively. Churches are encouraged to become Eco Churches, as part of the 2030 Vision for the Diocese is ‘Caring for God’s creation’. Churches can work towards earning bronze, silver or gold Eco Church status. Each church is encouraged to appoint a Creation Care Champion who would co-ordinate efforts to become and eco church. Those interested in finding out more can contact the Willesden Creation Care Action Group. ## _Andrea_ 13 4 ## **Outreach** Knowing a Spirit-filled Christian is a significant influence on people coming to faith. We have prayed systematically through the parish; putting a leaflet through each door; asking the Father to bring salvation to these families. These cards remind them that there is a local church who is praying for them and where they can find a welcome. As we walk the streets we also seek opportunities to speak to our neighbours, introducing ourselves and listening to them. We have talked about dogs, cars, gardening and church - many are not aware of the church, or where to find us. On Sunday, tea and coffee is again being served; helping to make space to chat and giving us an easy opportunity to welcome visitors to our table. Looking ahead this space for building friendships will be opening up further, as tea and coffee are served at Foodbank, increasing the opportunities to do life with our neighbours. At Christmas Andy had the opportunity to take assemblies in Perivale Primary, as well as bring the children to the church, and has been invited to do an Easter assembly. The carol service outside the church attracted neighbours and friends to join us. Then as we continue our circuit of the parish we also anticipate the relaunch of the Perivale Summer festival and the opportunity to be visible in the community. We are also planning on how to best introduce ourselves to the new residents in the many new housing developments around the parish. ## _Mark_ Proposal by Alison Sweeney to appoint David Conacher as the Independent Examiner for our 2021 accounts, seconded by Madeleine Jones, all in favour. Our thanks go to David for undertaking this task. Financial Report – There is a short financial report on page 8 of the annual booklet and a summary of the accounts are available for you to take away. We managed to get through a difficult year with our income depreciating by approx. 20% and our expenditure decreasing slightly as well. It is good news that the carpark spaces that we let out during the working week, are now being fully occupied. We were able to honour our common fund commitment to the Diocese for 2020 and we have slightly increased our pledge for 2021 as we do not pay anywhere near the amount a parish priest costs. ## **Churchwardens –** AJ thanked Ben for his continuing work as churchwarden and in particular with regards to looking after the building and to Simon for stepping into the role of churchwarden last October. Both Ben and Simon have agreed to remain in their roles as churchwardens. ## PCC – AJ thanked all those who have served on the PCC this year and advised the meeting that 2 people were stepping down, Jeanette Graham and Geraldine Murphy. AJ said a huge thank you to Jeanette for her all her work on the 12 5 PCC and her support to him personally since his arrival. Jeanette will continue in her role of pastoral assistant. AJ also thanked Geraldine for all the work she has done in the role of PCC secretary. Three people have agreed to join the PCC:- Madeleine Jones – who will take on the role of PCC secretary Mark Handley. Judy Aird All members of the PCC were asked to stand and were prayers were offered for their work going forward. ## **Electoral Roll –** Only one person was taken off the roll who had sadly passed away. The roll for 2021 stands at 57. ## **Safeguarding –** AJ said we are hugely grateful to Paul Salter, who performs the role of safeguarding officer, for being here today and the way he serves us in this role. Paul advised that his full report was in the annual report (page 12) but there 3 points he wanted to highlight – 1. There have been no reported causes for concern since the last APCM or in fact since he took on the role. 2. An audit was undertaken in 2019 and all outstanding items have now been completed. 3. In 2021 we are to carry out a review of safeguarding training and DBS checks. oped our capacity to work as an effective team and volunteers’ commitment and flexibility to cover absences at short notice has been commendable. As the current cost-of-living crisis intensifies, we are grateful that we can continue to respond in loving service to those in need. Our ability, after Easter, to use the café area at West End of the church, to offer tea, coffee, spiritual support and practical guidance, will surely enhance our café. On behalf of all who have contributed to this new initiative and to Janet, Hilary and Bri from Ealing Foodbank, a massive ‘thank you’. Let us now draw fresh inspiration from the fact that our great God will continue to equip us with the tools to make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable in our midst, so that the day might come when the need for foodbanks will be no more. ## _Simon_ Donations of food items at our harvest service went to the Foodbank. Having been present at the APCM, Paul said he is aware 6 11 ## **Food Bank Report** “You have filled the hungry with good things and have sent the rich empty away.” (Luke 1:53) With these words of Mary to Elizabeth, St Nicholas opened its doors as a food bank café in the first week of September 2021. It operates as one of Ealing Foodbank’s network of cafés that run across our borough. Volunteers are drawn from the good folk of St Nicholas, as well as from our neighbouring Catholic church St John Fisher in Langdale Gardens and new friends in the local community. Earlier in the summer, Janet, Head of the Ealing Foodbank, had provided comprehensive guidance and training. We were ready to go! Since we opened in September, every Wednesday, a volunteer driver collects our allocated food from the Ealing Foodbank central store in Hanwell and delivers it to church at 11.30. A team of volunteers then unloads the delivery and set it out on tables, in different categories, such as pasta, rice, soup, vegetarian mains. As well as tinned produce, we have also been able to provide ‘extras’, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cups, pans, clothes, even a microwave, which people have kindly donated. After an opening prayer, our doors open at 12.30. Clients are welcomed and registered by our indefatigable ‘admin’ experts, who have quickly mastered the demands of on-line registration (using the clients’ voucher codes), with the signposting additional resources, such as debt relief or baby vouchers. Once registered, clients are able to walk around and pick the items they require, according to their allocation, based on the number of people they are having to feed. Doors close at 2pm. Although demand has varied from week to week, we have, on average, fulfilled about 9 vouchers per week. We have also begun to form relationships with our clients, who vary in age, ethnicity and family situation. Causes for using the foodbank include low income or difficulties finding work. We have devel- that there are 3 new members on the PCC who will need to complete their safeguarding training and DBS checks. Paul thanked AJ and those who had worked hard to ensure all the outstanding items on the audit had been actioned. He was happy to answer any questions at the meeting or said that anyone could contact him at a later date, his details are in the annual report. AJ asked if there were any questions in regards to the annual report and that if anyone did think of any or have any concerns to please contact him rather than stew on the matter. Meeting closed at 11.10 and the service continued. ## **Electoral Roll** Following the annual update, there are 55 names on the Electoral Roll for 2022. ## _Geraldine_ ## **Thursday’s Gentle Exercise and Bible Discussion.** Here at St Nicholas now that the lockdown has been lifted we have recommenced our Thursday sessions and the participants are enjoying the opportunity to be able to meet again. We continue to meet at 11am for gentle exercise and 11:45 for coffee and bible discussion. We are hoping to start our monthly lunchtime lunch again depending on the Covid news. Karen the instructor is great and she explains each movement and its benefits. It's great to be able to host again. _Jeanette_ 10 7 ## **APCM Safeguarding Report 2022 (ST. Nicholas Church)** - **Causes for concern** : there have been **no reported causes of concern** since the last APCM 07739391522 ## _Paul_ Parish Safeguarding Officer 3/4/22 - **Action Plan 2021-22** : the main target from the Action Plan is to **review the safeguarding training and DBS checks** across the Parish - **Review purpose:** - To ensure that **all safeguarding training** has been completed within the **last three years** ## To ensure that **all DBS checks** have been completed within the **last three years (revised by the Diocese in January 2022)** ## To identify **new people** who require **training & DBS checks** - **PCC safeguarding & DBS checks:** - **Eight members of the PCC** have completed their safeguarding training (out of a total of eight) **Eight members of the PCC** have been DBS checked (out of a total of eight) - **Junior Church Helpers:** - **Four Junior Church Helpers** have completed their safeguarding training (out of a total of four) **Four Junior Church Helpers** have been DBS checked (out of a total of four) - **Pastoral Care Team:** - **Two Pastoral Care Assistants** have completed their safeguarding training ## **Two Pastoral Care Assistant** have been DBS checked - **Questions?** ## **Finance Report** God continues to be good and provide for all our financial needs as a church but 2021 was a difficult year for us mainly because of the Coronavirus pandemic. In 2020 our income received from hiring out our building and car parking spaces was dramatically reduced. It did recover somewhat in 2021 but as you know, things were not back to normal last year so that source of income was down. Income from giving through envelopes, the collection box, directly into the church bank account and through the Parish Giving Scheme was also down a little. This, coupled with the fact that we had some big items of expenditure meant that we made a loss of about £5000 in 2021. Our healthy reserves did cover this but we don’t really want to repeat that so the PCC has set a tight budget for 2022 and we will work hard at sticking to it. Don’t forget, every gift you make to the church of up to £30 automatically gets increased by the government by 25% at no cost to you (so £20 becomes £25 to us). This goes for cash donations and those made by card using our new contactless machine. Gift Aid forms are available for donations above £30. The 2021 accounts have been verified by David Conacher, our Independent Examiner, and they will be available at the back of the church. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in continued financial giving. ## _Andy_ Please email paul.m.salter@hotmail.com or phone 8 9 1111212021 511121102Q Flx•d a&v•ts cUrr•nt4￿ts 973a •722171 10W.14 U•bDft*• 100.00 97.11&71 97.11&71 100.30U4 97,114.71 100.M84 prn8•nt•d by 34mS31 fJ••lg*•t•d strlci•d 4A1 A79th7 Fund Tots 97.11171 100,3D4A4 P1 VaE*3>2 lfr.57￿1pVl d1 St Pl¢holas Par￿alts St•t•m•ntof Flnanclal Acllvltl•s Forthè porlod frMI 01 January 2021 to 31 D•c•mb•r 2021 is 3125<16 3118121 12SYJ 7T￿ 4.7YW) nsfy) 38J7 40ffit4.74 3￿1 74 401x74 384BIJ2 Xm31 41gUS WJm*T li￿ 10I*TrA8 07.11&71 (31 11..CnanlPy 1 cll CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinarfs report on the accounts Section A Indepei)doiil Ex211)iiier's Roport R•port to th• tru•te•sl Mam￿r$ of PCC of St Nlcho188 w St M8ry, Perlvalo On accounts for th• y￿r •ndgd 31W Doc*mb•r 2021 Ch•rlty no (It •nyl ioqiSSq S•t out on Balance Sheet (Summary) & St8tsm&nt of FinancAal ActiV￿e8 I r•port lo the truslttrs on my •xamlnation of the a¢¢ourtts of the abo¥• harity I'the Trusr) for the year endgd 3111212021. Rospon•lbllFtlo• •nd bo¢1* ol report As the charlty's trustees, you are Tespon$ible for the preparatlon of tha acwunls in accordance WIM) the roquirem&rrts of th Charities Act 2011 Iyhe ACVI. I report in rg$Pe¢t of my examination of the Tru8f$ accounts carried out under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act artd in eArrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commi$sion under $o¢tion 14515)Ibl of the Act. Independent I hav& complgtad my examination. I confim that no m*erial matters have oxarnlnorfs 8tatsm•nt come to my attention in Gonnection wth the examinatlon whith giva8 me Cause to believe that in, any m*¢rio1 roSPeCt.' the aCCOLtnting records wts￿ not kept in acCOrdar￿ with 88Ction 130 of Ihe Charities Act; or the ac¢ounl$ dld not accord with the accounting T8￿d8. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements ¢onceming the forn and content of account8 set out in the Charitie8 IAGcounts and Reportsl Regulations 2006 other than any requirement that the aGcounts give a 'lrue and faif view whith i¥ not a matter ¢onsidered as part of an independent examination. I have no concoms and hève com& across no other matters in conneclion with the examination to which gttention should bo drawn in this report in order to •nable a woper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned: 31* March 2022 Name: David John Cona¢her Relevant profts•ional qualificatlon{8) or body {If onyl: Address: 77 Lov8day Road, London W13 9JU ER Oct 2018