# **THE PARISH of RAVENSHEAD in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2023** “We are a worshipping community with a mission to share the love of God” ## **Background:** St Peter’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the parish of Ravenshead the whole mission of the church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is responsible for the Church of St Peter’s, Sheepwalk Lane, Ravenshead and the Centre, as well as St. Mary’s Chapel, Newstead Abbey and is made up as follows:- _Vicar_ Revd. Kate Byrom Curate Revd. Claire Melless [Until September 2023] _LLM_ Kathryn Browne _Minister with PTO_ Revd. Richard Kirby [co-opted annually] _LLM with PTO_ Linda Kirby [PCC Laity Member 2023-2026] _[Lay Pastoral Minister] + PCC Secretary Churchwardens_ Claire Mackenzie [St. Peter’s 2020-2024] Maureen Smith [St. Peter’s 2023-2026] Doreen Barringham (Abbey Chapel) _Treasurer_ Sven Lagerberg [Co-opted for one year] _Representative on the Diocesan Synod_ David Owen [until July 2024] _Representatives on_ Kathryn Browne [until APM 2026] _Deanery Synod_ David Owen [until APM 2026] Claire Mackenzie [until APM 2026] Katie Fox [until APM 2026] _Elected members_ Maureen Smith [2022-2024] Audrey Whetton [2022-2024] Heather Young [2022-2024] Alan Browne [2022-2025] Patrick Griffiths [2022-2025] David Lewis [2022-2025] Helen Lewis [2022-2025] Leta Budden [2023-2026] Jane Griffiths [2023-2026] Christine Richmond [2023-2026] ## **Committees:** _Standing committee -_ This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC in between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. The PCC also receives reports from the following sub-groups: |_Youth, Children & families_|_Worship_|_Homegroups_|_Abbey Chapel_| |---|---|---|---| |_Deanery & Diocesan Synods_|_Choir_|_Communications_|_Ravenshead C of E School_| |_Pastoral_|_Outreach_|_Giving_|_Eco and Green Church_| |_Prayer_|_Centre_|_Health, Safety, Safeguarding_|| ## **Review of the year 2023:** The Annual Parochial Church Meeting in 2023 took place on 26[th] March in the Centre with 38 members present. Revd. Kate Byrom provided cheese and wine for those attending which was very much appreciated and I am sure aided us in ‘getting through the business’. There were 5 vacancies for nomination to fill the laity places and 4 were filled, 4 were to serve for three years and 1 to serve for one year, the latter vacancy was not filled. Attendance of members during the year has been fairly good never quite attaining 100% however only 1 or 2 members missing each meeting. The earlier starting time is helpful and we have a timed agenda which is kept to as well as giving time for full discussion on some very important matters for the church. We have a number of members now willing to begin our meetings with a bible reading and prayer or maybe something a little more creative, but always prayer which starts us off with God at the Centre of all we seek to do. The year began planning the Promise Programme which took place later in the year, alongside information regarding a new Sermon Series Fruitfulness on the Front Line which was based on a book of the same title and aimed to encourage Christians to see their lives as important in the week as well as in Church on Sundays. In March we continued to work towards the Promise Programme, seeking out a safeguarding officer to replace David Owen was raised and Kate gave details of her sabbatical and who would have responsibility whilst she was away for various ministries. The new PCC met in May and the usual appointment of Officers and Appointment of Committees placing new members in the various ministries. Revd. Claire Melless chaired this meeting in the absence of Revd. Kate Byrom who was on her sabbatical and which served as part of her training. In July we earnestly began to look at the heating of the church building and a lot of discussion on this and other fabric needs was looked into. As the finances were in deficit prioritising fabric needs was important so a lot of discussion took place with this in mind. Reports from the various ministries which take place within the church contributed to some of the meetings giving an insight into the richness of all that takes place within our parish and I encourage you to read the booklet which is published especially for this meeting covering these. Other main issues discussed by the PCC have been what it means to be ‘growing wider, younger and deeper’ as a church, all of our policies have been looked at and updated were necessary, Karen Turner was appointed our Parish Safeguarding Officer in September. The Eco and Green team have been active in seeking the PCC support were necessary and papers on Human Sexuality circulated in the light of Prayers of Love and Faith. A working group for this was identified and would meet in the New Year. We meet bi-monthly and as always I am grateful to all those who have diligently written reports reflecting their areas of ministry for the PCC providing us with information and updates giving us an overview of how extensive the ministry at St. Peter’s is. _Linda Kirby – PCC Secretary_ A 10% increase in giving through a Promise Programme led to an increase in revenue however this was offset by an increase in Parish Share and ongoing high energy costs. The Church benefited from a £3000 grant from the Diocese to assist with energy cost increases. Centre revenue increased by over 10% however a high level of expenditure to fix issues with the heat pumps resulted in a deficit for the year. Parish Share was paid in full, and the church continued to give generously to external organisations: |DEC Syria|£268.20| |---|---| |Tearfund|£697.99| |The Beacon Project|£189.25| |Ready Call|£150.00| |The Children’s Society|£668.75| |Angel Tree|£521.67| |**Total**|**£2495.86**| _Sven Lagerberg – Treasurer_ 2 ## **Vicar’s Report:** I hope that you will enjoy reading through the booklet, written by many different members of our church and chapel involved in numerous diverse ministries and compiled by our PCC Secretary Linda Kirby. It is truly heartening to see how much is happening among us and how many people are enthusiastically engaged in the mission and ministry of this parish. Some of the highlights of the year for me would have to include our receiving the Silver Eco Award, which the eco team have driven and helped us achieve. We owe them a debt of gratitude for keeping us on our environmental toes and for pushing us forwards in the care of God’s beautiful creation. The start of Little Fishes is another wonderful highlight. After struggling with various ideas and models for growing our children’s work we now have an established bi-monthly service for pre-school children and their adult carers, with about 15 families engaging with us regularly. One young mum when asked if she attended church answered, ‘yes, I go to Little Fishes’! ## What are your highlights I wonder? 2023 was the year that I had the privilege and pleasure of enjoying a three-month sabbatical and I spent the middle months of the year travelling, reading, walking and resting (among other things). It was a deeply refreshing time from which I returned to find a parish in good hands and flourishing, thanks to you all and the diligent leadership of Revd Claire Melless. Claire was to leave us in September to become a vicar in her own right a month later, in nearby Edwinstowe, Perlethorpe and Clipstone. Having returned to parish life I am convinced that God is doing something new and exciting among us here and I look forward to seeing more of that emerge in the year to come. When looking back over 2023 someone commented how thrilled and encouraged they are, saying, “What a great lot of volunteers we have, adding such richness to the church and its community, we should be proud of all that has been achieved. Thank you, Lord!” All I can say to that is ‘Amen’! _Revd Kate Byrom_ ## **Financial Statement - see separate document:** ## **Churchwardens’ Report on Fabric:** It has been a busy year looking after the building and fabric of the Church and surrounding land, ensuring all is kept in good working condition. Our thanks go to Dave Lewis and Joe Gibson, for doing regular inspection of the Church and grounds, and informing us of any problems they have noticed. Thanks also go to Alan Browne, who regularly inspects the roof and clears the leaves, keeping the guttering clear and avoiding a buildup of water. This year we have repaired and improved the working of the water tower; removed, re-sealed and replaced the clerestory windows; repaired the brick parking area to the front of the Church and repaired the Organ. In November, the lights in the entrance hall and lobby were replaced - making it brighter and more welcoming. All the annual safety inspections have been carried out and were approved when the Quinquennial Inspection took place in the Autumn. T the time of writing, we have not received the written report regarding this inspection. Our big project for 2024 will be reviewing the heating system and obtaining quotes to replace/improve this throughout the Church, we have talked about this for many years as the current system is really not fit for purpose, and we can’t put it off much longer. Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us during this year, the Church building belongs to all of us, and we are very grateful to everyone who quietly gets on and does things around the building so we can all enjoy fellowship together in comfort. 3 ## **Church Attendance:** The average number of adults attending in person in 2023 (including the Wednesday Service, Little Fishes and Sunday@Four) was 109, with 21 children. The average number of views per week for the Facebook live-screen services was 4. _Claire Mackenzie and Maureen Smith - Church Wardens_ ## **Electoral Roll:** The 2024 revision to the Electoral Roll for St Peter’s, Ravenshead and St Mary’s Chapel, Newstead Abbey is completed and is on display for 14 days prior to the Annual Parochial Church meeting on Sunday 17[th ] March 2023. 210 eligible people are included on the Church Electoral Roll. Like the previous year like 2023/24 has been a difficult year with the after effects of covid and the need to encourage membership and inclusion on the Electoral Roll. There have been many changes which are summarised below: Membership at last publication (2023) 210 Deaths -6 Left the Church / District -8 New Members +4 Revised Church Electoral Roll 2024 200 The displayed Electoral Roll in the Church entrance is a sub-set of the full details provided by persons included on the Roll. To maintain confidentiality of data, a detailed copy of the full entry for an individual will be made available on request by the individual or their legal representative. _Allan Rogers – Church Electoral Roll Officer_ ## **Southwell Diocesan and Newstead Deanery Synods:** ## **Diocesan –** The usual business of the Synod was conducted with the knowledge that the financial position was in deficit which would increase during the year inspite of the sale of some assets to reduce the shortfall. However, this did not curtail the positive plans and intentions to maintain and support God’s ministry in the Diocese. There have been 2 Synods but unfortunately, I was too ill to attend the October Synod. My report is therefore based on published documents for that Synod. Reports are received from Finance, Education, Partnership & Mission and Bishops’ Council together with the Bishops’ address (a “state of the nation” report). Major subjects discussed in more detail this year:- - 1) **Safeguarding** remains a central pillar with an increase in the production of guidance and training. - 2) “Growing Disciples Wider Younger Deeper” **this strategic vision was due for revision this year and a task group was formed to collate feedback from the Parishes of “what worked & what didn’t.”** - The conclusion of the review was that, as whole, the principles held, but Parishes should refresh their approach to revitalisation locally. There would be more support by the Diocese rather than the provision of structure and guidance – (a local fit; my words). The Diocese will be looking at the characteristics of disciples: Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage as part of the refreshing process. 4 ## **3) “Living in Love and Faith Project”** The House of Bishops published a short report in 2017 on same sex relationships and concluded no change to canon law or to the doctrine of the Church. However, it recommended a change of tone to make gay people feel more welcome. This was found to be unacceptable to some LGBTQIA+ Anglicans who brought pressure on the General Synod and so the Archbishops commenced a major teaching project which evolved into this project. It is a project (and doctrinal change) promulgated by a number of Bishops pushed through to the General Synod. This is a divisive project which has many already published documents that some Bishops have not accepted. However it still has to be discussed at Diocesan Synod level. The Anglican Communion is widely against this project. There is however some guidance elements that are conducive to bringing LGBTQIA+ Anglicans into church without affecting the Doctrine or the Bible. ## 4) **Caring for Creation** This is a concept well valued by all Christians as we frequently pray to our Creator God. The principle of Stewardship not Ownership, is at the heart of our faith but unfortunately the project originating from General Synod is Net Zero Carbon. _“For the Church of England, being net zero carbon means that the carbon emissions of our buildings and travel will be reduced, to less than 10 per cent of our baseline levels. The remaining emissions will be offset in verified schemes that reduce carbon. That means overall, our buildings and travel will not contribute to rising carbon emissions: their contribution will be ‘net zero’.”_ Motion: This Synod welcomes and adopts the Net Zero Carbon Action Plan. It encourages parishes, schools and others associated with the Diocese, to continue their NZC and Eco work and form their own plans consistent with the Diocesan Action Plan This motion was approved It was quoted “The action plan was not just about the practical elements but was rooted in Christian discipleship and was caring for creation and loving our neighbour.” I did not vote to accept this motion as whilst a Net Zero Carbon Action Plan is a good thing - a) The provision of none carbon based buildings/travel/living/heating etc. always has a negative effect on caring for creation - b) The focus is on carbon emission removal rather than emission reduction and capture. I believe we were given our knowledge to use and protect His creation not to “paper over the cracks”. I hope this gives a flavour of the Synod remit - a bit like Parliament but with responsibilities and no shouting or rude behaviour. Not a place to sit back and nod back to a presenter. Stand up and challenge (or support with a reasoned argument). ## This quote was used by the Bishop… “We don’t need to panic in trying to make ourselves ‘relevant’ as though that is all that matters. People change – we change – when we encounter the living God. _(Dr Jane Williams)_ _David Owen - Newstead Deanery_ 5 ## **Deanery –** Only 2 meetings this year, May and September. The first meeting the guest speaker was James Halstead from the school of Discipleship. He spoke to us about his role and the courses which are run for lay people and how they can become more involved with leadership within their churches. An added item was added by Revd Peter Chantry who spoke about Fossil Fuel and its effects of pollution to the planet. This diocese still has investments in the Fossil Fuel companies to generate an income and it was brought to our attention that this practice should be stopped. We were asked to take this subject back to our PCC with a proposal that this diocese should stop backing these companies. The September meeting was taken up by the above proposal whereby there were two speakers one against and one for the proposal of diocesan investments should be stopped. The meeting didn’t come to any conclusion so therefore asked to come back to the PCCs. In the meantime Revd. Richard Kellett who has now taken the position of Area Dean decided that the usual annual Synod meeting with treasurers would be cancelled whilst a new system was set up for the way our Parish share was to be calculated. _Kathryn Browne [Synod Representative]_ ## **Other Reports: [see separate booklet]** ## **Financial accounts for St Peter’s and St Mary’s – year end December 31[st] 2023** ## **Summary** ## **Cash balances as of 31[st] December 2023** ||Cash Balance| |---|---| |St Mary’s AbbeyChapel|£17,086| |St Peter’s|£69,210| ||| |Centre|£16,095| |St Peter’s Church|£53,115| AAachments: - 1) Overall balance sheet showing total cash balances. - 2) SOFA showing summary of income and expenditure - 3) Detailed income report - 4) Detailed expenditure report - 5) Detailed running expenses report 11 Balance Sheet PAA1xH￿L¢N[lk¢mc(jJM¢&¢￿STPeYfnRAyEN> &￿￿m¢E$HEET*TlI OECEII8ER2D23 2•2J 2•2J CiIRRENT AISErs DebknrS.VI￿ln9d•￿ shOrt￿rrnd•￿tycBF shortmndt￿tyCBF £400 E4.026 £30.426 £300 t3.901 £J5M34 £70 £72B t18.1>) VAT Atttyyjnt VATsttC￿fftt CMdlkYs Jyo 1ffj74 £112JOts FUNDS rtÈiAI FUINJb￿ÉM¢• £1$.1 27 An COmNnIty￿1￿lIfftPFufftd C8F £0 E4.026 £0 £63B t3.901 t2.915 É7.452 NewJknadCh•p £17mb £18.1gJ TOTALFUNDS £MJJ• E112249 21 SOFA- Statement of Financial Activities PARCtHk*LCHURCH COJNCLf*STPrn8RA¥EfésiiE4D 8IATEMENTOFFN4MCk*LACTiwrE8 X13 1022 T• INCOIWGPEXiJRCES 104.3BS fjA5S 2tg 110B41 9.627 10& 102,791 $MI9 109,4IV 8,593 other￿lun&1rY1￿torf￿n8 re￿r¢ Re5nU￿5￿11d ng Reswrcesr*g4n Fuffd 2(bl lOPJ) 2ibl cl 2fi1a 2,È1È 25,796 8,6È3 ng Reg4YJrcesCenke 25.796 7ffj*) 256 3.89 7.17# fflelrorn InvegfftDLI 2(dl •1 12S 24 20 7.829 TOTALWCCWWOREWJRCES 165.523 7A56 174.359 159,341 RESOURCESU¥ED 3(wl 149J14 121M6 fjD3 129N8 693 509 FU￿ ¢Wn F￿nd 3(cl 1*91 Cefitre 24.468 24,488 3(dl 3(dl 67 72 2￿1$ 2,915 272 ,913 22 8,622 172.7#7 -13,456 -13.45$ TOTALREStyJRCES USED 18É. 155.5#4 8J172 NETWCOtIllGI.OjTIX*IGRESW￿Es 21.442 Y.428 4.751 *.462 -2H 18.1>) 112X 18J74 125.a85 TraMtsr•ff￿ 17*• •6J27 7A62 112201 31 Detailed Income re ort *c(*thÈr&sfyJRCE# 7T447 814fts 773L* IJOSO 2617J4 3210 4149 IOZ791 4262 unrobl￿n￿d9I￿nW (En¥￿￿￿) 32JS 51 111lJ 5451 lo4￿9 8619 CaFFund 4102 43F7 S￿4 CENTAÉ ys 1053 Lwn4ohlrn 1123 3M20 1053 r￿ry 391Q 74 1?4JSb 41 Detailed Ex nditure re ort PAR¢XHLILcIIUR¢HWJKLOFITP￿9K1¥E*8Tr DIC￿￿￿202 Ta Tqtsl J RE5CIURCESiI ISodele5 2490 4350 ¥IW AC7TllfE90RECTLYRELATrI610 7HE*f*KOF7HECHVRCH oKrC•￿n sh4f* 102564 110364 *740 7400 184 2 Chuthrunnin$•wg 11155 1150 ytlo iin7 JO10 282$ 3328 J CENTREwnniry J CENTREm&inknnÈn( J c{￿1n￿￿T 165rJ 152 STO 35 15235 5TQ3 3550 509 275 6385 )TO 275 pRyIEy (*wlst 47 4TaD 1034 844 4 &réry 1492 53 Lo4nin*Thl 175101 10542S 1461Y ¥G FUNDPAWIs&PUB￿￿y 24 248 $25 271 369 603 C¥UR¢H WANA13EIIENTSADMWISTKAT 2915 9355 2•2 282 ts34 $26 nkChwge5 67 61 72 706 82tyJ 2915 155591 172787 51 Detailed Church Runnin Ex enses Re ort PAROtML4LCHURtH C+XMCLf*STPETE￿S NOTESTOThE STATEIIENTI%FIIANC￿LAcTFffiE& Ftyth•y••r•nthdS1 D•umbM2•2 RESWRCESUSED 2•23 J(bl1 ¢LERfjYEXPEfisES Vir&rLurn R￿￿1v V•ryèr 21S CNURCII RUNTIWIGEXPEIISES zzss HSOI&IWht ￿￿rANc￿ 212 Fir• 254 11155 CEMTRERLIMN14GEYPENSES 3179 6768 HSOl&lwht ￿￿rANc￿ 10$16 732 213 770 U7 359 Fir• saktyknni T•kTphon•8Madbu 628 673 Fund ￿1￿￿￿¥1$ V4¢b¢ ndfftèÈ 725 10573 1523S $VMDRY h￿W￿lI1ty Equipthant 428 uffldry 323 1457 ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report** **Report to the trustees/** Charity Name St Peters PCC Ravenshead **members of On accounts for the year** 31 December 2023 **Charity no ended (if any) Set out on pages** 1-6 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2022. **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation **basis of report** of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. _R A J Bowes_ 11/3/2024 **Name:** Rebecca Bowes **Relevant professional** FCCA **qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:** 1 Misterton Crescent Ravenshead Nottingham NG15 9AX **October 2018** **IER** 1 **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . **October 2018** **IER** 2