2021-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Nicholas With St. John Baptist, Lincoln

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The Parish of St. Nicholas with St. John Baptist, Newport, Lincoln

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2021

Presented at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 20[th] March 2022

Registered Charity Number: 1133977

The Parish of St. Nicholas with St. John Baptist, Newport, Lincoln ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2021 Presented at the Annual Parochial Church Meetin 20[th] March 2022 g

INTRODUCTION

This is the Annual Report for the financial Year 2021 for the Parish of St. Nicholas with St. John, Newport, Lincoln. In this report you will find brief notes about church life, together with the accounts for the year 2021, duly examined (appended at the end of the document), and a budget for 2022.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Parish Church of St. Nicholas is situated on the east side of Newport, Lincoln. It is within the Diocese of Lincoln in the Church of England. The correspondence address is: St. Nicholas Church, Newport, Lincoln, LN1 3DP, telephone number 01522 540614 or email stnicholaslincoln@gmail.com.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Registered Charity Number: 1133977.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

St. Nicholas’ PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, the Revd. Canon Dr Hugh Jones, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has responsibility for the care of the church building and its grounds, and responsibility for St. Matthias, Burton Road, which is used under lease by the Antiochene Orthodox Church.

The PCC meets about six times a year. A more detailed report is given elsewhere by the PCC Secretary. The PCC operates through a number of committees:

Standing Committee

As the only committee required by law, it has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC.

Worship Committee

CLERGY

Vicar: The Revd. Canon Dr. Hugh Jones Curate: The Revd. Alice Jolley Dr. Peter Elsmore Reader & Lay Vice-Chairman

WARDENS

Mr. David Gratrick Mr. Roger Hansard Mrs. Susan Humphrey Mrs. Kate Mitchell

Oversees all matters of worship.

Discipleship and Education Committee Oversees Christian nurture.

Social Committee

Oversees the social events of the church.

Buildings Committee

Oversees the maintenance and improvement of the church building.

DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES

For term to finish

Mr. John Simmons 2023 Mrs. Coral Jolley 2023 Mrs. Susan Toogood 2023 CO-OPTED MEMBERS Mrs. Joanne Osborne Honorary Secretary Mrs. Sandra Gratrick Honorary Treasurer

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES Elected for term to finish

*ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES* Elected for term to finish
Mrs. Maureen Christie	2022
Mrs. Lucy Bright	2022
Ms. Jo Appleton Miss Susan Whate Mr. Adrian Smith	2022 2023 2023
Mrs. Margaret Arrand	2023
Mr. Andrew Simmons Mrs. Betty Brown Mrs. Christine Elsmore Mrs. Sally Hubbard Mrs. Carolyn Jones	2023 2024 2024 2024 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

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

building.	building.
STATISTICS FOR MISSION		2020	2021
BAPTISMS		7	17
WEDDINGS		1	4
FUNERALS	Church	11	34
	Crematorium	25	9
	Graveside Only		4
	Total Funerals	36	47
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
1stSunday in October		107	57
2ndSundayin October		42	111
3rdSundayin October		52	25
4thSunday in October		42	70
USUAL SUNDAY ATTENDANCE (including children)		61	92

Note: These Mission statistics for 2021 do not include the numbers attending Baptism Services on three of the four Sunday’s mentioned above, which totalled approximately 120. These will be recorded separately on the Annual Return. St Nicholas’ hosted a Deanery Confirmation Service on the second Sunday in October and a service of Choral Evensong on the fourth Sunday, for the Rededication of Standards, which also increased the numbers recorded. There was only one Eucharist service held on the Third Sunday because of the annual cycle race.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCES

CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL

The current Church Electoral Roll has been in place since 2019 and comprises 130 names at present. One name was removed during the year and four names have been added.

	Gift Aided	Not Gift Aided	Total
PGS	29	4	33
CAF Bank	40	7	47
Envelopes	7	5	12
Total	76	16	92

Fran Bell, Church Electoral Roll Officer

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2020

This year’s Annual Accounts for 2021 are presented in this report. My thanks go to Capt. John Lee as our Independent Examiner.

Total receipts for the ordinary unrestricted funds were £167,593 and are detailed in the financial statements. The increase is the investment of made legacies received during the year amounting in total to £70,000. (Actual income amounts to £97,593).

Expenditure for 2021 was £154,017 spent to provide the Christian ministry for St Nicholas Church including our Parish Share of £44,604 and investment of £70,000. (Actual expenditure amounted to £84,017). A major expense during the year was a new boiler fitted into the Centre costing £5,325.

Due to the restrictions placed upon us this year from Covid-19, our expenditure was slightly reduced by loss of room hire, weddings and collections. I would like to thank the congregation who have continued to support us by continuing their monthly commitments via Parish Share, Standing Orders and envelopes and donations which has maintained our income stream.

Projected Budget 2022

Income we need to raise this year in order to keep St Nicholas running is as follows.

In preparation for the review through “Time to Change Together” initiative I have projected the Parish Share as £50,000 and £5,000 toward the cost of a new Organist, in the hope we can achieve this.

The new projected budget covers all expenditure to continue the running of the church and our committed expenses and keep the status quo is £75,557. Therefore, monthly we need to aim to achieve an income of £6,296 or £1,483 per week.

The following works will finally be carried out in 2022. The money to cover the cost of these long-awaited jobs is held in CBF deposit account on reserve. Due to Covid-19 these works have been delayed for the past two years.

Replacing the damaged covering for the East Window.

Please use this time to review your giving. If you have not yet joined one of our regular giving schemes, maybe today is the day you start. If you have not increased your giving for some time, maybe today is the day you do. If you are a tax-payer, but have not signed a Gift Aid Declaration, please ask me for a form.

Joan Beresford, Planned Giving Officer

PCC HONORARY SECRETARY’S REPORT

2021 has been another year with challenges caused by Covid restrictions. Repairs and maintenance of the church, Centre and grounds were closely monitored throughout the year.

The unreliable boiler in the Centre was replaced with a more efficient model. A new sound system was put in the church which enables different formats to be used to play music. Thank you to Maureen Christie who very kindly paid for this upgrade.

In 2021 we entered into a partnership with St Mary Magdalen. Our choirs successfully collaborated for the re-dedication of the Standards. Mother Alice and Peter Elsmore both regularly preach at St Mary Magdalen.

A Time to Change Together has been launched in the Diocese. It began the process of looking at the deployment of clergy, growth, parish share, assets and central costs. Churches have been asked to reflect prayerfully on where they see themselves fitting into the wider church. It was agreed St Nicholas would be a Category 1 Church.

We said goodbye to The Revd. Canon Dr. Hugh Jones who after nearly eight years as the incumbent at St Nicholas, has taken on a new role as Warden of the College of St Hugh. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hugh for all his hard work, dedication and kindness, and wish him well in his new role.

We also said goodbye to Anne Nugent who was Director of Music for more than 20 years. Thank you to Anne for all her hard work for St Nicholas.

Joanne Osborne, PCC Honorary Secretary

CHURCHWARDENS’ REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Installing the Defibrillator.

Storage units in the Jennifer Jackson Room. Noticeboard.

Reserves Policy

To start the year as of January 2022 the following amounts of monies are held in various accounts:

CBF (Church Benevolent Fund) £34,494.36 Shawbrooke Fixed Term until January 2023: £36,781.67. Edentree Investment Account: £70,000.

Sandra Gratrick, Honorary Treasurer

PLANNED GIVING

At the end of 2021 we had 92 regular givers using with the Parish Giving Scheme (our preferred option), standing orders to CAF Bank (our current account) or numbered envelopes. Of these, 76 are tax-payers who have made a Gift Aid Declaration allowing us to claim back 25% of their donations from HMRC.

A Year of Change and Farewells

2021/22 has been an unusual and challenging year for your four churchwardens. Some of the challenges we have faced have come from the frequent need to adapt our way of working in response to the gradual lifting of Covid restrictions, with a notably reduced number of volunteers and we are still having to adapt to the demands this and other changes have brought in their wake. Completion of six years’ service in May 2021 saw Andy Simmons and Chris Elsmore stepping down from their role. Their continued support and advice following the hand-over to newlyelected wardens Kate Mitchell and Roger Hansard has been invaluable for the new team and our thanks go to them for their understanding and willingness to help whenever asked. We also said farewell during the past year to Anne Nugent who had been our Director of Music for 20+ years and who left us to take up a full-time post in teaching. Thank you, Anne for your faithful service in playing the organ and directing the choir over so many years. We wish you well in your new post.

Although not publicly marked at the time, other goodbyes from regular duties have included those to Susan Whate as HouseKeeper and Betty Brown as PCC Secretary. Sincere thanks to you both for your combined decades of service to our St Nick’s family and to Joanne Osborne for taking up the mantle of PCC Secretary, which has been no mean feat in Covid times.

Happily, as restrictions in public worship were gradually removed, we were able to return to congregational singing and to welcome back our choir. Thanks go to the choir for their contribution to our regular worship and for coping with all the uncertainties which go with no longer having Anne as our Director of Music and for their forgiveness of the shortcomings of the CD player and its controllers! Thanks also go to the flower team, whose arrangements always add something quite special and to those who organise and contribute to the readings and intercessions for Sunday worship.

We are very grateful to all those who have helped with stewarding at regular and special services and would like to record an enormous vote of thanks for the intrepid band of church-openers and cleaners who, under the leadership of Joan Beresford, have kept us safe and enabled us to open the doors of St Nick’s for private prayer almost every day during the past year. Thank you, Joan and all the team.

Recently, we have been able to re-introduce refreshments after our principal services and our thanks go to Coral Jolley and the team of volunteers who help with that week by week and those who are always willing to help with the washing up! We’d also like to thank the “back room” team of sacristans who, more recently, have resumed their work of faithfully preparing the elements for the Sunday Eucharist each week.

It has been a privilege to support Hugh, Alice, Alan, and Peter who, throughout all this year of change, have been constant in their hard-work, love and compassion for the entire St Nick’s congregation either in person or on line and in praying for us all every day. We have been extremely fortunate to have had such a skilled and committed clergy team and, had it not been for them, we would find re-establishing a rhythm of life at St. Nick’s, as we emerge from the pandemic, even more challenging.

Our long-awaited “return to normal service” suffered a major setback with the news that Hugh would be leaving the parish officially on 26[th] December, to take up a new diocesan role as Warden of the College of St Hugh. It is difficult to express in a few words the debt of gratitude we owe to him for his faithful service and leadership during his incumbency but particularly during the pandemic. As wardens we were witness to the sheer hard work and imagination Hugh (and Jackie) put into maintaining (and indeed growing on-line) our congregation and Hugh’s kindness, encouragement and humour are greatly missed. Thank you, Hugh for all you have done for us and good luck in your new role.

Unlike many sister churches currently in vacancy, we are very fortunate in still having a skilled and caring clergy team in Alan, Alice, our Licensed Lay Reader, Peter Elsmore and Geoff Arrand who are working together to deliver regular worship at St Nick’s during the interregnum as well as conducting frequent occasional services such as baptisms, funerals and weddings. Re-establishing a pattern of worship which is sustainable in terms of clergy and musical resources has been a challenge. The pattern we have at the moment seems to fit the bill but will remain under review. As wardens, we are very conscious that our recent connection with St Mary Magdalene and our involvement in the Diocesan Time To Change Together initiative, may have an impact on patterns of worship over the coming months and years, subject, of course, to PCC approval. Much will depend on the length of time we are in vacancy, especially given that Alice is hopeful of moving on to pastures new in the summer, to take up responsibility for her own

parish. They will be very fortunate to have you, Alice and we will miss you very much.

Regardless of the changes in public worship over the last year, members of our pastoral team, led by Carolyn Jones, have worked tirelessly to support members of our congregation who have been unable to attend weekly services or who have needed practical or pastoral support in any way. Thank you all.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge that all the public facing aspects of life at St Nick’s would be so much more difficult to achieve, without the backroom support of two very important people:

Our Treasurer, Sandra Gratrick, is the best steward of St Nick’s finances we could hope for and her skills in preparing and overseeing our accounts and investments is invaluable. The responsibility is great and the hours she gives to the job are endless. We would be in a perilous position without her. Thank you.

Our Parish Administrator, Jackie Jones, has continued to work tirelessly at a time of great personal change since Christmas. Recently she has begun to take over the weekly e-church mailing and preparing pre-recorded music when needed. In addition, she continues to produce the weekly sheet and readings and undertake a multitude of additional backroom tasks with characteristic modesty and quiet efficiency. We are so grateful you decided to stay on in the job, Jackie. Thank you for all your hard work.

We thank you all for your continued support during this time of uncertainty and, whilst acknowledging that there are challenging times ahead, we look forward to continuing to serve the parish, to seizing any opportunities which may allow us to develop our ministry in this place and to welcoming a new incumbent in the not-too-distant future.

The Churchwardens

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

This committee last met in October 2019 as the scheduled meeting for February 2020 was postponed by the Chair. Of course, the Minutes of that meeting are now a historical record. The business of the meeting ranged over worship, mission and growth; worship planning; new worship offerings such as Hugh’s new mass setting and of course, upcoming liturgical year events such as Advent and Christmas services 2019 and so into the next year. Interestingly, Hugh spoke of the 150 people who regard our parish as their main place of worship.

The PCC has recently asked to rejuvenate the parish’s committee structures and this is proper, given the end of some of the dislocation of the pandemic, if not the end of the pandemic itself. Please prayerfully consider joining (or re-joining) this committee.

Peter Elsmore (Secretary)

DISCIPLESHIP & EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Unfortunately, the Discipleship & Education Committee did not meet during 2021.

Christine Elsmore

ST. NICHOLAS GUILD OF SERVERS

I hope that it has been noted that I have used the plural here in referring to servers! For a variety of reasons, we have very few people who have come forward to serve on God’s altar during the Eucharist now that our Sunday (and Wednesday) services have been restored to us. It is high time that we reinstituted acolytes and crucifers. The tasks that we perform on the altar are very simple but they do assist the celebrant (and so also the congregation) in the commemoration, the remembering, of Jesus’ Last Supper.

The view of the action on the altar is very different from where the altar servers see it, compared with the congregation’s view. If you don’t believe me, come and see! You need no qualifications to become a server, just a willingness to learn the few simple tasks we perform. We are able to teach you what to do and how to do it. If you are over seven years of age (but also under one hundred and ninety-nine years of age) then you are eligible. Please give this chance to serve on God’s altar prayerful consideration – for you, or your children or grandchildren. Peter Elsmore

MUSIC REPORT

The past year and more has been a time of tremendous challenge for the choir. Our wonderful and dedicated organist and musical director Anne Nugent returned to full time teaching and so was unable to commit the time required to the music at St Nicholas. Her retirement in July 2021 as musical director was a great loss to both the choir and the congregation.

The choir also lost Lydia Neilan, who sadly died, and the retirement of Maureen Christie and Jane Stokes after many years commitment to the choir. Other younger members have moved on with their lives to university, etc.

Following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions the choir was again able to sing with the Sunday Eucharist, but with a variety of organists – or no organist – it has not been possible to sing either the mass setting or anthems during communion.

We have had a successful joint venture with St Mary Magdalens, led by Chris Brooke. The first service in October 2021 was a choral evensong for the rededication of the Regimental Standards. There was also a joint advent carol service at St Mary Magdalene and our own festival of nine lessons and carols here at St Nicholas. We look forward to further joint choir practices with Chris Brooke and subsequent choral services.

Those of us remaining in the choir are still hoping for the return of former members. We, the choir, are desperate to see the appointment of an organist/musical director. We hope and pray for additional choir members to come forward to enhance the choir. A rich variety of music lies at the heart of the worship at St Nicholas and is being sorely missed by us all.

Margaret Arrand, Member of the Choir

CHRISTIANITY DEANERY SYNOD

There has not been a Deanery Synod meeting recently, below is an update provided by Hugh Jones after the last meeting held in November 2021.

As you will all know, the Resourcing Sustainable Church - Time to Change Together process continues. Thank you to everyone for their hard work in responding to the Church Categorisation exercise, and to those who have so far had a conversation with a Covenant Pastor about what they can reasonably pledge to the work of the church in our area. One of the next things that will happen is that a Deanery Partnership Steering Group will be established. This will consider, in the first instance, the boundaries of the Deanery Partnership. If you have thoughts about this, please let me know, recollecting that the starting point is to achieve a rough alignment with Local Authority Boundaries.

We still have a number of vacancies for roles within the Deanery, most particularly Deanery Lay Chair, Deanery Treasurer and a lay vacancy on the Standing and Pastoral Committee. Anyone standing unopposed will be automatically elected.

ST. NICHOLAS SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Unfortunately, the Social Committee did not meet during 2021. Betty Brown, Chair of the Social Committee

BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Unfortunately, the Buildings Committee did not meet during 2021. Mother Alice Jolley

ST. NICK’S NIPPERS

St Nick’s Nippers was re-launched in September 2021, with a renewed publicity push on social media and among local groups for families. Since then, we have grown from a core group of 4 families to a wider group of 20 families – some who come every week, some every other week, once a month, etc. We have seen an increase in the diversity of families attending Nippers, which is a great joy. I’m hopeful that Nippers will continue to grow and flourish this year. Our current volunteers do a fab job, however, a few more volunteers may be needed as the year goes on.

Mother Alice Jolley

LEVEL UP

Following the pandemic, unfortunately Level Up on a Sunday morning has not returned at St Nicholas. However, as a church we continue to provide weekly activities in our children’s worship space for any families attending one of the Sunday services and for Nippers on a Thursday. These are related to the Lectionary (themes of the day/week) and are often based on the materials provided by ‘Roots’, the worship resource we subscribe to. There are usually 2 or 3 differentiated activities to engage children of preschool and primary school age. We also have a comfortable space, a well-stocked bookcase, soft toys and games for any families to access as they wish.

Adele Sheriff

ECO CHURCH ADVISORY GROUP

The eco-advisory group reconvened in person for the first time since Covid-19 restrictions came into force. An audit of St Nicholas Eco-Church award application status identified that our priority for 2022-3 should be to put in place small changes to the church land to encourage biodiversity.

The aim of the Eco-Church award scheme is to embed a Christian response to environmental concerns in our mission, worship, study, education, training, pastoral, administrative and other projects and programmes, particularly with reference to the 5th mark of mission. We also identified that it would be advantageous to develop our community engagement to secure a silver award, over and above the planned annual parish litter pick.

We are currently working on a project plan for presentation to the PCC, following establishing a road map towards our priorities. It is anticipated that the wider mission and evangelism of the church will be enhanced through articulating an ecological commitment to our local parish and encouraging members of the wider community to engage with us. We will be exploring with stakeholders’ ways in which to mitigate and minimise the ecological impact of St Nicholas Church, while enhancing and celebrating God’s gift of creation in our local context.

Kate Mitchell

Hugh Jones

FAIR TRADE

How many reports will begin with “due to Covid-19 restrictions”? This one is no exception. No stalls were possible in church and I’m sorry to say this is a permanent change. However, we were able to take orders for Easter eggs, Advent calendars and other goods for private orders, as well as supplying the church with coffee. As a result, the sum generated for church funds was in line with that for 2020 and much reduced from previous years. We can but hope for better things in 2022. John Simmons

THE CHURCH WEBSITE

The website continues to develop, a facility for online donation has now been added. We encourage everyone to share our website details with friends. It’s a really good way for people to dip their toes in the St Nicholas water.

St Nicholas Church

3RD LINCOLN (ST NICHOLAS) BROWNIES

2021 saw Brownies remain closed for the first part of the year. We were delighted to be able to go back for our final term and we have stayed open ever since (bar one week when the Leader caught Covid).

We have a steady stream of girls that come to us from Burton Road Rainbows keeping our numbers around 15 per term. Financially we were hit quite hard during Covid as were many groups, so in the summer term of 2021 we held a fundraiser fitness workout with all proceeds going to the Church. We also had a Brownie show for the parents in July and handed £300 to Hugh Jones as a thank you for letting us use the room.

September to December saw us focus on our knowledge badge and skills builder and astrology, we had a wonderful trip to the Lincoln Observatory. We had our usual Christmas festivities and enjoyed taking part in the Harvest Festival and Remembrance Day services in church.

We welcomed a new Leader called Charlotte and Cassie Mae rejoined us too, however she is going to Oxford University shortly so will be joining us between terms, the extra pairs of hands are much appreciated.

2021 overall was a successful year for us despite a closure at the beginning and our finances are looking up to keep us as sustainable as possible. We are grateful for the continued use of the room and to the support from Sue Humphrey and Joan Beresford when re-opening last year. Without your help we couldn’t continue, so thank you.

Kaye Robinson, Brownie Leader

SAFEGUARDING

It has been another year with restrictions to church activities and no new volunteers have been recruited. Efforts have been made to ensure that Safeguarding training is updated on time so that all our volunteers are equipped for their roles.

Joan Beresford, Parish Safeguarding Officer

VICAR’S REVIEW

Canon Jones wrote last year that it had been “a very challenging year.” The principal challenge came from the Covid pandemic. We have learned to be cautious in assuming that the worst is over, but we can hope that parish life is beginning to return to something like “normal” at last.

Our schedule of worship is now re-established. However, we have had to postpone our plans for a weekly 'family eucharist.' We recognized that we simply did not have the resources of time,

personnel and talents to do this well. We hope to keep the memory of this intention alive with occasional family-oriented services. The first of these will be on Mothering Sunday. However, “St. Nick's Nippers”, led by Mother Alice is back in action and has grown from four to twenty families.

As you know, we have no organist at the moment, and our efforts to find one have so far not been successful. We are grateful to those who step in on Sundays and to play for weddings and funerals.

We have a significant number of funerals which require a good deal of clergy time. At the same time, we are catching up with the backlog of baptisms and weddings deferred by the pandemic.

All this is made possible by the support of our parish administrators, churchwardens and other volunteers. When I was a parish priest, I always said that were I to be given the choice of having a second curate or a parish administrator, I would opt for the latter. The sheer amount of work involved in managing a parish, organizing its activities, maintaining its building, complying with regulations, and dealing with unexpected enquiries, could easily absorb most of a priest's time and energy. This would be to the detriment of all of us because it would use up time which should be devoted to pastoral care, preaching and teaching (which requires hours of preparation if it is to be done well), and prayer. And this is before we even begin to think about expanding our work in the parish. St. Nick's is blessed to have so many committed and gifted lay people.

But that is not the only challenge we face. Together with the rest of the Diocese of Lincoln, we are involved in what began as Resourcing Sustainable Church and has now become Time to Change Together. Churches were asked to decide which of a number of categories we belong, or aspire, to.

Our PCC decided that we should be a Type 1 church; that is, one which could offer its gifts to the wider church community. Part of the TTCT programme is the establishment of “Local Mission Partnerships.” We have made a first step in this direction with our link with our neighbours at St. Mary Magdalene's. Mother Alice and Peter Elsmore both preach there, and we have begun a joint Lent Group on St. Mark's Gospel called “Read, Mark, Learn.” The clergy of the Uphill parishes – St. Giles, St. Peter's, St. John's, St. Mary Magdalene's and St. Nicholas have begun meeting to explore how we might support each other in our mission and ministry.

When Bishop Stephen came to preside at the Eucharist on Ash Wednesday, he asked me: “Does the parish pay its way?” I had to own up that we do not. While our giving record is better than that of many parishes in the diocese (not a very high bar, it must be said), we do not pay our full clergy costs for one priest, let alone two. That means we are being subsidised by the diocese. So, there is another challenge, and at a time when energy prices are rising rapidly and we have no idea what the consequences of the war in Ukraine might be.

A challenge which we did not expect was that we would be doing this without a Vicar, because of the appointment of Canon Hugh Jones to be Warden of the new College of St. Hugh. The timing of his departure, over the Christmas period, meant we had to ask him back in the New Year to say our farewells and show our gratitude for all that he has given to the parish. His new role is a critical one for the future of the diocese, and a huge task, combining, as it does, the work of the Lincoln School of Theology and the former departments of Mission and Ministry. He is continuing in his roles as Priest-in Charge of St. Mary Magdalene's and, for the time being, as Rural Dean of Christianity. I suspect we will see him from time to time as the College is moving some of its office and library into the Board of Education building across from the church. Please keep him in your prayers.

We should not feel too sorry for ourselves. In comparison with many parts of the diocese, even without a parish priest, we are quite well-staffed: with Mother Alice (at least for the next few months); Archdeacon Gavin (who lives in the parish) has offered to be with us one Sunday each month; some retired clergy willing to help; and I will give as much time as I can spare from my day jobs. We also have our Reader, Peter, and our team of Authorised Lay Ministers who make a significant contribution to pastoral care. There are some deaneries in the diocese which have to cover dozens of churches with smaller teams.

The Revd. Prebendary Alan Moses Warden of Spirituality, Diocese of Lincoln Bishop’s Spiritual Adviser & Liturgical Chaplain Associate Priest, St. Nicholas & St. John, Newport

MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS AND ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2022

AGENDA MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS

Apologies for Absence
Appointment of Clerk to the meetings
Minutes of Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens 2021
Election of Churchwardens

seconded by Mrs. J Beresford) and Mrs. K Mitchell (proposed by Mrs. S Humphrey and seconded by Mrs. F Bell).

There being no further nominations, the four nominees were duly elected, subject to being sworn in at the Archdeacon’s Visitation.

The Chairman then closed the Annual Meeting of Parishioners.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2021

The meeting took place 23[rd] May 2021 at 11:30 am

There were 30 persons attending.

Apologies for absence as above.

AGENDA

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Apologies for Absence
Minutes of the 2021 Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Reports:
a. Church Electoral Roll
b. Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council
c. Financial Report
d. Statement of PCC funds and property
e. Accounts for the year 2021
f. Budget for the year 2022
Appointment of Independent Examiner
Proceedings of Christianity Deanery Synod
PCC Reports
Elections:
a. Parochial Church Councillors (4)
b. Deanery Synod (1)
Any matters of parochial or general church interest (by consent)
a. Date of next meeting
b. Parochial Church Council – meets immediately following the APCM
Closing Prayers

MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS held on 23[rd] May 2021 at 11:30 am

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. J Plenty, Mr. T Ellis, Mrs. J Ellis, Miss S Whate, Mrs. M Christie and Mrs. M Arrand.
Appointment of Clerk to the Meetings – Mrs. J Osborne.
The Minutes of the 2020 Meeting of Parishioners agreed as a true record. Proposed by Mrs. S Gratrick and seconded by Mrs. S Toogood.
Election of Churchwardens

Two people reached the end of their maximum term, Mrs. C Elsmore and Mr. A Simmons. A formal vote of thanks for their hard work and dedication was given by Revd. H Jones. Proposed by Mrs. S Humphrey and seconded by Mrs. S Gratrick.

There were four nominations received for the positions of Churchwardens, Mr. D Gratrick (proposed by Mrs B Brown and seconded by Mrs. S Humphrey), Mr. R Hansard (proposed by Mrs. C Elsmore and seconded by Mrs. B Brown), Mrs. S Humphrey (Proposed by Mrs. S Gratrick and

Minutes of the APCM 2020 were accepted as a true record, being proposed by Mrs. K Mitchell, seconded by Mr. A Simmons and agreed by those present.
Reports
a. Electoral Roll . The report was accepted by the meeting.
b. Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council. The report was accepted by the meeting.
c. Financial Report. Revd. Jones said that St Nicholas has seen an increase in planned giving which included gift aid. It is a moving testimony of the support we receive from our community. He proposed a formal vote of thanks to Mrs. S Gratrick and Mrs. J Beresford. Seconded by Mr. A Simmons.
d. Statement of PCC funds and property. The statement was available under ‘Financial Review’ and was accepted by the meeting.
e. Accounts for the year 2020. These were attached to the Annual Report.
f. Budget for the year 2021. This was shown under ‘Financial Review’.

The Accounts and Budget were unanimously accepted and thanks were recorded to the Treasurer, Mrs. S Gratrick, and our Independent Examiner, Capt. John Lee.

Appointment of Independent Examiner .

Capt. Lee was happy to continue as the Independent Examiner and this was unanimously agreed having been proposed by Mr. D Gratrick and seconded by Mr. J Simmons.

The report from the Christianity Deanery Synod can be found in the Annual Report.
All the PCC Reports could be found in the Annual Report.
Elections

a. Parochial Church Councillors . PCC members serve for a period of three years and were expected to be a member of at least one of the sub-committees of the PCC. They were Trustees of the church with some responsibility for the finance and fabric of the church. They were also expected to attend six meetings of the PCC during the year. This year Mr. P Hutchings, Miss. S Pycock, Mr. M Tarling and Mr. R Hansard had all completed their terms of office on the PCC, resulting in there being four vacancies for three-year terms. Three nominations had been received prior to the meeting for Mrs. C Jones (proposed by Mrs. S Toogood and seconded by Mrs. F Bell), Mrs C Elsmore (proposed by Mr. A Simmons and seconded by Mrs. J Beresford) and Mrs. B Brown (proposed by Miss. S Whate and seconded by Mrs. S

Gratrick). A vacancy had also arisen for a two-year term due to the sad death of Mrs. L Neilan.

Further nominations were received from the floor for Mrs. S Hubbard (proposed by Mr. A Simmons and seconded by Mrs. K Mitchell) and Mr. A Simmons (proposed by Dr. P Elsmere and seconded by Mrs. S Hubbard) for the two-year term and they too were duly elected. We therefore have two extraordinary vacancies for the PCC.

b. Deanery Synod Representatives . Dr. P Elsmore who served as a Deanery Synod Representative has now become a PCC member because of his status as a Reader. Revd. Jones asked if there was anyone who would like to take on the role of Deanery Synod Representative in Dr. P Elsmore’s place. Mrs. S Toogood volunteered (proposed by Mrs. C Elsmore and seconded by Mrs. S Humphrey).

c. The Sidesmen no changes to report.
Matters of parochial or general church interest Mrs. S Humphrey proposed a vote of thanks for the dedication, love and care that Revd, Jones, Mrs J Jones, Revd. A Jolley and Mrs. C Jolley had shown over the last very difficult year, with daily prayer and support for the Parish, which was unanimously agreed.
a. The date of the next Annual Parochial Church Meeting would be announced later.
b. The Parochial Church Council would meet directly after the meeting and the next full PCC meeting would be on 5th July 2021.
Closing Prayers were led by Revd. Jones ending with The Grace.

Finance Report for 2021 Annual Report

This years Annual Accounts for 2021 are presented in this report. My thanks go to Capt. John Lee as our independent examiner.

Total receipts for the ordinary unrestricted funds were £167,593 and are detailed in the financial statements. The increase is the investment of a legacies received during the year amounting in total to £70,000. (Actual income amounts to £97,593)

Expenditure for 2021 was £154,017 spent to provide the Christian ministry for St Nicholas Church including our Parish share of £44,604 and investment of £70,000. (Actual expenditure amounted to (£84,017) A major expense during the year was a new boiler fitted into the Centre costing £5,325.

Due to the restrictions placed upon us thus year from COVID-19 our expenditure was slightly reduced by loss of room hire, weddings and collections. I would like to thank the congregation who have continued to support us by continuing their monthly commitments via Parish Share, Standing orders and envelopes and donations which has maintained our income stream.

Projected Budget for 2022

Income required to keep St Nicholas running for the coming year.

In preparation for the review through “Time for Change” initiative I have projected the parish share as £50,500 and £5,000 toward the cost of a new Organist, in the hope we can achieve this.

The new projected budget covers all expenditure to continue the running of the church and our committed expenses and keep the status quo is £75,557. Therefore monthly we need to aim to achieve an income of £6,296 or £1,483 per week.

The following works will finally be carried out in 2022. The money to cover the cost of these long awaiting jobs is held in CBF deposit account on reserve.

Due to Covid these works have been delayed for the past two years. Replacing the damaged covering for the East Window. Installing the Defibrillator Storage Units in the Jennifer Jackson Room Noticeboard

Reserve policy

To start the year as of January 2022 the following amounts of monies are held in various accounts. CBF £34,494.36

Shawbrooke Fixed term until January 2023 - £36,781.67 Edentree Investment Account £70,000

Sandra Gratrick Treasurer