Agenda for Annual meeting 2024-2025 on Sunday May 25[h] after Mass at approx. 11.30pm in the Church
Welcome by the Chairman
Approval of Minutes of 2023 -2024 (attached in the package)
Matters arising
Apologies
Attendance
Election of Officers
Churchwardens
PCC members
Sidesmen now elected at first PCC meeting following the APCM
Deanery Synod Representatives. No election this year
Reports (Any Questions)
PCC report
Church Magazine Report
100 Club Report
Electoral Roll Report
Parish Safeguarding Report
Social Committee Report
Fabric Report
Finance Report
Deanery Synod Report
Server’s Report
No Chairman’s report because of Interregnum. However, A Report from Fr Jonathan is included.
MINUTES OF ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING SUNDAY 12[TH] MAY 2024 HELD AFTER MORNING MASS AT APPROXIMATELY 11-30AM IN CHURCH
The Chairman Fr. Colin welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Apologies None
Attendance 17 parishioners attended the meeting.
The minutes of the Annual meeting held on Sunday 16[th] April 2023 had previously been circulated to PCC members and were attached to the package of reports which had been distributed to parishioners prior to the Annual Meeting It was proposed by Mark Thomas and seconded by Roy Page that they be accepted as a true record of the meeting. All were in favour.
Matters arising none
Election of Officers
Churchwardens . Patrick Andrew has been nominated to serve as churchwarden for the coming year and it was proposed by Mark Thomas and seconded by Charles LInsell that his appointment be accepted. All agreed and Patrick was thanked by Fr Colin for his service the previous year. There were no further nominations.
PCC members The following people had been nominated, proposed and seconded and they were Lyndon and Sue Murgatroyd, Don Newling, Angela Balcombe, Roy and Pat Page, Patrick and Barbara Andrew and Mark Thomas It was proposed by Charles Linsell and seconded by Angela Balcome that the above members be elected to serve another 12 months. All agreed.
Deanery Synod Representatives Elections were not required this year.
Sidespeople will be elected at the PCC meeting which immediately will follow this APCM
Reports The reports from a number of organisations within the church were presented in the APCM package. People attending the meeting were asked for any comments on any of the reports but none were forthcoming. The secretary did say that he had received an e –mail from Graham Holland the Diocesan architect to say that the Quinquennial inspection of the church was due this year and that he would be pleased to carry it out. The secretary stated that he had replied to this e-mail enlightening Mr Holland as to our financial situation. He felt it was important for him to be aware of this fact. He also said that the PCC had maintained the church during the last five years as best they could. A copy of this year’s fabric report will be sent to Mr Holland.
Chairman’s Report The Chairman Fr. Colin then read out his annual report which includes thanks to all the individuals who carry out specific roles in the church. It also contains church statistics for the past year. This report will be attached to the final package prior to archiving.
The Chairman reliably informed the meeting that there should not be any other business at this meeting
The Chairman closed the meeting with the grace.
REPORTS FOR 2024-25
PCC REPORT. From May 24- May 25 your PCC met nine times. Following the planned departure of Fr Colin Sanderson in October 24, a meeting was arranged with the Archdeacon Jane Proudfoot in June to discuss the situation with respect to the forthcoming interregnum. Shortly after that meeting we heard that the curate Fr Jonathan Roberts would be leading us in worship from October 24- September 25. Fr Jonathan is really working hard to try and introduce new people to the church and he is having some success. We are very lucky to have Fr. Jonathan’s input and enthusiasm.
Two of the PCC meetings were specifically arranged to meet and discuss issues with Bishop Stephen Race the Bishop of Beverley and a further meeting was held with Bishop Sam, Bishop of Stockport. The first meeting with Bishop Stephen was to discuss the financial situation and we received some very helpful advice. As a result of this meeting and subsequent discussions with the diocese our financial situation should start to improve. The second meeting with Bishop Sam was set up to discuss the needs for the Parish Profile which has to be prepared for a forthcoming new incumbent. This was also a very helpful meeting and the Parish Profile is now in preparation.
The diocese have decided to sell the current vicarage and replace with a smaller house in the parish. This situation is currently ongoing.
Parish Safeguarding continues to be a main item on the agenda of each PCC meeting. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer Angela Balcombe keeps us up to date on issues surrounding this topic.
Fortunately we have not had any major repair needs.
Lastly I would like to record my thanks to all the hardworking members of the PCC. Your church would not be able to function without them.
Lyndon Murgatroyd
CHURCH MAGAZINE REPORT. The church magazine continues to be produced monthly and thanks to our sponsors, the majority of the cost is covered by them. The remainder is paid for by the people taking the magazine. In December we had to change our printer because of a dispute at Congleton Museum. A Mr G Watt in Buglawton is printing the magazine for us. His cost of printing is cheaper and inclusion of colour photographs does not make any difference to the cost. We should actually cover the annual cost of printing by the donations from the local shops advertising in the magazine. So the main factor is that it continues to be cost negative to the church. I do try and make the content as interesting as possible but it is always helpful to receive contributions. Lyndon Murgatroyd
100 CLUB REPORT. This year we lost some members through death so the total amount from May 24 to May 25 distributed amounted to £785 to members. The amount paid out is dependent on the number of members that contribute. Several members however kindly donated their winnings to the church so the church received £1230. The membership is currently down to 28 so the odds on winning are pretty good. Anyone wishing to join pays £5 per month to St James’ Church by standing order. I do not handle any money.
Lyndon Murgatroyd
ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT. This year it was necessary to renew the Electoral Roll List. Last year there were 53 names on the list but in the last year 2 members have died and three have moved away. Therefore 48 invitations to renew inclusion on the list were sent out and of these 40 have been returned. The following amendment was made at the Parish Meeting and was minuted. 3 expected
returns did not materialise and a new member of the church came onto the electoral roll. So the final number is 41.
Pat Page
PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPORT. First of all a reminder, safeguarding in our context involves all vulnerable people not just children. At St. James’ we do have members and visitors that require protection and that is why we are undertaking to do all that is required to meet the diocesan guidelines.
I am happy to report that there have no instances which have needed dealing with this year. However, as a reminder, if any concerns are raised people should get in touch with me as the safeguarding officer or the safeguarding team at the diocese. There are posters on the notice board and details on our ‘A Church Near You’ website to explain how to do this.
The Diocese introduced in 2024 a Safeguarding Dashboard’ which is an online facility which allows guidance, clarity and access. As a Parish we have to comply with different aspects of safeguarding, for example of DBS checking certain individuals, adoption of various policies, completion of courses etc. The dashboard shows how far we have come on our journey. We have almost completed Level 1, have made progress on Level 2 and have been invited to start on Level 3. No one expects all Churches to complete everything immediately, there is always an element of ‘working towards’. However, I know that whilst some parishes have almost finished, if we ever can do, some haven’t even launched their dashboards. We are doing ok at St. James.
One good consequence of starting our dashboard journey is that our ‘A Church Near You’ presence has been refreshed under a new editor. This means that people can contact us and can see when our services are etc. And they have! It is a good alternative to a Church website which at the moment we are unable to create or maintain.
In the near future the church warden(s?) will be completing their Safeguarding Leadership courses and I will be doing my postponed ‘Safer recruitment’ course.
In conclusion, we are well on our way to fulfilling all that is required of us to demonstrate that St. James the Great at Congleton is a welcoming and safe environment for all to come and worship. We are in a position to show any prospective new clergy that we are serious about our duties regarding safeguarding. Ultimately, we are putting into action our calling from Jesus to show care and compassion to everyone, whoever and whatever they may be, and to love and protect them. With the Grace of God, we will.
Angela Balcombe Parish Safeguarding Officer.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT. While it has not been possible to continue to carry on arranging outside fund raising events due to logistics; the Social team have continued to arrange/host a full Social calendar.
We have opened the church on various occasions to allow the public to come and join us, and have some refreshment and a natter, notably during Lent. We have also organised various social events and gatherings.
One of the main ones was a farewell lunch for Fr Colin on his retirement and his move to be nearer his family. This was very well attended and enjoyed by all.
We also provided Shrove Tuesday and Harvest Meals, but enjoyed them as lunches on the appropriate Sundays, this being better for our congregation.
As well as the above, the committee provides refreshment and support when needed, and has also arranged social gatherings (with refreshment) where it is required.
All in all a busy year.
My thanks go to the committee for all the work involved, and to the church for its continued support.
Sue Murgatroyd.
FABRIC REPORT. Thunderbolt Test & Maintenance Ltd - Lightening protection test November 2024.
HeatinGlobal Boiler maintenance to be carried out later this month.
Calbarrie - PAT Testing carried out in February 2024 (do we need to PAT test every year as the cost of the full test and Fixed Wire was £450.00. The individual objects PAT Test was £70.00).
North Staffs Fire - inspection and extinguishers servicing - carried out August 2024.
Church Quinquennial report carried out 2024.
Pending - Choir Vestry roof needs repair and we have someone already looking into this.
Lime Trees pruning to be carried out.
Bubble in carpet by High Altar formed by spillage needs investigation for safe repair. Patrick Andrew
FINANCE REPORT
Thanks to Chas Linsell for undertaking an independent review of the books and records of our 2024 accounts.
It was a very challenging year for our Finances caused by significantly increased energy costs and the previous year 2023 income being boosted by a generous legacy.
Our approach each year has been to set our Parish Share payment to match our surplus income over expenditure. For example, in 2023 having paid £21,000 (53% part payment) of the parish share we broke even.
In 2024 we continued with Parish Share payments at the same level £21,000 for the year, but as a result our expenses have exceeded income by £6,156. This ‘loss’ or reduction in our already depleted reserves is against a background of continuing to only approve essential expenditure.
An analysis of 2024 to 2023 reveals the following year on year variances:
Income Giving -£614, Fetes etc -£563, One off legacy in 2023 -£5,000, Fees -£113, Gift Aid -£94, 100Club -£205
Payments Ministry -£243, Energy +£1,777, Insur +£151, Repairs -£1,596, Upkeep Services -£206, Other +£246
Summary Main components of the variance were a legacy (Tom Hulme RIP) of £5,000 in 2023 that helped us break even that year and then increased energy costs in 2024 of £1,777. Reserves 2024 performance has reduced our reserves by half. End 2023 £12,961. End 2024 £6,777
Whilst not within the scope of this 2024 report, in early 2025 the PCC have discussed the situation with both the Diocesan Accountant and Bishop Stephen and confirmed a 2025 budget that prioritises restoring our reserves to an appropriate level.
Many dedicated members of our worshiping community continue to donate essential items for the ongoing upkeep of services, the building, its decoration and the hospitality provided after services. This generosity is not quantified in the accounts but nonetheless is a very real reduction to our actual running costs to help our difficult financial situation. – THANK YOU. Mark Thomas Treasurer 28th April 2025
The actual audited accounts are presented at the end of this document.
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
There have been 3 (maybe 4) meetings of the Synod since the last report.
At each meeting there have been widespread discussions over Safeguarding issues. In one session, the discussion was guided by excellent presentations by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officers, leading to widespread exchanges of views from the members of the Synod. Many members of the Synod have completed safeguarding training courses.
At another meeting, the discussion was led by representatives from the Diocesan Youth Movement who presented their suggestions for promoting dialogue at a Parish level between the generations. The situation in Congleton has been difficult since the closure of Saint James' Church School.
Other discussions have concerned the failure to attract new incumbents to local parishes in the Congleton Area following recent retirements. It has been stressed by the Rural Dean and Bishops that there are a number of options for offering employment on a part-time basis to retiring clergy, with or without accommodation and to clergy with other commitments such as hospital chaplaincies provided proper contracts can be agreed.
Finally, both our Secretary and Treasurer who have given outstanding service to the Synod ,wish to retire. Both posts are essential and an appeal has gone out for volunteers, so far without success. Don Newling
SERVERS REPORT Since my previous report last year we have seen little change with only one regular server being present in our twice weekly Eucharist celebrations. However I must express thanks to Mark and Cyril who offer help and assistance when possible. Following Fr. Colin’s retirement, Fr. Jonathan Roberts has been seconded to provide our Priestly and Pastoral needs under whose guidance and support we have seen some differences in our acts of worship. Our relationship with the St. Francis and St. Chad Chapter of the GSS continues and we shall this year celebrate our Patronal Festival on Saturday July 26[th] with a special Service including members of the guild with invited guests from throughout the Deanery. Fr Jonathan is of course the Chaplin General of the Guild.
Albert Crew
As we are currently in an interregnum, there will be no Chairman’s report. However, as Father Jonathan has now been with us for several months and has worked really hard to improve the situation at St James’, I asked him if he would kindly consider writing something for this report. His response is below.
Fr Jonanthan writes This is not so much as a report, as I do not hold a position on the PCC. I thank the church council for inviting me to say a few words. This therefore, is more of a reflection on the past seven months of being with you here at St James the Great, which fills me with deep gratitude and joy. From the moment I arrived, I have been warmly welcomed into this loving church family. The kindness and hospitality I have received is a testament to the spirit of this community – a spirit that radiates through everything we do together.
That said, there were times in the first couple of months when I sensed anxiety, uncertainty, despondency and even dare I say, a feeling of giving up. However, based on the welcome I received and the openness for change I realised there was more life in St James’ than many people, understandably, were unable to conceive several months back. And so, the new chapter of St James the Great began and what fun and spiritual renewal we have had together.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this time has been seeing how we are making ourselves known more intentionally in the wider community. The reintroduction of the church bell has brought a renewed sense of presence, both physically and spiritually. It has sparked curiosity and conversation among passers-by, and it’s been heartening to see how such a simple sound has helped connect the church to the daily life of our neighbourhood once again.
I’ve had a positive response from the Head Teacher at Congleton High and we look forward to discussing how we can nurture our relation with the staff and students in the coming months. Black Firs Primary have shown interest in how we can support them. Hopefully I should meet with the staff soon.
The Easter open day at the church was another significant moment. The turnout, the engagement, and the joy shared that day all spoke volumes about how much this church means to people, even beyond our regular congregation. Conversations with visitors, some of whom were stepping into the church for the first time in many years, revealed a genuine interest in what we do and who we are. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. There has been a gentle but encouraging increase in attendance at our services, with new faces joining us and others returning after time away. This growth is a sign of hope and a confirmation that the church is seen as a place of welcome, relevance, and spiritual nourishment.
As we look forward into the calendar, we have our St James’ Patronal Festival on Saturday 26[th] July at 12 noon. Lyndon (church secretary) has put together a letter, inviting the local dignitaries and other members of the community to join us in celebrating the church’s place in the community. I encourage you to mark the date in your diary and invite others. There is a cohort coming from Crewe to support us. Bishop John Gaisford, who has a long-standing relationship and fondness with the people of St James’, is our guest preacher. So, let us make St James’ Patronal Festival the pinnacle of this year.
As many of you will know, my curacy ends in September at St Michael’s in Crewe, which means my time serving you here will sadly also come to an end. I have explored options of staying with you. However, the bishops have other plans for me and plans for a sustainable future for St James’.
But I am with you now and as we look ahead, we do so with great expectation and confidence. St James the Great is more than just a building – it is a living, breathing expression of God’s love in this community. Let us continue to be bold in our witness, creative in our outreach, and joyful in our worship. The foundations are strong, the Spirit is moving, and the opportunities before us are rich. Anything is possible with God and God is moving in this place!
On a different note, many of you will know that over the past year we have sadly lost several of our loved ones, which has brought great sadness and has left a void within our church family and in our own families. Once again, the love and kindness of you all meant we were able to grieve together whilst remaining faithful in prayer and support of each other. On behalf of you all I’d like to acknowledge and give thanks to those who are now at rest in God’s love, for everything they have done for our church family and within our own lives over the course of many years.
Finally, I’d like to thank each one of you for welcoming me into your family. For trusting and allowing me to try new things and on several occasions to delve into the unknown… taking you all with me and not knowing where we might end up.
You have all shown complete and unwavering commitment in everything we have done and accomplished so far. People have stepped out of their comfort zones and taken up new duties and roles enabling us to flourish as a worshipping community.
I hope each one of you have had a renewal of enthusiasm within each of your ministries over the past several months that we have journeyed through together. I hope that your relationship with each other and more importantly with God has flourished and will continue to do so.
Together, let us press on with faith and enthusiasm, trusting that God is doing – and will continue to do – a new and beautiful thing in each of us and through us. The best is yet to come, I’m sure! A HUGE thank you to each and everyone of you.
Father Jonathan
AND A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO YOU FATHER JONATHAN FROM ALL OF US AT ST JAMES FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE SO FAR FOR US AND THE CHURCH.
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