## **Annual Report**
## **&**
## **Financial Statements**
## **of the Parochial Church Council of**
**St. John’s Close**
## **Colchester**
## **CO4 0HP**
For the year ended 31 December 2021
## **Incumbent:**
Rev’d Andy Sachs
**Bank:**
Barclays Bank
High Street Colchester
## **Independent Examiners:**
Larking Gowen
Unit 1 Claydon Business Park
Great Blakenham
Ipswich Suffolk
IP6 0NL
Registered Charity Number: 1127854
|**Page**|**Contents**|
|---|---|
|1|Agenda|
|2-9|Minutes of AVM held 28thApril 2021|
|10-13|St John’s Church Annual Report 2022 for 2021|
|14-15|Vicar’s Report|
|16|Independent Examiners Report|
|17|Balance Sheet|
|18|Statement of Financial Accounts|
|19|Accounting Policies|
|20-23|Notes to the Financial Statements|
|24-25|Annual Deanery Synod Report|
|25|Hirers Report|
|25-26|Buildings Report|
|27-32|Communities Reports|
|33-38|Ministries Reports|
## **St. John’s Church Colchester Annual Vision Meeting 27th April 2022, 7.30pm**
Dear Church Member,
We give you a very warm invitation to share our Annual Vision Meeting and look forward to seeing you.
## **AGENDA – 2022**
Opening Worship Bible Reading & Prayer
## **MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS**
1. Welcome
2. Appointment of Scrutineers
3. Choosing of Churchwardens
## **ANNUAL VISION MEETING**
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes from 2021 AVM
3. Matters Arising from last AVM Report
4. Elections / Appointments
- Parochial Church Council
- Deanery Synod
- Appoint Independent Examiner
5. Administrative Reports
- St John’s Church Annual Report
- • Vicar’s Report
- Independent Examiners Report
- Annual Deanery Synod Report
6. Other Reports
- Hirers Report
- • Buildings Report
- Communities Reports
- Ministries Reports
7. Any Other Business
8. Closing Remarks & Prayer
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## **AGENDA for 2021 AVM to review 2020 Held 28 April**
## **2021, via Zoom**
**Introduction –** Andy opened the evening by welcoming everyone, outlining Zoom etiquette and explaining that although once again the AVM needs to be held via Zoom, we would be aiming to make a quick but meaningful experience.
He then went on to explain that:
1. The Meeting is split into two sections, firstly the meeting of the parishioners when we elect church wardens, and secondly the AVM itself, when we elect new PCC members.
2. In the closing remarks he would be talking about the coming months. He then
asked Nik Read to open the meeting in prayer.
## **Business parts:**
**MEETING OF THE PARISHONERS** which is open to everyone in the parish.
1. **Appointment of Scrutineers** - Rev. Viv Whitfield & Rev. Graham Hadfield were appointed as scrutineers.
2. **Choosing of Churchwardens** - Andy thanked Denise and Nik for their assistance in this short PCC Season. They were both happy to stand again and had submitted the relevant forms.
Nik Read was proposed by Nicky Sirett and seconded by Andrew Tiffin. Denise Johnson
was proposed by Helen Morgan and seconded by Jo Roberts.
Andy advised that as there were two vacancies and two people standing, there was no need for voting and declared them both to be elected. He asked both of them to say a few words.
Nik Read asked everyone to thank the staff team for their hard work over the last year. He is proud that we never missed a single service during the last year. He also extended thanks to Dave Gentry for his work in editing the services. He gave a challenge/call to action reminding us that we are a body of people not a building. If you are on a rota, please re-join it, or if you weren’t, please join one! Let’s get back to it, both in church life and community, God’s hands and feet in the next months and years.
Denise Johnson agreed with Nik that it’s been quite a year and quite a year to start church wardening. She thanked Nicky Sirett for her service and her help and support. Denise feels that it’s been a good opportunity to look over the administrative functions and how the office run, to get things streamlined and running well. Aiming to release Andy from the worry of managing buildings, so that we can make vision a reality. She is looking forward to getting back into the building and talking to people. She thanked everyone for making her welcome and said that she looks forward to serving together.
Andy thanked them both again for their support.
Andy then explained that this concluded the Meeting of the Parishioners and that if there are any parishioners who are not on electoral role they were welcome to stay but could not vote in the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
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## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING**
## 1 **Apologies for absence** – none received.
2. **Minutes of 2020 APCM -** Andy asked for any questions about the minutes of the last meeting.
**Approval of minutes** Pages 4-7- All who approve (subject to corrections), against, abstain.
Andy proposed that the minutes be accepted, all in agreement, no abstentions.
## **3. No matters arising regarding last year’s AVM minutes.**
Andy advised that there would be time for questions at the end of the meeting if any came up.
**4. Elections and appointments:** Andy thanked those who have come to the end of their term of office this year: Helen Wilson, Barbara Lamb, Peter Birdseye and David Sollis. In terms of vacancies, the Parochial Church Council needs 5 members for 3 years & 2 members for 2 years and 2 members for 1 year. We carry any vacancies until they are filled.
The following people had given us their forms, which have suitable proposers and seconders (as per Church Rep. Rules).
||**PCC Members**|**PCC Members**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Name**|**Proposer**|**Seconder**|**Length of**
**service**
**drawn**|
|Peter Birdseye|Celia Simcox|Martin Roscoe|3 years|
|Carol Cockrill|Tony Berry|Naomi Cockrill|2 years|
|Claire Eley|Clare Luxton|Helen Morgan|3 years|
|||||
|Clare Luxton|Mary Anthony|Helen Morgan|1 year|
|Paul Morgan|Jonathan Mulvey|Mary Anthony|3 years|
|David Sollis|Nik Read|Nicky Sirett|3 years|
|Peter Theodosius|Barbara Lamb|Hugh Ward|2 years|
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As there were nine vacancies and seven candidates, there was no need for voting and all candidates were declared elected. Terms of office were drawn from a prepared pot and noted in the table above.
Andy thanked PCC members old and new for their support as trustees to the SJC charity but also in assisting us in enabling the vision to become a reality here at SJC.
## **Appointments**
- a) **Senior Sides-person and Electoral role officer** - A new electoral roll officer was appointed in Denise Johnson by the PCC. When more normal services resume we will look to appoint a new senior sides-person and sides-people on mass.
- b) **Independent Examiner for 2020** - Andy proposed that _**Larking Gowan**_ of Ipswich be appointed as our External Auditors for the coming year.
Andy proposed that these appointments be made. All in favour, no objections, no abstentions.
## **REPORTS**
**5. Administrative and Organisational Reports** – Andy advised that questions could be added to the Zoom chat, which Rick Moore was monitoring. He advised that the reports would be received en masse at the end, and that all questions would be answered either in the meeting, or at PCC.
## **a)** A **nnual accounts and independent auditors report -** Andy invited Rick Moore to speak.
Rick shared a powerpoint showing that furlough protected the church income effectively in 2020. Giving is up slightly, which is something to be really grateful for. The big hit was hiring income which we need to watch in 2021. Costs were also slightly down as a result of the church being closed for large periods. In summary:
- Furlough scheme contributed £39k in 2020
- Loan holiday from the diocese (for Community Centre) reduced our cash outflow by £24k
- Hire income down £24k in 2020 vs 2019
- Regular DD giving slightly improved in 2020 vs 2019 (in spite of COVID!) but other giving (collections etc.) down £31k
- £29k raised for “finish what we started”
- Opening bank balance £97k / Closing bank balance £121k
It’s been a challenging year, but God has been really good to us. Rick invited people to ask him questions in the chat, or to contact him afterwards. Andy invited
everyone to pause and give thanks.
Andy invited everyone to consider the written reports, which are:
**b)** from the St John’s Annual report (including the PCC report, Electoral Role report) (page 8-10), and the vicar’s report (p10-11), through to the buildings and facilities management report and the Deanery Synod report (ending in p21)
**c)** organisational reports (pages 22-31). Andy offered his thanks to Wendy for compiling these and to everyone who had contributed, as it has really helped us to understand all that has gone on
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“under the surface” in this strange year.
## Andy asked if there were any questions or comments, none were received.
Andy proposed we receive all these reports and Viv seconded. All those in favour of receiving these reports, no objections, no abstentions.
## **7. Any Other Business**
1. Safeguarding Report-
## **Key actions since previous AVM**
- Nicky Sirett is the Parish Safeguarding Officer. The role includes advising on safeguarding matters reporting and taking advice on allegations made against any church officers and reviewing parish safeguarding arrangements.
- Clare Luxton has taken on the role of lead recruiter, which includes oversight of the safe recruitment of all those working with children and adults who are vulnerable. Celia Wells provides (greatly appreciated!) administrative support.
- The PCC has adopted an updated Safeguarding Policy
- The PCC has adopted a safeguarding statement, which commits St John’s to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practise guidance.
- The safeguarding compliance group has met twice
- Andy and Viv have renewed their clergy safeguarding training
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## **Next steps for 2021**
Ensure that, as face to face activities resume:
- Activity plans are in place for regular activities involving children and adults who are vulnerable
- All those working with children and adults who are vulnerable are appropriately trained (currently online training, and then face to face as this becomes available) and know what to do if they have a concern
- New volunteers are safely recruited, with all procedures followed and appropriate checks completed
**Priorities for 2021**
- Simplify volunteer paperwork to make it more accessible and meaningful
- Develop the safeguarding culture at St John’s, so it informs everything that we do to ensure that everyone is safe
Nicky invited people to complete online training which is currently available.
Andy thanked her for her work on safeguarding and urged people to speak to Nicky if they have any concerns at all.
2. Andy proposed that we bring down the number of those being elected each year to PCC from 5 to 4 for three reasons. Firstly, our electoral role has dipped below 300 so we only need have 4 elected each year; secondly, because we’ve struggled to fill five places each year, and thirdly, because having a slightly smaller PCC actually enables better discussion etc. Andy proposed, Martin Roscoe seconded, all in favour, one objection on principle, no abstentions.
3. Wendy responded to a question in the chat about Deanery Synod, listing those who serve in this way. They are Martin Roscoe, Mary Anthony, Hope Osayande, Alex Quayle and Dave Gentry. The meeting thanked them for representing St John’s on Deanery Synod. Andy offered
many thanks to all those who serve for all their hours.
## **8. Closing remarks from Andy.**
Firstly, I want to say thank you to the Wendy and the staff team for what you have done during this season. To the standing committee for your efforts in guiding SJC through these last six months. To every member of SJC who has served and prayed, in your communities, with services, in any way. Thank you for your servant-heartedness.
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Secondly, well done communities- there is such beauty in Christian community, for care for support for prayer and worship and for serving one another and the world… Let’s keep upon building these communities. If you’re in a community, please think about how you might thank your leader.
Thirdly, I want to tell us where we are…
We are ‘living in the liminal at present’… ‘liminal’ means a moment of transition. Andy shared a picture of two coloured ovals, which overlap. See below.
I’m not going to put dates on in this picture, other than to say… this liminal season will take months… covid hasn’t gone yet and we will need to live alongside this evil for a good period to come… And rebuilding will take time… on June 21[st] we can’t simply return to how it was, and nor will we necessarily be able to.
In these liminal moments we can feel anxious, we can admit this together and turn our
anxieties into prayers and petitions… _do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil 4:8)_
Two pictures I want us to meditate on with a reminder of who we are…
Firstly, the disciples in the boat in the storm… and the call on those disciples to trust in Jesus to guide and direct us into this new season which will be different.
The main item on the new PCC’s agenda in May will be to discuss what we want to leave behind that we were doing before Covid hit in terms of our gatherings and church life, and what do we want to carry into the new season?
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What is essential is that we continue to grow as disciples who make disciples and as
instruments of God’s kingdom on earth. We are about seeing God’s kingdom come in families, homes, offices, schools, streets, villages, our town and beyond. Following Jesus, loving people, transforming the world where ever we are.
The second picture I want to draw us to is from the Song of Songs, of the Bride and her longing to be with her bridegroom. The Song of Songs may be understood on three levels.
Most obviously, on a literal level, it’s a beautiful love poem between a bride and her
bridegroom. On a spiritual level it is a picture of God’s people and their love and longing for the MessiahChrist. On what’s called a Christian mystic level, it’s a picture of one’s own soul yearning for union with God himself!
So, as we live in the liminal, I want us to pray that the three relationships we know so well as SJC flourish…
Our relationship with God… (the UP). Listen to S of S 3v1-4…- in fact read it at home over these days…
## The Bride's Dream
## 3 On my bed by night
I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not.
2 I will rise now and go about the city, in the
streets and in the squares;
I will seek him whom my soul loves. I
sought him, but found him not.
3 The watchmen found me
as they went about in the city.
“Have you seen him whom my soul loves?”
- 4 Scarcely had I passed them
when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go
until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the
chamber of her who conceived me.
Please join me in praying for your own hunger for God to increase! What might you do to grow in your longing for God in May and beyond? Why not use the Thy Kingdom Come global prayer initiative between 13-23 May as a means of going deeper with God. As well as the opportunity to collect your own beautifully presented, and written free prayer journal from church, in due course, you’ll have the opportunity to come to our 12 hour - prayer room on Saturday 15 May, between 8am and 8pm, your need to book, with only six slots at a time, put it your diary. There is more information in the Weekly News email. Two hours
of those hours will be on zoom for those who can’t come in person.
Secondly, our relationship with each other - please now begin the process of reconnecting in person with your brothers and sisters in Christ, not just by phone or zoom. In your community, or in smaller groups. What steps will you take to begin to reconnect? (I heard that one community decided to have coffee in the gardens
8
of various homes after their Sunday gathering - brilliant! Covid-safe reconnecting!)
Come and join us on Saturday for our Church Grounds maintenance morning on 1 May at 9:30am-1pm. Please bring a thermos, a white recycling bag and your gloves and gear - let the office know you’re coming so we can get the donuts in. Begin to reconnect as you garden!
Thirdly, our relationships with the world around us. Let us ask God for opportunities to serve the needs of the world around us with practical shows of love and care in these coming months- What might you consider doing?
## **9. Prayer of blessing –** Viv closed the meeting in prayer.
Meeting ended at 8.38pm
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## AVM – April 27[th] 2022 Reports for year 2021
## - St. John's Church Annual Report for 2021
## **Introduction**
St John's PCC has the responsibility of co - operating with the Incumbent in promoting withinthe Parish the whole mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. It oversees and directs the mission and work of the Parish Church of St John's within the parishboundaries. Rev. Andy Sachs was appointed in September 2012 as Priest in Charge of the Parish of St John's. These reports, along with the Organisation Reports of the various ministrystreams of the church, illustrate how the PCC fulfils its obligations to benefit the public - mainly to the worshipping congregations and to the local communities, but also beyond.
## **PCC Membership**
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church meetingin accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year 2021 the following were members of the PCC:
## **Ex-Officio Members:**
Andy Sachs Chair Rick Moore Treasurer Viv Whitfield Clergy (Left PCC Sept 21) Wendy Tiffin PCC Secretary (Resigned Dec 21)
## **Elected Church Wardens for 1 Year:**
Nik Read Church Warden (April 21) Denise Johnson Church Warden (April 21)
## **Elected for 3 Years**
Dave Gentry Deanery/ Diocesan Synod Mary Anthony Deanery Synod
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Hope Osayande Deanery Synod
Alex Quayle Deanery Synod Martin Roscoe Deanery Synod Dave Sollis PCC (re-elected 28 April 2021) Barbara Lamb PCC (end of term 28 April 2021) Helen Wilson PCC (end of term 28 April 2021) Peter Birdseye PCC (re-elected 28 April 2021) Geoff Gilbert PCC Joanna Marshall PCC Tony Berry PCC Jane Cornell PCC Nicky Sirett PCC Jonathan Mulvey PCC Clare Luxton PCC (elected 28 April 2021) Carol Cockrill PCC (elected 28 April 2021) Peter Theodosius PCC (elected 28 April 2021) Claire Eley PCC (elected 28 April 2021) Paul Morgan PCC (elected 28 April 2021)
11
## **The PCC operates through several committees/groups which meet between the full meetings of the PCC** -
## **Standing Committee**
This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings. Since March 2020, on account of the Covid pandemic, the StandingCommittee has conducted the majority of the church business on behalf of the PCC.
## **Mission Partnerships Group**
This group was formed to serve this area on behalf of the PCC with the aim of overseeing andsupporting our Mission Partnerships, both individually and with organisations.
Below is a list of the Mission Partners and organisations that SJC gave to in 2021:
|Nortons|£5,400||
|---|---|---|
|Toths|£3,000||
|Hugh B.|£1,300||
|LauraSimcox|£400||
|MariaRead|£10,500||
|Oli George|£1,400|One-off payment to support Oli with|
||meeting the costs of the New Wine Leadership||
||Year||
Vicar’s Discretionary Fund - £1000
## **Community Centre Management Committee (CCMC)**
This PCC sub-committee ensures that the Community Centre is run with a missional business ethos, with the vision for: 'blessing the local community by providing a facility that encourages ahealthy lifestyle, promotes family life and provides educational opportunities', utilizing the facility as an instrument for seeing God's Kingdom come and generating income to support thechurch's missional work. From Lockdown in March 2020, much of the hiring was curtailed. During the pandemic lockdowns CCMC’s decision-making reverted to the Standing Committee. However, from autumn 2021 the hiring of the Community Centre has increased anew.
I
12
## **Electoral Roll**
2021 Roll Revision – 2 new Electoral Roll forms were filled in, of which 0 are resident of the Parish and 2 are non-resident. Being listed on the Electoral Roll of St. John's gives you a say in how your Church is run. In order to vote at the AVM,or to stand for election onto our PCC you must be on the Electoral Roll of the Church. If you missed out this year, or if you are unsure whether you are alreadyincluded, then please speak to our Electoral Roll Officer – Tony Berry, who will be able to ensure that you are entered on in time for next year’s roll.
## **Attendance**
The average weekly attendance at St John's counted during October 2021 was 165. There were an average of 82 views of the services put out each Sunday during October.
We conducted the following: - 6 Baptisms & Thanksgiving, 1 Marriage, 8Funerals in the Church or conducted elsewhere, e.g crematorium.
||_St. John's_
_Resident_|_Non_-
_Resident_||
|---|---|---|---|
|2020|103|200|303*|
|2021|99|175|274|
*Numbers accurate to time church building closed due to Covid-19 crisis.
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**Vicars Report - The Aims of St John's Church in 2021**
St John' s PCC is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Parish Church building, a Church Community Centre and the mission and ministry of St John's Church Family, located in and in relation to the estate of St John's in north Colchester. As a resourcing church SJC has the aim of impacting the lives of those beyond the parish too with the vision of 'Following Jesus, loving people and transforming the world'.
2021 has been a ‘liminal year’ of beginning to adapt to life within the restrictions that Covid wrought. Many of activities previously held in the Church’s buildings stopped or went online. However, from autumn 2021 many of our previously regular activities returned, such as Refresh, Messy Church and SJC’s Community Choir, serving those with children, through every age and stage, to the activities run by our Thursday Generation team. Additionally, the new monthly community ‘Families@4’ was planted.
At the April AVM I explained that living in the liminal meant beginning to rebuild, and whilst doing so, to turn our anxieties into prayers and petitions (Phil 4:8) as we trusted in Jesus to guide and direct us into this new and different season. I called the church to continue to grow as disciples making disciples, following Jesus, loving people, transforming the world, and to pray for a deepening of our relationships with God, with each other, and with the world around us.
On behalf of the PCC, I am grateful to all those who gave their time in this uncertain and liminal year to enable the mission and ministry of St John's Church to flourish. I am grateful to the church wardens, the Standing Committee, the PCC, the staff team, the community leaders, and those who have quietly served in so many ways throughout the year- I really appreciate all you’ve done. I want to thank all those who gave of their money so generously to the work of St John's Church in 2021- thank you for your incredible generosity.
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## **Financial review**
Covid-19 and the resultant lockdowns and restricted opening continued to have a significant financial impact on the year 2021. Income from collections fell to £4,163 (2020: £4,875, 2019: £19,613), and rentals from the community centre were reduced to £29,185 (2020: £34,118, 2019: £52,342). Running cost reductions partly compensated, boosted by income from the government job retention scheme £23,548 (2020: £39,040).
The annual accounts for 2021 record a total income of £306,420, compared to £408,630 in 2020. Tax recovered from Gift Aid and the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) was £35,253, (£42,922 in 2020). Tax recovery remains a substantial contribution to the total income. Total expenditure for the year was £312,263, compared to £369,311 in 2020. This included our parish share to the diocese of £115,001. On 31 December 2021, the principal balances were £125,983 in the general fund and £1,003,634 in the restricted fund. Overall, the accounts show a deficit of £(4,979) compared with a surplus of £39,708 in 2020.
Rev. Andy Sachs (Mar 2022)
Mr Nik Read (Mar 2022)
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## **Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of St John’s Church, Colchester**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of St John’s Church (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2021 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). You are satisfied that the accounts of the Charity are not required by charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
I report in respect of my examination of the accounts. I have carried out my examination under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
1. accounting records, with respect to the Charity, were not kept as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………………………………….
## **Name: Giles Kerkham FCA DChA**
**Larking Gowen LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Claydon Business Park Ipswich IP6 0NL**
**Date:**
16
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN'S, COLCHESTER**
## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2021**
||**Note**|**2021**|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|
|**FIXED ASSETS**||||
|Tangible assets|5(a)|1,073,397|1,099,460|
|Investments|5(b)|6,908|6,044|
|Total Fixed Assets||**1,080,305 1,105,504**|**1,080,305 1,105,504**|
|**CURRENT ASSETS**||||
|Debtors|7|6,061|6,936|
|Short term deposits||77,773|77,765|
|Cash at bank and in hand||69,071|59,448|
|||**152,905**|**144,149**|
|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING**||||
|**DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**|8|**(43,043)**|**(43,043)**
**(15,929)**|
|**NET CURRENT ASSETS**||109,862|128,220|
|**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**||1,190,167 1,233,724|1,190,167 1,233,724|
|**Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year**|9|**(60,551)**|**(60,551)**
**(99,128)**|
|**NET ASSETS**||**1,129,616 1,134,596**|**1,129,616 1,134,596**|
|**FUNDS**||||
|Unrestricted||125,983|120,810|
|Restricted|10|1,003,634|1,013,786|
|||**1,129,617 1,134,596**|**1,129,617 1,134,596**|
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 28 March 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Andy Sachs (Chairman)
Mr Nik Read (Church Warden)
The accompanying notes form part of these accounts.
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## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN'S, COLCHESTER**
**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the period ended 31st December 2021**
|**INCOME & ENDOWMENTS FROM:**
**Note**
Voluntary income (direct giving)
2(a)
Other voluntary income
2(b)
Charitable activities
2(c)
Other trading activities
2(d)
Investments
2(e)
**TOTAL INCOME & ENDOWMENTS**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Charitable activities:
Missionary and Charitable Giving
3(a)
Directly relating to the work of the church
3(b)
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET GAINS/LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS**
Exceptional items
**NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE**
**Transfers between funds:**
Loans repaid
10
Other
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:**
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT
1 JANUARY 2021 (2020)
**BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD**
**At 31st December 2021**|**Unrestricted Restricted**
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Funds**
**£**
**Funds**
**£**
**2021**
**£**
**2020**
**£**
218,285
150
218,435
245,302
23,548
31,860
55,408
124,294|
|---|---|
||241,833
32,010
273,843
369,596|
||32,394
0
32,394
38,797
0
0
0
0
8
175
183
237|
||**274,235**
**32,185**
**306,420**
**408,630**|
||14,166
3,235
17,401
34,810
261,223
33,639
294,862
334,501|
||**275,389**
**36,874**
**312,263**
**369,311**|
||0
864
864
389
0
0
0
0|
||0
864
864
389|
||**(1,154)**
**(3,825)**
**(4,979)**
**39,708**
2,827
(2,827)
0
0
3,500
(3,500)
0
0|
||**5,173**
**(10,152)**
**(4,979)**
**39,708**
**120,810**
**1,013,786**
**1,134,596**
**1,094,888**|
||**125,983**
**1,003,634**
**1,129,617**
**1,134,596**|
18
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** ST JOHN’S, COLCHESTER **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2020 2019 2021**
## **1. Accounting Policies**
The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standard FRS 102. The financial statements have been prep ared to give a ‘true and fair view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent
Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.
## _Gains and Losses on Investments_
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold.
Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
## **Resources Used**
_Grants_
involved following SORP 2015 (FRS 102) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.
## **Funds**
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
Restricted funds are those funds that must be spent on restricted purposes, and details of the funds held and restrictions are provided in note 9.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law, they do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
## **Incoming Resources**
_Voluntary Income and Capital Sources_
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.
Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.
Funds raised by fetes, garden parties and similar events are accounted for gross.
Sales of books and magazines from the Church Bookstall are accounted for gross.
## _Other Ordinary Income_
Rental income from the letting of Church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
## _Activities directly relating to the work of the Church_
The diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when payable. Any quota unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability, and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.
## **Fixed Assets**
_Consecrated Land and Buildings and Movable Church_
_Furnishings_
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the Chu rch’s Inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to (2000) there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January (2000) have been capitalized and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life (initially over 10 years) on a straight-line basis.
## _Other Fixtures, Fittings and Office Equipment_
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a reducing balance basis over 4 years, and buildings at 2% on a straight line basis per annum. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
## _Investments_
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Investment in subsidiary companies is stated at cost less provision for permanent diminution in value. Dividends are brought to income resources when received _Current Assets_
Amounts owing to the PCC on 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit, either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank
_Income from investments_
19
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN'S, COLCHESTER**
**Notes to the Financial Statements For the period ended 31st December 2021**
||**2 INCOMING RESOURCES**||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**TOTAL FUNDS**||
||||**2021**|**2020**|
||||**£**|**£**|
|2(a)|**Voluntary income (direct giving)**||||
||Planned giving:||||
||Gift Aid||132,201|145,864|
||Income tax recoverable on gift aid||32,516|35,210|
||Other giving||-|-|
||Collections||4,163|4,875|
||Sundry donations||49,555|59,353|
||||**218,435**|**245,302**|
||[2020: Restricted £151, Unrestricted £245,151, Total £245,302]||||
|2(b)|**Other voluntary income**||||
||Donations, appeals, etc.||29,123|72,542|
||Income tax recoverable||2,737|7,712|
||Government grants||23,548|44,040|
||Legacies||-|-|
||||**55,408**|**124,294**|
||Government grants relate to covid support through the job retention scheme.||||
||[2020: Restricted £80,254, Unrestricted £44,040, Total £124,294]||||
|2(c)|**Charitable activities**||||
||Church community centre income etc.||33,342|36,621|
||Events||-|-|
||Fees - other|-|948|2,176|
||||**32,394**|**38,797**|
||[2020: Restricted £0, Unrestricted £38,797, Total £38,797]||||
|2(d)|**Other trading activities**||||
||||**-**|**-**|
|2(e)|**Investments**||||
||Dividends and interest including||||
||any reclaimed tax||183|237|
||||**183**|**237**|
||[2020: Restricted £169, Unrestricted £68 Total £237]||||
|**TOTAL INCOME & ENDOWMENTS**|**TOTAL INCOME & ENDOWMENTS**||**306,420**|**408,630**|
||[2020: Restricted £80,574, Unrestricted £328,056, Total £408,630]||||
20
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN'S, COLCHESTER**
**Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the period ended 31st December 2021**
## **3 Resources used**
||**3 Resources used**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**TOTAL FUNDS**|**TOTAL FUNDS**|
|||||**2021**|**2020**|
|||||**£**|**£**|
|3(a)|Grants|||||
||Missionary and charitable giving:|||||
||Church overseas:|||||
||- Missionary societies and charitable giving|||0|0|
||- Gift for Romania land purchase|||0|0|
||Home missions and other Church Societies|||17,401|34,810|
|||||**17,401**|**34,810**|
||[2020: Restricted £19,905, Unrestricted £14,905, Total £34,810]|||||
|3(b)|Activities directly relating to the work of the Church|||||
||Ministry: diocesan quota|||115,001|114,903|
||clergy expenses|||1,418|3,232|
||Church - running expenses|||17,203|23,405|
||Independent Examination fees|||1,575|1,550|
||Church maintenance|||45,608|44,132|
||Training|||2,705|4,323|
||Expenditure on parish magazine and bookstall|||85|246|
||Building repairs & renewals|||0|0|
||Church community centre running costs|||16,326|18,104|
||Mortgage Interest|||2,576|2,774|
||Salaries|||92,365|121,832|
|||||**294,862**|**334,501**|
||[2020: Restricted £39,944, Unrestricted £294,557, Total £334,501]|||||
||**Total Resources Used**|||**312,263**|**369,311**|
||[2020: Restricted £59,849, Unrestricted £309,462, Total £369,311]|||||
|4|**Total Staff Costs**|||**2021**|**2020**|
||Wages and salaries|||86,337|116,845|
||Social security costs|||4,620|3,079|
||Pension costs|||1,408|1,908|
|||||**92,365**|**121,832**|
||Average number of paid staff|||7|9|
||During 2021 the PCC employed no staff earning over £60,000|||||
||Employee benefits were received by one key management personnel member.|Employee benefits were received by one key management personnel member.||||
||||**2021**|||
||Salaries paid to members of staff having connections with the PCC:|||||
||Mrs M Read (wife of PCC member)|£|10,250|||
||Ms C Luxton (PCC member)|£|25,627|||
No further payments or expenses were paid to any other PCC member, person connected with them or related party.
21
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN'S, COLCHESTER**
**Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the period ended 31st December 2021**
|5|**Fixed Assets for use by the PCC**|**Fixed Assets for use by the PCC**|**Land and**|**Computers**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**Buildings**|**& Equipment**||
||||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|5(a)|**Tangible fixed assets**|||||
||**Gross Book Value**at 1 January 2021||1,394,947|23,829|1,418,776|
|||Additions|0|0|0|
|||Disposals|0|0|0|
|||at 31 December 2021|1,394,947|23,829|1,418,776|
||**Depreciation**|at 1 January 2021|296,763|22,553|319,316|
|||Charge for year|25,744|319|26,063|
|||Disposals|0|0|0|
|||at 31 December 2021|322,507|22,872|345,379|
|||||||
||**Net Book Value**|at 31 December 2021|**1,072,440**|**957**|**1,073,397**|
|||||||
|||at 31 December 2020|**1,098,184**|**1,276**|**1,099,460**|
The freehold land and buildings comprises the church community centre and associated land. Freehold land costing £120,000 (2020: £120,000) is not depreciated.
Our current mortgage stands at £95,670 (2020: £108,301).
5
5(b)
## **Investments for use by the PCC**
|**Investments**|**Listed**||
|---|---|---|
|Cost|**Investments**|**Total**|
|At 1 January 2021|6,044|6,044|
|Additions|0|0|
|Revaluation|864|864|
|Disposals|0|0|
|At 31 December 2021|6,908|6,908|
Listed investments are 295 shares in the CBF's Investment Fund in trust - Dividends for the benefit of the CMF.
6
|**Analysis of net assets by fund**|**2021**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Total**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Fixed assets||0|1,073,397|0|1,073,397|
|Investments||0|6,908|0|6,908|
|Current Assets||6,061|0|0|6,061|
|Current Liabilities||(4,174)|(38,869)|(38,869)
0|(43,043)|
|Liabilities greater than 1 Year||0|(60,551)|(60,551)
0|(60,551)|
|Cash at bank||124,096|22,749|0|146,845|
|**Fund Balance at 31 December 2021**||**125,983**|**1,003,634**|**0**|**1,129,617**|
||**2020**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**||
|||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Total**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Fixed assets||0|1,099,460|0|1,099,460|
|Investments||0|6,044|0|6,044|
|Current Assets||6,936|0|0|6,936|
|Current Liabilities||(2,706)|(13,223)|(13,223)
0|(15,929)|
|Liabilities greater than 1 Year||0|(99,128)|(99,128)|(99,128)|
|Cash at bank||116,580|20,633||137,213|
|**Fund Balance at 31 December 2020**||**120,810**|**1,013,786**|**0**|**1,134,596**|
22
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN'S, COLCHESTER**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the period ended 31st December 2021**
|7
**Debtors**
Income tax recoverable
Other debtors
Prepayments & accrued income
8
**Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year**
Loans
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
9
**Liabilities: Amounts falling due more than one year**
Loans
10
**Restricted Fund Details**
**2020**
**Income**
**Expenses**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Land and Buildings Church community centre
1,098,184
0
(25,744)
Computers and Equipment
1,276
0
(319)
Investments
6,044
864
0
Antioch Fund
0
151
(151)
Other
11,236
4255
(6,104)
Church roof repairs
-
6500
0
Romania Mission & foodbank
5,347
3246
(1,980)
Loans
(108,301)
18034
(2,576)
**1,013,786**
**33,050**
**(36,874)**
**2019**
**£**
**Income**
**£**
**Expenses**
**£**
Land and Buildings Church community centre
1,123,928
0
(25,744)
Computers and Equipment
1,702
0
(426)
Investments
5,655
389
0
Antioch Fund
0
151
(151)
Other
8,242
24020
(16,594)
Romania Mission
3192
16675
(14,160)
Loans
(145,255)
39728
(2,774)
**997,464**
**80,963**
**(59,849)**|7
**Debtors**
Income tax recoverable
Other debtors
Prepayments & accrued income
8
**Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year**
Loans
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
9
**Liabilities: Amounts falling due more than one year**
Loans
10
**Restricted Fund Details**
**2020**
**Income**
**Expenses**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Land and Buildings Church community centre
1,098,184
0
(25,744)
Computers and Equipment
1,276
0
(319)
Investments
6,044
864
0
Antioch Fund
0
151
(151)
Other
11,236
4255
(6,104)
Church roof repairs
-
6500
0
Romania Mission & foodbank
5,347
3246
(1,980)
Loans
(108,301)
18034
(2,576)
**1,013,786**
**33,050**
**(36,874)**
**2019**
**£**
**Income**
**£**
**Expenses**
**£**
Land and Buildings Church community centre
1,123,928
0
(25,744)
Computers and Equipment
1,702
0
(426)
Investments
5,655
389
0
Antioch Fund
0
151
(151)
Other
8,242
24020
(16,594)
Romania Mission
3192
16675
(14,160)
Loans
(145,255)
39728
(2,774)
**997,464**
**80,963**
**(59,849)**||**2021**
**2020**
**£**
**£**
2,966
2,986
3,095
3,950
0
0|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**6,061**
**6,936**
(35,119)
(9,173)
(795)
(348)
(1,600)
(1,575)
(5,529)
(4,833)|
||||
**(43,043)**
**(15,929)**|
||||(60,551)
(99,128)|
||||
**(60,551)**
**(99,128)**|
||||**Transfers**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
0
1,072,440
0
957
0
6,908
0
0
(3,142)
6,245
0
6,500
(358)
6,255
(2,827)
(95,670)|
||**1,013,786**
**33,050**
**(36,874)**||**(6,327)**
**1,003,635**|
||**2019**
**£**
**Income**
**£**
**Expenses**
**£**
1,123,928
0
(25,744)
1,702
0
(426)
5,655
389
0
0
151
(151)
8,242
24020
(16,594)
3192
16675
(14,160)
(145,255)
39728
(2,774)||**Transfers**
**£**
**2020**
**£**
0
1,098,184
0
1,276
0
6,044
0
0
-4432
11,236
-292
5,415
0
(108,301)|
||**997,464**
**80,963**
**(59,849)**||**(4,724)**
**1,013,854**|
Transfers represent adjustments for subsidies from general funds, and timing between receipt and payment.
11 **Contingent Liabilities**
There is a potential contingent liability in respect of a grant given by Surestart of £272,996 for the Church community centre building project. The liability extends for 25 years from the initial receipt of the grant in 2011, during which period there is a requirement that the usage of the facilities is for the provision of registered childcare for 25 years.
12
## **Reserves policy**
A target reserve of £90,000 is set to finance both day to day cash flow fluctuations, and to provide a contingency available for unexpected costs, in particular building repairs. Unrestricted funds at the year end £125,983 (2020: £120,810) exceed this figure.
23
## **Annual Deanery Synod Report for 2021**
Lay representatives plus clergy from all the Colchester Anglican churches meet three times a year, to hear what’s going on in the Diocese and nationally, and to discuss and share ideas about how we can work together more effectively across Colchester.
## _**3[rd ] March 2021 – Online (via Zoom)**_
Due to the restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic the Synod meeting was conducted online via Zoom
- Emma Buchan, the project Director from Thy kingdom Come, gave an excellent talk. She started off by telling us all about her childhood in Copford and about growing up as a member of Marks Tey Church. In particular she told us about the children’s ministry work. She then continued to tell us about her working career, firstly as an oil trader and then working at ‘Thy Kingdom Come’. This was followed by a Q&A session.
- Mary Durlacher gave a report regarding General Synod which took place in February 2021. She explained that three presentations had been made on General Strategy, Safeguarding, and Housing all followed by Q&A sessions.
## _**23[rd] June 2021 – Online (via Zoom)**_
- Revd Beverley Vincent, the Area Advocate for Living In Love and Faith gave a talk. Beverley began by giving a bit of background information about Living in Love and Faith (LLF). In February 2017 general synod debated the report ‘Marriage and Same Sex Relationships. General Synod did not take note of that report but a few weeks later both the Archbishops of Canterbury and York called for the Church of England to have some serious discussion on this topic. Beverley then went on to give an excellent talk and presentation (please see the copy of her slides from the evening, sent out with these minutes). Beverley’s talk was followed by discussions using the breakout rooms function of Zoom and then a Q&A session.
- Adrian Jones (Highwoods and St. Luke’s) was elected to serve on the Deanery Standing and Pastoral Committee.
- The Area Dean, Revd Canon Paul Norrington gave an update on deployment news and also an update on our Deanery Vision Plan.
- _**13[th] October 2021 –**_ in-person meeting at Christ Church, Ireton Road, Colchester
- Revd. James Gilder, Diocesan Environment Officer gave a talk He explained that . General Synod is committed for the Church of England to become carbon neutral by 2030. He explained that this aim has been endorsed by the Diocese of Chelmsford.
- Testimonies from churches were shared: St John’s (bronze eco award), St Leonard’s Lexden (Doctor Bike, sewing repair course, sessions in eco issues for Junior church), Christ church (gardening, bird boxes, plants exchange), St Stephen’s (Green Christian day conference, local Green Christian group and link with Brazil), St Andrew’s Marks Tey (insulation, new boilers, LED).
- Congratulations were extended to all who were elected to general Synod:
- Mary Durlacher
- Revd Andy Sachs
- Revd Sara Batts-Neale
24
`o` Revd Mark Wallace
Martin Roscoe Deanery Synod Secretary
## **Hirer’s Report**
With ongoing restrictions and lockdowns at the start of 2021, we only had the on-site nursery hiring for the first few months.
Thankfully from April we started to see many of our regular hirers returning. Then shortly after we were able to also start welcoming back many of the Church groups too, including lunch and friendship club, refresh, knitting & natter and community choir. It has been wonderful to have busy buildings again!
Below is a list of the paying hirers at the end of 2021:
Oaklea Montessori (Mon-Fri) Fit Steps (weekly) Slimming World (weekly) Robot Reg (weekly) Colchester Salsa (weekly) i-sign (twice weekly) Foster Parent support group (monthly) Rainbows, Brownies and Guides (weekly) Magdalen Wood WI (monthly) St John’s & Highwoods Ladies Group (monthly) Colchester Woodturners (monthly) Tiny Talk (weekly) Baby Ballet (weekly) Happy Healthy Hub (weekly) Colchester Slings (monthly) Course in Christian studies (weekly) Flower arranging (monthly)
## **Buildings report 2021**
The lack of a Caretaker has resulted in both buildings requiring remedial work to be carried out and regular volunteer days have helped to achieve a number of the larger tasks.
In The Community Centre, lines were marked out on the floor with masking tape which has taken a great deal of effort to remove. Many light bulbs have been replaced and contractors have been contacted to fix the entrance doors from both car parks as they are badly damaged and do not work as intended. The children’s toilets (Oaklea) have suffered blocked drains and sinks and the cubicles are damaged with a door and retaining panel removed. Both halls need decoration and wall protection to be put in place for corners and walls. The ladies toilets had a badly leaking cistern that has caused damage to three walls
25
and the men’s urinals was leaking also. In the kitchen the dishwasher was blocked, the extractor and air intake weren’t working and the bug zapper had bulbs out. All these have been remedied with the help of SJ and Jonathan. The office has been largely cleared with some more to be done. We have spoken with Oaklea and our relationship with them is very positive. The scaffold tower was erected in the large hall when cleaning was conducted to around 40% of the ceiling, lights and shelves. The remainder of the large hall and the small hall still require cleaning. Externally, the gutters are leaking and some downpipes were blocked. This will require ongoing maintenance work once a solution to the caretaker issues have been resolved. The paving to the front (Ipswich Rd) has been cleaned, borders cut back and beds tended. The laurel between the centre and the neighbour has been thinned but remains high (mutually agreed). The collapsing fence at the front has been taken down and will be disposed of. One of the bollards was struck by a vehicle whose driver lost control and needed to be dismantled. A new one is in place, but is a different colour and emits very different light, so a contractor has been asked to quote for replacing the other three so they match (the area leading to the Community Centre from the main car park).
In the church, we are preparing for the quinquennial works and contractors have been contacted and providing quotes. The flooring under the radiator in the Link Room has been replaced by Gary and the vinyl now needs replacing or repairing. The boilers in the church have been serviced and swapped over (we have two). The timing for heating and water have been amended, reducing boiler time by around 60%.
Our BT contract is now up and we are intending to install much faster broadband. The present provision is woefully insufficient, even for a small office meaning we need a second, 4G router for Sunday morning broadcasts. Improving our broadband in church and the Community Centre means we are the right tech infrastructure for the coming years.
The council provided an excellent hedge cutting team between Christmas and New Year who thinned and cut down the graveyard hedge. One of the signs in the churchyard has collapsed (corner of St John’s Close and Ipswich Rd entrance) and will be removed. The fence between us and the NHS building has collapsed – we are asking for them to pay for the repairs, as we have replaced the fence on all other sides.
The volunteers that come once a month do an amazing job, however we need younger and stronger people to tackle some of the larger jobs. If we can mobilise a larger, younger workforce, we can save thousands on expensive contractors.
## Ewan Darby – Church Manager
26
## **Communities**
## **International Community**
Our saddest news is that Caroline White, who led this Cluster with her husband, Michael, went to glory in July 2020. Michael has since stepped down as Cluster leader to focus on his work with Friends International based at the University of Essex. Several of our Cluster members are involved with Friends International, so we tend to count our involvement as part of our outreach. Sally Anderson-Wai and Martin Roscoe are now the Cluster leaders. Before the first lockdown, both groups within the Cluster were meeting in members’ homes. As lockdown started, the Tuesday morning group started having meetings online on Zoom. This has worked well and usually now involves a prayer to open, prayer requests written into a book, worship from St John’s Church’s services recorded on YouTube, a bible study and a testimonial, and closes with a prayer. Each member is encouraged to take a turn at leading the study and giving their testimonial to encourage them to grow.
Number have grown as four people from other groups have joined us on Zoom. Also one of our student friends, who became a Christian while at Essex University, now joins our Zoom meetings, which is very encouraging to all concerned.
In the summer we had a social gathering at a social distance in one of our members gardens and we’ve also held a couple of online quiz nights. Members of both groups attended the church services when we were able to do so. Also, a friend of Sally’s, who had attended a couple of quizzes, has made a commitment to the Lord and is watching the live streamed church services.
Michael’s Tuesday evening group met regularly in gardens last year but has not met since December since several members did not like zoom. Michael joins in Sally and Martin’s Tuesday morning group when he can, as he has several Friends International zoom meetings every week. He intends to suggest to members of his group that can manage Zoom that they join another group, until the lockdowns have ended.
Martin Roscoe
## **Thursday Generation**
2021 was another strange year but the Thursday Generation stayed bright and positive!
When we could we had Sunday services in church with restricted numbers allowed, and every service was well attended, with a waiting list. People came along with masks, using hand sanitiser, socially distanced and were delighted to be there. For many members services online were not an option, so they came to church whenever possible. In August we had a Thanksgiving Service, which was full, followed by refreshments which everyone enjoyed. Being in church has always been part of their lives.
Some of our Discipleship Groups met over Zoom but they were very pleased to meet in person again in September. Each week during the year a 'blog' entitled “My Sunday Ramble” went out to those with computers, a light hearted letter, keeping in touch with people so they didn't feel forgotten, and a Newsletter went out every three months, paper copies to
27
those without computers, and a paper copy of the weekly Church Newsletter was delivered. There was a regular 'puzzle swap' which kept everyone occupied, the phone lines were constantly busy as people kept in touch with each other – pastoral care over the telephone! In all that time there was hardly a moan or a groan.
Needless to say, all were delighted when 'normal service' was resumed in September and there was something in the church each Thursday. We started each month with a new style First Thursday Service which is now open to anyone who might be free that morning,
followed in subsequent weeks by Evergreen Lunch Club, Discipleship Group (which has grown) and Thursday Friendship Club. We are pleased to say numbers are back at least to normal for all of these. All are now appreciating what they'd been missing - community and church fellowship.
Graham Hadfield and Diane Foster
## **Open House Hospitality**
The ‘Open House Hospitality’ community, currently consists of one group: GULP. The group meets for a simple relaxed sharing meal, once a month, in different homes and we engage in a discussion at the table around a pre-determined question/topic. We finish the evening with Compline.
In the last 12 months, we have seen the transition of members both out of and into the OHH community as people have taken time, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to reflect upon where they feel God is calling them to be. Some who lived outside of the parish have chosen to worship at their local churches. We see this as natural and healthy, understanding that people are in different seasons, life stages within their own spiritual journey.
Since Autumn 2021, we have begun to resume our shared meals around the table, when we can, and to reconnect with one another face-to-face. We have used Community Sunday to do a prayer walk and to deliver SJC Christmas newsletters. Our planned Christmas ‘invite a friend/neighbour for mulled wine and mince pie event’ was cancelled due to Covid-19. There is always next year!
We are looking forward to seeing what opportunities 2022 brings in connecting us with God, supporting one another in friendship & fellowship and reaching out to those around us.
Peter & Catherine Theodosius
## **Lighthouse**
Group members: Rachael and Steve Hurst, Ali Carter, Cat Carter, Carly West, Kim Sharman, Sally Pearce, Mel Phipps, Laura Phipps and Helen Robinson.
During the last twelve months, Lighthouse DG has continued to meet weekly on Thursday evenings using Zoom. This has worked well for the members of the group, especially those who have very busy workloads. We also meet about once every six weeks usually on a Saturday morning for breakfast and praying together.
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Over the last twelve months we have studied: The book of Ezekiel, Singing in Babylon, The Book of Ruth and Revelation. Towards the end of the year we started reading and studying ‘Unleashed’ by Gavin and Anne Calver based on the book of Acts.
A number of members have been happy to lead our weekly studies, which is a great blessing and gives opportunities for those who are gifted in leadership to grow in confidence.
We have organised three evening socials, Fish n Chip supper in June, Pizzas on the Beach in July and a Christmas Meal at a local restaurant.
Lighthouse has found organising events for Community Sundays quite difficult. We did have a picnic in Highwoods Country Park, but only three people attended. We felt it was better to leave Community Sundays until the weather improves and restrictions are less binding. Our hope is to begin organising events in the Spring 2022.
Unfortunately, Church at the Boot (organised by the Dedham and Ardleigh churches) is no longer running, due to too few volunteers. There were a couple of Lighthouse members who were involved and felt very sad that it had ceased. We can only pray that the Lord will call others to serve and the Church at the Boot will be part of the Sunday boot scene again.
2021 was not quite as strange as the previous year; we were all getting better at living with Covid and the seemingly ever changing rules and restrictions. We are very thankful that our wonderful saviour has continued to protect us. He has answered many of our prayers and we look to him to fill us afresh with his life giving Holy Spirit as Lighthouse DG journeys through 2022.
**Nehemiah 8:10** ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’
Helen Robinson
## **Eco Church**
St John’s having registered as an Eco Church with A Rocha in 2020, in September 2021 we were very pleased to achieve our bronze award. We are now working towards our silver award and, that being significantly more challenging, it is starting to impact more areas of our life together. The areas of church life that are involved are Worship & Teaching, Buildings, Land, Community & Global Engagement and Lifestyle.
There have been a number of opportunities this year to reflect on our responsibility as Christians to both care for creation in general, but also to stand against the injustice that is climate change. In October 2021, in the lead up to COP26, we held a Climate Sunday with a special interactive prayer space in the chapel. Children from St John’s Primary also visited the prayer space during the week. During Lent the Eco Hub ran a Care for Creation Lent Course and the materials are now available for other communities to borrow.
Progress with the buildings is currently under discussion. With regards to the land, in spring 2021, the children scattered wildflower seeds around the Community Centre car park, and they learnt about the importance of thinking about wildlife and insects in how we manage our gardens. We now have a draft management plan looking at how we can make the St John’s land more environmentally friendly.
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Community engagement has been limited because of covid but we have activities planned for 2022. We have adopted the Faith & Farming project in Nigeria as our Overseas project and Katharine Norton and her colleague, Malgwi Yunana, spoke to us via zoom to tell us more about the project.
With regards to lifestyle, alongside encouragement in services to address our lifestyles, information sheets have been made available to help us all make decisions about changes we can make.
The Eco Hub, as a community, is slowly growing and continues to meet monthly to plan and pray and in between meets either for Bible Study or an Eco Awareness evening. Anyone is welcome to join in with our activities as little or as much as they wish. We also have a FB group St John’s Colchester Eco Group and a FB page St John’s Colchester, Eco Church that, again, anyone is welcome to join/follow.
Pauline Scott
## **Families**
The Families community continued to struggle with the after effects of Covid. The community now has 2 small groups, one which meets weekly on zoom (but is hoping to meet back in person soon) and one which meets fortnightly (and since September 2021 has met in person). Each group has between 5-10 members. Since September 2021, we have got together monthly, as a community, on Community Sundays. We have done various activities, including litter picking walks, sports mornings and lunches. Each time we meet for community Sunday we have a little time of prayer and discussion with the children, focusing on a relevant verse.
Rick and Becky Moore
## **Connect**
Over the last 6 months Connect group has grown significantly so that we now have about 15 members who attend regularly - some of them are new Christians - and so it's been a very exciting season! We meet weekly and are currently running through the Prayer Course which has been going down really well. Since much of the group is fairly new to each other and St John's, our community Sundays have focused primarily on social time, including a trip to Putt in the Park.
Chris and Emma Mortemore
## **Uplifted**
Uplifted (formerly known as Generation X) meets fortnightly back in person on a Tuesday evening, after meeting on zoom during COVID restrictions. The group is for working women and has taken a new direction as a creative outlet and time to unwind and be uplifted. We are currently using some audio resources from the mind and soul foundation
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and listen to a podcast together while knitting, crocheting, stitching or doodling! We chat about any issues arising and pray for one another. The group lost a few members during and since COVID for a variety of reasons but we are building again and have welcomed and invited some new women to join us. Community Sunday’s have been very outward focused - we have served in the school grounds, had a bake off session, created Christmas rag wreaths and helped out in the community centre clean! We encourage each other to invite our friends to these events and see them as missions opportunities.
Vanessa Sachs
## **Oasis**
Throughout the year we tried to keep in touch with everyone but, as with others, this was challenging due to lockdowns and self-isolating. However, Zoom or Google Meet were used by many although not everybody was able to access these meetings within their groups due to some technical issues.
During the year Rev. Viv Whitfield led two Oasis Holy Communion services over Zoom. These were attended by several people in Oasis who also contributed with readings and prayers.
What’s App has also been very helpful for many people to maintain a link and connection with each other along with telephone calls. In addition, when the weather started to improve some people in Oasis ventured outside to meet people in their gardens.
We have one small group which has continued to meet regularly throughout the year, via Zoom or in person, and even sat well wrapped up in a cold garden on one occasion! When warmer, they met in the back gardens and homes of their members when restrictions allowed. They have followed different Bible study guides each term and currently look forward to having regular face to face meetings in 2022.
There were also opportunities for the whole community to meet together at Nicky’s house in August at a garden gathering with refreshments, which became indoors, due to the inclement weather but was still an enjoyable occasion.
In September on “Community Sunday” we enjoyed a short walk in Highwoods Country Park which ended with coffee. In October the peak of the petrol shortage prevented another Community walk at Frinton. We hope to have other opportunities in the new year when the whole community can meet together.
At the end of 2021 Viv Whitfield stepped down as Co leader and Mary Anthony took her place with Nicky Sirett.
Mary Anthony and Nicky Sirett
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## **Spectrum**
At the moment there is only one group in our community which meets weekly on a Wednesday (apart from school holidays) and our attendance varies from 4 to 11. We are looking to “multiply” when things stabilise. 2021 has, as for everyone, been a strange year but we kept in touch with What’s App on an almost daily basis as well as weekly, either face-to-face or by zoom (sometimes both). Our meetings comprise catch-up, worship, Bible study and prayer. We started the year with Jonah and discovered a new depth to it. Pretty much the same is happening with James (which we will finish before Lent). Exciting times!! After Easter we used a booklet of 6 studies entitled “Beholding God’s Majesty”. In the Autumn, as a group, we attended, physically or remotely, the “Living in Love and Faith Course” at the Church. In addition we have had a Communion service led by Rev Graham and Zoom meetings with our Mission Partners, Russell and Katharine (and Lowenna) Norton and Hugh Battye and we had the privilege of having Shirley Sinclair joining us on zoom for about 6 months whilst her local church was not meeting on Sundays or on line. She’s a member of our What’s App group too. We ensure we have a termly social event, covid permitting, as we do enjoy each others company.
As well as covid many of us have had troubles and difficulties over the past year but we have been very encouraged by our prayer times together because God has amazingly transformed situations as well as using us individually as we reach out with Jesus’ love to our families, friends and neighbours. The testimonies we share ensure that we want to “keep on keeping on”!! Regular outreach as a group doesn’t really work for us for a variety of reasons, one being that we all have different responsibilities serving in the Church. We also took on the Prayer Hub during the lockdowns (to pray for those needing prayer but not in Disciple groups etc.) and that’s still continuing. We have a good response from our members to serving between the morning services on the refreshment rota.
In the Autumn we were pleased to welcome to 2 new members who fit in well and say they feel comfortable with us.
Tony and Liz Berry
## **Blokes**
Over the past 12 months, the Blokes community has continued to meet regularly. We have been meeting at local pubs in the area and have seen growth with several new people joining. As part of the community Sundays we have been involved in the community centre repair works and have had curry nights and meals out. The community has been a great opportunity to support one another during the busyness of family and work life, and a place where friends can be invited to be part of the community. This coming year, we are planning canoe trips, windsurfing, and going to a couple of Christian men's conferences.
Jonathan Mulvey
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## **Ministries**
## **Romania**
So after over two years of being unable to travel to Reghin, we are hoping that two trips in September and October 2022 will see a substantial group from SJC return to continue the much needed work. It’s amazing to be able to report that the New Life Children’s Home is (as I write this) about to open, the farm project is going from strength to strength and the education programme is continuing unabated, all of which is a tremendous testimony to Attila, Adel and their team on the ground.
The needs of the Romany gypsy community continue to be extreme however, as COVID hit them hard, with fairly high death rates having occurred amongst the people. Coupling this with a vaccination rate of almost zero has meant that there is a high level of vulnerability in these communities.
The “Honey for Hope” project has been very successful this past year and the recently launched “£1 a week” scheme is starting to achieve some traction amongst the SJC congregation. We do ask for your support in this scheme, as it’s a very tangible (and incredibly cheap) away of very practically helping a group of people who remain marginalised and largely excluded from normal life where they live. Eileen Read is our amazing “Queen Bee” and will happily speak to you, should you like more details.
The “500 Smiles” Christmas Shoeboxes project was another success in 2021, with 618 boxes being sent to Attila for distribution. We fully intend to continue this project in 2022 and hopefully this year we will be able to assist in the distribution of the boxes themselves.
However, our main focus remains the building trips, as this is where we can have the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time. If this is something that you would be interested in learning more about, then please speak to me and I will happily give you more details. The trips are open to anyone, young or small, male or female, DIY expert or DIY novice! If you have a heart for this project, then we can use you, as there is much to do. If you feel you wouldn’t be of any use then please remember that “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called”…
Thank you for your continued support of this project.
Nik Read
## **Messy Church**
As with so many things 2021 was a quiet year for Messy Church. By nature, it is not very COVID secure! However - we managed to stay in touch with some of our families in the first part of the year through Messy Church Zoom in February and at Easter. It was lovely to be able to be back in person with a few adaptations in October and December and we were thrilled to welcome back lots of familiar faces and some new ones. Our numbers are almost back to pre-covid levels, and it is so exciting that 90% of those that come do not attend church regularly. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to share Jesus with
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them. Not all our helpers have been able to return to messy church which can present a challenge at times but we are very grateful for a small core team and a faithful catering team.
Moving into 2022 we are looking to try and build a sense of community amongst our families, to take them on steps towards a relationship with Jesus and to rebuild the team of helpers.
Helen Morgan
## **Soup Run**
Due to the covid pandemic the Soup Run was stopped in March 2020 and it continued to be out of action for the whole of 2021. During this time, other support services such as Beacon House and Open Door were still able to help the homeless community.
As of February 2022 a Saturday evening Soup Run will begin from the Salvation Army car park in Colchester town. This is because Saturday evenings have been highlighted as the one time in the week when there is currently no provision for the homeless community and they have requested the Soup Run service be provided for them. Various churches in the local area will be on a new rota to provide this.
A team from St Johns are on this rota and will be doing the Soup Run once every two months beginning in March.
Peter & Julia Hassard
## **New Wine Discipleship Year / Greenstead with St. Anne’s - Parish Outreach Worker**
The last two terms of the New Wine Discipleship Year saw the students learning via Zoom and in-person which, required much flexibility and resilience on their part, at what was a challenging time for us all. They adapted well and during lockdowns, managed to take part in their church placements remotely which, at times required quite some creativity! They all completed the year having learnt a lot about themselves and deepening their relationship with God. All the students have gone onto either full-time education at university, continued to develop their volunteering role at their placement church or gone on to the Leadership Year, which is a continuation of the Discipleship Year, held at the Belfrey church in York, where the students continue their theology teaching, whilst practically serving on placement.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the church family for their prayers, warm welcome, encouragements, amazing hospitality and coming alongside the students whilst they were with us. May God bless them as they continue their journey with Him.
The first term, in my role as a Mission Partner, serving in Greenstead with St. Anne’s, has been one of much learning and being open to hear where God is leading. After listening to the needs of the parents at the Breakfast Club, St. Andrew’s Stay & Play started and is a
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thriving group at the heart of Greenstead, running from Unity Primary School in term time. Making links and connections within the community has been an important part of the role, and working in partnership with the organisations and groups which already exist, further supports the people of the area and demonstrates the church being hands on.
Working as part of our MMP is a fantastic opportunity to work collaboratively in supporting and serving our neighbour, where the needs of the community differ to those of St. John’s.
I am thankful for all the doors that God is opening which, enable us to work in this way and feel excited to see this ministry develop and grow in the future.
Maria Read
## **Pastoral Care**
It was another challenging year for everyone as a consequence of the Pandemic and in addition to the restrictions and social isolation. This has impacted in many ways with anxiety, loneliness, illness, bereavement and other difficult circumstances.
There are many people in our Church family who have shown pastoral care by coming alongside those who have needed a listening ear, friendship and comfort or practical help. So, thank you to those who have provided prayers and friendship through telephone calls, pastoral cards or WhatsApp messages etc with hope and encouragement. These gestures of kindness and prayers have been appreciated. However, we must not forget those who we have not seen for a while or have chosen to stand back from meeting others again.
When appropriate, we have also offered resources to people that provide specific information and support for different circumstances. This has included material for children and young people struggling with worry and anxiety, support with illness, Living with Dementia and coping with bereavement, to name just a few. A large selection of additional resources is available for reference or to keep. They cover many life stages and situations.
There have also been many personal responses to circumstances which of course remain confidential.
Please pray that we all make connections with people and listen to God’s promptings for those around us who may need some pastoral care. If you would like information about Pastoral Training then please speak to me about it.
Mary Anthony. Pastoral Assistant and Pastoral Care Coordinator
## **Residential Care Homes in the Parish**
Maintaining contact with staff and residents has been very difficult due to the Covid restrictions in place at all Care homes. However, despite some staff changes and communication issues we have tried to keep in touch and send messages of encouragement with our prayers via email and with messages through other ways.
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During 2021 we sent personally addressed Easter cards and Christmas cards to each resident at St. Fillans, Milton Lodge and Welshwood Manor. They also had CD’s with hymns and words made available for staff to use with them.
In addition, at Easter, October and December we produced and recorded a special service for them at St. John’s Church with hymns, Bible readings, prayers and a short talk to maintain a visual connection with residents. This was copied on to a memory stick for using on a television or small lap top for those confined to their rooms. I am very grateful for the support of Ruth, and representatives of those who previously visited each month, who took part in these recordings.
During the year I had positive response from some staff and relatives of residents which was encouraging. The most recent Christmas recording was also given to another Care home in the area which requested a copy and to other people in Care homes who have links to St. John’s Church.
Please pray that during the next year we can build on our relationships with staff and residents at our Care homes and resume regular visits so we can share the love of Jesus with them again in person.
Mary Anthony. Pastoral Care Coordinator
## **SJC Community Choir**
We spent the first half of the year with just a small group continuing to meet on Zoom, doing a bit of singing together but also a lot of chatting and generally staying in touch together! There was a glimmer of hope in the summer when a few of us met to sing in real life outside in the Church car park – there were only a few drops of rain!
Then in the autumn – we were able to meet in person, inside the church again! It was amazing on the first evening as I stood at the door welcoming back choir members that I hadn’t heard from for the last 18 months – but had been reading our choir emails and waiting for the moment to return!
It has been joyous to be back together again and singing – nearly every week we welcome back people who are returning for the first time, and we have had some completely new members too. We have struggled with singing with masks on and off – but every week it feels a little more as though we are returning to normal, with the buzz of real life!
In December the choir was able to go and support carol singing at Greenstead, and also carol singing on a muddy roundabout at Avellana Place! We finished the year with singing in the two carol services – once again it was fantastic to be able to perform together again, and we particularly loved singing ‘The Face of God’. Thank you choir!! We look forward to hopefully performing again in the summer to raise funds for Romania – look out for the date!
Ruth Ellam
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## **Tuesday 8am Prayer Group**
We meet at 8am for 40 minutes over Zoom. We consider Zoom a blessing as those of us unable to come to church can join in. The meeting has become a time of fellowship as well as a time of shared prayer. We are so aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit in our time together which overflows into our individual prayer times during the week.
We take turns to suggest a prayerfully chosen Bible reading with which we begin. Often this speaks to us in new ways and directs our prayers. We do not come with a prepared intercession list but we are led to pray for ourselves, sometimes with a prophetic word for one another, for SJC, for our community and for particular places and events in the world. There have also been times of spontaneous praise for our wonderful God.
We had no breaks in summer or at Christmas as we are so blessed by praying together! Do join us!
Helen Charsley and Barbara Lamb
## **Refresh**
It has been a particularly challenging time for those with new babies and young children and so it is great to be able to offer Refresh again, which restarted in the beginning of November. Lots of the parents and carers who previously attended have returned to work or the children are now too old, so we are gradually rebuilding. However, there are some of the same families returning with their next child and grandchild and it has been fantastic to reconnect with them. We are also meeting new families and they are inviting their friends and so it has been great to get to know them. The aims of Refresh are to provide a moment during the week where parents and carers can be looked after and supported by our team, meet other parents and grandparents in similar situations and for their children to enjoy all our toys. Each Tuesday morning there is a great atmosphere in the building, and we are enjoying the smaller numbers as they allow for more conversation. I continue to be incredibly grateful for the small team of volunteers that make this important ministry possible.
## **Families at 4**
This is a new monthly Sunday afternoon event that started in October 2021 and is particularly aimed at families we have met at Refresh but also other families with pre-school children. Each event is a combination of free play, sensory activities, making craft to take home, a Bible story, singing and then a sandwich tea to finish. It is noisy, chaotic, and messy but lots of fun! We have been encouraged by the families we have met at Refresh (many before the pandemic) who have come to Families at 4 and I am grateful to the team involved that we have been able to offer this ‘next-step’ to those families and to build on the relationships we have made at Refresh. Our hope is that Families at 4 will also be a bridge to Messy Church, our families community and the wider St John’s community.
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## **Sunday Children’s and Youth Ministry**
During the pandemic children and young people met in a variety of groups to complement the service patterns we followed and to allow us to be COVID safe. Since September the Sunday children’s and younger youth (Year 6-9) groups have restarted alongside the 11/10.30am service on the 1[st] , 3[rd] and 5[th] Sundays of the month. Numbers are lower than pre-pandemic but we have welcomed new families as well as those returning when they feel it is safe to do so. This is an area of ministry that needs new team members as that would allow us to keep the groups small so that team can really get to know the children attending and support them in their faith formation and general development. It is inspirational to spend time with the children and youth as they explore the Bible, faith and who God is for themselves.
The older youth (Year 9 plus) are now being encouraged to attend the evening service, with many of them serving in the church at other times, and we meet for an additional hour of games, food and chat afterwards. Two of the young people are currently participating in the Diocese-led ‘Growing Young Leaders’ programme.
Clare Luxton
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