Parish of St Gabriel, Pitsea With St Peter, Nevendon
Registered Charity No 1131085
Annual Report and Accounts for the year January to December 2021
1
Parish of St Gabriel, Pitsea, with St Peter, Nevendon Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31st December, 2021
Administrative information
The parish consists of two churches; St Peter, Nevendon, in the north of the parish and St Gabriel, Pitsea in the south. It is part of the Deanery of Basildon in the Diocese of Chelmsford, Essex, within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Rectory Road, Pitsea, BASILDON, Essex, SS13 2AA.
The Parochial Church Council is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1131085). The Parochial Church Council members who have served from 25[th] May 2021 until the date this report was approved are:
| Rector: | Rev Simon Law |
|---|---|
| Churchwardens: | Mrs Ingrid Doggett (St. Gabriel) |
| Mrs Jacqui Moss (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mr David Ridler (St. Peter) | |
| Mrs Christine Ridler (St. Peter) | |
| Deanery Synod Reps: | Mrs Sarah Law (St. Gabriel’s Centre Coordinator) |
| Ms Chris Rule (Safeguarding Representative, | |
| Churches Together in Basildon) | |
| Elected Members: | Mr Paul Hayden (Treasurer) (St. Gabriel) |
| Mr Norman Hiscock (Asst Treasurer) (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mrs Sylvia Hiscock (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mr Martin Gillham (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mrs Doreen Fairman (Nevendon Community Hall | |
| Coordinator, St. Peter) | |
| Mrs Vivian Norma Simpson (St. Peter) |
Structure, governance, and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election.
Objectives and activities
The Pitsea with Nevendon PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church Youth and Community Centre of St Gabriel’s, and Nevendon Community Hall at St Peter’s.
Attendance
The PCC, due to COVID pandemic restrictions, meet regularly on Zoom which was well attended.
2
Electoral Roll
The Parish Electoral Roll stands at 100 persons of which 68 are resident in the Parish. There are 6 new members and 2 deceased giving a net increase of 4
The data held on the roll is treated as confidential and the only items published are a list of names.
Peter Dixon 5/5/22
Rector’s Report for the year 2021
It has been a very difficult and challenging year in the Parish. As the pandemic has worn on and we have weaved in and out of lockdowns and tried to reopen both Churches safely, we have had to deal with a lot of angst and frustration within the Parish and pressure from outside. Consequently, I am very grateful for the support and encouragement that I have received!
My thanks go to the Churchwardens: Ingrid , Jacqui, Dave and Tina and the members of the PCC: Doreen , Martin , Paul , Norman , Sylvia , Sarah , Chris & Norma who have met with me on Zoom and discussed all the issues raised.
Many of you have expressed your support in the most difficult of times, but there are some special thanks that should be mentioned!
Lydia is at the top of the list for filming and editing all of our streamed services;
Isaac , Salomë and Reuben for assisting Lydia and supporting me generally, and for creating some great music for our recorded and Zoom services!;
Sarah , Chris , Jacqui , Martin , Tom , Ingrid & Isaac for checking people into Church, taking temperatures, sanitizing surfaces, and assisting at weddings and funerals;
Chris , Doreen , Jacqui , Jean , Salomë and Sarah for reading the Bible and leading prayers earlier in the year, when all services were recorded; and
Emily Marlton (supported by her family) for raising thousands of pounds for the Parish, the Children’s Society and Noah’s ark Nursery in Machakos!
After closing St. Gabriel’s for the Second Lockdown in December 2020, we continued with our recorded services, which were scheduled to go out on YouTube at 11.15am on Sunday mornings. We reopened St. Gabriel’s on Easter Day (4[th] April 2021) for Holy Communion at 9.30am, and continued the 11.15am recorded services until Sunday 1[st] August 2021 when we restarted the “For all the Church Family” service, which was simultaneously live streamed.
Throughout, we have continued to have the Evening Service live on Zoom from St. Michael’s Chapel, which has given participants the opportunity to “see” each other and to chat after the service.
During the week we have continued with a weekly Bible Study on Zoom and a Midweek Reflection (also on Zoom), which has alternated between Tuesdays and Thursdays, to remind us of the pattern of midweek services at St. Peter’s and St. Gabriel’s before the pandemic.
During the Summer, we had some open air services in St. Peter’s Churchyard, where we were joined by one new person who had moved into the area.
However, although my aim has always been to create a COVID-safe worship environment for everyone in the Parish, and I had not reopened St. Peter’s Church precisely because any sort of social distancing was impossible; there was an adverse reaction from some of the members of St.
3
Peter’s congregation who do not see themselves as part of the Parish of Pitsea with Nevendon.
Some of them made representation to the Bishop and the Acting Archdeacon.
This prompted an open Parish meeting in November where views from everyone could be expressed.
It was a difficult meeting where feelings were running high, but the main thrust was from those who felt that they could only worship in St. Peter’s Church building at 9.30 on a Sunday morning.
My considered response, after discussion with the PCC, was to open St. Peter’s on a Sunday afternoon for Evening Prayer (starting in January 2022), initially for a limited number of people so that we could maintain some social distancing in a small space.
My concern for the Parish was that the first service of the day on a Sunday should be in the largest space – so that the risk of transmission of the virus amongst the congregation was reduced and, also, so that I wouldn’t pick something up in the small church and then pass it on in the next service.
My decision was not well received by some and attendance has been low. However, some new people living near St. Peter’s have started to attend. It remains to be seen how things will proceed.
During the second half of the year, we had limited the attendance at St. Gabriel’s to 30 at first, and then moving up to 50, so I arranged two Memorial Services in November so that we could accommodate everyone who wished to attend. Numbers weren’t great, but many people were still nervous about coming out – especially if the loved one that wanted to remember had died as a result of COVID.
Similarly at Christmas, we live streamed the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve and had two “Midnight” Communion services to spread the attendees and two services on Christmas Day for the same reason.
Our children and young people’s activities are still on hold, and we are not sure when Junior Church will restart. The St. Gabriel’s Youth Fellowship Zoom sessions on Friday nights have dwindled in attendance – ending up with the leaders having a good sing and the Law Family Band doing some nice music – but only for the benefit of those who may have tuned into the recordings. So, somewhat reluctantly, we have stopped for the time being.
However, Northlands Primary School and Eversley Primary School have invited me back in for some ‘live’ assemblies, but we are not yet ready to have them all back in Church.
I have also been invited to commence regular services in Gifford House and Poplar House .
I have continued as Chaplain to Basildon District Scouts and Pitsea St. Michael Scouts , Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts , and have now been nominated as Chairman of the PSM Scout Group. Starting on Remembrance Sunday, we have been able to invite the sections back into Church!
4
I have restarted Holy Baptism on Sunday afternoons in St. Gabriel’s. It should always be in the main service of the Church, but Coronavirus restrictions and social distancing has thwarted that for the time being. I have Baptized 7 children during the year – including our own “Dottie” LynchPalanee, and conducted 4 Weddings – the first one being our gardeners: ‘Mark and Sue clean 4 You’!
I have taken 6 funerals in St. Gabriel’s during the year, and 1 graveside service and burial in St. Peter’s Churchyard. Also, a further 17 on behalf of the Parish have been conducted at local cemeteries and crematoria. I have also presided at the interment of 5 lots of Ashes. From our own congregations - currently and previously – and their connections, during 2021, we acknowledge the deaths and burials of Dil Thomas , John O’Leary ( and Pat Pool in April 2022). We pray that they may rest in peace and rise in glory.
May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind be always at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face; and the rains fall gently upon your fields.
And, until we meet again,
may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Rev. Simon Law
Churchwardens’ Report
The Quinquennial Inspections by John Bailey took place in St. Peter’s church in December 2020 and St. Gabriel’s Church in January 2021. The only matter of urgency was the leak from the dome in St. Gabriel’s.
Churchwardens
Nevendon Community Hall
The Hall has only been used as a Polling Station during the year. However, it has been maintained and cleaning; utility standing charges and insurance paid; water boiler and fire extinguishers serviced.
Doreen Fairman
St. Gabriel’s Youth and Community Centre
The Centre reopened on Monday 13[th] September. Fees were increased across the board.
All groups returning have been instructed to leave windows open for ventilation and to leave all tables and chairs out, for ease of cleaning and sanitizing.;
The boiler and fire extinguishers have been serviced.
As Nevendon Community Hall had not reopened, the Christmas Bazaar was held in St. Gabriel’s Centre.
Sarah Law
Basildon Deanery Synod:
14th September 2021 meeting was held in St Andrew’s Church Wickford “live” The speaker was Jamie Sawtell from Bar ‘n’ Bus
Bar ‘n’ Bus is a Christian charity working with young people throughout Essex, who work with local churches, schools, councils to provide professional community work.
5
A large amount of our work takes place ‘on the street’ with detached youth workers engaging young people in parks, high streets and playgrounds, as well as utilising mobile youth vehicles for outreach sessions.
The news from the clergy of the parishes was concentrated on COVID and how each church within its parish is dealing with it in regard to services.
Simon raised the question that there are no set directives from the Church of England. Many clergy are left to their own decisions via the PCC meetings. There is a need that the Church of England needs to be clearer, as this would alleviate the frustration voiced by many people about the differences from church to church.
Rev. Jane acknowledged, on behalf of the Basildon Deanery, that smaller churches will find it difficult to deal with the risk of holding services
Several clergy (about 5) contributed to how they are dealing with this, which I have set below: Some restrictions are being slightly relaxed, but church and parishioners still need to take care; The need for space when attending is vital; Fewer hymns are sung;
Opening churches and relaxing of COVID rules must and needs to be done gradually; Online still very popular & well viewed;
People must be aware of fellow parishioners’ needs, who are more vulnerable than themselves; Restrictions can’t all be removed.
Emmanuel Church Billericay 17[th] November 2021
Sarah reported that we are encouraged to be more ecological. Mike Power (Acting Archdeacon of Southend) spoke and said that the Diocese is financially much better off than it was last year – thanks to really good work by the diocesan staff, and Mission and Ministry Units and the RAG system (Red, Amber & Green Parish Share payments determine whether you get a new incumbent) have been abolished so that there will be no clergy redundancies – but clergy leaving or retiring are unlikely to be replaced.
Chris Rule
6
Parish of St Gabriel, Pitsea With St Peter, Nevendon
Registered Charity No 1131085
Annual Report and Accounts for the year January to December 2021
1
Parish of St Gabriel, Pitsea, with St Peter, Nevendon Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31st December, 2021
Administrative information
The parish consists of two churches; St Peter, Nevendon, in the north of the parish and St Gabriel, Pitsea in the south. It is part of the Deanery of Basildon in the Diocese of Chelmsford, Essex, within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Rectory Road, Pitsea, BASILDON, Essex, SS13 2AA.
The Parochial Church Council is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1131085). The Parochial Church Council members who have served from 25[th] May 2021 until the date this report was approved are:
| Rector: | Rev Simon Law |
|---|---|
| Churchwardens: | Mrs Ingrid Doggett (St. Gabriel) |
| Mrs Jacqui Moss (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mr David Ridler (St. Peter) | |
| Mrs Christine Ridler (St. Peter) | |
| Deanery Synod Reps: | Mrs Sarah Law (St. Gabriel’s Centre Coordinator) |
| Ms Chris Rule (Safeguarding Representative, | |
| Churches Together in Basildon) | |
| Elected Members: | Mr Paul Hayden (Treasurer) (St. Gabriel) |
| Mr Norman Hiscock (Asst Treasurer) (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mrs Sylvia Hiscock (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mr Martin Gillham (St. Gabriel) | |
| Mrs Doreen Fairman (Nevendon Community Hall | |
| Coordinator, St. Peter) | |
| Mrs Vivian Norma Simpson (St. Peter) |
Structure, governance, and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election.
Objectives and activities
The Pitsea with Nevendon PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church Youth and Community Centre of St Gabriel’s, and Nevendon Community Hall at St Peter’s.
Attendance
The PCC, due to COVID pandemic restrictions, meet regularly on Zoom which was well attended.
2
Electoral Roll
The Parish Electoral Roll stands at 100 persons of which 68 are resident in the Parish. There are 6 new members and 2 deceased giving a net increase of 4
The data held on the roll is treated as confidential and the only items published are a list of names.
Peter Dixon 5/5/22
Rector’s Report for the year 2021
It has been a very difficult and challenging year in the Parish. As the pandemic has worn on and we have weaved in and out of lockdowns and tried to reopen both Churches safely, we have had to deal with a lot of angst and frustration within the Parish and pressure from outside. Consequently, I am very grateful for the support and encouragement that I have received!
My thanks go to the Churchwardens: Ingrid , Jacqui, Dave and Tina and the members of the PCC: Doreen , Martin , Paul , Norman , Sylvia , Sarah , Chris & Norma who have met with me on Zoom and discussed all the issues raised.
Many of you have expressed your support in the most difficult of times, but there are some special thanks that should be mentioned!
Lydia is at the top of the list for filming and editing all of our streamed services;
Isaac , Salomë and Reuben for assisting Lydia and supporting me generally, and for creating some great music for our recorded and Zoom services!;
Sarah , Chris , Jacqui , Martin , Tom , Ingrid & Isaac for checking people into Church, taking temperatures, sanitizing surfaces, and assisting at weddings and funerals;
Chris , Doreen , Jacqui , Jean , Salomë and Sarah for reading the Bible and leading prayers earlier in the year, when all services were recorded; and
Emily Marlton (supported by her family) for raising thousands of pounds for the Parish, the Children’s Society and Noah’s ark Nursery in Machakos!
After closing St. Gabriel’s for the Second Lockdown in December 2020, we continued with our recorded services, which were scheduled to go out on YouTube at 11.15am on Sunday mornings. We reopened St. Gabriel’s on Easter Day (4[th] April 2021) for Holy Communion at 9.30am, and continued the 11.15am recorded services until Sunday 1[st] August 2021 when we restarted the “For all the Church Family” service, which was simultaneously live streamed.
Throughout, we have continued to have the Evening Service live on Zoom from St. Michael’s Chapel, which has given participants the opportunity to “see” each other and to chat after the service.
During the week we have continued with a weekly Bible Study on Zoom and a Midweek Reflection (also on Zoom), which has alternated between Tuesdays and Thursdays, to remind us of the pattern of midweek services at St. Peter’s and St. Gabriel’s before the pandemic.
During the Summer, we had some open air services in St. Peter’s Churchyard, where we were joined by one new person who had moved into the area.
However, although my aim has always been to create a COVID-safe worship environment for everyone in the Parish, and I had not reopened St. Peter’s Church precisely because any sort of social distancing was impossible; there was an adverse reaction from some of the members of St.
3
Peter’s congregation who do not see themselves as part of the Parish of Pitsea with Nevendon.
Some of them made representation to the Bishop and the Acting Archdeacon.
This prompted an open Parish meeting in November where views from everyone could be expressed.
It was a difficult meeting where feelings were running high, but the main thrust was from those who felt that they could only worship in St. Peter’s Church building at 9.30 on a Sunday morning.
My considered response, after discussion with the PCC, was to open St. Peter’s on a Sunday afternoon for Evening Prayer (starting in January 2022), initially for a limited number of people so that we could maintain some social distancing in a small space.
My concern for the Parish was that the first service of the day on a Sunday should be in the largest space – so that the risk of transmission of the virus amongst the congregation was reduced and, also, so that I wouldn’t pick something up in the small church and then pass it on in the next service.
My decision was not well received by some and attendance has been low. However, some new people living near St. Peter’s have started to attend. It remains to be seen how things will proceed.
During the second half of the year, we had limited the attendance at St. Gabriel’s to 30 at first, and then moving up to 50, so I arranged two Memorial Services in November so that we could accommodate everyone who wished to attend. Numbers weren’t great, but many people were still nervous about coming out – especially if the loved one that wanted to remember had died as a result of COVID.
Similarly at Christmas, we live streamed the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve and had two “Midnight” Communion services to spread the attendees and two services on Christmas Day for the same reason.
Our children and young people’s activities are still on hold, and we are not sure when Junior Church will restart. The St. Gabriel’s Youth Fellowship Zoom sessions on Friday nights have dwindled in attendance – ending up with the leaders having a good sing and the Law Family Band doing some nice music – but only for the benefit of those who may have tuned into the recordings. So, somewhat reluctantly, we have stopped for the time being.
However, Northlands Primary School and Eversley Primary School have invited me back in for some ‘live’ assemblies, but we are not yet ready to have them all back in Church.
I have also been invited to commence regular services in Gifford House and Poplar House .
I have continued as Chaplain to Basildon District Scouts and Pitsea St. Michael Scouts , Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts , and have now been nominated as Chairman of the PSM Scout Group. Starting on Remembrance Sunday, we have been able to invite the sections back into Church!
4
I have restarted Holy Baptism on Sunday afternoons in St. Gabriel’s. It should always be in the main service of the Church, but Coronavirus restrictions and social distancing has thwarted that for the time being. I have Baptized 7 children during the year – including our own “Dottie” LynchPalanee, and conducted 4 Weddings – the first one being our gardeners: ‘Mark and Sue clean 4 You’!
I have taken 6 funerals in St. Gabriel’s during the year, and 1 graveside service and burial in St. Peter’s Churchyard. Also, a further 17 on behalf of the Parish have been conducted at local cemeteries and crematoria. I have also presided at the interment of 5 lots of Ashes. From our own congregations - currently and previously – and their connections, during 2021, we acknowledge the deaths and burials of Dil Thomas , John O’Leary ( and Pat Pool in April 2022). We pray that they may rest in peace and rise in glory.
May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind be always at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face; and the rains fall gently upon your fields.
And, until we meet again,
may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Rev. Simon Law
Churchwardens’ Report
The Quinquennial Inspections by John Bailey took place in St. Peter’s church in December 2020 and St. Gabriel’s Church in January 2021. The only matter of urgency was the leak from the dome in St. Gabriel’s.
Churchwardens
Nevendon Community Hall
The Hall has only been used as a Polling Station during the year. However, it has been maintained and cleaning; utility standing charges and insurance paid; water boiler and fire extinguishers serviced.
Doreen Fairman
St. Gabriel’s Youth and Community Centre
The Centre reopened on Monday 13[th] September. Fees were increased across the board.
All groups returning have been instructed to leave windows open for ventilation and to leave all tables and chairs out, for ease of cleaning and sanitizing.;
The boiler and fire extinguishers have been serviced.
As Nevendon Community Hall had not reopened, the Christmas Bazaar was held in St. Gabriel’s Centre.
Sarah Law
Basildon Deanery Synod:
14th September 2021 meeting was held in St Andrew’s Church Wickford “live” The speaker was Jamie Sawtell from Bar ‘n’ Bus
Bar ‘n’ Bus is a Christian charity working with young people throughout Essex, who work with local churches, schools, councils to provide professional community work.
5
A large amount of our work takes place ‘on the street’ with detached youth workers engaging young people in parks, high streets and playgrounds, as well as utilising mobile youth vehicles for outreach sessions.
The news from the clergy of the parishes was concentrated on COVID and how each church within its parish is dealing with it in regard to services.
Simon raised the question that there are no set directives from the Church of England. Many clergy are left to their own decisions via the PCC meetings. There is a need that the Church of England needs to be clearer, as this would alleviate the frustration voiced by many people about the differences from church to church.
Rev. Jane acknowledged, on behalf of the Basildon Deanery, that smaller churches will find it difficult to deal with the risk of holding services
Several clergy (about 5) contributed to how they are dealing with this, which I have set below: Some restrictions are being slightly relaxed, but church and parishioners still need to take care; The need for space when attending is vital; Fewer hymns are sung;
Opening churches and relaxing of COVID rules must and needs to be done gradually; Online still very popular & well viewed;
People must be aware of fellow parishioners’ needs, who are more vulnerable than themselves; Restrictions can’t all be removed.
Emmanuel Church Billericay 17[th] November 2021
Sarah reported that we are encouraged to be more ecological. Mike Power (Acting Archdeacon of Southend) spoke and said that the Diocese is financially much better off than it was last year – thanks to really good work by the diocesan staff, and Mission and Ministry Units and the RAG system (Red, Amber & Green Parish Share payments determine whether you get a new incumbent) have been abolished so that there will be no clergy redundancies – but clergy leaving or retiring are unlikely to be replaced.
Chris Rule
6