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2022-12-31-accounts

2022 Annual Reports presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

of the Parish of Widford

on 4[th] June 2023

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WIDFORD PARISH PCC

AIM AND PURPOSES

St Mary’s Church and Church of the Holy Spirit, Widford PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Stephanie Gillingham, in promoting in the parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the Widford Parish Centre, Forest Drive, Widford.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to encouraging people to worship with us at our different services and to become part of our parish church family. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, Bible reading and teaching, music and the sacraments.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community.

Our wardens have led us in managing the fabric of our properties, for which we are very grateful.

OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT READS:

We want to grow:

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS

We are thankful that we have been able to continue to hold our services at St. Mary’s and Church of the Holy Spirit as usual. We continue to record the services to our Facebook page so that people who are unwell or are unable to attend can watch from home. We have continued to share Communion together by intinction. (Priest dips the wafer into the Communion wine).

Prayer: We continue to meet for prayer every Wednesday morning at 9.15am at Church of the Holy Spirit. This gives a good start to the day as well as a good time of fellowship as well as talking to Father God. We would be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to join us. We also meet for prayer on the first Monday in the month at 7.00pm. This is an opportunity to pray for ourselves, for parish activities ad the needs of the world. We also meet on the third Monday in the month at 7pm just before the PCC meeting. This is an opportunity to pray for the work of our parish before decisions are made

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Prophecy: Prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit in order to strengthen, encourage and comfort the church, see 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 to find out more.

Last year there were some prophecies given during our services to speak to us at that time but these aren’t usually recorded.

Some other prophecies were received at other times but these have not yet been shared as the timing did not feel right. However, they will be given some time in the future. Do be aware that prophecies should always be tested.

Stand tall in God, step out with his authority and humility and bring love and healing to those around us and also those to whom he will take us to.

In preparation, stay close to God, our eyes fixed on Jesus, worshipping him and adoring him for he is all-powerful and awesome. Also spend time with him because he wants you to know how much he loves you. It will also be important to keep close to him as we walk into the unknown, not being able to clearly see the way forward.’

· KNOWING CHRIST TOGETHER

Within the Framework of the Services :

At St. Marys worship has followed our normal pattern. Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays of each month. Morning prayer on the second Sunday and All Age Worship on the fourth Sunday.

At Church of the Holy Spirit: Going forward in 2023, our worship pattern will follow All Age Café-style Worship on the 1st Sunday each month, Holy Communion on the 4th Sunday and Morning Worship on the 2[nd] and 3rd Sunday each month.

It was agreed with our Lynchpin Team to stop meeting all together on the fifth Sunday. St. Mary’s now have a morning prayer on the fifth Sunday and CHS have another Café Style Worship.

Average
Attendance		 Baptisms SM 0
CHS 0
St Mary’s 25 +2 children Weddings 3
WeddingBlessings 1
Church of the
Holy Spirit		 26 + 2 children Funerals at St Mary’s
Interment of Ashes
Funerals Overall		 5
1
15
MessyChurch 42 Confirmations 0

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LOVING ONE ANOTHER

The Pastoral Group: Revd Stephanie; Shirley Deering, Barbara Jones, Sheila Schofield, Hilary Selwood, Jess Wiseman, Peter and Gill Wood and Pam Myall, met three times during 2022.

The aim of the group is to underpin what goes on among church members in mutual care. A particular brief is to contact and support families who have experienced bereavement. A coffee afternoon and service, in conjunction with Hunnaballs Funeral Service, was held at St Mary’s in July.

Members also participated in a Celtic Healing service, at St Mary’s, on Remembrance Sunday evening; and take ‘Home Communion’ to two ladies on a regular basis.

Most of the work of the group involves keeping in regular touch with individuals who are struggling for one reason or another and assuring them, in word and deed, of God’s love for them.

House Groups:

St. Mary’s House Group: We are currently 7 members and we meet monthly or as near to that timetable as we can. We continue our routine of taking turns to host, beginning each meeting with a shared meal. I can say with confidence we all enjoy one another's company and over time have built up a trusting relationship within the group which lends itself to open discussions on faith and sometimes difficult subject matters. We completed the Living in Love & Faith course in the first quarter of the year and submitted feed-back just within the time limit. This Autumn we began a study course on Micah which will take us into 2023. In December we had a festive meal out at The Six Bells in Boreham.

Rossendale House Group We continued to look at the ‘Every Day with Jesus for New Christians’ which actually took us through to the end of 2022. This resulted in many more interesting discussions.

Ravensbourne Group: We are a mixture of church members from both St Mary’s and CHS and met weekly at Peter and Gill’s house to study “the King’s Choir”, a study book looking at several Psalms. We then went onto study the Living in Love and Faith Course. We find that each study tends to take a few weeks to get through, so that we don’t rush them, and are able to glean as much as possible from each and apply it to our lives. We are loving getting to know each other on a more personal level and sharing our experiences of daily life – the highs and the lows.

SERVING ONE ANOTHER

Widford Waddlers baby and toddler Group : Widford Waddlers Baby and Toddler Group meets on Thursday mornings in Widford Village Hall from 10-11.45am. We continue to be well supported by mums, grandmas (even one great-grandma!) and child minders from local and further afield. In 2022, we have welcomed 5 new babies into our group from existing mums/grandmas (4 boys and 1 girl).

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We provide a selection of toys for babies and pre-school children. we have a craft table which is always very popular with the children, and with Zoe’s help, they make something to take home based on the theme for the week. For example, we made Valentines cards, Mother’s Day cards and a plant for each mum and granny, Children in Need teddies and poppies for Remembrance Sunday. The children especially enjoy making Easter and Christmas crafts and getting involved in Stephanie’s drama.

Additionally, this year we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - decorating crowns and making Jubilee bunting. We also held end of term parties, in the Summer and at Christmas.

Earlier in the year, we were delighted to be granted a very generous sum of community funding from the then Mayor, Jude Deakin. With this, we were able to buy some much needed new equipment including 2 lovely rainbow rugs, a CD player, play tent and ball pond and craft tables. A huge thank you to Jess for helping us access this. Mayor Jude came to visit us in May when we were able to thank her personally.

Sheila provides us with refreshments during the morning. We conclude our session with a singsong and celebrate the children’s birthdays.

We are very pleased that Nelia has been able to re-join our team during this year. With thanks to Sheila, Zoe, Stephanie and Nelia for their support and commitment.

Jane Wiseman

Homework Club continues to meet on Tuesday and Thursdays 3:15pm-5pm. We are regularly attended by a group of secondary schoolgirls, including from Hylands, Boswells and Anglo European. All either live within or have strong connections to Widford Parish. The old office computer was reconditioned by Keith and now lives in the Westland’s Lounge where Homework Club is based. This has been very useful, as the majority of homework is completed online, or requires online resources. We also use a number of laptops that have been donated by parishioners, in addition to one which was purchased using a Council grant. We enjoy a hot chocolate/drink and usually snacks left over from Hope Café. Homework ranges from Spanish (for which I have very little experience!), to Maths, Geography and Design Technology.

Both I and the young people, are thankful for Vicky and Bob who help regularly each week. It’s good for the young people to meet other church members!

Jess, Community and Youth Worker

Craft Club: Attendance at craft club continues to grow as word spreads amongst the mums at Westlands (infants and juniors!) Our youngest crafters are 4 years old from Westlands Community Primary, spanning up to year 8 at Hylands High School. Through our craft club ministry, we are able to invite families to Messy Church each month and likewise, Youth Group, so it is a valuable ministry. We have a different craft each week, for example desk tidies, light shades, tea light holders, DIY Rubik’s cubes – some crafts from 2022.

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At the end of 2022, we welcomed Bethany to begin helping each week. Peter has also helped to smooth over a new subs system that reduces the cost for those who pay for a block of sessions. This has been a great relief and blessing for Zoe and I as we start the new year. Craft Club meets in the Parish Centre on Fridays, 3:30pm -4:30pm.

Jess, Community and Youth Worker

Youth Group : This last year has been a busy one for our growing youth group! In April 2022, we hosted an afternoon tea at St Mary’s to fundraise for our trip to the Solid Festival camp in Upminster, organised by the Church of England in collaboration with other Christian charities. Special thanks to Jane and Sandra making non-stop sandwiches and the youth for waiting on our customers!

Later in April we performed the play of the “Three Trees” at CHS, a thoughtful Easter musical by Out of the Ark Music. Which told of Three Trees, one of which became Jesus’ manger, one the boat in Mark chapter 4, and the final one, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The performance was supported by their families, in addition to church members.

In May we hosted a very successful Curry Night, again to fundraise for our trip to Solid Festival. We were very thankful to have the help of my friend Nas with the cooking, while the youth group served.

To conclude the Summer Term, we had our annual BBQ, this time with water games at St Mary’s - with water balloons and slip n slide! With thanks for Bob for being our chief BBQ’er.

In August, we went to the local crazy golf and to the Aqua Park at Lakeside, Thurrock and had a blast, swimming in the lake and climbing on giant inflatables.

In October, the Gaia exhibition visited Chelmsford cathedral and we attended one evening to see the giant globe all lit up. We were reminded that although we are very small in the scale of the Earth, Father God still loves us and calls us all by name.

On the eve of Halloween, the youth group helped to serve hot chocolates outside CHS to the Widford Community who were out trick or treating. We were able to be a light in our local community on what was a very cold, dark and rainy evening. As the evening turned to heavy

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rain, CHS was filled with families and young people enjoying their drinks and our new bouncy castle, purchased with grant funding.

In November, many of the youth group joined our annual Firework evening at St Mary’s, with several of their parents stepping up to help with food and fire duties!

Our final excursion of the year was roller skating at Madison Heights in Maldon. For some, it was their first time roller skating and they did superbly, on the other hand, some of us came away with several bruises! Nevertheless, we enjoyed a meal together and lots of laughs.

Youth group meets each Saturday evening at CHS during term time, from 7pm-8:30pm for ages 10-17. Although the majority of our youth are not from Christian families, we try to incorporate a time of prayer and thinking about the wider world, from what we have heard on the news, and anyone we love who is in need of prayer. During the holidays we meet for special activities such as illustrated above! It has been great getting to know the young people and their families more over the past year. Jess, Community and Youth Worker

The Bible Course and Bible Trek At the start of 2022 we concluded the Alpha course led by Pam and Keith. The group bonded together well and it provided an opportunity for all of us to explore our faith, to learn, and to increase our level of engagement with our Christian Faith.

When Alpha finished, we moved on to a brilliant new course – The Bible Society’s Bible Course, with video, discussion and brief prayer each week (not to forget ace tea, coffee and snacks!) on a Tuesday evening from 7.30-9.15pm each Tuesday during term time. If anything, the group appreciated that course even more than Alpha!

After we completed that, in the summer term of 2022 we progressed to the Bible Trek, also with videos hosted by the Bible Society’s Andrew Ollerton visiting many actual locations of biblical events – it was like being there! The archeological evidence helped bring the biblical account to life! As 2022 ended the evenings were looking into the biblical account of Christmas. In early winter term 2023 we were due to see on video the places where the events of Holy Week actually occurred.

After the Bible Trek concludes at the end of the spring term in 2023, we would very much like to seek interest in a new ‘Bible Trek’ set of studies in the Summer of 2023, so if you’d like to know more, do contact the undersigned! Keith and Pam

Messy Church continues to grow in popularity amongst local families and is a valuable outreach ministry. During 2022, we learnt about Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Jesus – King of Kings, the story of the loving Father/Prodigal Son, Elijah and the prophets of Baal and the Tower of Babel. We also celebrated Easter and Christmas together. Messy Church consists of craft time, followed by Bible story and singing, concluding with a shared lunch. Thank you to our dedicated team: Barbara, Jen, Zoe, Pam, Sheila, Stephanie, Lynette, Shirley, Gill, and Peter. Jess Wiseman, Community and Youth Worker

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St Mary’s Singers "A group of enthusiastic singers!" Made up of members of St Mary's and CHS, we select and practice the songs for the coming Sunday’s service and aim to introduce new songs to the St Mary’s congregation on a regular basis! We enjoy singing and socialising for an hour on Thursday evenings, 7-8pm at St Mary’s (CHS during the winter months!) Jess

Film Nights : Each month we host a film night at CHS. Last year we watched titles including: Mr Bean’s Ultimate Disaster Movie, Muppet’s Christmas Carol, ELF, Mr Bean’s Holiday, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, 1917. We’ve also watched some Christian titles, including the very emotive “I still believe”, the story of Jeremy Camp and his wife – lots of tears during this film! Although sparse numbers from our congregations attend, they are appreciated and regularly attended by some of our craft club families. Jess Wiseman

Wednesday Fellowship and Knit and Natter: At our first meeting, in January 2022, our oldest member, Mary Tyler (shortly before her 104th birthday) talked movingly about her life. It was wonderful that we had this opportunity to hear from her, because it was only nine months later that she was “promoted to glory”. Other meetings combined knitting and conversation, with games (HOY etc.), quizzes, colouring, poetry; music (thanks to Dan, Sheila and her group, Vicky); visiting speakers (Robin Stevens, Tess, of the Little Edi Project, Gill Parker, David Simmonds); a film of a mining village (shown by John McDougall); craft (led by Elaine Doe and Christine Wade); services (with Stephanie).

Thanks to a grant from the builders of the estate on St John’s Hospital site, Stephanie arranged a coach trip to Southwold in September. Members who were able, enjoyed the beautiful day very much.

Each Wednesday afternoon culminates in the sharing of a cup of tea and a biscuit (thanks to Sylvia, assisted by Jackie). May God continue to lead this little group as we seek to share His love. Pam Myall

Tithe Report: The tithe committee met in April 2022 to discuss the allocation of funds for 2022.

The amount was based on 7% of the total giving in 2021 and this amounted to £6,764.

After some discussion, the following figures were suggested and later agreed by PCC.

Edapal Standing order 4 x £300 £1,200
Ukraine Special appeal (Emergency
Pot)		 £300
Christian Aid. (Emergency Pot) £280
Daylight Christian Trust £652
Chess £652
Hugh Pilcher £652
CPAS £362

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Grassroots Trust £652
Tap Twinning £64
Little Edi Foundation £652
Friends International £652
Embrace £326
Total 2022 £6,444

We ended up not sending the full amount that we had agreed and that the balance (£320) in the emergency pot be sent in 2023.

The Tithe committee members were: Peter Wood, Pam Myall, Jess Wiseman, Karen Cooney, Barbara Jones.

Eco Church : In October 2022, St Mary’s achieved the silver Eco Church award! To achieve this, we switched over to eco-friendly cleaning products, such as ECOver and Method and registered as a Fairtrade Church – that we are committed to buying and serving fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar at our services. We also planted bee and butterfly friendly plants in the Garden of Remembrance and twinned our kitchen tap with a water source in Uganda, following an all-age service on water scarcity in the third world. Jess Wiseman

Walsingham: In March 2022, 12 church members went to Walsingham for a weekend retreat. It was particularly interesting to experience different forms of worship and enjoy a restful time of fellowship. We had morning and evening prayer times together in the Barn Chapel, and attended several church services in the on-site shrine. We had fun games nights together and some went to Cromer for a beach trip, while others enjoyed the sun in the grounds and Walsingham village. It was a great time of refreshment during lent, when we were encouraged by Bishop Guli to slow down and refuel. We are looking forward to returning with a larger group in September 2023. Jess Wiseman

Lunch Club: At Lunch Club we provide a freshly prepared nourishing meal for the elderly, and naturally this includes an opportunity for friendship and social interaction. Meals are served in the Parish Centre weekly except for a short break at Christmas and the month of August.

During the early part of the year, as the pandemic eased, numbers remained restricted to allow for social distancing, meaning that most could only attend bi-weekly. From September we were able to open up fully, so everyone could attend weekly, which was appreciated by all. Due to food price rises, the cost was also raised to £3, which still represents excellent value!

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The kitchen team is led by Sheila Schofield assisted by Janet Aldridge, Janet Bird, Karen Cooney, Alan Davey, Jeff Gilbert, Lynette Hunwicks, Maureen McPhee, Nelia Spratley , Linda Stephens and Jess Wiseman. The dining room team is led by Pam Myall assisted by Sandra Kyte, Jess Wiseman, and Stephanie. We are truly grateful to all the helpers without whom the lunches would not be possible. Sheila Schofield

BEING AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY

Hope Café and Soft Play : 2022 has seen quite a few changes at the cafe. On Shrove Tuesday 2022, we opened the new soft play area and extended our regular opening times to catch parents and carers on the way back from the school run. The soft play equipment was purchased using a grant from the local council and several amazing and artistic volunteers helped to paint a Noah’s ark mural on the wall. Thanks also go to Roger G who gave the two rooms a fresh coat of paint and installed spotlights to replace the rather dated wall mounted lights. He also created a viewing window between the Beeches and Hylands Rooms, so they are now more or less one room, allowing parents and carers a line of sight to their children on the soft play equipment as they enjoy a coffee!

Soft Play attendance is gradually growing but unfortunately café attendance dropped after the summer holidays and hasn’t yet recovered. A new flag has helped attract people in and word of mouth is also working well, especially for the soft play. We also have a presence on Google Maps which has been successful in attracting some people. Most of our café customers live in Widford Parish, whereas some for soft play do come from further afield. We even had one family all the way from New Zealand as they passed through Chelmsford on a world tour.

During the year our menu has also been extended to include “posh” coffees, canned drinks, boiled eggs, beans on toast, and toasties. Using a grant obtained from the Council via Jude Deakin, we have been providing free soup and roll between 11 and 12 as part of the Warm Welcome scheme. In January 2022, we joined the Fareshare Scheme in which supermarkets donate short and out of date food to organisations to give away. We collect from Tesco on a Sunday evening and put the food on a table at café for anyone to take what they need. For 2023 we need to focus on increasing awareness within the local community and

encouraging church members to come and bring their friends. The cafe and soft play are open from 9am to 12 noon on Mondays and Tuesdays during the school term. Thank you to our regular Monday and Tuesday team members, and for those who are on call for when we need some extra help! Jess and Dan

Friends of Essex Churches Ride and Stride

10[th] September 2022, coincided with the period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

Both our church buildings were open, thanks to volunteers who welcomed visitors. Pam and Zoe walked to 22 churches and a Cream Tea was held at St Mary’s in the afternoon (thanks to Barbara Oxlade and her team). The day culminated in a service of Compline, led by Stephanie. As a result of sponsorship for the walk and donations given at the tea, the F.O.E.C. received half the proceeds. The Parish benefitted by £77. 62p.

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Harvests. We enjoyed Harvest services at both churches. We collected for the local food bank and received a generous number of gifts for which the food bank was very grateful. Monetary donations went towards buying several bee hives in partnership with Ali and Keshule Edapal, for communities in Kenya.

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ELECTORAL ROLL

There are currently 65 people on the Electoral Roll, of which 41 are resident in the parish and 24are non-resident.

DEANERY SYNOD:

It was the second year of the joint North and South Chelmsford Deanery. Revd Tim Balls continued as Area Dean and Chair, Jill Readings as Lay Chair. As usual, 4 meetings convened. The Widford Representatives were Revd Stephanie (ex officio); Jess Wiseman – through her membership of Diocesan Synod; Bob Wiseman and Pam Myall (who were elected in 2019, for three years).

In February, Synod met at St Andrew’s Church, Melbourne, when the principal speaker was Patrick Regan. He introduced ‘Kintsugi Hope’ - a new initiative promoting mental health and well-being. (The name refers to a Japanese craft whereby broken china is mended – conspicuously – with gold, thereby creating something beautiful from damaged goods.) Patrick noted that people do not need to ignore or hide the problems of the past. Well-being involves accepting where things have been wrong, for whatever reason, and allowing God’s grace to restore us.

The meeting in June was held at St Margaret’s, Downham (a lovely little church, overlooking the Thames valley). Linda and Anne from St John’s Moulsham shared their creation of a ‘hub’ to which Ukranian refugees and their hosts (in the re-settling scheme) are invited on one evening each week. St John’s offer space, support, information and a prayer station. Synod was also informed about the St Vincent de Paul Society, which helps to provide the equipment needed when people are re-housed.

In September, Bishop Guli addressed Synod, in a re-arranged meeting in Meadgate. (She had been due to come to CHS on a later date.) Having been listening to folk in the Diocese for the past year, she felt that parishes should have more autonomy, being responsible to find solutions to the problems they experience; working together with others in the Diocese, but not trying to follow a decreed pattern. Our aim should be to be God’s people in our place – not to look ‘successful’.

The December meeting took place at the Church of St Francis, Beaulieu Park. Revd Dan Pierce shared about his role as Pioneer Lead Minister, stressing that pioneering is different from colonising. God’s care for us does not alter, but needs to be shared in different ways, in response to circumstances and the individuals concerned.

At each meeting, a period of time is reserved for prayer, in small groups, for one another’s parishes. (Prayer requests are invited to be submitted prior to the gathering.)

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It has been a privilege to serve on Deanery Synod, but, after ten years, I am not eligible for reelection. I would encourage anyone with a vision for the wider church and willingness to share with fellow pilgrims, to stand for election. Pam Myall

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

St. Marys: Bob Wiseman is currently the warden having been re-elected at the vestry meeting ahead of the APCM. During the year much of the efforts of a number of volunteers was to create more car parking and establish the new garden on the land purchased from Mr Martin Seager. By the time Advent arrived, the land had been transformed. This work meant that other jobs were left in abeyance but nothing important was neglected. During the year we received the archdeacon's approval to relocate 2 notice boards from within the Nave into the porch and modification of a pew adjoining a heater to give access for maintenance. Unfortunately, negotiations with Fr. Cosmin Muresan of the Romanian Orthodox church were plagued with hold ups which were not of our making. We hope and pray for better outcomes in 2023.

As the year came to a close, we drew near to the transfer of the land registration of the new garden to the CDBF and I am slowly endeavouring to address the requirement of planning consent to allow the interment of human ashes with CCC before submitting a faculty application. John, Bishop of Bradwell visited in the summer but was prohibited from consecrating the ground. I should also like to publicly thank a number of benefactors who funded various items for the garden, including the gates and planting etc. A big thank you to Mr Ian Pegg for his major involvement in felling the leylandii trees.

Church services gradually returned to 'normality' and we celebrated holy communion at the Christmas midnight service with the option of sharing the cup.

Revd Stephanie conducted 3 weddings and a marriage blessing service and 5 funerals took place during the year.

We celebrated Queen Elizabeth's platinum anniversary with afternoon tea and a Sing-a-long with tunes from various decades and Joyce Dines attended the event. We had a cream tea on Ride & Stride Day and held our annual firework party on 5th November.

Many people need to be thanked for making all the above happen and all the service they gave to God and the church throughout the year. Just to pick out a few, those who cleaned or decorated the church for special occasions or practiced hymns on a Thursday evening, the list goes on, you know who you are. THANK YOU Bob Wiseman

Church of the Holy Spirit: Firstly, CHS Wardens Barbara and Keith would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all who have helped our worshipping community to function throughout 2022. Your work, sacrifice and commitment has helped us not only to recover from the difficult days of the pandemic, but to broaden and deepen our community involvement impact through the Parish through increased use of CHS and the Parish Centre. Services at CHS continued throughout 2022 as live and live-streamed.

In the spring and autumn, we took the opportunity to carry out a ‘walk-around’ with our caretaker (and former Churchwarden) Tammy Squirrell. This enabled the rolling programme of work to be continued in the Parish Centre and CHS over the year as time, money and opportunity permitted. Tammy painted the kitchen and the Vestry/music room, and the PCC approved additional storage in the music room (per our report last year mentioned regarding

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optimising storage last year), which helped to use the space as efficiently as possible. With the PCC’s approval, Tammy has been commissioned to revive the decoration in the CHS Prayer Room, and we hope that this will be able to be done after the decoration of CHS is completed.

At the end of 2022, with the agreement of the PCC, the PCC’s Communications Group decided that it was best to disband, with event/group leaders now retaining prime responsibility for publicising their events in consultation with (and, if necessary, with the assistance of) the Parish Office. Keith would like to thank the group, which contributed to the developments in communications during 2022.

Regarding our buildings, the vision of a soft-play facility in the Parish centre was realised! Also, the PCC approved the redecoration of CHS, with the results becoming clear in the early months of 2023. We are grateful for all the voluntary effort that has been put in to make the work there and the Hope Café a success.

In January 2022 the PCC approved the idea of celebrating the Queen’s Platinum jubilee around an art festival, and the vision was realised in May and June, when we opened CHS every day for a month. We were supported by artists in the Parish and by those in the Chelmsford Art Society. Carol Groves provided a wonderful display of magazine cuttings celebrating the Queen’s long reign. On two Saturdays, Artists came and worked so that visitors could see how their artworks were created. Chelmsford Photographic society supplied a photographic display. More than 300 people visited POWfest, and art from Church groups and local schools made the event memorable. As a direct result of that, Chelmsford Art Society decided to make the Parish Centre their home for their bi-weekly meetings. People have already begun to ask us when the next Art Festival will take place!

As readers will recall, Carol’s display had to be recalled to use, as on the day of our dear Queen’s passing, at the back of CHS, we set up a display, book of condolence, photos of the Queen and an area for contemplation and commemoration. A sometimes steady, sometimes sporadic flow of visitors paid the respects, and the book of condolence remains a permanent record of the respects that were paid to our late beloved Monarch, who will perhaps always be remembered as Queen Elizabeth the faithful – faithful to her duties, her family and to the nations she served.

As 2022 began, the Alpha Course led by Pam and Keith drew to a close and at the group’s request, in 2022, transitioned to the Bible Course and then the Bible Trek (both authored by the Bible Society), opening its doors to others who would like to join on a Tuesday evening for a video on a Biblical place, nice refreshments, discussion and a prayer.

At Easter we could once again meet at CHS to join others for the Good Friday Walk of Witness, joining many hundreds of other believers who met in the city centre to celebrate our Lord’s victory over evil as he completed his work on the cross.

As the year progressed, the cost-of-living challenges impacted many in the congregation and the local community, so the PCC decided that the facilities in CHS and the Parish Centre could assist in the ‘Warm Welcome’ initiative for those who were finding it difficult to heat or eat. Thanks to the Café Team for adapting to this new development!

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The Christmas services were a highlight, as for the first time in two years we could worship together at CHS without any restrictions – brilliant!

As we write this, we are well into 2023 with many exciting things to share – but as this report is required to cover only the calendar year, you’ll have to wait until next year’s report for a summary of the latest developments!

Barbara and Keith would like to pay tribute to the work of our fellow Warden Bob, and to the energetic, innovative and faithful work of our staff (Tammy and Jess) and, naturally, Stephanie, without whose work we could not have achieved so much in our Parish in 2022. Thanks too to all who volunteer their time, energy and effort to ensure that our Parish remains at the heart of our local community where we can find hope, safety, learning and, with both CHS and St. Mary’s, be the worshipping heart of the Parish. Thank-you for all you do.

As Churchwardens we remain your lay representatives supporting and serving our Clergy and congregation. Should you have any questions or concerns, you are always welcome to get in touch.

Keith Schofield and Barbara Jones

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The Parish of Widford Safeguarding team consists of the Reverend Stephanie Gillingham, Karen Cooney who oversees the training needs of each individual performing a role within the church and Barbara Jones, Safeguarding Officer for the parish.

I can state that during the past twelve months the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Widford has complied with the duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

Over the past year there have been nine Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks performed; one for a new volunteer and the other eight were for those which needed renewing as they had reached their three year expiration date. There are currently no outstanding DBS checks.

In accordance with the Diocesan safer recruitment process, four new volunteers have been recruited: one to help with Craft Club, two to help with Hope Cafe, one to be a verger at weddings and funerals and for a leader of a new afterschool Children’s Club. All new applicants for volunteer positions are taken on using this process to make sure that they are recruited correctly and safely.

The training needs for each person performing a role within the church are based on the national/Diocesan requirements. These are monitored by Karen Cooney who also advises when any of the courses have reached their three-year expiry date and need to be repeated.

Barbara Jones

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LYNCHPIN’S REPORT

The purpose of the South-West Chelmsford Churches Lynchpins is to encourage collaboration and supportive relationships between the five churches in our Mission and Ministry Partnership (MMP): St Luke's (Moulsham), St John's (Old Moulsham), St Michael's (Galleywood), CHS (Widford) and St Mary's (Widford). Jacky from St John's and Jess from Widford have begun a bi-monthly rambling group, consisting of members of each of our 5 churches and their 4-legged friends. It has been enjoyable getting to know one another during our cross-country walks and over a pub lunch at the end! Sometimes, less able members of our congregations meet us at the pub for a social! Although our united fifth Sunday services came to an end towards the close of 2022, we have reintroduced the second Sunday afternoon services which rotate around each of our church buildings, with a variety of themes, such as Taizé. In 2022, we also shared an Ash Wednesday Service at St Michaels, Maundy Thursday at St Mary's and an Easter dawn Service at St Luke's, followed by a delicious cooked breakfast! Shirley and Jess

RECTOR’S REPORT

Our Annual Meeting is very late this year, but remains an important part of our cycle of meetings and we hope that you will come to Church of the Holy Spirit and participate in our trial of holding the meeting on a Sunday after service.

Our report is packed with interest. So much going on – so many ways of serving our God and our community, reminding us of our Mission Statement Prayer.

A huge thank you goes to all our wardens, leaders of groups, hosts of hospitality, PCC secretary, treasurer and office staff. To Jess as Community and youth worker, and Tammy as our caretaker. The care with which jobs are changed into mission opportunities and service is important, and reminds us that we are a church and church family.

Before Easter I introduced our new Diocesan initiative ‘Travelling Well Together.’ You will hear more about this as we go through the next year, but it encourages us to be aware of God’s grace, to value the small, vulnerable and the marginal. To focus out into the

community and beyond, while sustaining healthy rhythms (which includes prayer and Bible study). Kindness, mutual respect, gentleness and humility are core values, as well as being generously collaborative. The values ask us to be faithful, creative, courageous and open to the unexpected and surprising. We have lots to learn. It would be simplest in my mind to focus on one at a time, but life is not like that and so we will highlight them as is appropriate. But, please let us know if God surprises you or challenges you into the unexpected.

This weekend we have celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla as Queen. We pray that God’s grace will fall richly on them. They have decided to encourage people to volunteer highlighting the benefits on all sides.

We have a church full of volunteers, and I thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do – may God richly bless you with his many gifts of grace. Thank you, Reverend Stephanie

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TREASURER’S REPORT

2022 was a year in which the COVID pandemic had less of an impact than the previous two years. We saw most of the church activities fully resuming and life in general coming back to a semblance of normality.

Our finances have remained healthy; however, this covers up the fact that the income from giving has fallen by about 10%. Income from other sources has increased which has covered any potential deficit.

Income

The total income for the Parish in 2022 was £112,504, and expenditure was £112,614.

This compares with a total income of £103,296 in 2021, and expenditure of £101,764.

This includes all sources of income including specific locality funding grants (£4,378), lunch club, Widford waddlers, café and craft club and donations towards the remembrance garden and the benevolent fund.

Giving and Gift Aid

Our regular giving (Standing Orders, Envelopes, Parish Giving Scheme, and other planned giving) decreased from £52,414 to £43,672. Our receipts from one-off donations fell from £12,753 to £10,950 (excluding a £3,000 gift to the benevolent fund).

Our general income (including the regular giving and plate collections, Gift aid claims, One off gift aided donations, etc) from giving by parishioners fell from £87,363 to £ 74,332, a 15% fall.

Parish Giving Scheme

This is now accounting for 44% of the planned giving and is set to rise in 2023.

Fund Raising Activities

Our Parish income from fund raising activities (e.g., Car Park Donations and hall hires) had remained largely stable (£9,656 (2021) & £9,599 (2020) but rose significantly in 2022 to £21,182. Thanks to Bob for managing this important source of income.

Bank Interest

Bank interest has started to recover in 2022, receiving £616 in 2022 v. £79 in 2021. 2023 will see this increase as interest rates rise.

Other receipts from Church activities rose 50% compared to 2021. (£4,772 v £7,357)

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Expenditure

Parish Share .

This rose compared to 2021 from £49,426 to £56,807.

Giving

We had committed in 2022 to give 7% of our 2021 income away as a tithe in 2022 (£6,764), however some of this was not distributed until 2023. This is reported on in the tithe committee report.

Employed workers

Our financial commitment to having a caretaker and youth worker rose in 2022 from £12,077 to £13,946. It will again increase in 2023 because of the increase to their wages and pension liabilities to approximately £16,000.

Church Running Expenses.

These are comparable to 2021, in that we have not been affected by gas and electricity price changes. Our contract ends at the end of December 2023.

Church Repairs and Maintenance.

Our expenditure on this was less than 2021.

Major Projects

The Garden of Remembrance Project has continued in 2022 and received a total of £750 in donations in 2022, and the total expenditure to date is £30,068, including £8,141 in 2022.

Bank Accounts

We now use the Co-operative Bank entirely for our general day to day banking, both for the general fund and other associated expenditure, and another account for the fees account.

All payments that need to be manually processed, i.e., not direct debits or standing orders have been made by internet banking which has been a safe and effective way to manage them.

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Gift Aid

We have tried very hard to ensure that we claim all the Gift Aid that we can, getting all those who can to sign up for this, and have seen good results as a result. The claiming of Gift Aid is done in three separate ways.

  1. Sheila Schofield deals with the Envelopes and plates.

  2. Peter Wood deals with deposits direct into the bank account.

  3. The Parish Giving Scheme automatically do a Gift Aid claim for those who give this way.

Appreciation

I would like to thank Bob and Pam who usually count the money ready for paying into the bank, and Barbara Oxlade and Pam who both get involved in banking cash and cheques for us. We have made use of the Local Post Office as well as the Co-operative Bank in town.

Finance Subcommittee

This has met on an irregular basis to enable us to look at the finances prior to the PCC meeting so as to enable reporting back to the PCC easier.

The Subcommittee consists of: Peter Wood (Treasurer), Sheila Schofield, (Stewardship Officer), Barbara Jones and Bob Wiseman (Church wardens). Thank you to them all for their time and commitment and constructive comments and support.

Summary

2022 was a good year for the parish in financial terms. The general fund ended the year with a balance of £49,469 v £43,721 at the end of 2021.

Going forwards

2023, as any other, will continue to be a challenge for Widford Parish, whether it is because of falling congregation numbers, or the result of the increased cost of living, with rising energy prices. I hope that 2023 will be a positive year both for the spiritual growth of the church and alongside that that we will see God’s continued faithfulness to us as a community as we give to enable God’s work within our parish to flourish.

Let us all play our part in this.

Peter Wood, Treasurer

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Parish of St Mary Widford - 1128307 Statement of Financlal Activitias For thè period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 gnai•d fun Endow)nent Tolll d Prknry•Ar totslfvndB nd• Ré¢wpts 43.672.46 4.120.S4 12.eT224 13.YTO.47 A3.672.46 4,120.$4 15.772.24 14.520.47 5.262.14 21.182.50 616.23 52.414 85 2.275.59 17.934.80 14.740.4 1.423.20 9.656. 79.29 4.772 25 0lhèrvoluThtsryr￿¢lP Giftpdd [￿￿￿ered 0￿￿rrac01pts ftrgenBrnbnufunds InveslmÉnt In¢oM I￿.00 3,000. 5.148.81 21.182.50 282.71 4AS227 289.15 44.37 692.iy T.357. Totsiinct)rn• 1W26&62 6.2$0.07 6,007.88 112.5045r 103.286.70 p&yrnen15 Cost of gongraury tUnd5 ChwlÈtib￿ 1,332.(N) 4,755. 41426.80 8,66a.87 25,172.17 P8rishShar& Clwyy znd Stafftylx￿l Church Running Expgnsos Hall Runnino Costs Chutch RUpai￿ & MainiqnaDce Hdl Rewr4& lthnt8nan NewBvI￿1ngW0rk GovernarKeCosts 56,807.99 8.937.61 20.990.22 342.3B 1.092.82 409.64 56.807.99 8.937.81 28,971.93 342JB 1.092.82 5.fy)0.21 2.381.50 1.189.89 1.Tll.35 10.407.28 350. 8.141.69 TOts1•x￿￿dllur I￿￿38$ on inve5thgntassets 95158.77 11741.90 3.71I5D 112.61&17 ioi.Y84. Nvt incomBll•xp•ndttur•l rns<JurcÈÉ bÈfor• tranf ,107.85 2,294.38 1109.601 Tr3nsfeTS Grasstran7fers belwèen tunds-hi bM*en ￿nd$.(1￿ 4.669.50 14.029.1fj1 10,201.41 11.099.591 257.84 15.12175 14,469.51 114A69.511 OlherFecognlsetlgain5 11055es G￿n$￿￿ revalua1￿￿. fixed assats. thrntysown usg ,Y48.19 A1U.01} 2,55Z22 1.$32A1 Reconcillotion offunds T¢)lal 43.721.17 51.054.25 7.729.08 102.SXS0 101.M2. Tt￿￿1 49,469.36 42,674.24 10.283.30 102,4X 102.534.50 19

PCC Fees Account

The Examiner, Mr. George Large has inspected the accounts for year ending 31.12.22. He has signed off the accounts and made a number of recommendations for me to act upon. Attempt to return the Marriage service deposits to two couples whose weddings were postponed from 2020 and 2021 respectively. In each case £100.00. Coop Funeral Service paid invoice no. 1392 twice. Try to repay £231.00 to them. My previous attempts had failed.

Pay PCC £614.00 for wedding fees from 2022. Completed 3.4.23.

There were 19 Funeral related ceremonies in the year totaling £4689.00 Also 3 Marriage services and 1 Marriage blessing service in the year totaling £2150.00 Additionally at the year ending we were holding £450.00 in further wedding deposits.

Parish Office

Throughout this year the staff maintained a presence in the office. The team are Shirley assisted by Val, Sylvia, Barbara O, Jess and Bob and we are a team each bringing something different to the role.

Throughout the year Churchtalk has been a constant presence keeping everyone connected with a subtle change in format to include more news worthy information. A special thanks to Barbara & Jess.

The year has seen an increase in regular hall lettings and car parking charges which has helped with our finances but more important than the money is helping to fulfil our mission statement prayer 'to be at the heart of our community'. We have continued to host Joey N and his team throughout the year and the office staff have a good relationship with them. Here a special thanks is due to all the team for continuing to start work at 9.30 and staying until 12.30 each day. What was foreseen as a short-term arrangement has increased the front-line presence of a welcome face in the office when visitors call.

Peter and Keith continue to provide technical help when needed and Daniel has also come on board of late and we are grateful to all of them.

As per last year we ask for your prayers for the work of the office particularly as most of us are

a year older and retirement seems unlikely, while good health is invaluable to our roles. We all take pleasure in serving our Lord Jesus in this way.

Volunteers

Thanks go to our churchwardens, Barbara Jones, Keith Schofield and Bob Wiseman, Peter Wood as the church’s Treasurer. and Pam Myall as our PCC Secretary. We would also like to thank Keith Schofield for his role as lay chair.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WIDFORD PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022. which are set out in this document. Respectlve responslblllties of the PCC and the Independent Examlner As rnembers of the PCC you do not consider that an audit is required for this year under section 14412} of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to". examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act., follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner's section 14515llbl of the Act.. and stale whether particular matters have come to my attention Basls of Independènt Examiner's Statement My exarnination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examin¢rfs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention". {1} which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect, the ￿qUirements to keep accounting records in acGordance with section 130 of the Act., and to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records, have not been met., or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 121 Signature". Mr George Large 166 Beeches Road. Chelmsford Dale.. 15th May 2023 21

Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At Widford St. Mary’s and CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, the membership of the PCC consists of the Incumbent, churchwardens, the licensed lay minister and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The full PCC met from January to November in person.

Safeguarding continues to be a high priority. We thank Barbara Jones for the work she has put in as Safeguarding Officer and are grateful to Karen Cooney for taking a lead on safeguarding training.

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Administrative information

St. Mary’s church is situated in London Road, and Church of the Holy Spirit in Forest Drive. It is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford within the Church of England. The correspondence address is “Widford Parish Office, Forest Drive, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 2TS”. Registered charity number 1128307.’”

PCC members who have served at any time from 1 January 2022 until the date this report was approved are:

Rector : Reverend Stephanie Gillingham

Church Wardens:

Barbara Jones

Keith Schofield

Bob Wiseman

Deanery Synod Rep.

Robert (Bob) Wiseman

Pam Myall

Jess Wiseman

Licenced Lay Minister: Roger Gillingham

PCC Members:

Peter Wood (Treasurer)

Keith Schofield (Lay Chair)

Colin Groves

Robert (Bob) Wiseman Jessica (Jess) Wiseman Karen Cooney

Tamzin (Tammy) Squirrell Barbara Jones

Pat Brown

Report approved by the PCC on ………………………………………………..

and signed on their behalf by …………………………………………………..

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The Parish of Widford

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

4[th] June 2023

in Church of the Holy Spirit, Widford

A. Meeting of Parishioners

Election of Churchwardens

B. Annual Meeting Agenda

11) Election of second lay representative to Deanery Synod

13) Election of a Lynchpin Member

15) Appointment of Independent Examiner

16) Any items for discussion:

17) Any Other Business

18)Date for the next APCM – Either Monday 19th May 2024/Sunday May 2023 or 16[th] /17[th] April.

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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meetings of the Parish of Widford

Held on 16[th] May 2022, at 7.30pm, St. Mary’s

A. Meeting of Parishioners

Revd Stephanie Gillingham opened the meeting, at 7.30pm, with prayer. She read the nominations for the positions of Warden:

Barbara Jones was nominated by Pam Myall and seconded by Sheila Schofield. Keith Schofield was nominated by Pam Myall and seconded by Tamzin Squirrell. Robert Wiseman was nominated by Roger Bird and seconded by Janet Bird. All three were elected unanimously and thanks expressed for their work together over the past year, and for their willingness to continue.

Robert (Bob) noted that their skills complement each other. This meeting closed at 7. 40pm.

B. Annual Parochial Church Meeting opened at 7.45pm.

Present: Revd Stephanie Gillingham (Chair); Barbara Jones; Keith and Sheila Schofield; Bob and Jane Wiseman; Peter and Gill Wood; Joan Barker; Karen Cooney; Shirley Deering; Jen Gaskin; Hilary Selwood; Tammy Squirrell; Jess Wiseman; Pam Myall.

  1. Welcome and Prayer Stephanie welcomed church members and opened the meeting with prayer.

  2. Apologies had been received from Janet Aldridge; Lionel Blanks; Pat Brown; Paula Groves; Lynette Hunwicks; Zoe Myall; Barbara Oxlade; Ann Sharp and Sylvia Skardon.

  3. Notification of Any Other Business There was none.

  4. Minutes of the APCM on 19[th] April 2021 were read.

  5. Matters Arising Bob enquired whether there were any thoughts of moving the Café outside again for the summer. Stephanie pointed out that this would isolate it from the Soft Play area and require more helpers, although the Paddock could be used. However, it was noted that holding the café on the front grass had been effective outreach. Bob expressed thanks to all those who had helped with the Café in the past twelve months.

  6. Item 10: Keith had looked into possibilities for renewing the heating system at CHS. Eco friendly heat source technology was not sufficiently advanced to warrant a complete change of system at this time.

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  1. Stephanie’s (Rector’s) Report The Platinum Jubilee of the Queen brought to mind the theme of Jubilee in the Scriptures. A trumpet would sound to mark a recommitment to God. Stephanie expressed thanks to Jess, for organising he Retreat at Walsingham which had been an inspiration to participants.

The ’holy sabbatical’ during Lent had helped to prepare for outreach and Jubilee celebrations in the Parish. A Cream Tea at St Mary’s was planned on 4[th] June, a Barbecue at CHS on 5[th] June – and the impressive Art Exhibition, with the theme Truth and Beauty was already established (and the backdrop to our meeting).

It would continue until the June Jubilee weekend.

Stephanie expressed appreciation for all involved in these events, and the Bible Trek – which had continued from Alpha and The Bible Course, (involving Keith, Barbara, Tammy and Pam).

Stephanie invited the meeting to remember all those who had suffered especially in the past year, for the bereaved and friends who had gone to be with the Lordparticularly Gordon Townsend, Eileen Fowler and Ladi Lapitte. There were a few moments silence and then prayer.

  1. Electoral Roll: Shirley confirmed the numbers stated in the Annual Reports. There were 66 people on the Electoral Roll, 41 resident and 25 non-resident. No-one had been added since our meeting in 2021, but one resident had died.

  2. Annual Reports: appreciated, with just a few comments.

Wid Wads: Stephanie said there was a good team providing valuable fellowship and opportunity to a good group of pre-schoolers and their carers. Open the Book: Westlands had informed Stephanie, on the day of our meeting, that visitors could be welcomed in to school once again, after the long break because of the pandemic! Stephanie asked Jess to make plans to take her team of people to ‘Open the Book’ once again.

Tithing: The PCC had made the decision, in their meeting in February 2022, that 7% of Parish income in 2021 should be distributed as our tithe for 2022. The sum involved would be £6766.

A sub-committee met on 29[th] April, with Peter Wood, Barbara Jones, Karen Cooney, Jess Wiseman and Pam Myall.

Jess and Peter brought the distribution of the Tithe proposed by that group before the APCM for approval:

Continued support for the Edapal Family (ministry in North Kenya, though they are currently living in Bury, Lancashire). Keshule is continuing ministry with a group of pastors remotely – though he hopes to visit Kenya before long and, with Ali, to share more of their work with us in Widford.

Emergency Pot

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HughPilcher ‘Jesus Loves the Little
Children Organisation’, in Uganda £ 652.
Daylight Prison Ministry £ 652.
Grassroots Trust work in Kyrgystan £ 652.
Friends International (with students). £ 652.
Little Edi Fund (for needy families locally).
£ 652.
Church Pastoral Aid Society £ 326.
Embrace – for UK child victims of crime £ 326.
Total
£6,764.

It was also suggested that we match the Christian Aid collection in the few envelopes allowed to be distributed again this year, from the Emergency Pot. All members present approved the list.

An email had been received from Hugh. He planned a visit to UK in June/July. Bob hoped that Hugh’s allocation from the tithe could be paid to him during his visit.

Lunch Club Thanks was expressed to those involved with this flourishing group. Sheila deserving of several medals!

  1. Finance: In his comprehensive report, Peter had included a section on Giving Income Streams, to show changes in methods of giving in recent years. On-line banking proved helpful; there was a good team of helpers; special thanks were expressed to Bob for managing hall hires and car parking charges, which had significantly increased our income.

  2. A considerable amount of money was being spent on the Garden of Remembrance, but money was allocated for this.

  3. George Large had been pleased and requested a smaller gratuity. There were generous givers in the church and Peter encouraged us to keep on giving. Peter and Stephanie had signed off the accounts, so there was no official action required of the APCM. Peter was thanked most sincerely for all his work. In response to a question, Peter said he was willing to carry on as Treasurer for the coming year.

  4. Churchwardens’ Fabric Reports: Most matters had been covered in the presented reports.

  5. Bob informed us that one of the bird boxes at St Mary’s, (made by Peter), was occupied by a family of bluetits.

  6. Deanery Synod: Stephanie, Bob, Jess (because of her election to Diocesan Synod) and Pam represent the Parish on Deanery Synod. Bob and Pam were in the third year of their three -year term. In response to Barbara’s question, Pam attempted a description of the role of the Deanery synod in the church structure.

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  1. Lynchpins: Within South West Chelmsford Churches, Gemma had resigned from her role as Vicar of St John’s and St Luke’s, and was moving, in stages, with her family to Norfolk. Meetings had begun, with members of the two parishes (now in Interregnum) and Archdeacon Elizabeth, but there was as yet no clear indication for the way forward. For some time, the Diocese has shared the plan to reduce the quota of employed clergy to two in the MMU.

Stephanie requested prayer for our fellow SW Chelmsford churches.

  1. Election of Lynchpin Members: All our standing members were willing to continue. Shirley Deering was nominated by Pam Myall and seconded by Keith Schofield. Tammy Squirrell was nominated by Pam Myall and seconded by Keith Schofield. Jess Wiseman was nominated by Pam Myall and seconded by Keith Schofield. All members present voted to accept the election of these representatives and thanked them for their willingness to stand.

14. Election of PCC Members

Two of our members, Sylvia Skardon and Paula Groves, had expressed their wish to stand down and Jess had earned an automatic place on PCC, through her membership of Diocesan Synod. Hence, there were 3 vacancies.

Pat Brown was nominated by Pam Myall and seconded by Ann Sharp. She was elected unanimously.

(Should anyone else feel called to the role, it would be possible to co-opt them to PCC pending the 2023 APCM)

15. Appointment of Independent Examiner

George Large had reduced his fee this year and was happy to continue in this role. Peter proposed and Tammy seconded the proposal that George be re-appointed as Independent Examiner. Everyone present voted in favour.

16. Items for Discussion

Focus on the Environment

The Diocese encouraged all churches to concentrate on reducing negative impact on the World’s resources. A start had already been made with the Bronze Arocha award. Various suggestions were made: Involving the environment in services; Planting wildflower meadows in certain areas of the church lands; support of the “No Mow May” movement (allowing more pollination) and keeping some areas unmown. Bob suggested that there should be some explanation of leaving areas to grow naturally, to avoid the impression that the unkempt appearance reflected a lack of care for our places of worship.

Jess and Tammy were encouraged to bring other ideas to our attention, including individual steps which would make a difference to us and to our impact on others. Jess noted that we already have a page on our website about the environment. We all need to be vigilant – careful to turn off heating and lights etc. Stephanie had wondered about adding a phrase to our Mission Statement, but concluded that the necessary changes to service books and other media would not be eco-

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friendly. However, she encouraged a greater awareness, in notices, prayers, talks, of the wonder and need to protect our wonderful world.

The Communion Table at CHS Pam expressed her own appreciation (and, especially Zoe’s) that the Altar had been moved up onto the centre of the Chancel step – symbolically acknowledging God as the centre of our worship. Several members showed their agreement in applause.

Flowers Gill thanked Barbara and Joan for the flowers in CHS. Barbara noted that it is important to watch the carbon footprint of flowers flown in from afar, and the cost. She was thinking of using some artificial flowers, and locally sourced, seasonal flowers when they are available.

  1. Date for the next APCM: This would normally be Monday 17[th] April 2023. However, Peter introduced a discussion about the possibility of holding it after Sunday service-the current practice of many churches.

  2. After some debate, it was agreed to try holding the meeting after a 10.30am service at CHS, on Sunday 16[th] April 2023, (12 voting in favour, with 4 abstentions).

  3. Date for next PCC Meeting: Monday 20[th] June 2022, at 7.30pm, at CHS.

19. Prayer was led by Keith.

  1. Stephanie closed the meeting at 8.50pm, thanking everyone for their attendance.

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Leadership in Widford Parish: We are developing teams – do let us know if you would like to join one.

Wardens: Barbara Jones, Keith Schofield and Robert (Bob) Wiseman

Treasurer: Dr Peter Wood

Deanery Synod: Pam Myall, Bob Wiseman and Jess Wiseman

South West Chelmsford Lynchpins: Tammy Squirrell, Shirley Deering and Jessica (Jess) Wiseman

Licensed Lay Minister: Roger Gillingham

Authorised Local Preachers: Tracy Davey, Pam Myall, Peter Wood, Gill Wood, Keith Schofield, Jen Gaskin, Zoe Myall, Jessica Wiseman & Bob Wiseman

All Age Service Leaders: Pam Myall and Jess Wiseman at St. Mary’s & Keith Schofield and Jess Wiseman at CHS

Caretaking: Tammy Squirrell

Craft Club: Jess Wiseman, Zoe Myall and Bethany Chesher

Office Volunteers: Bob Wiseman, Barbara Oxlade, Jess Wiseman, Shirley Deering, Valerie Hayward & Sylvia Skardon

Baptism /Thanksgiving home visiting team: Pam Myall, Jane Wiseman and Gill Wood

Children’s work: Tammy Squirrell, Jess Wiseman, Pam Myall, Joan Barker and Gill Wood

Churchtalk: Barbara Oxlade and Jess Wiseman

Flower Arranging: Reg & Daphne Blowers, Sylvia Skardon, Jane Wiseman, Linda Stephens, Jackie Dickens, Shirley Deering and Janet Bird at St. Marys, Joan Barker, Sandra Kyte, Barbara Jones at Church of the Holy Spirit

Friday Afternoon St. Marys Open Church Working Group Coordinator: Bob Wiseman

Gift Aid: Sheila Schofield

Home Communion Assistants: Pam Myall, Shirley Dearing, Gill Wood and Peter Wood

Homework Club: Jess Wiseman, Vicky Smith and Bob Wiseman

Hope Café Team: Daniel Gullick, Jess Wiseman, Zoe Myall, Jen Gaskin, Barbara Jones, Stephanie Gillingham, Barbara Oxlade

Messy Church Team: Jessica Wiseman, Gill Wood, Peter Wood, Pam Myall, Roger Gillingham, Shirley Deering, Sheila Schofield, Jen Gaskin, Zoe Myall, Barbara Jones, Lynette Hunwicks and Stephanie Gillingham

Mission and Evangelism Team: Stephanie Gillingham

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Music and Hymn Choice: Jess Wiseman at St. Mary’s. Keith Schofield, Sheila Schofield, Barbara Jones, Jen Gaskin and Stephanie Gillingham at CHS.

Pastoral Team Coordinator/Pastoral Care Team: Pam Myall, Stephanie Gillingham, Shirley Deering, Peter Wood, Gill Wood, Jess Wiseman, Sheila Schofield and Hilary Selwood

Prayer Chain: Barbara Jones

Prayer Ministry Coordinator: Stephanie Gillingham

Prophecy: Pat Brown

Quiz Masters: Bob Wiseman, Alan Davey and Alan Jones

Safe-guarding: Barbara Jones and Karen Cooney

Sound and Visuals: Alan Davey, Tammy Squirrell, Colin White & Elizabeth Olatunji at CHS and Daniel Gullick and Jess Wiseman at St. Mary’s.

Sunday Children’s: Tammy Squirrell, at CHS and Zoe Myall at St. Mary’s.

Website and Other Media: Jess Wiseman, Daniel Gullick and Peter Wood

Wednesday Lunch Club: Sheila Schofield & Pam Myall

Wid-Wads Team: Jane Wiseman, Sheila Schofield, Zoe Myall, Nelia Spratley and Stephanie Gillingham.

Wednesday Fellowship: Pam Myall and Shirley Deering, Sylvia Skardon and Jackie Dickens.

Youthwork: Jess Wiseman and Stephanie Gillingham

Refreshments Teams: Valerie Hayward, Jen Gaskin, Janet Aldridge, Vicky Smith, Lynette Hunwicks and Barbara Jones at CHS. Sylvia Skardon, Daphne Blowers, Barbara Oxlade, Jackie Dickens, Linda Stephens, Shirley Deering and Janet Bird, at St. Mary’s.

Church Cleaning Teams: Barbara Jones, Elizabeth Olatunji & Lynette Hunwicks at Church of the Holy Spirit and Shirley Deering, Janet Bird, Jackie Dickens, Jane Wiseman, Sylvia Skardon, Linda Stephens, Rosalynd and Tony Griffiths and Paula Groves at St. Marys.

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Widford Parish Office

Forest Drive Chelmsford Essex CM1 2TS

Web: www.widfordparish.com Email: widfordchurchtalk@gmail.com

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