## Launceston Central Methodist Church ## 2023-2024 Annual Reports ## Minister’s Report The church year 2023-2024 in Central could be regarded as one where in the process of reminding ourselves of timeless foundational principles, new missional possibilities and opportunities were embraced. We began the year in September 2023 by hosting a Circuit service to launch our shared involvement in _Holy Habits_ . These describe ten essential characteristics and practices found in Acts Chapter 2 vs 42-47 and which describe the infant church and the way it went about living out its ministry. These ten timeless foundational facets of church life are: Eating Together, Worship, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Biblical Teaching, Breaking Bread, Fellowship, Gladness and Generosity, Service, and Making More Disciples. As such we began collectively refreshing our vision of being a church that is a missional community. Themes from _Holy Habits_ have been interwoven in Sunday services, personal daily devotions and regular small groups for fellowship, prayer, study, discussion and discovering fresh ideas and inspiration for living out authentic faith. Much of Church life proceeded weekly and seasonally in ways with which we’ve become familiar since we made a deliberate effort following the Covid restrictions on 2020-2021 not to go back, but to _Return to Go Forward_ . Last year I reflected we’d largely managed the first part – returning - and that during the 20222023 church year, we had begun to _Go Forward_ . The other reports to this year’s General Church Meeting witness to this. During this 2023-2024 church year, we have continued to **befriend** people through Warm Spaces – particularly incorporating that with the Community Larder, Family Fun, Chattabox, Wednesday Fellowship, 1[st] Sunday Community Breakfasts, bring and share Sunday lunches, and the weekly coffee mornings. It’s good some people contacted through those activities now feel they **belong** around Central. It’s been vital to seek to be even clearer about what we **believe** , so we might **become** wholehearted disciples of Our Lord Jesus Christ who are able to build His Church! But this raises questions about how this can be accomplished. Our Christmas 2023 services explored the Angel’s message to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests” (Luke 2:14) which reminds us that the place of honour we give to God affects the way we live by seeking to express His gracious unearned favour to our fellow human beings and is expressed supremely and uniquely through Jesus as He incarnated God’s grace and truth to the world and invites all people to share in that mission. In January 2024, Central hosted two special services, both wellattended and significant. Firstly, the Circuit Covenant Service which explored how the wise men undertook a Journey of Risk, Worship and Change as their world view changed and they were a sign of The Lord’s desire to change the world for good, life by life. Two weeks later, at a united service for _The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity_ , Roy Crowne from _Hope Trust_ challenged the whole church to take the whole Gospel to the whole community. As such, when it became apparent in the Spring of 2024 that some of our more recently connected families were unable to share in worship and other activities because of transport challenges, we undertook a three-month experiment commissioning _The Little Red Bus_ from _Launceston Community Transport_ to help people get to and from Central. The enrichment in the increased diversity and age spread in our congregation and Church family has prompted Central to continue this practice to help participation. Sunday morning work with Children has become more regularly attended and we are delighted to see this continue to grow as one aspect of enabling a truly intergenerational church community. Following on from this, a group primarily connected with the Children’s work began a conversation about resourcing mission and ministry with the Church Leadership Team – comprised The Church Stewards plus others to help integrate activities. The result is a plan to employ a Children’s and Families’ Worker to spearhead our outreach to those finding the soft edged entry points of church, and we continue to work on the mechanics of doing that well in a challenging environment for Charity employment. Looking over the year 2023-24, reminds us that Central has been involved in reviewing and reinventing our work; there are signs we have begun to embrace (however subconsciously) the principles contained in Vijay Govindarajan’s _Three-Box Model_ : - |Box 1

Manage
the
Present|Box 2

_Selectively_
forget the
past|Box 3| |---|---|---| |Manage
the
Present|_Selectively_
forget the
past|Create
the
Future| Vijay Govindarajan’s _Three-Box Model_ Some will recoil at the perception of church deploying business techniques, but in Philippians chapter 3, St. Paul asserts that whilst recognising his rich heritage, but counts it like refuse compared with knowing Christ Jesus and sharing in the riches of His death and resurrection. He then states, “one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14). Like St Paul we will continually need to give thanks for activities that served a past situation, reform and renew our activities “to serve the present age our calling to fulfil” (as Charles Wesley put it) and continually to step forward into a future that enables Central to fulfil more of its missionary potential and enable more people to experience the befriending love of God through His people, come to belong among the family and fellowship of the Church, to believe on The Lord Jesus Christ and become His wholehearted followers as The Holy Spirit shapes their lives after His likeness. David Miller, April 2025. ## **Worship Co-ordinators for Sunday Morning Worship 2023-24** The role of the Worship Co-ordinator is to liaise with the preacher for the Sunday morning service to discuss worship, music, facilities and other requirements for their service. This specific role is to help visiting preachers with the differing styles of Central’s worship. There is currently just one Worship Co-ordinator to cover services - David Rogerson. This has meant that other help has to be provided by Mike Carpenter and Rev David Miller. The worship contacts for the quarter are listed in the contacts list which is collated from the circuit plan by David Rogerson. This list is sent out to coincide with the latest plan but the on line version, always available on the church website at www.central-methodist.org.uk/worship.pdf It should be noted that the online copy is always the most up to date version and every effort is made to ensure that changes to the listing are promptly made. It is inevitable that changes will happen during any given quarter.The list is also promulgated on the notice board in the vestry. If you would like a personal copy please speak to a steward or David Rogerson. The team is in real need of more helpers, so if you feel you could help you would be most welcome. ## _David Rogerson_ ## **Projectionists for Sunday Morning Worship 2023-24** The Duty Projectionists role at Central is to liaise with the worship co-ordinator and/or preacher for any given Sunday morning (and some evening) services to discuss the details and requirements for their service. This detail is used to create a ‘schedule file’ which may include video links and PowerPoint files in the computer’s Easy-Worship program. The iSingWorship program is also sometimes used to play song tracks with audio via the sound system. The program also links seamlessly with any live streamed service and allows viewers to see the words of hymns and songs over the lower third of the screen. The projection team are very willing and I must take this opportunity to thank them all for their patience in meeting the challenges that new programs present. The team for the reporting period was as follows: - Jenny Cook - Joan Helme - Liz Miller - David Rogerson (Janet Rogerson) There is a real need for new helpers to join the team. If you feel you could help you would be most welcome. This important job may seem a little daunting at first, but anyone with a basic knowledge of computers and with some simple training is able to undertake the task. The projectionist role is not too onerous and is a very real contribution to the life of the churches worship and outreach. ## _David Rogerson_ ## **Central’s Presence on the Internet 2023-24** The Central and Circuit web sites – ## **www.central-methodist.org.uk www.lamc.org.uk** The Central and Circuit web sites provides a modern, informative presence on the Internet, enabling people in the local community and indeed across the world to be aware of our work and fellowship. The sites are hosted and run at a very low cost and have proved to be very useful in keeping people informed about what is on at the church, our work and worship. Both sites include any planned live-streamed services and links to YouTube playlists of past services. Each chapel has a page dedicated to their local work. Best efforts are made to keep the information up to date which is dependant on the feedback of information.The Central site has a daily diary of Central’s events, the weekly bulletin, a quarterly list of the preachers, organists, readers, coffee rota, flower rota and Coordinators at Central are always available. The site includes full information on what is on at Central with news of forthcoming events. A reduced copy of the circuit plan showing preachers and services can also be accessed on both sites with all documents being in an easily printable PDF format. There are also a number of links to other sites including the Methodist Church and Cornwall district web sites. Central has an excellent Facebook page which is run by Gillian Goodman. Running a Facebook page can be time consuming so we must thank Gillian for her work and her diligence with the page. The greatest challenge is to keep the sites vibrant and up to date with the news of what is happening. Indeed, it is hoped that they truly reflect everything about what happens at Central and the circuit. ## _David Rogerson_ ## **Live Stream Operators for Worship Services 2023-24** The live streaming of services at Central on YouTube has recognised the changing needs of the church congregation and the circuit membership. It is also used as a form of mission and outreach. The demands of the work and the limited human resources means that it is not available every week. Details are available on the websites and the circuit YouTube Channel. A simple range of broadcasting and audio equipment has been obtained and donated to the church to enable this to happen. We are looking to improve the stream desk setup in the future. This will mean some increase in funding for equipment and the recruitment of willing volunteers to help with this important work, Currently the team is as follows: - David Rogerson (Live Streaming when available). - Mike Carpenter (Recording and post event video uploads). - If you have any questions please speak to David Rogerson or Mike Carpenter. ## _David Rogerson_ ## **Musical Support – including 245 Alive & PAL Services 2023-24** Musical support for the various styles of services is provided by a team of organists, the Church Worship Group and a singing group that uses song tracks. Our thanks for the time and commitment go to our organists Jenny Worth and Richard Cottrell.The ‘245 Alive’ evening services benefit tremendously from the commitment and ability from music support from the live worship band. The thanks of the church is due to the group, Alison Bunkum, Jennie Kernow, Robin Parnell, Ray Prout and Glenn Douce. The band rehearses every Saturday and are a very important part of the church’s worship.Our thanks is also due to Mike Carpenter who uses high quality tracks to support the singing group on the third Sunday in the month at the Praise & Learning’ (PAL) service and also at some other services. Opportunities to explore new songs are always taken by all the musicians. When possible, this is in consultation with the preacher. Decisions are then made on the music to fit the service theme and readings. _David Rogerson_ ## **Sound System Operators for Worship/Church Activities 2023-24** The Duty Sound System Operators role at Central is to liaise with the worship co-ordinator, musicians and/or preacher for any given Sunday morning (and some evening) services to discuss the details and requirements for their service. Currently the team is as follows: - Eric Rowland - Jennie Kerwin The sound desk does present a challenge for us in the church and we really are always on the lookout for new helpers of all ages for the team, so if you feel you could help you would be most welcome. This responsible job is really important but not too onerous and is a real contribution to the life of the churches worship. If you have any questions please speak to Eric Rowland or a member of the team. _David Rogerson_ ## **Central’s Online Calendars: Room Bookings/Tuesday Coffee Mornings 2023-24** The Central web site contains links to an online ‘Teamup Calendar’ which generates a calendar of all the rooms at Central and any current bookings that have been made. Historical bookings are also available to view. The Teamup Calendar is a free basic version which is perfectly adequate for purpose, having the facility to view annual, monthly, weekly and daily content. This can only be entered or changed via the administration account held by David Rogerson. The online version on the website is a read only version. All requests for bookings have to go via the site steward, Glenn Douce. In the main bookings are made on the phone, but increasingly, use is being made on the church website of an online room booking form. These forms are sent to both David Rogerson and Glenn Douce for action. No changes are made to the main calendar other that via the site steward. This is to avoid possible double bookings. The church website also has a similar form and online ‘Teamup Calendar’ dedicated to the Tuesday Coffee Mornings. This enables people to see what dates are available to hold a coffee morning. All the applications are confirmed through David Rogerson. ## _David Rogerson_ ## **LADIES FRIENDSHIP GROUP** The ladies Friendship Group has continued meeting on the first Thursday of every month with a different activity/venue each month. In May we had a very informative talk and demonstration of First Aid basics and use of the defibrillator by Barry Gibson. We have enjoyed craft activities, including helping to paint some of the pebbles that were given out by the church at Christmas. In the summer months we met outdoors for a walk at Roadford and also Willow Tree, always ending with a coffee in the café. Trethorne is always a good venue for bowling and the Christmas lunch. This year we have been pleased to welcome some new ladies to our group, which continues to be informal fellowship where all are welcome to any or all of the meetings. ## _Julia Boundy_ ## **Wednesday Fellowship** Members met on 26 occasions for Wednesday Fellowship from September 2023 until May 2024 and were very lucky to have a variety of speakers who willingly gave of their time. We also joined with the MWIB for their autumn and spring meetings. The programme finished with the annual cream tea at Richard and Jenny’s house to which all members and speakers are invited. We were again blessed with glorious weather. We went to Trethorne for our Christmas lunch when we were joined by Rev David and Liz, along with drivers and supporters. In July we travelled to Bude on a very hot day – enjoying an ice cream whilst strolling beside the canal to overlook the beach. Tea and cake was partaken at Homeleigh Garden Centre (Brooks) finishing off a good afternoon. In August we enjoyed a trip to St Peters Church, Lewtrenchard where the Rev Philip Conway gave us a very interesting tour of this beautiful church and its connection with Sabine Baring-Gould. This was followed by a tea at Lifton Methodist church hall, where we were warmly welcomed by Revs Ann and Howard Curnow and Ann Rowe.These Wednesday meetings are truly enjoyable afternoons of fellowship. Jenny Worth and Marion Allen ## **Central Kitchen - Sept 2023 – August 2024** Central kitchen continues to be used by a variety of groups and each group is encouraged to make an entry in the kitchen file and to note any concerns or issues with the kitchen. There was no “Time to Move” lunches prepared this year. Val Carpenter ## **“Love Your Neighbour” Community Larder** The larder continued to take place 3 times per week with a good number of willing volunteers. The number of customers steadily increased and there was a need to try and find additional sources of surplus food, which was achieved by getting more food outlets on board. We also continued to receive free produce from Cornwall Gleaning Network. We started to make connections with other agencies so that we can signpost people to the help they need, such as St Petroc’s and Streetlink to support those who are homeless or sofa surfing. Mike and Val Carpenter ## **Children’s Work** ## **Sundays** The number of children attending Sunday morning Church services has grown and we have been able to create a Sunday School group which takes place up in the Epworth Room each week except for the first week in the month when the children stay in for the Family Service. We still encourage the children to participate in songs, with musical shakers and ribbons: and joining in with the worship group where it is appropriate or doing a Bible reading. Using the Little Red Bus to collect families from the estates has been a success with a fairly consistent group attending most weeks. ## **Family Fun Events** These events take place approximately every 4 weeks on a Saturday morning and continue to be well attended, averaging about 25 children plus other family members. The team plan activities around a theme including crafts, food activities, challenges, quizzes, a short video and modern songs. We also provide sports equipment and toddler toys. There are always snacks, cakes and drinks available. We are seeing some families returning each month and there is some connection with Chattabox families and Love Your Neighbour families. It is encouraging to see some people who use the Love Your Neighbour larder offering to help on Family Fun Days; and lovely to see church members who continue to help or visit each time. ## **Chattabox** Chattabox toddler group continues to be busy, with between about 12 and 25 babies / toddlers attending each week with their parent/s or carers. Activities are planned each week around a theme and include craft, messy/sensory play, small world play, ride on toys and large blocks; and a song time. The children are provided with a healthy snack and parents enjoy tea/coffee and biscuits. Sarah Harris has decided to stand down and Val Carpenter has taken over the management of the finances. We would welcome other people who would like to get involved in any way. Val Carpenter ## **Property Report to August 31 2024** As of the end of August we were in the midst of some significant upgrades on the property. Firstly a new boiler has recently been installed and awaiting commissioning, this is to replace the boiler which was over 40 years old, the new boiler will be more efficient to run. Our lighting system is failing and an agreement has been reached with Trucru to install a new system, this has meant that we have paid for the lights to be manufactured and we await installation when they are ready. Following the decision to replace the chairs the deposit has been paid and we expect delivery in late September. The existing chairs have been advertised on line and sales have gone well. The property team thank the church for the support which has enabled these investments to go forward. With an aging building there are always going to be areas which need upgrading. ## _Eric Rowland_ ## **PASTORAL REPORT FOR Y/E 31 OCTOBER 2024** The year began with a joyful service of baptism and welcome to some new members. We have continued to see our congregation grow with new people of all ages including children who have been warmly welcomed to our services. As pastoral secretary I am grateful to the pastoral group contacts for their help and co-operation in accommodating the new people into the groups. I would once again remind us all that the role of the group contact is to ensure they maintain reasonable contact with everyone in their group to make sure they are ‘ok’ and know who they can speak to with any concerns. However, as church members we all share a responsibility to look out for each other and make all feel included. Not forgetting our older members, at Christmas the ‘bags of love’ were taken to those who are no longer able to attend church. Printed service sheets are sent to those who require these and if you know of anyone else who would like this, please let me or Ann Hobden know ## **Summary of church membership y/e 31.10.24** |New member:David Fry|1|| |---|---|---| |Transfer out member:Naomi Sparey|1|| |Members moved away/no longer attend:|4|| |Sheila Hancock, Fernando Lalupu, Debbie Robbins,||| |Jessica Martyn (now adherent)||| |Members out by death:|5|| |Anthony Howe, Marie Moffat, Joan Cottrell,||| |Lena Cottrell, Mary Lancaster||| |(Adherent deaths): Colin Gribble, Charlie Rowland||| |**Membership at 31 October 2023**|**112**|| |New member||1| |Transfer out/Death & No longer attend||10| |**Total membership at 31 October 2024**|**103**|| |_Julia Boundy_||| ## **Treasurer's Report** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Income
INCOME
Giving 83397.23
Gift Aid 17608.07 Missions Interest Other
5% 1% 2%
Lettings 23185
Missions 6728.29
Interest 1470.24
Lettings
Other 2960 17%
135348.8
Giving
Gift Aid
62%
13%
2
Assessmen 56000
EXPENDITURE
Wages 7778.31
Insurance Missions Other
Repairs 30330.82
3% 3% 1%
Utilities 14085.07
Insurance 4029.08 Utilities
Missions 2911.98 12%
Other 1495.7
116631 Assessment
48%
Repairs
26%
>
Wages
7%
**----- End of picture text -----**
These graphs show that 75% of our income was from giving and the gift aid tax claim. Thank you to all who give so generously throughout the year. During the year we received a very generous legacy and two grants for our ongoing attempts to make our heating and lighting as energy efficient as possible. Our thanks go to the Property and Finance team for all their hard work. CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Launceston Central Methodist Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 Launceston Area Methodist Circuit Circuit no. 43070 Registered Charity - Charity Registration number 1126217 If not a registered charity His Majestys Revenue and Customs Glft Aid number (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant fundets wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) Minister: Rev. David Miller Church Stewards: Mrs Marion Allen Mrs Irene Stanbury Ms Maureen Teixeira Mr Andrew Statton Mrs Rosemary Paxman Mr John Harris Treasurer: Mrs Janet Rogerson Church-receiptS-and-paymentS-2024 lof5 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Launceston Central Methodist Church Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Totals this ar Totals last SECTION A year a1 RECEIPTS Note Offerin s and Tax recovered Bank and CFB interest and Investment income 83,125 464.841 547,966 100,177 83 8.360 23.186 2.960 117.630 6.343 14.702 23,186 4,390 590,243 3,510 14,373 15,820 133,880 84 Lettin Other receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS 1.430 472,614 {a7) SECTION B b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circuil Assessment or Share 56,000 56,000 62,000 13,485 25,875 b3 Donations 3,917 3,917 70,563 Re airs and Maintenance utilities (Insurances, water char es healin htin 70,563 b5 18,114 18.114 18.142 b6 b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS 9.323 154,000 406,191 410.108 41S.514 564,108 9,878 129,380 b8 {b9) SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS a6-b8 36,370 62.506 26.136 4.499 Total funds brought forward from last year ¢2 41,218 45.098 86,316 81.816 Sub total c1+c2 4,847 107,604 112,451 86,316 c4 Transfers and ad'ustments c7 c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (c3+c4) 4,847 107.604 112,451 Ic8) 86.316 (¢61 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EKfERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts are not to be Included in total receiptsipa entsfi ures above d1 Balance brou ht forward from last ear d2 Offerin sIGifts - received for extemal or anisalions d3 orreringslGift5 - passed to external orgdlliS