St Gabriel’s Church, Bishopwearmouth Sunderland
Reports for the
Annual Parochial Church Meeting for Year Ending 31st December 2021
Meeting to be held in Church following the 10.30 am service on Sunday 1st May 2022.
Registered Charity 1130674
C O N T E N T S
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2021 | 3 |
| Attendance at PCC Meetings | 8 |
| Agenda – Meeting of Parishioners | 9 |
| Agenda – Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) | 9 |
| Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners and APCM held on 25 April 2021 | 10 |
| Electoral Roll Report | 14 |
| Freewill Giving Envelopes Report | 14 |
| Churchwarden’s Report to the APCM | 16 |
| Financial Report | 17 |
| Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2021 – | 18 |
| Church and Estate Income | |
| Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2021 – | 19 |
| Church and Estate Expenditure | |
| Resources Used | 21 |
| The Independent Examiner’s Report | 22 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 23 |
| Church Organisations – Year End Accounts (Summaries) | 24 |
| Annual report of the proceedings of the PCC | 25 |
| Annual Fabric Report (Churchwarden’s Report) | 25 |
| Buildings Committee Report | 26 |
| Pastoral Care Report | 27 |
| Deanery Synod Report | 28 |
| Safeguarding Report | 28 |
| Sunday School Report | 30 |
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Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2021
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
St Gabriel’s Church is situated in the City of Sunderland. It is part of the Diocese of Durham, within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body which operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity as its gross annual income exceeds £100,000.
PCC Members serving at the end of 2021 are:
Incumbent: (In vacancy) Warden: John Donald (Lay Chair) (ex-officio) Deanery Synod: Revd Lilian Clark (Deacon), John Donald, Janet Fielding (ex-officio) Licensed & Authorised: Revd Lilian Clark (Deacon), Lisa Clark (Pastoral Minister) (ex-officio) Readers with Permission Prof. Malcolm Hooper, Christine Rodgers to Officiate: Other elected members: Ray Bell, Cuth Earl (Safeguarding), Linda Gowans (Secretary), Jenni Little (Safeguarding Deputy), Peter MacLellan, Joanna Rodgers (Treasurer), John Wolfe
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
The method of appointment and election of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules 2020 (Church House Publishing). All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
AIMS & PURPOSES
St Gabriel’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the church in the ecclesiastical parish; pastoral, evangelistic, spiritual, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building and all the buildings on the church estate, including the hall complex, Stier House and Institute.
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OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES
The PCC is committed to enabling our whole church community to worship using a wide range of expression. In particular, we have agreed that our priorities are to be a welcoming church through our vision statement: Worship, Encouraging, Learning, Caring for our Community, Open to the Holy Spirit, Moving into Mission and Equipping Disciples.
We seek to offer a range of worship which is accessible to those who live in our local parish and also to those who live outside our geographical parish, whatever their background. Our services and worship aim to help us all put our faith into practice through Word and sacrament, prayer and music.
In our planning and activities, we keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance for the advancement of religion. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our community through: worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel and developing their trust in Jesus, provision of pastoral care and missionary and outreach ventures. To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of St Gabriel’s Church and its buildings.
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
Please see the written reports appended to this document, which contain much of the information about our achievements and performance.
2021 was a year of great challenge for St Gabriel’s. Not only were we in the midst of a global pandemic but we were also in vacancy. Our curate Revd Pouya Heidari blessed us with his ministry until we waved him off to a Rector post in Surrey in April. These factors naturally had an effect on our services and other activities but we hope we rose to the task set before us.
For the first quarter of the year our worship was held remotely through Zoom. This was an active ministry with many joining in for both services and study.When we opened up the Church at Easter we found great support from our parishioners returning to the pews as well as new faces joining the congregation. We decided to actively keep running our remote worship and to try to develop this branch of outreach. People can join in by both telephone and computer and enjoy fellowship.We endeavour to make those people present in church and those worshipping from home feel part of one united church family.
We have a strong pastoral ministry led by our Pastoral Minister, Lisa Clark, and our Bible studies and prayer group have remained operational in spite of the difficult circumstances. A weekly newsletter gives information about needs, events and up-to-date issues.
We have had the blessing of 3 ordinands from Cranmer Hall with us throughout 2021. Lois helped us during lockdown and Matt and Bethany joined the ministry team in the later part of the year on placement. Their fresh ways of approaching services and their enthusiasm to make a lasting impact have been wonderful. Our music has also developed. We have a new
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organist volunteer who is sharing his talents most Sundays, as well as using pre-recorded music on screen and live guitar music.
Lilian, one of our lay readers, was chosen to become an ordained non-stipendiary priest and this was an amazing celebration for St Gabriel’s with her first service as deacon taking place at Advent.
Despite being in vacancy we are managing to have services every Sunday with two Sunday Holy Communions every month and also two Wednesday Holy Communions at our bimonthly midweek service. The Memorial and Remembrance Day services were well attended and appreciated by a wide range of local people. Although we were sorry that the local Methodist Church had to close, we have been able to welcome many of the members into our fellowship. Grateful thanks go to all the visiting priests and Bishops, Lilian, our Deacon, our lay readers and our churchwarden who help make this all possible. We also acknowledge the vital role of the wider team of people, often behind the scenes, serving the church in many different ways.
There were 14 baptisms, 2 weddings and 27 funerals during 2021 and our worshipping community was approximately 137 people.
A lot of the focus in 2021 was on our charitable giving. We had visits from 7 of our 8 tithe charities, including a weekend stay by our new Church Mission Society Mission Partners, Andy and Kati Walsh. We try to support local, national and overseas mission and outreach. Our Harvest Project collected food for Streetcare who use our premises for their work with the homeless and our Christmas Toy Appeal helped homeless families at nearby Ashkirk House.
We have also ensured that we have fulfilled our responsibilities as stewards of the buildings in our care. Our rental of the church halls continues to flourish with a large number of community and charity organisations making use of the facilities. The Institute provides recreational facilities for people in the local area, such as billiards, snooker and table tennis. The gardening team have resumed their care of the area around the church, where a ceanothus shrub was planted in memory of Ken Fairweather who had served the church and community for many years.
St Gabriel’s continues on a journey towards becoming an outward-looking, open and encouraging place to be. We prayerfully look forward to seeing how we can develop and grow in the coming year.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total receipts in unrestricted funds were £100,263. Restricted donations of £3,407 were also received, of which £550 was allocated to our renovation of the Lower Flat Stier House and £350 to building work on the church estate. Part of our restricted income this year was from the closure of group accounts. Our long-running toddler group ceased to operate and £500 was set aside towards this venture starting again at a future date. An old Sunday School account was also closed and £569 went into the Youth Ministry funds. This year no money
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was generated for our ongoing appeal for a new heating system for the church and the balance remains static at £33,660.
2021 was a year in which we were blessed with legacies totalling £22,505. Thanks to the kindness of Ralph Hodgson, Nelly Adamson and J. Stobbs we have been able to substantially build up our reserves. Without these legacies the charity would have had income and expenditure at about equal levels and would not have been able to place any substantial sum into unrestricted reserves.
While giving through our Freewill Envelope scheme remains comparable with the previous year, planned giving through standing orders and the Parish Giving Scheme continues to decrease (this year by 7%). This trend is concerning for the church’s overall financial health and we continue to become more dependent on income from the estate in order to meet our costs. The pandemic, with its lockdown at the start of the year, naturally had negative implications for the charity but it has to be acknowledged that we were hoping to have made a greater financial recovery in the latter part of the year than we have managed to achieve.
In contrast to the continued decrease in income from voluntary giving, the hall rental income has bounced back admirably (an 89% increase since lockdowns eased). Many organisations are very pleased with the accommodation available and we continue to gain new hall-users through recommendations.
Fundraising events such as coffee mornings have not yet been restarted but this potential source of income will need to be considered by the PCC in due course.
The Lower Flat Stier House has now become tenanted and both flats have been subject to a rental review. These rental amounts will become vital in the years to come if the decrease in planned giving we currently observe continues.
St Gabriel’s total income, including tax recovered, has increased by 49% compared to 2020. However, much of this was through one-off events such as legacies and, unfortunately, not through more sustainable streams of revenue.
One of our biggest capital expenses during 2021 was the renovation of the Lower Flat Stier House at a cost of £4,200. This was to make the flat fit for the rental market. £395 was also spent on vestry carpeting and new church door mats. Repair costs were more extensive than last year (£3,347) with the church toilet, church boiler and church roof, church hall doors, car park floodlights and Underchurch electrics all needing attention. We thank the Scouts team for their continued voluntary contribution to building repairs around the estate. Building maintenance costing £2,947 included PAT testing, electrical inspections and lightning conductor testing.
We fulfilled our entire Parish Share pledge of £25,000 and the PCC aims to continue to give as much monetary support as we can to the Diocese whilst maintaining an appropriate reserve and protecting the financial wellbeing of the charity.
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Tithed giving to external charities totalling £3,400 was issued, meaning The Leprosy Mission, Oasis Aquila, Tearfund, Wearside Youth for Christ, Durham Lesotho Link, The Children’s Society, Church Mission Society (our new mission partners Andy and Kati Walsh) and The Bible Society were all able to benefit. Most of our tithe charities sent representatives to talk about their work and it was wonderful for our church members to be able to connect with the amazing organisations we support.
Total expenditure shows a 27% increase from 2020. Revenue exceeded expenditure by £26,788 in 2021.
At the year end, the total amount of funds held in the general account was £73,161.14 This comprises: Unrestricted funds £35,945.56 Restricted funds £37,215.58
RESERVES POLICY
It is PCC policy to maintain a balance (if possible) on unrestricted funds that equates to two months’ unrestricted payments. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of £35,945.56 held in unrestricted funds at the end of 2021 far exceeded this target.
When possible, we will seek to invest funds in the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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Attendance at PCC Meetings April 2021 to March 2022 inclusive
| Member | Number of possible meetings | Number of meetings attended |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Bell | 9 | 6 |
| Lilian Clark | 9 | 9 |
| Lisa Clark | 9 | 7 |
| John Donald | 9 | 9 |
| Cuth Earl | 9 | 8 |
| Janet Fielding | 9 | 8 |
| Linda Gowans | 9 | 9 |
| Malcolm Hooper | 9 | 8 |
| Jenni Little | 9 | 7 |
| Joanne MacDonald | 2 Resigned before Julymeeting |
2 |
| Peter MacLellan | 9 | 8 |
| Christine Rodgers | 9 | 9 |
| Joanna Rodgers | 9 | 9 |
| John Wolfe | 9 | 8 |
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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ST GABRIEL’S, BISHOPWEARMOUTH ST GABRIEL’S, BISHOPWEARMOUTH
MEETING OF PARISHIONERS
To be held in Church following the 10.30 am service on Sunday 1 May 2022
-
Apologies for absence
-
Minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2021
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Matters arising
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Election of Churchwardens
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING To be held in Church following the Meeting of Parishioners
-
Apologies for absence
-
Minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2021
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Matters arising
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Election of parochial representative of the laity to the Deanery Synod (1)
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Election of parochial representatives of the laity to the PCC (12)
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(NB minimum age for PCC membership is 16)
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Appointment of independent examiner
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Report on the Electoral Roll
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Report on Freewill Giving Envelopes
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To consider the Churchwarden’s Report
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To consider and, if thought fit, to approve the accounts for 2021
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To consider the annual report of the proceedings of the PCC
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To consider the report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church
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(Churchwarden’s Report)
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To consider the report of the Buildings Committee
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To consider the report of the Pastoral Minister
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To consider the report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod
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To consider the report of the Parish Safeguarding Officer
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Questions relating to any published reports
-
Any other business, of which notice has been given to the Chair or Secretary prior to the start of the APCM
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ST GABRIEL’S, BISHOPWEARMOUTH
MEETING OF PARISHIONERS AND ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY 25 APRIL 2021
PRESENT: David Tolhurst (DT) – Chair
36 members of the congregation, including 7 via Zoom (names available)
DT welcomed everyone to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Meeting of Parishioners, and introduced himself as Area Dean and Chair. He opened the meetings with a prayer.
MEETING OF PARISHIONERS
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Elaine Aitchison.
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 OCTOBER 2020
These were approved as a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chair.
3. MATTERS ARISING
There were no issues raised.
4. ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS
Applications had been received from Lilian Clark and John Donald, both of whom were elected unanimously. DT thanked Lilian for continuing in the role, and John for standing and for doing so much for the church.
The Meeting of Parishioners was then closed and the APCM opened.
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Elaine Aitchison.
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 OCTOBER 2020
These were approved as a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chair. 3. MATTERS ARISING
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There were no issues raised.
4. ELECTION OF LAY DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES
Lilian Clark and Janet Fielding had been elected in 2020 for three years. There was a further vacancy, for which John Donald had been nominated: he was unanimously elected. DT thanked him for being willing to represent the parish and help shape the future of the Deanery.
5. ELECTION OF LAY REPRESENTATIVES TO THE PCC
It was noted that Churchwardens, Deanery Synod Representatives and the Pastoral Minister are automatically on the PCC. Twelve places are available for lay representatives under the Church Representation Rules, and as ten nominations had been received there was no requirement for a vote and all were duly elected for one year:
Malcolm Hooper, Christine Rodgers, Ray Bell, Cuth Earl, Linda Gowans, Jenni Little, Joanne MacDonald, Peter MacLellan, Joanna Rodgers, John Wolfe. (* Readers with Permission to Officiate, not automatically on PCC.)
DT thanked all, and expressed appreciation of the service and commitment given by Marian Scott and Helen Ford, who are standing down this time for individual reasons.
6. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Judith Lees, Treasurer of Burnmoor Church, who acted as Independent Examiner for the 2020 accounts, was unanimously reappointed.
7. ELECTORAL ROLL
There are currently 133 members on the electoral roll. Linda Gowans was thanked by DT for her work.
8.
FREEWILL GIVING REPORT
Peter MacLellan was thanked by DT for his report and for his work as Freewill Envelope Scheme Secretary.
9.
CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT
There were no questions, and DT thanked Lilian Clark for her report.
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10. ACCOUNTS FOR 2020
Asked by DT for any additional comment, Joanna Rodgers said 2020 had been a difficult year financially owing to the combination of a pandemic and a vacancy. She stressed endeavours were made to keep expenditure to a bare minimum and that she hoped 2021 would be a brighter year. The accounts were approved, and DT expressed ‘a big thank you’ to Joanna for all she does as treasurer of a large parish with complicated finances.
The approved accounts were signed by the Chair.
11. REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PARISH GENERALLY
There were no comments made on the report. In his thanks DT observed that the posts of PCC Secretary and Treasurer are tough jobs with lots of paperwork, and it is hard to get people to take them on.
12. REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH (CHURCHWARDEN’SREPORT)
The report was received with no questions.
13. REPORT OF THE BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
Peter MacLellan reported that work on the church toilet was almost done, and that on Stier House partially done. DT expressed thanks to all on the Buildings Committee, who have much else to care for in addition to the main church building.
14. REPORT OF THE PASTORAL MINISTER
There were no questions. DT thanked Lisa Clark for all that she does in looking after and caring for people, especially with the extra work involved in a time of vacancy.
15. REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEANERY SYNOD
There were no questions, and DT thanked the two representatives Lilian Clark and Janet Fielding.
16. REPORT OF THE PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
DT thanked Cuth Earl and stressed that Safeguarding is central to all we do; it impacts on everything. At the recent General Synod the work of Parish Safeguarding Officers had been praised by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The reviewed Parish Safeguarding Policy as approved by the PCC in March 2021 was signed by DT as Area Dean and Lilian Clark as Churchwarden.
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17. QUESTIONS RELATING TO ANY PUBLISHED REPORTS
Geoff Carr commented on the importance of Zoom, and expressed the hope that the facility will continue to be available.
Referring to page 4 of the Annual Report, he also hoped that the arrangement of PCC members keeping in touch with a group of people on the Electoral Roll will continue, in view of the importance of communication.
He also asked whether there was any comment on the vacancy situation.
DT agreed on the importance of communication, and commented especially on the value of PCC contact with people on the Electoral Roll. He had intended to comment on the vacancy and gave a statement as below.
Statement by David Tolhurst, Area Dean
The Diocese is not in a position that it would like to be financially, and churches are having to draw on their resources to pay the Parish Share. There are currently 15 vacancies, with funding for only a small number. A Prioritisation Group had been established, working with the Archdeacon, and would be taking into account in particular two factors: the results of a toolkit being sent out to PCCs, and the time that a church has been in vacancy. DT cannot give us a timescale; we are further down the list than he would like us to be.
DT thanked Joanna for her work in seeking cover for services: support will be given so that St Gabriel’s can have regular Eucharists. DT also said he would be able to assist more when his curate is priested in July.
Pouya was congratulated by DT on his new appointment in Guildford Diocese (though with regret that he would not be staying in Durham Diocese), and thanked on behalf of the Deanery - including for his footballing contribution! It was wonderful to have seen him grow through his curacy.
Any issues can be raised with the Wardens, Lilian and John, in the first instance, and they can then refer to DT, who will keep in touch. He can call at the end of a service if necessary.
18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None had been notified. DT thanked everyone for attending. The meeting closed with a prayer and blessing from Pouya, and an Easter acclamation from DT.
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Electoral Roll
The total number on the Electoral Roll is 130, made up of:
| Resident Men | 21 |
|---|---|
| Resident Women | 41 |
| Non-Resident Men | 21 |
| Non-Resident Women | 47 |
| 130 |
Linda Gowans Electoral Roll Officer
Freewill Giving Envelopes
In my report last year, I commented on the way the lockdown and closures during the year had led to a dramatic fall in church income and that it was only the regular giving by the faithful few that had enabled the Finance team to keep our heads above the water. I am pleased to say that with the opening up of restrictions things have been a little easier. I appreciate that some people have still not been able to or felt able to return to regular inperson worship, but the fact that you have continued to fill your envelopes and arrange for their collection from time to time has been a great help. Thank you all so much.
As ever, as we all grow older, we have sadly lost members of the congregation through death, moves from the area and to other parishes, and this has reduced the numbers too.
Usage now stands at: Gift aided – 24 people Non gift aided – 16 people
As we know, the key to this method is to use EVERY ENVELOPE and bring them as often as you can.
Some members continue to use the Parish Giving Scheme and some still have a standing order set up to the church account. Whichever method you use, Joanna and I really appreciate every penny you so generously contribute to the life and work of St Gabriel’s.
The lack of the normal Festival services in 2021 impacted greatly our usual income. It was, however, tremendous that towards the end of the year we were able to celebrate Harvest, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas in a more normal way.
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As a church, it is important we increase our income so that we can move forward in mission and faith, and the return of many organisations who pay to use our facilities has helped greatly.
However, we need to boost our own numbers both in the congregation and those who are able to give on a regular basis even if they do not feel able to attend church. We are always here for you; please be here for St Gabriel’s.
It is not possible or right that we ask for greater and greater contributions from the few. Please spread the word to friends, family and the local community that we are a Welcoming Church so that our numbers increase and, as a consequence, so will our income.
Please pray that the Lord will show us the way ahead so that we can continue our witness. If anyone wants further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email on peter.mac@totalise.co.uk . Or phone me on 07980 381810.
Peter MacLellan Freewill Envelope Scheme Secretary
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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Churchwarden’s Report to the APCM – 1 May 2022
I do like Spring! It is fresh; it is new; it promises good things to come. From my window I can see bright daffodils, buds on trees and blackbirds charging about marking out their territory.
Easter 2021 was a great occasion. The total lockdown was eased and we returned to St Gabriel’s on Easter Sunday. Alleluia! We were still restricted with social distancing and masks but it was the start of ‘good things’.
Zoom services were a lifeline and still are, but it wasn’t the same as being face to face in church. Coffee after morning services never tasted so good when refreshments started again.
A former Vicar of St Gabriel’s once said that one of the questions churches needed to ask in order to grow was “what needs to be done now?’’
Many people started to get ‘things done’. Joanna Rodgers contacted as many clergy as she could to take our services, Peter MacLellan phoned roofers and organised tradespeople to take care of and repair our buildings, Lilian Clark trained to be a Deacon, Linda Gowans made sure that all our paperwork was in order, Cuth Earl steered us along the Safeguarding pathway, Christine and Malcolm took the brunt of providing rotas, liturgy and preaching. There were those who organised Sunday Schools, dug up gardens, made tea and coffee, saw to flowers in the church and, lately, started to clean the church again. If I haven’t mentioned you then please forgive me. God knows and we know who you are. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. God is at work in St Gabriel’s.
Communication continued in the form of the Wednesday Newsletter and Christmas Newsletter. They were vitally important and told folk that we were still open for business.
The sad closure of Ewesley Road Methodist Church meant that more than a few came to join us at St Gabriel’s. A big welcome awaited them.
Oh dear, there is so much more to say about 2021. I hope that it has prepared us for 2022. The Archdeacon of Sunderland, the Revd Canon Bob Cooper, is coming for a Parish Inspection in June 2022 – the first since 2004! I know he will be impressed with the wonderful people at St Gabriel’s.
Someone once asked a clergy friend of mine what his church must do when they had prayed for a particular project. He replied, “Pray some more and get cracking!”
2021 was an unprecedented year. I truly believe that God through His love and grace is providing us with a remarkable set of people at St Gabriel’s. With your prayers and help we can go forward together to proclaim His Gospel and love.
John Donald Churchwarden
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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Registered Charity 1130674
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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2021 Church and Estate Income
| VOLUNTARY INCOME– this has slightly increased compared | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Voluntary Giving | 2021 | to last year. The church was closed owing to lockdowns in |
| £14,846.49 | Bank Giving |
£13,756.42 | much of 2020 so giving was low. We would have hoped for a |
| £17,358.58 | Envelope Giving |
£17,552.20 | greater financial recovery in 2021. |
| £1,847.23 | Open Plate Giving |
£4,344.67 | BANK GIVINGincludes Standing Orders and the Parish Giving |
| £34,052.30 | TOTAL |
£35,653.29 | Scheme, some of which are gift-aided. This has reduced by |
| 7% | |||
| £9,251.95 | Gift Aid Recovered | £5,363.83 | ENVELOPE GIVINGincludes the Freewill Envelope scheme |
| and additional gift aid envelopes. This giving has held steady | |||
| Other Giving | in 2021. | ||
| £10,358.88 | Donations |
£15,146.92 | |
| £0 | Legacies |
£22,505.67 | DONATIONS- £12,157 for general funds, £2,989for restricted |
| £435.35 | Coffee Mornings |
£0 | funds (£569 Children’s Work, £550 Lower Flat Stier House |
| £10,794.23 | £37,652.59 | refurb, £200 Admin Wages, £350 Building Work, £270 |
|
| Pouya’s leaving gift, £300 Church Hall Curtains, £150 Ken | |||
| Activities | Fairweather’s memorial, £100 Memorial Service costs, £500 | ||
| £0 | Magazine |
£7.91 | Toddler Group) |
| £4,796.00 | Wedding and Funeral Fees |
£6,712.00 | LEGACIES- £1000 from J. Stobbs, £16,506 from Ralph |
| £276.85 | Appeals |
£418.05 | Hodgson, £5000 Nelly Adamson |
| £5,072.85 | TOTAL |
£7,137.96 | |
| MAGAZINE– no longer operational | |||
| Other Income | APPEALS– this covers collections for external charities. This | ||
| £0 | Grants |
£0 | year monies were collected for The Children’s Society, The |
| £0 | Events |
£126.75 | Salvation Army, The Leprosy Mission, Tearfund |
| £962.50 | Funeral Collections |
£554.50 | |
| £0 | After-Service Refreshments |
£259.70 | GRANTS –none |
| £293.69 | Other income |
£597.01 | EVENTS –Coffee and Cake Night run by Rainbows/Brownies |
| £1,256.19 | TOTAL |
£1,537.96 | FUNERAL COLLECTIONS –generous giving from families with |
| ties to St Gabriel’s church | |||
| Estate Income | OTHER INCOME–refunds and rebates | ||
| £6,230.00 | Church Hall Lettings |
£11,750.35 | |
| £3,000.00 | Stier House Flat Rents |
£4,575.00 | |
| £0 | Other Income |
£0 | CHURCH HALL LETTINGShave thankfully increased by 89% |
| £9,230.00 | TOTAL |
£16,325.35 | since the lockdowns have eased. |
| STIER HOUSE FLAT RENTShave started to increase since the | |||
| £69,657.52 | TOTAL INCOME |
£103,670.98 | lower flat became tenanted in the last part of 2021 |
EVENTS – Coffee and Cake Night run by Rainbows/Brownies FUNERAL COLLECTIONS – generous giving from families with ties to St Gabriel’s church OTHER INCOME –refunds and rebates
TOTAL INCOME shows approx. 49% increase from 2020
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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2021 Church and Estate Expenditure
| 2020 | Outside Giving | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4,000.00 | Tithes | £3,400.00 | TITHESwere issued to 8 charities in 2021 |
| £1,011.55 | Other Outside Giving | £842.05 | OTHER OUTSIDE GIVINGincluded various causes such as the |
| £5,011.55 | TOTAL | £4,242.05 | Children’s Society and Salvation Army |
| Support Costs | |||
| £67.13 | Youth Hub |
£0 | YOUTH HUB/SWEATY CHURCHno longer operational |
| £0 | Sweaty Church |
£0 | CHILDREN’S MINISTRYhad very modest costs that focused |
| £0 | Children’s Ministry |
£226.00 | on Youth Ministry branded clothing for leaders and children |
| £63.98 | PCC Expenses |
£0 | HOSPITALITYcosts were for the stay of our CMS Missionaries |
| £2.10 | Hospitality |
£176.78 | and refreshments for Rev’d Lilian Clark’s ordination. |
| £0 | Visitor Expenses |
£50.00 | VISTOR EXPENSES –CMS Missionaries’ travel costs |
| £125.00 | Vicar’s Discretionary Fund | £0 | |
| £258.21 | TOTAL | £452.78 | |
| Direct Costs | |||
| £12,000.00 | Parish Share |
£25,000.00 | PARISH SHARE– we fulfilled our pledge in full |
| £480.61 | Clergy/Ministry Team Expenses |
£99.27 | |
| £2,788.00 | Assigned Fees |
£3,396.80 | |
| £15,268.61 | TOTAL |
£28,496.07 | |
| Running Costs | |||
| £1,172.60 | Electricity |
£1,175.83 | UTILITIES –see Appendix 1 for more information |
| £8,460.19 | Gas |
£5,827.73 | COST OF SERVICES –Includes £1,187 for copyright, music |
| £1,517.38 | Water |
£201.59 | radio and zoom licences |
| £8,655.77 | Insurance |
£8,145.12 | STIER HOUSE COSTS– the lower flat was renovated to make it |
| £1,332.37 | Costs of Services |
£2,091.24 | fit for rental. See Appendix 1 for more information |
| £1,924.82 | Stier House Costs |
£7,349.35 | GIFTSinclude £300 for Rev’d Pouya Heidari’s leaving gift |
| £508.95 | Gifts |
£477.94 | EQUIPMENT & INSTALLATIONS– Major expenses this year |
| £592.39 | Equipment & Installations |
£489.13 | were £395 for vestry carpeting and new church door mats |
| £275.68 | Repairs & |
£3,346.59 | REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE– Various repairs undertaken |
| £3,269.75 | Building Maintenance |
£2,947.15 | including the church toilet, boiler and roof, church hall doors, |
| £6,594.00 | Salaries |
£7,890.00 | car park floodlights and Underchurch electrics |
| £387.07 | Cleaning Materials/Hygiene |
£125.60 | The majority of the costs for maintenance pertained to the |
| £134.67 | Printing & Stationery |
£157.18 | various boilers, church organ, pest control, fire and security |
| £88.74 | Grounds / Gardening Materials |
£286.22 | services, electrical inspections and PAT testing. |
| £4,116.44 | Administration |
£2,575.14 | See Appendix 1 |
| £336.41 | Bank Charges |
£402.84 | SALARIES–cleaner, gardener and administrator wages |
| £519.64 | Other Expenditure |
£202.95 | ADMINISTRATION– this includes internet, phone, |
| £39,886.87 | TOTAL | £43,691.60 | photocopier, postage and DBS charges. |
| OTHER EXPENDITURE– Flowers, Sundries etc | |||
| £60,425.24 | TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
£76,882.50 | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITUREis approx. 27% increase from 2020 |
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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Appendix 1
Running Costs Breakdown
Utilities
| Utilities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church | Estate | Clergy | Totals | |
| Gas Electricity Water |
£3,960.01 £357.12 £48.00 |
£1,867.72 £818.71 £48.00 |
n/a n/a £105.59 |
£5,827.73 £1,175.83 £201.59 |
| Other | ||||
| Church | Estate | Totals | ||
| Insurance Equipment/Installations Building Maintenance Repairs |
£3,976.60 £395.00 £2,038.30 £2,588.87 |
£4,168.52 £94.13 £908.85 £757.72 |
£8,145.12 £489.13 £2,947.15 £3,346.59 |
Stier House
| Stier House | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Flat | Upper Flat | Totals | |
| Gas Electricity Water Council Tax Insurance Repairs Maintenance LettingAgent |
£67.50 £67.50 £347.60 £895.45 £181.15 £4200.00 £125.00 £609.00 |
n/a n/a n/a n/a £181.15 £550.00 £125.00 n/a |
£67.50 £67.50 £347.60 £895.45 £362.30 £4,750.00 £250.00 £609.00 |
| £6493.20 | £856.15 | £7,349.35 |
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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Resources Used
Church & Estate – Incoming Resources
| Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Giving Gift Aid Recovered Other Giving Activities Other Income Estate Income |
£35,653.29 £5,363.83 £34,663.11 £6,719.91 £1,537.96 £16,325.35 |
0 0 £2,989.48 £418.05 0 0 |
£35,653.29 £5,363.83 £37,652.59 £7,137.96 £1,537.96 £16,325.35 |
| £100,263.45 | £3,407.53 | £103,670.98 |
Church & Estate – Outgoing Resources
| Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Totals | Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Giving Support Costs Direct Costs RunningCosts |
£3,900.00 £226.78 £28,496.07 £37,741.83 |
£342.05 £226.00 0 £5,949.77 |
£4,242.05 £452.78 £28,496.07 £43,691.60 |
||
| £70,364.68 | £6,517.82 | £76,882.50 | |||
| Summary | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Totals | |||
| Incoming Resources OutgoingResources |
£100,263.45 £70,364.68 |
£3,407.53 £6,517.82 |
£103,670.98 £76,882.50 |
||
| End of Year Balances | |||||
| Balance 1st Jan 2021 |
Funds received in 2021 |
Funds spent in 2021 |
Balance 31st Dec 2021 |
||
| Restricted Funds Heating Appeal Youth Ministry Toilet Restoration Organ Restoration Lifelong Learning Redecoration Running Costs Stier House Lower Flat Refurb Rev’d Pouya Heidari Leaving Gift Admin Wages Building Work / Decoration Ken Fairweather Memorial Church Hall Blinds/Curtains Memorial Service Toddler Group Leprosy Mission Guide Dogs for the Blind Christingle Children’s Society Toy Appeal Tearfund TOTAL |
£33,660.05 £1013.18 £1000.00 £1403.00 £283.16 £2666.48 £300.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £40,325.87 |
0 £569.48 0 0 0 0 £550.00 £270.00 £200.00 £350.00 £150.00 £300.00 £100.00 £500.00 £100.00 £76.00 £61.05 £135.00 £46.00 £3,407.53 |
0 £226.00 £1000.00 £220.00 £283.16 £2666.48 £850.00 £270.00 0 £350.00 £150.00 £60.13 £100.00 0 £100.00 0 £61.05 £135.00 £46.00 £6,517.82 |
£33,660.05 £1356.66 0 £1183.00 0 0 0 0 £200.00 0 0 £239.87 0 £500.00 0 £76.00 0 0 0 £37,215.58 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds General Funds |
£6,046.79 | £100,263.45 | £70,364.68 | £35,945.56 |
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPOR T Indep•nd•rt ExaTrtherfs R4port to the nxmberslPCCof St Glbrfefs Sunderf•nd I report on the accountsfortheyear ended 31 December 2021 Respoth¥e rt5ponslblldes of theTThste•sand Indtpendent Examlner The charftys trustees considerthat an audit Is not required for thls year under sectlon 144121 of the CharitiesAcl 2011 lthe 2011ArtI and that an indepEodent examination is needed. It 1$ my resportsibilrtyto examine the accourts vnder seLtion 145 of the 2011 Act. follow the PTocedure5 lasd di)wn in the General Directlons glven bythe ChaAty Commissioner5 5eLtion 14515llbl of the 2011 Art,. and 5tste whether partiojlar matteT5 have cometo my attention. 8•sts of th15 report My examination was rarrted out in accordance wfth the General Dlrectton$8iYen bythe Charity Camrnisston. An exarnination includes a rwrfew of the a¢cout)ting records kept by the chaflty and a comparlson of the 3CCOUJ)ts wesented with those records. It alsD indudes con51deT1 any unusual items or disdosures In the accounts, and seekir#x explaThatlons from the rnènagement commlttee concernln8 any Such matters. The prtxedures undertaeTr do not PTwide all the evidence that would be requlred ifi a lull audlt, and tonsequeThtly I do not express ar> auditopinion the accoun Independent examinerfsststeft In connection wh my examination, rnatter has cometo m¥ atttIO which 8ives me reasonable cause to believethat in any materi8l+e5pettthe requirements to keep accounttn8 record5 in arcordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act.. or to prepare accourts whlch accord with these acwuTrting retords have not been to whith. in my oplnion, attention 5ht>uld be drawn in orderto eRable 4 proper understandng of the accounts to be reathed. StrJn&a Address Date St Gabriel's, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2022 P(79e 22
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the applicable accounting standards and the SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) 2005.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
FUNDS
Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained, only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.
Restricted Funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.
Unrestricted Funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
INCOMING RESOURCES
Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable.
Interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. Expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
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FIXED ASSETS
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no item has cost more than £1,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Investments are valued at market value at 1 December.
The values of Stier House, the Men’s Institute, the Church Hall and Cutter Suite do not need to be included in the PCC accounts.
The insurance values are as follows:
Church (including contents) £19,320,000 Stier House (buildings and contents) £271,754 Men’s Institute (including contents) £639,439 Church Hall & Cutter Suite (including £2,900,000 contents)
Church Organisations – Year End Accounts (Summaries)
| Balances b/fwd |
Income | Payments | Balances c/fwd |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Institute | £8,375.99 | £1,236.00 | £1,448.00 | £8,163.99 |
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Annual Report of the proceedings of the PCC
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the key decision-making body of a Church of England parish. It consists of clergy, churchwardens and others, including those elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) of the parish.
PCC meetings are held monthly, normally excluding April (when the APCM is usually held), August (holidays) and sometimes December (due to seasonal commitments). Meetings are at present held on the third Tuesday of the month to enable our Area Dean, Revd David Tolhurst, to attend as we are currently without an incumbent.
The March meeting was chaired by our Curate Revd Pouya Heidari, who was to leave us the following month for a new appointment as Rector of St Mary’s Church, Fetcham, Surrey. Other meetings were chaired by Lilian Clark, at the time Churchwarden and Lay Chair, until she took up training for ordination after the May meeting. From June onwards they have been chaired by John Donald, Churchwarden and Lay Chair.
Apart from May and June, when there was a mixed attendance in person and on Zoom, all scheduled meetings during 2021 were on Zoom, with arrangements being made for those members unable to participate in this way from home.
During the year, with the Covid-19 situation resulting in various changes of guidance and instruction, it has been necessary for the PCC to vote on matters including Church closure and reopening: important decisions have been prayerfully considered and responsibly taken.
Throughout the year, care has been taken to minimise multiple handling of documents, and circulation of papers has been done by email wherever possible. Once the minutes of the regular meetings have been approved at the following meeting, a copy (with the exception of anything which the PCC regards as confidential) can be made available to members of the congregation who apply to the PCC Secretary to see them.
Linda Gowans PCC Secretary
Annual Fabric Report (Churchwarden’s Report)
The Churchwardens should see that the PCC carries out its responsibilities for the care, maintenance and insurance of the fabric of the church, the goods and ornaments of the church and the fencing of the church. Churchwardens should record in a logbook all alterations, additions, removals or repairs to the church in their care.
The Terrier, Inventory and Logbook are available to the PCC and are updated as and when anything is done to the church and church plant. The Wardens by law are the legal owners of the moveable contents of the church which include furniture, ornaments and plate. Nothing should be brought into church without the wardens’ consent.
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Due to abnormal conditions in 2021 the churchwardens’ inspection was not entirely completed but will be by the end of April 2022.
The church plant is broken into five different areas: the Main Church and Underchurch; the Church Hall and Cutter Suite; the Lower Flat, Stier House; the Upper Flat, Stier House; the Men’s Institute.
-
All building insurances for each building have been renewed.
-
All boilers have been serviced and service plans for boiler insurance renewed.
-
Appliance Safety checks have been carried out where necessary both for gas and electrics.
-
The pest control service agreement has been renewed.
-
The contract for fire extinguishers has been renewed.
-
The lightning conductor has been tested and passed.
-
Portable appliance testing has taken place.
-
All certificates for licenses and services have been renewed.
On a different note, our grateful thanks go to the Minister and members of Ewesley Road Methodist Church who gave us the opportunity to take their main Communion Table and pew runners, amongst other items, when they sadly closed their doors. They are in weekly use now.
John Donald Churchwarden
Buildings Committee Report
The Buildings Committee has met regularly throughout 2021 under the Chair of John Wolfe. In last year’s report I commented on the need for action on the external doors to the Church Hall and this was the first of several projects overseen during the year.
At the start of the year the refurbishment of the Church Toilet was undertaken and the appreciative comments by congregation and visitors has proved that this was money well spent.
The main work was the refurbishment / restoration of Stier House Lower Flat to allow for a commercial rental and, whilst this took longer than expected, the tenants were in place by October 2021 and valuable income is now being received. We appointed Keyline Properties as agents to handle letting matters but all repairs and replacements come via the committee and, where necessary, the PCC for sign off.
The basic maintenance work, including inspection and testing of all electrical and mechanical systems, has continued with Peter MacLellan as Hon. Secretary overseeing the various works and visits required.
The Church roof has again started leaking above the Vestry steps and in the Narthex. Preliminary reports have estimated £1k worth of repairs will be required once Wensley’s are
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able to fit this in. In addition, the various storms have left damage to Stier House roof, where tiles have been dislodged and broken. Also, the Institute roof has a few loose tiles requiring replacement.
During the year, through the work done by Andrew Donaldson and his Scout helpers, the curtain rails in the church hall have all been renewed with metal rails. The Hall lighting has been updated and new LED lamps fitted in different sitings, giving a better lighting effect and instant lighting in the event of a power cut or turn off. The Store Cupboard has had new shelving put in place as well.
All certificates have been renewed during the year, so as a church we are fully compliant for insurance purposes.
The church is an old building /buildings and there are many jobs which are required, some that we would like to do and some that are more pressing. Three examples are:
-
The Flat Roof which the Upper Flat uses needing urgent work with regard to drainage and repairs. (Est £2/£3k)
-
The Church Hall windows which will all need replacing in the coming months / years to ensure the safety of Hall users. The wood frames are rotting and can only be patched up for so long before we must act. (Est £15k / £20k)
-
Our awareness from the last Quinquennial survey and Wensley’s recent visit that the Narthex roof is nearing the end of its natural life and will need a full replacement. (Est £25k / 30k).
In addition, regular maintenance and small repairs must continue.
Whilst the picture does not look bright, as a Buildings Committee we trust that in some way we will be guided and given the resources if this is the Lord’s will.
Please pray for the work of the Buildings Committee in their endeavours during 2022 and support any appeals for assistance as they move forward with priority works. If you know of tradespeople who might be able to assist, let John Donald or myself know.
Peter MacLellan
Secretary to the Buildings Committee
Pastoral Care Report
‘ I thank my God every time I remember you…because of your partnership in the gospel.’ Philippians 1: 3-5
I am sure the last few years of Covid restrictions have been difficult for all of us. We have been restricted physically and spiritually, inhibited to fully enjoy fellowship together.
Now that the world is opening up after Covid restrictions I have been able to visit people in their homes and care home settings.
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Grateful thanks to PCC members, who have continued to faithfully ring around our congregation. Particular thanks to Christine Rodgers for her telephone ministry.
Thanks to Lilian Clark for accompanying me to anoint with oil. I have enjoyed many telephone and email conversations with our church family members.
Looking forward to the upcoming months, I am hoping to get permission from the Diocese to resume taking Communion into residential settings.
May I ask for your continued prayerful support, for the isolated, lonely, those suffering in body or mind. This is so vital, in sharing each other’s burdens.
Lisa Clark Pastoral Minister
Deanery Synod Report
There were no actual meetings in 2021 but the Diocese of Durham has published a report called ‘Renewing Pilgrimage: Our Diocesan Priorities, 2021-26’.
It explores how we might practically respond to God’s call to Challenge Poverty, Energise Growth, Care for God’s Creation and Engage with children, youth and young adults.
John Donald Churchwarden
Safeguarding Report
Introduction
As we begin to return to regular routines at St Gabriel’s, I am happy to report that the PCC, and in particular the members of its Safeguarding Subcommittee, has continued to ensure we are compliant with all Church of England guidance and statutory requirements. Our Churchwarden, John Donald, is a very welcome addition to the subcommittee.
New policies have been written, debated and agreed upon. Annual reviews of policy, practice and guidance have been carried out as required.
There has recently been a major change to the Church of England’s requirements regarding Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) accreditation. DBS certification must now be renewed every three years instead of every five. Although we do have until 2024 to ensure that everybody is on the three-year cycle, it will generate a considerable amount of work for our Parish Administrator!
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PCC members, who must comply with the latter, must now also successfully complete the Safeguarding Foundation Level (C1) and Domestic Abuse Awareness training. These can be accessed on safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org and by opening a new, free account or signing in. We hope also to arrange face to face sessions for those unable or unwilling to use digital technology to complete C1.
Training Undertaken
The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) has undertaken a number of courses during the year including:
Induction for New PSOs pilot Safer Recruitment online training Safeguarding Trainer Training
Members of the PCC have also accessed online Safer Recruitment, Domestic Abuse Awareness Training, and completed Basic and Foundation Level Certification.
Policy Development
New Policies:
Statement and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
This policy is a statutory requirement and has been written with due regard to Government advice.
Safer Recruitment Training and Procedure
As we are currently without an incumbent, the PCC determined that all members of the Safeguarding Subcommittee should undertake the Safer Recruitment training and that in our present circumstances, it should act as the ‘Responsible Team’, to ensure that any recruitment is carried out safely. John Donald, who as Churchwarden is technically our ‘Responsible Person’, will sign off any appointment, having received a report of satisfactory adherence to the due process.
Policies and Guidance Reviewed and Updated
The Role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
A Parish Statement of Good Safeguarding Practice.
Parish of St Gabriel, Bishopwearmouth, Safeguarding Policy:
This policy confirms Jenni Little’s permanent appointment as Deputy PSO and reflects the fact that the Revd Lilian Clark is no longer Churchwarden.
Complaints Policy and Procedure:
This policy remains largely unchanged. One significant change is that John Donald has agreed to take on the role of receiving, acknowledging and logging complaints. He will inform the
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Complaints Committee, i.e. the Standing Committee, and will also inform the complainant of the outcome.
Whistleblowing Policy:
This update reflects the fact that our church is in vacancy. Changes can be seen in sections 3.02, 6 and 7, where references to ‘the incumbent’ have been replaced by ‘Area Dean’.
Safeguarding Sunday
We were delighted to register St Gabriel’s as one of the churches recognising the importance of Safeguarding, at our morning service on Sunday 10th October, 2021. We were further blessed by having the Revd Canon Sheila Bamber as our visiting celebrant on that day. Sheila is part of the Diocesan Safeguarding Training team and has considerable experience and expertise in the subject. Her sermon was very much to the point, highly relative, informative, hard hitting and inspiring, for which we were so grateful.
Matters Ongoing
We are still in the process of acquiring or producing material giving advice on the agencies who can support and help those who are victims of Domestic Abuse. We shall endeavour to complete this task and ensure that such information is displayed in our various locations.
Cuth Earl Parish Safeguarding Officer March 2022
Sunday School
Sunday School restarted in September 2021. It has been so nice for all the children and leaders to see each other again. There is a faithful core of approximately eight children who attend regularly, and a group of five dedicated leaders who lead on rotational basis. We always welcome any new children. We decided it would be nice for the children and leaders to have a ‘uniform’, and so we invested in buying one and everyone can now see us looking very smart wearing our new red hoodies and t-shirts.
We started off the autumn term by looking at God’s creation. This took the form of flower and bulb planting in the church garden in the car park. Everyone enjoyed this activity on a sunny autumn morning. For Remembrance Sunday the children participated in poppy making activities. The children also helped in the Harvest service and Toy service by saying prayers and helping with the Bible readings. The Crib service had an excellent turnout of people and this was again led by Sunday School leaders ably assisted by the Sunday School children as well as all the children who came along to the service.
The year 2022 has begun with Sunday School looking at the meaning and significance of baptism as a member of the Christian family and faith. In January’s baptism service we all went into church to witness baby Neriah’s baptism and to welcome her into God’s family. We
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sang a song for the congregation – ‘God Loves You’, even changing the words slightly to make it personalised to Neriah!
We look forward to learning more about the Bible and Jesus this term and have many enjoyable activities to look forward to, including making a card for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Jenni Little Sunday School Leader
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