## CHRIST Church **Epsom Common Annual Report 2021-2022**
Prepared for distribution in advance of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting **24[th] April 2022**
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Christ Church Epsom Common Annual Report 2021 - 2022
## **CONTENTS**
Christ Church Epsom Common Annual Report 2021-2022, approved by the PCC, April 4 2022, and signed by Revd Rosemary Donovan (PCC Chair) .................................................................................... 3 A Message from Revd Rosemary Donovan ........................................................................................ 4 Worship ............................................................................................................................................. 4 Discipleship ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Church Development ......................................................................................................................... 7 Outreach ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Pastoral Care ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Missions ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Social Events ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Children & Young People ................................................................................................................... 9 Environment Group ......................................................................................................................... 10 Safeguarding .................................................................................................................................... 10 Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 10 DBS Checks ................................................................................................................................... 10 Training ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Concerns ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Church Governance ......................................................................................................................... 11 The Parochial Church Council (PCC) ............................................................................................. 11 PCC membership during 2021-2022 ............................................................................................ 11 Ex-officio PCC members ........................................................................................................... 11 Elected PCC members .............................................................................................................. 11 Review of PCC business ............................................................................................................... 12 Church Wardens’ Report on the Fabric of the Church and its other Properties 2021 – 2022 ..... 13 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 13 The Church ............................................................................................................................... 13 The Hall .................................................................................................................................... 15 The Grounds ............................................................................................................................. 15 278 The Greenway (The Curate House) ................................................................................... 15 Report on the Goods and Ornaments 2020-2021 .................................................................... 16 Deanery Synod Report ..................................................................................................................... 16 Finance Report ................................................................................................................................. 16 Summary: ..................................................................................................................................... 16
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Donations and Planned Giving Income ........................................................................................ 16 Expenditure .................................................................................................................................. 17 Missions ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Funds ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) ...................................................................................... 18 Christ Church Epsom Common - 1127945 Statement of Financial Activities for the period from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 ................................................................................... 18 Christ Church Epsom Common - 1127945 Balance Sheet 31st December 2021 ......................... 19 Accounting policies .................................................................................................................. 19 Funds ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Incoming Resources ................................................................................................................. 20 Resources expended ................................................................................................................ 20 Investments ............................................................................................................................. 20 Fixed Assets .............................................................................................................................. 20 Payments to Trustees .............................................................................................................. 20 Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common ...................... 21 Responsibilities and basis of report ......................................................................................... 21 Independent examiner's statement ......................................................................................... 21 Minutes of the Vestry Meeting & The Annual Parochial Church Meeting held in Christ Church at 10 am on Sunday 25[th] April 2021 .............................................................................................................. 22 Vestry Meeting ....................................................................................................................... 22 Annual Parochial Church Meeting ....................................................................................... 22
**Christ Church Epsom Common Annual Report 2021-2022, approved by the PCC, April 4 2022, and signed by Revd Rosemary Donovan (PCC Chair).**
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## **A Message from Revd Rosemary Donovan**
This annual report is actually just a snapshot of life at Christ Church, as so many of our members are faithfully giving of themselves in a variety of unsung ways. However, volunteer fatigue is something that we and all churches are struggling with post pandemic. There has been much research done, with an average national drop-off of a third of church membership, and 25% of churches recording a real impact in children’s and youth work. Despite these difficulties, I have been encouraged, when I looked through my photographs of last year, to see so many good new initiatives as we seek to be a Living Well and living well . I thank everyone for playing their part, however great or small, and praise God to belong to such as welcoming and caring community.
During this year we have bid farewell to David and Jo Fox Branch as they have gone to pastures new. David was appointed priest in charge at St. Mary’s Westerham in August 2021. We wish them every success and happiness and are grateful for the contribution they made to the life of this community. We look forward to the ordination on July 3 2022 of our new curate Esther Hunt and look forward to welcoming her and her husband to our fellowship.
## **Worship**
## _Revd Rosemary Donovan_
Returning to in person worship in the church building and at Easter was a real joy. Just to be together, even if singing was behind masks and only receiving communion in one kind. The fact that so many bought flowers and plants to contribute to the Easter Garden in the outdoor chapel was a great witness - the sun shone, God was praised - enough said!
Morning Prayer in the outdoor chapel and the summer series on the front lawn continued this most public witness and enabled those who felt less comfortable with indoor settings to restore some confidence about public worship although Zoom remains an option.
However, confidence has come in fits and starts and the relaxing of government regulations undoubtedly bought increased infections as more individuals and households have been affected. As a church we have continued to make assessing risk a high priority, maintaining sanitizer, increased spacing and communion by intinction. Face masks are a matter of personal choice and only recently have we been able to facilitate after-church hospitality. Some traditional rituals no longer seem appropriate as we navigate a changing landscape and seek to be more outward-looking. Nevertheless, the fellowship has remained buoyant, maintaining Lockdown attendance figures, and welcoming many new members.
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Other highlights in worship include admitting Will to Holy Communion at a candlelit 5@5 which, despite its slow start, has potential to allow inter-generational fellowship and worship to develop creatively. We also hosted Epsom Deanery’s confirmation service in September and gave thanks that Olivia, Charlotte, Sophia, and Henry were able to make this next step of faith.
Our long tradition of being a broad church is really celebrated with a blended approach to music thanks to our dedicated choir and band, who put in long hours of rehearsing and recording under the able leadership of David and Dan. Alongside this, the careful liturgical skills of the staff team who curate beautiful seasonal services as well as special services for specific times of the year.
Every act of worship relies on a massive support team particularly as we have also sought to maintain a mixed ecology of worship including live streaming and special recordings for YouTube. Special thanks to Craig for making numerous videos and PowerPoints, and to Andy who is a tower of strength behind the scenes as Sacristan and Verger. Merinda and James as occasional preachers continue to inspire and encourage. All the sidespeople, readers, intercessors, sound technicians and Zoom hosts, are greatly valued for their contribution in helping to facilitate a positive worship experience for so many.
My personal highlight of the year is always my anniversary at Pentecost, and it was so special to be able to dedicate the stunning icon made by Cari in memory of my Dad. I hope that it will be an aid to worship for generations to come.
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**Discipleship**
_Revd Sue Curtis_
Our vision for 24 /7 discipleship is encapsulated in our desire to be a place where people both live well and are like a well of refreshment for the community. Our maturing as Christians is underpinned by a commitment to live well with God, ourselves and others.
Many things contribute to helping us grow as disciples of Christ: our worship, prayer, Bible study, care for each other, commitment to working for God’s justice and outreach in mission and proclamation. All form part of this.
As a community Sunday worship, including the worship in songs and hymns, corporate prayer, Bible readings, preaching and the messaging in the liturgy is a main way we develop our knowledge, relationship with God and experience as disciples. In the last year we have had some Sunday sermon series where we have focussed for a specific set of talks on particular topics. These have included a Lent course looking at The Pastoral Principles of respectful and honest exchanges with each other. This was in 2021 and it was a precursor to ‘The Living in Love and Faith’ Course in March this year that explores faith, love, inclusion and sexuality. Last summer we looked at how we are blessed by God in a series called Son Blest which reminded us of those things for which we are thankful.
This spring many Christ Church members, in different phases of a faith journey, have joined with the other local Anglican churches at an Alpha Course, which focusses on the main fundamentals of the Christian Faith. The churches are following up the Alpha course with The Prayer Course run at St. Barnabas on Wednesdays in May and June.
Home groups are also an important part of developing together as disciples of Christ. Within Christ Church, people meet regularly to get to know God and each other better. Meeting in homes, there is an opportunity to explore the Bible, issues of faith, and to discuss current issues from a Christian perspective. This is an excellent chance to share ideas in a safe and supportive environment. In a group situation it is easy to share prayer, social activities and pastoral care for each other, as trust and friendships develop. Groups are open to all and welcome anyone who can come along. There is a chance to talk and listen and we learn together and develop our response to God’s love in a friendly and relaxed way. The groups meet on a Tuesday. There are three groups that meet weekly in term time in the evening, currently on Zoom, one group that normally meets monthly in person and a group that meets on a Tuesday, sharing lunch together. Why not give a Home Group a try? It is an excellent way to develop connections within the Christ Church community.
If you would like to know more, speak to Sue Curtis 01372 210492 or email associateminister@christchurchepsom.org.uk.
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## **Church Development**
## _Revd Rosemary Donovan_
Making our whole site sustainable and pointing to the amazing God we serve, remains a priority. Specific needs such as equal access to toilet and hospitality facilities for both church and hall users as well as increased accessibility to the office facilities are key considerations. However, any plans we had pre-pandemic need to be revised, to be relevant to church life now. We continue to work with our appointed architects _Philip Tracey_ to develop both Site A (the hall and proposed link) and Site B (the scout hut) in order to realise their full potential. We have also appointed a Quantity Survey, _Synergy_ to help us cost out the resources needed for any development. With the long-standing lease on the Scout Hut expiring in December 2021 we are now entering into negotiation regarding rent and management of these premises as from June 2022. We obviously seek to continue a good working relationship with the Scout Association and want our whole site to be of benefit to the wider community.
## **Outreach**
## _Revd Rosemary Donovan_
As previously mentioned under worship, we are trying to make the most of our outdoor space as a physical presence in the local community. Adding the bunting, kindly loaned by Jenny McGeachy, really drew the eye over the summer. We also experimented with a Saturday morning free refreshments tent, ‘ **Cake and Cordia** l’. This enabled many conversations and new connections to be made and the cake, given away to walkers and cyclists on the Common, was greatly appreciated.
We have continued to make the most of our fence ministry. Jen instigated a sheep trail last Easter and continues to build on her community networks with local schools and the uniformed organisations. We were pleased to host the first large scale investiture of new beavers, cubs, and their leaders in the summer and some also came to our Remembrance Day service. We also worked collaboratively with the Little Hands Nursery to facilitate a family friendly forest school afternoon in Creationtide and were delighted with the turnout.
Links with ‘Churches Together in Epsom’ has seen members volunteering with ‘ _Emerge Advocacy’_ , a Christian based charity offering support to young people attending hospital with mental health issues and self-harm and the ‘ _Hope into Action’_ Housing project. All members are encouraged to be sharing their faith within the connections they have and joining in with Epsom Alpha will hopefully increase confidence in this.
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## **Pastoral Care**
## _Sue Matthews_
The Pastoral Care Team continues to meet every 6 weeks, in person or on zoom, to review and respond to Pastoral needs. Rosemary, Sue Curtis, Parish Safeguarding Officer Ro, and Youth and Family worker Jen, attend the meetings in addition to other lay members of the pastoral team. Whilst prayer ministry after services had to be suspended due to Covid, prayer for those in need has continued through the prayer chain and intercessions in services, with consent. The Tea Club meets quarterly and is well supported. The Baptism team continue to work with families in preparation for, and after baptism. Those unable to attend Church are offered Home Communion. The weekly MailChimp parish notices outlines how to seek pastoral support. To ensure inclusivity, paper copies of parish notices are delivered to those without email access. Sue Curtis also emails a simplified version of the notices to those with limited IT access titled ‘Keeping in Touch’. Prayer Ministry after services will restart in the near future. Pastoral Visiting is now possible where safe to do so. Pastoral care is offered by many in the Church including House Group leaders.
The team now uses a pastoral email address for each Pastoral Assistant, available on MailChimp bulletins. All members of the team are trained by the Diocese. Current lay team members are Jen Sadler, Berwick Curtis, and Pastoral Assistants: Sue Matthews; Jo Wolfe; Devorah Burns and Pastoral Visitor Jane Williams.
## **Missions**
## _Greg Edwards_
Christ Church directs its Missions Giving through ten championed charities, which are supported for a 3-year period. Although this is not a Missions renewal year, we saw some changes in Mission personnel supporting the Besom and The Church Army, Marylebone Project. Chris Purdy decided to stand down from his support of the Besom to which Merinda D'Aprano has assumed the role. Likewise, Mike Reeves who has been a long-term supporter for the Marylebone project handed over the reins to Gerald Wisden. So a big thanks you to Chris and Mike, and a warm welcome to Merinda and Gerald.
Although COVID has scuppered many of the earlier physical in-Church collections, we ended the year with a strong Christmas Service collection of £300 to the Epsom branch of Hope into Action, which was gratefully received. Unfortunately, our Harvest collection to our beneficiary, The Fishermen’s Mission was still 100% online, which made it difficult to monitor the exact overall monetary collections that were donated.
One of the actions on the Missions Committee is to distribute funds out of our emergency funding pot (usually 15% of the Missions budget) to charities that urgently require funding, based on the consensus from the Missions. This year we successfully distributed the following payments:
- DEC (Indian Covid Appeal) £500.00
- The Trussel Trust - Bolton £250.00
- Emerge Advocacy - Epsom £250.00
- Tearfund - Afghanistan £750.00
- Tearfund - Haiti appeal £750.00
Some of the positives from this year were the brilliant online and in-service presentations for UNIVIDA, Hope into Action and Wycliffe Bible Society (presented by James Petit). We also continued supporting the annual Christmas hamper appeal for the Besom, which between the various churches in Epsom/Ashtead, collected over 80 hampers for those families and single men/woman supported by the Besom.
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Our vision for the forthcoming 2022 year is to focus on local-/ country-wide charities that require support as they emerge from the pandemic. Our other primary focus is on the Missions renewals process and administration that needs to take place, in order to renew / welcome new Missions for 2023.
Once again, we thank Christ Church parochial team and congregation for their continued support for the Missions Committee.
## **Social Events**
## _Revd Rosemary Donovan_
This past year has only seen a limited number of social activities due to the pandemic. The monthly ‘Walk for Health’ gave those, who enjoy rambling, an opportunity for fellowship and a pub lunch. Thanks to Sue and Berwick Curtis for organising this regularly. Outdoor events are increasingly popular. We were pleased to organise a fabulous trip to the Memorial Wood at Langley Vale which was a splendid summer afternoon and a deeply poignant visit. We have also been able to do some catering as part of 5@5 including a summer BBQ that was supported by Dan’s jazz band. The MU Book Sale was also a good fundraising event for the link branch in Sierra Leone and the bi-annual Bonfire party was able to resume in the Autumn.
## **Children & Young People**
## _Revd Rosemary Donovan_
There is no official report from Jen Sadler as obviously she is off sick at the moment. She thanks everyone for their kindness, prayers, and love during this time. We pray she will be restored to full health as soon as possible and able to continue the great work begun.
We thank Katharine and Olivia Chambers, in particular, for stepping in to support **CC Kids** . Gill Glasspool and Sarah Chorley for being so flexible in supporting this. Thanks also to the team they faithfully support in the **Crèche** and **The Source,** with welcome and cake especially Clair and Rita who are overseeing craft. Sue and I will continue to offer a monthly **CC Cinema** and hope to get a few youth activities organised for the summer term.
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Earlier in this report I have highlighted the continued outreach to **schools** , **uniformed organisations** and **Little Hands** alongside **Wheels and Squeals** . Jen has been instrumental in providing amazing pastoral support to our families during the pandemic with activity bags and regular emails and we look forward to many more opportunities for creative engagement with them and the local community when she returns.
## **Environment Group**
## _Revd Rosemary Donovan_
With David Fox Branch’s departure to pastures new in August, the leadership of the Eco team has been more _ad-hoc_ but we seek to build on the good foundations David laid, in particular by embedding the principles contained in the Eco Handbook. We have improved recycling facilities and try to buy only recycled or compostable consumables for use at events. We have switched to a green energy provider and continue to help the church grounds be a haven for wildlife.
The season of Creation was supported by an informative sermon series as well as the popular and well-attended Pet Service which included a wide variety of very well-behaved pets ranging from a lizard, a parrot and 15 dogs. This year we also organised the family friendly Forest School afternoon and a walk on Epsom Common led by Stuart Cocker, local ranger who highlighted many significant signs of climate change on our immediate environment.
Our location on Epsom Common is a source of great joy and there are many opportunities for appreciating it like the monthly Walk for Health, but this year also saw an enjoyable and uplifting bat walk at dusk during August. This group is always open to new members and new ideas so please feel free to highlight anything which might us all play our part in saving our planet.
## **Safeguarding**
## _Ro Stretton, Parish Safeguarding Officer_
## **Policy**
The Diocese has introduced an online “Parish Dashboard” which highlights areas where actions need to be completed. We are green for most areas, but with training and Risk Assessments still outstanding. The relevant policies for the ‘Reporting of Serious Incidents to the Charity Commission’ and the ‘Recruitment of Ex-Offenders’, in line with Diocesan guidance’ have been approved.
## **DBS Checks**
These are now being completed online with i.d. verification happening in person as before. The Diocese has changed its policy to three yearly checks so the backlog is gradually being tackled.
## **Training**
This remains an area of concern with widespread apathy and reluctance from church volunteers to complete training. Another new Diocesan training pathway has been implemented for 2022 which significantly changes training requirements for many volunteer roles, as well as the Leadership module
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moving to a 3 hour (split into two sessions) online programme via Zoom and including pre and post training written work. As well as being more onerous for volunteers, it has also significantly added to the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) workload. Therefore, the Vicar and PCC have approved Fay Wedlake to assist as Safeguarding Training Co Coordinator. The remit for this role is to help navigate training needs and encourage timely completion of training. The PCC remain responsible for training being up to date and the PSO continues to have an overview of the process.
## **Concerns**
All concerns raised have been appropriately dealt with. The church community is reminded to continue to be vigilant and raise any concerns, however small, with the Clergy, PSO or Diocesan Safeguarding Officer as they see fit.
Thanks go to Jane Williams for the enormous amount of work she has done in ensuring that policies have been approved and for maintaining frequent communication between the PCC and PSO.
## **Church Governance**
## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021 – 22: Jane Williams PCC Secretary March 2022**
Together with:
- The statement of financial activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31st December 2021
- The balance sheet as at 31st of December 2021
Christ Church, Epsom Common, is an Anglican Church in the Diocese of Guildford. The postal address is Christ Church, Christ Church Road, Epsom KT19 8NE. Registered Charity number 1127945.
## **The Parochial Church Council (PCC)**
Under Church of England legislation, the PCC is responsible for collaborating with the incumbent in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Worship matters are for the incumbent. The PCC is responsible for these premises: Christ Church, its Church Hall and the Curate’s house at 278 The Greenway, Epsom.
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
## **PCC membership during 2021-2022**
## _**Ex-officio PCC members**_
|Clergy|Vicar|The Revd RosemaryDonovan|Chair|
|---|---|---|---|
||Curate|The Revd David Fox-Branch|To 31 July2021|
||Associate Minister|The Revd Sue Curtis(OLM||
||Reader Licensed LayMinister|Berwick Curtis(LLM)||
|Churchwardens|John Warburton|Interim Treasurer|LayVice-Chair|
||Andrew Hards|Chair Premises|LayVice-Chair|
## _**Elected PCC members**_
|**_Elected PCC members_**|||
|---|---|---|
|Additional Roles|Name|Year appointed|
|BRC,Eco Team,Children and Families|Katherine Chambers
|2020 2nd term|
|DeanerySynod,PCC Safeguarding
|Merinda D’Aprano
|2020|
|Finance committee|Nigel Daniels|2021|
|Chair of Missions|GregEdwards|2019 2nd term|
|DeanerySynod|Jane Hards|2020|
|Finance committee|TracyJones|2019|
|Merrymower|Daniel Korboe|2021|
|DeanerySynod,E&O|Jen Sadler|2020|
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|Children and Families|LucyWarren|2021|
|---|---|---|
|PCC sec,BRC E&O|Jane Williams|2020|
|MerryMower|Gerald Wisden|2021|
|Children and Families|Clair Wright|2020|
## **Review of PCC business**
The PCC met 8 times during the year with an average attendance of 85%. Meetings were held via Zoom with the exception of three in-person meetings in September, November 2021 and March 2022 during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The PCC is supported by the Business and Resources Committee (the required standing committee with some additional delegated powers). Other groups met regularly, (each including PCC and nonPCC members), dealing with: Finance, Premises, Missions and Giving, Evangelism and Outreach, Environmental/ Eco and Children and Youth Support Team. All report to the PCC at regular intervals. The terms of reference of each group were reviewed in June 2021 and finalised in September 2021. Each group is chaired by Revd Donovan or a PCC member. Many thanks go to Jim Smith for his work as Chair of the Premises Committee over a number of years. Andy Hards took over this role in November 2021.
Seven days in advance of each PCC meeting, the agenda is displayed on the church noticeboard (a mandatory requirement). A summary of each PCC meeting is circulated in the church MailChimp Bulletin. The summary and draft minutes are also displayed on the PCC noticeboard to keep the congregation informed.
Safeguarding is an agenda item at every PCC meeting. The whole church community is responsible for safeguarding. Ro Stretton, Parish Safeguarding Officer, works diligently to keep up-to-date with new developments and requirements. Under her guidance the PCC regularly reviews the Safeguarding Diocesan Dashboard to ensure that we comply with the required standards. Many thanks to Ro for her hard work in this area, which has become increasingly demanding and time-consuming.
The PCC also expressed heartfelt thanks for the work of the Finance Committee during these challenging times, in the absence of a Treasurer in post. Thanks were also expressed during the year to our dedicated Music Worship Team, including the Band, Choir and to Dan Allsopp, Band Leader and David Williams, Choir Director and Organist for their resourcefulness in maintaining a high standard of music for worship and special services throughout the Pandemic. Thanks also to our dedicated sound desk team. The PCC also acknowledged the dedicated work of Andy Hards and Richard Martin in the Premises team for identifying and sorting the flooding issue.
PCC meetings have been restricted by challenges posed by the pandemic. However, we met for an away day in July and spent time reflecting on the Church of England’s vision to be ‘Simpler, Humbler and Bolder’ in its evangelism, worship, and outlook. We have spent time focusing on necessary maintenance to the church fabric, issues related to the Scout Hall and possibilities for redevelopment. The pandemic has had an impact not only on church finances, but also on the scope of our activities. We look forward to working with the congregation to fulfil God’s plan for us in this community, with the power of the Holy Spirit directing and inspiring us.
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**Church Wardens’ Report on the Fabric of the Church and its other Properties 2021 – 2022** Andy Hards As at 28 March 2022
## _**Introduction**_
## _Andrew Hards, John Warburton: Church Wardens_
Generally, the Church is in good condition but aging and deterioration of some of the construction elements mean that several significant repairs are required.
The upkeep of the church, hall, grounds and 278 The Greenway (the curate’s house) are overseen by the small but dedicated Premises Committee chaired for part of the year by Jim Smith.
Thanks to Jim for his many years of service to Christ Church and recent help obtaining a “pro bono” survey of the Scout HQ site saving the church a good sum of money.
The Committee manages a planned maintenance programme to ensure that the small things are dealt with in a timely manner and record when everything has been completed. This includes routine items such as servicing and safety checks of heating installations, fire extinguishers, electrical installations and equipment, fire alarms, organ blower bearings and woodworm checks. These are an important element of the Health and Safety of the church and hall.
As in previous years, many checks and repairs continued to be carried out in house saving expenditure and the Wardens would like the church members to note the continued hard work, advice and dedication of Richard Martin.
Thanks must again go to the teams of volunteers who help with the upkeep including the Church cleaners, the flower team and the Merry Mowers. The Merry Mowers have recently evolved into a “What’s App“connected gardening group, thanks to Gerald Wisden for setting this up. A clean- up day was arranged for 2 April 2022, thanks to all participating.
Thanks also to Martin Shipton for continuing to deal with insurance issues.
The church is insured by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group in the sum of £13,330,000 and the hall for £2,900,000. EIG should be applying an inflation indexed increase to these sums soon.
## _**The Church**_
As indicated, several significant repairs are required.
The gutters and down pipes are the big item.
The 2019 Quinquennial Report identified these as requiring overhauling and repainting.
When obtaining quotations it became apparent that the gutters in particular have deteriorated beyond this and need to be replaced. This became an urgent requirement when in June 2021 a section of high level gutter fell from the south side of the church above one of the bench seats and damaged the lower roof.
With PCC approval, further quotations were obtained and a Faculty from the Diocese Registrar was granted in December 2021.
The replacement gutters will be powder coated cast aluminium reducing the future maintenance requirement and closely matching cast iron in terms of appearance. Scaffolding is required and the opportunity will be taken to repaint the eaves level joinery. The work will be carried out DBR Leadwork who have undertaken previous repairs at the church. It will be overseen by our Quinquennial Architect Robert Shaw. Architect supervision is a requirement of the National Churches Trust and Wolfson Foundation repairs grant applications submitted in the New Year. Unfortunately, although the Trust and Foundation said we made a strong application it was
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declined due to demand and pressure on limited funding. I am continuing to investigate other sources of funding.
The cost quotation was £31,000 plus VAT. (The other quotations were £52,000 and £43,000 both excluding VAT). The VAT should be reclaimable. Given the rapid recent increase in building materials including aluminium products the final cost may work out at more than the quotation which was given last summer, we have budgeted for approximately £41,000.
At the time of writing, scaffolders were due to start work during the week of 28 March and the whole job should take about 6 to 8 weeks.
EIG insurers have been notified.
Next, the main rainwater drain and associated boiler room flooding.
The boiler room suffered several incidents of flooding in late 2021. Richard and I tracked this down to a blocked and damaged drain that takes all the water from the rain water fittings off site. The drain is a 1960’s installed pitch fibre pipe, these only have a life of about 50 years and are liable to crushing/distortion. We cleared the blockage which so far has relieved the flooding and installed a back- up pump (no cost to the church). The pipe remains damaged with a risk of further blockages and boiler room flooding.
Fortunately our insurers have agreed to meet the cost of repair so the church should only be liable for the £500 insurance excess plus £1,050 Inc. VAT for an additional inspection chamber which will help us keep the drain clear in the future. The successful claim has probably saved the church at least £10,000.
Hopefully the work will start soon, the contractor (Auger) are in contact with the council regarding access to their woodland under which part of the drain is located. Their estates manager has given consent in principle.
The Diocese was consulted and a Faculty is not required.
Thanks to Richard for all his help, the only person I know with 40 yards of drain rods!
The third main item was electrical work; this did not require a Faculty.
Testing and inspection of the church electrical installation revealed a requirement for works to bring it up to a standard where a “pass” certificate could be issued. With the approval of the PCC, this was completed and certification issued by Osborne & Collins at a cost of £6,906 inc. VAT. This also included replacement of the outside lights.
Thanks to Richard who arranged and looked after this project.
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Several of the AV system speakers failed. Fortunately the manufacture agreed that they were faulty and supplied replacement parts under warranty.
This was dealt with “in house”. Thanks to David Wedlake for arranging this and Richard for his help with his access tower and the physical work.
Regular servicing of the heating system, organ and organ blower plus safety checks of fire extinguishers were carried out as normal.
Richard has recently repaired the toilet water heater.
## _**The Hall**_
Little has been carried out since the last report.
The main item needing attention is the electrical installation which again needs work to obtain a “pass” certificate. This will be carried during Little Hands Easter break by Osborne & Collins at a cost of approximately £550-£600 plus VAT
Richard has again kindly overseen this item.
Usual boiler servicing and safety checks have continued. Richard Martin continues to carry minor repairs and maintenance.
## _**The Grounds**_
The condition of the flint boundary walls was mentioned in the 2019 Quinquennial Report and reported at the last APCM.
Again, it should be noted that they have deteriorated over the years, will need regular inspection and the church should anticipate a need for repair within the foreseeable future.
The paving was noted to be uneven in places during the December 2021 Access & Safety Audit. This is being monitored and hopefully can be dealt with “in house”.
## _**278 The Greenway (The Curate House)**_
The Curate Designate Esther Hunt and her husband James moved in as church tenants during November 2021.
No significant repairs have been required.
The house has had little in the way of improvement for some time and has relatively low kerb appeal compared with others near -by.
The PCC considered and approved a programme of improvements which should enhance the market and rental values as well as making the house more up to date and appealing.
The main items are:
Improved parking, new front door, improvement to the layout of the bathroom and wc, conversion of the integral garage to give an extra room, utility area and ground floor wc plus associated refitting of the kitchen.
At the time of writing, an architect had been appointed to assist with the project and produce initial plans then a precise schedule/specification to assist with obtaining like for like quotations and to deal with statutory matters such as Building Regulations.
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## _**Report on the Goods and Ornaments 2020-2021**_
The previously dented silver Ciborium used during communion has been repaired by silver smiths (no cost to the church).
The backing of the green Ordinary Time altar frontal was repaired, many thanks to Jenny Power for her skilful re stitching.
There are no other matters to report.
## **Deanery Synod Report**
## _Merinda D’Aprano_
Under the expert guidance of Rosemary, who is also our Area Dean, the Synod had a busy year. In June 2021 we were introduced to the ‘ **Living in Love and Faith** ’ course by **Jane Scofield** , a Diocesan Coordinator from the Dorking Deanery. We were encouraged as a Deanery to consider how we might use the available materials. Christ Church has been pleased to host a Deanery course e in March this year.
In October 2021 we were privileged to invite **Jane Whittingham** who came to talk to us about **‘Engaging schools in the post pandemic landscape’** . She spoke of the efforts to make Diocesan policy, of planning through the lens of supporting young people and of enabling children and households to come to faith. There is increased emphasis on inter-generational thinking. Helpful links were provided, and Jen Sadler is already working with many of these resources.
In January 2022 we learned more about inclusion, particularly with reference to racial equality from **Revd Folli Olokose, the Diocesan Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion** . He spoke about encouragement and embracing diversity, loving service, safeguarding creation, and transforming unjust structures. He asked us all to use the acronym UKME (UK Minority Ethnic) rather than BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnic). This latter meeting was at Christ Church, and we were able to offer hospitality in the church as well as using the technology to support the talk.
## **Finance Report**
## _Prepared by Alan Frame_
## **Summary:**
During the year ending 31 December 2021, Christ Church received income before legacies of £149,773 (versus £ 158,323 in 2020) whilst expenditure totalled £210,735 (versus £195,641 in 2020): a deficit over the course of the year of £50,962 versus a deficit of £37,116 in 2020. The balance sheet at the end of 2021 records the total net worth of Christ Church as £ 639,314 compared with £683,751 at the end of 2020. Overall the drift in pledged giving and donations continued, now some £40,000 lower that in 2019, coupled with the demise of trading income from hall hire, fees and other events.
## **Donations and Planned Giving Income**
The Church is heavily dependent on voluntary financial contributions from our members, most of who donate via standing orders through the bank. Standing orders generated £83,149 which was just £2,551 less than expected but some £12,000 less than that received in 2020. This reduction is in the main due to decreases or cessations in the amounts that individuals have given but also, during 2020 there were 5 deaths and a further 2 deaths in 2021. There was only one new standing order set up during the year and 2 increases in donations. Other voluntary income totalled £19,198 and was received in the form of donations and a legacy payment of £10,000 in memory of the late Elsie Feltham. Service collections amounted to £1,062, the Blue Envelope scheme fell into disuse during the pandemic as physical collections in church became a challenge. It was decided to discontinue the scheme in 2021 for a number of reasons including ecological. We were able to claim a total of £20,757 in gift aid during the year.
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## **Expen** d **iture**
In 2020 we budgeted for a considerable spend on premises repairs and improvements. As it turned out very little of that was achieved. The late vacation of the Curate’s house together with the difficulties in getting quotes and contractors caused considerable delays in essential works. The budget for the year for the year on buildings was some £65,000 of which only £28,000 was actually spent.
The largest expenditure was our Parish Share of £83,979 which supports our clergy and ministry, as well as a part of the support to those parishes in the Diocese who are suffering from reduced income and are less well blessed with funds than ourselves. The Parish Share is expected to rise by around 2% per annum for the next 4-5 years.
The AVL project was undertaken in 2018 and completed during 2019 and was treated as a capital expense. Depreciation on this, and a photocopier purchased in 2019, is over 5 years and is included in the year at £31,200 compared with £25,300 in 2020. This is the major change to expenditure from previous years and accounts for the bulk of the 2021 deficit. This depreciation of these items will cease by 2026.
Net staff costs were £45,400 an increase over 2020 reflecting a combination of reduced furlough receipts, increased office costs, increased staff expenses and lower music costs.
## **Missions**
Mission’s payments and outreach amounted to £16,964 an increase over the previous year of £2,500 as payments were made for emergency appeals with the balance of funds carried over from 2020.
## **Funds**
The General Fund balance at the 31st December 2021 was £56,065 as funds have been added from the General Fund to the Property Reserve Fund and to the Church, Hall and Clergy House Fund which was negative at year end. It is expected that the budget for improvements at the Curates house in the Greenway will be met by the Vision 2020 Fund which represents the various legacies received in recent years.
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## **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)**
## _Alan Frame March 22_
_**Christ Church Epsom Common - 1127945 Statement of Financial Activities for the period from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021**_
||~~**Unrestricted**~~
**funds**|**Restricted**
**funds**|**Endowment**
**funds**|**Total**
**funds**|**Prior year**
**total funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Incoming resources**|£|£|£|£|£|
|
Incoming resources from
generated funds||||||
|
Voluntary income|124,948|—|—|124,948|468,376|
|
Activities for generating
funds|
142|—|—|142|260|
|Investment income|3,156|—|—|3,156|1,718|
|Incoming resources from
charitable activities|18,379|—|—|18,379|16,572|
|Other incoming
resources|13,146|—|—|13,146|11,208|
|**Total income**|**159,773**|**—**|**—**|**159,773**|**498,136**|
|**Resources used**||||||
|Charitable activities|210,716|—|—|210,716|195,631|
|Governance costs|19|—|—|19|9|
|**Total expenditure**|**210,735**|**—**|**—**|**210,735**|**195,640**|
|||||||
|**Net income /**
**(expenditure) resources**
**before transfer**|**(50,962)**|**—**|**—**|**(50,962)**|**302,496**|
|||||||
|**Transfers**||||||
|Gross transfers between
funds-in|51,499|—|—|51,499|47,698|
|Gross transfers between
funds-out|(51,499)|—|—|(51,499)|(47,698)|
|**Other recognised gains**
**/ losses**||||||
|Gains / losses on
investment assets|6,526|—|—|6,526|3,255|
|**Net movement in funds**|**(44,436)**|**—**|**—**|**(44,436)**|**305,751**|
|**Reconciliation of funds**||||||
|**Total funds brought**
**forward**|**683,751**|**—**|**—**|**683,751**|**377,999**|
|||||||
|**Total funds carried**
**forward**|**639,314**|**—**|**—**|**639,314**|**683,751**|
|**Represented by**||||||
|
Unrestricted||||||
|General fund|56,065|—|—|56,065|104,087|
|Designated||||||
|
Church Hall & Clergy
House|11,571|—|—|11,571|—|
|Fixed Assets|79,733|—|—|79,733|105,072|
|Greenway|2,935|—|—|2,935|2,935|
|
Missions Appeals Fund|
1,549|—|—|1,549|2,659|
|
Property Reserve|
20,771|—|—|20,771|10,771|
|
Vestments|
0|—|—|0|32|
|Vision2020|466,687|—|—|466,687|458,193|
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## **Christ Church Epsom Common - 1127945 Balance Sheet 31st December 2021**
|Fixed assets||As at 31/12/2021|As at 31/12/2020|
|---|---|---|---|
|||£|£|
||1000: 278 The Greenway|2,935.00|2,935.00|
||1100: Equipment|5,565.00|7,632.00|
||1200: Audio,Visual,Lighting|65,832.00|99,595.86|
||**Total Fixed assets**|**74,332.00**|**110,162.86**|
|Current assets||||
||3200: Nat West Current account|100.00|139.00|
||3205: Nat West Reserve account|37,447.80|50,073.66|
||3220: Lloyds Bank Fees Account|1,838.66|1,823.66|
||3230: CBF Deposit Fund|482,749.06|482,497.73|
||3240: Investments|43,978.61|37,452.39|
||3260: Floats|100.00|100.00|
||3270: SundryDebtors|5,159.06|—|
||Z05: Accounts Receivable|938.44|4,531.02|
||ZZZ08: Prepayments|379.43|345.52|
||**Total Current assets**|**572,691.06**|**576,962.98**|
|Liabilities||||
||0: .|—|—|
||3650: Uncleared Cheques|—|—|
||3680: Utilities Creditor|—|—|
||3690: SundryCreditors|6,906.12|—|
||6699: Agencycollections|473.35|12.20|
||Z04: Accounts Payable|533.24|2,375.54|
||ZZZ09: Accruals|987.00|987.00|
||**Total Liabilities**|**8,899.71**|**3,374.74**|
||**Net Asset surplus(deficit)**|**638,123.35**|**683,751.10**|
|Reserves||||
||Excess/ (deficit)to date|(52,153.97)|302,496.28|
||Z01: Startingbalances|683,751.10|377,999.49|
||Z02: Gains/(losses)on investment assets|6,526.22|3,255.33|
||**Total Reserves**|**638,123.35**|**683,751.10**|
_**There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown**_
These financial statements were both approved by the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common at its meeting on 14th March 2022, and signed on its behalf by the Revd Rosemary Donovan.
**The Year-on-Year Income and Expense Analysis including the proposed budget for 2022 prepared**
**by Tracy Jones has not been included in this report. A printout or email copy of this report is available on request from PCC Secretary Jane Williams** pcc@christchurchepsom.org.uk.
The notes, below, form part of these accounts Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021
## _**Accounting policies**_
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2015. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements 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.
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## _**Funds**_
Designated Funds are part of the unrestricted funds which the PCC has earmarked for a particular project or use, without restricting or committing the funds legally. The designation may be cancelled by the PCC if it later decides not to proceed or continue with the use or project for which the funds were designated.
Unrestricted Funds are General funds, which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
The accounts also do not incorporate the financial statements of the Vicar and Churchwardens' Trust, which handles the legacies from Dennis King and Mildred Freeman.
## _**Incoming Resources**_
Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised as accruals when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is informed of the amount due and when legally due. All other income is recognised when it is received. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.
## _**Resources expended**_
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for missions are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
## _**Investments**_
In November 2018 the PCC invested the sum of £30,000 in the COIF Charites Ethical Investment Fund managed by CCLA Fund Managers Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of CCLA Investment Management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the conduct of investment business. The asset is valued as at the 31st December 2021 at the mid-market price in the accounts as of this date the investment was valued at £43,978 an increase of 46% since the original investment.
## _**Fixed Assets**_
Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993. The curate's house is included at the original cost.
No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens held in special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA. Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment
During 2018 Christ Church installed an upgraded Audio, Visual system as well as new and enhanced Lighting. This is being depreciated over 5 years in accordance with the churches policy for items over £5,000. The total cost of this project in 2018 was £116,253. No depreciation was allocated in 2018 as the installation was not fully completed during that year. It was completed in early 2019 the first year in which depreciation commenced.
Individual items costing £5000 or less are not capitalised.
## _**Payments to Trustees**_
Payments to Trustees during the year other than for goods or services purchased by Trustees in the course of their duty on behalf of Christ Church are as follows. Andy Hards £120 for services as Verger.
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## _**Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of Christ Church, Epsom Common**_
I report to the PCC (the trustees of Registered Charity 1127945) on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021, as set out on the pages attached.
## _**Responsibilities and basis of report**_
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## _**Independent examiner's statement**_
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did 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.
_Ronald Byer_ 7 Parklands Court, Epsom 12th February 2022
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**Minutes of the Vestry Meeting & The Annual Parochial Church Meeting held in Christ Church at 10 am on Sunday 25[th] April 2021**
Chaired by the Vicar, the Revd Rosemary Donovan
Notes: As usual for Christ Church, the Meetings were integrated with Parish Communion, thus removing the need for opening and closing devotions. The meeting was held publicly in church and also streamed live on Zoom (as had been approved by the Diocese) and all votes included both those present and those joining via Zoom.
## Vestry Meeting
1. The minutes of the Vestry Meeting held on 18[h] October 2020 published in the Christ Church Annual Report 2020-2021 (Annual Report) were agreed as a correct record.
2. Election of Church Wardens: John Warburton and Andy Hards were elected for their fourth and third terms respectively.
## Annual Parochial Church Meeting
1. Attendance : there were 28 people present in church including 3 members of the clergy and 45 joining via Zoom.
2. PCC Elections : Lucy Warren, Daniel Korboe, Nigel Daniels and Gerald Wisden were elected to the PCC. The terms will run through to the APCM in 2024.
3. Appointments : Ron Byer was re-appointed to be the Independent examiner; Ro Stretton was reappointed as Parish Safeguarding Officer.
4. Finance : the accounts for 2020 (published in the Annual Report) were approved by the meeting. The Treasurer, John Warburton, had provided the following statement: "The finances of Christ Church continue to be severely impacted by Covid restrictions, particularly income from Hall and Church bookings including Little Hands, Weddings, ad-hoc collections, fundraising events and some impact on planned giving. The income shortfall versus 2019 is £28, 996. There were considerable cost savings during the year of £20,207 through staffing, some rebate of Parish Share, running cost reduction and deferring some premises work. Unfortunately, this still resulted in a total deficit of £37,116 (versus a 2019 deficit of £28,297). On the positive side, the receipt of a large legacy of around £350,000 means that the balance sheet is strong at £683,751 compared with £377,999 in 2019 with liquid assets of £572,096. Nevertheless, in accordance with good practice, the PCC is committed to funding current expenditure from current income and are considering various ways to address the shortfall through increased income and/or cost savings. These are being considered as part of the 2021 and 2022 budget planning process.”
5. Vicar’s APCM Report 2020
## **‘Renewing our Vision’**
## Acts 4:5-12; John 10:11-18
APCMs seem to be coming around at an alarming rate of knots so adding to what I said only 6 months ago has been difficult, but it is always appropriate to take the scriptures as a jumping off point. Peter and John have been put in prison for their preaching and in particular the healing of the crippled man
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and they are asked ‘ _by what power or what name did you do this?_ ’ they respond, ‘by the power of Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith’.
We know that power today because our church is named after it. Its Christ’s church not Rosemary’s, not Sue’s or David’s, not Andy’s or Jen’s, not Malcolm’s or Lucy’s, I could go on. We are the gathered Body of Christ in this place and as such are called into fellowship with the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for us, who knows us intimately by name and who seeks out those outside the flock as well. One of the roles of leadership is to keep on telling the sacred story so I have entitled this report ‘ _Renewing our Vision’_ because we have not had much opportunity to reflect on vision during this past year as everyone has been caught up in their own bubbles and the future has been so uncertain. Much of what I say many of you will have heard before, some however will not be as familiar and it doesn’t hurt to refresh all our memories especially at an annual celebration.
Let’s go back to our strapline:
## ‘Christ Church as a **LIVING WELL** Christ Church _**living well.’**_
We have been journeying with this vision for several years and it remains our calling and goal. However, we need to pray it through afresh in the light of the past 12 months so consequently we will be having a special prayer meeting as part of Essence of Pentecost.
Nevertheless, we still believe that God wants us as the gathered Body of Christ in this place to enable the people and environment of our parish to **live well with God, one another, and themselves.**
This means providing a resource for the local community in that our facilities can be a safe space for all to come and encounter God for themselves (that’s the _Knowing part of our Mission_ ); here we can access activities and facilities that support and promote that encounter (the _Growing in faith_ ). As our understanding of church is the members themselves, we seek to be resourceful people actively demonstrating the love of Christ wherever we find ourselves at home, school, work or in leisure pursuits. (Hence us all _Going_ out in love and service). We are supported in this understanding through a Rule for Life that seeks to put Christ at the centre of all we do and touches on all aspects of daily life.
In the Rule for life there are **7 holy habits** . Every aspect of our communal life also fits into these key areas. Take a minute to look at the rich variety of community life that we are celebrating today.
Each year the PCC reviews our Mission Action Plan that ties our own Living Well Vision with wider Diocesan goals (Transforming Church, Transforming Lives). Specific areas for focus are identified with smart targets. This year’s targets are on the distributed postcard so please hold them and the whole churches’ mission and growth in your prayers.
The aspirational aspects of our ongoing Redevelopment project were also developed in line with the holy habits as we considered the facilities and activities we seek to provide for Knowing, Growing and Going. We haven’t time to run through this again now, but they were on the display panels produced by the architect.
Nevertheless, the complete fulfilment of our desire to be a destination or hub for the local community has not as yet come to fruition. Obviously, we paused on active project work as we digested the financial and practical implications of Covid 19. We need to review and renew this in the light of the post Lockdown world we now find ourselves in.
Community consultation in 2019 highlighted a need for.
- Meeting space
- Drop in space
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- Community hub
- Café
- Events facilities
- Support groups
- Fitness and interest groups
- Business opportunities
- Sustainability
- Accessibility
- Hospitality
- Storage
- Landscaping
- Biodiversity
- Visibility
- Parking
Many of these things are still pertinent perhaps even more so as people crave social interaction post Lockdown.
Further congregational consultation in 2020 prioritised the following.
- Linking hall and church together
- Continuing outreach especially through youth & families work.
- Improving hall catering facilities
- Improving upper hall /office facilities
- Improving outreach through social media /marketing new admin role
- Developing Scout HQ
- Servery in church
- Open Church
- Conserving resources
- Carparking
- Toilets
- Landscaping
- Sacred decoration
We need to discern if these are still our order of priorities. The PCC has obviously already begun reflecting on the challenges and opportunities presented to us over the last 12 months focusing particularly on 3 main areas.
## _**How do we maintain a sense of unity as a church family?**_
There has been appreciation for the pastoral principles sermon series as it opened up conversations. We need to seek out real priorities, appreciating it is not about differing worship styles but what we believe and how we behave. Our pastoral contact has been important for people especially home deliveries for those without email access. It has been harder to keep young people and families connected – simply being technologically connected does not necessarily help. There is a need to find ways to involve young people. As we move out of lockdown balancing live and virtual worship will also need consideration.
## _**How might we attract newcomers when church re-starts?**_
There have been newcomers during lockdown. We should maintain our digital footprint – use content as a magnet, use tagging in social media, as well as our roadside banners. Develop the site as a community hub. More outside services and events. The fence ministry, Miss You activities and children’s trails on the common have been a great witness and draw.
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## _**What are the opportunities of a post-Covid world?**_
As things open up there will be a hunger for social events. Many more people have been passing through the churchyard, should we open the church more and offer refreshments? We need to increase the use of our digital footprint and signage. We are hoping to hold an Environmental fair as so many more people tuned in to eco issues including more outdoor worship.
These were just the beginnings of our thought processes and the conversations will continue beginning as I said with prayerful reflection during the Thy Kingdom Come week and Pentecost.
Overall, I have been exceptionally proud of the way in which the Christ Church community has rallied and stayed in contact throughout what will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a unique and extremely stressful time. So let us be positive, focusing on what we did achieve most notably continuing to maintain a weekly communion service at 10am which regularly saw 70+ people attending, growing our midweek communion including running the Prayer Course 2.
We have taken leaps and strides into the digital world. I’m not a natural behind a camera and Jen will testify to how many takes it took to produce our virtual tour for schools, but we’ve done our best with Zoom for worship and meetings, and I am so grateful to all who have supported our technological advancements. We can continue to develop this and hopefully improve our offer even more. Whilst we will be continuing to stream services, I am really looking forward to the day when the whole community is worshipping together again physically in this space or in the grounds as many of us have developed a passion for outdoor worship too.
The church grounds have been a sanctuary not just for wildlife in no mow May but for so many who have sought solace in the outdoor chapel or comfort from our fence ministry. The use of installations both in the grounds and across the common have bought new contacts in ways we could not previously have envisaged. There have been other highlights such as developing a more inclusive welcome statement and new eco church handbook as well as regilding the clock in Richard Shortman’s memory.
Christ’s church is always a team effort. So many people have contributed to the success of this community that I simply cannot single them all out. I have repeatedly thanked the pastoral team and music department for all they have done, and it goes without saying but I will anyway, say thank you to the staff team for all their unseen work. Juggling the books financially has been no easy task either so particular thanks to John, Tracy, June, Malcolm and Alan are also due. Finally, as we seek to move to electronic bookings via the website, despite a quiet year I would like to extend our gratitude to Lesley Morgan who has faithfully coordinated our hall bookings for many years and deserves recognition and special thanks, so I sent her some flowers yesterday on behalf of us all with our sincere gratitude and thanks.
As we seek prayerfully to re-envision the future let us gather around The Good Shepherd to be knowing, growing and going upwards and outwards in faith.
6. Questions : The following questions were submitted in advance of the meeting;
_Recent Notice sheets have referred to there being 4 new PCC places to be filled at the APCM. Will this not leave some vacancies in the 12 such places provided for in the PCC’s constitution? If so, what action is planned to fill them?_
As last year's APCM was postponed due to Covid Restrictions meaning the term of office for that cohort therefore being reduced the PCC chose not to fill any casual vacancies at that time.
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As our 2018 cohort steps down there were 4 new vacancies that we actively recruited for although significantly more people were approached.
There are technically still 2 casual vacancies in the 2019 cohort and 1 unfulfilled in 2020 however we received no further nominations.
The 2020 Church Representation Rules state that if there are more than 100 members on an ER there can be up to 12 elected lay members on the PCC. Despite them being ex officio, the presence of our 3 elected Deanery reps means that we are still have 12 elected members.
_As the PCC summaries now published in the Notice Sheet cease to be available when the next weeks’ Notice Sheet replaces it, will the PCC reinstate the archive of PCC summaries that used to be available on the website?_
No, the PCC discussed this and felt that it was inappropriate to keep a PCC archive on the website. As is customary full minutes are available at the back of church. The immediate summary on the notice sheet being distributed to all members was felt to be a more effective method of communication.
_During these difficult times, what one-to-one contacts have members of the Leadership Team been having with members of the congregation to complement the arm’s length relationship through the team of pastoral contacts?_
The CC Leadership Team have been exemplary and tirelessly kept in contact with their pastoral groups throughout the last 12 months, with frequent phone calls, weekly emails, What’s App Chats and socially distant walks. Most of us have even been doing weekly deliveries and doorsteps chats despite Covid restrictions and guidance. We have also responded to requests for shopping, prescriptions and other personal matters, alongside this the Curtis’ have faithfully continued to take items to the Foodbank on behalf of us all.
_Why is the website’s calendar so little used? The 25 April APCM has never been listed on it. At the time of writing (on 16 April) only the 24 April Alpha session is listed for April, and nothing at all is listed for May._
We have not yet fully utilised all the new look website features and as with any new technology it has been a gradual process of learning for both Alistair Wells and Helen Sygrave as administrators. In particularly there does not seem to be capability for reoccurring events thus meaning weekly updates and if someone is on annual leave there is no contingency been planned as yet. This is something we hope to develop in the forthcoming months.
_What action is in hand with the Diocese and Scout Association about the current lease on the Scout Hut which expires before long?_
This is on the PCC’s radar and we are currently exploring options regarding a rolling year on year extension to give greater flexibility for us as well as some security for current hut users.
_There are some big changes happening at neighbouring St Barnabas church. There is no mention of this in the reports from the PCC or the deanery synod. How might these changes impact on Christ Church and the neighbouring parishes?_
The Annual Report only refers to things that relate to our year at CC however the Area Dean provided the following statement.
“Following an extensive Health and Viability study undertaken by the Archdeacons a creative way forward for the future of St Barnabas was sought and they have entered into a partnership with St. Pauls Howell Hill who have resources to underwrite ministry there. In particular a pioneer Curate is
26
being placed at St Barnabas from July 2021 and they will begin working towards being one parish with 2 worship centres. If this goes well the formal legal process to dissolve the Epsom Group Ministry and establish a new parish will begin in 2022. There is a Vlog from Paul Dever on the St Paul’s website which explains this new relationship further.”
_In May 2019 there was an open church meeting with the architect to discuss the parish link and hall upgrade. Since then there has been a vision survey in February 2020, an article in the April/May 2020 magazine and the results of the survey in the June/July magazine. This year’s PCC report states that, “The Project Team has only met once in the past year as energies and priorities have been elsewhere. The PCC did authorise the submission of a pre-planning application before Christmas and we are awaiting feedback from that.”_
- _What is happening with the project? and_
- _What is hoped to be achieved by the preplanning application?_
The new PCC will be looking afresh at our Vision in the immediate future to establish what God is calling us to now post Lockdown. This includes examining the aspirations of the project as well as any site redevelopment. Obviously with the Pandemic we are at least a couple of years behind with where we might have liked to be.
The preplanning application is intended to give us a feel of what might be possible given the constraints of a conservation area. Despite frequent requests to the council, we are still awaiting a response, they too are catching up on works.
_The minutes of the last APCM record in response to question 7g that: “The website currently carries a summary of actions at PCC as part of CCN, and next year this will be added to the blog.” Is it still the intention that these reports will be added to the blog?_
The PCC felt that the immediate summary on the notice sheet was a better method of communication as it is proactively emailed / delivered to everyone not just those who sought it out. However, if a particular topic warranted further space for fuller exploration such as the inclusive statement discussion or Faith at Home initiatives then the blog has and will be used. This is something that can be revisited by the new PCC.
7. Electoral Roll (statement from Martin Shipton our Electoral Roll Officer):
“The Electoral Roll is the foundation of the whole structure of synodical government in the Church of England, it is one measure of the health of the church and contains the names and addresses of everyone who can vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Following last year’s changes to the rules governing the management of the Electoral Roll this year’s updating has again been carried out on-line with all documents being published on the church website.
As the Electoral Roll update takes place before the Annual Meeting this report covers only the period from the last Annual Meeting (October 2020) to the present time.
At last year’s meeting I reported an Electoral Roll membership of 154 people. This year we have signed up 5 people but lost 4 people. So membership now stands at 155 people. 58.8% of the Electoral Roll live within the parish boundaries and the remaining 41.2% outside.”
8. Remembering **:** The meeting paid their respects to Elsie Feltham and John Finlayson who all sadly passed away since the last APCM.
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9. Thanks : Finally, the vicar thanked the outgoing PCC members; Anne Sturton, (Chair of Missions) and Alan Frame (Chair of Finance). She also recognised the extra work of the Finance team in juggling an exceptionally difficult year as well as everyone who had continued to make our ‘lockdown’ worship possible in particular the Pastoral, Music and Tech teams.
Revd Rosemary Donovan (Chair)
Craig Donovan (Interim PCC Secretary)
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