**Parish of Great Clacton (Registered Charity Number 1130241) St John’s with St Mark’s (Diocese of Chelmsford) Annual Reports 2021 APCM - Sunday 8th May 2022** 38 1 ## INDEX Statutory Reports Pages 3 - 12 Activities Report Pages 13 - 23 Accounts Report Pages 24 - 37 ## **Statutory Reports Index** - Minutes of 2021 Annual Parochial Church Meeting 3-5 - • Minutes of 2021 Meeting of Parishioners 5 • PCC Proceedings 2021 7-8 • Electoral Roll Report 2021 9 • Statistics for Mission 2021 9 • Churchwardens’ Reports 2021 11 • St John’s Building Report 2021 12 • Deanery Synod Report 2021 12 • Trees Report 2021 12 2 37 |Note Unrestricted Designated New Hall
Schools &
Training
Building Total Funds Total Funds|Funds
Funds
Fund
Families Fund
Fund
Fund
2020
2019|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|**Income and endowments from:**|donations and legacies
2a
77,957
1,875
400
36,975
348
671
118,226
133,154|income from charitable activities
2b
9,450
562
68
501
10,581
21,717|other trading activities
2c
0
0|investments
2d
73
8
1
82
152|other income
2e
1,072
1,072
807|**Total Income and endowments**
88,552
2,437
408
37,043
348
1,173
129,961
155,830|**Expenditure on**|raising funds
3a
85
85
618|expenditure on charitable activities
3b
81,607
1,654
971
34,712
118,944
153,071|other expenditure
3c
1,251
1,251
1,436|**Total Resources Used**
82,943
1,654
971
34,712
0
0
120,280
155,125|**Net Incoming/(outgoing)**
5,609
783
(563)
2,331
348
1,173
9,681
705|**Gross Transfers IN**
220
400
4,440
100
5,160
15,418|**Gross Transfers OUT**
(4,940)
(220)
(5,160)
(15,418)|**Net Movement of Funds**
889
963
(563)
6,771
348
1,273
9,681
705|**Balances Brought Forward**
5,648
149,400
23,367
36,068
575
919
215,977
215,272
|**Balances Carried Forward**
6,537
150,363
22,804
42,839
923
2,192
225,658
215,977| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ## **Minutes of the Annual Church Meeting 2021** Held at St John’s church on Sunday 23rd May. A service started at 9am and during the service certain aspects of the APCM reports were highlighted. (We tried to keep everything a bit shorter meeting because we were still under Covid restrictions.) Mark talked about how we had had to adapt this year and gave the example of what had been happening in the Church Hall. Gary Fellowes, Mark Solosy and Phil Roberts have been collecting food from Tescos which is then given to people in need, otherwise Tesco just throw it away. 31 parcels for School children, elderly and people in need are given out each week. The Church family has also helped in delivering and collecting things for people during these lockdowns. Such as food and medication. A video was then played, which Rachel and Hannah had made, to highlight some of the things that they had been doing, for the children, young people and schools. Rachel reported that there has been some big transitions which have been both challenging and encouraging. Searchlights has been all over the place - zoom and live and is now back in the building with 15 Children and with a waiting list. One encouragement has been that a child who doesn't normally come to church has joined in with the online Sunday School, which is also every week on zoom. ## Rachel’s prayer points - - Please pray for this child and their family - pray that they will join us regularly when we are back meeting in the building. - Please pray that we can engage with children who we do not normally see. - Pray for j10 from St. Mark’s who have joined with St. Paul’ youth group to make a new joint group, called “Ignite”. - Pray for Laurelin Chase as she has joined as an Ignite leader, and also for the other leaders Ti, Mark Solosy and Peter Mann (as well as Hannah and Rachel). - Pray that those who attend Ignite are given opportunities to share good news with friends and family. - Pray for the team and for wisdom as to how they can go forward. Hannah’s part of the video was then played. (She had recorded her message because she was on zoom with Children’s Sunday Club at the time of the meeting.) Hannah reported that she had been doing assemblies at Cann Hall, both online and in person, when this was allowed. She asked for prayers:- - Pray for wisdom as to how to share the Good News with families and how to bridge the gap between school and church. - Pray for the growing link between St. Paul’s and St. John’s and St. Mark’s. - Pray for wisdom about how to adapt as things change and as we go forward. Ti then came and spoke as to his plans to start up an Alpha Course in the Autumn, using the traditional format of a meal, followed by the Alpha video, finishing off with discussion. He asked that people pray for who they can invite to this. Mark spoke about that the fact that we all have a part to play in what the church does. We then had our Bible reading: **1 Corinthians Chapter 12** . Mark spoke about how we have all been given gifts by the Holy Spirit for the common good - for the good of the church and for the good of others. He encouraged us, as a church family, to think about how we can use the gifts that God has given us (however small they may seem to us) to serve God and his people. Mark said that we would return to this and have a series of sermons on it later in the year. Stephanie Cuthbert closed this part of the service with a prayer. 36 3 ## **Welcome to the APCM** (10am). The vicar welcomed everyone to the meeting. **Opening prayer** . Mark prayed for the meeting. ## **Choosing a clerk** . Ann-Marie was agreed as clerk for this meeting. ## **Introduction** Apologies for absence were received from Christine and Robert Pearce, Hannah Ward, Phill and Phil Sacre, Doreen Jordan and Lesley and Paul Harding. 60 people were in attendance. The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed. There were no matters arising or items for AOB. **Electoral Roll Report** . Mark read that Lesley Harding reported that there were 132 on the roll, of whom 24 lived outside the parish. Three have been added and seven deducted. (The new rule is that people can be taken off year by year, if they have left the area, whereas before they were left on for the full seven years, until the next review of the Roll.) **Annual Reports** . The reports had been circulated by email and also in printed form and were agreed by the meeting. Mark mentioned our mission statement - ‘To help people know Christ, grow for Christ and go for Christ’. During these strange times when we had not been able to meet together as we would have liked, we had done things differently on YouTube and Zoom, etc - but still with the same aim. _(For more on this, see what was highlighted during the first part of the morning, in the service)._ It was noted that that the work that Roger had started on the hall last year, has now been finished. ## **Any Questions** . No. **Finance Report** which was read by Joan Bruce. ## **- Finance Report APCM 23 May 2021** Most of you will have seen a copy of Robin’s very comprehensive Finance Report for 2020, either in last week’s newsletter, or in the annual set of accounts also available in both churches last week and today. There is really nothing to add to that report - so just a brief overview. In spite of an extremely unusual year income has exceeded expenditure and that is so very encouraging. In our unrestricted fund (our day to day fund) after meeting all our financial commitments, supporting overseas mission, home mission, and Christian charities, we had a surplus this year of £900, which when added to our carry over figure from 2019, gives an end of year total of £6537. Church members continue to be so faithful and generous in their giving, not only in the general fund, but in other projects too. The Schools & Families fund continues to be very well supported by your gifts. Clive and the Frydays’ team provided hot meals/food parcels for vulnerables and school children and families throughout the year which has been funded by donations from church family and local organisations. We are very grateful to all who give so regularly to our church funds - we couldn't manage without you. Fortunately, we have been able to keep expenditure down. Routine maintenance has been kept to a minimum and no major building works have been undertaken throughout the year. We continue to benefit from a ministry vacancy rebate on the Parish Share, for not having an associate minister. This rebate has helped tremendously but it will not carry on beyond 2021 and our contribution will increase by at least £15,000 per year. We have made savings on our heating bills too as the church buildings have not been open as much as usual. Thank you Lord for your continued provision and guidance. Robin Whitworth is now stepping down from being treasurer, and a new Treasurer will be elected at the next PCC meeting. 4 35 |Unrestricted Designated New Hall Schools & Training Building Total Funds Total Funds|Families|Funds
Funds
Fund
Fund
Funds
Funds
2021
2020|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|Fixed Assets
124,112
124,112
124,112|Current Assets
15,163
27,027 20,808
35,274
968
7,274
106,514
102,904|Current Liabilities
(440)
(440)
(1,358)
|Totals
14,723
151,139 20,808
35,274
968
7,274
230,186
225,658|**11. Contingent Liability**|The Diocese have agreed that should the vicarage site be developed to assist the refurbishment of the church|then 90% of net proceeds after financing a new vicarage may be used by the PCC/Trustees towards the|refurbishment costs, but they reserve the right to reclaim the £30,000 grant made in 1996.|**12. Comparative SOFA 2020**|An analysis of Statement of Financial Activities for year ending 2020 is shown for comparison on|page 13| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| **Any Questions** . No. **Prayer of Thanksgiving** . Mark concluded this part of the meeting with prayer. ## **Meeting of Parishioners** . This was opened. Choosing a clerk. Agreed Ann-Marie would clerk. Minutes of last meeting. Agreed. Election of Church Wardens - Stephanie Cuthbert and Mark Solosy were elected for the coming year. Because Stephanie had been a Warden for 9 years a Resolution was passed: to decide that the “Disqualification after six successive periods of office” rule shall not apply to wardens in relation to our parish No-one voted against the resolution. Everyone present was happy with the appointing of Stephanie and Mark, which was shown by the fact that they were given a large round of applause. (All the forms completed, which had been signed and had the names of those who had nominated and seconded the candidates, were available to be viewed.) Mark said a big thank you to Roger, who had stepped down from being Church Warden, for all that he had done in his time in the role. As he was present, another round of applause was given in appreciation of his work. Meeting closed. **The APCM** This was reopened. Election of PCC members. We can have 12 elected members. It was noted that Jackie Rowe had resigned from the PCC. Adrian and Sheila have come to the end of their terms on the PCC, but Sheila has agreed to stay on for another 3 years, if needed. As she was the only person standing this time, she was elected. Mark said that if anyone else was interested in joining the PCC they could be elected at a PCC meeting, as not all of the places would be filled. Mark thanked all those that on the PCC and read out their names. Mark advised that PCC meetings are usually held bimonthly, or monthly at a few times of the year when extra meetings are needed. Mark also mentioned that Ti was now on the PCC - he had been co-opted by the PCC, but will be on it ex officio after he becomes the Curate, later in the year. **Appointing of Independent Examiner.** Dave Wiggins was appointed for the 2021 year. ## **Vicar’s Report** Mark referred back to what he had said in the first part of the morning (during the service), as being his Vicar’s Report for the year. **AOB and closing remarks** . Mark thanked everyone for attending this morning. A round of applause was given for Mark. ## **Closing Meeting.** Everyone sat and said the grace together. 34 5 ||Fund balances Incoming
Outgoing
Gains and Fund balances|brought forward Resources Resources Transfers Losses carried forward|**£**
**£ £ £**
**£**
**£**||6,537
98,415
85,074
(5155)
14,723||1,461
1,887
1,679
400
2,069|22,804
2
1,998
20,808|1,532
458
10
(685)
1,295|21,734
21,734|28
28|42,839
21,790
33,795
4,440
35,274|1,496
598
193
1,901|124,112
124,112||2,192
4,082
1,000
7,274|923
432
387
968|225,658
127,664
123,136
230,186| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**9. Statement of funds**||||**Unrestricted**|General Fund|**Designated**|Discretionary Fund|New Church Hall Fund|Overseas Missionary Bursary Fund|Reserves|St John's Hall Fund|Schools and Families Worker Fund|Youth and Children's Fund|112 Woodlands Close Fund|**Restricted**|St John's Building Fund|Training|Totals| 6 33 ## **PCC Proceedings 2021** ## BACKGROUND |**4. Staff Costs**
2021
2020|£48,910
£47,644|The PCC/Trustees employs an Office Administrator, an Assistant Office Administrator, a Schools & Families Worker and an Assistant.|£15,343 of total staff costs are from general fund, and £33,567 from designated funds. Anita Newbery, wife of a PCC member, is|Assistant Office Administrator. During the year no one employed by the PCC/Trustees earned £40,000pa or more. No member of the|PCC was reimbursed official expenses.|**5. Fixed Assets for use by the PCC/Trustees**
2021
2020|112 Woodlands Close|Value as at 31st December 2013
£160,000
£ 160,000|less 22.43% owned by Diocese
£35,888
£ 35,888|£124,112
£124,112|The PCC/Trustees pays interest on the original loan of £12,000. The Diocese retains approximately 22.43% of the current value of the|property. The property is revalued every ten years. The last valuation was December 2013.|**6. Debtors**
2021
2020|Tax
£ 277
£ 322|Other debtors
£ 296
£ 619|£ 573
£ 941|**7. Cash in hand**
2021
2020|General Fund
£ 77,859
£ 75,506|Discretionary Fund
£ 1,461|Building Fund
£ 7,274
£ 2,192|New Hall Fund
£ 20,808
£ 22,804|£ 105,941
£ 101,963|**8. Creditors**
2021
2020|Assigned Fees
£ 364|Other Ministry Expenses
£ 70|Other creditors
£ 122
£ 455|Agency Collections
£ 318
£ 469|£ 440
£ 1,358| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| The PCC of Great Clacton Parish Church has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for both church buildings, 112 Woodlands Close and the church hall situated opposite the tower end of St John’s Church. ## MISSION STATEMENT The Mission Statement of Great Clacton Parish Church is:- “To help people know Christ, grow in Christ and go for Christ.” ## MEMBERSHIP Members of the PCC are either ex officio, co-opted, or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with both Church Representation Rules and Guidelines unanimously adopted by APCM 1988 and formally proposed and accepted by APCM 1989. During the year the following served as members of the PCC: Vicar: Rev’d Mark Mulryne Wardens: Mrs Stephanie Cuthbert Mr Mark Solosy Representative on the Deanery Synod: Christine Sanders ## PCC Elected Members: Those who were members for the full year 1/1/21 to 31/12/21 Mrs Helen Brown (Until APCM 2022) Mr Stuart Baker (Until APCM 2022) Mr Gary Fellowes (Until APCM 2022) Mr Mark Solosy (Mark became ex officio, after his election as Church Warden) Mr Andrew Brown (Until APCM 2023) Mr Gary Milton (Until APCM 2023) Mr Gary Newbery (Until APCM 2023) Mrs Shelia Neale (Until APCM 2024) Those who were members from 1/1/21 - 23/5/2021 (when they resigned) Mrs Jackie Rowe Those who were co-opted by the PCC Mr Ti Chase (Ti then became an ex officio member when he was licensed as Curate) Miss Danielle Fenton-Jones Appointed: Mrs Helen Brown – PCC Secretary 32 7 ## Report of PCC meetings in 2021 The PCC met on 7 occasions during 2021; January and March meetings were held over zoom and the remainder of the meetings were able to be held in St. John’s Church Hall. Rev’d Mark has chaired all of these meetings. The PCC welcomed Andy Brown and Gary Newbery to the treasury team as joint Treasurers. Danielle was co-opted as a member of the PCC. Covid-19 and its impact on the church family was on the agenda at every meeting so the PCC could discuss and review restrictions and how the church could fulfil its role as a place of worship. Proposed new facilities and 900 anniversary celebrations at St. John’s were put on hold during the pandemic and discussion on this will continue in 2022. We agreed to become a supporting church for ‘Church Society’. Some members of the PCC took part in training by ReNew Chelmsford about using the C of E’s Living in Love and Faith materials. The PCC also dealt with practical matters on Safeguarding and took on board recommendations regarding this from Bishop Rod. Jackie Rowe felt it was time for her to step down as Parish Safeguarding Officer for Adults and Christine Sanders was appointed as her replacement having completed the training and feeling enthused by, and called to, the position. Charity Status The Parochial Church Council were registered with the Charity Commission as an independent charity on 19th June 2009 (Charity Number: 1130241). Previously they were a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission. This means that all PCC members are also Trustees of the _‘Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Great Clacton’._ ## COMMITTEES The PCC operates through committees, which meet between the full meetings of the PCC. ## Standing Committee This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. ## Pastoral Care Team To carry out effective pastoral care for all in need in our Church Family. To arrange the annual Memorial Service. ## Mission Committee To envision and develop a mission-minded attitude in our church family. To direct and coordinate support for our missionaries and the overseas missionary organizations, which we support. To develop our links with the Banyole people. ## Finance Committee ## This committee is authorised:- - to oversee the finances of the church and to suggest improvements in procedures - to arrange for the setting up of the annual accounts and the budget - to submit up to date reports to the PCC - to authorize Stewardship campaigns when necessary. ## Fabric Committee To oversee the upkeep and maintenance of the buildings, the upkeep of which the PCC is responsible - St John’s, St Mark’s, the Church Hall, & 112 Woodlands Close. (During the year, the 900 Committee, which had looked at replacing the Church Hall joined with this.) ## BANKERS The PCC retained Barclays Bank plc as their bankers for 2021. Due to a change in our banking terms and conditions, under which we would incur substantial bank charges we changed to online banking in March 2019. As part of the set-up process we reviewed and made changes to our list of bank signatories. The following are now authorised signatories for Barclays Bank Accounts: Joan Bruce, Ann-Marie Chappell, Stephanie Cuthbert, Anita Newbery and Rev. T Mark Mulryne. There is also a New Hall Fund, for which we use Lloyds Bank. This has a separate list of authorised signatories. |Total Funds|2020|**£**||0|85||2,542|27,987|0|118|3,553|4,513|755|6,883|5,957|4,715|0|576|3,263|6,812|1,907|47,644|748|971||0|988|263|120,280| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Total Funds|2021|**£**||0|16||5,014|27,434|231|401|6,025|2,087|171|8,970|5,519|4,801|0|271|1,222|6,760|3,157|48,910|818|0||0|1,000|329|0
123,136| |Building|Fund|**£**|||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Training|Fund|**£**|||||||||||||||||||387||||||||387| |Schools &|Families Fund|**£**||||||||208|||||||||||20|33,567|||||||33,795| |New Hall|Fund|**£**||||||||||||1,998|||||||||||||||1,998| |Unrestricted Designated|Funds
Funds|**£**
**£**|||16||5,014|27,434|231|193|5,928
97|2,087|171|6,972|5,519|4,801||271|40
1,182|6,750
10|2,350
400|15,343|818||||1,000|329|85,074
1,882| |**3 Expenditure**|||**3a on Raising Funds**|Stewardship campaign|Fetes & other events|**3b on Charitable Activities**|Assigned Fees|Parish Share to Diocese|Clergy expenses|Youth & Child's ministry|Other ministry expenses|Office expenses|Equipment & furniture|Property repair/maintenance|Heat/light/water|Insurance|Major repair & installation work|Mission Outreach|Home Mission|Overseas Mission|Other giving/training|Salaries, tax,NI,pension|Great Clacton Junior School|Professional Fees|**3c on Other Expenditure**|Other management costs|Loan interest on 112 W.Close|Bank Charges|**Total Resources Used**| 8 31 ## CHURCH ATTENDANCE The combined average Sunday morning attendance, counted during October 2021, in our buildings was 76 adults and 9 children, but there were others joining in on YouTube too. ## 2021 ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT The revised Electoral Roll, displayed for the statutory period, has 132 entrants, 25 who live outside the parish and worship regularly with us. ## SAFEGUARDING We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, victims/survivors of domestic abuse and vulnerable adults. The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England’s website: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding Our safeguarding officers are Kathryn Hall (Children and Young People) and Christine Sanders (Adults) who may be contacted at church or via the church office. ## STATISTICS FOR MISSION ||2021|2020|2019|2018|2017| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Baptisms|2|0|9|18|9| |Thanksgivings|1|0|9|14|20| |Confirmations|0|0|0|5|0| |Weddings|1|1|3|4|1| |Funerals|21|24|29|26|37| |Average Sunday|attendance||||| |Adults|76|--|113|107|116| |Children|9|--|9|10|13| _(With all the changes in 2020, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, it was not possible to calculate a sensible number for the Average Sunday Attendance in 2020.)_ 30 9 ## REVIEW OF ANNUAL CHARITABLE GIVING At the PCC November meeting it was agreed that annual charitable giving for 2021 would remain unchanged with a provision to review in six months if required. Giving as follows:- |CPAS
Historic Churches
Friends of Essex Churches
Christian Institute
The Church Society
UCB
Essex Clergy Charity
CAP
Discretionary Giving transfer|£250
£150
£250
£250
£250
£150
£200
£500
£400| |---|---| |Honorarium Payments|£150 per person| ## WAGE REVIEW The PCC held a wage review in November and agreed to increase the salaries with effect from 1[st] January 2022 to:- Church administrator £12.88 Weddings/Banns Secretary £11.37 ## HALL RENT REVIEW The PCC agreed not to increase the rent for St John’s Church Hall keeping it at £10 per hour but to increase the rent for St. Mark’s by £1 per hour to £15 per hour. This to take effect from the 1st April 2022. 29 10 ## **ST JOHN’S CHURCH WARDEN’S REPORT 2021** The 6[th ] of January saw the beginning of our third lockdown stopping the normal pattern of worship in St. John’s again. We reverted to having our services online once more and we kept in touch with live chat on YouTube and phone calls until restrictions were lifted in February, and we could open the doors to welcome people in again. Services then resumed as normally as we could keeping everyone’s safety in mind. With the temporary closure of the cemetery chapel, St. John’s hosted over 20 funerals throughout the year, but on a happier note we were able to hold our annual Holiday Club in July, welcoming the children in once again. We also had our Good Friday service and a Summer Celebration outside in the churchyard. Christmas was also different this year with several of the services held twice to try and keep numbers down and one outside, which did work but was quite hard work for all those running the services! My thanks go to Mark and the staff team for guiding us through another difficult year especially with the extra work of so many funerals to take. Thank you too to Gary Fellowes for his help as my deputy, to John Disney for all his practical help and to all the members of the church family who serve by welcoming, praying, reading doing the refreshments and many other little jobs which go unseen – thank you all. **Stephanie Cuthbert** ## **ST MARK’S CHURCH WARDEN’S REPORT 2021** 2021 saw life at St Mark's progressively returning to normal. Towards the end of the year, the building was in use most days, some for our church activities, and some for secular hire. This has meant that we have had minor "wear and tear" in keeping with the use, and normal maintenance has been sufficient. The main difference is probably that due to an increase in the number of children attending (hooray), we have had to swap the rooms around to give them more space. Again, we thank Peter Mann for his work keeping the garden areas under control and flourishing; covid did not impede the spread of weeds. Also, many thanks go to Peter and to Brenda Berry in their role as Deputy Wardens. **Mark Solosy** ## **CHURCH FAMILY (WARDENS’ REPORT)** During 2021 we sadly lost eight much loved church family members. We said goodbye to Win Haslewood, Lore Pretty, Mary Garrett, Wally Attwood, Sylvia Aldis, Joyce Haskell, Lesley Harding and Roy Twort but we were comforted in the knowledge that they now have eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our thoughts and prayers were also with Lynne Holden and Helen Brown who both lost their mothers. In October we welcomed Ti, in his new role as Curate, and his family with an afternoon tea at St. Mark’s which was enjoyed by all who came. **Mark Solosy/ Stephanie Cuthbert** **Mark Solosy/ Stephanie Cuthbert** 28 11 ## **ST JOHN’S BUILDING REPORT 2021** Various routine maintenance work was carried out on St John’s. All ledges and lights were wired to deter pigeons from perching. The Church Hall roof was repaired, Facia board replaced on rear of hall, joints on end walls were sealed and two coats of exterior paint on all walls. **John Disney** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR DEANERY SYNOD** The Synod met on zoom for the first two meetings of 2021. In July we were able to meet in person at St James’s Brightlingsea. We had presentations at various meetings from Bishop Roger who spoke about our life in lockdown, Alice Uwizera our new CAP debt advisor updating us on her progress and the future of CAP and Rev. Louise Oliver who spoke about her pioneer ministry. During the spring, as APCMs were held, new Diocesan Synod members were elected from each parish for the Triennium. We pray we can continue to meet in person and continue God’s good work. **Christine Sanders** ## **TREES** In February a laburnum tree was completely uprooted in a snowstorm. The council came to cut it up, shred and dispose of it. In May two large branches came down from the oak tree due to a gale and again the council cleared these away. In October the very large fir tree by the south door had its lower branches lifted by the council as they were hanging over the pathway One of the lime trees had a large fungal growth around it’s base in November which was reported to the council and all the limes will be inspected in the new year. **Stephanie Cuthbert** |**The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Great Clacton**|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**for year ending 31st December 2021**|Note Unrestricted Designated New Hall
Schools &
Training
Building
Total Funds Total Funds|Funds
Funds
Fund
Families Fund
Fund
Fund
2021
2020|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**|**Income and endowments from:**|donations and legacies
2a
80,714
2,636
21,746
432
2,122
107,650
118,226|income from charitable activities
2b
17,502
307
44
1,960
19,813
10,581|other trading activities
2c
0
0|investments
2d
32
2
34
82|other income
2e
167
167
1,072|**Total Income and endowments**
98,415
2,943
2
21,790
432
4,082
127,664
129,961|**Expenditure on**|raising funds
3a
16
16
85|expenditure on charitable activities
3b
83,729
1,882
1,998
33,795
387
121,791
118,944|other expenditure
3c
1,329
1,329
1,251|**Total Resources Used**
85,074
1,882
1,998
33,795
387
0
123,136
120,280|**Net Incoming/(outgoing)**
13,341
1,061
(1,996)
(12,005)
45
4,082
4,528
9,681|**Gross Transfers IN**
685
400
4,440
1,000
6,525
5,160|**Gross Transfers OUT**
(5,840)
(685)
(6,525)
(5,160)|**Net Movement of Funds**
8,186
776
(1,996)
(7,565)
45
5,082
4,528
9,681|**Balances Brought Forward**
6,537
150,363
22,804
42,839
923
2,192
225,658
215,977
|**Balances Carried Forward**
14,723
151,139
20,808
35,274
968
7,274
230,186
225,658| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||||||||||||27||||||||| 12 1'8'11111 I Annual Activities Reports 26 13 |**Annual Activities Reports**
**Groups**

House Groups
Pastoral Care Team
Prayer
Music Group - St Mark’s
**Schools Report**
**Lay Activities**
The Church Office - Administration
The Church Office - Weddings and Banns
St John’s Coffee Mornings
**Mission**
Mission Committee
Outreach Courses
Bethany Bereavement Support
The Alpha Course
**Worship Services**
Sunday Morning Services
‘Together’
Together Again
‘Wednesday Worshippers at St Mark’s
Havenvale Communion Service
**Youth and Children’s Activities**
Overview of work with Children, Young People and Families.
Sunday Funtime
Little Fishes
Tea Time Church
Holiday Clubs
Ignite Youth Group
**Community Activities**
Soup Run
Stewsdays
Craft Group
Food bags (& other work based in the Church Hall)
**Miscellaneous Activities**
Used Stamps for Mission|**Page**
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23| |---|---| 14 25 ## **Groups** ## **House Groups & Lent Meetings** At the beginning of 2020 there were 8 house groups meeting in the usual way, with about 60 people involved. Our Lent Meetings, where all the groups meet together, started as usual. However, with the start of the lockdown in March 2020, everything changed. We had to complete the rest of the Lent Meetings on YouTube, and none of the groups met normally, in person, for the rest of the year. Instead, YouTube “meetings”, in various forms, continued on Thursdays during the year. Things started very similarly in 2021. We continued to provide “Thursday Thoughts” on YouTube each week, and the Lent Meetings were once again online. These focussed on God’s sovereignty, especially seen through the life of Joseph, which seemed an important topic for us to reflect on, considering the circumstances. However, as the year went on, and the situation with Covid eased, some of the homegroups felt that they could start to meet again, although others were still not ready to do so. Such decisions depended upon who was in the group, how vulnerable they were, and the space they had to meet in. Other groups started to plan to meet again in 2022. (Therefore, the provision on YouTube was reduced.) So, at the moment, the picture is very mixed, and how we should plan for the future is not clear, as some of the changes in groups may well be permanent. However, despite all these changes, things have been able to adapt, so that the members of the groups kept in touch and were able to encourage each other. This was especially important during the times when people were isolated from each other. Group leaders phoned around and encouraged the members to keep in touch by phone too. Also, before meeting regularly in person, one group met by Zoom and other groups meet socially during the summer months. By adapting (constantly) the groups tried to continue their role in church life. **Mark Mulryne** ## **Pastoral Care Team** As the Covid-19 restrictions have eased, team members have been able to resume visiting church family members at home and in care homes. We are grateful to the Lord for His care and protection throughout the pandemic. We want to continue to offer care to those in need and to demonstrate the love and patience of Jesus in all we do and say. Prayer has been an important part of our pastoral ministry and we usually pray with and for those we visit. The prayer chain has been activated quite often in the last year. We now share prayer requests (confidentially) by text as well as by phone. Mark has taken communion to housebound members and others who could not get to church. Ti Chase and Kathy Wistow have joined the team and the other members are Jan Chittock, Mark Mulryne, Caroline Mulryne, Sheila Neale, Hannah Ward, Helen Wadhwa, Christine Sanders, and Jackie Rowe (coordinator). **Jackie Rowe** ## **Prayer Meetings** Our regular morning prayer meetings had to stop during the lockdowns in 2020, and while some of these resumed when this was possible within the government guidance, we also tried out new ways of praying together. One of these, WhatsApp prayers on Wednesday mornings, has become a regular feature of our weekly prayers in 2021. As 2021 went on, we were able to reintroduce our regular Morning (and Friday Evening) Prayers in St John’s, although we adjusted the times so that more people could join in. We have also constantly promoted the use of our Prayer Diaries, so that we can pray for similar things from our own homes. It’s been important to keep praying together though times like these. **Mark Mulryne** ## **Music Group - St Mark’s** During various lockdowns, thanks to the delights of technology, we were able to unite in worship via YouTube or cd. You may have, like me, enjoyed singing your heart out along with the recorded hymns and songs in your own home. When we were able to meet in our buildings once again, it was great to worship together in body but it was sad that we weren’t able to sing. Then, when further restrictions were lifted, we began to sing outside after the services , such joy! And now we are able to sing, full volume, inside! As a music group, we have been meeting each week to practice in St John’s, so that we have a bit more space. We are trying to learn a few new songs as well as refamiliarizing ourselves with ones that we learnt prior to the restrictions being imposed. Thank you for your encouragement throughout these times of change. **Pam Dench** 24 15 **Community Activities** **Local Schools’ Report** ## **Schools and Families Worker Report 2021** ## Great Clacton The year began with online worship videos each half term and at Easter. Mark, Rachel and myself trialled a Messy Church style meeting on Zoom, which the school had asked us to do. This had an Easter theme and we thought about part of the Easter story and did some craft together. In June, Mark and I were invited back into school to restart the prayer times, for any staff that want to pray, on Monday mornings. In September, we were able to start going back in to school to take worship in person again. Between us, Mark and I do about 6 of these each term. I also began working with another member of staff to set up a permanent prayer space. I also began meeting with the Community Ambassadors (a bit like school council) once a fortnight, to discuss events that the school and church run together. All of the usual services were able to happen in person again. The Year 3’s came to receive their Bibles and the whole school (in two halves) came in for Harvest. The Year 4’s came for a morning in November. They packed their shoeboxes, watched some video clips of children receiving their boxes, wrote cards and messages to put in the boxes, and used maps to find some of the countries that the boxes get sent to. This was followed by a church service, which was well-attended by parents. The whole school came in at the beginning of December for a crowded, chaotic and yet wonderful Christingle service. Year 3 came in one afternoon to learn about Posada. They hunted for the dolls and dressed up and processed down the aisle in their costumes to the chancel where they re-enacted knocking on Mark’s door and being turned away a few times before being shown to the stable. The whole school came in two halves again, at the end of term, for their Christmas service. These services were both really crowded due to the large numbers of parents that attended. ## Cann Hall I began the year by going into school each week and teaching my usual lessons via the school laptop, but was back to face-to-face teaching after Easter. We had planned that I would go to school and do two face-to-face harvest assemblies in the Autumn. I managed the first of these but the second of these had to be done online due to a very sudden rise in Covid cases. At Christmas I was able to meet with each class to talk through and then discuss the events of the first Christmas and I was also invited in to do an online Christmas service at the end of term. ## CCA, Bursville Infant Academy & Whitehall Academy A small number of students from Clacton Coastal Academy came to lay a wreath in St John’s on Remembrance Day, and heard first-hand about the life of an evacuee, from our very own Rose. Burrsville came for their Harvest Festival again and Whitehall Academy had planned to come for two evening Carol Services again, but had to cancel due to a spike in Covid cases just before these were due to take place. ## **Hannah Ward** ## **Lay Activities** ## **The Church Office - Administration** So, I have now been working in the Church Office for over five years now. I continue to love my job and the very many varied tasks and jobs that I encounter, from the changing of the toilet rolls in the hall to booking Funerals. ## **Soup Run (Hope & Trinity centre)** The Soup Run has not taken place since March 2020. Covid put a stop to that as we could not meet in groups. It is unlikely to restart. However, the work of helping the homeless still goes on. I’m a volunteer at the Hope and Trinity Centre at the Methodist Church in Pier Avenue, where we give out food and clothes and those who need it can have a shower as well. Every Tuesday I work with the St. John’s Church Hall team making sandwiches to take to the centre. A big thank you from all of us. The centre is open Tuesdays - Fridays between 11.00am and 1.00pm. **Peter Mann, Soup Run Volunteer** ## **Stewsdays** Stewsdays came to an abrupt halt after the February 2020 meal and it wasn’t until September 2021 that we felt able to restart. However, many of our guests were very keen to get back and our numbers have been fairly constant, with a fair few extras at our Christmas meal. Thanks to the whole team who work well together, and especially to those who have joined us and been quick to learn the ropes!. It’s always great to see how our guests listen to a brief thought based on a verse or two from the Bible and linked to the gifts everyone receives. Please continue to pray that these contacts would be drawn closer into the fellowship of the church, and more importantly into The Kingdom of God. **Pam Dench** ## **Craft Group** During lockdown restrictions, I tentatively suggested to Mark that we might try a Zoom craft group. As this was thought to be a good idea, we tried it out and had a regular group of crafters tackling a variety of makes (quite tricky when you can only demonstrate on screen and are limited by access to materials!). We had fun but once we were able to get together in person, we decided to meet monthly at St Mark’s starting in September 2021. We invited folk from St Paul’s to join us. At the moment we are few in number but all enjoy the time spent together crafting, chatting, and of course, drinking a cuppa! We would love to welcome others along, as well as anyone who would like to help us learn a new skill. **Pam Dench** ## **Food Bags (& other work based in the Church Hall)** During 2021 the church hall team has continued to concentrate on providing food bags for those in need, especially focusing on families from local schools who have requested this help. During the year Ti took on the role of co-ordinating this work, after Clive became unwell, following the principle that already had been established. After the summer holidays, Great Clacton Juniors and Cann Hall joined Whitehall as the schools participating in this scheme. They each identify families that could benefit from the scheme, and the bags are delivered to the schools each week, where the families pick them up. (The church does not need to know which families receive this help.) From time-to-time the number of families needing this changes, and the schools let us know. Some of the food for the bags comes from local supermarkets’ Food Share scheme (mostly fresh produce), but this is supplemented with tins and long-life food that is donated by several organisations, businesses and individuals. The hall team were also involved, once again, at Christmas, in partnership with local councillors and other organisations, in making and delivering many, many Christmas dinners to those who may not otherwise get one. The hall team is also working with Peter Mann to make sandwiches that are given out through the Hope Centre at Trinity Methodist Church (see above). As well as this, plans have been made to re-start Frydays Community Café on a monthly basis in 2022. A very big thank you to all who have worked so hard to make all these things possible. It is so great to be able to serve the Lord and all the Church Family with the skills the Lord has blessed me with. ## **Miscellaneous Activities** So, what an extraordinary year this has been. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to work throughout the entire lockdowns, as I think I may have gone quite mad had I have had to remain at home. ## **Stamps for Leprosy Mission** We thank the church for their donation of stamps and a special thanks to Mick Chittock for the stamps and donation but above all thank you all. **Len and Marion Freeman** 16 23 ## **Little Fishes** We restarted Little Fishes after Easter 2021 and because of Covid restrictions that meant people had to book in and groups of no more than 15 were allowed to meet, we ran on a Monday and Friday morning for the Summer Term. In September, restrictions had been lifted, so we started meeting on Mondays only. Despite this, we continued with reasonably small numbers of parents and children that attend regularly. We now run with a smaller team than before the pandemic, which is currently working well. The Nativity Service brought in a number of families that we hadn’t seen before as well as some we hadn’t seen for a while, so that was a really good opportunity to connect/reconnect with them. **Hannah Ward** ## **Tea Time Church** We restarted Teatime Church in the Autumn. It was really encouraging that some of the families that had been coming before lockdown, came straight back, along with a couple of families that we hadn’t seen at Teatime Church before. We started back with a short series looking at the Lord’s prayer and have the usual crafts and activities as people come in, followed by our Bible time with songs, prayers and games and we now finish with a buffet tea in the chancel. **Hannah Ward** ## **Holiday Club, Half Term Holiday Club & Holiday Club reunion** We ran our February Half Term Holiday Club via Zoom in 2021 and welcomed just over 20 children each day. This was based on a Faith in Kids resource called Heroes Academy. We were able to do pretty much all that we usually do at Holiday Club, including songs, Bible stories, craft and even the puppets! We were able to run our summer Holiday Club in person. The teenagers requested that we based it on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe again, so we decorated St John’s to make it look like winter, found a wardrobe that the children were able to enter through and we enjoyed all the usual Holiday Club fun. This was a smaller club than we have sometimes been used to, but it meant that we had more room to spread out and feel safe as we met together. Lots of children and their families brought a picnic lunch on the Wednesday that they just about managed to eat in the churchyard before an afternoon of really heavy rain! While they were out there, we created a cinema in St John’s and we watched the film together. We had a pizza lunch for families on the Sunday after the Holiday Club service. Both of these family events were well attended. A number of those that had been to the club in the summer joined us for our Holiday Club Reunion one Saturday morning in October. **Hannah Ward** At the start of the year, each week in the office we began to have Zoom staff meetings - me in the office and the others from their homes. We still continued to prepare and print, on alternate Fridays, a Newsletter and a Prayer Focus. Most of these went out by email but some were printed and hand-delivered by the team on a weekly basis. When we were able to meet again in person in our buildings, there were still a few people who were unable to join us and the weekly deliveries of either Prayer Diary or Newsletter continued, thanks to Mark Solosy, Anita, Phill and Hannah. During the year, the staff meetings were able to return to St John’s. On an annual basis, we prepare service sheets for any special services, APCM reports, things for Holiday Club, the Church Directory and the church family birthday list. I also have to liaise with the Church Wardens to prepare an inventory on an annual basis - a bit like a stock take for both churches and the hall. I also deal with the church insurance and PAT testing. I deal with any telephone calls coming into the office regarding the hiring of both churches and the hall and invoicing them accordingly. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Joan, Hannah and Catherine for making the Church office such a wonderful place to work. Thanks also to Stephanie and Mark Solosy who are always available and willing to help. My thanks goes to Catherine who comes in every week to fold, chop, stick and whatever else is thrown at her (metaphorically speaking), and without whom I would be lost! Thanks also goes to Mark, Hannah and Joan without whom life would be a lot harder. **Ann-Marie Chappell** ## **Church Office - Weddings and Banns** - 1 wedding took place in St John’s church during 2021, and no wedding blessings. There was one Renewal of Wedding Vows. - 6 wedding banns were read out for weddings happening elsewhere. There are six definite weddings booked for 2022. Please continue to pray for all couples who have been married in our church and those planning to be married this year especially. Many of our 2022 wedding couples have postponed their wedding at least once before getting to this point, so please especially pray that nothing gets in the way of the weddings happening this year! **Anita Newbery** ## **COFFEE MORNINGS** ## **Ignite** Ignite started 2021 with meetings on zoom which was not ideal but better than nothing! Thankfully after Easter we were able to return to meeting in person at St Paul’s. Attendance at Ignite varied from week to week, but our average attendance was around 16. We covered various Bible topics including The Apostles’ Creed, Joseph and 1 Thessalonians. The team continue to enjoy serving at Ignite and working together with St Paul’s (I think!) and it is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our church-going teens as well as share the gospel with many young people from outside the church. Our coffee mornings stopped at the beginning of the year due to restrictions. We started again with our first ‘Alfresco’ – chilly but enjoyed by those who braved it! We continued with some inside and some outside for the summer months until restrictions lifted. We had a bumper Christmas morning raising a record amount, but our main aim is to be a welcoming, friendly place to meet and share coffee & fellowship. We get a mixture of community and church family which is lovely and are able to talk to people about faith & church activities. **Stephanie Cuthbert** 22 17 ## **Mission** ## **Mission Committee** Our first committee meeting of 2021 was held online, the first since February 2020 due to the covid lockdown. As we were meeting online as a church, we organised for our mission partners to provide five minute video updates for our world focus slots and we recorded an interview via zoom with Gift and Kathryn Asiku for one of the online Lent meetings. As restrictions were eased during the spring, we were able to plan a weekend with Catherine Porter over 26[th] and 27[th] June which included a well-attended harp concert in St John’s on Saturday evening and Mission Sunday services at both churches where Catherine preached and talked about her plans to return to Japan in the autumn. Ti and Raluca Chase led an extended World Focus slot on their work in Romania in October and in November Gift, Kathryn, James and Simon Peter Asiku joined us for a weekend and spoke about their work in Uganda in the Sunday services. Throughout the year we continued to pray for our mission partners and to channel the church’s support to them. Our mission partners are: Gift and Kathryn Asiku (Wycliffe, Uganda), the Lunyole Old Testament Translation Project (Wycliffe, Uganda) and Mark and Ruth Cuthbert (Betel, Birmingham). We offer prayer support for Catherine Porter (WEC, Japan) and donations collected at her concert were passed on to her to buy a new laptop. We also offer prayer support for Hannah Ward (Schools and Families Worker). In September we welcomed Ti Chase onto our committee. The other members of the committee are Jackie Rowe (chair), Caroline Mulryne (treasurer), Stephanie Cuthbert, Helen Wadwha and Mark Mulryne (ex officio). **Caroline Mulryne** ## **Outreach Courses** ## **Monday Group (& Hope Explored)** Over the last year there has been a regular meeting at St Mark's on a Monday night for people who want to learn more about the Christian faith. We have been following Phill's "Understand the Bible" videos, over the last year we have worked through 'What is Christianity?', 'How to Live as a Christian' and a series on the Apostle's Creed. We have about six people regularly in attendance. After Christmas we also ran the 'Hope Explored' course, which brought 2-3 other people in for the course. The group is appreciated and I hope and pray that the Lord will use it to deepen the faith of those who attend **. Phill Sacre** ## **Bethany Bereavement Support** Bethany Cafe meets at St John’s, in the church hall, and we continue to be encouraged that this is welcomed by those attending. At most meetings we have new people come, others come for a few meetings and others come when they feel the need. We welcome all who have been bereaved, regardless of how far they are on their journey through their grieving process. We average around ten which is a nice number – time for us to meet with all and not too big that it’s intimidating for those attending. We praise God that He is with us as we support the bereaved. **John Disney and Jan Chittock** ## **Youth and Children’s Activities** ## **Overview of Work with Children, Young People and Families** 2021 was another year of continuing to ever-changing circumstances. In January, many of our children’s and young people’s groups were back online, Searchlights our own after school club, and Ignite and Sunday Club that we ran in conjunction with St Paul’s. We also ran the Pancake Party online too. On Palm Sunday we were able to run an in-person Easter Trail for families in the churchyard. This involved hunting for different resources that made up an Easter bag. Families took these home with a booklet that was designed to take them through Easter week a day at a time. It was great to reconnect with a number of families that we usually only see occasionally. Little Fishes and Searchlights restarted in person after Easter, when we were able to book in 15 children to each session. We had a regular 15 that came to Searchlights weekly, including one child who had joined us through zoom at the very beginning of lockdown. We ran Little Fishes on a Monday and Friday to allow as many as wanted to, to come. In September, we continued on Mondays only. We also restarted Ignite and ran two groups one after the other, to comply with the cap of 15 while still enabling all the young people to come. We had a day out at Birch Hall activity centre altogether in May and then the final session of the year was held on the beach, so we met with everyone together for that too. In September, we restarted with all of the young people coming to one group again. Sunday Funtime continued on Zoom together with St Paul’s, until the end of June. In September, we celebrated Education Sunday and took the opportunity to ask the Headteachers of Great Clacton Juniors, Cann Hall, Burrsville, Whitehall Academy and those we know that Home School their children, what they would like us to pray for. All of those that were asked sent prayer requests and we were able to pray for them. Afterwards, we sent cards with prayers in and some boxes of sweets to these schools that we partner with. **Hannah Ward** ## **Sunday Funtime** We currently have three Sunday Funtime teachers: myself, Caroline and Pauline on the rota and two helpers, Kathy and Katrina. Sadly Kathy and Katrina have not been used due to Covid, but we have had help from Phil and that has meant that Zoe has been able to join us. My thanks to Phil. Hannah has also joined the team to help out and teach some weeks, for the moment. Looking forward, it would be good and exciting to welcome new children (with their families) into Sunday Funtime. Due to loss of my beloved mum in September, Caroline and Pauline took over Sunday Funtime - my deepest thanks to them for all their hard work. **Ann-Marie Chappell** It can be a bit squashy (even though we have moved into a slightly bigger room, we have a good number of children and we just about squeeze in if everyone is there) It can be a bit chilly (we have had to have windows open this winter due to virus rules so occasionally have to do some quick running on the spot to warm up) It can be a bit loud (when its activity time but it’s a happy loud so that’s OK) and it can also be quiet (during story time when some excellent listening happens) It can be a bit messy (but luckily there’s not much time to get too artistic on Sunday mornings so the mess is limited) It can be a bit surprising (when the children can recall and answer questions about previous lessons and not just the previous week) It can be bit tricky for the teachers (to prepare a lesson to capture the attention of the vast age range we have) BUT, it is always FUN for the teachers as well (we hope) for the great bunch of children that we have. **Pauline Solosy** 18 21 ## **Worship Services** ## **Sunday Morning Services** During 2021, as with everything else, there was constant change in how we organised Sunday mornings. However, apart for 4 weeks during January, when Covid cases were at their highest locally and we decided not to meet in person, we have held services in our buildings throughout the year. These have been complimented by our 11am YouTube service, which has been adapted slightly in format as the year has gone on, but has become a regular feature, both for those who can not attend a “live” service for any reason, and for those who enjoy it in addition to coming to one of these. The services at St John’s and St Mark’s have gone through several changes in how they were organised to cope with the changing circumstances. These included shorter “said” services, without singing, when this was against government recommendations, singing hymns outside at the end of services, and a few services outdoors, before returning to full services (with singing) inside. While we were not singing together, we encouraged as many as could to join in the YouTube service and sing there! (To make this possible we had a shorter St Mark’s service at 10am instead of 10.30.) However, by the end of the year, all the services were back to their traditional format and timing. **Mark Mulryne** ## **Together** ## **Alpha** We ran the Alpha course from September to December 2021. At Alpha, people gather for a freshly cooked meal, then watch a video together and finally separate into smaller groups to share their thoughts on what they have seen. Alpha is primarily designed to be an introduction to Christianity for anyone outside the church. It is also a very good refresher course on the basics of our faith for anyone who is familiar with the church. And it is a great opportunity for Christians to invite their friends and family to a casual, friendly event at the church. For all of these reasons, I always encourage as many people as possible to come to Alpha! I was very pleased that we had almost 50 different people attend Alpha at least once – and an average weekly attendance of almost 30. I had a very good core team of helpers and leaders from St. John’s and St. Mark’s, but most of the attendees were either from outside our church family or were familiar faces who do not attend our services very often. Please continue to pray that those who attended will be drawn to learn more about Jesus, either through one of our services or by any other means. Many thanks to all of the helpers and volunteers who made this course possible, with special thanks to the high schoolers and young adults who stayed at church all day preparing the evening meals every Sunday for 11 straight weeks! **Ti Chase** Together services started up again after Easter in 2021, and then met regularly throughout the rest of the year. This included the special Christmas Service, which Ti spoke at this year, and which was followed by a Christmas lunch in the church hall. It was great to have Together, as a regular feature, back in St John’s, and the services have been well supported. Many thanks go to the dedicated team who have made this possible. ## **Together Again** We were able to meet up again in September 2021 after a long time. Our numbers have increased which also includes some new members. We are using a ‘thought for the day’ each time, using verses, fridge magnets and postcards with biblical verses on. This has had a positive response and we are hoping this will encourage people to talk more about the bible. With God’s help we will continue to reach out to our church family and the wider community. ## **Christine Sanders** ## **Wednesday Worshippers at St. Mark’s** During the first quarter of 2021, Wednesday Worshippers kept running but we moved to a traditional BCP Morning Prayer service. Once restrictions were eased we went back to a regular communion service, and since September '21 we have been able to have a more normal "First Wednesday" service as well. We now have regular numbers of about 15 (compared to about 20-25 before covid). People are in good spirits and the fellowship has been much enjoyed since we were able to restart post-service refreshments. Over the last year we have had sermon series on Daniel, the Seven Signs in John, and now the book of Revelation. **Phill Sacre** ## **Havenvale Communion Service** During 2021 I continued to take a Communion Service for a small number of residents from the sheltered-housing flats in Havenvale, on a Monday afternoon, once a month, whenever possible. These couldn’t happen for the first half of the year, but it was possible to restart the services in the summer, when Havenvale reopened its lounge for community activities. Since then, there have had to be some changes to our planned dates due to Covid outbreaks in the building, but on the whole, these services are back as a regular feature of the Havenvale diary. Although, we felt it unwise to hold a full Christmas Carol Service in the lounge, which many more people have traditionally attended, we did organise carol singing in the Havenvale garden, which a good crowd of residents joined in with from inside the building - making sure that they stayed warm and comfortable. Those who attended the regular services (and the carols) very much appreciated the involvement of the church and look forward to this continuing. **Mark Mulryne** 20 19