# **High Street Maidenhead Methodist Church** ## **Trustees Report for year ending 31 August 2021** ## Introduction Along with almost all other charities the life of High Street Methodist Church has been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. At the end of this Trustees’ Report is a copy of the Annual Church Report submitted to the Annual Church Meeting in March 2021. This gives a good overview of what we have done and what has been achieved during the year. A significant event has been the change in ministerial oversight. Reverend Carmel Ieraci left in May 2021 to return to her native Australia and pastoral charge of the congregation has passed to Reverend Vicci Davidson, Superintendent Minister of the Thames Valley Circuit ## Objectives The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union the advancement of: - The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church - Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church - Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution or subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church - Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. ## Church’s Vision and Mission - Seek to enable all to encounter God in ways which are Spirit-led and celebratory, through worship which is diverse and relevant to our local communities. - To be a caring Christian community in the heart of Maidenhead ## Learning and Caring - Be aware of the nature and context of High Street Methodist Church. - Explore the word of God, in study, prayer and fellowship. - Offer pastoral care to members and adherents. - Support the presence and witness of the wider Christian Community within Maidenhead. - Build disciples by nurturing faith and recognising and developing gifts; encourage new leaders. - Value our place within the Methodist Connexion and the World Church. ## Service - Encourage team working. - Be a prophetic and free church voice, and initiate action for social justice. - Respond to needs locally and globally. - Provide safe spaces for the community. - Support both the Methodist and World Church through prayer and action. - Work ecumenically whenever the opportunity arises and, when appropriate, with other faiths ## Evangelism - Offer love in the name of Jesus Christ. - Confidently share and proclaim our faith in ways which are sensitive and respectful. ## Brief fnancial review of the year During the financial year ending 31[st] August 2021 the total income received was £146,935 and outgoings amounted to £139,592 leading to a surplus of £7,342. Total funds carried forward amount to £138,486 of which £22,878 are restricted funds set aside for specific projects or charitable work. Fuller details can be seen in the accompanying statement of accounts. ## Structure, Governance and Management High Street Maidenhead is part of the Thames Valley Circuit of the Methodist Church and is governed by the Deed of Union (1932) and the Methodist Church Act 1976 as amended March 2011. Overall control of the Circuit rests with the Methodist Conference. The Connexional Office implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of ministers in individual Circuits. Connexional decisions are passed to the Chair of the District and the appropriate Officers of the District for regional implementation. The District passes the control down to Circuit level for local implementation by the Superintendent Ministers, ministerial staff and Circuit Stewards via the medium of the Circuit Meeting. The membership of the Circuit Meeting is laid down in the Constitutional Practices and Discipline of the Methodist Church. The Circuit Leadership Team comprises four Circuit Stewards, a Senior Circuit Steward, the Circuit Treasurer, the Superintendent Minister and three Ministers. Circuit meetings are held four times a year and are attended by the Circuit Stewards, Church Ministers and representatives from the church congregations. High Street Methodist Church’s congregation is governed by Church Council and chaired by the minister in pastoral charge. The Church Council consists of Church Stewards and officers nominated and voted on by the entire Church membership at the Annual Church Meeting. Meetings are chaired by the Minister in Pastoral Charge as delegated by the Superintendent Minister, with those attending becoming the Trustees of the church. It is the Trustees who comprise the decision making body and who will vote on proposals put before the meeting. ## Volunteers High Street Methodist Church, Maidenhead is grateful to the Stewards and other members of Church Council who freely volunteer their time to attend meetings and to carry out the administrative work required in order to run the church successfully. ## Legal and Administrative Information Full Name of Charity: Maidenhead High Street Methodist Church Registration Charity Number: 1129473 Date of registration 4 January 2010 Main communication address: Methodist Church Office, King Street, Maidenhead SL6 1EF Website: http://www.methodistmaidenhead.org.uk Peter White acted as the principal officer overseeing the day-to-day financial management and accounting for the church during the year. Independent examiner: Mr David Kinna, 18 Turpins Green, Maidenhead, SL6 4QE Bankers: HSBC 35 High Street, Maidenhead SL6 1JQ. and Central Finance Board, 9 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PE Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes: Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JQ ## Local Trustees The members of High Street Maidenhead Methodist Church Council Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of church office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the church. Minister in Pastoral Charge: Rev Vicci Davidson, Superintendent Minister and chair of Church Council, (Rev Carmel Ieraci to May 2021) Stewards: Diana Phipps, Elijah Kommu, Ilse Statham, Margaret Maskell, Pat Crowle, Ruth Hill Treasurer: Peter White Other members of Church Council: Ann Pfeiffer, Charlotte Crichton, Claire Boycott, Felicity Kendon, Gill Harbut, Glenice White. Jean Barnett, John Statham, Judy Stimson, Karen Ackling, Matthew Edwards, Maureen Over, Pippa Jones, Roger Neal, Sue Le Page, Tim Rayers ## Annual Church Report Cont. ## **Annual Report February 2021** ## **Presbyter’s Report** The 2020 Annual Church Meeting was held on 15 March and followed the baptism of baby Theo. Since then, it seems that our world has been turned upside down due to Covid 19. The familiar rhythm of meeting together at High Street for worship, fellowship, spiritual nurturing and being in community was ruptured suddenly. What would happen? How would we manage? Where was God in all of this? The prophet Habakkuk writes in Chapter 3:2a I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by . . . . And v17-19 in a song of lament Habakkuk sees present and impending catastrophe, yet in the midst of tragedy, he is full of praise for God. In the face of severe loss and desolation, Habakkuk remembered God’s goodness in times past and concluded that God was worthy of praise thus determining to trust God, even when what Habukkuk spoke of could have been interpreted as ‘God doesn’t care’. He was still able to say, ‘God, the Lord is my Salvation; my joy; my strength’, and that was cause enough for him to put his trust in God. This too, is what we have seen of God throughout these 12 months into a global pandemic. We are able to say: God is trustworthy; God saves; God provides; God cares and shares in our pain and sorrow, showing comfort and hope, as well as being our strength and yes even our joy. God who promises to never leave nor forsake us. God who faithfully provided for the needs of Christians who have gone before us and who have passed on the baton of faith that we who are here today might continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around us and beyond. During the last 12 months of various lockdowns, the dispersed Church of High Street has experienced painful isolation and separation. . . and yet many relationships developed and strengthened as people contact one another by telephone, email or letter to see how people are managing. I feel so privileged to serve God’s people in Maidenhead alongside people who willingly use their God-given gifts and talents to further the cause of God. Baton-passing seems to be the theme! The Stewards’ team is now headed by Di Phipps who during this year was handed the Senior baton from Peter White. With sincere thanks to Chris Maskell who faithfully and competently completed his term as Church Treasurer and handed on this responsibility with confidence to Peter White. The Stewards work tirelessly to ensure that the Leadership, Worshiping, and practical running of Church life is effective in fulfilling the call to share the love of God. I am so appreciative of all their support and time praying and exploring ways with me to enhance all that takes place at High Street. During the year Leadership decisions were taken. Some were complex and others straightforward, yet we faced this new landscape as pioneers together: Here is a snapshot of some of the decisions and outcomes. - To furlough, and then make the two Caretakers redundant. - To experiment with online worship (completely out of all of our comfort zone), and yet . . . God gave many the ability to see or at least hear one another each week as we worshiped together in a new way of being. The dispersed Church became the Virtual Gathered Church. - I’m so grateful to God for the brilliant people with gifts in technical support in this community who stepped forward to walk us through what appeared to be a mammoth undertaking. They were willing to spend many hours enabling those without experience in technology gain confidence, should they so choose to, to come online for Worship; Bible studies; prayer meetings; Church Council meetings; Coffee mornings; Social events and to engage across the Circuit; - These efforts have led to the Church having a greater Digital presence. - Church Council approved the implementation of ChurchSuite, guided by John Statham and a large team of people from High Street who have been extremely busy offering training and support. ChurchSuite is a powerful tool enabling the Church to comply with Data Protection Laws; and in implementing this programme there are now many other administrative opportunities which allow the Church to streamline its processes as well as afford an effective means of communication to be offered to all. - To provide Messy Church support to families on-line (this was promising to begin with but became too difficult to administer and has ceased for the time being). - To offer a socially distanced on-line Carol Service live streamed from within the building. - Upon consideration and with great sadness a decision was taken to cancel holding Christmas Eve and Morning worship in the Church building when we faced Tier 4 restrictions and the Virus was reported as proliferating. - To provide Young Church on a Saturday afternoon. What a delight this has been for me personally to have opportunity to listen to the young voices of this community, and am in awe at their spiritual hunger and depth, as they are guided by Jill Pockett and team. - Listening to the young people share of their encounter with God, through Bible teaching, creative expressions; games, singing, and topics that were uppermost on their minds on a Sunday morning’s Zoom Services we are reminded that they are very much ‘the present Church’ as well as ‘the future Church’. - Musically, we are seeing a further strand of synergy emerging from the wonderful and faithful work that Gillian Yard co-ordinated. Pippa Jones supported by Pat Crowle, musicians, choir and singers, is developing an intergenerational collective of people using their God-given gifts to lead this community in worship as well as exploring future missional possibilities. During these 12 months numerous meetings were conducted online: Church Council; Stewards’ Meetings; Worship Consultation; Finance; Prayer; Mission & Outreach; Education; Conferences; Development/Redevelopment/ Connexional meetings; all the while continuing to offer pastoral telephone calls through the Minister, Pastoral Visitors – ably co-ordinated by Felicity Kendon, and Lay Pastor; visiting as and when it was permissible. My time has also involved building relationships with other Christian community leaders; Chaplain to 155 Maidenhead RAF ATC; serving on Methodist Council; District Council and Candidates’ Selection Committee. Safeguarding matters were addressed following Methodist Policies in collaboration with Gill Harbut the Safeguarding Officer at High Street and as needed, advice at Circuit and District levels. The Property Stewards are to be commended for the collaboration in making difficult decisions and evaluation of risk factors to ensure the building is as Covid-safe as possible. Sincere thanks to each of them, and to Rosemary Holland who has gathered a team to clean and sanitise the building in readiness for safe entry. A special thanks also goes to Ann Pfeiffer who spends a great amount of time helping the Church oversee, evaluate, comply with guidelines, and offer consultative advice in property matters. Distribution of Christmas packs with Churches Together in Maidenhead – with thanks to Pam Proctor as she passes on the role of a representative on this ecumenical group. After completing his two-year Circuit appointment as a Lay Worker based at High Street, Joshua Wilson was thanked for his service among us. He faithfully engaged in the pastoral work within the community and in developing relationships with many in the town centre. We are thankful to note that Josh remains very much involved in the life of High Street. He is working as Chaplain to the Oxford United Football Team and is also continuing his call to Local Preaching where he continues on trial. Thanks go to Kath England and all who have served for many years the community by conducting a Toddler group at High Street. The team feel that this ministry has reached its fulfilment and that this is the season to stop a work that has been rewarding to those who lead and to those who have benefitted over many years. Seneca writes: Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end The High Street Community is a prayerful, vibrant and active group of people who love Jesus and have a desire to see God’s work grow. I want to thank each and everyone of you , especially those of you who work quietly behind the scenes unnoticed, as you serve and lead for the cause of Christ. For many, many years, a great deal of prayer about the needs of the Town Centre and missional opportunities; consideration of good stewardship of financial resources; exploration of alternate locations; rising costs of maintenance issues; and many deliberations now see High Street on the cusp of decision-making. A draft copy of a Mission statement exercise is also attached to this document for your prayerful feedback would be appreciated. From 1 April – 30 June, I will be on Sabbatical exploring various models of mission and outreach in Sydney Australia with Wesley Mission. You will all remain in my prayers. May we be a people of courage as we say with the prophet Habakkuk: God, the Lord is our Salvation; our joy; our strength; and together we put our trust in God with confidence. ## _**Rev. Carmel**_ ## **Senior Steward’s Report** Well, what a year to take over as Senior Church Steward. I would like to thank Peter White for his work previously as Senior Steward, and who I still consult with on some matters. He is doing a great job as our Treasurer, following on from another great Treasurer, Chris Maskell. Thanks Peter and Chris. Although many of you have not been able to attend church in person, I hope you have managed to join in some of the Zoom services on Sunday morning, some of the Bible Studies, prayer meetings. We are very fortunate to have such a good Tech Team which allows us into our church, both physically or through our home IT equipment, and those who set up these events. However, church life has continued, despite the Covid pandemic. Our Property Stewards are an awesome team. Our church building, although hardly being used over the last year, still needs looking after – water taps and pipes need to be run regularly to avoid things like Legionnaires Disease, a small amount of heating put on during the winter to stop pipes freezing up, thorough cleaning and wiping down with antibacterial wipes when people have used the premises, leaking roof. Considerable work is still ongoing with negotiations relating to our shops and the caretaker’s old house in Crescent Drive which we rent out, and talks with the Nicholson’s developer and the Council. Although no longer Property Stewards, I would also like to thank Don Stimson, who has organised getting Crescent Drive ready for new tenants, and Dave Herbert , who is responsible for heating the church premises. Other activities go on too, such as our flower ladies occasionally organising flowers for the church when we are open for a service; musicians, who are limited in what they may be permitted to do during the pandemic, making their own contribution to the services we have had; and our team of Church Stewards who have come into church on Sundays to not only support the preacher but to make sure all is safe for us to come into our church. I know that some groups have not been able to continue their activities/meetings over the past year, and that must be disappointing. I know that they have managed to keep in touch with one another. Our pastoral visitors, under the leadership of Felicity Kendon, are doing a sterling job in keeping in contact with us. I know it will be difficult for some to resume the activities/voluntary work done previously at our church. A return to some sort of normality will be slow. However, our church still has its role to play in the community – a hub in the middle of Maidenhead – and I hope and pray that we will be able to resume our work soon. I am sure you will join with me in wishing Rev. Carmel all the best now she is in Australia, looking forward to her daughter’s wedding at the end of April and her Sabbatical. We pray that when she comes back to us at the end of June, Carmel will be refreshed in body and spirit. …. and as we look forward to better times this year, I give you a quote from Romans 15 v13: _“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit_ .” ## _**Diana Phipps**_ ## **The Art Group** The art group had hardly got started in 2020 before everything shut down and lives were put on hold. Just the week before lockdown in March we'd held our weekly meeting at Viv's house and had learnt about Zentangle - an art therapy which proved very opportune as it turned out. Many of us have continued with painting, drawing, sculpture etc. and have shared pictures and news via email. We fully intend to have an exhibition when we can finally get back to any sort of normality, but, for the time being, that remains just a dream. ## _**Ruth Daniel**_ ## **Communion** Due to the Covid situation, there has been little opportunity to offer Communion in church. We did have one service where Communion was offered where we used small disposable individual cups which contained grape juice, covered by a thin film on top of which is a small wafer covered by another film. We are in need of two Church members to become Communion Stewards, one to replace our dear friend Ray Binner. If you feel this is something you would like to do, please contact Michael Minors, our Senior Communion Steward. ## _**Diana Phipps**_ ## **The Flower Committee** “Covid” closed our Church on March 22nd last year and we realised that no flowers were required for “as long as IT would take” Kathleen McGuinness has nonetheless prepared the Rota for Sundays in 2021 and we hope to renew placing beautiful flowers in Church very soon. We have 45 Flower Donors this year. Some give to remember a loved one and some give for the sheer joy of giving. We thank them all for their generosity. Although Donors are very welcome to arrange their own flowers, we have a rota of nine willing Arrangers. We work together as a group at Easter, Harvest and Christmas. We thank especially Gillian Yard who has retired from out group and also Priya Wikramasingh who has moved away. Flowers are usually distributed after the Morning Service to cheer, thank or console. ## _**Elizabeth Barker**_ ## **Friendship Hour Report** During this past difficult year, Friendship Hour has emphasised "friendship together", so we've kept in touch with members by way of telephone calls, emails and Birthday cards. In December, everyone had the surprise of a Christmas Gift Bag arriving, which seemed to be much enjoyed. Most of all, we hope and pray for the opportunity to recommence our fellowship meetings once the situation allows, and it is safe to do so. ## _**Kathleen McGuinness**_ ## **Friday Lunch Club** The last Lunch Club was March 13. All members were contacted after this. Thank you to all the Cooks and Kitchen staff. _**England**_ I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Judy Stimson, who has been responsible for organising the lunches and the cooks’ rota, and indeed cooking lunches on many occasions for quite a few years, who has now decided to retire. Thank you, Judy. ## _**Kath**_ ## _**Diana Phipps**_ ## **Intergenerational Music Directors Report February 2021** Well, the past 12 months did not turn out the way anyone anticipated, and my role has been quite different to how I envisioned! I have continued to work hard all year to ensure the recorded music for the zoom services have been of good quality and easy for the whole congregation to sing along to. I have tried to tailor them to the sermon and service by using different versions and backings in line with the preacher and the tone of the service. When using live musicians, you would naturally adapt the hymns and songs as needed for the service, so I have tried to do this as much as possible using the pre-recorded music. To ensure the safety of musicians during services in the church building, I have needed to measure the available space and place musicians in line with the national guidelines. This has included researching plexi-glass screens, which Roger is now looking into further. Never did I expect my role to involve a tape measure and roll of tape for marking positions carefully!! Keeping up with the ever-changing rules and regulations to do with Covid has stretched my brain (as I’m sure it has with many of us!) but I am delighted that groups of musicians are now able to attend the church for rehearsals on a Wednesday evening. I stick to small groups, as per regs, and have been working with them to develop a greater understanding of how to progress as a music group. We’ve been concentrating on working together as a team, as well as following and leading in worship. Obviously, this is only in the early stages as we’ve only been able to do this recently, but it has been great to be back and have this opportunity again. Moving forward, as we are aiming for weekly services from the end of March, I will keep these Wednesday rehearsals going weekly to practise for the service and to continue to build on good working relationships between all group members. I have a lot of meetings planned over the next few weeks with members of the technical team, choir, music pool and others and I hope these will result in some positive progression with the musicians and improvement in the live streamed services. At this time, there is a lot of improvement needed but also a lot of potential, so I need to marry these together. I am continuing to work with the children (mostly over zoom) to encourage them to be involved with the music as much as possible and we have an exciting service coming up on 14 March. Moving forward, I am looking into outreach and how we can run a kids club during the holidays. To do this I am researching recording and editing software that will enable me to put a virtual choir together as well as other music software needed for such an endeavour. I will start approaching schools to see if there’s a possibility of advertising to students. I also must discuss this fully with the safeguarding team to ensure I meet all the safety regulations, as well as those volunteers (who may not know they’ve volunteered yet!!!) who I hope will be able to run these clubs with me. As ever, I am on the lookout for people who are ready to sing or play in our services or any potential technical team members so I can have my guitarists back!! Thank you all for your continued support. We are so blessed to have the musicians we do at High Street, who are so willing and able to give up their time to make our services varied and of good quality. ## _**Pippa Jones**_ ## **Junior Church** On 23 March 2020 a parent asked me by text if they could have some Junior Church provision via Zoom. Saturday 27 March at 3pm we started and have met EVERY week up to date with a two week by Unknown Author is licensed break over Christmas. Carmel & Jean Barnett have ably assisted my work with the children. Our regular 8 children plus my great nephew in Bradford have had special visits from experts in horticulture, music & religion. We have shared many special moments and it has been a privilege to work with the children and parents. We have watched the children grow spiritually, physically & in close fellowship during three lockdowns. Zoom is a very mobile medium and we have talked to children in the park, car & various shops. Our interest in God’s wonderful world led to a special few weeks when we looked at current environmental issues & talked about the children’s concerns/worries. Max Packer joined us from the Eden Project & Graham Pockett, a qualified landscape architect, shared a PowerPoint with ideas to help the children who are keen to re-wild the area around our church. Special mention needs to be made of Kate Garwood. Kate wrote, narrated and would NOT give up on her vision of a virtual nativity despite the technical difficulties of Zoom. Also, thanks to Richard & Matthew Brown who did great technical wizardry with the final edit. Also, of course, ALL the young church members & their parents who valiantly acted, costume changed & made a memorable year’s virtual nativity. Another highlight of our year was the Carol Concert on 13 December when five of our Young Church children helped Carmel with readings, carols & her reflection. Many thanks to Pippa and Meg who sang ALL the songs. There were 25 people helping to get the carol concert online with live music in a safe, clean church. In September 2020 I asked the children to choose their three favourite or littleknown Bible passages/stories & we have been steadily working our way through them. The story of Esther was requested my all the girls and their mums. I think I have enjoyed that part of my work with the children most. More recently the children have taken on more responsibility for their own learning. To date Noah has taught about the Tower of Babel, Michaela’s text was Naaman & the Servant Girl and this week Meg has taken the Parable of the Lost Sheep as her text. ## _**Jill Pockett**_ ## **Mission and Outreach Committee** This committee has met twice since the beginning of the new church year. A priority was to ensure that the Toilet twinning (launched on 9 August[)] had got off to a good start. At that time the total fund was already £700. Since then, the total has risen to £1,050 and with the addition of gift aid of £230, the total is currently£1,280! An excellent effort. The committee has decided to keep the fund open as the official end of the project is not until August. We had already decided to give any excess funds to the partner project, i.e. ‘Tap Twinning’. Many thanks to all who are supporting this worthy project. **Missions:** Carmel and Jean have attended a course, covering a variety of subjects and specifically for us, an evangelism component which is the main focus this year. Questions were asked e.g. What can we do to encourage evangelism? Dates for a possible Missions service in October 2020 were mooted. **Mission Boxes and Finances:** There was a small but noticeable increase in the amount collected (2x yearly); the total being £293.81 has been sent to Missions. Thank you to all involved. If you would like to support this collection please contact Don Stimson. Sadly, it became increasingly obvious that there might be a change or even a closing of the plans for Christmas; in which case it would be unlikely that we would be able to send and receive cards to church friends and donate money to Action for Children at the same time - a tradition which had continued for a number of years. This turned out to be correct. However, the Circuit, as a body, have collected for Action4children (thanks mainly to the Magic Show). There has been no CTiM card distribution this Christmas. However, there was a distribution of both plants and Christmas boxes organised by St Peter’s Church (in which a few High Street members were involved) and these had been well received. Sadly, we have had to say ‘goodbye’ to Carol Kemp. We thank her for her thoughts and prayers - and attendance when able. At the same time, we give thanks that Tim and Charlotte have joined our small group, and have presented sound suggestions and ideas. Thank you both. ## _**Pat Crowle**_ ## **Pastoral Committee** The Pastoral committee meets twice a year in October and February. The membership stands at 116 and there are 44 non-members on the community role who are not allocated to a Pastoral Visitor. The committee are trying to address this issue. We have 14 Pastoral Visitors and recently we have been pleased to welcome Karen Ackling to the team. The committee would be pleased to discuss the role of Pastoral Visitor with anyone who felt it might be part of their calling. The role map for Pastoral Visitors is currently under discussion. Josh Wilson who is a member but is not currently taking a Pastoral Visitor role. Ilse Statham and Alex Lane have responsibility for our Cradle Role/ First Steps. All Pastoral Visitors are aware of their responsibilities concerning Safeguarding and the training for this is kept up to date. In future all Pastoral Visitors will keep a private record of all contacts made with the members of their groups. Serious concerns about the any of church family are discussed with the Minister in confidence. ## _**Felicity**_ ## _**Kendon**_ ## **Property Stewards’ Report** Whilst most activities at church have ceased this year, or gone ‘on-line’, the church property has continued to keep us busy – even busier than usual! This time last year we were planning for the District Synod meeting to be held at High Street. So there was a huge amount of tidying up done (church stewards did most of this), and our toilets were given a thorough deep clean – all of them. What a difference that made. However, most of you have not seen the end result, as within a week or so the church was closed down, as we know. Soon afterwards the caretakers were put on furlough, and after several weeks, were sadly made redundant. Naturally, that has put more pressure on the Property Stewards team to keep the building ready for use whenever it is possible, and to make the premises as COVID safe as possible. ## **A few things that have happened / evolved** - All keyholders now have to record that they have been on the premises and congregations have to sign up for attendance at services when allowed - Weekly tasks include: running taps, check for leaks, setting some basic heating, keeping paths clear, looking for damage, putting bins out when full, etc etc - The Sanctuary was cleared of most of those heavy chairs so that Social Distancing could be implemented for services that have occurred over the last year. Signs and arrows were put in to remind people about one-way systems etc. - Hand sanitisers were purchased and fixed to walls - Thorough cleaning to ensure Covid safety - A new large TV style screen was fitted to the rear balcony - The upstairs tech area was adapted, and new equipment installed so that services can be streamed - The church’s broadband has been upgraded and is greatly improved The caretaker’s cupboard has been cleared out and re-organised - General annual servicing has continued as normal - .e.g. boiler, clock, organ etc - Room 3 (upstairs) has sprung roof leaks. There are 2 large buckets collecting rainwater, so since Christmas there have been various people up on the roof trying to advise us what to do next. Patching will only be very temporary – the whole roof needs replacing very soon. - The lease of the Computer Shop completed during this year, but the empty shop is still empty. There is a likely tenant at the moment, but it is still not quite certain. - The Crescent Drive house tenant left in December, and we are still looking for a suitable new tenant. Some improvements to the house are being carried out in the meantime. ## **Next steps** - Working out how to do things when we are allowed to re-open for frequent use by multiple user groups – not just worship services. Cleaning; Locking / unlocking; General maintenance / decorating and running? Any volunteers welcomed – either to join the property stewards’ team or carry out some of the tasks! - Fixing the roof – short, and medium or long term - Enabling groups to return safely, including room lettings ## **Long Term Future** The question of what to do about the long term plans for High Street church buildings have now been brought back into focus by the dripping roof and need for considerable expenditure. There are plans to send information and a questionnaire out to the congregation in the coming weeks, based around – should we stay on site, or move elsewhere. A very small group has recently re-opened discussions with the Maidenhead shopping centre developer, to explore whether or not there might be a scheme to consider, working with them. ## **So, lots to be thankful for, but property related prayers still essential please!** ## _**Ann Pfeiffer**_ ## **Publicity & Promotions** With not much to advertise in way of events, we have been focusing on keeping the information on the website as up-to-date as possible, especially with regards to services and church opening. Integrating ChurchSuite into the website has greatly helped with this effort. We’ve also been looking into other ways to make the church look more attractive from the outside, which has led to us displaying new banners and posters outside the building. ## _**Tim & Charlotte**_ ## **Safeguarding** Safeguarding during the last year in Lockdown has brought new priorities, with the increased use of social media and Online Services. To address these, I produced some Social Media Guidelines in May, which I compiled from several different Methodist guideline documents, including those for creating safe virtual meeting groups including Zoom. These will need to be updated regularly. I have been involved in the introduction and administration of ChurchSuite and we have been conscious of Safeguarding in all its aspects, with each one of the administrators of the system completing a DBS check. Within ChurchSuite all roles needing a DBS Certificate are tagged as such and I have set up a system that will automatically send reminders to people - and also to myself - when their DBS certificates need renewal. There are now 34 people with a current DBS certificate. Many thanks to Carmel for completing those during lockdown using online identity checks. The Creating Safer Spaces Foundation Module was updated in 2020 and I attended online training in this new Module. Obviously there has been no face to face training since lockdown, but the Connexion has agreed that, for all those who have reached the 4 year point since they last undertook the relevant training, temporary extension will be extended until June 2021. The Circuit has arranged training for 19 June 2021 as there are several people at High Street (and across the circuit) who are due to undertake this new module, but it will obviously depend on the situation then. A new online version of the 2020 module has been piloted and the roll out for this in our district is to be finalised. I will keep people informed of any of these developments. I have also attended 3 very useful webinars since October on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, Domestic Abuse and Online Safety – all very relevant to the current situation - organised by the Southern and Islands Region. The Methodist Church updated its model Safeguarding Policy in 2020 and I have incorporated these amendments in updating our own Church Policy, which was approved at Church Council in January. ## _**Gill Harbut**_ ## **The Tech Team** Great strides have been made this year by the technical team including the introduction of Church Suite to support Church Growth, and the application of both YouTube and Zoom to help the congregations stay connected during lockdown. The implementation of a new electronic document library is also underway to ensure that important documents do not get lost. The team have spent many hours working out how to use the new technologies at their disposal, that has been lots of fun. We are particularly grateful to Roger whose foresight, enthusiasm and energy have made the impossible possible. Also, to Matt who installed high grade broadband throughout the church (burning the midnight oil) that provided the infrastructure along with thanks to Tim and Charlotte for running the sound desk and preparing the slides during lockdown. Future plans include buying some second-hand remote-control cameras, to make the production of services easier, and maybe some changes to the look and feel of the occasional service to make them more appealing to the unchurched. We are also looking for wiling volunteers to learn the ropes and share the load, full training will be provided. _**John Statham**_ ## **Toddlers Club** Toddlers club opened in September 1974 and closed 2020. Many thanks to all the helpers over the years. _**Kath England**_ CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Maidenhead High Street Mothodlst Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2021 Thame$ Valley Clrcult Clrcult no 3614 Regl8teMd Charfty - Chartty Reglstradon numbof 1129473 If not a registered chanty Hor Majesty's Rwonug and Customs Gfft Ald numbor (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in temis of evidence of charitable statu8 and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evKlence of the organi8ation's ch8rit8ble 3tstus. Methodist charitie8 in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) Minister. Rev C leraci l Rev V Davidson Church Stewards.. Mrs D Phipps Mrs M Maskel Mrs P Crowle Mrs R Hill Mrs I Siatharn Mr E Kommu Treasurer. Mr G P White Chwth R and P 2015J lof5 ACCOUNTS FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 Maidenhead High Street Methodist Church unr•*tri￿ RMtrict•d Totall thls Fund Totals 1&8t SECTION A 81 RECEIPTS a2 Offerin s and Tax recovered Bank and CFB interest and Investment income .505 84,175 a3 119 704 a4 Lellin 32.796 1.293 130,713 53,818 27,556 166.203 as Olhgr receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS 16,222 16,222 17,614 146,935 a6 la71 SECTION b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circurt Asse$smw)t or Share b3 -9nalion$ 8,143 3,C64 R8 airs 8nd Mainlen8nce Utilities Ilnsuranee$, water cha ès, heatin hlin 27 570 b5 Cle8nin C8retaki lo ment b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENT8 19.615 126.049 5,400 13.543 26,016 139.592 37,659 180.370 Ibg) SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR c1 Total funds brought forward from last year 112427 c6 145 241 Sub total c1+c2 117090 131124 I ransfer$ and ad'uslments 1.502 1,502 c7 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (C3+￿) 115.688 22.878 138.466 Ic81 131,124 {¢81 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PA8SED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts arn not to b• In¢lud•d In total r•c abov• d1 Balance brou ht foThvar(I from last d2 Offerin sIGifts - received for extemal nisations d3 OffefingslGrfis - passed to a￿ernal organisaiions d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2-d3 Chw¢h R ￿ P2015.x]$ 2of5 Maidenhead Hi h Street Methodist Church niE CHURCMCOUNCIL $ECT1014 E INTERIIAL ORGANIJAIKINS Ch¢ 244 244 41 14 Tod¢Mw• Frl•TrS•h c7 Sub of Irth •12 r£h4¢cli￿lIl Itolats iJ•.W2 (071 BY CHURCH 7.1 CThitsr•J•on • Mpw4t• rf TQT PAYMEII 8ECTION F CLOSINO CHURCH-CA8M FUNC4 MELOaiJi Blnk Cixr•ffl*wit 8•Dk C•ntr¥l FinK￿• 8owd fvr 8UB TQTAL. ¢hur¢h•¢¢w T¢tsifvnd• W Dy Ini¥rW Orgrn** It*¢b bdAnc•t£+Alfrcm •bMI1•121 061 •12 TOTAL CA8H FuiifA HELD NYCMURCH SECTKJN G 31WTr21 OTItrERA88ET8 and LLIfjILmE8 15CbuTh*Rff&P 3(15 MA,>(￿11F￿j uioi4 S> Nameofchurch................................... No........... Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these Re￿ipl and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2021 have been prepared from the records of ts Church and that include all funds under the control of the Churth trustees. Signature of treasurer ............ Name and addre88 of treasurer ........ G P•t•rVthM•, Chatghnrlh. St L￿nI[￿S Plll. Windsor, . SL4 4AT Pm•ntatlon to th• Church ¢ru•tM• I confimi that the annual report and accounts for the meeting of the Church trustees held on .. r ended 31 Awst 2021 vM8kn11 be. presented to .1(. Signatur8 of the Chair of thè meeling .. . £ÉY•S ICC i DAb'iosJ Nameofthechairofthe meeting ...................................... Date . Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustses of the Hlgh Street Methodist Church, Maidenhead Charlty Numb•r. 1129473 R•$pon•lbllltl•s and ba•l• of r•port I report lo the Irustees on my examinalion of the ￿X￿nts of the MaKlenheod High Street Church for Ihe year ended 31 August 2021 set out on pages ... lo .... As the Church's trustees, you a￿ responsible for the preparation of the accounts in a(x￿anCe ￿th Ihe reqU￿8￿￿ts of the Ch8fTli88 Act 2011 ('the Act.). ++• I report in respect of My examinatts)n of the Church's a(xounts carried out under gection 145 of the Act and. in canwng out my examinalion. I have follty•ffjd all the awicable Oireclions given by Charity Commission under section 145(SMb) of the Act. ' delete or clrcle as approprfate 15 P. Name of Church ... No............. Independent Examinerfs Ststement I have completed my examination. I confim Ihat no material matters have come to my attention i connection with the examination (other than that disdosed below.) which give me cause to belie any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do noi accord with the accounting records. have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination t( attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accoun reached. I Iwelhave not" obtained independent verFfication of all investments with the Trustees for Metho, Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board ( Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 {ten thousand pounds) at the balan date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner ])hd:?.. ￿1.￿}r! Ar ".elevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of fimi (Whe￿ appropriate) Address Post Code gL6 ..4qL Date delete or circle as appropriate 2015 R arml PA¥ 5015 CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Maidenhead High Street Mothodlst Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2021 Thame$ Valley Clrcult Clrcult no 3614 Regl8teMd Charfty - Chartty Reglstradon numbof 1129473 If not a registered chanty Hor Majesty's Rwonug and Customs Gfft Ald numbor (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in temis of evidence of charitable statu8 and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evKlence of the organi8ation's ch8rit8ble 3tstus. Methodist charitie8 in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) Minister. Rev C leraci l Rev V Davidson Church Stewards.. Mrs D Phipps Mrs M Maskel Mrs P Crowle Mrs R Hill Mrs I Siatharn Mr E Kommu Treasurer. Mr G P White Chwth R and P 2015J lof5 ACCOUNTS FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 Maidenhead High Street Methodist Church unr•*tri￿ RMtrict•d Totall thls Fund Totals 1&8t SECTION A 81 RECEIPTS a2 Offerin s and Tax recovered Bank and CFB interest and Investment income .505 84,175 a3 119 704 a4 Lellin 32.796 1.293 130,713 53,818 27,556 166.203 as Olhgr receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS 16,222 16,222 17,614 146,935 a6 la71 SECTION b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circurt Asse$smw)t or Share b3 -9nalion$ 8,143 3,C64 R8 airs 8nd Mainlen8nce Utilities Ilnsuranee$, water cha ès, heatin hlin 27 570 b5 Cle8nin C8retaki lo ment b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENT8 19.615 126.049 5,400 13.543 26,016 139.592 37,659 180.370 Ibg) SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR c1 Total funds brought forward from last year 112427 c6 145 241 Sub total c1+c2 117090 131124 I ransfer$ and ad'uslments 1.502 1,502 c7 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (C3+￿) 115.688 22.878 138.466 Ic81 131,124 {¢81 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PA8SED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts arn not to b• In¢lud•d In total r•c abov• d1 Balance brou ht foThvar(I from last d2 Offerin sIGifts - received for extemal nisations d3 OffefingslGrfis - passed to a￿ernal organisaiions d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2-d3 Chw¢h R ￿ P2015.x]$ 2of5 Maidenhead Hi h Street Methodist Church niE CHURCMCOUNCIL $ECT1014 E INTERIIAL ORGANIJAIKINS Ch¢ 244 244 41 14 Tod¢Mw• Frl•TrS•h c7 Sub of Irth •12 r£h4¢cli￿lIl Itolats iJ•.W2 (071 BY CHURCH 7.1 CThitsr•J•on • Mpw4t• rf TQT PAYMEII 8ECTION F CLOSINO CHURCH-CA8M FUNC4 MELOaiJi Blnk Cixr•ffl*wit 8•Dk C•ntr¥l FinK￿• 8owd fvr 8UB TQTAL. ¢hur¢h•¢¢w T¢tsifvnd• W Dy Ini¥rW Orgrn** It*¢b bdAnc•t£+Alfrcm •bMI1•121 061 •12 TOTAL CA8H FuiifA HELD NYCMURCH SECTKJN G 31WTr21 OTItrERA88ET8 and LLIfjILmE8 15CbuTh*Rff&P 3(15 MA,>(￿11F￿j uioi4 S> Nameofchurch................................... No........... Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these Re￿ipl and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2021 have been prepared from the records of ts Church and that include all funds under the control of the Churth trustees. Signature of treasurer ............ Name and addre88 of treasurer ........ G P•t•rVthM•, Chatghnrlh. St L￿nI[￿S Plll. Windsor, . SL4 4AT Pm•ntatlon to th• Church ¢ru•tM• I confimi that the annual report and accounts for the meeting of the Church trustees held on .. r ended 31 Awst 2021 vM8kn11 be. presented to .1(. Signatur8 of the Chair of thè meeling .. . £ÉY•S ICC i DAb'iosJ Nameofthechairofthe meeting ...................................... Date . Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustses of the Hlgh Street Methodist Church, Maidenhead Charlty Numb•r. 1129473 R•$pon•lbllltl•s and ba•l• of r•port I report lo the Irustees on my examinalion of the ￿X￿nts of the MaKlenheod High Street Church for Ihe year ended 31 August 2021 set out on pages ... lo .... As the Church's trustees, you a￿ responsible for the preparation of the accounts in a(x￿anCe ￿th Ihe reqU￿8￿￿ts of the Ch8fTli88 Act 2011 ('the Act.). ++• I report in respect of My examinatts)n of the Church's a(xounts carried out under gection 145 of the Act and. in canwng out my examinalion. I have follty•ffjd all the awicable Oireclions given by Charity Commission under section 145(SMb) of the Act. ' delete or clrcle as approprfate 15 P. Name of Church ... No............. Independent Examinerfs Ststement I have completed my examination. I confim Ihat no material matters have come to my attention i connection with the examination (other than that disdosed below.) which give me cause to belie any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do noi accord with the accounting records. have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination t( attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accoun reached. I Iwelhave not" obtained independent verFfication of all investments with the Trustees for Metho, Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board ( Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 {ten thousand pounds) at the balan date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner ])hd:?.. ￿1.￿}r! Ar ".elevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of fimi (Whe￿ appropriate) Address Post Code gL6 ..4qL Date delete or circle as appropriate 2015 R arml PA¥ 5015