St Mary and All Saints, The Parish Church of Bingham
Registered Charity Number – 1131217
Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council
For the year ended 31 December 2022
PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS BINGHAM ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022
BACKGROUND
St Mary and All Saints’ PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Rector to promote in the ecclesiastical parish of Bingham, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The aims are stated as: to worship God, to serve the community, to show God’s love to everyone, to care for those in need and to introduce people, young and old, to our Lord Jesus Christ.
The PCC is also responsible for Old Church House.
MEMBERSHIP
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), have been co-opted or have filled a vacancy during the year in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following served as members of the PCC:
Incumbent: Revd Jon Wright Church Army: Capt. Alan Cooper CA MBE Wardens: Mr John Woodman Mrs Wendy Forbes-Buckingham Hon PCC Secretary: Mrs Lesley Black Treasury Team: Mr Simon Kirsop, Mr John Woodman, Mrs Vivien Dyer Representatve on the Deanery Synod: Mrs Kate Gent
Elected Members:
Mrs Vivien Dyer until APCM 2024 Mrs Mieneke Hedges until APCM 2025 Mr Peter Kirkbride until APCM 2025 Mr John Miller until APCM 2024 Mrs Linda Walden until APCM 2025
COMMITTEES
The PCC operates with the help of two committees or groups which meet between full meetings of the PCC:
Standing Commitee
This is the only committee required by law. It has powers to transact the business of the PC between meetings subject to any direction given by the PCC. Old Church House Management Group
This committee considers the financial situation and the maintenance of Old Church House.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
There are currently 87 people on the Electoral Roll The average weekly adult attendance counted during October 2022 was 57. The number in attendance on Easter Day 2022 was 103; on Christmas Eve and Day the number was 195.
There were 4 baptisms, 5 weddings and there were 16 Bingham parish funerals.
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RECTOR’S REPORT
Dear Friends
This year has been a real encouragement as we continued to see signs of growth and welcome new people to both our 9am and 10:30am services post pandemic.
The feedback has been: "that we are a friendly church that has a lovely atmosphere."
I'm extremely grateful to everyone for making St. Mary's such welcoming place.
In March a small team from St. Mary's completed an 18-month course called: Leading Evangelism. This has helped us as a congregation to think more about sharing our faith and praying for our non-Christian friends and family, for example the Pray for 5 initiative, and recent Christianity Explored Course held during Lent.
I'm very grateful to the team who completed the course, and who are now looking at ways of keeping outreach and evangelism at the forefront of our ministry together. This is in line with the PCC's vision of doubling our congregation over the next 5 years.
Although this might sound like an ambitious target, if we all prayerfully introduced one person to Jesus we'd achieve our goal.
Following her licensing at Southwell Minster in October, Wendy Forbes Buckingham has continued to flourish in her role as Lay Minister and been a real blessing to the church both pastorally and through her preaching and leading ministry at services.
Please continue to pray for Wendy as she helps in this supporting role.
The project of removing pews from the back of church in order to make a more adaptable space for children's work, the outreach cafe, and other community events, has taken longer than anticipated.
However, a faculty has now been applied for and we are awaiting further news from DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee).
The Nave Platform has also been extensively repaired due to damage caused by damp. I would like to say a big thank you to Peter Kirkbride, Peter Aldridge, and Steve Oxley for their help with this.
Following the Church of England's recent vote to bless same sex marriage, St. Mary and All Saints PCC has taken the difficult decision not to use such blessings in church.
As a result, we've had to make the even harder decision of withdrawing from joint services with Bingham Methodist Church, due to their policy of conducting same sex weddings.
We are deeply saddened by the withdrawal, but the PCC's conviction is that any change to the definition of marriage is a serious departure from scripture and the traditional teaching of the church.
To quote a PCC member:
"l hope we can still be friends, but we can't be seen to be in agreement with the Methodist Church on this issue."
We know this may cause hurt and disappointment to the wider church, so, if you would like to chat further, please don't hesitate to speak to me or a member of the PCC.
Our Outreach Cafe continues to be a popular meeting place for the wider community, and we have seen considerable growth since it first started.
During the cost-of-living crisis it's also been a place of welcome and hospitality for many, and we've seen several people attend our Sunday services as a result.
On a sadder note, several members of the church family have died over the last 12 months, who over the years have been a real blessing, and will be sadly missed. Please continue to pray for their families.
I would also like to thank everyone for their support over the last year, not least our Wardens John Woodman and Wendy Forbes Buckingham, and St. Mary and All Saints PCC.
As we look forward to the next year, please pray for our continued growth, as we build on the foundations of being a family friendly church, that loves God, Shares Christ, and Serves One Another.
Every blessing,
Jon
REVIEW OF THE YEAR - 2022
The full PCC met 6 times with an average attendance of 83%.
The following matters were discussed and acted upon:
SAFEGUARDING
In January, the PCC welcomed Gill Coult (safeguarding officer) who gave an update of new requirements regarding the Diocesan Safeguarding Dashboard. It was decided that all safeguarding information should be available through our website and that copies of advice and information should be kept in the Rector's vestry. The role of social media was discussed, and the Rector confirmed that only he and one other has access to both the website and Facebook page. Pocket handbooks were to be made available to all, giving advice on what to do, in terms of listening and acting upon disclosures. All PCC members are to complete the safeguarding module, either on-line or face to face. The church is therefore compliant with Diocesan Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.
OUTREACH
The Diocesan initiative inviting churches to reflect on learning/progress regarding growing disciples - Vision Refresh - was introduced by the Rector. A working party was set up to reflect on our progress to date and to complete an on-line form, considering opportunities/needs and sharing our vision in this area. The Rector shared his vision to double the size of the congregation in the next 5 years.
Regular updates from the Leading Evangelism Course, attended by the Rector and 3 others, were given throughout the year. The course has been a great encouragement to us, putting evangelism firmly in our church culture and outreach officially on the agenda of the PCC.
The Thursday café continues to grow in numbers and is known for its hospitality and popularity within the wider community in Bingham. Many regulars come every week and relationships are being built as we continue to serve the Lord in this area.
Bible study groups have been very well attended with up to 12 attending regularly. Members report our church family has grown spiritually because of the teaching received and the discussions had around the subjects studied. One member became a Christian during a meeting.
EVENTS AND SERVICES
The Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth Il was celebrated with a children's Art Competition with a display of entries in church. The church was decorated by the flower group and teas and coffees were served.
Events, times and venues from Churches Together Meetings were brought to us, including Beetle Drive, Big Sing, Quiz and various joint services.
The British Legion decided against having The Remembrance Day Service in St Mary and All Saints and held a meeting in the Market Square instead.
On the death of HM Queen Elizabeth Il, a book of condolence was displayed in church which was signed by many members of the public. This will be archived in the church safe. A reflective service was held on Sept 18th in the evening.
Lesley Black
OLD CHURCH HOUSE REPORT
The groups have returned after the lock down.
Hand sanitisation and covid notices remain for groups to use as they wish and if they feel necessary.
The concessionary groups remain as: 2 Rainbows groups: Guides and Scouts
2 playgroups: Friday and Thursday groups.
Full paying groups are: U3A gentle fitness
Yoga Adult historical dance Art Private ballroom Private karate
Special booking: Bingham Dance School who are booked in 4 days of the week.
Free group: Sunday school 1st monthly
Casual extra charge:
Parties for pre-school and infant age children remain popular and happen on Sundays.
In May we are booked out for voting.
We are missing out on new bookings because we don’t have Wi-Fi.
New caretaker and cleaner are proving to be very caring and helpful: William Plumb and Beryl Price
The halls are currently being repainted by William. This will freshen the halls, but OCH remains in need of updating and under threat of more substantial repairs in the near future.
It would help the congestion outside if the kerb was dropped and parking marked at the front of the building. This in turn would stop the street parking, which causes problems.
Linda Walden Booking Clerk for OCH
CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022 FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
Lightng
In recent years the halogen lighting has been increasingly difficult to maintain. Bulbs were failing more frequently, commercial supplies were being phased out and access to fittings, via long ladder, difficult and dangerous. Consequently, the decision was made to replace halogen by LED.
The newly installed LED lighting is of long life and does not require bulbs to be regularly replaced. It is also much more energy efficient.
Nave Platorm
During 2022 a section of the nave platform was found to be rotten owing to damp and about to collapse. Remedial work was carried out Peter Kirkbride, Steve Oxley and Peter Aldridge. We are very grateful to them.
2023 update: LA Building have replaced a large section and installed a membrane to stop the damp. Grills are to be installed to aid ventilation and new carpet laid.
Rector's Vestry
A contractor will be sought to remedy water leaks.
Rector's Vestry External Door: Peter Kirkbride and Peter Aldridge refitted door frame.
Churchyard
Planned work on Lychgate ironwork: MS Higginbotham's quotation has been approved by Friends of Bingham Parish Church. The work will be carried out when weather is suitable. John Woodman, Wendy Forbes-Buckingham
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EAST BINGHAM DEANERY SYNOD ANNUAL REPORT 2022
East Bingham Deanery Synod met on February 17th (via zoom), June 23rd and October 20th (via zoom). Although again we met by zoom more than in person, we began to enter a renewal phase as we considered how we emerge from the period of the pandemic. The process of Parish Refresh was launched and, emphasising the importance of prayer, Stephen introduced a regular monthly evening prayer service via zoom. We were then well represented at the regular monthly Diocesan Day of Prayer events established in the autumn to pray for the Parish Refresh process. Revd Rachel Mitchel retired from the Wiverton group on ill health grounds.
We wish Rachel and her husband Sid many years of healthy retirement.
Sadly Colin Slater, who had regularly reported to us in the past on General Synod business, has passed away and will be greatly missed.
Stephen encouraged us to read the standardised reports now circulated by Jubilee House, and to follow General Synod business directly via this General Synod link or Twitter and YouTube. The deanery visited Southwell Minster and shared in a wonderful sung evensong celebrating the festival of Christ the King.
Learning Hub: Jubilee House regularly advertises courses that can be found here 'The Learning Hub' ‒ our own local ones as well as those run by Jubilee House and others. We
were encouraged to explore some of the courses available. Across the deanery we have held a 'Pastoral Principles' course, 'God Story' as well as Alpha.
The Mustard Seed prayer group has been meeting faithfully throughout the year, in winter choosing churches which are already in use during the week so as not to increase heating costs. Coordinated by Lesley, everyone is encouraged to join in these monthly prayer meetings, and to send in any prayer requests to the administrator to share with the group.
The Standing Commitee can co-opt members and is looking for representatives from the benefices Wiverton, Tollerton and Keyworth in order that every benefice is represented. We were pleased to appoint Lesley Haig as our Lay Chair, and she and she looks forward to getting to developing her role in the coming year. Unfortunately, Anne Henderson stepped down after having been Deanery Treasurer since 2019, We thank her for her work over those years.
Deanery Share: The Deanery paid E540011 (82.7%) of its overall share apportionment (E652606) in 2022, with 10 parishes (of 28) paying their share in full. This is close to the 83% paid across the whole Diocese, and a smaller percentage than we achieved last year. Stephen stepped in to lead the deanery share arrangements, which were as a result a little later being distributed than is usual. Stephen reminded us there is always enough money for the things God wants us to do, but that we need to discern what that is!
ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH, BINGHAM
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022
This is the first full year’s activities since the end of the pandemic, and this is represented in the accounts by the increase in the income from activities such as the café and the letting of Old Church House.
Whilst the tax efficient planned giving, that is giving upon which can claim tax back, has remained largely the same other planned giving has dropped. We are of course very grateful to all for their gifts.
On the subject of gifts, the great increase shown this year for donations is down to the generosity of The Friends of Bingham Parish Church who kindly paid for the new lighting.
Turning to the expenditure the majority of this has been on the Parish Share which is the amount given to the Diocese towards the cost of the clergy and running of the Diocese.
With regards to the deposit accounts the majority of the general fund will be spent this year on the reordering of the back the church to accommodate the very successful Thursday morning café and similar activities.
The accounts have been independently examined and passed as accurate by David Goulsbra, former employee of HM Revenue & Customs and Grant Thornton accountants.
Simon Kirsop
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
| RECEIPTS | ||||||
| Tax efcientplannedgiving | 24,287.72 | 490 | 24,147 | 530 | ||
| Otherplannedgiving | 471.78 | 116 | 2,326 | 295 | ||
| Collectons | 3920.61 | 1,195.00 | ||||
| Donatons | 13524.06 | 1,410 | ||||
| VAT Recovered | 2932.05 | 0 | ||||
| Gif Aid recovered | 6344.82 | 62.5 | 6,970 | 132 | ||
| Candlestand | 0 | 6 | ||||
| Café & Tea Point | 2183.07 | 625 | ||||
| Grants | 0 | 1,722 | ||||
| Investment Income | 15.36 | 15 | ||||
| Transfers from Reserves | 2,848.07 | 8,158 | ||||
| Weddings & Funerals | 6,542.20 | 4,609 | ||||
| Butercross | 25066.21 | 26,926 | ||||
| Legacy | 2000 | 0 | ||||
| Old Church House | 19,263.97 | 6,299 | ||||
| Totals | 109,399.92 | 668.5 | 84,408 | 957 | ||
| Total Restricted and Unrestricted | 110,068.42 | |||||
| EXPENDITURE | ||||||
| Parish Share | -50,040 | -45,360 | ||||
| MinistryExpenses | -101.55 | 0 | ||||
| Services | -343.5 | 18 | ||||
| Choir & Organ | 0 | -300 | ||||
| Weddings & Funerals | -3191.85 | -2,120 | ||||
| Church RunningCosts | -11,813.10 | -15,447 | ||||
| Mission | -2097.99 | Mission | -1,023 | |||
| Insurance | -5337.15 | Insurance | -4248 | |||
| Gas | -1851.05 | Gas | -3,282 | |||
| Electricity | -1426.69 | Electricity | -192 | |||
| Fabric | -140.21 | Fabric | -2,644 | |||
| Other | -960.01 | Other | -4,036 | |||
| Administraton | -1218.35 | -729 | ||||
| Miscellaneous | -2357.38 | -3,975 | ||||
| Lightng | -14,857 | 0 | ||||
| Butercross | -18851.8 | -20,024 | ||||
| Old Church House | -11814.29 | -11769 | ||||
| Total | -114,588.87 | -91,791 | ||||
| Balance | ||||||
| Balance at 1/1/22 | 6550.16 | |||||
| Income | 110,068.42 | |||||
| Expenditure | -114,588.87 | |||||
| Balance at 31/12/22 | 2,029.71 | |||||
| Reserves(Instant Access Account) | ||||||
| General | Fabric | Bells | Choir & Organ | |||
| 01/01/2022 | 29,068.10 | 24,090.47 | 4,272.19 | 2,188.87 | 59,619.63 | |
| Deposit/Withdrawal | -2,848.07 | 606 | 330 | 60.57 | ||
| Interest | 123.12 | 103.46 | 18.89 | 9.53 | ||
| Gif Aid | 62.5 | |||||
| 31/12/2022 | 26,343.15 | 24,862.43 | 4,621.08 | 2,258.97 | 58,085.63 | |
| Assets | ||||||
| Current Account | 2,029.71 | |||||
| PetyCash | 80.95 | |||||
| Business Instant Access Account | 58,085.63 | |||||
| CCLA CBF Church of England Deposit | 14,383.91 | |||||
| Flower Group | 202.31 | |||||
| Bingham Fabric(Richmond) | 516.54 | |||||
| Bingham Churchyard(Miles) | 67.95 | |||||
| Bingham General Purposes(Miles) | 342.94 | |||||
| Bingham Bell Ringers(Miles) | 135.73 | |||||
| CBF Fi d 13800104F |
516 54 | |||||
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