ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
## **St.John’s Church, Stratford, E15 APCM 2023**
(ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING) 14[th ] May 2023
_(the first Sunday with Reverend Lee and his family in July 2022)_
## **VESTRY MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF WARDENS**
IN CHRISTCHURCH ROOM AT 10.50AM
1. PRAYER
2. ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENS: the nominations were as follows
- a. Richard Aubrey
- b. Tolu Babarinsa
- c. Corin Barton
- d. Bridget Richards
## _**APCM continues during the Sunday morning worship at 11am**_
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
## **AGENDA | SERVICE ORDER**
1. WELCOME
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 22[nd] MAY 2022
4. EXPLANATION OF PROCEDURE AND OPENING PRAYER
5. SONGS
6. PRESENTATION & ELECTION
- Presentation of the Wardens
- Presentation of the Church Electoral Roll
- Presentation for approval of audited account for the year 2022 (attached)
- Election of P.C.C (Parochial Church Council) members
- Election of Sidespersons
- Election of Deanery Synod Reps
- Election of Auditor: Independent Examiner Mr. Peter Morley FCMA
7. A TIME FOR THANKSGIVING
8. SONG
9. REPORTS
- Vicar’s report (attached)
- Auditor’s report (attached)
- Account review for the year 2022 by Sandra
- Churchwardens’ report for the year 2022 by one of the wardens
10. CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO GROUPS
11. BIBLE READINGS
12. SERMON BY YOUNG
13. OFFERTORY HYMN
14. Q & A
## 15. CHAIR’S REMARKS AND COMMENTS BY YOUNG
16. FINAL HYMN
17. CLOSING PRAYER
18. PROCESSIONAL SONG
- _Everyone is welcome to APCM. We are not doing church business but celebrating what God has done at St John’s over the year. Let us give thanks to the Lord._
- _Church Electoral Roll members and those who live in the parish are allowed to vote in the election of Parish Churchwardens if the election is necessary_
- _Only Church Electoral Roll members are allowed to vote in other matters._
- _During Q & A, we may not be able to give you a complete answer to some questions straight away. In that case, we will come back to you soon another time._
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
## **REVIEW OF 2022 [VICAR’S REPORT]**
There was a hymn that my mum used to sing when I was young;
_“Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God hath done…”_ It is from Psalm 103:2, where the psalmist encourages us not to forget all his benefits. Someone says, “When I count my blessings, I find you in everyone.” I think this is true that we can find God through our thanksgiving.
We are having another APCM this year. APCM gives us a great opportunity to count God’s blessings so that we can see what God has done for us and where God is moving us. There are many blessings that we should count, but I would like to mention some highlights.
## _**Highlights**_
I don’t know how you find the interregnum. During the interregnum, I heard many people step forward to fulfil God’s calling and mission at St John’s. Interregnum must be a hard season to go through, and you might have found it daunting from time to time. But you could count the blessing as you look back. You have grown in leadership and in spiritual maturity. I want to say thank you to all the volunteers, lay leaders, PCC members and wardens. In particular, I can’t thank enough Revd Robert for his leadership during the interregnum. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to him and his family when his curacy ended, but praise God that God has placed him in a wonderful parish in All Saints, Newmarket. We will continue to pray for him and his family for their new chapter in their new parish.
Secondly, my highlight of the year is our move to St John’s, Stratford. Both my family and I arrived in Stratford with excitement and trembling. We definitely have been enjoying our new parish, new ministry, new relationships and new challenges. One of our great joys is that my children still love coming to church and joining the ministry. And Youjin also has flourished in her gifts – hospitality and music, not only as a vicar’s wife but also as Youjin, the person God has called her to be. My family want to say a heartfelt thank you to all who have welcomed us into this new community.
There are more things to say, but if I can mention just one more highlight, then I would like to say “People.” Folks, you are awesome, wonderful, generous, gracious and gifted people of God. A church is not about beautiful worship, wonderful vision, or vibrant community engagement. You are the church of God. Without you, the church cannot exist. For the last few months, I found that the more I know you, the more I love my ministry at St John’s. Your passion for worship and generous giving, both financial and time giving, demonstrated via IT Upgrade Giving and volunteer ministries, always moved my heart and made me thank God.
## _**Challenges**_
Our PCC has recognised five main challenges.
- Finance: our finance is very tight due to the decrease in the giving and the increase in bills and the running cost of the ministry. You can find the details in the final account report attached.
- Buildings: we need to reimagine how to use the building effectively for mission and ministry. Our building committee is seeking wisdom and idea on how to use the vacant crypt rooms, redecoration of St John’s Centre, upgrade the AV system and replace the organ in the church. It must be a big project and needs lots of prayers, discernment, and a strategic plan.
- Digital Communication: We need to develop how we communicate with our congregation and the wider communities in Stratford. Praise God that we now have enough funds to upgrade our website and adopt digital communication tools through your generous giving in October 2022. However, we are still struggling with finding the right people with the gifts and passion to pursue this project.
- Team buildings: we have various ministries, but some ministries do not have a clear leadership structure and role descriptions. We need to rebuild and empower each ministry team.
- Children & Young people: the number of attendances has dropped significantly, and we need to revamp the Sunday Club and YPF.
## _**Our Direction**_
I believe that the other side of the challenge is called opportunity. These challenges are opportunities to grow us in mission and ministry. Our PCC will consider and plan a series of fundraising events. But the main purpose is not only making money but also raising fun and building up relationships as we work together. Therefore, I would like to call it Fun-Raising instead of Fundraising. It is not about how much money we raise but how we work together as the people of God.
Using a small screen which I happened to find in the storeroom, has already changed the atmosphere of our worship. We could use less paper. Congregations are more engaging as they don’t need to put their head down to read the sheet. This small change enabled St John’s to host a clergy Well-being event run by the Chelmsford Diocese recently. I want to see St John’s Church becomes a centre of culture and learning. It will make the church more accessible to many.
I had a few meetings with various people to discuss our current website and digital communication. Some changes are coming, and new tools will be introduced. This will make the church more approachable to the local residents, particularly younger generations. And we
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
## **APCM 2023**
may also have a better communication system within the church.
In each ministry team, a ministry leader will be appointed, and a role description will be generated so that whoever wants to explore the ministry will clearly know the expectations and responsibilities – this is a part of the safer recruitment process in the Safeguarding policy. Every month, I will also introduce different ministry groups by interviewing them during the service so that their ministry will be recognised and thanked.
Recently I invited the deanery youth champion to explore YPF. I received her feedback, and I will discuss with the current team how we can revamp the children and youth ministry. There is Gill Carter’s fund available for the Youth ministry, and we will find it out how effectively use them to grow and bless young people’s ministry. I am working with someone to run a possible monthly youth group at St John’s Church. When it becomes clearer, we will make a public announcement soon.
I am very excited by the challenges and opportunities at St John’s. However, we’re just scratching the surface of all that God can do through us. We are just getting a small taste of what it means to thrive as a church. I don’t know about you, but I want more than just a taste! I invite you to feast on God’s blessing in us and through us this coming year! Come, Lord Jesus. Have your way with us. Amen.
_Reverend Young Lee Vicar of St John’s Church, Stratford, E15_
## **Church Attendance in 2022**
- Average Sunday morning attendance in 2022 is around 130 adults and 30 children
- Our Sunday evening service attendance dropped significantly, so we paused the service from November 2022 till January 2023. And our new monthly taster evening service has launched in February 2023.
- The electoral roll on the day of APCM is 192 (last year, 326). We found that the ER hadn’t been properly updated – we still had people who had left the church and the parish in our ER. After the update, the number dropped significantly.
## **Life Events at St John’s Stratford**
- Baptism: through baptism we thank God for the gift of life and in 2022 we had 5 baptisms
- Confirmation: we had one confirmation service in November 2022. 14 candidates from St John’s, among others from different churches in the deanery were confirmedby the Bishop of Barking.
- Wedding/ blessings: we had 1 wedding in 2022
- • Funerals: we conducted 10 funerals in the church building officiated by one of St John’s Church ministers.
## **PRESENTATION OF PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, MINISTRY TEAM AND SIDESPERSONS IN 2023**
## **MINISTERS**
Revd Young Lee (since July 2022) Nick Bryzak (Associate Minister)
## **CHURCH WARDENS**
Tolu Babarinsa Corin Barton Richard Aubrey Bridget Richards
## **PCC MEMBERS**
Chuks Asuoha, Chizoma Onwuka Hannah Thomas-Davies Justine Onu, Folu Fabikun Eon Wade (Evangelism Enabler) Jimi Peter , Lydia Quartey Ihinosen Jane Ajayi, Beverly Slingo Linda Ikenga , Sandra Besson (Acting Treasurer) Ayodele Olunloyo (Deanery Synod Representative) Dolapo Ariyibi (Safeguarding Officer/ Deanery Synod Representative)
## **The followings are invited to be attendance at PCC meetings**
Iris Bryzak (Lay Reader) Sheva Williams (Lay Reader) Dan Scott (Community minister at Christchurch Three Mills)
## **MINISTRY TEAM**
Parish Administrator: Kay Garib Verger: Radcliff Facey
## **SIDESPERSONS**
Alister Probert, Ohi Bare, Grace Barnwell Sylvia Beckles, Millie Benjamin John Bunman, Yvonne Edwards Mike Ibiayo, Daniel Ogbondah Blessing Ogbondah, Sarah Olemoh-Soyemi Justine Onu, Bunmi Opedare, Dola Peters, Jimi Peters Judy Quasie, Bridget Richards, Gideon Ugwu
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
## **MINISTRY REPORT FOR 2022**
We are the body of Christ, called to make Jesus Christ known in our community through words and actions. As one body, we have many parts. And we need each part, whether it is big or small because together we are His Church. This is only a snapshot of various ministries that are currently operating at St John’s. Alongside these ministries listed, of course, there are many other ministries that serve our community behind the scene. I am sorry that we couldn’t include all the ministries here on the paper. We want to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to all our volunteers and ministry teams for their faithful and sacrificial service over the year.
## **1. Building**
## _**Introduction**_
The St John's Buildings Committee is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the building fabric and use of spaces managed and controlled by St John’s PCC. These are:
- a. The St John’s Church building (the church itself).
- b. A residential house ’29 Maryland Park’, near Maryland station. This has historically been used by curates and was vacated by Rev’d Robert during the summer of 2022.
The Buildings Committee has also provided support to Rev’d Young and his family as they have prepared to occupy the Vicarage. The Vicarage is strictly outside the ownership of St John’s Church, and belongs to the diocese, but is captured in this report for the benefit of the church to clarify some previously misunderstood assumptions.
The church grounds are maintained by the London Borough of Newham (‘LBN’) under an agreement between Rev’d Dave and LBN. The exact details of this are currently unknown and need to be explored/understood in due course.
## _**St Johns Church**_
We are blessed to have a magnificent and prominent building that allows our reach to extend beyond Sunday worship and enables us to have a substantial physical presence in Stratford. However, Covid and other reasons have meant that some aspects of building maintenance have been a little ‘behind the curve’. The last year has seen the Buildings Committee find its feet and start to identify and overcome some key matters that needed addressing.
The following are particularly significant matters addressed in the last 12 months:
- Gas Pipework Upgrade – as part of routine gas safety checks by qualified engineers, it was determined that there was an escape of gas somewhere within the building. Our engineers safely isolated the gas and identified that the issues were below ground somewhere beneath the 1990s
- extension. It was established that the most cost effective means of resolving the issue was to run a new pipe above ground rather than below ground (to save the cost and disruption of digging large trenches under the café area. Unfortunately, this was not covered by our insurance and represented a significant cost outlay that was unplanned. We are blessed that the gas issue occurred in the spring so the isolation of the gas had no substantial impact on the comfort levels and didn’t require an extensive hire of temporary heating equipment etc.
- • Crypt Vaults Tenant – During the period, an informal tenancy with a user of the crypt has ended. This represented a source of income from the church, but it became apparent that the former occupier was not as respectful of the church and building fabric as was considered appropriate and reasonable.
- • Organ condition – it has become apparent that the organ is in extremely poor condition and is not viable to repair, with a minimum cost into hundreds of thousands of pounds. At present it is regularly ‘repaired’ using adhesive tape.
- • 1990s Extension Roof – a package of roof repair works are required to the extension to address water ingress. We are in discussions with a builder in order to address this.
- Heating Upgrades/Repairs – due to the age of the equipment, heating issues are becoming increasingly common and require resolution promptly in order to maintain comfort of the spaces for users.
The following are Opportunities that we expect to need to explore over the next 12 months:
- Building Spaces Leasing Review – we are blessed to have a range of spaces within the building that are available for use by our community. Alongside the development of an updated vision, we have an opportunity to review how our spaces can serve our community and bring an increased income for the work of St John’s church; this includes the crypt vaults previously used by the tenant mentioned above.
- • Review of Supply Chain – we need to find a new contractor to work with us. This is currently a source of inefficiency as key people we have previously worked with are no longer available or have new commitments.
In the longer term, we could be considering our sustainability and energy use profile – as a church we currently use a substantial amount of gas to heat the building. As a long term project we should be considering how we address this in order to reduce our environmental footprint and long term bills; particularly if grants are available.
## _**29 Maryland Park**_
29 Maryland Park is a 3-bedroom terraced house near Maryland Station. It has been a substantial period of time since a meaningful refurbishment has taken place
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
and therefore the property is in very poor condition. As a consequence, the Buildings Committee has been considering the extent of refurbishment (and therefore cost outlay) that will be required/is appropriate. We are very blessed that we have a new occupier identified for 29 Maryland Park who has agreed to undertake some limited aesthetic upgrades at their own cost; as part of a 12 month lease.
We should expect that 29 Maryland Park will require substantial investment from St Johns to prepare it for use by any longer-term occupier.
## _**The Vicarage**_
The church should be aware that the internal condition of the Vicarage (painting the walls, changing carpets etc) is the responsibility of the PCC. This was previously incorrectly understood, and it was thought that the whole house was the responsibility of Chelmsford Diocese.
need and to fulfil Jesus’s command to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
The MGC met several times throughout the year to pray for and discuss any changes and updates with our current regular giving and our emergency giving. We had interesting and informative visits from our charity groups CMS, Leprosy Mission, OAC, and also potential new group Open Doors, who gave presentations during the morning services of who they are and what they do.
## _**Things to celebrate**_
Celebrate that we can give support for local based, national, and international causes and projects. Celebrate that we can assist missionaries to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19)
## _**Challenges**_
We have been very fortunate that actually the extent of refurbishment work has been so substantial to the Vicarage, that the Diocese were required to redecorate the walls; the Lee Family also agreed a financial contribution to the flooring with the PCC, but this is not a normal precedent.
Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that within or during Rev’d Young’s time at St John's, funds may need to be made available for some decorative work to address normal wear and tear in order to keep the property in good condition. The previous pattern was to leave the house for very long periods without interior maintenance.
## _**An Opportunity to Get Involved**_
If anyone would like to serve in the Buildings Ministry, please contact the church office. We meet on Teams once a month and discuss issues and progress on matters relating to our buildings. An additional active member or two would be welcome.
With the current living crisis, understandably the amount of giving was down so the MGC’s budget was also therefore down from last year’s figures by £1,812. This resulted in us giving £1,177 less to emergency appeals and using that amount to instead uplift what we were able to give to our annual regular giving charity groups. This still resulted in there being £635 less to give this year to our annual regular giving charity groups so we reduced a small amount from 6 of our charity groups.
## _**How can the church pray for the ministry?**_
Pray for the committee to be effective in their duties and decision making for the benefit of the charities for the Glory of God. Pray for new people to be interested to join the committee to help with its running. Pray for the 2023 budget to be increased from this year so we can once again return to our previous giving figures.
_Sarah Turner Mission Giving Committee Chair_
## **3. Sunday Club**
Prayer for identifying new local and competent small builder would be welcome. One of our challenges is that previously established relationships with those who have worked to undertake routine maintenance work on the church seem to have stalled with people moving on our having other commitments now, so we are seeking to identify a new trusted small builder who can help us with building maintenance activities.
## _Charles Thomas-Davies Buildings Committee Chair_
## **2. Mission Giving**
## _**Introduction**_
In line with the Christian task of giving, St John’s commits 10% of its budgeted offerings to mission giving, along with our support by building personal links and through prayer. It is part of our calling as the Church on earth to seek to bring God’s hope and love to others in
## _**Introduction**_
Our Ethos is Christmas and fun. The children enjoy learning it helps them to become followers of Jesus. They enjoy the bible reading, especially when we act it out in Drama, we also encourage the children to pray together also individually, they are very good. Some children are shy seeing others doing it is encouraging and makes them want to try. We have 4 groups at present.
- The Ark: Aged 1- 4 + Nursery (we lost Sparklers due to not enough children for the group)
- Kingdom Kids: Reception, Year’s 1.2.3
- J Team: Year’s 4.5.6
- Teen Live: Year’s 7.8.9.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
We have had a wonderful year. Our combined classes worked well. From making crafts to watching DVDs based on our bible reading- the children also made
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
## **APCM 2023**
Christmas Cards which they sold to fund their party. It was encouraging to see the children contributing to shaping the type of lessons they would like. Sunday Club celebrates 32 years, and we look forward to many more!
One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to adapt and innovate in response to the ongoing pandemic. We are constantly reassessing our activities and events to ensure that they are safe and inclusive for all our youth, regardless of their comfort level with inperson gatherings.
## _**What do you want to celebrate?**_
We celebrated our birthday every year. We should also celebrate our Leaders and Assistants who make all this possible.
## _**What are the challenges?**_
Keeping them engaged. We’re fortunate to have good leadership. One of the things we do is have a discussion with the children and get ideas. We mix up our lessons, and this keeps them engaged. We need more new Leaders and Assistants, due to people leaving.
## _**How can the church pray for the ministry?**_
Pray for myself and our leaders and assistants and for some new people to join this ministry. It’s such a wonderful ministry, the children enjoy learning and look forward to Sunday Club.
_Bridget Richards - Sunday Club Leader_
## **4. YPF (Young People Fellowship)**
## _**Introduction**_
St. John's Youth Ministry is a vibrant program that aims to nurture the spiritual growth of young people in our church community. Our vision is to create a safe and welcoming environment where young people can explore and deepen their faith in Christ, build meaningful relationships with one another, and serve the community.
Another challenge we face is the need to engage and connect with youth who may not be comfortable or able to attend in-person events or activities. We are exploring new ways to use technology and social media to reach out and connect with these youth, while also maintaining the personal and relational aspects of our ministry.
## _**How can the church pray for this ministry?**_
We would appreciate the church's prayers for wisdom and guidance as we navigate these challenging times and continue to adapt our ministry to meet the needs of our youth. We also ask for prayers for our youth, that they may continue to grow in their faith and be a light to others in our community. Finally, we ask for prayers for our leaders, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and be effective in their roles as mentors and guides to our youth.
_Chukwudi Asuoha - YPF Leader_
## **5. Refreshments**
## _**Introduction**_
The Refreshments ministry serves as an integral part of our church interactions. It brings together church members, new church attendees and even past members in conversation about our faith, politics, personal and other social topics. There is a quote that says: _“Food feeds the belly, thoughts feed the mind, but love is what feeds the heart"_ As a church, our ultimate goal is to love each other as God loves us.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
Over the past year, our ministry has continued to grow and thrive despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. We have adapted our activities to be safe and accessible, such as holding virtual Bible studies and youth group meetings. We also organised outdoor events, such as hikes and outdoor games, to allow for in-person interaction while following safety protocols.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
Over the year, our ministry has seen an increase in the number of men volunteering to serve as part of the Refreshments team. This has been wonderful to see as Refreshments at St John's was previously, by default, seen as the role of the women of the church.
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
We want to celebrate the resilience and commitment of our youth during these challenging times. Despite the disruptions to their normal routines, they have continued to engage in the ministry, participate in service projects, and support one another.
We also want to celebrate the growth and maturity we have seen in our youth. We have witnessed them take ownership of their faith and become leaders within the ministry. It is inspiring to see them step up and serve as mentors and role models for their peers.
We want to celebrate that God has brought us back to being able to worship together in person and share Refreshments together.
## _**Challenges**_
Only having a minimum number of volunteers, which means the same people continuously serve, or we struggle at times to find volunteers some weeks.
## _**How can the church pray for your ministry?**_
It would be nice for the church to pray for our ministry to grow in the number of volunteers and/or we are able to organise things that work in the best way.
## _**Challenges**_
_Judy Quashie_ - _Refreshments Team Leader_
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
## **6. Prayer Ministry**
## _**Introduction**_
Our aim in this ministry is to draw closer to Jesus, to be blessed, to bless others and to help them at their point of need through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our vision is to see more people working for His praise and glory.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
We have had a slow start, I believe, due to the pandemic. Although the coronavirus restrictions were lifted, perhaps some people still felt safer to keep their distance. We have had a refresher training course that included measures for the prevention of the spread of infection. Thankfully things are now moving forward. Four people successfully completed the three weeks training course based on the Book of James and have now joined the prayer ministry team. They have worked alongside existing ministers, listened silently and interceded for those who came to the prayer chapel for prayer when this ministry is included during Sunday morning services.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
The Gazebo Team, as it known in the Church is, comprises members of the Church congregation who are trained to minister in various ways. In the churchyard, we would set up the Gazebo Tent for the purpose of praying for the passerby, serving free tea, coffee and cold drinks in getting a conversation in sharing the gospel message. Last year we did a general survey to enquire certain aspects of religious interest from members of the public. We also offered some prayer with certain individuals in the public.
## _**Challenges**_
Getting the passer-by to stop and have a conversation.
## _**How can the church pray for this ministry?**_
It will be nice to have a prayer team while the outreach is out in the churchyard.
_Eon Wade- Evangelism Enabler_
## **8. End of Month Night Prayer**
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
I want to celebrate the love of Jesus for making this ministry possible and for enabling it to be resumed after the lockdown— a big thank you to Rev. Young for his encouragement. I also thank God for the love and faithfulness of all our prayer ministers and for our bond of unity.
## _**Challenges**_
Firstly, I suspect that one of the challenges we face might be overcoming the fear of getting too close to others, thinking of the spread of infection. This fear might deter people from coming forward for prayer. Secondly, prayer ministers may want to give up, thinking that not many people are coming forward for prayer as they did before Covid. The challenge is to keep on keeping on, and this we do through persistent prayer.
## _**How can the church pray for this ministry?**_
- The church can pray that all fears be removed from all who are prevented from coming forward for prayer because of the thought of becoming infected.
- • Pray that fears will be replaced by confidence, faith, hope and love.
- Pray also that God will work powerfully through prayer ministers so that others may know that we are His faithful servants.
_Sheva Williams- Prayer Ministry Leader/ Reader_
## **7. Outreach (Gazebo Team)**
## _**Introduction**_
Evangelist for St. John’s - Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. KJV Matt. Ch:28 Verse 19-20
_**Vision**_ – Our vision is to become a praying church and to raise intercessors **(1 Tim 1:1-8)** . Prayer is usually the backbone of the church and a house of prayer **(Mark 11:17)** . The vision is to ensure that we raise intercessors that can pray and intercede on behalf of the church, families, community, nation, and world at large on a regular basis.
_**Purpose**_ - The purpose of the end of month night prayer is for a time to meet together in fellowship, to teach and encourage one another in prayer. The aim is to raise and encourage all participants to be a prayer warrior and a facilitator of the bible study.
During the prayer session, we praise and worship God with songs to appreciate the goodness and mercy of God. We thank God for all that He has done in the current month and for all He will do in the next month. We read the bible and reflect on the word; we pray and commit all our plans to the able hands of God Almighty. We intercede on behalf of our church and other churches and ask God to take authority over every challenging situation. We call down the power of God to manifest in our lives, families, church, businesses, careers, community, nation, and the world at large.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
Over the last year we have continued our fellowship via the Zoom platform. We encourage each other to invite family members to join us in our time of prayer. The attendance of the prayer meeting now includes other Christians from other Anglican churches within the Newham deanery and also from other nations across the world. We have Christian brothers and sisters joining us from Ghana, Nigeria, America, and South Africa.
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
## **Increased Boldness and Confidence of members**
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ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
## **APCM 2023**
We have more members that have come out of their shell, they now participate in leading prayer segments, testimony and thanksgiving segment and bible study reflection. This is a delight to see, as I have always encouraged each person to participate in our fellowship, so it is so nice to see the Holy Spirit working in their hearts and giving them boldness to be participating members of the prayer group.
## **Increased Growth**
Our numbers within the group are growing steadily from a time when we were 6 members taking the prayers within the church premises, now we sometimes have up to 15 members during the prayer meeting on the zoom platform. I thank God for the zeal to prayer and the increase in the number of intercessors.
## _**Challenges**_
We still need more of our church members to rise to the task of praying, Jesus prayed, and we should also pray without ceasing, so how can our other members join us?
We currently have members who consistently attend the prayer session, but it would be nice for the whole church to embrace prayer. We normally announce the end of month prayer meeting to the church the Sunday before the Friday prayer meeting and the details of the meeting are in the newsletter for all to attend. We need to think of a way to encourage our members to join us in prayers.
## _**How can the church pray for this ministry?**_
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to lead and direct us aright.
- Pray for the zeal and desire to pray more within our congregation/members.
- Pray for our current intercessors to be bold and encouraged in the Lord.
- Pray for grace for current intercessors to stand strong in this ministry.
## _Ayodele Olunloyo_
_End of Month Night Prayer Leader/ LLM in training_
## **9. Healing Café**
then moved to reading Proverbs, ‘the wisdom of Solomon.’ Next, we studied appropriate scriptures for the season of Lent. This led to all kinds of prayer including prayer requests from the church prayer board. Some weeks we sang as the Holy Spirit directed us. We also had a few fortnightly services in the church.
During the summer, we went on a fantastic outing to Southend seaside joined by a few friends and family. We celebrated the birthdays of members. Our main highlight of the year was the summer outdoor festival. After setting up with the help of some church members, we offered food, music, and manicures to all. Another highlight was our Christmas carol service followed by a four-course lunch, prepared and served by us. Both services were led by Reverend Young, our new Vicar.
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
I want to celebrate God’s goodness, His guidance and His provision in every area of our work. We would like to celebrate the steady increase in our numbers of attendance. And we thank God for the active roles taken by prayer minister and members. Also for the generous monetary donations of our attendees, enabling us to enjoy a cooked meal prepared by one of us every two weeks. These donations also help to fund the cost of birthday celebrations. Finally, we would like to celebrate other church members who have given their time, out of love, to help us on special occasions.
## _**Challenges**_
The challenges can sometimes be dealing with misunderstandings and the need to be careful, always remembering to apply patience, kindness and gentleness, maintaining the love of Christ.
## _**How can the church pray for this ministry?**_
- Pray for us to have the wisdom of God to deal with every situation and circumstance wisely.
- Pray that nothing will discourage us from the work we are called to share.
- Pray that many will be drawn to Christ through the love and care they receive from us.
## _Sheva Williams - Healing Café Leader/ Reader_
## _**Introduction**_
The purpose of this ministry is to reach people in the wider community especially those walking past the church who are feeling lost, lonely or sad for whatever reason. We are there to befriend all in need of help through listening, and personal prayer if requested. The ministry aims to build friendship and growth in Christ through socialising, bible reading, prayer and offering light refreshments.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
Each week, we began with brief stretch exercises, then opening prayer followed by bible reading. We studied many chapters of the Psalms and other books of the bible in relation to the Lord’s prayer and His promises. Following a request from a healing café member, we
## **10. Prayer Walk**
Prayer walks at St John's were started by our former churchwarden, Gill Carter, who saw them as a way of reaching out to our local community with the good news.
Pat Laroque and I meet every month to visit a different part of our parish, delivering cards explaining who we are, our prayers for them and giving our contact details if they want to ask for prayer. We pray for the Holy Spirit to help them to respond. With all the new developments in Stratford, it now takes eighteen months to cover the whole parish and we encounter many locked doors but prayer and a friendly neighbour usually get us in. we believe that the Lord gets us into the places where he wants us to go. We often meet people who do want to
9
ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
**APCM 2023**
talk, and some who just want to argue!
You can all be a part of our prayer walks by, when you see a prayer walk listed on the weekly newsletter, praying for the people we are going to visit, asking for the Holy Spirit to prepare their hearts to respond. Please also pray for any conversations we may have to be fruitful. Thank you for your prayers.
## _**How can the church pray for this ministry?**_
- Pray that God will call more members to gift their time and money to this mission to share the Gospel with the next generation in schools
- Pray that the Holy Spirit enables Young and other leaders at St John’s to build on our partnership by developing relationships with the families from these local school communities.
_Iris Bryzak - Prayer Walk Leader/ Reader_
## _Alice Probert- Faith In Schools Leader_
## **11. Faith in Schools (FIS)**
## _**Introduction**_
FIS aim is for every child in Newham to meet local Christians to explore what it means to follow Jesus today. We do this by partnering with churches (such as St Johns) and schools to deliver high quality Christianity teaching through RE visitor lessons and church visits.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
- Since Sept 2022 to date, we've partnered with St Johns to run 4 school visits for over 270 pupils plus school staff and parent volunteers (1 was cancelled by school due to lack of support adults); we have at least 1 more school visit booked for the summer term as well; many children have never visited a church before;
- supported 450+ Year 1 pupils (aged 5-6) learn about the birth of Jesus at Stratford Churches' 'Christmas Journey' (held at Highway); working alongside 5 other churches;
- hosted 540+ Year 4 pupils (aged 8-9) to have an 'Easter Experience' of Jesus' Resurrection through 6 creative workshops; working alongside 8 other churches;
- training, plans and resources are shared by Faith in Schools to support Young and other lay clergy and volunteers from St Johns to teach pupils appropriately in an educational context;
- Faith in Schools' experienced volunteers (from other churches) supported St John's school visits as needed and where available;
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
- It is great to see new members and young people such as Sarah, Darius, Elnaz and Arnold getting the chance to meet pupils and share their faith during Easter Experience.
- It is great to see Young confidently leading visits and hosting schools in an engaging and interactive way, especially through music. A new chapter for St John's but also something building on Dave and Carol's legacy...
- It is a blessing to know that St John's continues to regularly support Faith in Schools financially
## _**What are the challenges?**_
- Recruiting volunteers from the St John's members - we have none as yet visiting the local schools alongside us.
- Faith in Schools will need to find £70K to continue our work next year.
## **12. Receptionist**
Our receptionists have a very important & responsible role in our building, they are the first person who greets whoever comes through our doors so they need to be polite helpful & remember they are being used in the image of God.
They are doing it for God, not for mankind. Because a variety of people come through our door each day, either to Pray or to go to one of the groups that are meeting here. Everyone always says how helpful and friendly they are, and we want it to be that way always.
We have seven receptionists, not forgetting Bridget, who always helps whenever needed. I would like to thank all of our receptionists for all they do for ST Johns Church I know it is a challenging role, but you can do all things through CHRIST, who gives you the will to do it. I would like to know that when you finish your shift, you go home feeling challenged about how you did on that day.
Rev Young and I are always here for you and will continue to pray for GOD to use you in this ministry here at ST John's Church. All Glory To GOD, Hallelujah. Blessings Always.
_Kay Garib - Parish Administrator_
## **13. Safeguarding**
## _**Introduction**_
The safeguarding ministry as it’s name suggests is to keep the young and vulnerable members of our congregation safe and to ensure that the legal requirements are met as regards recruitment, etc.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
Volunteers were taken through the safer recruitment process which involves DBS checks, completion of application forms, training and referencing.
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
The process for safer recruitment is defined.
## _**Challenges**_
The process is very lengthy and laborious.
_**How can the church pray for your ministry?**_ Wisdom, patience and strength. Also want to pray the Lord will protect us all from any form of abuse.
10
ST.JOHN’S CHURCH, STRATFORD, E15
## **APCM 2023**
_Dolapo Ariyibi Parish Safeguarding Officer_
## **14. Deanery Synod**
## _**Introduction**_
The Newham Deanery Synod is a committee of Newham’s Anglican Churches, comprising Clergy and Lay elected congregational representatives that meet to discuss local and national issues and Diocese of Chelmsford matters. It is an intermediary between the PCC and the Diocesan Synod. St. John’s lay representatives were Sandra Besson, John Burman, Dolapo Peters and Ayo Olunloyo.
Running expenses rose by 22% to £183,643.68 due to the effects of inflation, increased salary costs and the Diocesan Parish Share paid in full at £78,871. These Parish Share payments assessed by the Diocese of Chelmsford, go towards the cost of clergy stipends throughout the Diocese.
During 2022 St John's donated a total of £9,395 to 15 organisations, in line with our Mission and Charity donations policy to allocate up to 10% of giving income to charitable and mission work.
The net result for the year, in the general fund was a deficit of £19,065. Several transfers to and from other funds are shown in the full financial statements.
## _**What happened over the year?**_
At the meeting on 24[th] March, Rev Christy spoke about the Inspire ministry at Westfield Shopping Centre and the great mission opportunity it provides to welcome persons into the space, listen and share faith. After reports on Diocesan and General Synods we had a welcome and Q & A session with newly appointed Bishop Guli who shared some early life experiences that shaped her theological understanding.
At the 13[th] July meeting there was a report on the June Diocesan Synod proceeding and recommendations. Rev Chigor Chike reported on the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Justice which he served on. The new parish share scheme was introduced to explain the model of how parishes would contribute to the Diocesan budget. This share model was developed after consultation with clergy, PCCs and treasurers across the diocese.
The final meeting in November welcomed a new Deanery Secretary, Hazel Thomas. John Meadway stepped down as Treasurer, that post is still vacant. The recently appointed Newham Youth Champion for Anglican churches Jill Duncan was introduced. She hopes to visit parishes including St John’s to offer support and training in developing skills for working with young people.
## _**Things to Celebrate**_
A new feature of our meetings is the opportunity for churches to present good news stories about their parishes to inform others what they are doing and to inspire.
## _**How can the church pray for your ministry?**_
We pray for the Synod representatives who will be appointed for a new 3-year term, that they would make good use of this opportunity to foster closer relationships between parishes.
After three years of accounting for the financial activities of Christ Church Three Mills they are now registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the balance on the Three Mills fund has been transferred to creditors to be paid over to them shortly.
## **RESERVES POLICY:**
Our policy is to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds, (if possible), which equates to approximately six months unrestricted payments. This policy is based on the following factors:
• Church membership is constantly changing within a community with a very transient population. Members' giving is therefore subject to fluctuation.
• Rents received for use of space in St John's church building are also subject to fluctuation because most users are community groups or Local Government departments, and are dependent on funding decisions for continued bookings.
• St. John's has significant liabilities for staff salaries and more recently utilities, and the possibility of heavy repair bills to the building in the future.
The balance in the St John’s general fund at the yearend was £21,420 which is considerably below this target, and a decrease on the 2021 balance of £40,486. PCC aims to restore the balance to our target level with increased fundraising over the coming years.
St. John's has a designated Capital Asset Fund to meet some expected costs for fabric and equipment replacement. At the year-end this stood at £52,000.
## _Sandra Besson_
_Acting Treasurer on behalf of the Finance Committee_
_**More detailed financial information may be obtained from the annual accounts, printed on the following pages.**_
_Sandra Besson- Deanery Synod Rep_
## **15. Financial Review**
During 2022, PCC income from direct giving of £115,750 was £6,687 less than 2021 mainly due to a reduction in planned giving. Rental Income was £49,696. Our IT Equipment donation drive raised £12,915.
11
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
## **St Johns General Fund Income & Expenditure Account**
|_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Voluntary Income
Planned giving: Gift Aid donations
58,751.58
Planned giving: Tax recovered
18,549.44
Planned giving: Other
18,188.02
Collections (open plate)
14,519.20
Donations, appeals etc.
18,657.63
128,665.87
Activities for Generating Funds
-
-
Income from Investments
Dividends and interest includingtax recoverable
683.49
683.49
Church Activities
Contributions for use of Church & Hall
49,696.11
Fees
1,342.00
51,038.11
Other incoming resources
Furlough Income
-
Other
562.64
562.64
Transfers from other funds
Assigned from Housing Fund
-
Assigned from Three Mills
2,594.42
Assigned from Healing Café
210.00|_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Voluntary Income
Planned giving: Gift Aid donations
58,751.58
Planned giving: Tax recovered
18,549.44
Planned giving: Other
18,188.02
Collections (open plate)
14,519.20
Donations, appeals etc.
18,657.63
128,665.87
Activities for Generating Funds
-
-
Income from Investments
Dividends and interest includingtax recoverable
683.49
683.49
Church Activities
Contributions for use of Church & Hall
49,696.11
Fees
1,342.00
51,038.11
Other incoming resources
Furlough Income
-
Other
562.64
562.64
Transfers from other funds
Assigned from Housing Fund
-
Assigned from Three Mills
2,594.42
Assigned from Healing Café
210.00|_2021_
£
£
67,917.04
19,464.85
15,417.10
17,598.74
2,040.45
122,438.18
-
-
28.49
28.49
45,084.37
1,707.00
46,791.37
13,645.44
-
13,645.44
-
-
-|_2021_
£
£
67,917.04
19,464.85
15,417.10
17,598.74
2,040.45
122,438.18
-
-
28.49
28.49
45,084.37
1,707.00
46,791.37
13,645.44
-
13,645.44
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|
|Assigned from Javelin Fund|435.35|-||
|**Total Income**|3,239.77
**184,189.88**||-
**182,903.48**|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
## **St Johns General Fund Income & Expenditure Account**
|_2022_
**Expenditure**
£
£
Costs of generating voluntary income
Giving Envelopes
113.44
113.44
Fund-raising and trading costs
-
-
Church Activities
Missionary and charitable giving
-
Ministry - Diocesan parish share
78,871.68
Ministry - Expenses
4,476.69
Church - running expenses
34,183.02
Church maintenance
5,994.70
Upkeep of services
646.71
Support Costs
1,534.75
Other PCC Property Upkeep (see Housing Fund)
Major repairs (structure) (see separate Fabric Fund)
Salaries/wages/honoraria
47,600.97
Printing and stationery
1,973.27
Administration
1,543.24
Equipment
816.73
Depreciation
4,303.72
Sundry Expenditure
1,698.20
183,643.68
Assigned to Other Funds
Assigned to Charities Fund [R]
10,438.00
Assigned to Building Repair Fund [R]
635.05|_2022_
**Expenditure**
£
£
Costs of generating voluntary income
Giving Envelopes
113.44
113.44
Fund-raising and trading costs
-
-
Church Activities
Missionary and charitable giving
-
Ministry - Diocesan parish share
78,871.68
Ministry - Expenses
4,476.69
Church - running expenses
34,183.02
Church maintenance
5,994.70
Upkeep of services
646.71
Support Costs
1,534.75
Other PCC Property Upkeep (see Housing Fund)
Major repairs (structure) (see separate Fabric Fund)
Salaries/wages/honoraria
47,600.97
Printing and stationery
1,973.27
Administration
1,543.24
Equipment
816.73
Depreciation
4,303.72
Sundry Expenditure
1,698.20
183,643.68
Assigned to Other Funds
Assigned to Charities Fund [R]
10,438.00
Assigned to Building Repair Fund [R]
635.05|_2021_
£
£
103.12
103.12
-
-
-
74,523.36
345.03
20,200.95
6,056.20
615.85
1,397.29
42,836.52
1,458.05
1,007.53
(425.02)
2,151.87
730.54
150,898.17
14,673.34
-|_2021_
£
£
103.12
103.12
-
-
-
74,523.36
345.03
20,200.95
6,056.20
615.85
1,397.29
42,836.52
1,458.05
1,007.53
(425.02)
2,151.87
730.54
150,898.17
14,673.34
-|
|---|---|---|---|
|Assigned to Housing Fund [R]|925.08|709.11||
|Assigned to Capital Asset Fund
**Total Expenditure**
**Deficit for year**
Opening net assets at 1 January
Closing net assets at 31 December|7,500.00
19,498.13
**203,255.25**
**(19,065.37)**
40,486.29
21,420.92|-|15,382.45
**166,383.74**
**16,519.74**
23,966.55
40,486.29|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
## **Three Mills Income & Expenditure Account - Restricted Fund**
|**Income**
Voluntary Income|_2022_
£
£|_2022_
£
£|_2021_
£
£|_2021_
£
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Planned giving: Gift Aid donations
Planned giving: Tax recovered
Planned giving: Other
Collections (open plate)|9,935.00
-
-
1,663.04||5,645.00
-
40.00
664.31||
|Donations, appeals etc.
Grants
**Total Receipts**
**Payments**
Church Activities
Ministry - Expenses
Church - running expenses|33,259.04
44,857.08
1,925.00
1,925.00
**46,782.08**
331.95
9,146.97||17,956.55
24,305.86
1,750.00
1,750.00
**26,055.86**
172.34
4,848.00||
|Upkeep of services
Support Costs|1,191.61
2,733.35||1,699.95
3,906.70||
|Publicity
Missions
Administration
Equipment
Sundry Expenditure
Extraordinary Expenditure
Assigned to Other Funds|2,009.56
5,358.66
506.65
1,335.21
2,210.62
19,835.66
53,874.08||1,532.32
4,030.57
818.32
3,376.84
592.50
-
25,547.66||
|Assign to General Fund|2,594.42||-||
|**Total Expenditure**
**Deficit for year**
Opening net assets at 1 January
Closing net assets at 31 December||2,594.42
**56,468.50**
**(9,686.42)**
9,686.42
-||-
**25,547.66**
**508.20**
9,178.22
9,686.42|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
|**St Johns Capital Asset Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Designated Fund**
_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Assigned from St Johns General Fund
7,500.00
7,500.00
**Expenditure**
Profit / Loss on disposal
-
-
**Excess of Income over Expenditure**
**7,500.00**
**Balance with General Fund**
General Fund Holdings
49,480.02
**49,480.02**
**Historic Costs, to be carried forward**
Computer Equipment
3,154.18
Kitchen
1,914.00
Church (Heaters)
8,600.01
Café
1,600.00
Print Room
5,008.75
Heater - Christchurch Room
7,018.86
Television / Video
1,108.96
Music Equipment
2,714.00
Flat Roof
25,000.00
56,118.76
**Accumulated Depreciation, to be carried forward**
Computer Equipment Depreciation
2,490.71
Kitchen Depreciation
1,831.20
Church (Heaters) Depreciation
8,309.81
Café Depreciation
1,600.03
Print Room Depreciation
5,008.75
Heater - Christchurch Room Depreciation
5,581.87
Television / Video Depreciation
987.20
Music Equipment Depreciation
2,789.21
Flat Roof Depreciation
25,000.00
53,598.78
Opening net assets at 1 January
45,194.32
Closing net assets at 31 December
52,000.00|_2021_
£
£
-
-
-
-
**-**
38,246.28
**38,246.28**
2,864.52
2,328.00
8,600.01
1,600.00
5,008.75
9,892.81
1,108.96
2,714.00
25,000.00
59,117.05
2,397.27
1,665.60
7,608.55
1,600.03
7,529.92
4,863.39
865.40
2,638.85
23,000.00
52,169.01
44,500.00
45,194.32|
|---|---|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
## **St Johns Charities Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Restricted Fund**
|**Income**
Charity Income
Assigned from St Johns General Fund
**Expenditure**
Missionary and charitable giving
**Excess of Income over Expenditure**
Opening net assets at 1 January
Closing net assets at 31 December|_2022_
£
£
-
10,438.00
10,438.00
9,395.00
9,395.00
**1,043.00**
1,174.32
2,217.32|_2021_
£
£
174.32
14,673.34
14,847.66
14,673.34
14,673.34
**174.32**
1,000.00
1,174.32|
|---|---|---|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
St Johns Javelin Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Designated Fund
2022 2021
Income £ £ £ £
- -
Expenditure
Missions - -
- -
Sundry Expenditure
- -
Assigned to Other Funds
Assign to General Fund 435.35 -
435.35 -
-
Deficit for year (435.35)
Opening net assets at 1 January 435.35 435.35
Closing net assets at 31 December - 435.35
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
St Johns Bookstall Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Designated Fund
2022 2021
Income £ £ £ £
Bookstall Income - 20.00
- 20.00
Expenditure
- -
Bookstall Expenditure
- -
Assigned to Other Funds
- -
Assign to General Fund
- -
Excess of Income over Expenditure - 20.00
Opening net assets at 1 January 1,183.50 1,163.50
Closing net assets at 31 December 1,183.50 1,183.50
Parish Housing Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Restricted Fund
2022 2021
Income £ £ £ £
Rental Income - -
Assigned from St Johns General Fund 925.08 709.11
- -
Assign from Housing Capital Fund [E]
925.08 709.11
Expenditure
29 Maryland Park
Insurance 373.63 342.65
Water 379.45 366.46
Repairs 220.00 -
973.08 709.11
Assigned to Other Funds
- -
Assign to General Fund
- -
-
Deficit for year (48.00)
- -
Opening net assets at 1 January
-
Closing net assets at 31 December (48.00)
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**St Johns Building Repair Fund (formerly Fabric Fund) Income & Expenditure Account - Restricted Fund**
|_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Collections in Church (boxes)
1,268.09
Donations, appeals etc.
-
Dividends and interest includingtax recover
0.72
1,903.86
**Expenditure**
Major Repairs
12,160.94
12,160.94
**Deficit for year**
**(10,257.08)**
Opening net assets at 1 January
10,257.44
Closing net assets at 31 December
0.36|_2021_
£
£
2,610.15
-
0.03
2,610.18
-
-
**2,610.18**
7,647.26
10,257.44|
|---|---|
## **St Johns Organ Repair Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Restricted Fund**
|_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Organ Recitals
-
Dividends and interest includingtax recover
89.21
Donations, appeals etc.
127.06
216.27
**Expenditure**
Organ tuning etc.
-
Publicity
-
Organist Recital Fees
-
-
**Excess of Income over Expenditure**
**216.27**
Opening net assets at 1 January
7,352.30
Closing net assets at 31 December
7,568.57|_2021_
£
£
15.00
(7.74)
200.00
207.26
-
-
-
-
**207.26**
7,145.04
7,352.30|
|---|---|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
|**Assistant Clergy Housing Capital - Endowment Fund**
_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Capital Receipts
-
Dividends and interest includingtax recover
1,508.30
1,508.30
**Expenditure**
Capital Distribution
-
Assign to Housing Fund [R]
-
-
**Excess of Income over Expenditure**
**1,508.30**
Opening net assets at 1 January
114,677.74
Closing net assets at 31 December
116,186.04
**Men's Group - Designated Fund**
_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Donations, appeals etc.
60.00
60.00
**Expenditure**
Sundry Expenditure
-
-
**Excess of Income over Expenditure**
**60.00**
Opening net assets at 1 January
3,153.75
Closing net assets at 31 December
3,213.75
**Women's Group - Designated Fund**
_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Donations, appeals etc.
57.24
57.24
**Expenditure**
Sundry Expenditure
62.46
62.46
**Deficit for year**
**(5.22)**
Opening net assets at 1 January
1,122.19
Closing net assets at 31 December
1,116.97|£
-
59.70
-
-
-
£
274.00
-
-
£
-
-
270.00|_2021_
£
59.70
-
**59.70**
114,618.04
114,677.74
_2021_
£
274.00
-
**274.00**
2,879.75
3,153.75
_2021_
£
-
270.00
**(270.00)**
1,392.19
1,122.19|
|---|---|---|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Healing Cafe Fund - Designated Fund
2022 2021
Income £ £ £ £
- -
Donations, appeals etc.
-
- -
Expenditure
- -
Sundry Expenditure
- -
Assigned to Other Funds
Assign to General Fund 210.00 -
210.00 -
-
Deficit for year (210.00)
Opening net assets at 1 January 210.00 210.00
Closing net assets at 31 December - 210.00
Gill Carter Fund - Designated Fund
2022 2021
Income £ £ £ £
- -
Donations, appeals etc.
- -
Expenditure
- -
Sundry Expenditure
- -
- -
Excess of Income over Expenditure
Opening net assets at 1 January 21,821.19 21,821.19
Closing net assets at 31 December 21,821.19 21,821.19
-
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
## **Wither's Fund - Endowment Fund**
|_2022_
**Income**
£
£
Dividends and interest includingtax recove
962.87
962.87
**Expenditure**
Sundry Expenditure
-
-
**Excess of Income over Expenditure**
**962.87**
Unrealised (gain)/loss on investment
4,211.43
Opening net assets at 1 January
40,310.45
Closing net assets at 31 December
37,061.89
**-**|_2021_
£
£
931.61
-
931.61
639.96
639.96
**291.65**
(4,499.35)
35,519.45
40,310.45|
|---|---|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **Statement of Cash Balances and Assets and Liabilities at 31 December 2022**
|_General_
_Three Mills_
_Men's_
_Women's_
_Bookstall_
_Capital_
_Healing Cafe_
_Housing_
_Charities_
_Bldg Repair Organ Repair Javelin Fund_
_Gill Carter_
**Sub Total**
_Assistant Clergy_
_Wither's_
_Fund_
_Fund [R]_
_Group_
_Group_
_Fund_
_Fund_
_Fund_
_Fund [R]_
_Fund [R]_
_Fund [R]_
_Fund [R]_
_Fund_
_Fund_
_Capital [E]_
_Fund [E]_
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
**£**
£
£
_Monetary Assets_
National Westminster
66,976.31
-
**66,976.31**
5,057.62
Cash in hand
200.00
-
20.00
**220.00**
CBF
46,637.83
-
55.43
6,872.07
**53,565.33**
116,186.04
32,006.00
General Fund Holdings
(79,604.44)
-
3,213.75
1,116.97
1,163.50
49,480.02
-
(48.00)
2,217.32
(55.07)
696.50
-
21,821.19
**1.73**
-
(1.73)
**-**
Total cash
34,209.70
-
3,213.75
1,116.97
1,183.50
49,480.02
-
(48.00)
2,217.32
0.36
7,568.57
-
21,821.19
**120,763.37**
116,186.04
37,061.89
Stocks and work in progress
**-**
Debtors
11,585.48
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
**11,585.48**
-
-
Investments
**-**
**-**
Creditors
(24,374.26)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- **(24,374.25)**
-
-
Fixed Assets Historic Cost
56,118.76
-
**56,118.76**
Fixed Assets Acc Depreciation
(53,598.78)
-
**(53,598.78)**
21,420.92
-
3,213.75
1,116.97
1,183.50
52,000.00
-
(48.00)
2,217.32
0.36
7,568.57
-
21,821.19
**110,494.58**
116,186.04
37,061.89|**Totals**
**2022**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**72,033.93**
**72,286.28**
**220.00**
**220.00**
**201,757.37**
**204,003.04**
**(0.00)**
**(0.00)**
**274,011.30**
**276,509.32**
**-**
**-**
**11,585.48**
**13,607.89**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**(24,374.25)**
**(694.31)**
**56,118.76**
**59,117.05**
**(53,598.78)**
**(52,169.01)**
**263,742.51**
**296,370.94**|
|---|---|
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ended 31 December 2022 Registered Charity No: 1132176**
|||Unrestricted Funds|Restricted Funds|Endowment Funds|TOTAL 2022|TOTAL 2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Note|£|£|£|£|£|
|INCOMING RESOURCES|||||||
|Voluntary income|2a)|128,783.11|46,252.23|-|175,035.34|150,002.51|
|Activities for generating funds|2b)|-|-|-|-|35.00|
|Income from investments|2c)|683.49|89.93|2,471.17|3,244.59|1,012.09|
|Church activities|2d)|51,038.11|-|-|51,038.11|46,791.37|
|Other incoming resources|2e)|562.64|1,925.00|-|2,487.64|15,395.44|
|**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**||**181,067.35**|**48,267.16**|**2,471.17**|**231,805.68**|**213,236.41**|
|RESOURCES EXPENDED|||||||
|Cost of generating voluntary income|3b)|113.44|-|-|113.44|103.12|
|Fund-raising trading costs|3c)|-|-|-|-|-|
|Church activities|3a)|183,706.14|76,403.10|-|260,109.24|192,738.24|
|Governance Costs||-|-|-|-||
|||||-|||
|**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**||**183,819.58**|**76,403.10**|**-**|**260,222.68**|**192,841.36**|
|**NET INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS**||(2,752.23)|(28,135.94)|2,471.17|(28,417.00)|**20,395.05**|
|Gross transfers between funds||(9,403.71)|**9,403.71**|-|**(0.00)**|**-**|
|||||-|||
|**NET INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE**||||-|||
|**OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES**||**(12,155.94)**|**(18,732.23)**|2,471.17|**(28,417.00)**|**20,395.05**|
|||||-|||
|Gains on investment assets:|||||||
|on disposal|4a||||||
|on revaluation|4b|-|-|(4,211.43)|(4,211.43)|4,499.35|
|**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**||**(12,155.94)**|**(18,732.23)**|**(1,740.26)**|**(32,628.43)**|**24,894.40**|
|**Opening net assets at 1 January**||112,912.27|28,470.48|154,988.19|296,370.94|271,476.54|
|**Closing net assets at 31 December**||100,756.33|9,738.25|153,247.93|263,742.51|296,370.94|
|||||-|||
## **PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN'S**
## **Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022 Registered Charity No: 1132176**
||Notes|**2022**|**2021**|
|---|---|---|---|
|FIXED ASSETS||||
|Tangible|4a)|2,519.98|6,948.04|
|Investment|4b)|-||
|||2,519.98|6,948.04|
|CURRENT ASSETS||||
|Stock||-||
|Debtors|5|11,585.48|13,607.89|
|Short-term deposits||-||
|Cash at bank and in hand||274,011.30|276,509.32|
|||285,596.78|290,117.21|
|LIABILITIES||||
|Creditors - amounts falling due||||
|in less than one year|6|24,374.25|694.31|
|**NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)**||**261,222.53**|**289,422.90**|
|Total assets less current liabilities||263,742.51|296,370.94|
|Creditors - amounts falling due||||
|after one year||||
|**TOTAL NET ASSETS**||**263,742.51**|**296,370.94**|
|||-||
|PARISH FUNDS||||
|Unrestricted||100,756.33|109,330.65|
|Restricted||9,738.25|32,052.10|
|Endowment||153,247.93|154,988.19|
|||263,742.51|296,370.94|
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds TOTAL 2022 TOTAL 2021 £ £ £ £ £
## **2 .INCOMING RESOURCES**
|2a) Voluntary income||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Planned giving: Gift Aid donations|58,751.58|9,935.00|-|68,686.58|73,562.04|
|Planned giving: Gross of Tax|-|-|-|-|-|
|Planned giving: Tax recovered|18,549.44|-|-|18,549.44|19,464.85|
|Planned giving: Other|18,188.02|-|-|18,188.02|15,457.10|
|Collections (open plate)|14,519.20|1,663.04|-|16,182.24|18,263.05|
|Collections in Church (boxes)|-|1,268.09|-|1,268.09|2,610.15|
|Donations, appeals etc.|18,774.87|33,386.10|-|52,160.97|20,471.00|
|Missions income|-|-|-|-|-|
|Charity Income|-|-|-|-|174.32|
||**128,783.11**|**46,252.23**|**-**|**175,035.34**|**150,002.51**|
|2b) Activities for generating funds||||||
|Bookstall Income|-|-|-|-|20.00|
|Organ Recitals|-|-|-|-|15.00|
|Fund-raising (coffee mornings)|-|-|-|-|-|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**35.00**|
|2c) Income from investments||||||
|Dividends and interest including||||||
|tax recoverable|683.49|89.93|2,471.17|3,244.59|1,012.09|
||**683.49**|**89.93**|**2,471.17**|**3,244.59**|**1,012.09**|
|2d) Income from Church activities||||||
|Contributions for use of Church & Hall|49,696.11|-|-|49,696.11|45,084.37|
|Fees|1,342.00|-|-|1,342.00|1,707.00|
||**51,038.11**|**-**|**-**|**51,038.11**|**46,791.37**|
|2e) Other incoming resources||||||
|Insurance Claim Income|-|-|-|-|-|
|Other|562.64|-|-|562.64|-|
|Rental Income|-|-|-|-|-|
|Capital Receipts|-|-|-|-|-|
|Curates House Income|-|-|-|-|-|
|Furlough Income|-|-|-|-|13,645.44|
|Grants|-|1,925.00|-|1,925.00|1,750.00|
|Sundry Fees|-|-|-|-|-|
||**562.64**|**1,925.00**|**-**|**2,487.64**|**15,395.44**|
|**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**|**181,067.35**|**48,267.16**|**2,471.17**|**231,805.68**|**213,236.41**|
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds TOTAL 2022 TOTAL 2021 £ £ £ £ £
## **3 .RESOURCES EXPENDED**
|3a) Church activities||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Missionary and charitable giving|-|9,395.00|-|9,395.00|14,673.34|
|Ministry - Diocesan parish share|78,871.68|-|-|78,871.68|74,523.36|
|Ministry - Expenses|4,476.69|331.95|-|4,808.64|517.37|
|Church - running expenses|34,183.02|9,146.97|-|43,329.99|25,048.95|
|Church maintenance|5,994.70|-|-|5,994.70|6,056.20|
|Major Repairs|-|12,160.94|-|12,160.94|-|
|Upkeep of services|646.71|1,191.61|-|1,838.32|2,315.80|
|Support Costs|1,534.75|2,733.35|-|4,268.10|5,303.99|
|Publicity|-|2,009.56|-|2,009.56|1,532.32|
|Salaries/wages/honoraria|47,600.97|9,213.84|-|56,814.81|47,406.64|
|Printing and stationery|1,973.27|-|-|1,973.27|1,458.05|
|Administration|1,543.24|506.65|-|2,049.89|1,825.85|
|Equipment|816.73|1,335.21|-|2,151.94|2,951.82|
|Depreciation|4,303.72|-|-|4,303.72|2,151.87|
|Disposal of fixed assets|-|-|-|-|-|
|Insurance claim costs|-|-|-|-|-|
|Missions|-|5,358.66|-|5,358.66|4,030.57|
|Organ tuning etc.|-|-|-|-|-|
|Sundry Expenditure|1,760.66|2,210.62|-|3,971.28|2,233.00|
|Extraordinary Expenditure|-|19,835.66|-|19,835.66|-|
|Payment to Fabric Trust|-|-|-|-|-|
|Extension Costs|-|-|-|-|-|
|Parish Housing Expenditure|-|973.08|-|973.08|709.11|
|Capital Distribution|-|-|-|-|-|
||**183,706.14**|**76,403.10**|**-**|**260,109.24**|**192,738.24**|
|3b) Generation of voluntary income||||||
|Giving Envelopes|113.44|-|-|113.44|103.12|
|-|-|-|-|-|-|
||**113.44**|**-**|**-**|**113.44**|**103.12**|
|3c) Fund-raising costs||||||
|Bookstall Expenditure|-|-|-|-|-|
|Organist Recital Fees|-|-|-|-|-|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
|**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**|**183,819.58**|**76,403.10**|**-**|**260,222.68**|**192,841.36**|
|Unrealised (gain)/loss on investment|-|-|4,211.43|4,211.43|(4,499.35)|
## **4) FIXED ASSETS**
|||Freehold land &|Church||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**(a) Tangible**|_(all unrestricted)_|buildings|Equipment|Total|
|||£|£|£|
|ACTUAL/DEEMED COST|At 31 December 2021|25,000.00|34,117.05|59,117.05|
||Disposal|||-|
||Additions at cost|-|(2,998.29)|(2,998.29)|
||At 31 December 2022|25,000.00|31,118.76|56,118.76|
|DEPRECIATION|At 31 December 2021|23,000.00|29,169.01|52,169.01|
||Withdrawn on deposits|||-|
||Charge for the year|2,000.00|(570.23)|1,429.77|
||At 31 December 2022|25,000.00|28,598.78|53,598.78|
## **(b) Investments**
2022 2021 £ £ Market value at 31 December Disposal at carrying value Purchases at cost - Revaluation (gain)/loss (Withers Charity) 4,211.43
## **5) DEBTORS (UNRESTRICTED FUNDS)**
||2022|2021|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Tax recoverable|||
|Prepayments and accrued interest|||
|Other debtors|11,585.48|13,607.89|
||**11,585.48 **|**13,607.89**|
## **6) LIABILITIES**
||2022|2021|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Amounts falling due in one year|||
|_(unrestricted funds)_|||
|Accruals for utility and other costs|||
|Other creditors|24,374.25|694.31|
|Parish share|||
||**24,374.25**|**694.31**|
Note: Creditors includes £19,835.66 to settle Three Mills balance
**PARISH OF STRATFORD: ST JOHN’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER STATEMENT**
Sunday, 23 April 2023
I report to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St. John’s Stratford (St. John’s) on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the PCC of St. John’s you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of St John’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of St. John’s as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Peter Morley FCMA 51 Chalkwell Esplanade Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 8JH
P.IRlSlI nr STILITFQRD: ST JOIIN'S
FINANI:IAL ST.4TLMLNT% I,"()RI"IIL YE.4R EDED31 DIi:ENIBER 2022
INDEPLNDLN-I. ExAmIL S-1'.4'1'EMLN'I'
Sill]day. 23 .Ipril ?023
I repori 10 rhe Parochial Church Council (PCQ ol Si John's %iriifotd l%t. John's) on mi,
exan]ination of tlie accoiints foi tlie i.ear ended 31 Decembei 202
Responsibilities and basis of teport
,.ls the PCC of %¢. John's iou art resp)t)siblt for ihe prepai?tion ol the accounts ill accordance
th the requJren]ellts of the fj.liarLties,Ict ?011 I'the.4ct).
I report in t¢si)ect of tni. exam0[10 of 8t John's occounts ¢orri¢d out ut)det section 14.5 of the
2011 _Ict and in caiLTriiig uiit n]s." exainiltlO I hai-e fr)llowed all the applicable Ditections
the Chatti!. Commission utsdcr scciion 1451il(bl OE Ihc.Ict.
lthdependetht examinee5 siaiement
I hai'L complctLd m3- Lxaminxtion. I coiifim thai no m£ltctial ItLts hxvL come to ms attcntiotx
In connecijon iiiih the examiniltion giryng tne cause 10 beliei'e that it) ati!r moreryql respect..
accoimting Lecoras ipete nvt kept iii iespect uESt. Julin'¥ as requiied b}. sectir)A 130 of
Ihe.Kcr', or
tlie Account5 do not accord witli those records: or
thc ACCOILnts do nor compl!, iiryth Ihc ApPClI)IC rtquircmcnrs concerrtg thc fom ind
caiitent (Jf accaunts set (Jut the c.harities l-Icc(Junt% aiid Reports) Regulatinns 2008
other than requTrteineiit that the acColt5 giire a 'ttue and Eait rriew Thhich iiut a
mxttcr considercd as piri of an indcpcndcnr cxaminarion.
T h#Tre no concems And hxi'e come across no oihtr matters in connection ll[h the examirtaiion
trj which ottentinn qliau]d be drawn in rq)att iti nrder tn etioble a i?mper undersianditig nf
tlie accounts to be reaclied.
Peter l£orki FCLILI
51 Chalkwell Lsplanade
Xcbtc]ifE-on-Se1
SO 8JH