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2022-12-31-accounts

PLEASE BRING THIS AGENDA/ REPORT PACKAGE WITH YOU TO THE MEETINGS

CHALFONT SAINT GILES PARISH CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETINGS Wednesday 10 May 2023 at 7:30pm in Church, chaired by Rev. Dan Beesley, Rector

AGENDA AND REPORTS

Please read the attached reports ahead of the meetings and, if you wish to clarify anything, contact the author of the particular report.

Apologies: Tom Boundy; [others ?]

AGENDA

PRAYER AND WELCOME

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

  1. To appoint a clerk of the meeting

  2. To note the number present and apologies received for absence

  3. To approve the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 4 May 2022

  4. To elect Churchwardens

TO BE FOLLOWED BY: PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Only those recorded on the electoral roll are eligible to vote at the meeting.

  1. To appoint a clerk of the meeting

  2. To adopt the Updated Electoral Roll

  3. To approve the minutes of the Parochial Church Meeting held on 4 May 2022

  4. To receive the 2022 Financial Statements including:

  5. Wardens’ Report (see page 8)

  6. Reports on Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council and its Committees (see page 9)

Other related reports (see page 14)

Report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the Church (see page 14) Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod (see page 16)

Report from the Stewardship Recorder (see page 17)

Financial Report by the Treasurer (see page 17)

Ministers’ Review (see page 19)

Report of the Independent Examiner (see page 21)

  1. To appoint an Independent Examiner for the following year

  2. To approve the appointment of a Deputy Warden

  3. To elect 3 Representatives to the Deanery

  4. To elect lay representatives to the PCC (6 to bring to 12)

  5. Rector’s ‘Charge’

  6. Any other business Prayer

2023 Annual Report - Page 1 of 27 - Agendas for Annual Meetings

MINUTES OF CHALFONT ST GILES PARISH CHURCH 2022 ANNUAL MEETINGS

Minutes of Meetings held Wednesday 4 May 2022 at 8:00pm in Church chaired by Rev. Dan Beesley, the Rector

The Rector opened the meetings with prayers.

The Rector noted there will be three meetings tonight: first the meeting of Parishioners, then the meeting of the members on the Church Electoral Roll after which comes a short meeting for the Parochial Church Council only to formalise some appointments on the PCC going forward.

Copies of the Agenda and Reports pack had been distributed by email and some collected from Church. These largely span reportage of events in 2021.

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

1. Clerk of the meeting :

It was agreed that Richard Bolton be appointed Clerk of the meeting.

  1. Attendance and apologies :

The Clerk reported that thirty-five parishioners were now present with thirty-two being on the electoral roll and three clergy.

Apologies had been received from Ann Alderson, Mary & Peter Bentall, Tom Boundy, Richard & Annette Bradley, Richard Hanney, Heidi Nolan, Mavis Roberts, Polly Richardson, Hannah Tew and Colin Smith.

  1. To approve the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 12 May 2021 :

  2. The Rector noted that Minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2021 had been distributed with the agenda. The minutes were approved by the meeting and signed as a correct record by the Rector.

4. To elect Churchwardens:

Rachel Leonard and Jenny Wilson, having been proposed and seconded and agreeing to stand for election as Churchwardens for 2022/23 and, there being no other nominations, they were duly elected by the meeting.

The Rector thanked them both warmly and wished them well.

The Rector closed the meeting of Parishioners at 7:15pm

PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

The Rector noted that the number of people at this meeting had not changed.

  1. Clerk of the meeting :

It was agreed that Richard Bolton be appointed Clerk of the meeting.

  1. To review the Electoral Roll: The Rector invited the Electoral Roll Officer, Kathleen Martin, to report. Kathleen confirmed that there are now 150 names on the list compared with 152 last time. The meeting voted to receive the Electoral Roll. The Rector thanked Kathleen for her work on this.

3. To approve the minutes of the Parochial Church meeting held on 12 May 2021 :

The minutes were approved by the meeting and signed as a correct record by the Rector.

4. To receive the Annual Report for 2021 including the Financial Statements :

The Rector noted that the Annual Report for 2021 had been circulated with the Agenda and a number of report originators added a few words as they wished.

Speaking to the Churchwardens’ Report, Rachel particularly drew attention to the thanks due to Rev Jenny Tebboth and Rev Paul Henderson for covering services with Peter Miles and Gary Walton following the retirement of Rev Ian Brown and resignation of Rev Cassa Messervy. Also to the thanks due to the Vacancy Committee, to Tracey Wiggin who compiled the Parish Profile and to Tracey and Gary Walton on the Interview

2023 Annual Report - Page 2 of 27 - Minutes of Meetings held Wednesday 4 May 2022

MINUTES OF CHALFONT ST GILES PARISH CHURCH 2022 ANNUAL MEETINGS

Panel leading to the appointment of the Reverend Dan Beesley in October and his service of Collation, Induction and Installation on 27 January largely organised by Jenny Wilson. The Report draws attention to the many whose contributions were so valuable during the year across a range of activities.

John Southworth, the Treasurer, spoke to draw out aspects of his Report and thank his predecessor Mike Baldwin and the Finance Review Committee for their work: Chris Neville on Stewardship including gift aid and contactless giving and Mike Saunders for banking our money.

The Rector proposed adoption of the Financial Statements which was agreed.

  1. To approve the appointment of a Deputy Warden :

Noting that Melainé Teahan is volunteering to continue in the post , the meeting agreed to her reappointment. The Rector expressed thanks for all she does to keep everything running in order and make arrangements.

  1. To elect a Representative to the Deanery Synod :

Noting the resignation of Hannah Tew (with thanks for her service) the Rector noted that only one applicant, Richard Bolton, had been nominated and seconded. He was accordingly appointed. The Rector noted that the appointment of these Representatives will come up for review at the 2023 APCM.

  1. To elect lay representatives to the PCC :

The Rector asked Richard Bolton to summarise the position. He reported there are four vacancies (one being a resignation following a move away and three as people have come to the end of their three-year term). The current term of co-opted members automatically concludes with this APCM. John Bradley has been appropriately nominated and seconded for a three-year term. Mike Baldwin, John Southworth and Keith WoodSmith having come to the end of their 3-year terms has each been appropriately nominated and seconded to fill a one-year appointment. Thus there being four vacancies all are automatically appointed bringing PCC lay membership to its maximum of 12 .

  1. To appoint an Independent Examiner for the following year :

The Rector moved on to appointment of the independent examiner. Rupert St Clair-Burton of St Clair Accountancy Solutions Limited had reported, filling a vacancy, as independent examiner on the 2021 financial statements. The Treasurer confirmed the Finance Committee’s recommendation that he be reappointed. The meeting reappointed him.

  1. Rector’s charge :

The Rector, having now been in post for 97 days, almost 14 weeks, spoke to his aims:

Our information gathering is complete and until September we are now in a period of prayer and discernment: – why we do things as we do; and what we do not do that we should be doing.

We shall be reflecting on what is my purpose, vision and values – and why and how (Ephesians 4 v 15 speaking the truth in love, and Proverbs 24 cure of souls).

We need to redevelop the Reading Room for Church and community use, focus on the website and social media so it is relevant and right, discern a children’s and family worker.

Above all to come together to worship God.

10. Any other business :

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8:45pm and was followed by a short meeting for the PCC only.

2023 Annual Report - Page 3 of 27 - Minutes of Meetings held Wednesday 4 May 2022

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES

Loving people, Transforming lives and Glorifying God

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022

Table of Contents

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................... 5 Aims and Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 5 Background .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Safeguarding Duty ............................................................................................................................... 6 GDPR .................................................................................................................................................... 6 PCC Membership ................................................................................................................................. 6 PCC Structure ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Benefice of Chalfont St Giles and Seer Green & Jordans ................................................................. 7 Fairtrade ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Church Electoral Roll ........................................................................................................................... 8 Wardens’ Report 2022 – 2023 .............................................................................................................. 8 PCC Review of the Year ....................................................................................................................... 9 Reports from PCC Committees ......................................................................................................... 10 Children and Families Group ......................................................................................................... 10 Communications Committee .......................................................................................................... 10 ECO Committee ............................................................................................................................... 10 Ministry and Discipleship Committees .......................................................................................... 11 Social Outreach Report ................................................................................................................... 13 Pastoral Care Report ....................................................................................................................... 13 Worship Committee ......................................................................................................................... 13 Other Reports ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Chalfont St Giles Educational Foundation ................................................................................... 14 Church Fabric & Furnishings ......................................................................................................... 14 Church Watch Review ..................................................................................................................... 15 Deanery Synod Report .................................................................................................................... 16 Flower Guild ..................................................................................................................................... 16 Lent Lunches ................................................................................................................................... 16 Stewardship Recorder’s Report for 2022 ......................................................................................... 17 Treasurer's Financial Report to May 2023 APCM ............................................................................. 17 Rector’s Review of the Year .............................................................................................................. 19 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ....................................................................................................... 21 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY ....................................................................................................... 22 BALANCE SHEET ................................................................................................................................... 23 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS ..................................................................................................................... 24

2023 Annual Report Page 4 of 27 – Report contents

CHALFONT ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT - CONTINUED

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) effective 1 January 2019.

This report by your PCC for our Annual Parochial Council Meeting (APCM) is prepared as the formal Trustees Report required to be submitted to the Charity Commission for the year to 31 December 2022. It is presented for approval by the APCM.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Aims and Purpose

As a public benefit charitable trust, Chalfont St Giles Parochial Church Council (PCC) exists to promote the whole mission of the church in the ecclesiastical parish. It is responsible with the Rector for furthering the work of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The church is one of the two within the Benefice of Chalfont St Giles and Seer Green & Jordans.

The Charity Commission publishes guidance on public benefit and, in particular, supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Specific Charity Commission classifications of the goods and services provided for community and social benefit are:

Eash of these we do.

The PCC is governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation:

Further details of the structure and governance of the PCC are included from page 9 to 11 below.

Our Mission Statement to November 2022 was Loving God, Living Christ, Loving people. It then evolved to Loving people, Transforming lives and Glorifying God.

Background

The Parochial Church Council has responsibility for the whole mission of the Parish Church of Chalfont St Giles to live in God’s love and share its hope. It also has responsibility for the maintenance and management of the Church buildings and fabric and the Reading Room. It is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1129372. The members of the PCC are the charity’s Trustees. The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. This report covers all activities of the Church and PCC in 2022.

As reported last year, on 9 May 2021 the Rector, Rev. Ian Brown, retired so the Benefice of Chalfont St Giles, Seer Green and Jordans then entered Interregnum. Rev. Cassa Messervy (Associate Minister, and Vicar of Holy Trinity Seer Green and Jordans) had earlier resigned after Easter Sunday, 4 April 2021. During the vacancies the mission of the Churches in Chalfont St Giles and Seer Green and Jordans was through the two clergy, Rev. Jenny Tebboth and Rev. Paul Henderson with the two licensed preachers, Peter Miles and Garry Walton together with the respective PCC and its committees and with legal and operational matters under control of the respective Churchwardens and Area Dean together with the PCCs. We were delighted that the interregnum process led to an offer being made to and accepted by Rev. Dan Beesley who on 27 January 2022 was collated by the Bishop of Buckingham and Inducted and Installed by the Archdeacon of Buckingham as Rector of the Benefice.

2023 Annual Report - Page 5 of 27

CHALFONT ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT - CONTINUED

We continue to acknowledge, as our earlier Annual Reports noted, the remarkable input from clergy and lay involved in developing new ways for the Church to continue to function in the challenging circumstances of and post Covid, including new ways of working. In Spring 2022 we were delighted as a degree of normality resumed, for example the PCC being able to meet in Church rather than on Zoom, helpful as that facility had been.

Safeguarding Duty

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). Further information is on page 10 below.

GDPR

The PCC has taken note of and complied with the General Data Protection Regulation. The Church website includes a Data Privacy Notice setting out what personal data is, how we process it and the legal basis for this, the restricted basis on which it may be shared, for how long we keep it and the rights of the owner of personal data.

PCC Membership

Membership of the PCC is either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules or co-opted within the Rules as necessary.

During 2022 the following served as members:

Incumbent: Rev. Dan Beesley (from his collation, induction and installation on 27 January 2022) Churchwardens: Rachel Leonard Jennifer Wilson Deputy Churchwarden Melainé Teahan Lay Chairman Tom Boundy Deanery Synod Representatives: Mary Bentall Margaret Carey Hannah Tew (to 4 May 2022) Richard Bolton (from 4 May 2022) PCC Members:

With effect from the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (“APCM”) on 4 May 2022 Mike Baldwin, John Southworth and Keith Wood-Smith completed their three-year terms. The co-options also determined of Richard Bolton, and John Dugdale Bradley. The continuing PCC elected members were thus Tom Boundy, Chris Neville, Kate Southworth, Janelle Stevenson, Jeremy Valentine, Garry Walton, Joe Wiggin, and Tracey Wiggin. At the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Richard Bolton was elected a Deanery Representative following resignation of Hannah Tew. At this meeting John Dugdale Bradley was elected a lay member of the PCC. Mike Baldwin, John Southworth and Keith Wood-Smith were elected to further one-year terms. At the PCC meeting immediately following the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Tom Boundy was elected PCC Lay Chairman and John Southworth PCC Treasurer.

At the APCM Melainé Teahan was again reappointed Deputy Churchwarden for the ensuing year.

During 2022 in addition to the Churchwardens the following were Church Officers:

PCC Lay Chairman John Southworth to 4 May then Tom Boundy PCC Secretary: Richard Bolton PCC Treasurer: Michael Baldwin to 4 May then John Southworth PCC Assistant Treasurer Sophie Bowles until resignation at the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting PCC Minutes Secretary: Not formally appointed – the PCC Secretary filled the breach.

2023 Annual Report - Page 6 of 27

CHALFONT ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT - CONTINUED

Summarising, during 2022 – PCC elected members were: To 4 May 2022 From 4 May 2022 At 31 December 2022 Michael Baldwin Michael Baldwin Michael Baldwin Tom Boundy Tom Boundy Tom Boundy John Southworth John Southworth John Southworth Christopher Neville Christopher Neville Christopher Neville Joseph Wiggin Joseph Wiggin Joseph Wiggin Janelle Stevenson Janelle Stevenson Janelle Stevenson Jeremy Valentine Jeremy Valentine, resigned in February 2023 Garry Walton Garry Walton Garry Walton Keith Wood-Smith Keith Wood-Smith Keith Wood-Smith Co-opted then elected at 2022 APCM John Bradley John Bradley John Bradley Kate Southworth (co-opted) Kate Southworth Kate Southworth Tracey Wiggin (co-opted) Tracey Wiggin Tracey Wiggin Co-opted again: Richard Bolton (co-opted) Richard Bolton became a Deanery Representative

The term of a co-opted member is to the following APCM when reappointment is permissible.

PCC Structure

The PCC has a Standing Committee and a number of sub-committees. During 2023 the sub-committee structure was simplified:

2022 Structure: 2023 Structure: Discipleship Discipleship & Mission Mission Pastoral Care Ministry & Outreach Children & Families Worship Prayer & Worship Communications Operations Eco-Church Finance Fabric Reading Room Management

The sub-committees report to, and obtain permission for planned activities and expenditure from, the PCC at its regular meetings. Representatives of the PCC attend the Amersham Deanery Synod meetings and report back to the PCC.

The PCC Standing Committee (Rev. Dan Beesley (Incumbent), Church Wardens, PCC Lay Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer) acts as the Executive arm of the PCC, including setting the agenda for its meetings and taking any urgent actions affecting the welfare of the Church that may arise between meetings. Rev. Jenny Tebboth (Assistant Minister) and Rev. Paul Henderson (Assistant Minister) attend on occasion.

The Friends of Chalfont St Giles Parish Church, an independently registered charity, continues to provide much appreciated and valuable support to the Church including grounds maintenance and support with Fabric. ‘Christians in Chalfont St Giles’ being The Deanway United Church, Living Word International Church and ourselves continue to co-operate in providing Services on the Village Green on Good Friday and at the Feast of St Giles in September, and to support the turning on of the Christmas lights with other Christians present in the village.

Benefice of Chalfont St Giles and Seer Green & Jordans

The combined Benefice was led by Rev. Dan Beesley as Rector (Incumbent/Priest in charge) from his 27 January 2022 installation, assisted by Rev. Jez Carr from his installation on 28 September 2022 as Associate Minister and Vicar of Holy Trinity Seer Green and Jordans. The 2022 continuing team ministry were Rev. Jenny Tebboth (Assistant Minister), Rev. Paul Henderson (Curate). Linda West continued to be Licensed Lay Minister in Seer Green and Jordans, assisted by Janna Holder as Children and Families leader.

2023 Annual Report - Page 7 of 27

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The two Benefice Churches are further linked by an enduring instrument which permits (with the consent of the respective Priest) a couple who are qualified to marry in one Church in the Benefice to marry in the other.

Fairtrade

The Chalfont St Giles Parish Church continues to be a Fairtrade church using Fairtrade ingredients and aiming to operate in a manner appropriate to that designation.

Church Electoral Roll

In 2022 the Electoral Roll was updated for the 2022 Annual Parochial Church Meeting and had 152 on the list.

Wardens’ Report 2022 – 2023

This has been an important year in the history of Chalfont St Giles Parish church. We have just celebrated the first anniversary of the installation of Dan Beesley as Rector. He has spent that year getting to know the congregation and the people of the village and we have got to know him. It has been good to have a young family in the rectory and Paula, Jacob and Eloisa have certainly made their contribution to the life of the church. Dan has made himself available once a week in church to anyone who wants to speak with him so he is very accessible to all his parishioners. The appointment of Jez Carr as vicar of Seer Green and Jordans, the other part of our benefice, has also been very welcome.

An important new initiative instigated by Dan is the new service structure on Sundays. This is being trialled at the moment but shows promise by accommodating different styles of worship. The BCP service at 8 o’clock remains but the Parish Communion has been moved back, most recently to 9.30, to allow for a new more informal and modern service at 11 o’clock which we hope will encourage young families and others new to the church to join us in faith. Other areas such as the Home Groups and the “Sitting with God” sessions are continuing. As with many events in all areas of life, numbers at our services are yet to return to pre-covid levels; however there is a steady increase in church attendance.

We have also had many events and services to mark the passing of the church year. Christmas services were generally well attended and the mobile carol service was a success. The pancake race and the serving of pancakes in the Reading Room returned after a few years’ break and Lent Lunches have been reasonably well attended and raised money for Rennie Grove and the Reading Room. All these represent a massive effort by those who organise and contribute to the events and we thank them all. We have also provided activities for children, organised for the most part by Janelle Stevenson. Messy Church and Families@4 are trying to build numbers again and Songs of Praise includes children from the Junior school. A Light Party was organised as an antidote to Halloween. The clergy have continued to visit the Junior and Infant schools.

Plans for the churchyard are in place with a new area having been identified for the interment of ashes, closer to the church. In addition an area for reflection has been suggested with a memorial and seating – these plans will hopefully come to fruition once funding decisions are made. We are very grateful to the Friends of the Parish Church and many volunteers who labour tirelessly to maintain the grounds. Anybody who is interested in helping will be warmly welcomed to a work party or two. The churchyard is an important part of our Eco-church ambitions, and it is a delight to welcome visitors and school parties to enjoy the natural flora and fauna. Huge thanks to all who contribute willingly their time and expertise.

The church has been involved in a number of initiatives in response to the economic crisis. Members of the congregation continue to donate to the Chesham Food Bank and the church has worked in partnership with the All Together Community to provide a warm space and hot meals. Knitters have made blankets for distribution to those who need them. Margaret Dykes continues to give the congregation a chance to buy fairly traded products, the Eco church committee has continued to promote green initiatives, the Toy service collects toys to distribute to children who need them and the Christmas shoeboxes do the same. Many members of the congregation are involved in promoting and organising these.

Events in church to raise funds for the church or the church building (these organised by the Friends) have included the Moonrakers concert, performances by Chris Sykes and Florian Mitrea, a performance of The Pirates of Penzance, and of course concerts by the St Giles Consort. The church has also raised money by hosting events for the Literary Festival. Fundraising is an area that the PCC will be

2023 Annual Report - Page 8 of 27

CHALFONT ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT - CONTINUED

considering in the near future, so ideas or offers of leadership and contribution in this area will be very welcome. The refurbishment of the Reading Room also remains an issue under discussion.

Church watching has continued to be well organised by Tony Ferguson and the church has had many visitors from near and far. As some of the church watchers are now having to drop out it is vital that new people step forward to volunteer for this very worthwhile activity. It is good for the church to be open for visitors and for local people seeking a quiet place.

While many areas of the church are flourishing and the signs of new growth and living up to our mission are evident, there are a few challenges that need to be met and we call on each of our parishioners to consider how they might be involved in building our church and community into a strong and supportive unit. Whether it is in an active role contributing to the various activities, giving of time, ideas and expertise, or being involved in the worship services, we would love to hear from you.

May we stand together in Loving People, Transforming Lives and Glorifying God.

Rachel Leonard and Jennifer Wilson – Churchwardens, 17 April 2023

PCC Review of the Year

The PCC met on 7 occasions in 2022 (2021: 7 plus the Section 11 and 12 Vacancy meetings) with an average of 15 (2021:18) members in attendance. 1 (2021: 5) of these meetings was held by Zoom.

An ongoing matter of focus for the PCC in 2022 (and continuing) has been the aim for a formal Families Worker and the role involved, and the Church audio visual resource. All meetings considered Safeguarding and finances. In addition to regular reviews of policies, committee reports, and ongoing management of Church matters, including maintenance and the ongoing review of the wider impact of the General Data Protection Regulations, topics from each meeting are highlighted below:

January: Licensing of Rev Dan Beesley on 27 January. Lent lunches. Date of 2022 APCM and vacancies then arising. Reports on Services (including new sunrise service on Easter Sunday morning), Tithes, Parish Share paid, Eco plans. Appointments of: bookkeeping provider (and Mandates); and Independent Examiner. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. Grateful thanks to the clergy for their remarkable achievements during the interregnum. March: APCM planning. Services for new Church year. Thanks for replacement of Church flag financed by a bellringer. Seer Green & Jordans vacancy update. Policies review, risk assessments and Health & Safety. Achievement of transfer of investments to CCLA. The PCC agreed to remit to the Standing Committee final approval of the Report and Accounts they having been circulated first. May: A short meeting followed the APCM to consider co-option, appoint Tom Boundy as PCC Lay Vice-Chair and John Southworth as Treasurer. A second meeting later in the month adopted the Eco Committee’s draft Plan and to discuss this with the sub-committees. Meeting approved removal of two willows and noted the need for the quinquennial survey in 2022 and recommendation of a full tree survey. The coming 175[th] anniversary of Holy Trinity, Seer Green, was noted. July: The PCC noted the 28 September installation at Seer Green and Jordans of Rev Jez Carr on a ‘House for Duty’ basis. The report on the 9 July PCC Away Day included the need for blue sky thinking on the decline in our Church attendance, low involvement of children, and loss of the spiritual heart of the village. October: The meeting considered in considerable detail the future pattern of Services, agreeing that no decision be taken at this meeting. The matter will come before the November meeting and all were asked to pray and reflect on this vital work.

November: The PCC agreed, applying a change in the Charities Act, to remove the restriction on application of a fund for the altar and chancel area. Much of the rest of the meeting was about the future pattern of Services. By vote, the pattern of 08:00 BCP, 09:00 Parish Communion and 11:00 Connect (family-oriented Service) was approved, start date to be subject to discussion with the Bell Master and Choir Director. Further discussion took place on values, mission and vision for our church following reflection and discernment, with the new Mission of ‘Loving people, Transforming lives and

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CHALFONT ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT - CONTINUED

Glorifying God’. The Rector also presented the Mission Action Plan (MAP) for 2023. The PCC agreed that in a clergy vacancy safeguarding records be held in a locked cabinet in the Inner Vestry. The PCC agreed to transition to a new sub-committee structure wef 1 January 2023, this to focus on the four over-riding aspects of: Mission & Outreach; Prayer & Worship; Discipleship & Mission; and Operations. The PCC noted the need to revive Communications and that the Eco aspect needs to be fundamental to all groups. Further consideration was given to the Churchyard. Church advice on the legal position of PCC members was noted. The quinquennial survey and tree reports were discussed and agreement subject to a facility for the felling of a Lawson cypress by the Plumb Gate and, as recommended, to apply for a facility to remove two further. The meeting agreed that 2023 Lent lunch funds be held equally for the benefit of refurbishing the Reading Room and for Rennie Grove Hospice Care (formerly Iain Rennie).

2023 To bring up to date:

In January the PCC considered the start of the new Service pattern from 8 January 2023; Service attendance data as collected by John Davidge for many years; the fall in Christmas Services attendance; 2022 Tithe recipients; the need for a paper on proposed charges for heating the Church; possibly renting the Church as a meeting venue; the approved size of ledger stones; and the APCM date of 10 May.

In March the PCC discussed the initial working of the new Service pattern, agreeing an initial variation; were addressed by Victoria Neil, the new Safeguarding Officer, and discussed the Rector’s letter on same-sex blessings while noting that worship was a matter for him alone. While not unanimously sharing the Rector’s view, the PCC agreed they support the Rector as leader of our Church. Developments in the Mission Action Plan were discussed.

Reports from PCC Committees

Children and Families Group

It was agreed in November to create a working group to replace the Children and Families Committee. The new website continues to list the advertisement for a full time Children and Families worker. Thus far there have been no interested parties.

With the purchase of the iknow church program there will be an effort made to amalgamate the children and families database with the church wide database.

The church youth group (Yzone), Messy Church and Chatterbox continue to thrive. Our ‘Sunday school’ provision has not yet re-started as there have been so few children in Church on Sundays. Activities continue to be offered in the creche area for both the 9am and the 11am services.

Janelle Stevenson, 7 March 2023

Communications Committee

The Committee did not meet.

ECO Committee

As anticipated, Chalfont St Giles formally received its Eco Church Silver award in the summer of 2022. This is an achievement of which our church can be rightly proud.

By this stage, we already had a PCC approved strategy for attaining Gold by April 2024, whilst always being clear that the awards are not the ends in themselves but simply measures of progress and commitment. The Eco Committee were due to present this strategy to the sub-committee chairs in September 2022 so that they could be briefed on what it asked of them. However, this event was cancelled following the death of Her Majesty the Queen and has not yet been reorganised pending the restructuring of the church's committee structures.

The above means that, while Eco Church work has continued, we have not made much progress in terms of embedding it deeply within the wider church, as will be necessary to attain Gold. Instead we have, for example:

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Our Church could now simply maintain our Silver status, continuing to look to be environmentally friendly where it can, fostering environmental awareness in our congregation and, importantly, the link between God's creation and faith. At a time of significant other change, there would be nothing wrong in this and it is indeed much more than most churches have achieved. In fact, the Church should not proceed to Gold on a half-hearted basis, as there is a risk of pretence, whereas it has become clear that attaining it would be a major endeavour, requiring the support of the whole congregation, a great deal of effort from a wide range of people and the visible commitment of the PCC and church leadership, ultimately leading to an A Rocha audit of our claims.

On the other hand, should the Church wish to make this a priority - growing Eco roots deep into the Church's governance structures, worship and activities - there is now a great foundation for doing so, along with a PCC endorsed strategy, though the original target date for achieving Gold, April 2024, is now likely to be overly ambitious.

The next step is for the Church leadership and the Eco team to discuss this commitment and how the strategy could work under the new committee structure. A recommendation can then be put to the PCC early in 2023/4 asking either that it reconfirms its active support for the endorsed strategy or that it confirms a preference for a less ambitious approach but one still seeing concerns for Creation and the environment as an important part of our faith and identity, in keeping with our hard earned Silver Eco Church status, perhaps consolidating - at least for the moment - what has already been achieved.

Keith Wood-Smith, 28 February 2023

Ministry and Discipleship Committees

These two committees have been meeting as a joint group since October 2022 and, in the interests of efficiency, will continue to do so for the time being since there is substantial overlap between both the agendas and the personnel. The terms of reference have not yet been revised but will combine, encouraging spiritual growth in all stages - introduction to the faith, preparation for baptism/confirmation, encouraging each member of our Church to keep growing in faith throughout their life, with our commitment to outreach both within the local community and further afield.

Margaret Dykes has now stepped down from chairing the Mission Committee but remains part of the team. Many thanks to Margaret and also to Kevin who has stepped down after very many years’ serving on the Mission Committee.

We have reviewed and updated the charities we support with a church ‘tithe’, replacing R.O.P.E. with Christians Against Poverty. We have retained Street Kids Direct, The Fawsett Trust, Transform Trade (formally Traidcraft Exchange) and A Rocha. We have also supported the Mission to Seafarers, The Children’s Society (through Christingle), Altogether Community, The Bible Society and the Trussell Trust.

Each one is represented by a ‘Mission Champion’ who keeps in touch with the charity, represents it to the congregation, gives an update of their work each year to the congregation at a 10:00am service and writes articles for the Parish Magazine. A new system of selecting and championing charities is planned to allow participation of the wider congregation in the choice of new charities to support.

The Five Marks of Mission :

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Traidcraft Exchange has been renamed Transform Trade but their mission remains the same which corresponds with our fourth mark of mission: To transfer unjust structures of society to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.

Throughout 2022 we held a Traidcraft stall in Church fulfilling one of the commitments of being a FairTrade Church. Traidcraft plc is in administration and we are endeavouring to continue to have a FairTrade presence in Church.

The name Traidcraft will continue as the Traidcraft Trust continues.

Christians Against Poverty – Christians Against Poverty is a Christian charitable company specialising in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty, including those in need of bankruptcy or insolvency – corresponding to marks 1, 3 and 4 of the five marks of mission. We were unable to arrange a visit from CAP in 2022.

Our nearest group is based in The Hub in Chalfont St Peter.

Street Kids Direct – We enjoyed an inspiring visit from Steve and Lindsay Poulson in January 2022. Steve led our YZone group a couple of times while they were in the country and they have kept us in touch with their work in Guatemala through regular prayer-letters.

A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world and committed to equipping Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment. Responding to the biblical mandate to care for the earth, and demonstrating the Christian hope for God’s world, they work with:

St Giles Parish Church is signed up to the Eco Church programme and, having gained the Bronze award in 2021, achieved Silver status in summer 2022. (See also the Eco Committee report on page 10)

Fawsett Trust - is a local charity working with other groups in supporting elderly residents in need in Chalfont St Giles with vouchers at Christmas, exchangeable only in our village shops. We are grateful for the contributions from the Village Show, the PCC, the Parish Council and Buckinghamshire Council and for the generous further individual contributions, a number in thoughtful memory of the late Frederick Nolan, which have enabled this work to continue.

Community Outreach - We have increased our cooperation with the Altogether Community via the warm space initiative in the Reading Room, at Harvest and with toys from our toy service.

Rendezvous continues to provide a valuable community meeting place midweek.

Last year Lent Lunches raised money for the Reading Room and for Street Kids Direct.

The Church had a strong presence at the village show for the first time in several years.

A link has been forged with the Wasps Under 10 football team (church league) in the village and our relationship with the school remains strong through assemblies, Songs of Praise, seasonal services and a transition session with year 6. A special service for school leavers was held in church in 2022.

A couple of home groups are meeting regularly. We hope to increase the number of home groups in the coming year. Numbers for Morning Prayer on zoom have fallen this year.

We have welcomed seven children for baptism in the past year. There were no confirmations in 2022.

Jenny Tebboth, 1 March 2023

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Social Outreach Report

Little has changed over the past year. Members of the outreach team continue to support Rendezvous, Songs of Praise lunches, Lent lunches and Marriage prep catering.

Attendance at Rendezvous has been disappointing, nowhere near pre COVID levels.

Pat Searle, 9 March 2023

Pastoral Care Report

The committee have returned to the usual pattern of meeting three times a year since Covid restrictions were lifted.

We offer pastoral support to our church family and the community when a need arises usually from a referral ‘by word of mouth’ or a contact through the church pastoral care leaflets or the website. We work closely with our clergy team.

In addition, we prepare and deliver small posies of flowers at Harvest and Mothering Sunday when in addition we prepare flowers for distribution in the Sunday services.

As a team we are involved in the All Souls Day service in October.

Home Communion stopped during Covid but is offered when there is need.

Since the reorganisation of the committee structure Pastoral Care is no longer required to prepare a formal report for each PCC meeting.

Margaret Carey - Pastoral Care Co-ordinator,1 March 2023

Worship Committee

Committee Members: Cathy Langdale, Chair, Rev Dan Beesley, Polly Richardson, Secretary, Sylvia Morrison-Moore, Keith Wood-Smith. Regular attenders: Rev Jenny Tebboth and Chris Weaver

2022 opened much more auspiciously than 2021 and we were very glad to welcome Dan to share our biscuits at our first meeting in February. This gave him the chance to explain his vision for a worship which is always very well led in all its aspects and thus worthy of God.

We were able to plan for a full season of Lent and Dan sought to follow our traditions in his first year. He even topped them by washing feet rather than hands on Maundy Thursday and by lighting a bonfire at the Easter vigil.

For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June we encouraged Rev Dan to secure a spot on the stage for the church to open the street party, accompanied by many children from the Junior School alongside the church choir.

September was momentous. After a very moving service on the village green on 4th September, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died on 8th September. This meant adapting our worship to offer opportunities for the parish to come and mourn together.

We revived to celebrate Harvest with a pithy talk on farming from Simon Swerling, chair of the Village Show committee. October saw Climate Sunday, a punchy service created by Keith Wood-Smith and then in November we were most grateful to be able to reopen the church to the uniformed groups for Remembrance Sunday.

In August the committee reviewed the evening services and made the decision to bring the time forward to 6 pm always. The number of services remained lower than pre-pandemic. There is a guaranteed evening service every 4th Sunday, which alternates between BCP evensong and a fuller Choral Evensong. Dan explained that he does not want to overload the clergy who are also required to help in the Seer Green rota. However there is space for further lay led services. Polly Richardson and John Bradley regularly lead a service of Celtic Worship four times a year.

Our small 30 minute shift seemed to pass without notice, in contrast to the seismic shift experienced when the PCC voted to move the 10 am service an hour earlier to 9 am. The Worship Committee is meeting in March to consider how to help iron out some of the problems occasioned by this transition

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and also likes to hear views from parishioners as we are keen that our services remain accessible to those who wish to attend.

Our committee is to be renamed the committee for Worship and Prayer.

We spent our first meeting in January 2023 fixing the dates of all key occasions throughout the year. Now subsequent meetings will involve planning both worship and prayer for all of these.

Cathy Langdale, 6 March 2023

Other Reports

Chalfont St Giles Educational Foundation

The Chalfont St Giles Educational Foundation is a small village charity that has a small annual income. Under its constitution 40% of its income goes to the Parish Church Sunday School. A further 40% goes to the Village School. The Foundation can also provide small grants for educational purposes to young people living in Chalfont St Giles. The Rector chairs the committee of trustees. The trustees met in January 2023 and made awards as above.

Richard Hanney, 18 February 2023

Church Fabric & Furnishings

As in prior years the overall condition of the fabric in the Church is good, with only relatively minor problems being encountered and no major items outstanding. The normal regular routine maintenances on the services necessary to run the Church were carried out in 2022. These include tuning and servicing the organ and its motor, annual inspections of: the fire extinguishers; the lightning conductor; the Servery drainage system; and the boilers, and PAT (portable appliance testing). There were no major problems in any of these. Repairs, as necessary, were carried out on the boilers when problems were identified. Other minor repairs in the Church were carried out as needed; this included repairs to the projector screen. Gas meters were replaced at no charge.

The lead roof alarm system continued to operate throughout the year albeit with the occasional false alarm. Roof cameras have been installed over the South aisle as further security for the lead roof. However, the responsive fire alarm system installed in the Church in 2019 gave more false alarms than was acceptable and failed completely in October 2022. Extensive work was carried out by the supplier at its own cost in November 2022 and the system now appears to be working satisfactorily.

Work is being carried out to modernise the controls of the heating system in the Church. The operational procedures relating to this are also being devised as there will have to be strictly controlled access, especially with higher energy prices.

A new flagpole was installed in 2022 in time for the required use for Royal and other significant national occasions.

A Quinquennial Survey (QQS) was carried out as required in 2022. The report identified areas within the Church (and Churchyard) for the Committee to follow up. These have been prioritised and are being addressed according to importance. A copy of the QQS has been provided to the PCC.

The Churchyard was maintained throughout the year by voluntary labour from the Friends of the Church, and from a Church group. The apple tree by the Merlin’s Cave wall fell down and was removed at minimum cost. Two rotten willows at the end of the Churchyard by the stream were also removed. In line with the recommendations of the Church a full tree survey of the approximately 40 substantial trees in the Churchyard was carried out and provided to the PCC. Of concern are the 3 Lawson Cypresses by the Plumb gates, the one closest to the gates being most vulnerable to the more frequent violent storms being faced. Work is being carried out to have this first tree removed in 2023. Overall these trees are of no significant historical interest and were planted in the 1960s.

The Logbook of work carried out as well as the Register recording the locations of Burials of Ashes in the Churchyard has been prepared for 2022.

Colin Smith Chairman, Fabric Committee, 20 January 2023

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Reading Room Fabric

Since taking over responsibility for the fabric of the Reading room, the Fabric Committee has undertaken the following activities:

An estimate has been received for the redecoration of the outside of the Reading Room (presented at January 2023 PCC). At the time of writing a further estimate from a second company is being sought, with a visit to the Reading Room on Friday 10 March.

The windows have been repaired with further painting required in warmer weather.

The Ivy at the back has been removed. Poisoning will be undertaken when the ivy begins to grow in the spring.

A full report on the Reading Room as part of the Quinquennial survey was received last year. The Fabric Committee is working through the actions.

Jeremy Valentine, Fabric Committee, 9 March 2023

Church Watch Review

With Easter on the horizon, another season of Churchwatch is not far behind. It is now four years since I first got involved with Churchwatch, following a chance meeting with Jill Dearlove. It has been a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience for me, and as usual, I would urge more volunteers to join the programme. Please contact me by email or phone (my details are below), or volunteer through the church. Even if you can only do one shift in the year, do please come forward. Every shift is a contribution and eases the burden for the rest.

In reviewing 2022, I am indebted to Roger Foord for his analysis of the Visitors Book and concise summary:

“I found 325 comments during the season, that is those who made an entry in the Visitors Book. Many visitors were local but from the U.K. there were people from Scotland, Cambridge, County Durham, Yorkshire, and many from London.

40 comments were from overseas visitors. They came from:

Afghanistan Denmark (2) Kenya Australia (7) Finland Netherlands Austria France (2) New Zealand (2) Burma Germany (2) Philippines Canada (3) Italy (2) USA (12) China Japan

The comments made were consistently in admiration of the Church itself: the flowers for the Jubilee had many comments and there were a large splattering of appreciative comments about ourselves and the interesting aspects we gave for their visit.

Typical were: ”Enchanting Church Stunned! I’ve passed this church many times. Warm welcome I was missing a treat! An excellent guide Special thanks to the people who police the Such a Holy Spirit church. What a treasure to discover Wonderful! God’s eternal presence.”

Thanks again, Roger. 2022 was a very cosmopolitan year for us!

Ingrid and Fred Van Crugten from Holland, visited us in May and left us some drone footage of the church. Scott Pickering put some lovely piano music over it and the result was a beautiful artefact. Most of you will have seen it already but it bears repetition.

Another highlight was the visit of over seventy children from a school in Harrow. Rachel, Ann and I managed to maintain some semblance of order, and were rewarded with some beautiful cards and messages from the children when they returned from their summer holiday.

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Finally, I should note the lying-in-state of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The response from our Churchwatch community was superb and facilitated a large number of visitors to the church, and signing of the Book of Condolences.

Thank you all for your wonderful efforts.

Tony Ferguson, 6 March 2023 tony@ibl.ie 07769 361 795

Deanery Synod Report

Each Parish elects, usually for three-year terms, representatives from their Church to the Deanery Synod.

Our Deanery is the Amersham Deanery Synod under the Area Dean Rev Peggy Ludlow and consists of clergy and lay members.

There are 4 meetings a year at 8:00pm at local Parish churches: March, June, September, November/ December.

The meetings include reports back from the General Synod Meetings, Local Church information, a Treasurer’s Report and any issues arising. There is usually an interesting talk on a specialist subject or from Missionaries we support.

Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings whether they are a Deanery Synod representative or not.

Dates of Meetings and venues will be announced later, see link https://www.amershamdeanery.org.uk, where past meeting agendas, reports and minutes may also be found.

Mary Bentall, 26 February 2023

Flower Guild

Our Flower Guild has recently welcomed 2 new members bringing our number to 18. The friendship of our Guild is a joy especially now that the weeks when we can arrange flowers in Church are not inhibited by Covid.

We continue to arrange flowers for weddings and funerals in the colours requested by brides and by bereaved families.

In June 2022 our flowers were designed for the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations in the manner of a flower festival. Arrangements filled every possible place and depicted the major events of the Queen’s life.

Sadly in September our flowers were appropriate for the Queen’s Memorial Service Day.

As for the Queen’s Jubilee we shall look forward to designing special flowers for the Coronation of our King. We hope that many people, including those attending the Coronation party on the village green, will visit our Church in May to offer prayers for King Charles and to enjoy our work.

This year as in past years we shall hold 2 Christmas Wreath ring workshops early in December in our Church. These workshops offer an outreach to the village and provide a welcome source of income to our Flower Guild funds.

Mavis Roberts - Flower Guild Leader, 27 February 2023

Lent Lunches

Although we were unable to run Lent lunches in either 2020 or 2021 through Covid restrictions, we were delighted to hold a full “set” of lunches in 2022 for the six Fridays (4 March to 8 April). We are very grateful to the volunteers who have again stepped forward in 2023 (24th February to 31[st] March) to make and donate batches of soups, and/or help in setting up, serving, clearing up, washing up or delivering soups to some thirty shops and businesses in the village. We shall be asking the Co-op if they will again support us as in the past by donating loaves and milk over the six weeks. We are grateful to all those who support this Lent charity event, whether by taking lunch in the Reading Room or in their shops and offices; and their generous donations.

The charities we will support in 2023 are Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care) and the Reading Room.

Kathleen Martin, 19 February 2023

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Stewardship Recorder’s Report for 2022

The financial income of the Parish Church has shown some improvement in the last twelve months following the passing of the pandemic but has, as yet, failed to keep pace with growing inflation and get back to the levels of 2018.

We still have a band of generous regular givers who pay by Standing Order and some who pay by regular or annual generous gifts.

This number has increased by one as we have lost two but gained three new subscribers and now stand at 64.

We would welcome more people to set up new standing orders.

The total donated this year by Standing Orders and the envelope scheme amounted to £61,791.30 resulting in a Gift Aid claim from HMRC of £15,448.23

Income from the contactless machine was £2,733. The Gads Scheme for open plate cash (including the contactless machine when gift aid is not stated) was claimed at the end of March when our total just got above the maximum allowance of £8,000 for the tax year resulting in a payment of £2,000 from HMRC. This results in a gift aid figure of £17,448.23.

This compares with: 2018 £20,721; 2019 £19,190; 2020 £17,965; 2021 £18,294.

We are still not maximising our use of the gift aid scheme, and I would encourage everyone to move to Standing Orders for your donations, especially if you are a UK tax payer, or to use the envelope scheme by filling in the envelopes with your details. Just putting money into an unmarked envelope does not qualify for Gift Aid payments from HMRC.

Thanks to all our regular donors for your continued generous support and please, if possible, give some thought to increasing your donations to help us cope with the current inflationary situation.

Chris Neville - Stewardship Secretary, 8 March 2023

Treasurer's Financial Report to May 2023 APCM

2022 proved to be very much a “back to something like normal” year given the absence of Covid related uncertainties, the end of the interregnum and Dan commencing as our Rector in January. From a financial perspective, as measured by the Income & Expenditure account, the outcome was better than anticipated, the loss of £14k incurred being £26k favourable compared to the budget, see below for summary details.

As in previous years we must be thankful for the continuing support of our regular Standing Order givers, this bedrock of our income having been well supported by contributions from other attendees to services, supplemented by recoveries of tax relief from HMRC and legacies received.

Throughout the period the Finance Review Committee (FRC) provided oversight, monitoring and management of our many and varied financial and related activities. Special thanks are due to Mike Baldwin who continued to contribute significantly, drawing upon his massive experience, and to Chris Neville who, in addition to his ongoing role as Stewardship Officer now deals with all church payments and has assumed responsibility for a number of additional procedures including diocesan returns. Thanks also to Rev Paul Henderson for the time and significant financial knowledge and expertise he has provided, and to John Bradley who joined the Committee during the course of the period, contributing insight and challenge, drawing as necessary on his highly relevant experience with other charitable organisations.

Mike Saunders has continued to deal efficiently with our bank paying-in requirements, not helped by closure of our local NatWest banks; Gemma Finn has proved to be a competent and helpful bookkeeping resource and St Clair Accountancy Solutions, our new Independent Examiner, dealt professionally and cost effectively in checking and giving approval to the 2021 financial statements and were appointed by the May 2022 APCM to carry out the 2022 financial statements examination.

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Summary of 2022 Financial Performance

The 2022 accounts report a loss for the year of £14k, £26k better than budget arising from Income totalling £140k, £17k above budget, less Expenditure of £154k, £10k below budget.

It must be noted that, without the £19k Legacies received, the loss would have been £33k, and that the below budget expenditure was owing primarily to non-recruitment of a full time Children and Families worker.

Income and Expenditure details are provided in the Statement of Financial Activity section of this Annual Report. Main points to note as follows.

Income

Voluntary Receipts totalled £109k, £2k above budget due to a favourable variance of £15k in Legacies offset by Offerings, £6k below budget, and donations £5k below budget due primarily to lower than anticipated receipts in December.

Receipts from Fundraising Activities totalled £13.7k, £3.5k above budget including income from events of £5.5k, £4.5k above budget. Reading Room receipts totalled £5k, £1.5k above budget comprising Letting Fees and a share of the Lent Lunch surplus.

Other Receipts totalled £10.6k, £8k above budget including a grant of £2.3k from the Friends of the Church towards the new flagpole, £2.2k of energy/warm spaces related grants from the Diocese, an anonymous donation of £2k received from CAF in connection with the All Together Group, and final dividend payments received from Old Mutual investments.

Expenditure

The Parish share, £79k was responsible for over 50% of total church expenditure, excluding on-payment of gifts received for individuals, equivalent to 65% of our recurring income.

Church Activities including the Parish share totalled £116k, £14.5k below budget due primarily to a saving of £22k from non-recruitment of a full-time Children & Families Worker partially offset by spend of c£12k on Church and Churchyard Maintenance, £6k above budget due to flagpole renewal, Quinquennial survey, and related expenditure.

Other Costs which totalled £5.7k, £5.4k above budget, included distribution of the Lent Lunch surplus, payment of the CAF donation to the All Together Group, together with payments to other charities including the World Day of Prayer.

Net Assets at 31 December 2022

Net assets/Reserves totalled £314k, comprising Cash Funds of £113k (36% of total reserves), £14k below the closing 2021 balance caused by the 2022 deficit. Investments at market value were £201k, a fall of £11k since 31 December 2021 due to unfavourable market movements.

Budget 2023

The 2023 budget was approved by the January PCC and is for a deficit of £40k arising from a combination of income totalling £122k less expenditure of £162k, noting that this level of loss is close to those budgeted for both 2022 and 2021.

The 2023 budget comprises recurring income and expenditure which, as agreed by the PCC, excludes capital expenditure on proposed new Audio Visual equipment and Families & Children’s work resourcing, both of which will be subject to consideration in due course for approval by the PCC and drawn from reserves.

The budgeted income of £122k is a reduction of £18k compared to actual 2022 receipts due to assumed non recurrence of:- legacy income; grants from The Friends and other entities, offset by modest increases in: Offerings and Donations; Reading Room receipts; and Fundraising event income.

Budgeted expenditure is £8k higher than that incurred in 2022 - the main reason for the increase being provisions for significantly higher energy related costs and an increased Parish Share.

Measures to mitigate the budgeted loss are being initiated by the FRC including a review of all categories of current expenditure, together with proposed delegation of responsibility for management of energy usage and cost saving initiatives to the Fabric Committee.

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Additional income generating events are also to be encouraged in connection with which it is suggested that consideration should be given to re-establishing the former Events Committee.

John Southworth, 27 February 2023

Rector’s Review of the Year

It is appropriate to start this report from the date of my licencing to the parish and benefice on 27 January 2022. First, I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard during the vacancy to keep the parish running, especially when there was also a vacancy in Seer Green and Jordans. You all did an amazing job and to help me in settling into my new role very smoothly; there are unfortunately far too many names to mention because it was a whole church effort and that was one of the reasons we held our ‘Thank You’ service in October.

The first part of the year we spent getting to know everyone in our church and meeting key people from our community, as well as attending as many meetings and events as possible. This was a great way to get to know better and to gain an understanding of how our community put on events, the response and how well we all worked together.

2022 was a time to understand how we operated as a church and what God was calling us to do. As a whole church we entered into this by listening to what God had to say to us through Jeremiah 29:4-14, with a special focus on verse 7. This was followed up by further discernment by the PCC in July with an Away Day. As a church, a PCC and by myself, we spent many months listening to God to discern our new Mission, Vision and Values which are:

MISSION

Loving People, Transforming Lives, Glorifying God.

VISION

To be a thriving church that brings God’s blessings to our village through prayer, relationships and living our faith out daily.

VALUES

G enerous O pen S eeking P raying E ngaging L istening.

Our Mission, Vision and Values will shape our ministry as a church over the coming years.

The continuing need for recovery from Covid has always been present with us over the past year and the church has coped well with all of the challenges. Like many other churches across the land our numbers were down, with very few people under the age of thirty. With these challenges in sight and looking to the long-term future of the church, the PCC started to discuss what types of services we offered and how these would engage both our current congregation and those who don’t worship with us. This period of discussion and discernment led to us adopting a new service pattern which started on 8 January 2023. The services have been well received and attendances have been beyond my expectations, which gives us a great platform on which to build.

There were many events that we participated in or attended. As a church it was great to come together with the other churches in Chalfont St Giles for the Walk of Witness and Service and demonstrated to the village the great unity amongst our churches. It was also exciting for us to start the village Jubilee celebrations by holding a service with our pop-up choir. At the Village Show we won the Jester Cup for the best (although only) decorated store and had a lot of fun with families and kids that came to our store to decorate a treasure chest, as the theme for the show was ‘Pirates’.

Last year was a great celebration with the Queen’s Jubilee but also a very sad year for us as a nation when our wonderful Queen died and our nation entered into a time of national mourning. Thank you so much for our Church Watch volunteers who stepped in to ensure that the church was kept open during this time and also during the heat wave in the summer.

During the past year we have looked at how the church operated with volunteer numbers down after so many people have given so much to the church in the past and as we await new people to join us. When I arrived, we had 10 sub-committees and after understanding how our church operated, we have now changed it to 4 subcommittees with Finance and Fabric still retaining their status but now sitting under the Operations committee. All of this will free up time to devote to God’s calling on us as a church and make us more effective in our meetings with a clear focus. Some of the sub-committees have moved over to become working groups freeing them up from the administration that is required of a sub-committee.

As a PCC we also agreed a new Mission Action Plan for 2023. The Mission Action Plan was developed and formulated throughout the past year through understanding our church and our relationship with the wider parish. This will enable us as a church to focus on going ‘Deeper’ in our faith as a congregation and ‘Wider’ in our

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engagement with our parish. This combined with our Mission, Vision and Values will give us a strategic focus over the coming year.

It has been encouraging to build on existing relationships with the school and make them stronger, as well as welcoming the new headteacher, Mr Haywood. We also built on relationships with other organisations and businesses, as well as making new relationships in the parish. Bringing the church back to the spiritual heart of the village and parish has been welcomed by a great deal of people and we all look forward to making more new friends and building on existing relationships.

This year the General Synod voted in favour of blessing same-sex marriages. This is something that I have theologically stated I cannot do and this is something that as a church we will have to navigate together as there are differing opinions about this and we wait for the General Synod in July to confirm and ratify the changes.

It has been a great year with so much going on and so much to celebrate and for which to thank God. I really do thank all of you for all that you do for our wonderful church and for your graciousness with all of the changes that have happened in order for our church to grow and engage.

Many blessings,

Rev. Dan, 15 March 2023

This report by your PCC for our 2013 Annual Parochial Council Meeting (APCM), prepared as the formal Trustees Report, was approved and authorised for issue by the PCC (being the Trustees) and on 15 March 2023 the following were authorised to sign on the Trustees’ behalf:

John Southworth PCC Treasurer

Tom Boundy John Southworth PCC Lay Chair PCC Treasurer Date: 19 April 2023 Date: 19 April 2023

- o – O – o –

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Chalfont St Giles for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the summary of receipts and payments and the statement of assets and liabilities.

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination 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 charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

[Duly signed ]

Rupert St Clair-Burton CPA St Clair Accountancy Solutions Limited, 11, Church Farm Courtyard, High Street, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4QH.

Date: 15/03/23

Report of Independent Examiner

21

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1129372

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY IN THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

N THEYEARENDED31 DECEMBER **2022 **
Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Receipts
4
Receipts from Fundraising
5
Receipts from Reading
Room
6
Receipts from Church
Activities
7
Other Receipts
8
Total Receipts
PAYMENTS
Voluntary Income Costs
9
Fundraising Costs
10
Reading Room Expenses
11
Church Activities Costs
12
Management and
Administration
13
Other Costs
14
Total Operating Costs
Excess / (shortfall) of
receipts over payments
Transfer between funds
Gain on market investments
Net movement of funds
Balance brought forward
Funds this year end
carried forward		 Unrestricted
and
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Expendable
&
Endowment
Funds
Total
2022
Total
2021
107,452
1,897
-
109,349
134,236
11,483
2,198
-
13,681
12,413
3,130
1,822
-
4,952
240
1,826
-
-
1,826
926
7,745
2,636
185
10,566
8,819
131,636
8,553
185
140,374
156,634
1,750
-
-
1,750
2,000
8,868
257
-
9,125
6,537
3,633
-
-
3,633
3,412
112,346
3,291
-
115,637
106,486
18,419
-
-
18,419
15,102
2,609
3,137
-
5,746
7,977
147,625
6,685
-
154,310
141,514
(15,989)
1,868
185
(13,936)
15,120
7,333
(7,148)
(185)
-
-
-
-
(11,103)
(11,103)
17,053
(8,656)
(5,280)
(11,103)
(25,039)
32,173
119,432
7,468
212,062
338,962
306,789
110,776
2,188
200,959
313,923
338,962

Chalfont St Giles PCC – Accounts

22

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1129372

BALANCE SHEET

AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

ALANCESHEET
T31 DECEMBER2022
FIXED ASSETS
Investments at valuation
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash on deposit with
Central Board of Finance
Shawbrook Bank
Net current assets
TOTAL NET ASSETS
CAPITAL FUNDS
Permanent Endowment
Funds
INCOME FUNDS
Endowment Funds
Restricted Funds
Designated Funds
Unrestricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Expendable
&
Endowment
Funds
Total
2022
Total
2021
-
-
200,959
200,959
212,062
26,671
20,000
1,822
366
48,859
63,041
6,840
11,999
-
-
18,839
18,593
10,817
34,449
-
-
45,266
45,266
44,328
66,448
1,822
366
112,964
126,900
44,328
66,448
1,822
201,325
313,923
338,962
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
201,325
201,325
211,062
-
-
1,822
-
1,822
7,468
-
66,448
-
-
66,448
66,425
44,328
-
-
-
44,328
54,007
44,328
66,448
1,822
201,325
313,923
338,962

These accounts were approved by the Standing Committee on [xx] April 2023 as authorised by the Committee of Members on 15 March 2023 when they authorised the Honorary Treasurer to sign them on their behalf:

Signed:

John Southworth Honorary Treasurer

Chalfont St Giles PCC – Accounts

23

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and Recommended Practice "Accounting and reporting by charities" (revised 2005).

The accounts are drawn up on the basis of "Receipts and Payments " (rather than "prepayments and accrual" accounting) as permitted by the Charity Commission for charities with a turnover of less than £250k a year. They also drawn up under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investment assets at market value.

Incoming resources

Offerings and donations received for the general purposes of the charity are included as Unrestricted Funds. The relevant Gift Aid is shown separately. Donations whose application is restricted by the wishes of the donor are taken to Restricted Funds. Incoming resources are all accounted for gross and planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due.

Investment income, dividends, interest and tax recoverable are accounted for when received.

All other income is generally recognised when it is receivable.

Resources expended

The church has followed the practice of writing off 100 per cent of the cost of any additions or modifications to the consecrated land and buildings and contents of the church.

Parish Share is paid regularly and is included in expenditure for the year in which it is paid.

Unrestricted fund grants (including donations to missions) are recognised when determined by the PCC. Amounts received specifically for missions are dealt with as restricted funds and the liability for payment is recognised when the amounts are received.

All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred.

Assets and Liabilities

The following assets are recognised but not attributed a value in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

*Moveable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal;

*Land and buildings and improvements thereto, held on behalf of the PCC;

*Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where the PCC is free to dispose of such assets without faculty and where the original cost exceeded £1,000.

The following assets are recognised and a monetary value given as part of the description in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

*Closing bank balances

*Closing revalued balances on investments

The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

*Any loans or overdrafts advanced to the PCC;

*Any arrears of Diocesan Parish Share

Chalfont St Giles PCC – Accounts

24

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022, continued

Taxation

The Parochial Church Council is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted Funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds are Unrestricted Funds as they are not restricted by the donor and are available for any specified purpose endorsed by the PCC.

Restricted Funds are those donations and covenants where the donor has stipulated that the monies should be used for particular purposes. Any Restricted Funds received have been or will be disbursed for the purposes intended by the donor. All donations to the Fabric Fund for example are used to finance property repairs.

Endowment Funds are those where the donor has donated a capital sum, making the dividend or interest from the fund to be used as stipulated.

2. APB ETHICAL STANDARD - Provisions Available for Small Entities

In common with many other organisations of our size and nature we use our independent examiner to assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

3. RESERVES POLICY

The following policy was adopted by the Parochial Church Council in 2021 to the effect that

a minimum reserve will be maintained, based upon 9 months of recurring expenditure which at 31 December 2022 was close to £116,000.

To ensure the ongoing adequacy of this reserve, church net assets will be apportioned 40:60 as between investment and liquid funds respectively such that the minimum reserve requirement is covered by cash and other liquid assets. At 31 December 2022 liquid funds totalled £113,000, being 35% of total net assets and marginally below the minimum reserve target.

Movements in the respective ratios in 2023 will be kept under close scrutiny by the Finance Review Committee and, if necessary, investments will be liquidated in order to ensure compliance with the agreed policy.

Chalfont St Giles PCC – Accounts

25

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022, continued

4 VOLUNTARYRECEIPTS
Offerings
Donations (inc Gift Days)
HMRC Gift Aid Rebate
Grants, Bequests, Legacies
5 RECEIPTS FROMFUNDRAISING
Wedding and Funeral Fees
Fund Raising Events
Magazine Income
6 RECEIPTS FROMREADINGROOM
Reading Room Income
7 RECEIPTS FROMCHURCHACTIVITIES
Social Outreach
Children Youth & Messy Church
8 OTHERRECEIPTS
Grants received
Provision of Service
Miscellaneous
Special gifts & Donations for Charities
Interest and Dividends
TOTAL RECEIPTS		 Unrestricted
and
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Expendable
&
Endowment
Funds
Total
2022
Total
2021
£
£
£
£
£
12,282
-
-
12,282
8,068
59,245
1,278
-
60,523
63,286
16,925
619
-
17,544
19,781
19,000
-
-
19,000
43,101
107,452
1,897
-
109,349
134,236
8,027
-
-
8,027
10,603
3,335
2,198
-
5,533
1,610
121
-
-
121
200
11,483
2,198
-
13,681
12,413
3,130
1,822
-
4,952
240
3,130
1,822
-
4,952
240
1,383
-
-
1,383
529
443
-
-
443
397
1,826
100
-
1,826
926
2,171
2,291
-
4,462
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,793
-
-
1,793
1,522
2,254
299
-
2,553
6,843
1,527
46
185
1,758
454
7,745
2,636
185
10,566
8,819
131,636
8,553
185
140,374
156,634

Chalfont St Giles PCC – Accounts

26

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHALFONT ST GILES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022, continued

**NOTES TO THEACCOUNTS FOR THEYE ** ARENDED31 DECEMBER2022, continued
9 VOLUNTARYINCOMECOSTS
Grants given (including tithes)
10 FUNDRAISINGCOSTS
Fundraising Event Expenses
Wedding & Funeral Fees to ODBF
Magazine & Publicity
11 READINGROOMEXPENSES
Light and Heat
Insurance
Operating Costs
Repairs and Improvements
12 CHURCHACTIVITIESCOSTS
Parish Share
Heating and Lighting
Church and Churchyard Maintenance
Insurance
Organist, Music & Instruments
Other Operating Expenses
Social Outreach
Children, Youth & Messy Church
13 MANAGEMENT ANDADMINISTRATION
Rector Vacancy
Travel, Hospitality, Visiting Clergy
Telephone and Internet
Office Admin Staff
Printing and Stationery
Office Other Costs
Audit & Accountancy
PCC & Deanery Expenses
Bank Charges
Not 18419
14 OTHERCOSTS
Special gifts and Donations to
Charities
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS		 Unrestricted
and
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Expendable
&
Endowment
Funds
Total
2022
Total
2021
£
£
£
£
£
1,750
-
-
1,750
2,000
2,797
257
-
3,054
737
5,830
-
-
5,830
5,648
241
-
-
241
152
8,868
257
-
9,125
6,537
847
-
-
847
712
1,179
-
-
1,179
1,130
784
-
-
784
775
823
-
-
823
795
3,633
-
-
3,633
3,412
79,325
-
-
79,325
80,796
4,539
-
-
4,539
2,594
8,576
3,291
-
11,867
6,378
4,306
-
-
4,306
4,134
5,041
-
-
5,041
2,931
2,278
-
-
2,278
3,559
260
-
-
260
127
8,021
-
-
8,021
5,967
112,346
3,291
-
115,637
106,486
-
-
1,374
1,221
-
-
1,221
677
1,548
-
-
1,548
887
8,346
-
-
8,346
8,524
2,193
-
2,193
2,437
333
-
-
333
165
4,227
-
-
4,227
1,038
135
-
-
135
-
416
416
18,419
-
-
18,419
15,102
2,609
3,137
-
5,746
7,977
2,609
3,137
-
5,746
7,977
147,625
6,685
-
154,310
141,514

Chalfont St Giles PCC – Accounts

27