2021-12-31-accounts

Parish of Woodford Green: Saint Barnabas

(Parish Code: 07.20; Registered Charity 1132761) Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 7HX

PAPERS FOR

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

together with

THE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2021

Annual Parochial Church Meeting Fifth Sunday of Easter, 15 May 2022

Parish of Woodford Green: Saint Barnabas

(Parish Code: 07.20; Registered Charity 1132761)

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Fifth Sunday of Easter, 15 May 2022 at 11:00 am

AGENDA

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

1. Approve the Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting held on 23 May 2021.

2. Elect Churchwardens

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

1. Apologies for Absence.

2. Approve the Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 23 May 2021.

3. Elect 6 Parochial representatives to the Parochial Church Council.

4. Elect 2 Parochial representatives the Deanery Synod.

5. Adopt the Revised Electoral Roll.

6. Receive the independently examined and approved Financial Statements and PCC Reports for the year ending on the 31st of December 2021.

7. Appoint Independent Examiner.

8. Receive the Report on the fabric, goods, and ornaments of the church.

9. Receive Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod and other matters of parochial or general Church interest.

(This agenda is in accordance with the Church Representation Rules 2020).

There will be an extraordinary meeting of the Parochial Church Council immediately after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for the purpose of electing officers of the Council.

NOTES: 1. The Church Representation Rules 2020 has replaced the previous Rules established in 1969 and amended numerous times over the following fifty years. The new Rules aim to simplify local church governance and enable parishes to adapt the rules to best serve ministry and mission in their contexts. In addition, the new Rules are also designed:

• to be compliant with recent data protection legislation

• to provide for electronic communication

• to ensure better representation of mission initiatives in the Church’s structures

• to enable PCCs to do business by correspondence.

• The annual parochial church meeting must now be held between 1 January and 31 May (rather than 30 April): see Rule M1.

• The annual meeting no longer appoints sidesmen; they are now appointed by the PCC: see Rule M6(6).

• A person who is elected in 2020 or subsequently to serve as a lay member of a deanery synod is limited to two successive terms of office. Having served two successive terms, the person is ineligible for election for the next three-year term before becoming eligible again. But the annual meeting may pass a resolution disapplying the limit on the number of terms which may be served by lay members elected by the parish to the deanery synod. The term limit does not apply to any term of office which began before 2020 and will therefore not become material until the deanery synod elections in 2026. See Rule M8(5) to (7).

ST BARNABAS WOODFORD GREEN PCC Registered Charity 1132761

REPORTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL for the year ended 31 December 2021.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

St Barnabas Church Woodford Green is a parish church of the Church of England and is situated in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, Essex. The parish itself is within the Deanery of Redbridge and the Diocese of Chelmsford. The parish is affiliated with Forward in Faith and is a member of the Society of Saint Wilfrid and Saint Hilda.

The correspondence address is St Barnabas Vicarage, 127 Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 7HX.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is, with effect from 17[th] November 2009, a registered charity in its own right. Prior to that date, it was designated as an ‘Excepted Charity’ under the rules of the Charity Commission.

The business of the parish church is dealt with by the Parochial Church Council (PCC), or the Standing Committee on their behalf, and the day-to-day business is addressed by the Vicar, Churchwardens and Treasurers. During 2021 the PCC met seven times, and the Standing Committee once. The Annual Vestry Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting were held on Sunday, 23 May 2021 in the Church Hall under Covid 19 Diocese and Government restrictions.

The PCC members who have served from 1 January 2021 until the date this report was approved are:

Incumbent	Fr William Obedoza SSC	Chair (ex officio)
Churchwardens:	Mr Treldon Wilson Mrs Patricia Obedoza	To APCM 2022 (from 2020) To APCM 2022 (from 2020)
Representatives on the Deanery Synod:	Mr Keith Lloyd Mrs Bebe Stubbert Mrs Patricia Obedoza Fr William Obedoza SSC	To APCM 2022 (from2019) To APCM 2023 (from 2021) To APCM 2023 (from 2021) House of Clergy (ex officio)
Elected members:	Mr. William Layzell-Smith (Minute Secretary) Mr. Michael Pritchett Mrs. Jane Davies MBE Mrs. Serene Martin Mrs. Diana Russell (Deputy Treasurer) Mr. Andrew Manning (PCC Secretary)	To APCM 2022 (from 2019) To APCM 2022 (from 2019) To APCM 2023 (from 2020) To APCM 2024 (from 2021) To APCM 2024 (from 2021) To APCM 2024 (from 2021)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to enrol on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

St Barnabas Woodford Green PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, in promoting the whole mission of the Church in respect of its pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical needs within the ecclesiastical parish. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church building, the Parish Community Hall, and the Scout Hut

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST

The church and its premises are at the heart of the community and serves as a witness of God’s love, and a beacon of hope, stability, and cohesion in an ever-changing society.

Public prayers and worship are held in the church daily and are open to all. The church is used by the Associated Board of Royal School of Music for music exams. The church is also open to schools for their Religious Education. The uniformed organisations use the Scout Hut for the weekly scouting activities. The Parish Community Hall is used throughout the week by several groups from the community. The church and the halls are also available for appropriate functions such as concerts, recitals, seminars, and training conferences.

The work of the Parish church includes visiting the sick and the bereaved, helping the needy in the parish, teaching and preaching the Gospel and the teachings of Christ through sermons, courses, small care groups, outreach to senior citizens, parents and toddlers, young people, other special needs groups, and supporting other charities in the UK and Overseas.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Revision of Electoral Roll

The Electoral Roll (as of 31st December 2021) stands at 110 (109 in 2020) parishioners, of whom 47 (50 in 2020) are resident within the parish and 63 (59 in 2020) are resident outside the parish.

Church Attendance During 2021

The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way ministry was done. Daily Prayers and Masses were held in the Church and are broadcasted live on www.facebook.com/stbarnabaswg for the benefit of parishioners and members of the congregation who could not attend church. The average weekly/Sunday attendance in person was 3/3 (3/3 in 2020). Attendance at the principal Easter Vigil and Easter Day was 35 (3 in person and 333 online in 2020); Christmas Midnight Mass/ Christmas Day services was 20 (18 and 13 online in 2020).

Three adults were baptised, 11 new members were confirmed, 1 young couple was married, and 4 funeral services were conducted in the church.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC Policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds of £5,000.00, to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet both known and any unexpected situations that may arise from time to time.

It is our policy where practical to invest our fund balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund except for the Investment assets as described in the accounts.

Approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by Fr William Obedoza SSC (Chairman).

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St. Barnabas Church, Woodford Green

Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting Held on Sunday, 23[rd] . May 2021 in the Church Hall under Covid 19 Diocese and Government restrictions.

The meeting commenced at 10.50am with prayers, and a moment of silence to remember the souls of past benefactors, priests, and members of the church, particularly Gerard Stubbert, Peter Luscombe, Fr Alan Cross, Audrey Layzell-Smith, and Helen Reed.

Father William welcomed all to the meeting.

1. Minutes of the AVM.

1) As the Minutes of the 2020 meeting had already been circulated in the 2021 APCM pack Fr. William asked that they should be taken as read. Proposed by Jane Davies and seconded by Bebe Stubbert and were signed by Fr. William.

2) Election of Churchwardens.

Fr. William announced that two nominations only were received namely Patricia Obedoza and Treldon Wilson who were both elected unopposed to serve this coming year. They will be admitted into office by the Vicar as laid down by the Archdeacon due to the COVID-19 pandemic, next Sunday.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.55 am.

Minutes of the APCM

Held on Sunday 13th. 23[rd] . May 2021 in the Church Hall under Covid 19 restrictions.

Present 18 Parishioners, including Fr. William Obedoza who welcomed all to the meeting at 10.55 am.

Item 1) Apologies for Absence from Sue Blackburn, Alan Clark, and Michael Pritchett.

Item 2) Minutes of the APCM held on the 13th. September 2020 having been postponed from the 29[th] . March 2020 due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Having been circulated, only at the meeting, with the APCM pack a few minutes was taken to scan the main points and then Fr. William summarised the Minutes. They were then proposed by Peter Farrier and seconded by Bebe Stubbert.

On Matters Arising a very serious and substantial debate ensued over the form of Ritual presently being used at our Services which had been discussed and agreed upon at the 2020 APCM. Contributors to this debate were Morris Hickey, Wendy Wilson, Julie Crean, Stuart Chillingworth, and Keith Lloyd all of whom expressed disappointment that last years agreed form of Ritual was not being followed and we were again following nearer to a Roman Catholic ritual than our own High Anglican. Fr William advised that the old “Red Book” ritual was outdated in 2011. This was contested by several speakers and Wendy Wilson insisted that Father provide us with proof that this ritual was outdated. Keith Lloyd emphasised that of the many churches he visits as a member of the Guild of the Servants of the Sanctuary, they all use the Red Book service. Morris Hickey suggested that if he wanted to follow a Roman Catholic Service, he could attend one near his home but preferred the high Anglican ritual. He advised that he was not comfortable with the present St. Barnabas ritual, and he wondered if the church is dying, especially in view of the value of the site.

Item 3) Elect Parochial representatives to the PCC. Father reported that we need 9 representatives. One PCC member resigned due to ill health last year, one member passed away this year, and three members are retiring at this APCM. The elected representatives (one newly elected and two re-elected) with the representatives who are still serving their term of office are s follows:

1. Mr. Andrew Manning (2021-2024) newly elected.

2. Mrs. Serene Martin (2021-2024) re-elected.

3. Mrs. Diana Russell (2021-2024) re-elected.

4. Mrs. Jane Davies (2020-2023) still in office.

5. Mr. William Layzell-Smith (2019-2022) still in office.

6. Mr. Michael Pritchett (2019-2022) still in office.

4) Elect 2 representatives to Deanery Synod.

Bebe Stubbert was elected, and Patricia Obedoza was re-elected, both to serve from 2021 to APCM 2024.

Keith Lloyd is still serving his term from 2019 to APCM 2022.

5) Appoint Sides persons. Those elected are:

1. Stacey Gould, 2. Josephine McCarthy, 3. Stanley Jones, 4. Bill Layzell-Smith

2. T-J Flaxton, 6. Serene Martin, 7. Vera Martin, 8. Diana Russell, 9. Juliet Smith,

3. Bebe Stubbert, 11. Gaynair Thorpe.

Proposed by Gaynair Thorpe and Seconded by Bebe Stubbert. Carried with one abstention. At this point Wendy Wilson was also thanked for her role as our Safeguarding Officer.

6) Adopt the revised Electoral Roll. Father advised that we presently have 109 members on the Roll, 50 residents and 59 out of parish. Proposed by Peter Farrier and seconded by Jane Davies. Carried.

7) Annual Report. This document is attached but Morris Hickey complained that it should have been available at least 2/3 weeks prior to the meeting so that it could be studied. He would therefore abstain on the vote, and he also enquired of Father what is being done about recruitment. In response, Father mentioned that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic he faithfully led the daily Prayers and the Mass making himself available to Enquirers which brought Baptism and Confirmation candidates. The Catechism that he does is a form of recruitment that prepares candidates for Baptism and Confirmation. At this point he introduced Andrew Manning a new member who came to the church in 2020 at the behest of his late father to find an Anglo-Catholic church in his area of residence and he found St Barnabas. His twin children are among the 12 candidates of Confirmation (11 from our parish church and 1 from St George’s Barkingside).

8) Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] . December 2020. Father gave thanks to Peter Farrier, Patricia Obedoza and Diana Russell for all their work on our finances. Patricia took us through her report advising that there was not much change in the situation, particularly our daily running costs. Julie Crean pointed out that there was no mention of the payment to our stewards who look after the Music Examination events and customers. In response, Patricia referred to the attached financial statements which details the income from the Music Exams and the payments made to the stewards. The Financial Statements which was approved by the PCC and examined independently by an external auditor are attached in the APCM bundle. Proposed by Jane Davies and seconded by Gaynair Thorpe. Carried with one abstention.

Item 9) Independent Examiner. Mr. Martin Charlesworth, having satisfactorily served us previously, has accepted to serve another year. Proposed by Jane Davies and seconded by Gaynair Thorpe and he was voted for unanimously.

10) Report on the Fabric, goods, and ornaments of the Church. Treldon Wilson took through his report which is attached and mentioned particularly the new Sacristy Doors which have been replaced and installed as required in the last quinquennial report. Treldon asked Bebe Stubbert to report on the current Quite Garden project which she elaborated on. One major point is the part of the garden which has long been earmarked and contributed to for an extension of the Hall. The present rough tarmac and waste ground has to be dug up and replaced with possibly gravel, grass or any other suitable but temporary surface. Morris pointed out that gravel is difficult to walk on especially for the elderly and people using sticks or other walking aids. Bebe is obtaining quotations for presentation to the PCC.

11) Report on proceedings of Deanery Synod and other matters of Church interest. Father explained why it had been necessary to end the 12 noon Mass and also the Deanery decision that the full-time stipendiary post of the Parish of St. Barnabas is likely to be Red rated according to the Archdeacon of West Ham and the Area Bishop of Barking who decided which post is to be replaced or not with a full-time equivalence. The Red, Amber, Green (RAG) ratings is a system which is much debated and opposed by many in the deanery is a proposed solution to solve the lack of resources. The proposal is to reduce the number of fulltime stipendiary posts by 2025. The major cost is clergy stipends, so the Diocese is looking at how to reduce stipendiary posts. The 2025 target has been brought forward and Archdeacons are working with the Area Deans to Red Amber Green (RAG) rate parishes to identify a means by which to cut the number of Full Time Equivalent posts in each deanery.

The post of Vicar of St Barnabas Woodford has been designated as one where it is anticipated that, in future, the incumbent will not be full-time in that parish alone. One way of achieving that would be for the current Vicar or his successor to take on responsibility for a second parish, and maybe even a third, as is common in rural areas. With the departure of Fr Stuart Halstead as Parish Priest, St Alban’s, Ilford is currently undergoing a 3-month consultation period in order for them to consider the option of linking up with St Barnabas Woodford.

Father has been requested to look after two Churches that is St Barnabas and St Alban Ilford which are both Anglo Catholic and unfortunately 5 miles apart. This would put us in the Amber category which means our incumbent would likely be replaced but may have to look after not just 2 but 3 churches, similar to some country practices. Father’s new responsibilities took effect from the 18th of April. This report is attached giving full detail of item of interest to the Church and all the reports from the various Clubs and Organisations attached to the Church.

There being no further business and following Prayers the meeting adjourned at 1200 noon to be followed by a brief new PCC meeting.

Signed:

Fr. William Obedoza Chairman

William Layzell-Smith Minute Secretary

REPORTS 2021/2022

I. REDBRIDGE DEANERY SYNOD REPORT 2021-2022

Every parish church is required to elect at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting lay representatives to the Deanery Synod and together with the Vicar they attend the deanery meetings.

Topics in the last Deanery Synod in 2021 were Parish Share, London Over the Border Grant, Refugee Update, Mission and Ministry notices, and dates of 2022 Synods.

The Parish Share up to September was 20% behind. Encouragement to make best effort to bridge the gap by the end of the year. Diocese running a consultation on Parish Share for a new model. Parish Share will be frozen for 2022.

Update on London Over the Border (LOB ): Grants have been frozen during the pandemic as DBF have used LOB monies to cover shortfall in stipends for the deaneries within the area covered by the grant. Some funds are likely to continue to be used in this way, but in 2022 money will be available for parishes to bid for. These are likely to be smaller in amount than previously offered.

Refugee Update

A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution, and has been accepted by a host country as entitled to protection. While an asylum seeker is a person who has not yet been legally recognised as a refugee, and is waiting to receive a decision on their claim.

Afghanistan is the most recent place in which forced migration has taken place. About 2000 current refugees in Redbridge in bridging hotels. Most, if not all parishes in this deanery will have one or more refugee families living in their accommodation. Each family is entitled to £49 per week. Most were security guards or similar in Afghanistan, many vulnerable and don’t speak English contra the popular perception of many being interpreters.

300 refugees have been resettled through Essex Integration, which is the diocesan refugee agency. 5 houses have been given over to refugee resettlement. There is a current need of toiletries and feminine hygiene products as the minimal income for families doesn’t even come close to covering this basic necessity. Offers of items for refugee families came from Tin in a Bin.

Notices:

New bishop of Barking was announced. St Francis Barkingside is in interregnum – Jan 13th Fr Michael to be instituted as Vicar of St Francis.

A pack relating to the challenge of Carbon Zero is being presented to every parish in the Diocese. Many of these were distributed at the meeting, with the encouragement for PCCs to start conversations about how to further this challenging work at local level. We still need a Deanery Secretary! Any offers are gratefully received.

Dates of next meeting in 2022 : 23rd February, 23rd June, and 22nd November

Patricia Obedoza, Keith Lloyd, Fr William Obedoza SSC - Deanery Representatives

II. PCC MINUTE SECRETARY REPORT 2021-2022

by William (Bill) Layzell-Smith, Minute Secretary.

Attendance records and main topics of discussion at the PCC meetings in the year May 2021/2022.

AVM and APCM (AGM)	Sunday 23rd	May 2021	18	Adults
PCC meetings
23rdMay 2021 10/12		June 2021		NM
14thJuly 2021 11/12		August 2021		NM
15thSeptember 2021 9/12		October 2021		NM
17thNovember 2021 10/12		December 2021		NM
12thJanuary 2022 9/12		February 2022		NM
16thMarch 2022 10/12
27thApril 2022 8/12
Total 67/84 Approx.80%	attendance.	NM = No		Meeting

STANDING COMMITTEE

Due to Covid 19 this Committee met only once in this period. 26[th] August 2021 5/6 plus 2 non-voting guests. Approx. 83% attendance

Main topics of PCC discussion and decision:

May 2021 Meeting: Election of new PCC members and intended dates of future meetings. July 2021 meeting: Safeguarding Policy/Officer, Church Silverware, Tree problems, Parish Share, Quiet Garden, Car Park usage.

September 2021 meeting: Archdeacon’s visit, Safeguarding Policy, Sign Board updates, Music Exams finance, QG, Hall users, Planned Giving envelopes. November 2021 meeting: WiFi connection, Safeguarding, Parish Share, Hall extension, QG, Car Park Border fences, Bell repair.

January 2022 meeting: Hall extension and Licences, Zoom subs, Parish Share, New Parish Architect, Hall usage. March 2022 meeting: Pandemic income problems, Church/Hall cleaning, Bell and fence repairs, Chancel cleaning/varnishing problem, One Churchwarden resigns, New Organ Tuner.

April 2022 meeting: APCM dates, London Bike Ride disruption, Easter Services disruption, QG, Hall cleaners, Bell now working, Peter Luscombe legacy, Parish Share.

The above are some of the main topics covered. There were many other items discussed, both important and less so, too many to list here. It will be seen that some items require several meetings of discussion prior to a decision being reached. This can be mainly due to perhaps the amount of money required to fulfil them and its source or the complexity of the issue.

The number of meetings was considerably reduced during last year due to the Covid and lockdown problems, but despite this most of the issues and points of concern or worry were mainly able to be discussed and resolved.

We are recruiting for Churchwardens and PCC members for this coming year and would appreciate any volunteers for these positions or knowledge of anyone who you consider may be available and suitable.

III. DEPUTY TREASURER’S REPORT 2021-2022

by Diana Russell, Deputy Treasurer

The year 2021 has been once again a very difficult one for us in terms of finances as far as the Church and Hall being closed during the first few months of the year under the Government’s lockdown measures relating to the Corona Virus. However, we have managed to survive yet again for another year, although not without taking care and having the most urgent matters dealt with first and of course offerings from the extra services such as Easter and Christmas and other donations helped a great deal.

Again, this year we extend our gratitude and thanks to all who faithfully continued to support us whether through their Standing Orders, Direct Debits, Planned Giving and Gift Aid envelopes, not forgetting the members of our Congregation who managed to attend some of the services - when possible - and contributing to the Plate mainly on Sundays, your help made it much easier for us to survive.

We pray that this year 2022 brings vast improvements for us and we have noticed that our 09:30 Sunday service especially, is attracting a few new members and hope this will continue and improve greatly.

Let us all use one voice in our prayers for a much better year this year and going forward for Churches in general.

Blessings and Kind Regards

IV. CHURCHWARDEN AND TRESURER REPORT

by Patricia Obedoza

As 2021 began, we were still firmly in the grip of Covid-19, the novel coronavirus that first emerged in late December 2019 and spread around the world in 2020, prompting lockdowns, a global recession and so much upheaval affecting every one of us in different ways. Many businesses could not operate in the usual way and we at St Barnabas we are no different. We could not do our usual fundraising events; we could not always open the hall to rent it out because it was more vital that we prevent and control the spread of infection.

With regards our church beautification endeavours, as you all know, we now have a beautiful garden called ‘The Quiet Garden’ at the back of the Church Hall thanks to Bebe Stubbert and all of you who have selflessly and generously helped in making this project a reality. It had its opening day on September 11, 2021, with Bishop Norman Banks officiating together with clergymen and congregants from different parishes and attended by our MP Ian Duncan Smith, Mayor Roy Emmett, Paul Canal, and many other Redbridge officials.

Another beautification problem we have is the uneven wall that our church boundary fence share with 2A Theydon Grove (in front of the Scout Hut). It has become a bit unsightly. It is now being planned to be repaired, awaiting PCC consent to either: replace the fence with new posts and gravel boards or simply install a new fence line in front of the existing one. Our former churchwarden, Trel Wilson, was the one in communication with this neighbour of ours.

Also, for a long time, our church bell could not be used because its rope was no longer connected to it. Trel Wilson was again spearheading this project of connecting one end of the rope to the bell and rerouting the other end in the church through an upper and lower pulley. Although this work was hampered by bad weather and other unfortunate circumstances, thankfully, together with roofers Dave Sheppard and Andrew Mills, Trel recently finished the repair of our church bell.

As to our Parish Share, all in all, for the year 2021, we paid a total of £30,000.00 out of the required £67,669.00 Parish Share quota allotted to us. That amount, £30,000.00, constitutes almost 45% of what was required of us, and as that may not be comparably bad, we could aspire to raise that rate to 50% of the parish quota this 2022.

With regards the Quinquennial inspections, we were informed of the retirement of Michael Poteliakhoff, our Parish Architect. We are now required to appoint a new parish architect for all future Quinquennial Inspection Reports and Faculty Applications. The next inspection we are looking at is in 2023. So, by that time we should have had appointed a parish architect because an architect or a surveyor should carry out the inspection.

As to 2021 Year-End financials, with the help of Peter Farrier, our former Churchwarden and Treasurer who has been helping and guiding us in Church Finance, the following analytical observations were made:

Overall, the PCC had less income than expenses and this could have resulted because of changing income levels the past year as well as larger Parish share payments made, door replacement costs, and expenses incurred in the Quiet Garden.

The total Church Hall income of £5,185.00 less operational expenses of £4,362.89 left a net income of £822.51, and if this trend continues, it could be soon costing the church a further loss of income just to keep it open.

The Music Exams being held in the church (ABRSM) generated a good net income of £7,046.67 this year and if their rent was not increased the past two years, it is time to ask for an increase.

Overall, we need to economize, be thrifty, be frugal, realize that money is not unlimited.

V. SAFEGUARDING REPORT

by Helen Hopkins

As the Parish Safeguarding Officer, I am happy to report that there have been no safeguarding issues within the church to report on. A safeguarding issue can range from unwanted attention to abuse. It is a wide-ranging issue. My role in the church is to deem what is a safeguarding issue and to escalate the issue and to find a way to resolve it.

We have had three PCC (Parochial Church Council) members undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and all have passed. This is a legal requirement. It means the roles our PCC members take on in the parish can be assured that our PCC members have no history of untoward behaviour.

The church wishes it is a safe place for all. As safeguarding officer I listen to all concerns and encourage any parish member to report a safeguarding issue to myself. All concerns are dealt with confidentially and in a timely manner. If you have any concerns, please email at [e-mail]. I will get back to you in 24 hours.

VI. THE PARISH COMMUNITY HALL REPORT 2021-2022

by Jane Davies, Hall Manager

The hall is getting back to normal, whatever that is after two years of covid when we were either instructed to close the use of halls or the clubs themselves said that they wanted clubs to stop running.

We had been lucky to have these clubs running at the church for so many years.

The PCC looked critically at the income from the hall, and it was agreed that we needed to improve activity as we had lost the majority of clubs. In fact we were left with just three of our long-term sessions.

Our hall is attractive to many clubs who have been looking for new premises, so one could say that we were in the right place with the right commodity at the right time.

As Father would say God was on our side.

The following new clubs have joined us. Scottish dancing, CycleMeTots, Keep Fit.

Tumble tots join us in June. Tai Chi have recently joined us after two years rest.

In short, we are collecting approximately £1500 per month. In addition we have some regular users of the hall for quiz nights and Father organises parties at the weekend.

We have set up new cleaning arrangements and with much joy report that the luncheon Club has returned. We also offer accommodation for Outreach work for an agency called 1NE.

VII. VICAR / PCC CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2021-2022

by Fr. William Obedoza SSC

St Barnabas Woodford is affiliated to The Society under the patronage of S Wilfrid and S Hilda, and is registered as a Forward in Faith parish. Because of that, our Parish can be represented in the National Assembly and receive discounts on advertising. In 2019, Stuart Chillingworth and I represented our Parish in the National Assembly as delegates. There were no National Assemblies in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Reminder of what we believe:

• We are committed to the catholic faith as the Church of England received it, and to proclaiming it afresh in this generation.

• We uphold catholic order and the catholic doctrine of the Sacraments, and in particular the threefold ministry in historic succession, which the Church of England shares with the Church throughout the world and across the ages.

• We long for the visible unity of Christ’s Church, and especially for communion between the Church of England and the rest of the Western Church.

For these reasons, we are unable in conscience to accept the ordination of women priests and bishops.

We have our own bishop, the Rt Revd Norman Banks SSC, who provides episcopal care and oversight to Anglican Catholic parishes like St Barnabas Woodford. We were the last church he visited on 3 March 2020 before the first national lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic. And we are the first one he visited on 3 June 2021 when the restrictions were lifted. He confirmed 11 new members in 2021. With the Bishop’s Norman’s direction, I was assigned to help St Alban’s Ilford from18 April 2021. Fr Reg Bushau SSC covers one Sunday Mass a month while I do the rest of the Sundays. We had to cease our 12 noon Sunday Mass in St Barnabas for me to be able to cover their Sunday Mass which they have adjusted to 11:15 am.

In 2021 I baptised 3 adults, married 1 couple, and sadly conducted 4 funerals (non-Covid deaths). Coming from St Alban’s Ilford, I delivered the Weekly Updates and Pew sheets to church members who could not come to church. These are also sent via email weekly to our church members.

Our scheduled daily Church Services conducted in the church were broadcasted every day on www.facebook.com/stbarnabaswg

Fr Reg Bushau SSC faithfully assisted me in offering the prayers and the Mass. He covered Monday and some Sundays. We use our mobile phones to stream live the church services.

Through your donations in cash and in kinds, we were able to set up a small food bank and gave food parcels to needy individuals in our parish and occasionally emergency money to help them with emergency gas, electricity, and travel. At the height of the pandemic we also gave food parcels to families and the elderly.

Thank you for your support and prayers. May God bless you all.

VIII. DATA PROTECTION AND ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT 2021-2022

by Serene Martin, Data Protection and Electoral Roll Officer

On behalf of the PCC, steps have been taken, to the best of my knowledge, to address the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

With regards to the privacy of members of St Barnabas, Woodford Green, we will only hold and use private data for those who have given consent to communicate with them in relation to activities and services offered by the church, only. The PCC has processes in place to ensure all private information is secure and up to date.

Thank you for returning the Electoral Roll forms, although some are still outstanding. It’s a pleasure to see so many new faces, and I hope you continue to come and worship with us and enjoy the Friendship and Fellowship extended to you. Good to hear from Olive Furne, it would be nice to see her sometime. Every Blessing.

IX. CONFRATERNITY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (Ward of St Anthony)

by Stuart Chillingworth (Ward Secretary)

The objects of the CBS are to honour Jesus Christ our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament of his Body and Blood, to pray for one another at the Eucharist, and to observe and promote careful preparation for Holy Communion, including the Eucharistic fast. Our Ward of St Anthony has existed in this parish since 1942. We have not met in the last year for Mass, but hope we shall be able to meet again periodically during the coming year, together with members of our Cell of our Lady of Walsingham.

Fr William is our Ward Superior and there are now only 9 lay members of our Ward, including two, who are postal members ( former parishioners). There is now one member assigned to our Ward from another parish and six who are church members, and all of us are quite elderly. Two of our members, Mr and Mrs Bateman departed this life during the past year. We should like, therefore, and hope that others will feel they would like to join CBS. You can always speak to Fr William or me regarding membership.

X. LUNCHEON CLUB (Senior Citizens Luncheon Club) 2021-2022

by Julie Crean

Luncheon club restarted on 10th September after covid. Numbers were steady. Everyone was pleased to be back. We had a varied menu. We finished with the Christmas dinner which was a great success.

Unfortunately due to me becoming unwell Luncheon Club was again put on hold. We are pleased to say we re-started on the 6th May. I would like to thank all the helpers who have kindly come back. A special thank you to Sue Tonkin who has decided to step aside, but may help occasionally. She has been very dedicated for the last 8 years.

XI. ABRSM MUSIC EXAMS REPORT 2021-2022

by Julie Crean

Music exams have Been fully operational since June 2021 after covid. I still have a good reliable team. The examiners always say how accommodating we are, and how they look forward to coming back. Our next session is in June.

XII. REPORTS FROM THE 46TH EPPING FOREST SCOUTS ST BARNABAS 2021-2022

by Group Scout Leader David Gaylor and Section Leaders Emma Taylor & Richard Burton

1. BEAVERS COLONY

by Emma Taylor

We have 18 in the Beavers at the moment who have been enjoying a varied programme of pond dipping, games, crafting cards, voting of badges, building space packs, singing around the 'campfire' and most recently having an away day at the Cub/Scout camp.

We are looking forward to increasing the size of Beavers thanks to the addition of a new assistant leader in the coming weeks to join Lynne and me. We have a great supportive parent base who help each week as well, and even come in and talk to us about their jobs. We had the local authority recycling team in, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Friends for Dementia. We will have the Police, Dentist, and hopeful yourself visiting again.

We hope to award two more bronze awards this school year as a few Beavers head up to Scouts.

2. CUB SCOUTS

by Richard Burton

We Currently have 22 Cubs and regularly have 20 Attending on a Tuesday.

Last term we finished off our Disability Awareness badge with a Visit from A Blind Person and Her Guide Dog, one of our members and his Family are def so taught us some Sign Language and we also did the Grand Howl in Sign we also became Dementia friends with an evening from Martyn from the Alzheimer’s Society, we also did Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and made Mother’s day cards for our Artist Badge.

This term we went Camping over the bank holiday weekend (1[st] time in a few years due to Covid) which was a massive succuss they all really enjoyed it with lots of activities Climbing, Zipline, Fire lighting, Axe and Knife Safety an lots more. We also have a Sailing evening and a Circus skills night booked we are trying to get as many of the Challenge Badges completed this term so the Cubs that are moving up to scouts at the end of term have their Silver Award.

XIII. THE QUIET GARDEN REPORT

by Bebe Stubbert

OUR MISSION

To provide a quiet place in a natural environment for income/fundraising and outreach events in the community.

To follow the Quiet Garden Movement (QGM) core values of hospitality, reflection, and reconnection with nature.

To promote spiritual and mental wellbeing in a safe and natural environment for visitors

To plant seeds of God’s Word in open and receptive hearts by example based on QGM core value of creativity, for abundant harvest and long-term church growth

Summer/Autumn 2021

Following the resolution of various issues on site, the Quiet Garden was successfully launched on 11 September 2021 by Bishop Norman Banks, QG Movement representative and our patrons. The first QG Tea N Talk event on 16 October 2021: Agape Love Feast was led by Rev Kate Hudson, Chair of the QGM.

St Barnabas now owns a QG next to the Hall with opportunity for fundraising and outreach to the community for long term church growth and fit for purpose in the 21[st] Century.

Depending on goodwill, imagination and resources, the QG may slowly or swiftly evolve, guided by the blueprint, or remain as a garden/ asset for the quiet enjoyment of church community and visitors.

LONG TERM PLAN

1. Publicity on internet that QG is open for hire with the Hall along the same booking conditions of Hall lettings to generate income.

2. Discussion and recruiting volunteers for the QGWG Buddies Team as future ministry to be organised by church as long term project.

3. For Example: Volunteer buddies for spiritual reflection ministry, weekly gardening therapy session. When Buddy Teams are up and running, vicars can appraise/supervise regularly according to safeguarding requirements. NB: Future buddies/ volunteers dealing with vulnerable people are required to undergo training and DBS checked

4. To liaise with the Diocese and Redbridge to offer friendship/hospitality to those living in temporary housing with no outside space

SUMMER 2022 EVENTS

Saturday 4 June 2022 - THE 3 BIGS 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm

12:30pm - BIG LUNCH IN THE HALL (Potluck lunch). Outreach community lunch with the Eden Communities project.

1:30 pm - BIG SING IN THE CHURCH (with organist Allan Clay. Sing best loved hymns with our church family/choir.)

2:30 pm - BIG TEA IN THE QUIET GARDEN (donated cakes / finger food). Meet and chat with our patrons and QG team.

LONG TERM STRATEGY WHERE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE

1. Seek - Volunteers to lead and commit to the QG outreach ministry on behalf of St Barnabas

2. Seek - funding and resources from Diocese/Redbridge integration programmes for gardening/wellbeing therapy sessions

3. Set up - bespoke innovative website for the QG (work in progress)

WISH LIST

• Labrynth

Following completion of the Hall extension with suggested feature of a labyrinth design floor, the QG could be a welcoming outdoor venue for open air fundraising events and hiring out to generate extra revenue for the coffers and place of interest for the anxious or curious.

• QG warden in charge.