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2022-12-31-accounts

THE PARISH CHURCH OF

ST PETER & ST PAUL RUSTINGTON

ANNUAL MEETING TUESDAY 25[th] April 2023

Registered Charity No 1133812

1

Worship for the APCM 2023

Opening Hymn: Meekness and majesty

1. Meekness and majesty

manhood and deity in perfect harmony the Man who is God. Lord of eternity, dwells in humanity kneels in humility, and washes our feet.

Oh what a mystery, meekness and majesty bow down and worship, for this is your God, this is your God.

  1. Father's pure radiance perfect in innocence yet learns obedience yo death on a cross.

Suff’ring to give us life, conqu’ring through sacrifice and as they crucified, prays: "Father forgive."

Oh what a mystery…

  1. Wisdom unsearchable

God the invisible Love indestructible in frailty appears. Lord of infinity, stopping so tenderly lifts our humanity, to the heights of His throne.

Oh what a mystery… This is your God.

Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-28

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [19 ] Do not quench the Spirit. [20 ] Do not despise the words of prophets, [ 21 ] but test everything; hold fast to what is good; [22 ] abstain from every form of evil. [23 ] May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24 ] The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. [25 ] Beloved, pray for us. [26 ] Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. [27 ] I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all of them. [ 28 ] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2

Vicar’s Report

2022 was an extraordinary year! As we emerged from the height of the Covid pandemic we have been greatly blessed by God who has empowered us to use our gifts and reach out to our community whilst encouraging one another to grow in faith, hope and love.

Following food deliveries and the setting up of our Pantry – we have established a non-judgmental place where people can pick up a bag of food and bags of support! Under the management of Charlie Sims and with the creativity and care of Grace Sims the team of volunteers has become strong, and the needs of our friends met. Provision has expanded to include socials and our incredibly popular holiday gatherings have given a space for everyone to feel welcome in our church building and church family and our Church Watchers keep our church open during the week and cleaning team and flower arrangers ensure it is always looking lovely. Our church also extends to communion in four nursing homes, home communions, and we held a Carol service in St. Bridget’s and Carol singing in the pub, and our livestreaming means we reach many – some of whom we don’t even know. Friendship lunches, an Easter lunch and a Christmas lunch welcomed a wide variety of people who would be on their own.

In terms of learning, home groups have had remarkable growth, Claire Birkhead was commissioned as an Authorised Lay Minister, we welcomed Nat Gillett (an ordinand on placement), and Dominik Chmielewski finished his Curacy with us – seconded to Middleton. Our Curate Laura Darrall was Ordained Priest and celebrated her First Mass – which couldn’t have been more joyful! She continues to bring light and love through her ministry amongst us and further afield on the Radio. We joined in with the pilot of the Diocesan church growth scheme ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ and this informed a vision making exercise where the PCC set priorities for the forthcoming season. This year we also introduced First Communion for children aged 7 and above. Children from East Preston joined our classes, and the service was wonderful. The children continue to contribute to church life and have enjoyed Family Worship afternoons. We also had a Confirmation service in our church with Ruth the Bishop of Horsham presiding. Other special Sundays included focuses on the Bible and Mission. We continue to support Family Support Work and Kevin and Jen Cable – Church Missionaries in Jaffa. Money was raised for them and the church at the Harvest Quiz and Christmas Fayre.

A highlight of the year was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We had a wonderful flower festival visited by the Mayor of Kunzell (Rustington’s partner town in Germany), a Kings and Queens party, a concert showcasing the talents of our musicians (who also continue to support worship and other areas of church life admirably with our ever expanding music group), and an outdoor service with Rustington Churches Together- who we continue to participate in to the full. We were pleased to welcome the World Day of Prayer service to our church too. We also have an excellent relationship with Rustington Parish Council which was further reinforced at the sad time of the Queen’s death. 100s of people came through the church during that time to light a candle, sign our book of condolence and take a prayer card. We also screened the Queen’s funeral, held a special service and hosted the corporate silence. This year we held the Civic service and took a lead on Remembrance – including running the service at the War Memorial.

In terms of the wider church, we had our Archdeacon’s visitation- where everything was found to be in order, three of our teenagers joined Laura in meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury at Chichester Cathedral which a group of us also visited for Evensong when we were prayer for by the Diocese. Evensong in our own church was re-established, alongside Taizé and Healing services, special services for certain times in the year- for example Advent, and Pimms and Hymns Songs of Praise! We continue to be a church rooted in prayer and worship – both corporate and individual, and as clergy we regularly minister to the sick and dying. It is not unusual to receive calls from people in the community and care staff who know we can bring gifts of peace (including prayer, counsel, the last rites and anointing) to those in need.

3

At the sad invasion of the Ukraine we have prayed earnestly for peace, and welcomed two Ukrainian musicians for a concert to raise money, we have hosted other community concerts during the year, and also visits from schools (to whom we also now regularly visit), and uniformed organisations- including an epic Scout Carol Service and a theatre company called Box Tail Soup.

This year many dear friends from our congregation have died, and we have welcomed many newcomers to church- an indication of the cycle of life. We have held welcome afternoons and our pastoral care has continued under the solid guidance of Pam Brooks, and a thank you for our volunteers who work with children was held by Gill Renny who has been appointed our Children and Families worker – it is incredibly exciting to have Gill in this role.

As you read the reports in this booklet, you will see the many other areas of life which are also reported on regularly in Seasight- ably compiled by Jean and Bob Bulley and their committee. I am grateful to Sarah Collins for her support and ministry amongst us in so many ways, Christopher Simmance in his role as Church Hall Manager and Health and Safety Officer, Safeguarding Officer, the hall committee and cleaner, finance team, Church Wardens - who have supported me with huge care and kindness, administrator, retired clergy and all who lead groups many reflected in the reports. None of the above could happen without you all. You are wonderful people.

And for all of you who do things unseen. Thank you. It is a huge privilege to be your Vicar. In the coming year we look forward to establishing our new branding, continuing to maintain our building, reordering the Chancel, and building on all that is good -the foundation being Jesus. I say again: We have been greatly blessed! May we continue to be a blessing to one another and to our wider community as we continue to pray ‘come Holy Spirit.’

Rev Natalie Loveless

4

Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

During the year, the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council:

Incumbent: The Revd Natalie Loveless Ex-officio (Chair) Wardens: Carrie McLeod Henry Bott Vice Chair Representative of Liz Henderson Ex-officio the Diocesan Synod: Representatives of Carrie McLeod The Deanery Synod: Dot Mitcham Elected Members: Lesley Payne (2021-2024) Pamela Jones (2020-2023) Jan Peacock (2021-2024) Christopher Simmance (2020-2023) Glyn Mathias (2020-2023) Sarah Collins (2021-2024) Gill Renny (2021-2024) Diane Kearsey (2021-2023) Clare Birkhead (2022-2025) Charlie Sims (2022-2025) Joanna Brown (2022-2025) Geoff Gibb (2022-2025) Treasurer: Glyn Mathias Hon Secretary to PCC: Sarah Collins

5

Aims and Purposes

The primary objective of St Peter and St Paul’s PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Natalie Loveless, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Objectives and Activities

Our Vision/Mission statement: Working together in God’s Love for his Kingdom.

Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’. We hope to enable local people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of St Peter and St Paul, Rustington.

Achievements and Performance

Attendance continues to grow with a number of new families joining us over the year. We have continued to live-stream the services and these are still followed by a good number of people. In October 2022 (when the average yearly attendance is calculated) the average weekly attendance was 189 which includes children and those online. The total last year averaged out to 154.

There are 197 parishioners on the Church Electoral roll following a revision in 2020, this is up six from 191 the previous year.

There were two weddings and 14 funerals in church, 16 in other locations officiated at by our clergy and 11 Interments of Ashes. Baptisms were up from nine in 2021 to 11 in 2022.

Review of the year

The full PCC met three times between the APCM in May 2022 and December 2022.The average attendance at meetings was 14.

Finance remains a constant item in all PCC meetings, which includes price increases of utilities, as well as making the accounts easily understandable for everyone. More details can be found in the individual reports, but a snapshot of other things covered at the PCC meetings is as follows:

6

We have regular reports from our Health & Safety and Safeguarding officers, as well as from our Diocesan Synod representative.

The PCC reviewed and updated our Conflict of Interest and Investment Policies.

Public Benefit

The church family welcome visitors from within and outside the church boundary. It is our pleasure to warmly welcome anyone from all walks of life who feel they would like to join in the life of St Peter and St Paul Rustington.

Rebecca of Family Support Work (FSW) is active with a group of volunteers in the village providing support to many in our parish.

The Pantry, which opened its doors in October 2022, has flourished and helps a growing number of people each week – see the report for full details.

Rocks meets each week, apart from the first Sunday of the month which is our All Age service.

Family Worship was held in the Church hall just as the Commonwealth Games began. We celebrated the Commonwealth with our own games, crafts and worship.

We had a wonderful Jubilee concert and flower festival which welcomed a lot of the wider community into the church.

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the church saw a steady stream of people coming in to sign the book of condolence, to share their experiences or just find a place of peace.

At Harvest time our flower arranging team decorated the church with flowers and produce donated by the church family.

We were able to host the Remembrance Sunday Service in our Church for the Community; Natalie led the service at the War Memorial at 11.00 am.

Christmas is always a busy time with lots of services. We had the Scouts in for a Carol Service this year and a some of the congregation went Carol singing in the Lamb Pub. And as usual, we held our Christingle Service which welcomed families into the church.

A faithful team of people ‘church sit’ to enable the church to be opened to passing visitors or anyone in the local community wanting a quiet space.

Noah’s Ark, an adult and toddler group, is a long-established form of outreach; they meet on Tuesday afternoons offering friendship and support for families and carers.

During the holidays, there are family gatherings on Thursday mornings, held in the church. There are themed crafts, a chance to chat, do a jigsaw, some knitting, listen to music and enjoy a cuppa and a cake. These have proved very successful and are a really good means of outreach. It has encouraged people who have never been into the church building to come in and feel welcome. Some of the families who attend have started coming to the All Age services as well.

Bolders meet once a week on a Tuesday evening. A very varied programme is set up for the young people to enjoy.

'WAFFLE’ - Women About Fellowship, Fun, Laughter and Entertainment is a group that aims to demonstrate the love of God to women in Rustington and surrounding areas in a fun, inclusive and life-enhancing way.

Men’s Fellowship group; although this is a Christian Society the emphasis is on social discussion and friendship. All faiths, concerns, cares or humanity are very welcomed.

7

Our clergy officiated at funerals here in church and also at Worthing Crematorium providing support to the wider community in bereavement.

The residents of four local care homes are offered Holy Communion Services monthly and people within the parish who are infirm or unable to attend church services are taken Holy Communion often weekly. Home Communion was able to be offered again once restrictions were eased.

Our Charitable is split three ways. Our two main chosen missions – Jaffa CMS (Jen and Kev) and Family Support Work have been supported during the year. The third split is a flexible pot – which can be used to give money to appeals/emergencies throughout the year.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 12th April 2023 and signed on its behalf

.........................................................................................

Rev Natalie Loveless – Chair

8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RUSTINGTON Tr•asur•r'• Report for th• y•ar ended 31 Dec•mb•r 2022 Introduction As Treasurer I have produced our Financial Statements in the fomiat required by the Diocese and the Charty Commission. The parochial Church Council {PCC) is a fully registered Charity under Registration Number 1133812. The members of the PCC are the Trustees of the Charty. PCC accounts C￿PriSe. An independent examiner's report- prepared by Sarah Mccurrach The Statement of Financial Activrties (SOFA) The Analysis of Income and Expenditure by code and fund The Statement of Fixed Assets by code showing the changes during the year Balan￿ Sheet Detsiled induding a breakdown of assets and fund tolals. Balan￿ Sheet (Church of England) Related Parties and transactions Note on Chancel Trust held by the DK)cese. Explanation of Funds and Bank Accounts An explanation of the calculation of the Charitable Giving The reports which fonn the PCC accounts for 2022 were produced from Finance Co- ordinator 4 which is the sofNare programme on which we record all our accounts infomiats'on. The format is therefore sI￿htlY dffterent to previous years. Income Compared to 2021, the total income increased by some £75k. Hovrfever some £29k was money from the Humphrey Bequest to pay for work on the church. Legacies (£5+k), Seasight money (£6+k) and Fund raising (£8k) Jubilee and Christmas was some £21k. There was an increase in collections (nearly £4k) and PGS (£5+k). For more infonnation see Analysis of Income and Expenditure. Exp•nditur• Compared to 2021, the total expenditure increased by some £26k. However. some £1 Ok was spent on tree work and £5k on Work in church. A further £Sk was given to Diocese and £2k spent on Seaswht printing. Assetsllnvestments Apart from the usual re-valuation which takes place at the end of the year, iwo of the assets. FA02 the -Reserve° investrnent and FA15 the "Loan to the Church hall Trustees (V&Cs)" had other changes during the year.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RUSTINGTON Shares to the value of £18.621 (part of the Reserve investment FA02) Y￿re sold in 2022 to write off the outstanding money borrowed from the P Senst bequest in 2018 and 2019 to provhde the loan to Church Hall Trustees Vl&C) to finish the refurbishment of the hall cottage. The assets were reduced accordingly, with the value of the loan (FA15) being reduced to zero. Summary Once again I would like io thank all who have given to the church during an0ttr￿r dfficult year. and in particular to those who were able to increase their voluntary planned giving, and those who made donations. Our ability to meet our running costs and fund our outrea¢* to the parish is very much dependent on the generosity of you all. Unfortunately, our incorne from voluntary income does not match our expendrture. If anyone feels able to increase there voluntary giving. however small an amount. rt will help in the task. There has been an increase in collections and the Parish Giving Scheme and this is very y￿1¢oMe. There was informalion and photographs of Finan￿ Team published in Seasight and as a result I hope you know who are mwnbers of the team and what they do. I would not be able to do my work as Treasurer wilhout the support of the rest of the team and I thank Lisa Rogers-Davis. Sue Clark, Michelle Dyne and John Hawkins, and also Sarah Mccurrach our Independent Examiner. My thanks go to them all. Glyn Mathias Hon Treasurer- PCC of Rustington 10

CHARITY COMMISSION | FOR ENGMD ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Report to the trnste•$l members of The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Si Peter & St Paul Ruslington On accounts for the year ended 31" December 2022 Charity no 11133812 lif any) | Set out on pages 12-21 I report to the trustee5 on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I"Ihe Trust") for the year ended 3111212 rtesponsibilities and basls As the charity's trustees, you a￿ ￿spOnsIble for the preparation of the of report accounts in accordance with the requiremenls of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the appliCa￿e Directions given by the Charity Commission under sectson 145{Sllb) of the Act. Independent examinerfs I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have statement come lo my attention in connection with the examination which gives me ause to believe that in. any material respect." the accounting records were not kept in accordance with sectson 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records", or the accounts did not comply with the applic3ble requirements concerning the fom and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue 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 lo enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 14 Name: Sarah Mccurrach Rèlévant professional qualification(s) or body (If any): Addross: 18 Old Manor Road, Rusbngton BN16 3QS

P•rf•h Church of St P•t•r & St P*ul - 1133812 St•t•m•nt of Fln•ncl•l Acllvltl•• For th• p•rlod from 01 January 2022 to 31 D•c•mb•r 2022 TLl•l Pthy• 30.756.67 .12Y.71 31211. 14.737.YJ 11￿.17 212Jt( 2.477.19 6,443 32 6A25 $8 3275q8 17027 SJ￿. Chutth Acts¥ 3.W.$7 .12S21 4.W).24 85.IW.•2 s,1￿.￿2 4.976.¢)J 40,152.X) 3.4￿.tr) 1¢.121.16 18.fAIgJ 111J17A2 2.129.63 J47 in33J 417 87 1.1M.20 417V 10.Y)4 12 317.40 13,821.52 501 10 7.ops.e7 SQ4 10 17￿.97 1,049.10 110.776.31 7.492.01 11.410.Y1 1ts).181.1S 7.B5T 10 101 154.n 192CQ 2213 rk 7.4UT91 i.n2AO $3a72 33.JM77 110.3BO.74} 2.12J.S• l.S53.0 1•6•W (1,454 23) 4.0781 14.076$81 SS.636.3S (1.6S5 181 J&JX7T 04x74 {40.571. IB4 Q4.(as oz) 172MZI.13) 7•A• 14UIQ31} 1471UI 11•.71U3I {3•JIU•) 3W1AO Xl51.92 214J21M M•M•a •YT.713 Q3WI 20rJ P•JE 1 12

Parknh Chur¢h of St P•t•r & St P•ul - 1133812 An•ty$h of In¢tyM •nd •xp•ndlturn 8•l•¢t•d p•rlod: 01 January 2022 10 31 D•c•mb•r 2022 Trtl Incomln9 r•aourc•• 0102ENV. Gmfg. YELLC 2.fy)1. 2.W1. 3.140.eo 12(KJ.(K) 1,344.(Kl 6.104.28 1.704.23 6,104.28 1.704 rJ 2,401.30 1.652.9) 391.12 2.125 IXI 7,QX 10 3.175.57 8,889.30 3.175 57 8.889. 04DS. SLW)dry 04FL. Fkmrs fc¢Cfi￿ 75.C(I 9.25 2,282.98 O¢WS. Wal Safe tknnol 1.39 1.931.28 139.39 1.931.28 Ahj 07LEG- Legaoe5 08GR. fants. Re5triLd 04SS. Seasgm Ino 09FU. FU￿jr￿￿¥J. Urwirt 12FM- for 10DE. LiYthTra. 5.175.82 5.175.82 80180 40.00 251.69 2.185.50 S,643.60 5.449.17 6.443.32 8.443.32 8.123.71 170.27 S.735.08 5.143.21 71.92 286.61 1.482.35 250.24 2.S85.42 1.059.15 8.1tJ.71 17027 498.31 52%.77 IODU. Li¥k1eTrts. UwebrriGknJ IOIE. Ba￿ Iraw881. Er%Ju•J 101R. Irlerest. R8strKknJ S.14321 71.92 266.61 1.482.35 53.05 9SO.C¢) 707.79 215.Lb) 1,023.lY) 102.Crf) 12BD. B(Jers Ir￿￿ 12¢B. cor￿ 8r8 IrmTh 25024 2.585.42 1.(fj9.15 12FL. LwKteS 2.7WJ.OJ 20. 20 4.874.97 4.874.97 1.857 47 285.68 42.Y4.95 18.344.58 8.515.40 5.Xi. 70.713.60 ,718.(rf1 Volunf•ry Income 0102PGS. P14nnod &vra- Par￿h Gi￿￿ Sthorn• 8PGS. Incclne Tax recrN8red ParFAh G¥g Sth8m $3.$97.62 53.597.82 48.134.51 11.￿.10 I1.￿.10 10.5eAI.43 Voluntsry Incom• Tot41• 65,lell.92 65.160.92 58.694 94 11FEES. Fees f￿￿aL4 4.97& 4.976.C 3.433.00 thcomlng mourc•s from dwrtl•ble acllvlUe• Tol¥ 4.976.fy) 4.976.O) 3.433.00 03 2023 Ptyts 1 13

Tk Other Incomlng 1(tH. Church Ham 1C(<. R•nt frrrfn 12CW. Repahj from C •TrJ W 3.(61AO I2.6￿. 1.191m 3.th1.$0 12.eC#J.00 1,191.00 29.300.00 10.121.68 29.>YJ. 16.8S2.&) 48.152.50 10.121.68 Incomlnq rn•OUfCM Grnnd 129,5YJ.37 16.344. J5.815.40 S.￿8.69 187.Lln.02 111.967.62 R•sourc•8 u••d 22SS. F￿￿￿rtUre 25FM- FurnlrniwNJ for Expenditure 17FR- Co of FuThJr•ir#J 23SU. &j￿p Trnnsjcbon F•e• 2,129.83 2.129 83 3.47 .47 1.16820 378.12 3975 378 12 39.75 43.02 417.87 2.129.83 e4)3.47 3,151.17 1,211.22 Charitable activitles 18CE- D Com.- Chariiat4e E￿rne 18TI_ Chatiiable IPCC I￿ryI 22PP. Peter8 Panty ENpwxkn 25th.Afghan Rehy88 5.ts>).(YJ 7.258.12 1.S63.40 S84.10 s.￿.12 1.754. 1.563.40 5.879.70 1,41S.97 .10 10.S>I.12 SY.10 3.317.40 14,405.02 7.095.67 IFa881 7.677.02 1.677.02 5.140.01 1.191.fy1 14.397.95 15.588.95 2.025.36 2(Th. Hal 3.084.>) 4.652.80 120.ty) 192.(11 3.276.30 4.652.80 120. 3.739.77 7.573.$4 120.L¥J 15.(Kl 238C. Bart Charyes 190C. Cicttsan C¢ydritrMJboTh 2CQRG. ￿98r￿St5 & MLWC Le•J 20SL- W Lar Buikjrys 21AC- A￿"stant Cy 21VE. VIG8f8ge experts 22BD. Bokjws Exper¥Jrtwe 22CYW. Chiklren y￿ ￿￿rker 22MESS. Clxmth E￿r 22R. Rry 22YP. Ywry P¢0 Ew¥es 2&4V. 4¥JioY•Jal ?6.￿7. 2,U.C#) 76.W.(X) 2.293. 74.3CLI.LJ) 2,310.t•J 1,5C￿. 1.029.70 2.765.02 1.996.59 2.989.32 1.998.59 2.989.32 681.35 5298.84 681.35 IfJ 39) 23.39 47.96 1,$23.20 .65 4.629.66 2,358.48 YJ1. 1ts.67 5.629.49 391.69 1.Z36.67 5.629.49 9$5.28 1,532.37 586.00 23CRE.Chwth ExtrKes 1.532.37 671.C 03WI 2023 Pape 2 14

Parl•h Church of St Peter & St Paul - 1133812 Flxed as8•ts S•l•ct•d p•rlod: 01 January 2022 to 31 D•c•mb•r 2022 FA02 FA03 lwD.23 Wii CCLA. (R￿> CW 7CKIIF t•A7WIS, FI04 FAOS 1494S IXfjF 1622$ Op•nlry ts11￿• 69.MQ. 41979.46 2￿￿1• 17&2lJS 4n•7 Loss on re¥aluathin of 4 fiyd aBuot (2.669461 Qi.073.351 184 811 (292.2111 JoLThal entry 118.621.Ql). Gain on revaluatKin of • •Mot I rJ92.Zl) ClosSn l•nc• 418.16 190.11 FA12 CIXA UK E FA13 CCLAUK FWOIP ip Sw4t17Lb)I FA15 7WIX 114.614.111 114.239.S)I 118.041.(Kll 1.496.eo 2.198.38 (13.f17.3lJ Ck• 26 kl8rth 2023 15

Parfsh Church ol St Peter a st Paul- 1133812 Balance Sheet d•ialled Asat 3111W2022 Asat 3111212021 Fixed assets 69250.IM) 69.2NJ.¢YJ FAW2" CCLA. {Re5ervel7LYJ1F pts S FA03." CBofF IFatr¢)1077F ￿ 14YS FA04. CW Gr£￿￿$ IBGTI1205F atx 1622S 26 626 LJ 49.979.46 19.￿9.72 22.SJ9.18 175.&21.1fj 154.748 418.t6 482.97 11 2.482.32 (Gen11 FA12." C(XA UK EqL¥ty IP se￿I}70)Ix FA13". CCJA UK G￿ Eqw I P Sens11 53.072 66.189.31 85.￿1.12 n.760.t FA15". L 18.641.OD Toial FLxed asstts 4•1.IM71 Cufrrnt assets 5,613.09 55.872.68 1.807 42 2Q.819.85 1Q.407.78 CA03. 8ank Dem" N¢. Res•ve4421 CND4." bonk L)ewMN¢. 8GT 9351 10.5W.47 14.569.OB 9.957.33 19.846.17 19.214 38 20.315 70 ,23B.31 1937 201 .5¥2.9) lo4.￿1.43 CA14. CCLA Dem {P SeW1101D 921.47 232.$67 2.5e4.iMJ 2,585. 789 76 3,132.72 4375.3• N•tAs¥•t suw l+J•fi¢itl 121.338.6S 008.004.92 Res•rv•s 33.354. 668.604.02 {15,380.741 637.723 07 46.262.59 172.K27 13) .J38.68 Represented by Funds 72.878.40 64.978.71 351.166.31 38,131.92 214.327.98 51.9)2.51 195.601.65 829.338. 668.604.92 16

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul -1133812

Balance sheet (Church of England) As at: 31 December 2022

Fixed assets
Tangible asset
Investments
Current assets
Debtrs
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Llablllties
Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year
Net current assets less current llabllltles
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
As at 31/12/2022
£
69,25
330,653.
399,903
21,514
104,561
106,491
232,567
3,132
229,4
62,338
629,338
As at 31/12/2021
£
87,891
403,265
491,156
19.378
99,238
62,206
180,823
3,375
177,48
8,8
888,804
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted 72,878.40 64,978.71
Designated 308,956.00 351,166.31
Restricted 51,902.51 38,131.92
Endowent 195,601.65 214,327.98
Total 629,338.58 668,60.92

Approved by the Parochial Church Council 12th April 2023

and signed on its behalf.

Rev Natalie Loveless

Chair

17

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RUSTINGTON Related Parties and Transactions As stated in Assetsllnvestment, a loan was made to the Church Hall Trustees to finish the refurbishment of the hall cottage to be repaid from fLrture rents recetvable. This was recorded as an Investrnent (FA15). A repayment of £8.000 was made in 2020. However, the vicar suggested that the PCC might consider using some of their reserves (FA02) to pay for the outstsnding loan (FA15). The PCC agreed this proposal and the P Senst bequest was repaid in 2022 and assets adjusted. The Chancel Trust In De￿mber 2019 the Diocese of Chichester advised parishes that from 2020 th way in which Chan￿1 trusts will be dealt with woukl change. Chancel trusts are not PCC trusts. In future income from the trusts will be paid directly to PCCS and can be used towards the cost of insuring the church. The money the PCC receives from the Chan￿1 trust is not investment income as the PCC does not own the trust fund nor the investments. The accumulated trust income from the past years is to be Irealed as a debt to the PCC from the Chichester DBF. PCCS have been told to remove the value of the Investment as an asset from their accounts and include the accumulated income not received from the Diocese as a Diocesan debt. Additionally the money held by the Diocese as a Di0￿$8n debt is held in one deposit account with CCLA for all parish chancel trusts. The interest is allocated between the parish8s in proportion to how much money the DI0￿Se hold for the parish in the deposit account. The annual certificate is confimiation of how much the Diocese is holding on the PCC'S behalf. The ￿rtIficate shows the interest received and the new end of year amount of the Diocesan debt. 18

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of ST PETER & ST PAUL, RUSTINGTON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2022

-

Funds

The fiQures shown in balance sheet show the amounts

available to the PCC under the headings o�nrestricted, Designated,ARestricted

and Endowed.

The following explains the nature of the various funds, the purposes for which they may be expended and the bank accounts in which they are held.

Funds/Bank Accounts

The General Fund, held in a Current Account, is Unrestricted. The General Fund is used to receive and pay everyday income and expenditure.

The Reserve Fund is held in the Reserve Account and is Unrestricted. This fund was set up in 1988 with an initial investment of £25,000 in the Central Board of Finance Church of England Investment Fund and Fixed Interest Securities (CBF). The fund receives quarterly dividend income from the capital sum invested, to top up the Reserve Account.

The PCC wishes, as far as possible, to retain the capital investment of the fund and to spend only its income.

Multiple Funds Account:

This account contains designated and restricted funds for various church activities/groups and projects. Further detail below:

Designated Funds

and P Senst Waffle, Allotment, Men's Fellowship, Friendship Lunches, Seasight, Bequest.

Should these funds not be needed for their original purpose they can be re-designated by the PCC.

Restricted Funds

*Healey Fund (choir); Choir Furniture, Solders, St Peter's pantry, Ecclesiastical Vessels, Missions and Humphrey (repairs).

Being amounts donated/raised for a specific purpose, these funds are Restricted and cannot be re-designated to another use.

*(Healey - holds donations made in 1983 in memory of Mr T A Healey who had been organist for more than 50 years. The fund may be used at the discretion of the PCC for any purpose connected with the choir.)

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of ST PETER & ST PAUL, RUSTINGTON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31 December �22'

Funds ( continued)

The fa.llowing funds are Endowment Funds. The capital sums are held by the Diocese as Custodian Trustee and may only be used in exceptional circumstances and wrth their permission. The income from these investments can be used but is restricted according to the terms of each respective fund. _

The Burial Ground Trust Fund receives income from a capital investment in the Central Board of Finance of £38,138 being one half of the proceeds of the sale of the "New" Burial Ground in Worthing Road, in 1984. The income may be used for expenditure on the buildings of the church, the church hall and the vicarage but not for general expenditure.

The Fabric Fund receives dividend income from a capital investment with the Central Board of Finance. The income may only be used for the maintenance and repair of the church fabric.

The following are further investments over which the PCC has limited control. The funds are held by the Diocese on behalf of the PCC and may be used only on application to the Diocese.

The Everett/Scott Fund is an investment of 106.00 CBF Investment Fund (Income) Shares whose value is recorded as an endowment fund.

The Stipend/Unnamed Endowment Fund is an investment of 305.00 CBF Fixed Interest Security (Income) Shares whose value is recorded as an endowment fund.

The following fund is not a PCC Fund and is managed by the DBF.

The Chancel Trust Fund is an investment of 756.00 CBF Investment Fund (Income) Shares. The accumulated income is restricted to expenditure on the fabric (but not the fittings) of the chancel and is held by Chichester DBF. Starting in 2020 the income will be paid to the PCC and can be used towards the cost of insuring the church.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RUSTINGTON Charltablo Glving (An explanation of the calculabon of the Chariiable Giving) This is calculated with referen￿ to the total income from the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), Standing Orders and the regular giving re￿iVed in the Yellow Envelopes. A budget figure is agreed at the beginning of the year of 10% of the expected income from these sources. At Ihe end of the year, an actual figure is calculated and any eX￿sS distributed. The giving is sprt three ways. The recipbents are two named charities . (which are agreed by the PCC) and a charrtable fund which can be allocated to various charities at the PCC'S discretion. Any other Money raised by the churchlmissions during the year will also be allocated in this way. Calculation for Charitsbl ivin In 2022 the total income from PGS. Standing Orders and Yellow Envelopes was Charttable GNing (rf calculated at 10%) £56,800 Distributed in 2022 to oach reclp5ent FSW £1.500 CMS Jaffa £1.500 Charitable Fund (Restricted) £1.500 Balance paid to recipients In 202313 x £393) Total £5,680 (') In 2020 the PCC agreed to support Kevin and Jen Cable (CMS Jaffa) and FSW 21

Parish thurch of Sl Peter and St Paul Rustlngt Vlfar and chu￿hwardeffj General Account Recelpts and Payments Account for the y•ar *ndlng 31 December 2022 2022 2021 Note5 Recelpts Church Hall Cottage rent Natlonal Westminster Bank plc Interest War Grave5 Total Recelpts 7.085.00 132.35 15.00 7,232.35 11,940.00 5.46 11,945,46 Payment5 Church Audio EquSpment Church Hall Cottage Insurance Leaders - Mana8ement fees Leaders - Professional fees (rent insurance/renewal fee Leaders ¢ottaBe malntenance Churchyard Lych Gates Total Payments 4.565,74 707.53 1,229.82 765,18 539.98 187.00 1,191.00 2,683.16 809.76 408.00 7,720.85 Excess of Re￿1￿$ over Payrnents Balantt as at l January 2022 Balance as at 31 December 2022 4,549.19 55,859.50 60,408.69 4.224.61 51,634.89 55,8S9.50 Year end fvnd5 are rt￿%¢￿ted by National WestmSnster Bank plc Current Account 8u51ness Restrve Account 250,00 60,158,69 60,408.69 250.00 55,609.50 55,859.50 Other Monttsry As$•ti RetJlned by Leaders for ElectrlcJl work 165,00 Notes to the Vlcar and Chw¢hwardpn5 Accourt I, Includes Le¢ocy of £22,000 to be usedfor Cl￿nCelf￿rnIfUre 2. Includes £165 retained by Legdersfor Electricul work 3. FromAuGfUSt cottoge rentpaid to Church Hall Account Sl8ned: Slgned.. Name.. Name.. Date.. Oate.. 22

Churchwarden’s Report

What an exciting and busy time we have all experienced at St Peter and St Paul’s over the year of 2022, the first year free of Covid restrictions, since that first lockdown in March 2021.

We have continued with the work highlighted in the quinquennial inspection and report in 2021, happily with no major or intrusive works required.

The Church Log is kept up to date, and the Terrier, too, (for which we would like to thank Dot Mitcham and Ann Matthias) The recording of Church assets (almost down to the last paper clip) in the Terrier is really no small task and completing it must really be a labour of love. It helped us to get a glowing report from the Archdeacon following his Visitation at the end of June!

The chosen Chancel Furniture as well as the beautiful designs for new Altar Frontals and Priestly vestments have been displayed for the Church family, and will form part of the Faculty Application that we are now preparing for submission to the Chancellor.

There is considerable detail involved and wide-ranging; including new protective grilles for stained glass windows, a new ‘fence’ next to the newly installed Lych Gates, (to replace the temporary fence erected by Arun District Council), and we are looking, too, to install a handrail on the north side of the chancel steps to make access easier to the chancel from the nave.

Sporadic intermittent problems with the lighting system have also kept us occupied, and that situation is being monitored.

Since it’s formal closure (for the purpose of burials) in February 2021, the maintenance of the churchyard has passed over to Arun District Council (although we are still able and do continue to have paid help with the borders and also planned clear up days to keep it looking well kept) The situation is being kept under review; the council has admittedly limited resources, so we will need to supplement.

As Trustees of the hall we have attended meetings relating to that as well as monthly Leadership meetings. We are also conscious of our obligations with the finances of the church and attend finance meetings when possible.

We reviewed the church key security system and installed a safe for the church keys in the hall so that people who need them during the day on an ad hoc basis have easy access and records are kept.

We’d like to thank everyone for the many jobs and roles that so many within the church family undertake so cheerfully both in the church, in the hall and in the wider community. It would be a wrong to the many to single out the few!

So much has gone on that it is difficult not to stray out of the stuff of the Church Wardens’ Report, but we will do so, without risking any impact on the other reports for the APCM!: The ‘high’ of the Platinum Jubilee, the ‘low’ of the death of our beloved Queen. The consolation of the shout out ‘Long Live the King’. The joy of Laura’s First Mass! The appointment of Gill Renny as our Children’s and Family Worker.

Finally, a special thank you on behalf of everybody to Natalie who leads, guides and supports us all so well, ably supported by Laura. What a team and how lucky we are. Natalie describes her ministry as ‘collaborative’ and correctly so, but even that ministry requires a leader, and in Natalie we are blessed.

Carrie McLeod and Henry Bott

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Audio Visual Team

Hectic and fun! We are always interested to hear from anyone with any input or want to join us. We try to add to the church services and livestreamed audiences, extra inclusion, information and interest.

As well as displaying the words and graphics we are very aware that with AV we offer a disability aware service. Let us know if there are issues you want to talk about.

We consist of a small team working within the complexity that is SPSP. Creating visuals and displaying videos, liturgies, hymns, passages of scripture and sermons on screens around the church, to enhance the focus of the congregation. Always pressing buttons. We offer AV help at Weddings and Funerals.

We also provide livestreaming services via YouTube to broadcast the church services to people at home. We estimate that each broadcasted service is watched throughout the week by about 150 people. We love to hear from people adding their thoughts on the YouTube chat.

We help and encourage the preachers and presidents of the church to use AV without being intrusive to the spirituality which is the primary reason of our church services.

It is a complex task and we are NOT perfect. We are always looking for new helpers over the age of 16, you don’t have to be master IT specialists, just willing to be conscientious. We offer full training at all levels.

We are putting together plans for the next version of the AV, this can take up to 5 years to install and implement, add your ideas…

We are always open to suggestions and are always grateful for suggestions and feedback. We are certified for DBS training of young and vulnerable people. DO talk to us.

Bill Dodd

Bolders Report

This year most of our Bolders moved up to secondary school – the team were unsure as to how many would still come along with new commitments etc but we are delighted to say most have returned and we have gained five new members throughout the year due to word of mouth.

We have been continually blessed by the grant from Tesco which has enabled us to continue to employ our monthly drama teacher, Temisis Conway, as well as funding a trip to Clip and Climb, a puppetry workshop from Box Tale Soup Theatre Company and new bibles. Many thanks to Grace for sourcing!

It has been wonderful to have Gill Renny join the team as our children and family worker, her presence has already made a huge difference and we also welcomed brilliant new volunteers in Rob Peacock, Michelle Dyne, Faye Mackenzie taking the lead with beautiful spiritual art sessions and Di Geldard for some fab crafts. We were sad to say goodbye to Mrs Carolin who has taken up teaching a class in Littlehampton and is no longer able to volunteer for Bolders but we’d like to minute our huge thanks to her for her time, heart, and investment in the young people.

You can find regular updates on the Bolders activities in Seasight which have included, gardening with Julie Churcher, baking with Julie and Jane Rodriguez, a visit from TLA chaplain Paul Sanderson, sausage making at the Butcher and Deli, and a visit from Turning Tides homelessness charity amongst

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many others. The Bolders also contributed to the Link to Hope shoebox appeal, creating 16 boxes for the cause this year. The group also received a nomination for the Rotary Arun Youth Community Awards for their charitable care for each other and the world.

Huge thanks to the entire team and congregation for their continual support and prayers for the group, it is a privilege to offer this space for the young people – and we learn from them each week!

Team: Rev’d Laura Darrall, Rev’d Natalie Loveless, Claire Birkhead, Gill Renny, Anne Foster, Pam and Mike Lewis, Rob Peacock, Faye Mackenzie, Michelle Dyne, Di Geldard, Julie Churcher, Jane Rodriguez, Temisis Conway.

Children and Family Worker Report

Since October 2022, I have had the enormous privilege of being the Children and Families worker in our church community. It is a wonderful, varied, busy and exciting ministry and I thank God for the blessing of being chosen for this position.

Within the church, it has been fantastic getting to know the many children and adults who attend the groups. The new-born babies at Noah’s Ark; the primary (plus) children at Rocks and the lively preteens at Bolders: the families at the Pantry socials and gatherings: each group is an absolute joy to be part of. It has been great to be able to build relationships and share God’s love with every individual that has come to all of our provision.

Sunday mornings are a particular joy - what a way to begin the working week. Whether it is a Rocks week or an all-age service, the support and encouragement that I have experienced from clergy and congregation is truly uplifting and sustaining. It has been an honour to have started my ministry at a time when the Holy Spirit is really moving in our church and we are experiencing vibrant growth (and I don’t just mean numbers).

Within the wider community there are ways in which doors are opening to us and where it is a delight to serve. Together with Revd Natalie and Revd Laura, we have been welcomed into all three of the primary schools in our Parish to deliver regular assemblies. This has been wonderful in building relationships within the community as well as an opportunity to share stories of faith with the children. In addition to this, we have supported in the delivery of the R.E. curriculum when we had a visit from Summerlea’s Year Two to the church and are looking forward to working with Year Three at Rustington Community Primary on the Easter story. I have been welcomed to the parent drop-ins at Rustington Community Primary and help out at the Pantry in Georgian gardens. All these are ways of building our relationships across Rustington and takes the work of the church beyond the building and into the community. In the summer term, I will be running ‘Forest Church’ club, enabling children to reflect and wonder in the outdoors about our creation and creator.

First Rustington Scouts have also welcomed me to work with them. During Advent, I attend sessions of cubs and Beavers to deliver craft sessions and create an artwork to display when they held their Carol Service in church. This was a time of fun and creativity, which is set to become regular. This spring, I am working with the older children to prepare prayers to be read in Arundel Cathedral at the St George’s Day parade, as well as planning their activities for an evening. Remembrance Sunday will be another event for which I will get involved in the preparations. This has been a great experience and I look forward to further strengthening these connections.

Looking to the months ahead, I have plans in the pipeline for a summer holiday club at the end of August and a weekday afternoon club for primary children. Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in these projects and for a team of volunteers to enable the delivery of the sessions.

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Finally, I would like to give thanks for the incredible team that I am blessed with. Thank you to Revd Natalie and Rend Laura for their welcoming, supporting and guiding. To the amazing and hardworking volunteers in all the groups, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without these people I could not do my job and they all make every day a joy. What a fabulous bunch of people!

Please hold my work in your prayers.

Gill Renny

Coffee Break

During 2022, Coffee Break took place on Wednesday mornings in the Church Hall between 10.00am and 12.15pm. We had a week off during August and after Christmas. After covid our numbers really grew, with many of our regular church members returning. We welcomed several new people, who although not directly connected with the Church, lived in the village and enjoyed the fellowship. We also saw visitors to the area and those having a short stay with family and friends. Our regular groups included the fitness class after their Scout Hut sessions, the art class from the South Room and the local health walking group. At 11.30am sometimes the Hall was so full it was ‘standing room only’ and many more chairs were pressed into service.

We must thank all our helpers, those in the kitchen, the front of house staff and the table team, without you Coffee Break would not happen.

We are sure that 2023 will be equally successful and are happy to facilitate this very useful outreach to the Church and village community.

Christine Roberts and Jean Jenkins

Footsteps

We were back to a full year of walks this year so had 11 outings. Our first walk was along the coast from Rustington to the Bluebird cafe in Ferring when we admired some lovely beach art. Other walks included Kithurst Hill, Arundel, Pagham harbour, Angmering Park where we admired the beautiful bluebells, Sullington Common, Highdown, Burpham, Lancing Ring, Kingley Vale and Chichester Marina. We had several new walkers this year and some returning who hadn’t been for a while. The average attendance was 13 with the lowest turnout being 9 and the highest 18. Several people brought their dogs along too. It was pleasing to find the numbers have increased this year.

We normally walk about 4.5 to 5 miles with the occasional hilly bit but nothing too strenuous. New walkers are always welcome.

I am looking to find someone else to run this group within the next year otherwise the group may fold. If you are interested, please contact me.

Catherine Gleadow

Friendship Lunches have been in existence for some years now with only a short break and then everything closing down during lockdown.

The team meet about 3 times a year to plan main meals and puddings.

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It is an important monthly event and provides a time of camaraderie, catching up with friends and enjoying a roast dinner which our guests have not had to prepare or cook themselves! Special birthdays (those with a “0”) are celebrated with a card and a cake.

The lunches are served on the first Sunday of each month, (except for January). This enables those who wish, to attend the 11.45 service in church.

The team work well together and thanks must go to Ann and Christine who take it in turn to shop and organise the main meals. In the kitchen they are ably supported by Joy who deals with the washing up. Our delicious puddings are baked and served by Julie and Fran and usually involve custard or cream!

Grateful thanks must also go to Glyn, Graham, Laurence, Michelle and Roger, as well as those who support Pam “front of house” and serve the guests. Pam is also kept busy looking after the administration and liaising with our volunteer drivers arranging transport for those guests who need it.

Joy Bohm, Pam Brooks, Julie Churcher, Ann Mathias, Christine Roberts, Fran Tuppen

Family Support Work

Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work

Last year the report centred around rebuilding activities after the confines of lockdown. This year has been dominated by the effects of the financial and energy crisis. Families already struggling were met with the double whammy of increasing fuel costs rising prices and difficulties in getting appropriate statutory support. Unfortunately it has become more common that some families on Becca’s caseload have felt crushed and unable to cope . The outcome of such extraordinary stresses suffered by parents often manifests itself in the children some of whom are displaying severe behaviour issues. .Becca has been kept extremely busy providing one to one support and providing advocacy for some of the most serious cases . Reports to Social Services and attending support meetings is time consuming. This has meant that the volunteers from St Peter & St Paul are playing a very important role in sustaining support for families We still deliver food to families and we are encouraging those in walking distance to take advantage of the Pantry The volunteers help Becca to provide a wide range of regular activities and this year we have been very busy helping out with:

The rays of sunshine brought by these fun activities spread a little warmth for a very short time on families in the dark oppressive world of debt, relationship breakdown, behaviour problems . My abiding memory and one that spurs me on to keep volunteering was at the end of the weekend away at Dalesdown when one of the mums expressed her feelings

‘I don’t want to go back, I love it here, it so peaceful and with you all just being there for us to talk to it really was an absolutely fantastic weekend thank you so much for the opportunity xx

Working together as partners in mission you surround our families with your love , prayers,encouragement and financial support ,Thank you. A special thanks to the dedication and skills of our lovely volunteers who tirelessly give of themselves throughout the year; Mo Gibb, Susan Fisher , Jan Watson,Gill Renny; Philippa Dabin, Joyce Nicholls, Jackie and Meghan. NB New volunteers are always welcome

Diane Kearsey

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Church Hall Report

During 2022 the Hall has been fully open and used by Church Groups and External Hirers

The Church Hall is a great asset to both the Church and its associated groups as well as the greater community and an ongoing maintenance programme is essential to keep it in good order. Further projects that were to be considered during 2022 are now being moved to 2023 and include: -

The repair and redecoration of the timber windows on the west and north elevations of the building. The repair to the damaged lintel on the south elevation of the building. Planning a maintenance programme for the roof, where work is required. Access to the loft space above the kitchen.

Due to increased running and maintenance costs higher charges for the use of the Hall were started to be introduced during 2020. However, the benefit of these increased charges did not happen until June 2021 when the Hall fully reopened.

A massive thank you to Jan Watson and Alison German and recently Mike Merry, who have been doing a sterling job of keeping the car park tidy and clear of leaves and rubbish. Their help is very much appreciated. Also, a big thank you to Hazel Castle who continues her excellent work in looking after the cleaning of the Hall.

The Church Yard benefits from having a gardener, who is cutting the grass and tending the flower beds. A working party helped to clear and tidy up the Church Yard. Another working party would be of help to continue this work.

A big thank you to Ann Mathias who continues to look after the Kitchen and ensure its smooth running.

We would like to thank John Hawkins who has spent his evenings each winter for many years checking through the annual Hall Accounts. His knowledge and input has been invaluable. A big thank you to Dot Mitcham who took on this task for the 2022 accounts.

Bob Bulley, is acting as my shadow and covers me when I am unavailable, such as when I am on holiday. This is in addition to continuing with looking after the Hall Accounts/Finances and helping with minor maintenance. His support is invaluable and very much appreciated.

Christopher Simmance (Hall Manager), Rev Natalie Loveless, Bob Bulley, Ann Mathias, Carrie Mcleod and Henry Bott.

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Parochbal Church Councll ol St Peter & St Paul Parlsh Church. RustlnBton Church Hall Account ear ended 31st December 2022 For the 21 7,687.50 0.09 0.12 2,OW.(M) 9,ODJ.C#) LettlnES Oonatlons Interest on Depost Account pcc Arun District Council Grant Insurance Clalm Cottage Rent lfrom 081221 M15celianeous Payment Total Mon1￿ R•ulv•d 18,330.50 18.95 473.10 4,290.20 23,240.75 18,687.71 Expendltur¢ Malntenan¢elR•palYs General bulldlnK5 Fire Extlngu15hers & Alarms Boller SeryScelHeatln8 Repèlrs Sundry Expenses 1469.66 658.15 294.00 356.59 401. 350,80 294.00 277.04 1,32Z.B4 3,778.40 Admlnlstratlon Heitln8 & Ll8htln8 Water Char8es Insurante Muslt Llcencv Cle•nlnB & Waste DIspos81 2,976.22 580.49 1,052.76 1fj1.86 5,736.31 1.542.43 369.33 l.W9.26 132.fpj 3.118.60 6,171.62 10,607.64 Cottg8e Expendlture (from 081221 952.70 Refuftd. PCC Refund 00 3,921.50 Tot*1 EMp•ndltur• ForY••r IS.402.74 11,415.96 ri•t Surplus or Lo¥5 ForY••r 7,818.01 7,271.75 Balances Brou8ht Forward It OVOII2022 8,175.18 903.43 Balances Carded Forward at 3111212022 16,013.19 8.175.18 Represented by.. NatWe5t Bank Deposlt Account Natwest Bank Current kcount Cash 10,356.57 5.625.02 31.60 16,OlJ.19 S,C4X).12 3,143.46 31.60 ,175.18 Prepared by.. Verlfled by.. Capacity.. Dote.. 2023 29

Health & Safety Report

This report outlines the Health and Safety position at both the Church and Hall as at 31[st] December 2022.

During the year the H & S Policy was reviewed. A copy is on the Website for reference purposes for members of the congregation. Additionally, the Fire Risk Assessments for both the Church and the Hall were reviewed. Also, the Risk Assessments for each Church Group have either been updated/produced.

The effects of Covid 19 Virus continued to affect us all. To enable the Church and Hall to open, the Covid safety requirements introduced were kept under review and adjusted to suit.

Weekly in-house testing of the Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting was carried out at the Hall. This was supported by the professional bi-annual testing of both those systems. Monthly testing of the Carbon Monoxide Sensors and emergency alarm in the Disabled WC was also completed. In addition, the yearly servicing of the Gas Equipment, Fire Extinguishers, plus PAT testing of the portable electrical appliances was also completed. In the Church, monthly testing of the Emergency Lighting, Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide sensors and emergency alarm in the Disabled WC were also completed. This is supported by the twice-yearly specialist testing of the Emergency Lighting. Also, the yearly servicing of the Fire Extinguishers, PAT testing of the electrical appliances, servicing of the Boiler, Roof alarm and Security Alarm has been kept up to date.

The Emergency light in the Choir Vestry was adjusted and is now functioning. To summarise all testing is up to date. I would also like to thank Frank Hutchins, the previous Health & Safety Officer, who is my shadow, to provide cover when I am unavailable, such as holidays etc.

Christopher Simmance

Home Communion Report

Home Communion is offered to any of our Church Members who, for various reasons is unable to come to church. It may be a one-off visit, following eye surgery perhaps, or a broken leg, or something more long-term. Sometimes the main recipient is a Primary Carer who is unable to get to church. Whatever the reason we have a team of four Lay ministers of Holy Communion who carry out these visits, accompanied by another friend from a small group of volunteers from the church, because, ` Where two or three are gathered together, there am I in the midst of them’. We try to visit regularly once a month. We work alongside Parish Visitors to identify possible recipients of Home Communion, as sometimes people are reluctant to ask for a visit.

The service we use is a shortened form of the service of Holy Communion we use in church. In its basic form this lasts about 20 minutes, but some of our recipients welcome the opportunity to discuss the scripture reading and make or mention prayer requests, so it can take a bit longer and we are often offered a cup of something (and cake!) and may stay and chat for a while afterwards. These visits seem to be welcomed by everyone we see and we enjoy the privilege of being invited into their homes.

Between us we see about 10-12 people each month.

Rev. Natalie Loveless and Revd Laura Darrall also make monthly visits to Care Homes in our Parish.

Brenda Meakins

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Report from Kevin and Jen Cable for 2022

Although Kevin and Jen are settling into their life in Jaffa and they are confident that they are where God wants them to be, it has not been an easy year.

There have been rocket attacks and twice they had to shelter in their bedroom which is fitted out as a bomb shelter. Fortunately, the Israeli defence system kicked in and the rockets were intercepted. There have also been attacks on Christian churches and priests going about their business in broad daylight. There has also been much unrest in Jerusalem.

Services have been going well in the Lutheran Church and they had a good congregation for Christmas services including a local Rabbi and some of his congregation.

It has been a frustrating time regarding the refurbishment of the church as permits have still (February 2023) not been issued for the work to begin despite the Archbishop’s hope that work would begin in October.

With the help of volunteers, both cemeteries have been cleared and it is hoped that they can be kept like that.

Little Lambs is going well with a small group of parents/carers with their babies and little ones. We must continue to pray for their safety and for the renovations of the church building to begin soon.

Susan Fisher

SPSP Men’s Fellowship

It was a challenging year as we started to meet again in person, moving forward safely, shaking of the COVID hangover. I am glad to say that the SPSP Men rose to the occasion.

The fellowship meets monthly to bring together Christian Men. Its members are a mixed set of people, different backgrounds, different experiences, different talents. Always caring. Meetings aim to outreach to other religions, interests and persuasions to broaden our own thoughts and ideals.

We normally meet on the first Wednesday evening of each month; networking and discussing various common issues. Each meeting we highlight some interest, either a talk or communal activity. Our ‘talks’ come from organisations, charities and generally people with an individual passion. We rely on our members sharing their life experiences, encourage well being and promote Christian viewpoints. It gives confidence and inclusion.

Normally beginning at 7:30pm we start by having a time to chat to each other. The meeting starts about 20 minutes later with a ‘Thought and Prayer for the Day’ from clergy and pastoral workers. We are not run by committee and rely on our members’ volunteering their ideas, needs and cakes.

This year we decided to donate half our funds to the Pantry to help the Christian community care we deeply believe in.

Attending the meetings costs £2 with a door raffle to win a bottle of wine or a voucher.

The talks and events we had in the year to December 2022 were:-

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January – Mike Lewis – Walking the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. February – Rev Laura Darrall – My journey to Rustington – a God of surprises! April – Billy Slatter – ‘What are you doing here?’

May – Brian Freeland – George Bernard Shaw – ‘Playing the Clown’

June – Julie Edge – Littlehampton’s Museum Curator – ‘From the archives’ …

July – AGM, Live music and Barbeque – Thanks to Robert and Mike.

August – Edward Jervis – ‘With a pinch of salt’.

September – Christopher Simmance – Hurtigrutan – the World’s most wonderful Voyage. October – Alistair Byford-Bates – The Recovery of Fairey Barracuda from RNAS Daedalus. November – Charlie & Grace – Current and future hopes of ‘The Pantry’. December – Xmas Extravaganza, Prizes, Games – run up to Xmas.

We are very grateful for all the help given to us by the refreshment team and the cakes kindly provided by the members and their partners. Come when you can, all welcome.

Our web site is https://spsp-mens-fellowship.club

Bill Dodd

Music report

At last a year virtually free of all Covid restrictions so singing has been enjoyed by all and back to normal.

The choir continue to practice on Fridays and sing at the Parish Eucharist, Evensong and other special services. Sadly earlier in the year our brother John Harding suffered a life changing medical event so is no longer able to sing with us, we miss him very much.

We welcomed Amber into the choir as a new young member and she is singing very well.

The choir has sung with the music group when the first Sunday is a festival such as Epiphany.

This year we also happily welcomed back Phillipa Dabin and Michael McCurrach who joined us for the Carol service and others have joined us for special acts of worship.

The choir along with some friends went and sung Christmas Carols in the Lamb public house as well as some residential care homes which we really enjoyed and was a lovely outreach opportunity.

I would like to thank the choir for all their loyalty, singing and support and for George for all his help with the choir.

We have a wonderful team of organists but during the year sadly Dave Jenkins, due to family commitments is unable to play for us for a while, but we look forward to hopefully welcoming him back at some point in the future. George, who also prepares the organists’ rota, and James have remained dedicated and playing at all the various services and delighting us with an array of music in all styles before and after the services. Thank you to you all.

The music group has continued to evolve this year playing at the family service on the first Sunday of the month and now numbers eight members, when all present, and continues to improve with great enthusiasm. Mike Mc Currach has kindly agreed to share directing and planning with the group and with his range of expertise we look forward to an exciting year in 2023 and to be able to contribute more to the worship of the church and outreach. Some of the music group also play at services in rest homes and contribute to the activity mornings in the church during school holidays which is enjoyed by all.

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I would also like to thank Natalie and Laura for all their support and encouragement and also for singing with the choir at various events and services and Natalie especially for her personal musical contributions.

Carrie McLeod

Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark has gone from strength this year. After Covid, the group remained small but the past year has seen incredible growth, with numbers going from an average of 10 families to around 21 families.

We have been able to invest in new equipment due to this growth. The children now have access to a ball pit, new trainset, interactive rugs and a refurbished book corner. In addition, we have now timetabled regular sensory sessions including a ‘Glow in the Dark’ session and a multi-sensory summer session alongside our celebrations of church festivals.

Craft activities have been expanded and we now have regular educational games. This has enabled the older children to have opportunities for preparing for school. There are now age focused zones within the room so that all participants have appropriate activities.

A real strength of this group this year are the strong positive relationships that have formed between the families and they meet up regularly outside the group. It is a great support network for all.

The is a strong volunteer team which works on a rota and have great relationships with the children and their carers. They have created a warm family atmosphere and their work is greatly appreciated.

Zoe Mills and Gill Renny

Pantry Report

October was the first anniversary of our Church Pantry. It seems hard to image that it has only been running for such a short time, it feels like such an important part of our church’s activities.

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful team of volunteers. Our team has used their gifts of kindness to make a real effort to get to know each one of our Pantry users. This relationship has proved to be so important in enabling us to invite our families to coffee mornings, to craft events and to our holiday time “Gatherings” in the church and also to church services, especially the AllAge Services. These occasions have helped us develop a real community feel and remove any stigma that may trouble people when they first come along to the Pantry.

The number of visitors has steadily grown. We started with 10 on our opening day and on 21[st] December - 60 came to our Pantry. The generosity of our parishioners has helped us to keep up with this growing demand. As well as the food items that are left in the basket in church or the black box by the Church Hall, we also receive financial donations. During this calendar year we spent £1046 of the money donated directly into the Pantry account and £427 given as cash on topping up the food cupboard. The Angmering and South Downs Rotary Club kindly gave us £500 to buy a much-needed fridge to expand our giving to include more fresh food.

We really should celebrate that over the course of the year our Church Pantry gave out 1993 bags of food to those in our community that are struggling with costs. Our next step is to develop relationships with other community services to try and help our families with things such as debt management, household budgeting, maximising benefit entitlement etc.

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In addition to this, our Pantry at Georgian Gardens School is steadily building. The volunteers who run the Pantry at school say, "it is heartening to see how the numbers have increased and how the mums have gradually gained in confidence to talk to us and now ask us for specific items for their families. There is a very friendly atmosphere as they chat with each other and with us.

No one ever takes more than the ten items permitted unless we hear of a case of real hardship and we help make up bags of groceries for them. Word of these cases reach us from the headteacher and some other members of staff. The staff at school have really got behind us - they are friendly and welcoming.

It was very special at Christmas to see faces light up when the tables of special treats were seen. The pantry is an enriching experience for both of us."

Our local retailers, led by Sarah at The Butchers and Deli, really rallied together at Christmas. Together they ran a raffle and the money raised resulted in over 30 meat hampers being given to our families at this difficult time. It was so successful that we were still providing fresh meat to our Pantry users through he early months of the New Year.

We feel so very blessed to have this as part of our wonderful church.

Charlie Sims, Pantry Manager

Pastoral Care in the parish

The Welcome team is a visible part of the Pastoral Care in our parish. We all feel that it is a privilege to be sharing in this ministry. Two of us are usually available outside and inside the church before the 10.00am Sunday service. We aim to give a personalised greeting to our church members and to those who are visiting us for the first time. We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. We encourage people to stay after the service for coffee/tea in the church hall, where there is time to meet others in an informal way.

We hold a Welcome Afternoon once or twice a year when everyone who has completed a Welcome card is invited. In the relaxed atmosphere of the Vicarage, guests and team with the clergy, church wardens and treasurer can talk together and learn about the vision of the church. Last year on May 22[nd] we had 18 guests and on December 3[rd] we had 16 guests.

The 28 Pastoral Visitors are a more invisible part of the Pastoral Care of the church. Each has responsibility for the church members in the geographical area where they live: East Preston has 1 PV, Rustington has 20, Beaumont Park Estate has 4 and Littlehampton, Wick/Lyminster and Angmering each have 1. At the moment we have 2 vacancies in Rustington.

Each PV can carve out how they contact/relate to those in their Area. If they are also the Seasight distributor that is a natural contact. Some PVs find it relatively easy to contact people – but others find it more difficult, unless there is a specific reason. We hope that in times of illness or difficulty church members will feel that they can contact their local PV or the clergy directly. During ‘lockdown’ the PVs tried to keep in touch regularly by phone and were able, at different times, to distribute puddings and posies of flowers from the Friendship Lunch team.

If you are not sure who your PV is, please contact one of us on the Welcome team and we can connect you. Both the team and the Pastoral Visitors are open to suggestions as to how we might be more effective within the parish. Please do keep us in touch with your ideas.

Jean Allison, Pam Brooks, Shirley Fisher, Jenny Forse, Maureen Gibb and Rosemary McLachlan.

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Rocks

This year has seen significant and positive changes in the way that our Sunday provision for the four plus age group has been structured. Up to the autumn half term 2022, this group met in the hall from before the start of the Sunday 10am service until the distribution of communion, when the group and leaders joined the congregation. During this time we experienced a steady decline in numbers which meant that it was necessary to reflect on our practice and seek a better way.

After prayerful consideration, it was decided to integrate the children into the service more fully and move Rocks into the church. Since October 2022, the children have been in the church with the rest of the congregation. They have a dedicated area with toys, books and age-appropriate worship resources. The children ‘dress the priest’ and track the service on an interactive display which is keenly updated throughout the time of worship. In addition to helping the clergy at key points in the service, this means that the children have a growing understanding of the liturgy and what each part of the service means.

Apart from during the monthly all-age service, the children have a dedicated teaching time when, either in the side chapel or the choir vestry, the Gospel reading (or other scripture) is taught and reflected upon in a small supportive group. The hard work and talent of the team who lead these sessions is greatly appreciated and is evident in the positive relationships with the children.

Since the above changes have been in place, there has been steady growth in both numbers and engagement, there is a real sense of the Holy Spirit at work in the children’s lives within this more inclusive structure.

Please pray for the Rocks as they journey with us in our church family: not only that we will have growing numbers but that each individual will grow in faith and the bonds between them strengthen even further. It has been a time of great encouragement for this group and we thank God for them.

Gil Renny

Sacristans Report

Following government guidelines to close churches at various points in 2020 & 2021, 2022 came without any restrictions and services taking place as scheduled.

Sacristans continued to support the set up for services of holy communion and related duties including the moving of furniture, changing altar frontals, in line with the liturgical colour for the season.

We were grateful to those who supported the team, particularly with the laundering of items used at communion and cleaning the silverware.

Chancel Group Working Party which included some members of the team met to discuss and agree the fabric/furniture requirements for the Chancel. This exciting project will progress further in 2023.

If you would like to know more about what we do, or join the team, please speak to Claire Birkhead.

Claire Birkhead Henry Bott Jean Bulley Susan Fisher Carol Garside

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Safeguarding

St Peter and St Paul is a church which is seen as friendly and welcoming. To maintain that, it is essential that we work to provide a safe, secure environment for both children and adults to worship and take part in activities. They must also feel able to raise questions and concerns without fear. By providing rigorous Safeguarding provision we will be less likely to attract those who might wish to exploit vulnerable groups.

Some members of the Church Family have particular responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of this safe environment but it is the duty of all of us to be vigilant in identifying and reporting instances of unsafe practice.

The PCC follows the House of Bishops’ guidance on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults and complies with the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. A copy of this guidance can be seen in the Parish Office, along with our Safeguarding Policies. The latter were reviewed and approved by the PCC in November 2022 and are also available through our Church website.

Behaviour Codes: Some years ago, Behaviour Codes were produced, giving guidance to those working with Adults or Children. The Pastoral Work Group suggested that the codes should be recirculated and this has been done.

Reporting Serious Incidents: The PCC was required by the Diocese to consider its responsibility for reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission, including Safeguarding Serious Incidents. This responsibility has been delegated to myself and Carrie McLeod.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): All who work with children and adults have the appropriate DBS certification in place including, where necessary, checks of the lists of those barred from associating with vulnerable groups.

Currently, 35 members of our church family hold Enhanced Disclosure Certificates for work with Children and/or Adults. Certificates awarded before this year are valid for 5 years but the House of Bishops has ruled that any new certificates issued from this year onwards will be renewable after 3 years. This will bring the Church of England into line with other organisations requiring DBS certification. 6 DBS Certificates will need to be renewed in the coming year.

Training: The Church of England offers online modules of Safeguarding training. This is mandatory for those holding DBS certificates, being part of the induction process before any Staff post and ideally any Voluntary post can be taken up.

The requirement for the Leadership training level has been revised to include those ‘with significant leadership roles’ within the church. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team has confirmed that this will only include Clergy, Readers, Authorised Lay Ministers and Safeguarding Officers for the moment.

We have also continued to provide training for those not required to make a DBS Application but who work in sensitive areas. Among the 22 church family members who have undertaken the Basic and Foundation levels of training are those who provide invaluable support in the Pantry.

As the number of Church Family Members involved in Training grows, it is hoped that this will help to raise the profile of Safeguarding within our Church.

I would like to thank all who have helped towards this goal over the year.

Keith Henderson

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Seasight Report

The compilation, production and distribution of Seasight magazine has run reasonably smoothly through 2022 with the help of our two new team members, Sarah handling the advertising and Fran the distribution. The advertising revenue remained much the same as for 2021 as did magazine sales with a normal print run of 220 per edition, though on occasion extra copies have been printed if needed. The editors would still like to see more content from the church family about anything interesting that you have been up to and would like to share. Sourcing original material is very problematical.

The finish of the magazine is very good thanks to the office printer, which gives excellent results. The paper quality dropped mid-year because large price increases meant economies had to be made as the paper type that had been used for many years became too expensive. The printer itself had problems with the finisher, the part that folds and staples the booklets, and eventually a new roller was installed. This did not impact on the production of the magazine, which was a relief.

At our last committee meeting in October, it was decided not to increase the cover price or advertising fees as Seasight is managing to remain viable, despite the increase in colour pages per month which is great but adds to the production cost along with the rising cost of paper. Thanks go to Glyn Mathias our treasurer, Fran Tuppen - distribution, Sarah McCurrach – advertising and Julie Churcher our chair, who all freely give their time and effort and to all those involved with the monthly distribution of the magazine and sending in articles for each edition.

Jean and Bob Bulley. Joint Editors

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W8IGHf . THE IAA%lWIEOF ￿P￿RI ITPAUL, RU8mNtsTON 87ArnIÉIIT OF FINANCLALA¢TNmt$ FOR TrF YEAR ENPED JI PEe¢M8EFI 1422 TOTAL FUNty8 2022 TOTAL FUMDS N¢• INCOMING AeSOURC2S 1,881.C 810.rpj 170.80 Adbwtrsin9 Iirctyn• TOTAL INCOIITrIQ RE80URCE3 170 80 RESOURces UPENDED Pop•randc•ffj•k. 23Q.59 97.84 1.730.41 87.84 81349 26.gk TOTAL RE•OURCE• EXPIMOID IIEfMovEflENTIN FUN0• 41.2> 4W.31 &I￿NcE BfftV•f 1 JANUARY s.t12.28 4.710.67 APKIQPWP31 gEfAMO111 B12.16 l Nwli •Hwd th118•MIBht4nd h PCC wJuhl••cb• r••ponblbl• forth•lrvM w•9• ol th•rn•¢hln• •nd ythIlF chTVI. T1•G￿l41ptctypy chlw lor PCC uMg•Yé•t• nm¢•￿11￿I •ndth• Pe nol fDi 1Dycu￿. S•i¥yhlp4hY ill ￿ ohr coJt4 l•aAdmin t•M, C•Thlo9• aTrJ $¥pb61. 2 AdDnilanfiun th• 9cc￿rd• cw rMknWl• n￿￿￿J*¥￿d ¢Q•lWThXlby V•rtW by. (3tyn M¥thi•t Tt•8•U Mrs Dorolty LY4huthward?n C•yety 38

The Church Allotment and Cutting Garden 2022 was a challenging year, with the drought not breaking until the end of the summer. New Dahlias were planted, and although relatively late in flowering, we had a glorious crop well into the autumn. In the event of more extreme weather in the future we will change the Church flowers twice a week so that they are at their best for both the Sunday and Wednesday services. We are looking out for more drought tolerant varieties to avoid having to purchase florist flowers flown in from abroad, although Dahlias will always be at the forefront of what we grow.

My thanks must go to Janis and the flower team for using the blooms so beautifully, and to Jennie Nixon who helps me cut for Church every Friday in season. Many thanks to Graham, Mike and Kate, and in particular to Carole and Ian. Carole and Ian stepped in at a critical time in 2022 when the team was very much depleted and the future of the allotment was in doubt. They have done an enormous amount of work on the plot this year. Ian re-treated the shed for us and Carole has weeded and dug with passion! Thank you to Graham for mowing the grass and for removing the green waste to the Allotment Council bin which has been generously paid for by the PCC. This has made green waste disposal so much easier, although we do compost suitable waste on site. I now concentrate on cutting the blooms, arranging ordered bouquets, the accounts, purchasing and raising new plants and doing the reports for the Church Allotment website, Seasight, and the APCM and submitting new photos and words for the Screen in Church. There is a lot of behind the scenes work as well as physical work on the plot. I manage and work my own plot on the same site, part of which is also used for Church flowers, and I occasionally mow the paths in the cool of lovely summers evenings - during the heat of the drought often after 8pm. Watering was a real problem and we gave up in the end. The allotment needs a regular and dedicated team - a little help goes a very long way.

In all we cut in the region of 75 buckets of flowers for Church, plus blooms for bouquets ordered by the Church Family as gifts. This could equate to a cut in the region of 2250 stems at 30 stems per bucket throughout the 6 month flowering season, some of the flowers and greenery being supplemented from my own allotment. Thank you all for your support and very kind financial, plant, seed and compost/mulch donations during the year that allows us to continue to buy in new tools, extra compost and plants. Last but not least, a very big thank you to our amazing and very generous donor who bought us our brand new mower. So much needed and appreciated. If you would like to join the team please do get in touch with me. We really do need to expand the team to retain the plot and keep it in good condition week by week throughout the year and to comply with the new Parish Council Tenancy Agreement issued in 2022. Even an hour a month per person if we had enough people would make a huge difference. It is a wonderful opportunity to supply flowers for our Church that have the lowest carbon footprint - and no air miles or pesticides.

“Did you know that a poppy seed can remain dormant in the soil for over 80 years until the soil is freshly disturbed and the seed jolted into life. Perhaps time spent on our beautiful plot will bring joy to your heart and soul and ignite in you a passion for the earth.”

Julie Churcher

Julie Churcher
Opening Balance 1.1.22 (Cash and Bank). £278.42
Income - Donations 2022. 259.20
TOTAL IN HAND 537.62
LESS - Expenses 2022. 329.88
CREDIT BALANCE IN HAND. 207.74

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Closing Balance 31.12.22

(Cash £170.43/Bank £37.31).

£207.74

Julie Churcher

WAFFLE – Women About Fellowship, Fun, Laughter and Entertainment

This past year Waffle has been able to meet every month. Our speakers have been diverse and interesting and we have had two trips out as well. Last June we enjoyed a lovely trip to the gardens at Dale Park House which is a favorite of ours, and in August we had a really stunning trip on the canal at Chichester with a cream tea to follow. The trip to Dale Park House was on a typical wet summer’s day whereas Chichester was at the height of the heatwave, but the ladies of Waffle just relished being together in such beautiful surroundings. Our Christmas party was a special treat as we learned how to make a sugar paste Santa – they were a real joy to see! As always, our meetings conclude with delicious refreshments.

WAFFLE meets on the 2[nd] Wednesday of every month at 7.30 pm except in August, when we usually get out and about on a trip of some sort. All women very welcome.

Co-ordinating group: Ann, Julie, Jenny, Thelma and Sue

OPENING BALANCE AT 1.1.22 OPENING BALANCE AT 1.1.22
(Bank and Cash). £628.20
INCOME 2022.
Subs. 567.00
Cake Sales. 76.40
Canal Trip Deposit. 112.00
TOTAL. 755.40. 755.40
TOTAL IN HAND. 1383.60
LESS EXPENSES
Refreshments inc Xmas Party. 208.06
Donations to Red Cross and
National Garden Scheme 49.00
Speakers Fees. 450.00
Canal Trip. 150.00
Speakers Gifts. 12.00
TOTAL
EXPENSES 869.06
Credit Balance £514.54
CREDIT BALANCE AT 31.12.22
Cash in Bank. £507.40
Petty Cash. 7.04
TOTAL £514.54

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Heavenly Father, we humbly ask that you would bless us and keep us. Make your face to shine upon us, and be gracious, O Lord, to each and every life here today and in our church and all who we meet. Give us strength to know that you walk beside us and that we can do all things through Christ who is our keeper. We ask you, Lord God, that our household of faith will experience such a divine explosion of God’s goodness that we will know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, so that we will make a difference. By your Spirit will you set captives free, lift burdens, destroy yokes, and crown us with loving kindness. And may our blessings bless the people of Rustington and our prayers transform our world in the power of your name, Jesus. Amen.

A prayer from Oscar Romero

It helps now and then to step back and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection, no pastoral visit brings wholeness. No programme accomplishes the Church’s mission. That is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are the workers, not the master builders, servants, ministers, not messiahs. We are the prophets of a future not of our own.

Amen.

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