‘To know God and share the wonder of His love’
# St Gregory's5 Church Seaton
# Annual Reports & Accounts SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Registered Charity No: 1127403
for the year ending 31st December 2022
## Coastal Benefice of Seaton & Beer
Vicar: Rev'd Justin Montague The Church Office, Colyford Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2DF (01297) 23656
## . SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
## Administrative information
St Gregory’s Church is situated off the Colyford Road, Seaton. It is part of The Coastal Mission Community with the parish of Beer, in the Diocese of Exeter within the Church of England. Correspondence may be addressed to The Church Office, The Church Centre, Colyford Road, Seaton EX12 2DF. Telephone 01297 23656; email seatonchurch@hotmail.co.uk
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gregory's Seaton — Reg Charity No: 1127403.
## Background
Seaton Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and the Church Centre. Responsibility for the maintenance of the churchyard has devolved upon East Devon District Council.
## Governance
Members of the PCC are either ex officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules, or co-opted by the PCC. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC,
During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:
## Incumbent and Chairman Revd. Justin Montague
Associate Priest Rev'd Simon Hitchcock till December 2022 Rev'd Alison Finch Churchwarden 1. Mr David Bruce 2. Mr David House
Deanery Synod Representatives Mr Bruce Roberts Mrs Ann Roberts
## Treasurer
Mrs Sharon Bruce (duties shared with Church Administrator and the PCC Finance Committee)
## Secretary
Vacancy
## Other PCC Members
Mr David Dickinson Mr Peter Burrows Mrs Mary Casey (elected 2022) Mrs Shirley Holder (retired 2022) Mr David Mason (end of term 2022) Mr Paul Barns (elected 2022) Mrs Katie Mason (end of term 2022) Mr Stephen Page. (The PCC is allowed up to 12 elected members, including those holding other offices, such as Treasurer)
## Assistant Clergy
The parish benefits from having the services the Rev'd Chris Thacker (retired), as well as support from other retired clergy for occasional offices.
The parish also benefits from the service of Mrs Sue Price, Reader.
## Church Activity Groups
A number of organisations and volunteer teams operate within the church family, including:
3-2-1 for Jesus Bell Ringers Choir Church Cleaners Church Flower Arrangers Coffee Team Discussion Groups (Lent onwards) FREEdom Café Friends of St Gregory's Hand bell Ringers Julian Group Mothers’ Union Group Music Group Table Tennis Club Greg’s Music Makers
We also have contact with a number of outside organisations through members of our church family, including:
Bible Society Christian Aid Christians Together in Seaton Messy Church Open the Book Seaton Foodbank
## Committees
The PCC meets in alternate months, six times a year. For certain aspects of the council’s business, there are sub-committees which meet when necessary to formulate recommendations that are brought to the full PCC. All other matters are dealt with directly by the PCC.
Finance Sub-Committee — oversees the financial management of St Gregory's Church and encourages good financial stewardship. It comprises the Vicar, the Treasurer, Church Administrator, and three other members of the PCC and one other member ofthe Electoral Roll.
Fabric Sub-Committee — A Quinquennial Inspection report was received in January 2018. This related to the church and churchyard. Responsibility for maintenance and development of the church lies with the PCC. Responsibility for maintenance of the churchyard lies with East Devon District Council. Works arising from the QI report have been categorized according to the various permissions required to address them. The new quinquennial report, following the inspection is Autumn 2022 is expected in early 2023.
Health and Safety Sub-Committee - A health and safety policy is in place and regularly updated. Health and Safety has an agenda item at each PCC meeting. The committee is a minimum of[the][Health] and Safety Officer and the Church Warden(s).
## Friends of St Gregory’s Sub-Committee (FOSG)
The mission of FOSG is to ensure the continued existence of the St Gregory’s Grade 1 listed Church building as a feature of Seaton for the benefit of the whole community. It also provides financial support for the upkeep of the building to ensure the advancement of the Christian religion. 5 members are appointed annually under the auspices of the PCC.
Pastoral Team — undertakes to ensure that appropriate pastoral care is offered to members of the congregation and wider community. We provide home communion services and visits to individuals and groups at local residential/nursing homes, with limited access at the start of the year due to Covid which lifted as the year progressed. The Pastoral Team primarily consists of the clergy, Lay Minister, Anna Chaplains and other associated laity.
Other working parties or sub-committees are set up for particular projects as and when necessary.
Safeguarding - The PCC places a high priority on its responsibilities towards children and vulnerable adults. It ensures that all those working with these groups undergo appropriate checks. Safeguarding has an agenda item at each PCC meeting. The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
## Church membership
The church electoral roll as reported at the 2021 Annual Parochial Church meeting stood at 77. A full range of services returned in 2022, with average attendances as follows: 8am BCP Eucharist (10), 11am Eucharist (54), 11am Morning Worship (40), 6.30pm BCP Evensong (17). In addition we hosted two United Benefice Eucharists (71), celebrated Easter Day (93), held a service of Commemoration for Queen Elizabeth II (47), welcomed the town community for Remembrance (210), and held our first Christingle service for three years (150).
## Review of the Year
The PCC met in January discussing the terms of reference for the Finance Committee, plans for the Flower Festival, and arrangements for the Licensing service for Rev. Justin Montague. In addition a presentation was made to Linda Veith in recognition of her service as PCC secretary, as she stepped down from the position.
In March various fabric matters were discussed ahead of a working party, and the installation of new external noticeboards on the Church Centre. Also related to fabric was the approval of £14.5K of funds for use on various repairs highlighted in Stephen Page’s excellent assessment of work from the previous quinquennial inspection (QI). Final details relating to the Licensing service and welcome for Justin and Melissa were agreed.
In May, the new Priest-in-Charge Justin chaired his first meeting. Fabric matters include employing a new architect and further guidance from the Archdeacon for the assessed QI works from the previous inspection. Planned events were discussed for the Queens Jubilee and about pastoral ministry to the over 55’s and care home, a large proportion of the population in Seaton. Finances highlighted deficits to the payment of the Common Fund from 2020 to date.
At the PCC in July, new PCC members were welcomed onto the church council and appointments made for the Treasurer, Vice Chair and sides-people. A revision was agreed to the Terms of reference (TOR) for the Finance Committee (FC), to increase the laity on the FC from 2-3. David Mason, Stephen Page and Mary Casey were appointed. The PCC agreed to release £20,000 from the CBF investments for the new QI and existing building works from the previous QI, and redesignate the £14500 previously ring fenced for fabric work back to the General Fund. It was also discussed and agreed a contribution of £3068.16 be made from the Friends of St. Gregory’s (FOSG) to fabric costs. An additional Common Fund payment of £7760 was made to the Common Fund with a further review due in November. All decisions were recommended by the FC.
In Septembers PCC, the PCC approved new TOR for both the FC and FOSG. Both income and expenditure were above budget for the year to date. A new expenses form and procedure was approved. Also fees for the Hall Hire and non-statutory fees for weddings and funerals, were increased as recommended by the FC. Safeguarding (SG) Policies were reviewed and agreed by the PCC and a reminder of that all PCC members are required to complete their SG training and DBS clearance. A new architect has been appointed Mr Matthew Rayner with the QI to take place in the Autumn.
At the final PCC of the year in November, the predominant agenda item was the budget for 2023. Following extensive discussion, the PCC agreed the budget proposed by the Finance Committee with two amendments proposed and agreed. Firstly, an additional Common Fund payment for 2022 of £8051, thus bringing our 2022 contribution to £28,571, 60% of the request. Secondly, to adjust the 2023 budget so the Common Fund payment will be a total of £33,442, 70% of the request. The budget for 2023 would be a deficit budget, with a contingency of at least 3months reserves and the FC to work with Dioceasan support on a 5yr financial plan. Mary Casey and Rev. Alison Finch will be licensed as ‘Anna Chaplains’ in December at a special service.
## Charity Commission
The PCC has been registered as a charity with the Charity Commission since 07 January 2009. The current Charity Trustees are:
Mr David Bruce Mrs Sharon Bruce Rev'd Simon Hitchcock (retired 2022) Mr David Dickinson Mrs Shirley Holder (retired 2022) Mr David Mason (end of term 2022) Mrs Katie Mason (end of term 2022) Mr Stephen Page Mr Peter Burrows Mrs Ann Roberts Mr Bruce Roberts Mrs Mary Casey (elected PCC 2022) Mr Paul Barns (elected PCC 2022
## Financial Review
The PCC determined to pay its Common Fund request in part for 2022 when it set the budget in 2021. The PCC were able to fulfil this and make some additional payments.
## Reserves policy
It is the policy of the PCC to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds (if possible), which equates to approximately three months’ unrestricted payments, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. In general, it is our policy to invest our funds balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.
## Public Benefit
The Trustees consider they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 and have paid due regard to the guidance published by the Charities Commission with regard to the public benefit which the charity provides throughout Britain. Our aims make it clear that the church is to be actively involved in the community in which it is situated. We provide a place of worship that is open for all to attend and clearly advertise our weekly worship services. We understand that to be an effective Christian witness our existence is not only for the benefit of the church attendees, but for the community as a whole.
We look forward to 2023 in faith and hope.
Signed: poy 24 .0$.2e23
Revd Justin Montague
Priest-in-Charge
Approved by the PCC on 29" March 2023 and signed on its behalf by Revd Justin Montague
# SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
# FINANCIAL REPORTS
# YEAR ENDED 315! DECEMBER 2022
Wayne’s World of Accountancy
21/07/2023
;
## Seaton Parochial Church Council
Receipts and Payments account For the year ended 31st December 2022
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||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|Total|Total|
|Funds|Fund|Funds|2022|2021|
|Incoming|Resources|£|£|£|£|
|Voluntary Income|
|Planned|Giving|17,759|795|18,554|19,665|
|Collections,|donations|and|other|givir|14,349|4,121|18,470|10,531|
|Income|Tax|Recovered|5,278|5,278|4,835|
|Legacies|2,003|2,003|0|
|Activities|for generating|funds|
|Magazine/Bookstall|sales/Hall|letting:|4,395|4,395|1,741|
|Income|from Other|Properties|835|835|718|
|Annual|fete/events|628|954|1,582|1,030|
|Investment Income|P|
|Dividends & Interest|4,739|4,739|4,270|
|Income|from|charitable|activities|
|Parochial|Fees|Bs Pa]|T3125|6,708|
|Other Incoming|resources|
|Insurance|claims|0|0|0|
|Gain on|disposal of fixed|asset|0|0|0|
|Loans|received|in year|0|0|0|
|Other|3253|3,253|746|
|Total Incoming|resources|60,964|0|5,870|66,834|50,244|
|Resources|Expended|
|Church|Activities|
|Donations/Grants to|charities|20|3,068|3,088|1,070|
|Mission &|Evangelism|1,359|1,359|1,151|
|Parish Share|28,571|28,571|18,270|
|Clergy expenses|433|433|892|
|Church running expenses|6,600|6,600|3,118|
|Churchyard maintenance|0|0|52|
|Cost|of|[raising]|[funds]|2,850|2,850|2,658|
|Support|Costs|613|613|500|
|Administration|costs|19,499|5,214|24,713|16,402|
|Accountancy|fees|161|161|125|
|Other|4,864|4,864|3,667|
|Governance|Costs|0|0|0|
|Major Expenditure|
|Repairs|to church buildings|0|0|0|
|Repairs|to other|property|0|0|0|
|Parochial|Fees|remitted|0|0|0|
|Tota]|resources|expended.|64,970|0|8,282|T5252|47,905|
|Net|income/(expenditure)|for the|year|(4,006)|0|(2,412)|(6,418)|2,339|
|Gain/(Loss)|on|Investment|Assets|(9,262)|(9,262)|14,917|
|Loans|repaid|in|Year|0|0|0|
|Transfer|Between|Funds|12,775|0|(12,775)|0|0|
|Balance|due to DBF|(1,162)|(1,162)|136|
|Net|Movements|in|funds|7,607|0|(24,449)|(16,842)|17,392|
|Accumulated|funds|at|the|start of the|year|25,809|0|147,797|173,606|156,214|
|Accumulated|funds|at|the end ofthe year|£33,416|£0|123,348|£156,764|£173,606|
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Page 7
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## Seaton Parochial Church Council Statement of Assets and[Liabilities] As at 31st December 2022
|||||||2022|2021|2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||£||£|
|InvestmentAssets|||||||||
|CBFIncome Units||0||42,676||42,676||68,991|
|M&GCharifund Units||OF.|_|49,972|=|49,972.||52,920|
|||0||92,648||92,648||121,910|
|_||||||||||
|MonetaryAssets||||.|||||
|Lloyds Current Account
CAFBankCurrent Account||19,595
13,821||3,523
20,000||23,118
33,821||10,071
16,966|
|CAFBank Deposit Account
CBFDepositMay Smith|_|a,
0||0
0|:|-
0|oS|0
0|
|CBF Deposit Graves Fund||0||0||0||0|
|Shorebrook Savings Account
Friends ofStGregorys Church||0
0||0
7,177||0
FLITE||16,553
8,106|
|||33,416||30,700||64,116||51,695|
|Accumulatedfunds atthe endof|ofthe year|||||156,764||173,606|
|Other Assets|||||||||
|Income TaxClaim||0||||0||0|
|Beer PCC -Various||653||||653||843|
|Invoices Outstanding||0||||0||0|
|Liabilities|||||||||
|ParochialFees -EDBF||1,389||||1,389||2,094|
|Parochial Fees -BeerPCC||914||||914||AIS|
|Governance||125||||125||125|
|Gift Aid Refund to Friends of St Gre||71||||71||0|
|Watson Fuels||0||||0||630|
|ExeterSans/Choldrens Society||128||||128||0|
|Contingent Liabilities|||||||||
|Donations to Charities||0||||0||0|
|ParishShare||47,775||||47,775||47,619|
These accounts were approved by the Seaton Parochial Church Council on 29th March 2023 and were signed on their behalfby :
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eS dM dbige!
a
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——-Signature| SS24-05-2063
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended31 December 2022
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1, AccountingPolicles ess
{a) Basis of Accounting —— |
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2008,
togetherwith applicable accounting standards and theCharitiesSORP 2005. —
(b) Income an |
The accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis.
2. Fixed Assets |
No value is ascribed to the following:-
- The Church ofSt Gregory and its contents a vod
The Churchyard
. ‘The Vicarage -
The Church Hall and contents
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The reasons for this are as follows:-
The Church and Churchyard are "consecrated" property and the vicarage is a benefice property. These properties are regarded as "inalienable" and are excluded from PCC accounts in compliance with the Charities Act 2011.
The contents ofthe Church are also to be treated as inalienable assets, in accordance with the CGB guidance (para 5.4)and are also excluded.
The Church Hallis a leasehold property and is legally vested in the Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance Limited as Custodian Trustee. The lease is fora term of 1000 years running from 1826 and its terms would be breached ifthe use ofthe hall for Sunday school purposes were to cease. Although the hall is not consecrated property, it is a dedicated building, and so bound up with the worship, mission and ministry ofthe Church, that it is unthinkable that the Church could operate without it. It is therefore appropriate and legitimate to treat it for accounting purposes as an inalienable asset in the same was as consecrated property.
The values ofthe contents ofthe Hall are regarded as insufficiently materialto include in the
accounts.
3. Funds
Unrestricted Funds may be used by the PCC for anyif its ordinary purposes. The movement in the funds are Shown in the Receipts and Payments account.
Designated funds represent sums set aside, out of ordinary unrestricted funds, for specific designated purposes, but they can be transferred back into general funds at any time.
Restricted funds are those funds which must be spent on restricted purposes for which they were given. In this Financial Statement any Expendable Endowments are included in this category.
Also within the restricted funds is £3,023 which belongs to AVCAP and is solely for their use.
;
## . | Seaton Parochial Church Council = | Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended31 December 2022 (continued)
The CBFDeposit May Smith Account, CBF Income Units and M&G Charifund units, for the residue ofa bequest by ; May Smith in 1983. Any interest or dividends from these investments are unrestricted, the capital proceeds are designated as Expendable Endowments with use restricted "for the maintenance and upkeep and benefit in general of the general of the of the the Church and associated buildings and land" land" |.
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in general of the general of the of the the Church and associated buildings and land" land" |.
The Graves Trust is held in one CBF deposit account and is designated as an Expendable Endowment, the
interest being retained within the account. Its use is "for the upkeep of the Church generally" although the
main aimis the upkeep offive specific graves. — “ —
Quoted investments are valued at bid prices at 31 December 2022.
4, Employees_ _ a _ a 1
In 2022 the PCC employed sixpersons part-time throughout the year- a Church Administrator,
aemployees hall cleaner, anorganist, a verger, a choir master and anAVCAP administrator. The total remuneration of all
in 2022 was £17,966.
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## 5. Separate funds held by church organisations
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Opening Balance Receipts Payments Closing Balance 1
to Pee to Other 2022 2021
£ £
Church Flower Arrange 27.31 115.00 0.00 120.62 21.69 27.31
The Table Tennis Club) 92.34 408.64 400.00 97.41 3.57 92.34
Handbell Ringers 279.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 279.38 279.38
Coffee Team 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Julian Group 0.00 50.00 0,00 50,00 0.00 0.00
Total funds not incorporated in the PCC accounts 304.64 399,03
6. Separate funds not includedin Receipts and Payments account
Opening Balance Receipts Payments Closing Balance
to Pee to Other 2022 2021
FREEdom Café 289.74 137.81 0.00 162.28 265.27 289.74
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## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ST GREGORY’S CHURCH, SEATON — REG. CHARITY NO: 1127403
L report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on pages?to jo.
## Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- ® examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- e to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charities Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- e to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently | do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
## Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- e to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- e to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
WAYNE COOK raat, CIMA Ady Dip MA, AATOB Wayne’s World of Accountancy 14 Mead Way Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NR
DATED 13 Feb 2023
Page j/
~ "To know God and share the wonder of His love’ ot Gregory's5] Church Seaton
# Group Reports
SEATON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Registered Charity No: 1127403
for the year ending 31st December 2022
## Coastal Benefice of Seaton & Beer
Vicar: Revd Justin Montague
The Church Office, The Church Centre, Colyford Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2DF (01297) 23658
## INCUMBENTS REPORT Report from the Reverend Justin Montague, Priest-in-Charge
The Annual General Meeting (APCM) is a time to look back and reflect on the year, giving thanks to God for all that has happened and also a time for us all to look to the future and what we would like to see happening in the coming year. As Priest-in-Charge | am invited to share something of a review of the previous year and a vision for the future. This annual Report is the very first | am writing as the Priest-in-Charge of the Coastal Mission Community. As | write this, | reflect upon a near calendar year here in East Devon. This appears to me rather surreal as these first twelve months have flown by; particularly when | peak into the vicarage study and still see boxes waiting to be unpacked. And yet, the things that have happened, the blessings that have been poured out on us, the events that have taken place and the relationships that have been built, have enabled Melissa and| to feel both settled and at very much at home. | strongly believe that God has bought Melissa and | to Seaton and Beer, and over the last year | have seen many signs of affirmation, both from inside the church and outside in the wider community. Part of my own prayerful discernment was the desire to come to a place where | could lay down deep roots, and lead, enable and nurture followers of Christ to grow in their faith as we seek together those who do not know Jesus. What | see right across our two churches is gifted people, servant-hearted people, generous people, Jesus loving people, and a growing sense of the kingdom potential ready to be lit up across Seaton and Beer.
In many ways, life as a Priest is a humbling experience. | remind myself daily of what St Paul said to his young ministerial protege Timothy (1 Timothy 3), that church leadership is a high calling and with that comes high responsibility, before he goes on to outline various virtues to strive for and vices to avoid. | can reassure you brothers and sisters, your expectations of me, are unlikely to be above my own expectations of myself, and yet | recognise the only way | can stay healthy, grow, and be the Priest God has called me to be and you desire me to be, is by keeping close to Jesus myself. | ask one thing of you and that is to pray for your clergy and of course for one another.
What of last year? In 2022, we saw three Prime Ministers in office and the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. However, celebration turned to commemoration a few months later, as we mourned Her Majesty’s death. In June across our churches, we celebrated with a prayer breakfast, a flower festival, a choral concert and a Jubilee cream tea. Come September, we held special memorial services for the Queen during the official time of mourning, St Michael’s hosting Beer Primary school in their service of remembrance.
As PCC’s we took a huge ‘digital’ step in embracing contactless giving, our new devices landing in the churches in the Autumn enabling visitors to give to the work of the church through card or digital device donations. A special thanks to Beer Men’s Shed for creating the wooden stands in which we house the machines. Since the Autumn, a team from both churches have been working with a graphic designer on a new Mission Community website,
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soon to be launched. This is the ‘virtual’ front door of our churches and the often the first place where new people will ‘enter in’ to find out more about who we are.
In 2022 the ministry of our churches supported individuals, couples and families with 55 Funerals, including Burial of Ashes, 5 Weddings, 1 Wedding blessing, and 2 baptisms. Lifeevents are a vitally important part of our ministry and outreach, the value of which cannot be underestimated. For many people, these events may be the first contact they have with the church and our relationships with the families we come alongside are significant and witnesses to the God of love and hope we serve and share; whether in times ofjoy or times of sadness.
Equally significant is our pastoral ministry. There are many saints within our church who quietly go about their Kingdom service, visiting people around our parishes in their homes. Many are individuals, who have been members of our churches, but who are no longer able to physically attend for a variety of reasons. So through their provision of spiritual care, these individuals bring the church to people in their homes or residential living accommodation, either through Holy Communion, prayer or fellowship. | extend a special thanks to our Lay Minister Sue Price and our newly appointed Anna Chaplains Mary Casey and Ali Finch, and many of our laity who do this significant, yet often unseen ministry.
2022 was also a time of sadness as we said goodbye and gave special thanks to Margaret Abrahams our organist at St Gregory’s for an incredible 67 years and also Keith Izzard, treasurer at St Michael's for well over 20 years of faithful service. We also recognised the long service of Gaynor and Ann through their many roles within the church, currently both are in the St Gregory’s choir, with Ann additionally serving as a bell ringer.
Our engagement with young families and children through Greg’s and Mickey’s Music Makers goes from strength to strength, and the Open the Book Team continues to visit Beer Primary school, a ministry enjoyed by all. In my role as school governor at Beer Primary and through leading fortnightly assemblies, | continue to build relationships at the school with pupils and staff. Welcoming the school to St Michael's Church for Easter and Christmas services, their Year 6 leavers presentation and to our memorial service for HM Queen Elizabeth were notable events in 2022. Some might say your Priest dressed up as a mouse for the Christingle services was rather notable too (?!!).
| would like to extend a special thanks to Gayle Chapple, David House, David and Sharon Bruce and Tracey for their support, communications and preparation prior to my arrival in April, and further in during the transition afterwards. In the early months, | was like a sponge, trying to absorb as much information as | could and their patience, availability and reliability was immense. In their roles as Church officers and parish administrator, their faithfulness, hard work and experience has been immeasurable. For our clergy and ministry team, Revd.’s Ali and Chris, LLM Sue, and Anna Chaplain and server Mary Casey, | offer my heartfelt gratitude for their wisdom, willingness and dedication. This church is blessed by their commitment and ministry.
Our PCC's once again oversaw all of our work, ensuring that our parishes are properly governed and run. Jean Smith has been an excellent PCC secretary at St Michael's and to have her alongside me throughout each meeting has been invaluable, as has all her
2
preparatory and consolidatory work before and afterwards. The role of PCC secretary at St Gregory's was in vacancy throughout 2022, though | am grateful for all those who have stepped in to record minutes for each meeting.
December 2022 saw the welcome return of the Freedom Café’ and 3,2,1 Jesus, following a time of prayerful discernment and preparation. It has been a pleasure for me to see the team thrive and the solid foundations on which it was built a decade ago. | have enjoyed attending and welcoming guests, a large number of whom are from the wider community. In December at St Michael’s, we hosted our hugely successful Christmas Fayre, with table top sellers from many local businesses and charities, as well as our own church family hosting refreshments, tombola, guess the weight of the cake and a raffle. Even Father Christmas arrived all the way from...Seaton and welcomed children big and small into his grotto, namely the Revd. Canon John Holder and his assistant Shirley Holder.
And so, we look upon the present day and ahead to the future. 2023 will see our parishes take part in a survey known as the ‘Mission Community Health Check’. This presents a unique opportunity for each member of our churches to reflect on who we are as their local church, as well inviting people across the wider communities of Seaton and Beer to also share their thoughts. This will be an insightful and informative process and the conclusions will be presented to the Mission Community in late May. Furthermore, the survey will inform us as we host a Vision Away Day and together develop a Mission Action Plan (MAP) throughout the summer.
| believe if any church were looking for a manifesto of what it means to be a Christian community, they need look no further than the early church, as described in Acts 2 and 4. This is something | described to our PCC’s early on in my tenure, expounding further during one of my sermons at a United Service last year. The characteristics of that first church are timeless and present a solid and biblical foundation upon which we can grow inwards, grow upwards and grow outwards for God's kingdom sake. So as | close this annual review, may | invite you to be praying about what it means for us to be:
- e A Belonging People
- e A Sharing People e A Growing People e A Worshipping People e A Serving People
- e A Giving People.
And ‘May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you fo live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’. (Romans 15: 5-7).
Grace and Peace Rev. Justin
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## CHURCH WARDENS REPORT for year ending December 2022
The year has seen the church community resume the pattern of worship and activities which we had been used to pre-pandemic. We began the year with a feeling of faith and fellowship renewed, and a sense of expectation following the appointment of Rev. Justin Montague as Priest-in-charge.
Our pattern of services continued in the first three months of the year, with Sunday services of 8am BCP Eucharist, 11am CW Eucharist, 11am Morning Worship and BCP Evensongs. In addition regular weekday communion services and compline have been welcomed back. We offer our grateful thanks to all those who have enabled this to happen, in particular the clergy team of Alison Finch, Simon Hitchcock, and Chris Thacker, ably supported by Sue Price. During the final months of the vacancy we were pleased to welcome the Archdeacon and Rural Dean to take services, including a wedding.
There was a great feeling of working together with the congregation of St. Michael's, Beer ahead of the licensing and installation of Rev. Justin Montague on Tuesday 5'" April 2022. The service was led by Bishop Jackie and a full church welcomed Justin and Melissa into our benefice, with many members of the local community in attendance. Justin began work in the benefice straightaway, the following Sunday being Palm Sunday leading in to Holy Week and Easter. Sadly, work on the vicarage dragged on and Justin and Melissa were unable to move in properly for some weeks. As a congregation we were delighted that they opened their garden to us after moving in for a “Pimms and Hymns” celebration. Justin and Melissa have been welcomed into our church family and it has been wonderful to feel the care of a clergy leader following the period of vacancy.
After an absence of many years, we were thrilled to hold a Flower Festival in early June coinciding with Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. As well as the floral decorations there was much music, including organ recitals during the day and a special concert by the St. David's Singers. We also welcomed our local community to a special Jubilee tea. Grateful thanks to many volunteers who made this event possible, following the overall vision and direction of Shirley Holder.
The PCC members have worked hard to support the various aspects of church life and it has been heartening to see the church continue its family feel, welcoming new members and encouraging existing members into resuming roles within our services and weekly activities. Both Churchwardens, David Bruce and David House, would like to extend their grateful thanks to the welcoming team of sidespeople for their weekly presence at services. In addition there is nowa long list of members of our congregation who assist in so many ways with services and events: from bell ringing, to cleaning, being part of the lay worship team, the coffee team, producing the magazine, serving, flower arranging, and general duties of upkeep among many other tasks. Thank you all for your time, effort and love in service to our church family. Finally to Tracey Voysey, our administrator, who deals with matters spiritual and temporal with equal amounts of efficiency and diplomacy, and with plenty of good humour.
The care of the church fabric continues to be a major issue, and in the autumn our Quinquennial inspection took place. A separate report outlines some of the detail of this, and more will become clear in due course.
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The death of Queen Elizabeth || in September was a momentous event in our nation’s history, and as a church we were pleased to provide a place for people to spend some time in quiet reflection on Her Majesty's life and service to the country, in addition special services were arranged and a book of condolence made available for signing. This all took place whilst our Priest-in-charge and both Churchwardens were on holiday, and so we offer our special thanks to anyone who assisted in making any of these events possible — in particular Rev. Alison Finch.
We were sorry to hear of the decision of Rev. Simon Hitchcock to step down as Associate Priest in the autumn. We will miss his ministry to our benefice. We were also sad to learn that after 67 years as Organist of St. Gregory’s Margaret Abrahams felt the time had come to step down. A special long service certificate was presented to Margaret, cards of thanks were signed and a collection held, after which we were able to buy her chocolates, flowers and a Dartington crystal vase.
After several meetings in the second half of the year it was wonderful to see Freedom Café resume operations in the latter part of 2022. Thanks to the team who run this, under the leadership of Helen Moulding.
Through the year Alison Finch and Mary Casey undertook training as Anna Chaplain’s and were commissioned at a special service in Exeter in December 2022. We look forward to seeing this ministry develop in 2023.
The year ended with Christmas services and celebrations including a Christingle service which saw the church full of families, and our first sighting of “Monty Mouse”! This was a great way to end 2022 and to look to 2023 with spirit of optimism, hope and faith.
David Bruce and David House
## ELECTORAL ROLL
Report to be given at the APCM Katie Mason
## FINANCIAL REVIEW 2022
It's been a year of celebration with the welcome of our new Vicar, Justin and restarting many of our regular Church events and activities. So a year that our Budget and actual results have been dramatically different! Indeed positive in many ways.
Our Church income totalled about £58K and came in over the budget forecast by £17K. The good news is that this was due to various reasons including Church family giving totalling £34K, a legacy of £2K, Hall lettings up to £3.5K, busier Church funerals and weddings totalling £8K, Dividends/Interest of £5K and others of £5.5K. Thanks to all who give by way of the vital Parish Giving Scheme, standing orders, envelope and cash giving.
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Please can we ask more to give by way of the Parish Giving Scheme - this provides a secure income which increases annually. Forms and information are available by speaking to our Vicar, Justin, or Church Administrator, Tracey or Treasurer.
Our Church expenses totalled about £65K - hence you can see the challenge. This resulted in a deficit for the year of some £7K. We were able to pay the majority of our bills but not all of them. We paid only 60% of the Common Fund request - £29K. It is vital we increase this payment in order that we continue to receive the care from our Vicar Justin and the Worship Team. We are blessed that our Vicar has only two Church families as all the other Mission Communities in the Deanery, have between 4-6 Church families to care for. The Church Committee as responsible Stewards are working out ways to manage this challenge and we very much need your support. Over the years, we continue to obtain competitive rates for our fuel costs and other costs. Paper costs alone have dramatically increased in 2022 and so we are looking at ways to reduce our usage.
The Friends helped raise funds and give approx. £3K towards roof repairs and other repair costs.
During the next 12 months, our Reserves for the Church running costs will be depleted. Please think about your giving and please review how you can help. Help with fund raising and other creative ideas is vital and can be fun.
Please come forward as we can all help. Thank you.
## Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to work."
## Sharon Bruce
## PCC SECRETARY REPORT - Vacancy
## CHARITIES COMMISSION OFFICER
There were no updates to report to the Charities commission in 2022. The Annual Report and Accounts were filed with the Charity Commission on 18" October 2022 just before the deadline and thus our required compliance is up to date.
## Wayne Cook
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## PASTORAL CARE
During 2022 although the Pandemic lockdowns were over, we had to do a lateral flow test, wear a mask and gel before doing Pastoral visits. The care homes did not want us in and at times were again closed to visitors due to outbreaks of Covid infection among residents or staff. Taking due care, | was able to take Holy Communion to people in their homes which | do regularly for 6 mornings a month. Later in the year | was able to take Holy Communion to one resident in his room at Check House. Likewise Rev Alison was able to do pastoral visits along with pastoral care for weddings and funerals. Rev. Justin began to visit Thornfield residential care home soon after he arrived, providing Holy Communion for the residents. Pastoral care with families around funerals and bereavement is a significant part of pastoral ministry through our church. Rev. Simon began his sabbatical break.
It can help if members of the congregation help us in noticing people who stop attending church or are known to be in need and would value a home visit or telephone call. Care homes are now happy to be visited again and as Ali and Mary begin their work as Anna Chaplains. They have written a separate report on their training and ministry. Good News! It is our aim to build a pastoral team in 2023 once again. If you would like to find out more about this vital ministry in our church life, please contact Justin, myself or the Anna chaplaincy team. Sue Price
## All other Church Group reports
## ANNA CHAPLAINCY
As Anna Chaplaincy is new to our Coastal Mission Community of Seaton and Beer, we hope the information below will give a clearer understanding of the ministry and training undertaken by Ali and Mary, your Anna Chaplains.
Anna Chaplains may be members of any Christian denomination. They may be lay or ordained, paid or voluntary, male and female. They must be recognised by their churches as having the necessary qualities and training for Anna Chaplaincy ministry. All Anna Chaplains have a ministry specification which includes details of their line management and supervision from the local church(s). They are safely recruited, hold an enhanced DBS and are trained in safeguarding. They are then commissioned and sent by their church to serve the local community. Anna Chaplains become members of the national ANNA Chaplaincy network.
The focus of all Anna Chaplaincy ministry is offering unconditional spiritual care to older people in the community. It serves people living independently in their own homes, in sheltered housing and retirement complexes and in residential and nursing homes. It is an accompanying, person-centred ministry of spiritual care for older people of all faiths and none, and for their families and carers. The ministry is founded in prayer.
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Mary and Ali completed their training in December 2022 and were commissioned at a lovely service in Exeter, on December 18th by Bishop Jackie.
Plans for the first quarter of 2023 include Introductory letters to Care Homes, setting up our administration with the Church Office. We plan one fund raising event. Rev Justin has asked us to speak at the United Benefice Service in January, and we are planning worship services in Church for St Gregory’s and St Michael’s for February and March. Completion of Level 2 Food Safety in the Workplace. We will also be exploring café church (in Seaton and Beer) including appropriate worship for older people, under the possible name, Anna’s Place.
Mary and Ali have both received a three year licence in this Voluntary role as an Anna Chaplain, and a Ministry Working Agreement is currently being drawn up for each of them.
## The Anna Chaplaincy Prayer is:
Faithful God, you have promised in Christ to be with us to the end of time. Come closer to those who have lived long and experienced much. Help them to continue to be faithful and, within the all-age kingdom of God, to find ways to go on giving and receiving your grace, day by day. For your glory and your kingdom. Amen
Contact: Ali Finch 07762 744977. Mary Casey 07805 65535
## Email: AnnaChaplainsCMC@hotmail.com
## Mary Casey and Ali Finch
## BELL- RINGERS
Much as per last year, service ringing and some practice evenings (Monday 7.30 pm, new or “rusty” ringers always welcome). We have had a quiet year on the wedding front, looks like 1 request for the coming year so far plus a TBC. We have had one new/ rusty ringer join us. Last summer, | changed out the No1 and No/7 ropes and sent them to Mendip ropes, (near Taunton) to have new tail ends put on, these are now our “standby ropes”. That's all folks!!
## HAND BELLS
There are now only 2 who are “old hands”. Our last years “Improver’” is still an improver, due owing to the fact that we have not been able to practice. However we do need hand bell ringers. | am a great believer that “one volunteer is worth 10 pressed men”. So two volunteers please. Practice in the vestry 9.30am Friday. No need to read music just the ability to read numbers required!!
Bruce Roberts
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## BIBLE SOCIETY
For many years there has been a ‘Seaton and District Support Group’ for Bible Society with representatives from local churches seeking to raise money to donate to their work. Angela Scoble and Sheila Wilsdon have been representatives for St. Gregory’s.
Sadly, this local support group has now been disbanded, largely due to age and infirmity, and will no longer be organising fund-raising activities. Thank you to the many who have come to Coffee Mornings and Cream Teas and had collecting boxes to donate to this work of the Lord. Bible Society itself is still very active and donations would still be welcome via the Headquarters:
Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG
CHOIR : The choir has continued to provide music for the whole range of services during 2022. Through the year a full choir consisted of eight singers, and until October was accompanied by Margaret at the organ. We were sorry that Margaret stepped down from her organist duties after 67 years of faithful service, but were glad to be able to mark her contribution to the musical life of St. Gregory's with a long service certificate, cards and gifts. We also presented long service certificates to Gaynor Mason and Ann Roberts in recognition of their continued service in the choir. David House has taken on the role of organist and choirmaster. Special Carol services for Advent and Christmas were led by the choir, including some additional singers. Monthly Evensong services are a feature of our work, with the music including sung responses, psalms and a setting of the Magnificat. We continue to provide a reflective anthem or short liturgical piece at the end of the distribution of communion, and the use of “A Parish Mass” by Peter Jones is now an established part of our communion services. We have been able to join with the choir of St. Michael’s Beer for several united benefice services — usually singing an anthem on these occasions. We look forward to continuing in our musical service of the parish — please do contact me directly if you would like to know more about the music in our services, and particularly if you would like to join us as a singer.
## David House
## CHRISTIAN AID 2022
It's been an exciting year and we have been able to offer lunches during Lent, Harvest and Christmas.
Many returned to help serve and support. We offer home-made delicious food and friendship. Over the year, we raised about £2,000! Thank you.
How you can help - we need waitresses please and your ongoing support. Thanks. The funds raised helps to provide fresh water and food. Their work also helps people set up businesses to be self-sufficient by growing food that are resistant to drought. And the funds raised helps people in Crisis - in countries suffering severe events of war, drought and earthquakes.
Many thanks to all who help and support the great work of Christian Aid. Sharon Bruce
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## CHURCH CLEANERS
As far as | can tell everyone is happy with last year's arrangements, and the same two teams clean every other week. My thanks to all involved with this good work. Julie Ballard
## COFFEE TEAM
It has been wonderful to start offering coffee after Church again during the year. Many thanks to the 4 Teams we now have. This is an important way to share fellowship and give much needed funds to the Church
How you can help - please volunteer and take your turn to offer tea and coffee - just once in a while would be great.
Our team members are precious Gems - please love them. Sharon Bruce
## COFFEE TEAM — Saturday Morning Coffee
We are delighted to enjoy refreshments and friendship on the first Saturday of each month. During the months of February through to July and then October to December. We also have a regular Team of about 4 Community people who come along and share and sell their beautiful crafts, and attract their followers to come along.
How you can help - please come along to share friendship and help support this important and much needed fund-raising. Thank you. Sharon Bruce
## CHURCH FLOWERS
We are very grateful to all those who continue to help make our church look beautiful with flowers. If anyone is interested in joining this small group of people, please let me know. John Anning
## HONITON DEANERY SYNOD
The Honiton Deanery Synod is a group of representatives, both lay members and clergy, from all the parishes in the Honiton Deanery, which includes Beer and Seaton. Lay representatives are elected by their parishes every 3 years at the APCM, with 2 places per parish. Bruce and Ann Roberts are the elected Deanery Synod representatives for St Gregory’s Church, Seaton.
The synod provides a link between the parishes in this area, and between them and the Diocese of Exeter, through meetings at which we worship and share news, views, and information about events in the Deanery and in the Church of England more widely. There were 3 meetings during the year.
One feature of this year’s meetings has been a regular sharing of news about forthcoming events at member churches. The synod also made efforts to draw upa “skills audit”, with the aim of sharing members’ particular aptitudes with each other.
Safeguarding has been a regular agenda item; and at the end of 2022 the synod agreed to give particular attention to the Church of England’s commitment to meeting net zero targets by 2030.
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## FABRIC COMMITTEE
In 2022 a Fabric Team was established in order to carry out interviews for a new architect as Russ Palmer had retired at the end of 2021. | am pleased to report that as a result of this interview process we have appointed Matthew Rayner of HMAD Architects based in Devon. We instructed Matthew to carry out a Quinquennial Inspection which we are now in receipt of, this is a very lengthy and detailed report.
At the recent Fabric Committee Meeting it was agreed to focus on the recommended numerous specialist inspections required, and then the priority items listed as ‘A’ (Immediate attention) & ‘B’ (Requires attention within 12 months), totalling 21 items for St Gregory's (out of a total of 200+ items overall).
Justin has approached and is waiting to hear whether Clinton Devon Estates, (Patron to Beer) have any expertise they can offer us.
We are also currently in the process of taking advice from the Church Buildings Council, then specific surveys will be undertaken and once these reports have been obtained we will decide on the order of works, obtain quotes and then explore the possibility of grants.
We will also always be taking into account, that as part of the ministry and mission of our Church, we need as good stewards in our generation to be able to create coherence and integrity through our future proposals for reordering, therefore honouring the history and purpose of the place and making the Church fit for purpose in the future.
As | am sure you will appreciate this will be a lengthy process but it is essential to approach in the right order as often one decision directly has an effect on another.
David Mason on behalf of the Fabric Committee
FREEDOM CAFE Nearly Two thousand years ago a friend of mine fed lunch to a crowd of people he caredFREEdom for. TheCAFE.loaves and fishes went downa treat. He’s doing the same today through Having been closed since March 2020, FREEdom Café was finally able to re-open its doors to welcome visitors on Saturday 17 December 2022.
## FUNDING:
When the decision was made to restart the café, there was a sum of £289.74 available in the Yorkshire Building Society account. £150 of this was withdrawn to cover costs of supplies needed for the first café and also to pay for renewed Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates for the Core Team. Itis hoped that the café will be able to fully fund itself due through donations received in the prayer basket each month. However, the team agreed to start up on a smaller scale to gauge interest and support and to review this after 3 months to see if donations would cover running costs.
Before the Pandemic, running costs were estimated to be around £120 per month to cover purchase of food, drink, consumable items, equipment maintenance and Food Hygiene training for Core Team volunteers for food hygiene certificates.
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## OUR YEAR:
The Core Team first met in March 2022 to discuss the possibility of re-opening FREEdom Cafe. It was generally agreed that whilst the team would like to start up again, it would be a good idea to wait until Rev. Justin Montague started in post at the end of April 2022. On 4" August, a meeting was arranged with the Core Team, Justin, Mary Casey and Chris Thacker. Justin had been able to look through the scrap book/guest book and café accounts and his key questions were: What position was the café in when forced to close? Were we still well supported by volunteers and used by the community? The answer to those questions was “Yes” on all counts, we were still receiving enough funds in our prayer baskets to run the café with funds left over to donate to local charities. The Core Team with Justin’s support were then involved in regular meetings with a view to reopening in December 2022. This gave time to contact volunteers and enlist their support, look at re-training for volunteers and Core Team in relation to Food Hygiene regulations, deep clean the kitchen and also to complete safeguarding training. When we opened our doors on 17" December, it was a quiet start to the morning which gave the volunteers a bit of a chance to catch up with colleagues and the first visitors. The morning got a little busier as we headed towards 12:00 and then quietened again around 1pm. There were 62 visitors to the café that morning which would be about half the number of visitors before the pandemic. However, there was an amazing £136.60 in our prayer baskets which was a great start! The core team would like to say a very BIG thank you to all our volunteers and other supporters. If you would like to find out more about FREEdom CAFE, please contact any of the core team. Helen Moulding (Administration/Finance,) Nessa Rutherford , Jean Hoskin, Angela Scoble, Emma Lloyd-Davis, Wayne Cook, Gloria Polley—- Freedom CAFE Core team January 2023 3.2.1 FOR JESUS
After nearly 2 years of not operating due to Covid-19 we were able to re-commence in December 2022. This is what the format for 3.2.1 for Jesus looks like:
3.2.1 for Jesus, 15 minutes of simple uncomplicated Celtic style Christian worship, some ‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’. Freedom CAFE. feeds the body, and we hope 3.2.1 for Jesus helps to feed the soul. We welcome youl!
We begin our worship at 1.45pm in the church centre on the third Saturday of each month, excluding August. It is usually lay led by members of the Freedom CAFE core team, with others present taking part either with a reading, a prayer, or lighting the candles. 3.2.1 for Jesus gives us an opportunity to give thanks and praise to our Lord for his hospitality at Freedom CAFE and the wider community.
We have three minutes of music (this varies according to the worship each month), two readings, generally a reading from the Gospel, and possibly a poem. We also say our Freedom CAFE thanks giving prayer, and end with a Celtic Christian Blessing said together.
> Our greatestjoy has been seeing people from our community (who do not attend any church) staying for the worship, and coming back! For some this is their first ‘taste’ of our Lord and their only church. We deliberately close the café at 1.30pm and make an announcement that 3.2.1 for Jesus will begin at 1.45pm, this re-enforces our message there is ‘no catch’ for receiving freely at Freedom CAFE..
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We had a very positive response to our re-opening looking at the reflection “It’s a new start (or is it?). A total of 24 people attended the worship.
Wayne would like to say thank you to those who have prayed and supported him in the preparation and leading of this ministry with 3.2.1 for Jesus.
## Wayne Cook (Core team) February 2023
## THE FRIENDS OF ST GREGORY'S PARISH CHURCH SEATON
It has been a wonderful year and we have been able to host an Easter fair and a Christmas fair, in the Church centre. We always have a fabulous array of crafts, cakes, tombola and other delights.
Many thanks to those in our Church family and community with their wonderful talents, and for supporting the events.
We extend a special thanks to those who give financially through regular planned gifts, either monthly by standing order or other means. This is a huge support for our mission and supports our planning.
We can all care for the care of our beautiful Grade 1 listed Church - the repairs are always so costly. It is important to preserve this place of peace and joy. The building is full of songs, music, and prayers. This year we have contributed towards repairs to the sound system, electrics, organ, noticeboards and other smaller items that needed on-going maintenance.
We raise about £2,000 each year and these funds help pay for roof repairs and other Church repairs and renovations.
How you can help? - Just come along and enjoy the fun. Thanks.
## Sharon Bruce
## GREGS YOUNG ONES — MUSIC MAKERS AND GREGS @4 FAMILY WORSHIP FAMILY ACTIVITIES REPORT
For another successful year, we continue with our weekly Thursday Greg's Music Makers group, during Term-time, in our Church Centre. Our Families Worker, Linda, offers music and movement, support and great care.
We have between 20-30 attend each week, enjoying fun and friendship.
In December, we hosted the Christingle Service in the Church, which was a special gathering that everyone was invited to and we gave out Advent Calendars with the Christmas story. We hope to host an Easter Service in Church, with Easter eggs and the Easter story. Please look out for the dates in the weekly notice sheet and Church magazine and come along.
We welcome you to join us for delicious refreshments and a chat with our young families. The Family routine of life has changed and it is important for us to meet our[families][with][their] needs.
God's love meets us wherever we are and on any day of the week - Thanks Be to God for his all-encompassing Love. Sharon Bruce
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## JULIAN MEETINGS
This year we have been able to meet monthly on the second Monday of each month in the home of Rev. Chris Thacker without any restrictions which has been great after the disruption of the Pandemic era! We thank Chris for her generous hospitality enabling us to meet in comfort and warmth. Our membership remains very constant with 6 to 9 people attending each meeting which is led by myself, Chris and other willing volunteers.
| ask for a voluntary donation to cover the cost of the Julian Magazine that | get a hard copy of to share and an email version that | can forward to members. We pay for our membership of ‘The Julian Meetings’ and make a donation towards the administration of this voluntary organisation. We collected £50; paid the membership fee of £12 and donated the remaining £38 to support the administration and cost of the magazine. Our balance at the end of the year was therefore £0. We aim only to cover expenses which we do each year.
The aim of Julian Meetings is to develop and encourage the prayer of contemplation which asks us to ‘Be still and know that | am God’ to spend a period of time in silence to draw close to God and aim to listen to and hear God’s voice. Ideally, we practice at home as well, but we find it can help us to concentrate in the silence and company of a group. For more information, do speak to me or Rev. Chris or come along and give us a try and/or read more on the Julian website; the julianmeetings.net
Blessings from Julian of Norwich.
## Sue Price
## LENT GROUPS
At the beginning of Lent last year, we were still in the interregnum. Rev. Justin was licensed with us on 5" April and his first service was on Palm Sunday 10" April. Legal Covid restrictions had not long been lifted. It was decided to hold just one Lent Group for St. Gregory's in the Church Centre.
| led a 6 week course based on ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ by Paula Gooder. In this book Paula opens up Pope Francis’ inspiring and acclaimed reflections on sharing the love of God. Published as Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), it is widely recognized as being full of realistic wisdom and infectious enthusiasm for reaching out to others with the enduring joy that comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
The course aimed to give us as individuals and a group time to rediscover the joy of encountering the good news of Jesus in the Bible and the transformation that is possible when we communicate that good news in the world today. Each session included a prayer, a guided reflection on a Bible passage and a framework for exploring one of the key themes of sharing faith, such as its communal nature, the role of the Holy Spirit and the social justice dimension of the good news. As Paula Gooder writes, ‘/t is the joy of the gospel that radiates from Pope Francis himself and offers us a beacon of what we might become if only we can take this message seriously’.
| cannot claim that we met all these aims but it did help us to return to the bible, reflect on it, to wrestle with it, to pray and renew our commitment to our faith during the time of Lent as we prepared to welcome Jesus anew at Easter. Ten people joined in these sessions and it was a pleasure to meet together again as a group from our church. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ Sue Price
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## MESSY CHURCH
Messy Church meets on the 2" Friday of each term-time month at Seaton Methodist Church, from 3.30-5.30 (a light meal is provided at 5 p.m.) Helpers go earlier to prepare beforehand and help clear up afterwards. Arts and crafts, Bible stories, singing etc. for Primary School children with a parent/carer. New helpers welcome. Contact Deacon Becky Lovatt at deaconbecky@outlook.com Jo Bull
OPEN THE BOOK Open the Book has not resumed.
Jo Bull
## SEATON BRANCH MOTHERS UNION
Mother's Union Group meet on the second Wednesday in the month in the Church Hall, 2pm — 4pm.
We have a Prayer Session led by one of us for about half an hour. Then we have a knit and natter session and tea or coffee and biscuits. Marilyn Coates on behalf of the Diocesan Members Group.
## TABLE TENNIS GROUP
The table tennis club meets on Fridays 10 — 12 noon, with 7-12 members. Cost is £1 per session for refreshments and to pay towards the use of the hall. Jo Bull, Carol Gosling and Paul Baines.
## SEATON FOODBANK
We have continued to get a steady stream of contributions coming into our storage area and like previous years both Easter and Christmas proved to be a very busy time
We are eternally grateful for all those contributions we get whether they are left in the various supermarket bins orjust dropped[in] when we[are][open.] However, because[of][ the][increasing] numbers we are having to purchase additional food on a weekly basis.
In terms of numbers, we have given out 18512 meals during the year to 950 adults and children. Some clients only visit once, some are referred for three or four weeks at a time. These numbers are very similar to the previous year, but we can foresee a steady increase over the next few months as household bills are on the rise.
We are continuing to give out meat vouchers from Normans and veggie vouchers from Little Gems and our thanks go out to these local shops for their help and assistance. Thanks also to Pebbles who continue to help us support our homeless clients with hot meals.
We have been able to give out Advent Calendars and leaflets and all our clients in December received a Christmas Hamper to brighten their lives and like last year we will also be giving out Real Easter Eggs to the children.
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Like last year we had a huge FareShare collection from Tesco in both June and December our thanks go out to the staff of Tesco who helped our volunteers enormous!
Our client referrals are generated by several Voucher Partners including the East Devon District Council's various departments, local churches, children’s groups including schools, GP surgeries, social workers and district Nurses which have amounted to over thirty-five different sources in the past year.
We have at present a terrific group of volunteers, but we are still desperately in need of additional Duty Managers. Recently due to illness and holidays we were down to just one Duty Manager and clearly that’s not enough.
As a member of the CTIS (Christians Together in Seaton) group we are looking for help and guidance from their organisation. Certainly, if you know of anyone who is an organised person used to making key decisions then we would desperately like to meet them, explain what's involved in the role and introduce them to our Foodbank organisation. If you would like to know more then please contact Stephen and Lesley
## foodbankseaton@gqmail.com 07598 927997
## AXE VALLEY CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY - AVCAP REPORT
Since we started this important Outreach in the Axe Valley in April] 2021, we are now helping many people and young families on their Journeys Out of Debt. Their situations are often complex and involve broken relationships, life-changing and hence long-term health situations, anxiety and stress.
We offer people light and hope, friendship and support which continues for as long as they want us to be by their side. To date, we have kept in contact with all of them. Some are now or almost debt-free, by way of Debt Management Plans - where they have been able to repay their debts from their income and some through Insolvency Options including Debt Relief Orders and Bankruptcy. To see the relief in their faces and calm in managing sustainable budgets as they restart their lives is inspirational and certainly keeps me going when the stories are dark and overwhelming.
With your Prayers, we are being enabled by an amazing 11 Befrienders, about a dozen Whatsapp Prayer members and a Management Team of about 6, our spiritual and caring Church Line Manager and the expertise of the CAP Head Office. CAP has 25 years of experience and knowledge and have helped thousands of people out of debt, giving them new life.
How can you continue to help - prayers please, and donations to help cover our minimal running costs. Every £1 helps a life. We now have plenty of Befrienders - our needs are for a Treasurer and Assistant Manager.
Thanks be to God for his life-giving strength, calm and love.
## Sharon Bruce
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