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2024-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2025

Open to God Open to You Open to Each Other

You can be sure of a warm welcome whatever brings you or your family to the Church - a curiosity to find out more about the Christian faith or to attend one of the many activities we have. Find out what is going on at www.bsm-church.org.uk.

From the Minister

This has been a year of change, a year of saying goodbye to well-loved Church members who have been promoted to glory, of also saying farewell to Peter, our cleaner, who had been with us for a very long time.

But it is also, thankfully, a year where we say hello to new friends and worshippers, to new helpers and Welcomers in the Oasis, to Rev Frank Okai-Sam as our Superintendent of HAEBC, to Stephen as our new Church Cleaner, to Debbie as a new helper at Girls Brigade and to welcome old friends and new into formal membership.

We have much to celebrate! Amy, our Outreach Worker, has been with us for a year now and the Oasis Lounge has started new initiatives; some have worked amazingly well, others have a slower burn – but that is ok. As we listen to those who come into the Lounge and try new things, some will catch the imagination, others will be quieter activities. I have been particularly grateful for Amy’s support in setting up the Holy Week trail and, because it coincided with Terrific Tuesdays, we gave out around 50 children’s activity packs (with chocolate eggs as well, of course). With my three-quarter time working and not being around for the last week of the month, I personally have found the support of Lynn in the office, Amy and the Stewards team really helpful.

The Oasis Lounge celebrated its third birthday in May – and what an amazing morning we had. It was lovely to see people who normally only come during week days worshipping with us and to hear from three of our regulars what a difference the Oasis Lounge has made to them, as well as listening to our group leaders.

We also welcomed Stuart Watkin, from the Learning Network, to lead us in considering how our Church and the Oasis Lounge links in with the Methodist Way of Life. He got us working together to group our journey under the 12 ‘stations’ of serving: flourishing, challenging, telling, living, sharing, being open, learning, caring, noticing, worshiping and praying. The post-it notes have been compiled and written up (thank you Lynn) and are attached as an appendix to this report. The Church Council discussed some difficult issues this past year - succession planning, filling vacant posts, safeguarding, health and safety and, of course, whether or not the Church should register for same-sex marriage (see the God in Love Unites Us report on the Methodist website). We held constructive open meetings about this but, sadly, they were not well attended. After much prayer and hearing from both sides regarding living with contradictory convictions, Council decided that we would not be registering. This has hurt a number of people but my prayer is that we will continue to hold one another in love. As a Church, we hold a variety of views on a number of theological viewpoints so, please, continue to hold in your prayers those who found this decision saddening and upsetting.

I said at the Oasis Lounge celebrations that a lot of individual prayer goes on in the Lounge and prayers, written and placed on the prayer tree, are spoken out loud at the Tuesday Bible Study. However, reading that list from the post-it notes, I was struck how outward facing we are as a Church (and, by the way, this is acknowledged by non-Christians and other churches in the town) but I wonder how we are fed, how our discipleship grows? I wrote last year that:

‘The work that goes on during the week is underpinned by prayer and fellowship through the House groups, Bible studies and fellowships and also the love and care given by our amazing Pastoral visitors. The worship of the community is vital – for if we are not grounded in God’s love, and open to the Spirit, how can we share the good news with others?’

I would like us to consider this at this year’s ACM. Do we need more house groups on different days/times? What sort of Bible Study do people prefer? (You don’t, by the way, need to be well versed in the Bible to join in as the point of Bible study is to become more familiar with our sacred

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text). What about Prayer groups? Should we have a set time of prayer each week whether at home or at Church so we meet and listen to what God is saying to our hearts?

As always, we rely on our musicians, readers, audio and technical team, Stewards and many others to enable and enhance the worship of the whole community. But, behind the scenes, there is also the work of the Property Committee, Finance, Church Council members and our Safeguarding Officers because, without these, our Church community could not function effectively. Often, though, you see the same names appearing on multiple lists and in multiple roles – when reading the Report you will see what I mean. I am so thankful that all our Stewards are prepared to continue for another year but their task would be so much easier if four became six! Maureen should have a long service medal as Pastoral Secretary but she really needs to step down and hand over to someone – could this be you?

I encourage you to prayerfully consider what God is calling YOU to do over the coming year. Could you volunteer one afternoon a week to be a Welcomer or to man the Chatty Café table, to go onto the Sunday coffee rota, to help Amy with the Carnival stall, to learn a new skill on the sound desk, take notes at the Finance meeting twice a year, become a Steward, take the flowers to someone who is housebound, encourage a friend or neighbour to come to Church, bake a cake for the Songs of Praise service – the list of opportunities goes on and, if you think “I don’t feel I can do the role as it is already being done”, remember when God calls, God equips and everyone is a beginner at some stage!

As you read through the enclosed reports, give thanks for the work of God in this place and pray for all those whose names appear in the reports and the work that they do. Please also pray for all who come into our premises each day, that they will find the love of God within their lives.

Every blessing

Revd Gill Hulme

HAEBC

As reported last year, the Charities Commission refused to approve any form of constitution for ecumenical areas such as HAEBEA, and we therefore had to split the governance of the Methodist Churches and the United Reformed Churches, and so the Herts and Essex Border Circuit (HAEBC) was formed.

The former members of HAEBEA were, however, able to approve a Partnership Agreement that allows us to continue to share planning of worship services and retain our ecumenical links with the URC churches, which I feel is a real bonus.

HAEBC has also undergone a change of Superintendent, as Revd Blair Kirkby retired and Revd Frank Okai-Sam joined us last September. Everyone has worked hard, and I am pleased to report that the transitions have gone as smoothly as possible. We are blessed with willing and able people on the HAEBC Meeting, and a new part time Circuit Administrator has now been appointed, easing the pressure on Revd Frank Okai-Sam as well as on our Church Manager, Lynn Graseman, who had been doing the quarterly plan.

The Circuit encourages Churches in mission, and grants are available for this; and the Circuit is also looking for an Eco-champion to liaise with, and link to, District initiatives, as we aim to become Eco Churches and strive for Net Zero.

Frieda Wilson

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Pastoral Report

As part of my job, I keep the database up to date, recording any changes in membership as well as in the Church family as a whole. For the Annual Report last year, I wrote that our Church Membership stood at 119 and this year the number is 103. Some members have sadly died, others have been recorded as Ceased to Meet or transferred out. We also welcomed one new member from another denomination.

We are, of course, not just statistics; we are people, all part of our Church family. As well as our Church members, we do have several people worshipping with us, many on a regular basis. This number also fluctuates and it is good to see new faces in our congregation. It is very important that we all play our part in welcoming newcomers.

Fortunately, most of our regular worshippers are now coming back to Church but there are still some who feel unable, for various reasons, to return and we miss them all. Some are able to follow our worship online which is a great benefit. We are very grateful to the Tech Team for this.

I also attempt to maintain a community roll and this is changing rapidly with more people coming through our doors each day when we are open, some on a regular basis. The Oasis Lounge is aptly named; it does provide an oasis of calm for all visitors but particularly for those who are going through troubled times in their lives.

Once again, my thanks go out to all our lovely pastoral visitors and to all who give pastoral care in so many ways by a visit, a phone call, a lift to Church, taking flowers or a card sent with love on a special occasion.

Maureen Draper Pastoral Secretary

House Groups

Renewal

There are 12 of us in the Renewal group which continues to meet the first and third Tuesday of the month to study the Bible and pray together.

This year we began by exploring the simple, transformative practice of a daily, quiet time with God using a course on the 24/7 Prayer website called Be Still based on Brian Heasley’s book of that name. We then studied Habakkuk, which was an exploration of what it really means to place our confidence in God and we have just finished another 24/7 course based on the book by Pete Greig, God on Mute - the problem of unanswered prayer, which took us through the days of Holy week from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. We found this very empowering and thought provoking.

We enjoyed a Christmas Social and Bring and Share and now look forward to a Summer meal out at a local restaurant.

We give a donation at each meeting and then, at an opportune time, a sum is given to support a charity. This year we have given money to the Air Ambulance, Mercy Ships and Fund for Human Need.

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Many thanks to June and Robin Whitbread for their hospitality.

Chris Neal

Tangent

A small group of us continue to meet on a irregular basis dependant on everyone's availability. Our meetings try to remain on topic with a bible discussion but often go off on a Tangent! We take it in turns to host and lead. Occasionally we have a social gathering.

Karen Quelch

Gambet

The Gambet house group meets at the home of M&S on a Monday afternoon at 2pm where they enjoy in order; food, friendship and fellowship, rounded off with a hymn and prayers [see weekly notices for exact date]. We arose from two original alpha groups, Gamma and Beta, around the turn of the century. The book we study is even older but made fresh, current, relevant and interesting with talks and video presentations.

Most recently whilst studying Joseph and his enslavement in Egypt, we digressed and shared both happy memories of holidays in that country and reflected on the fact that Egypt has always welcomed strangers and refugees. In the Fustat area of Old Cairo is the Well, in the synagogal grounds of the Ben Ezra Synagogue, where Moses was reportedly placed in his basket and found by the pharaoh's daughter.

Nearby in the Coptic Quarter is the Church of Abu Serga, also known as the Church of Saints, Sergius and Bacchus. The Church is built over a cave where, according to tradition, the Holy Family sought refuge for three months whilst fleeing Egypt.

We offer an invitation to all who want to join us on our journey of discovery.

Mike Haworth

Youth Work

Girls’ Brigade

Since the last Annual Report I wrote this time last year, we have been quite busy as a group. After Holiday Bible Week, we have increased our numbers with some of our girls coming from HBW after being given one of our leaflets. Currently we have eight girls ranging from age 4-18 and we also have a new helper who started back in September 2024. As a group, we have had the opportunity to do other things within the district, including bubble zorbs and battle archery for the N:counta and N:spire groups to the advent craft day for the N:vestigates and N:gage groups. In addition to this, we are extremely proud of Rowan and all the girls and officers from the Cambridge and Forest Edge District who took part in the Remembrance Parade in London. Other things that have happened over this year is us celebrating with the Church our 75th Anniversary, Julie’s retirement and my commissioning in March and becoming an Associate member of Churches Together. Helen and I are so thankful for the support we have received over the last year from other Girls Brigade Companies within our District, the Methodist Church

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and the consistent support from Gill who has been coming down on the weeks that she works. We have a social media presence on Facebook sharing what we have been up to each week.

Jordan Stringer

Enhancing Our Worship

Music from the Organ Bench ....

Since the last Report, changes have brought in the use of pre-recorded accompaniment to hymns during some of our services. Brian has spent some time getting the speed, tone and instruments right on the settings and, in the main, this has worked very well. We have also been lucky to add John Evans to our list of Organists on the rota, as well as Chris Neal and Carrie To. My thanks, also, go to Stephen Rapkin for his continued support.

I continue to be grateful to all who are able to assist in providing music for our services, in whatever way they can, when I am not able to be there.

It continues to be an absolute privilege to take part in the final services of so many of our friends and to give them a good send off. Since the last Report I have played for the funerals & thanksgiving services for Jo Bennett, Joanna Heath, John Simkins and, most recently, George Goldspink. I have a folder of Order of Services with 43 funeral and thanksgiving services going back to 2010.

Mark Wiffen

Whilst not having a regular choir during the year, we had an ad hoc choir for the Church Anniversary Service, led by Revd David Mullins, in June 2024. The choir sang an introit, "Lead me, Lord"; an anthem "For the Beauty of the Earth"; a blessing "The Lord bless you and keep you"; as well as leading singing in the congregational hymns.

For the Christmas Carol Service on 22nd December 2024, there was a quartet of instrumentalists who played a selection of Christmas music while the congregation was arriving. The ad hoc choir then started off the singing with the first verse of "Once in Royal" and continued to lead the congregational carols throughout the service as well as singing four items on their own: "Gloria, Gloria"; "Torches"; "O come with me to Bethlehem" and "Jubilate".

Hilary Eves

Church Flowers

We continued again this year with flowers provided by members for the beautiful vase given to us by Fullerton United Methodist Church and displayed on the Communion Table. As it is a simple bouquet which can then be taken out to either a person of the giver’s choice or a pastoral recommendation, we have been able to fulfil all the dates to the end of the year. So, a big thank you to all those people who have offered to contribute. Thank you to Sue Hayter for the Advent ring and Cynthia Friend for the Easter wreath, April Stubley and Alison Watson for pedestal displays for special occasions and the team of ladies who made the posies for Mothering Sunday.

Chris Neal

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Outreach

Outreach Worker Report

This report outlines recent initiatives and achievements that have significantly enhanced the profile and service offerings of the Oasis Lounge. The efforts reflect a commitment to community engagement, safety, and inclusiveness, ultimately fostering a welcoming environment for all attendees of the Oasis Lounge.

Our social media presence has seen a notable increase, effectively reaching a broader audience and promoting our upcoming events and services. This enhances community involvement and awareness of the Oasis Lounge as a valuable local resource.

I have successfully organised charity partnerships, leading to the opening of the Lounge every Monday morning. Additionally, we have arranged for a charity to open the Oasis Lounge once a month on a Friday afternoon, providing ongoing support and resources for our community.

All Saturday coffee morning slots for 2025 have been filled. Furthermore, a new Lego Club has been introduced on Fridays during school holidays, catering specifically to primary school children and fostering creativity and play.

A food hygiene certificate has been given to us by the Council, resulting in the highest mark achieved. Additionally, two cooking courses were completed with several regular attendees. I have connected us with more local charities, enhancing our community profile. Notably, we successfully applied for a Tesco grant, which will provide financial support for future events and activities. Moreover, we are now officially recognised on the Hertfordshire map as a breastfeeding-friendly venue.

My efforts to promote the Oasis Lounge have included participation in several community events, such as the annual Bishops Stortford Carnival, Bishops House and the local library. Our presence at these events has fostered greater visibility and engagement with the community. I now contribute to the monthly Bishops Stortford flyer online, further sharing the news and updates about the Oasis Lounge.

Through consistent interaction with our regulars, I have built meaningful relationships with many visitors, enhancing the community spirit within the Oasis Lounge. A recent volunteer drive has successfully attracted new supporters, and the Lounge was decorated for Valentine's Week, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, I have initiated Bingo sessions on Mondays.

In summary, over this past year, I am continually evolving the offerings at the Oasis Lounge to meet the needs of our community and these initiatives reflect our dedication to creating a supportive and engaging environment.

Amy Farrer

Open Church Oversight Group

This group continues to be involved in deciding our mission in the town and in coordinating information learned from being open during the week, but now works with Amy, our Outreach Worker, who we were delighted to welcome in April last year. As the OCOG only meets every couple of months or so, an Outreach Worker Management Group (Revd Gill Hulme, Maureen Draper, Steve Watson and Frieda Wilson) has been formed so that Amy can more quickly get

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feedback on new ideas and initiatives she would like to pursue, and we are working hard to ensure this meets her needs. The current members of the OCOG are:

Chair/Secretary Frieda Wilson Minister Revd Gill Hulme Stewards Pat Simpson, Terry Copland, Julia Last, Stan Mackowiak HAEBC Reps Pat Simpson, Steve Watson, Frieda Wilson Pastoral Secretary Maureen Draper Premises Representatives Norman Huntley, Brian Unitt Finance Representative Steve Watson Activities Representative Alison Watson Kitchen Supplies Representative Sue Unitt Kitchen Equipment Representative Ella Bisschoff Former Mission & Outreach Chair Chris Neal

The Group will, from time to time, draft in others when their input is needed but if anyone would like to join the group on a permanent basis, please speak to me.

The Oasis Lounge continues to be a welcoming place for a variety of people and we are thrilled that our Church membership is also growing.

We have had a few difficulties to overcome in the past year, including the return to the Oasis Lounge of someone who stole from the Lounge, and the necessity to ban one or two people for limited timespans, but we are learning all the time, and good reporting also means that any Safeguarding issues will have background information available.

A WhatsApp group for all the Welcomers that Amy set up has made communication much easier, particularly when a welcoming slot needs to be filled, but getting enough Welcomers remains one of our thorniest problems. We would love more people to join us and Alison or I can arrange for you to shadow someone if you’re interested but unsure what is involved. But, if you feel this is not for you, then please pray for the work in the Oasis Lounge – Kingdom work that makes us Church every day of the week, not just on Sundays!!

Frieda Wilson

Communication

This year I have continued to produce the slides for the screen presentations in the Oasis Lounge and entrance. The presentations have evolved over the past three years to include seasonal or event references, alongside advertising our activities and providing a little bit of something to think about. This is a way of bringing the word of God and inspiration to those who are ‘passing by’ and forms part of our mission and outreach work. It is sad that I have had to include our behaviour expectations in order to remind people what is acceptable on our premises. However, it is a necessary slide.

There are usually about 44 slides, each on the screen for 30 seconds meaning that the presentation takes between 20 and 25 minutes. Important slides are duplicated to appear more frequently. We don’t advertise for outside events or groups as this would mean there would be too many slides and it’s difficult to know where to draw the line.

I know that people do read the slides as I am told when I get things wrong. I am happy with that – at least you read it!

Alison Watson

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Social Media

A big thank you again to our Church Administrator, Lynn Graseman, for bringing her expertise to the website. I help with updates when necessary.

We have a Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church Facebook Page with information about events, activities and special services that Gill Hulme, Lynn Graseman and Amy Farrer manage. We have over 415 followers. In addition, we can post our events to other Facebook groups such as What's on in Stortford? and Bishop's Stortford Civic Federation. These allow us to reach people in the area who might not follow our page.

We also have a private Facebook Group of 157 members to date with shared prayers, news, anecdotes and humour.

Much gratitude must be given to Richard Ling and Brian Unitt, ably assisted by Sue Unitt, Alan Draper, Frieda Wilson, Lynne Ling, Norman Huntley and Stephen Chan for their sterling work each week streaming worship and, again, to Brian and Richard for developing the video screen facility in the Oasis Lounge. Special thanks, also, go to Alison Watson who, so ably, keeps the screens up to date.

Chris Neal

Thursday Friendship Group

We are a friendly group of ladies who continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays each month, normally in the evening in the Oasis Lounge. We have a varied programme having talks, social evenings and exploring the local area.

Once a month we support the Church by running the Thursday coffee and cake mornings and we also raise money for charity throughout the year. Last year we gave £650 to the Thirst Café which supports local young people. This year we have selected the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau as our chosen charity.

We are always pleased to welcome new members. If anyone is interested, please contact Maureen Draper or Christine Leach.

Christine Leach & Maureen Draper

Wilos Lunches ( WI dow/ers and so Los )

We continue to meet approximately every four weeks with an average of 10 people. It has become a very friendly group, enjoying lunch out together after Church, with no washing up!

Angela Finbow/Frieda Wilson

Knit and Natter

This year at Knit & Natter, Yvonne (one of our attendees), has been doing crochet lessons which has proved very popular. Some of her pupils have gone on to make blankets now! We continue to make items to send to Ukraine refugees via UK Aid - blankets, cardigans, and toys. The blankets are usually done as a joint project with several people knitting the squares and others sewing them into blankets. Along with social prescriber, Guppy, and Yvonne, we have set up a

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new evening craft group called Creative Connections which launched on the first Wednesday of May and it will continue each month into the future.

Kate Rowe

Craft and Chat

We continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday mornings with a small group of a few regular crafters who come as much to chat as they do craft. Some people bring their own knitting or sewing while others like to have a go at whatever I have dreamed up and provided. You may have noticed the paper flowers that are on the Oasis Lounge tables or the previous felt ones which we made. Before Christmas we found different ways to create angels to be put around the town.

Sometimes we get out the paints or a mix of materials and just follow our fingers to see what we can create, other times we are more disciplined and follow instructions. Whatever we do there is always a lot of chat and plenty of smiles. It’s a supportive and welcoming group and you would be most welcome to join us.

Alison Watson

CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other)

We have now been meeting in the Oasis Lounge on the second Tuesday of each month (excluding August) for three years. Our membership has remained constant although we often have new or less frequent members join us and they are always welcome (just add another table). The format remains basically the same: talk, reminisce, support each other and enjoy each other’s company. This is accompanied, of course, by tea and cake.

We do mark the Christian festivals: unfortunately, I missed the April meeting but Jean, one of our members, gave out Easter bags to everyone (I did get one on my return) and they were much appreciated. Gill H joined us one afternoon during this past year and we took Holy Communion together, which was lovely. Some members said that they preferred doing this together as a community rather than in the home setting so this is something we must try to fit in with Gill again.

My thanks once again to Chris and Ruth, my two co-helpers, and to Lisanne who often joins us on a Tuesday afternoon as an extra helper.

Maureen Draper

Special Cup 2025

We continued to meet up on Wednesday afternoons. Our goal is still to provide a safe space where visitors can relax with a cup of coffee/tea, have a chat, play a game, complete a jigsaw - if they wanted. We can report that we succeeded in our main purpose. A few visitors and volunteers of Isabel Hospice became regulars and some even part of our team. We thank everyone who helped us in different ways to render this service, especially when we needed someone else to take our place.

Jan and Ella Bisschoff, Richard and Lynne Ling, Rose Cheyne

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The Card Stall

We continue to operate the card stall in the Oasis Lounge on a ‘self-service’ basis with payment at the servery. This works well with over £1,500 generated for Church funds last year. As well as cards, a small selection of gifts is held and if there is anything particular you would like us to stock, please speak to us.

Steve and Alison Watson

Thursday Coffee Morning

Over the past year the Thursday coffee morning has continued to run. We are pleased to welcome our regular guests as well as any visitors. Thank you to all who bake and help run the coffee morning. We will be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to join the team.

Sue Unitt

Bridge for Beginners

We have now been successfully running Bridge for Beginners for over two years, on the first and third Friday of each month between 10 am-12noon. Many of the players have been coming since we started.

As this is for beginners, we play basic Contract Rubber bridge which is the most popular variation for casual play. However, if people want to join clubs or partake in tournaments we can give guidance on duplicate bridge.

Bridge is a very social game and, it has been said, by far the greatest card game of all, and it can provide immense challenge and enjoyment for the rest of your life, once you learn how to play. A quote by Alex James, bassist in Blur says, “ Bridge is utterly compulsive once it has got hold of you. It isn’t too hard to learn and the joy is that you can play it and actually start enjoying it before you get very good. You can take it on at any level that you want. ”

We would like to thank the Church and all the people who set the tables up in the Church, ready for us to start playing as soon as we arrive.

Anyone wanting to learn, or just play, is always welcome.

Alan Draper and June Whitbread

Friday Froglets and Terrific Tuesdays

Friday Froglets continues to work well. We now have about 30 children who attend most weeks with numbers being a bit lower when the weather is good. Feedback tells us that Mums/carers say it is a great space & that they like the fact Froglets is quite peaceful, giving them time to get a bit of a breather.

John continues to be the star of the show with the children. He is exceptionally good at storytelling and leading the songs. Since last year, we have tried to get people confident to enter the sanctuary space by holding special story-time in the Church. We had our own mini Harvest Festival with the story of Ruth; we learnt about the Nativity at Christmas and, at the Easter just gone, we told the story of the resurrection. Some key stories are quite hard to put across as the

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children’s average age is about two/three but we hope that the carers get something out of it, too.

Terrific Tuesday has not been as busy with quite a few children being family of members of our own Church. This is an outreach opportunity and, as those attending Friday Froglets have expressed a wish for something like that on a Friday, we are changing to Fantastic Fridays with the first one on Friday, 30th May. Let’s pray it continues to be successful.

Karen Quelch

Safeguarding Report

Open Church

We recently celebrated the third anniversary of the opening of the Oasis Lounge. It was a wonderful celebration of all that has been achieved and is being achieved every week. It is now at the centre of our mission and outreach work, which has been made possible by the steadfast efforts of Gill, Amy and many, many volunteers. Highly successful though it has been, we now encounter a much broader range of safeguarding issues than was the case three years ago. The appearance of a distressed and troubled potential visitor at that celebratory service (although dealt with very well indeed at the time) highlights some of the challenges that we now regularly face. We must be alert to the potential pitfalls that such an open-door policy inevitably presents. We have taken steps to try to ensure that we manage and minimise risks. It is essential that we remain vigilant and that safeguarding our employees, volunteers, and visitors is our priority.

Barbara Daniels was the Circuit Safeguarding Officer between August 2024 and the start of May this year, when she resigned from her post. She was responsible for delivering safeguarding training for volunteers, which had to be delivered by two individuals. It proved very difficult to deliver training during this period. I assisted in providing online training in March for a number of individuals within the circuit, none of whom were from our Church. Little other training took place during these nine months. At the time of writing, I am unaware of the Circuit's plans for delivering safeguarding training.

Andrew Pickering – Co-Safeguarding Officer

The Wider Community

Methodist Homes for the Aged

The Church continues to support the work of Methodist Homes. Last year £641.60 was sent. This was made up from Methodist Homes Sunday, Christmas card box, Christmas Day collection and a donation from the Church.

Christine Leach

Action for Children - 2024-5

Action for Children is a leading Children’s charity in the UK with special connections to the Methodist Church.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year, whether with help or money.

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The total at the end of the year was £1,382.70. This consisted of the Christmas collections, the post box and a coffee morning. Also, some generous one-off donations.

If you are interested in helping, want to donate or just find out more at any time, please see me.

Norman Huntley

Action for Children Home Collecting Boxes

The number of people with home collecting boxes continues to fall as less people are using cash, but I emptied people’s boxes during March and April and was recently able to send £245.38 off to Action for Children. For those who no longer feel a home collecting box works for them (which includes myself!), I have encouraged people to set up regular giving via the Action for Children website.

Frieda Wilson

Christian Aid

Once again former members of the now defunct Christian Aid Committee helped me to run two coffee mornings over the last 12 months to raise funds for Christian Aid. The one in September 2024 raised £289.00 and the one in March this year raised £248.00. At BSMC we also had Christian Aid collection envelopes on the Church chairs on 18 May, just as Christian Aid Week 2025 finished, and the funds raised from this totalled £195.00.

Frieda Wilson

Churches Together in Bishop’s Stortford (CTBS)

A big thank you to Mione Goldspink for her many years of service as our representative to the quarterly Forum, for her two years as Chairperson and many more on the Enabling Group. I am delighted that Lynne Adams has offered to become our new representative.

There are now 15 Churches who are members of CTBS and seven Associate members including our, most recent, Girls Brigade.

A successful Carol Singing was held again in Jackson Square with a 40 strong CTBS choir formed by Nathan Collins from St Michael’s. At the same time, a coffee morning in the Oasis Lounge was held and all the money collected went to the Holy Trinity Night Shelter.

The United Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was held on a very wet afternoon on Sunday, 26th January, at the Baptist Church, led by Revd John Walford and Anderson Munhoz from New Life Church, delivering an address emphasising what unites us more than divides us.

The Good Friday Service and Walk of Witness was again well supported with a wonderful Service at St Michael’s led by Revd Derwyn Williams with participants from other Churches. People then walked through the town to our Church with banners and palm crosses to give to people and, after a short act of worship, we welcomed over 200 people into the Oasis Lounge for refreshments and (hot) cross buns.

On Saturday, 7th June[,] from 10am-12noon there will be another Pentecost Prayer Breakfast at the Barnabas Centre. This was well received last year and, this year, pastries and tea and coffee will again be available as people look at the stalls of information in the Foyer from the different

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organisations within, and beyond, CTBS. The morning will conclude with an Act of Worship in the Sanctuary to pray for what we have seen and read.

We were involved with Love Stortford last year and hope to take part this year.

Chris Neal, CTBS Honorary Secretary

Property Report - 2024-25

There has been one major project completed this year. The seals on the windows at the back of the building were showing severe signs of ageing. There were also minor leaks around some of the opening windows. These have all been replaced with windows meeting the latest requirements. They are better insulated and the finish may reduce the heating effect in the Summer. So far, no issues have been reported but with Summer approaching, please let me know if you have a problem. The final cost was just under £18,500.

The lighting in the back office was completed. This has reduced the energy use and done away with the regular need to replace the tubes. Better lighting and no more flashing bulbs.

The other major project which needs to proceed is the refurbishment of the Wesley Hall and kitchen. We now have a preferred contractor. The hold up at the moment is the exact detail of the work to the drain at the back. As I write this, we expect to get a detailed visit shortly. There are possible problems if we reduce the current overlap with the damp course which could increase the risk of flooding so there is no quick fix. Sorry, but this is a case of watch this space. A project that has been progressed is the fitting of some form of cooling in the Oasis Lounge. The Oasis Lounge has suffered from overheating in Summer. There is only limited ventilation and improving this will not entirely solve the problem. An Air Conditioning Company has surveyed the room and has suggested a solution which should deal with this. Following Church Council approval, a quote has been accepted and work is due to take place in May. As with the installation of the windows, please look out for any closed areas and respect any instructions to avoid the workspace. Unfortunately, the Oasis Lounge will be out of use for four days during the installation. The cost will be approximately £23,000, inclusive of VAT, to complete.

There are a number of minor jobs around the building which will need attention. This will probably involve the usual replacement lights, etc., and small areas of decoration.

It is proposed to do a deep clean in the near future (date not available as I write this). Again, please look out for any information requesting you to avoid working areas. Some of this may show up additional areas requiring decoration or attention.

If you spot something that doesn’t appear to be operating correctly, is broken or missing, please fill in the details in the incident book in the Upper Foyer. It is important to do this even if you have told either one of the Property Committee or the Church Manager. We do monitor this book on a regular basis.

Norman Huntley

From the Senior Steward

Since the last ACM, the Church has continued to thrive with all its activities and lettings. The whole building can be in use at times with little room for manoeuvre. I’m often mindful of how we got to this position, of people past, who contributed so much to the Church in so many ways but who are no longer here or unable to witness the transformation. At George Goldspink’s funeral, recently, I thought of how he used to make the cross for Easter from the tall Christmas

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tree. There have been so many over the years who have shown their faith, love and commitment to the Church and, when and where possible, we should always try to remember them.

We are now part of a new Circuit, HAEBC, and have access to a larger pool of preachers for Sunday services. We are getting used to different styles of worship while maintaining tradition. We are having more café style services starting with breakfast, which is always an incentive. If the Oasis Lounge regulars won’t come into the Church, we’ll go out to them! These have been very successful.

Gill has written about the need for more volunteers in so many spheres. If you attend Church on Sundays and enjoy the services and fellowship and would like to do more, please consider helping in some way. It is always rewarding and especially beneficial to leaders of groups who spend time preparing and providing for the different activities now available.

As always, I wish to thank Gill and the Stewards, Terry, Stan and Julia, for all their support and effort over the year and as we carry on into another. There is a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ activity and we all work well together as a team. Please consider joining us for a trial run as there will definitely be departures next year.

As a final thought, I end with the first verse from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 5, which I think illustrates all that we try to strive for as a Church: ' Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins ’.

Pat Simpson

Finance Report

Last year we reported that we had set a budget showing a shortfall of £10,000. Our actual results showed a surplus of £10,674 and our final accounts to August 2024 follow this report, presented in a similar format as last year. Our main account is our ‘General’ account and this is followed by restricted funds covering Redevelopment, Legacies and Benevolence. Following the notes to these accounts is our budget for the current year.

WHERE WE HAVE COME FROM (LAST YEAR)

General Account

We set a budget showing a deficit of £10,000. We finished the year with a surplus of £10,674. This compares with the previous year’s surplus of £25,419. This is a good result for the year and the major variations from the original budget need to be highlighted:

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Historically 85% of our income has come from offerings with 10% from external lettings. However, this year offerings accounted for just 74% of income. We are relying more on external lettings and other income. It is encouraging that over 70% of our giving is by regular standing order, although this is down on the previous year. Together with envelopes and cash, total giving was some £8,000 previous years. Our overall income is now above pre pandemic levels.

The majority of our costs are fixed and we are not able to make corresponding savings if income drops. Costs at £115,400 were 15% higher than the previous year as set out above.

Redevelopment Scheme

The redevelopment account was closed during the year and the final balance of £23,903 was transferred to the general account. This represents the surplus achieved on the project and has now been ‘ring fenced’ for further premises expenditure.

Other Accounts

Legacy funds make up a large portion of our reserves and some have restricted uses. During the year we received no new legacies and with interest added, we finished the year with £95,742 available to us. The small benevolence funds are ‘ring fenced’ for specific purposes.

WHERE WE ARE (THE CURRENT YEAR)

Current Year Budget

The budget for this year (2024/25) follows the accounts for last year. This shows a surplus of £5,600, however this is after premises costs of £10,000. If these had been taken out of reserves (which has been done on some previous occasions), a surplus of £15,000 would have been seen. This is more in line with last year’s outcome. We are forecasting income to be slightly down on the previous year and expenditure of a similar level.

How We Are Doing This Year Against Budget?

After six months, it appears that some of the premises work will not be completed this year, which will positively impact the budget. We are predicting income slightly down on budget and all expenditure other than premises costs will also be in line with budget, which would result in an overall surplus of £6k compared with the budgeted surplus of £5.6k

Analysis of Giving

2024-25 89k (Estimate) 2023-24 94.0k 2022-23 85.3k *** 2021-22 81.5k * 2020-21 81.4k 2019-20 76.5k 2018-19** 85.9k

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Support from Circuit and District Funds

We are grateful for the financial support we continue to receive from Circuit and District funds. Circuit has agreed to cover half of the cost of the Church Manager position - £8,000 per annum. The full cost of the Outreach Worker is covered by grants from District and Circuit. Without this support, these costs would have to be covered from a combination of additional giving and drawing on our reserves.

WHERE WE ARE GOING (THE FUTURE)

Next Year – Can we maintain a surplus budget?

It is difficult to predict if we can maintain a balanced or surplus budget. Each year we are attempting to sustain or increase our income against a background of reducing members and this can only be achieved by a combination of increased giving and maximising our lettings income. We predict additional costs as our fixed price energy contract comes to an end and potential additional premises costs.

Giving & Gift Aid

We are very conscious that the current unpredictable times continue to affect many people in a number of ways. We are grateful to all those who give generously and selflessly on a regular basis to support the work of the Church, both in financial terms and with the giving of time and talents. We are also grateful to those who have increased their giving this year – thank you. This giving is vital for us to both sustain our current activities, but more importantly extend our mission in the town and wider community.

I would encourage everyone to prayerfully review their current giving and consider if they are able to help us maintain the required income necessary to maintain a balanced budget. Tax relief on giving (Gift Aid) forms a vital part of our income and in the last tax year we were able to claim £19,000 back in Gift Aid. I would ask all tax payers to ensure they advise Christine Leach of all giving to the Church – both regular and one off – to ensure we claim this income. If in doubt as to what is claimable, please speak to Christine.

The Finance Team

Managing the Church’s finances is a team effort and I would like to record my grateful thanks to Lynn Graseman who, as Church Administrator, deals with all aspects of lettings, banking and expenditure. She is supported by Julie Finbow & Sue Unitt as offering counters. Christine Leach continues the invaluable task of maximising our income from the complex area of Gift Aid and Sue Haworth deals with payroll, pension and tax issues. Thank you for the support and expertise you provide.

Steve Watson Treasurer May 2025

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Risk Review

The Managing Trustees are conscious of the need to identify and mitigate risks to the assets, employees and volunteers of the charity. With this in mind, a number of risk mitigation policies are in place and reviewed on a regular basis. These include:

Steve Watson Treasurer May 2025

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BISHOP'S STORTFORD METHODIST CHURCH

GENERAL ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Bishop's Stortford Methodist Church Annual Report
Page18of27
NOTES
INCOME
Offerings:
Regular
1
Gift Aid
Donations
Total Offerings
Donations - Church organisations
2
Lettings Income
3
Fundraising Events
8
Sundry Income
4
Bank Interest
SUB TOTAL - GENERAL FUNDS
Funds Received For External Organisations
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Circuit Assessment
Mission donations
Worship
5
Administration
6
Premises
7
Repairs
Small Capital Items
SUB TOTAL - GENERAL FUNDS
Funds Paid To External Organisations
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net Surplus (Deficit) for the Year
Bank Balances B/Fwd 1st September 2023
Transfer from Redevelopment Scheme
Connexional Pension Reserve Fund Refund
Bank Balances C/Fwd 31st August 2024
9		 Charity Registration 1127323
2023/2024
2022/2023
74,035
65,240
19,137
19,960
877
1,160
94,049
86,360
9,948
13,205
15,381
17,125
4,287
8,742
752
174
1,657
508
126,074
126,114
1,372
1,992
127,446
128,106
43,400
43,395
4,970
4,450
3,692
3,234
14,774
10,097
36,570
31,025
6,454
6,328
5,540
2,166
115,400
100,695
1,372
1,992
116,772
102,687
10,674
25,419
52,536
27,117
23,903
10,856
97,969
52,536

BISHOP'S STORTFORD METHODIST CHURCH

REDEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

NOTES
INCOME
Offerings:
Regular
Donations
Total Offerings
Fundraising Events
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Contractor Stage Payments
Professional Fees
Transfer to Church Account
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net Surplus for the Year
Bank Balances B/Fwd 1st September 2023
Bank Balances C/Fwd 31st August 2024
10		 2023/2024
40
40
40
-
-
23,903
23,903
(23,863)
23,863
-		 2022/2023
1,350
100
1,450
418
1,868
23,842
1,651
-
25,493
(23,625)
47,488
23,863

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BISHOP'S STORTFORD METHODIST CHURCH

LEGACIES ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

NOTES
2023/2024
Bank Balances B/Fwd 1st September 2023
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
91,080
Income
Bequests
-
Interest
TMCP
4,662
4,662
Expenditure
-
Bank Balances C/Fwd 31st August 2024
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
10
95,742
Bank Balances B/Fwd 1st September 2023
Nat West
429
Income
Communion Services
538
967
Expenditure
Donations
100
Bank Balances C/Fwd 31st August 2024
Nat West
10
867
BENEVOLENCE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024		 2022/2023
87,711
784
2,585
3,369
-
91,080
323
206
206
100
429

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BISHOP'S STORTFORD METHODIST CHURCH

GENERAL ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

NOTE 1- REGULAR OFFERINGS
Standing Orders
Envelopes
Cash
NOTE 2- DONATIONS CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Thursday Coffee Mornings
Oasis Lounge
Cardstall
Boys Brigade
Company at Christmas
Thursday Group
Food Bank
NOTE 3- LETTINGS INCOME
Regular Lettings
One Off Lettings
Saturday Coffee Mornings
NOTE 4- SUNDRY INCOME
In Memory
Carol Service for Warm Spaces
Sundry
NOTE 5- WORSHIP
Organists
Copywrite & Music
Friday Froglets & Terrific Tuesdays
Expenses
NOTE 6- ADMINISTRATION
Church Manager
Outreach Worker
Publications
Website
Photocopier
Paper & Printing
Auditing
Dona Card Payment Machine
Bank Charges
Miscellaneous		 2023/2024
51,610.00
18,741.00
3,684.00
74,035.00
7,658.00
690.00
0.00
500.00
100.00
1,000.00
9,948.00
11,858.00
3,417.00
106.00
15,381.00
500.00
167.00
85.00
752.00
1,280.00
809.00
998.00
605.00
3,692.00
10,565.00
1,836.00
132.00
243.00
0.00
328.00
330.00
0.00
544.00
796.00
14,774.00		 2022/2023
51,863.00
10,662.00
2,715.00
65,240.00
9,054.00
2,130.00
121.00
500.00
100.00
1,300.00
13,205.00
12,840.00
4,126.00
159.00
17,125.00
174.00
174.00
1,097.00
1,413.00
724.00
3,234.00
7,813.00
55.00
243.00
24.00
0.00
312.00
492.00
605.00
553.00
10,097.00

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NOTE 7 - PREMISES

Cleaner
12,505.00
13,062.00
Insurance
5,193.00
5,043.00
Power
13,334.00
7,941.00
Windows & Cleaning
1,283.00
1,007.00
Water
116.00
60.00
Waste Disposal
849.00
372.00
Boiler
690.00
744.00
Pianos & Organ
126.00
186.00
Fire Extinguishers
265.00
255.00
Telephone
837.00
946.00
TV License
169.00
159.00
Sundry expenditure
1,203.00
1,250.00
36,570.00
31,025.00
NOTE 8- FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Warm Spaces Grants
1,000.00
Christmas Fayre
888.00
Bric-a-Brac & Plant Stall
2,000.00
Brass Band Concert
227.00
Garden Party
60.00
Christmas Quiz
112.00
4,287.00
8,742.00
NOTE 9- BANK BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 AUGUST 2024
NatWest - 2 Accounts Combined
71,799.00
31,470.00
Central Finance Board
27,037.00
21,495.00
98,836.00
52,965.00
Less:
Benevolence Account
867.00
429.00
97,969.00
52,536.00
NOTE 10- SUMMARY OF FUND BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 AUGUST 2024
General Account
97,969.00
52,536.00
Benevolence Account
867.00
429.00
Legacies Account
95,742.00
91,080.00
Redevelopment Account
0.00
23,863.00
194,578.00
167,908.00		 13,062.00
5,043.00
7,941.00
1,007.00
60.00
372.00
744.00
186.00
255.00
946.00
159.00
1,250.00
31,025.00
8,742.00
31,470.00
21,495.00
NatWest - 2 Accounts Combined
Central Finance Board
Less:
Benevolence Account
NOTE 10- SUMMARY OF FUND BALANCES CARRIED
52,965.00
429.00
General Account
Benevolence Account
Legacies Account
Redevelopment Account

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APPENDIX (to Gill’s Report – Post-it notes)

----- Start of picture text -----
Oasis Lounge - Yellow Church - Pink Outside - Blue
NOTICE
Bible Study Easter Labyrinth, Open Prayer Tangent, Renewal, Gambit
Space
Through the Roof
OPEN
Open to All Worship open to all
Coffee Mornings Refreshment at services Company at Christmas
Coffee Mornings, Knit & Natter, Building is open at some point Pastoral and Community
CAMEO, Craft & Chat, Bible 7 days a week visiting, Walk of Witness
Study, Friday Froglets, Bridge (outside service), Outreach to
Ukrainian & Syrian immigrants.
Knit & Natter, Craft & Chatter, Accessible toilet, Inviting
Mindfulness Colouring Bulgarian Fellowship to use
Church
GB, Memory Café, Special Cup,
-Food Bank, CA
Coffee Mornings, Cooking with
Friends, Airfryer Course
Building is open 7 days a week
Knit & Natter
Friday Froglets and Terrific Tues
Knit & Natter
Outside organisations using
facilities, warm Space, Coffee
Mornings, OL open most of the
week, CAMEO, Bible Study &
Prayer
House Groups
Transmitting Services to
housebound
Open to All – Nationality,
Orientation, Ability
Beginner’s Bridge
Company at Christmas
Terrific Tues, Friday Froglets,
Lego
Isabel Hospice
Terrific Tuesdays
Welcoming Homeless
Community Support
Toddler Group
Warm Space
Care for those who have less
opportunities than us
CAB, Clarion Housing
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----- Start of picture text -----
OL - Yellow Church - Pink Outside - Blue
SERVE
Warm Space Refreshments at services Pastoral Visiting
Serving everyone who comes Companionship, Friendship,
in Pastoral Churches
Home Instead – help for carers Foodbank, CAB, Clarion Housing
A welcome space for Visiting Sick and those who are
everybody, Homeless, not mobile live the life, Support
Friendship, Oasis Church – HBW
sometimes
Isabel Hospice Coffee
Mornings
LEARN
Bible Study Bible Reading Renewal Group Studying God’s
Word – meeting fortnightly.
GAMBET Group meets from
time to time to explore the
Christian faith (originally ALPHA
course – 2 groups
amalgamation of BETA &
GAMMA)
Preaching God’s Word
PRAY
Individual Prayer as needed in Fellowship, Worship, Pastoral visiting prayers
Oasis Lounge Welcoming, Communion,
Music, Technical Presentation,
Offering Peace
Prayer Tree Prayers offering Peace Prayer at home for others
Flowers for housebound
Prayer Corner Pray
Worship
Pray with our visitors Learn through worship
Bible Study Prayer
CARE
Warm Spaces Share Fellowship at worship Street Pastors
Coffee Morning, Worship, GB, Pastoral visiting
Exercise, Building open daily as Thurs & Sat stall outside
a warm space Witness - Friendship
Food & drink always available,
activities every day.
Open to Night Shelter People Foodbank
Cooking with those in need Pastoral visiting
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----- Start of picture text -----
Isabel Hospice Coffee Pastoral Team
Mornings
Warm Spaces Company at Christmas
Bible Study & learn, welcome
all comers whoever they are
Encouraging young people
with GB and Friday Froglets
The Memory Café for people
with memory loss and those
who care for them.
Toddler Group
Special Cup
Welcome homeless
OL - Yellow Church - Pink Outside - Blue
TELL
Share Bible Study in the Oasis How do we show visitors our Holiday Bible Week
faith
Screens in Oasis and entrance Whitechapel
Streaming Services GB, Friday Froglets
Easter Trail
LIVE
Show love by showing you care Preacher Share Eco Church
Pastoral Visiting
Recycling
FLOURISH
Oasis – Open Door and Praying for climate crisis Charity coffee mornings
Welcome
Open for other people to use
the premises, e.g. charity
coffee mornings, welcomed
the Bulgarian Church &
assisting them with a place of
worship
Collection and recycling of
blister packs
Gardening plant sales
GB & Friday Froglets
WORSHIP
Girls Brigade Outreach Pastoral Care for each other Listening to worship songs at
home
Bible Study Dementia Worship
Sunday worship, Songs of Praise
& Communion services
Sunday Worship Mornings
Churches Together
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Music Froglets Seasonal worship Music Tech Presentation Worshipping together – Hear God’s Word Sunday Services, Songs of Praise, Celebration Services Afternoon Worship Songs of Praise Sharing the Church with friends, Singing, Dancing - modern and traditional, greeting people Acceptance, hymns, organ music, concerts comfort, messages Worship, Fellowship, Welcoming, Greetings

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OL - Yellow Church - Pink Outside - Blue
CHALLENGE
Issues that have no easy Choir for a Day Supporting Charities that we
resolution – Beyond the have learnt about in Church
Church’s capability
Women of Grace Learn to help others and pray Tangent House Group
for them
Challenge views of those who Stall outside, services, Bible Stall Outside, welcomers,
come in Study, Stewards, Greeters, facilitate Bulgarian Church,
Music, Choir, Organist, Praying Pastoral Visitors, facilitate
Foodbank
Challenge injustice of those Fairtrade refreshments
who come
Memory Café
Companionship Groups
Companionship, Friendship,
Acceptance groups, Froglets
Keep Fit
Friday Froglets, Coffee Morning,
Stall outside, Knit & Natter,
Bulgarian Church, Chess, Bridge,
Terrific Tuesdays, Dementia
Groups, Isabel Hospice,
Greeters, Girls’ Brigade, Warm
Space, coffee/drinks available
Open to the community.
Anyone can come in and feel
welcome
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----- Start of picture text -----
OL -Yellow Church - Pink Outside - Blue
SHARE
Friday Froglets Bible Study Choir for a Day
Jigfest Reaching out through Outside Stall
Technologies, e.g. YouTube
Refreshments, tea & coffee, talk Notices and Screens
to people, greeters at the front
of the Church
Walk of Witness
Outside Stall
Street Pastors
Charity Coffee Mornings
Angel Bombing
Easter Cards to local
businesses
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