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2021-12-31-accounts

Parish of Luton, St. Anne with St. Christopher

Annual Report 2021

Registered Charity Number: 1134772 Including accounts for year ending 31 December 2021

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PARISH OF LUTON ST. ANNE WITH ST. CHRISTOPHER 2021

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our annual report for 2021. This booklet contains all reports that appertain to this parish, including the accounts. Also included are reports from the different organisa>ons who have met in our premises for the last 12 months. These reports are requested because all these groups come under the umbrella of the Parochial Church Council and are ul>mately responsible to them apart from the uniformed groups which are directly responsible to their own organisa>ons. This annual report gives an indica>on of the diversity of this parish.

To comply with the Chari>es Act, this report contains informa>on that is supplementary to that which is being presented as a Parish Statement to the Annual Parochial Church Mee>ng (APCM).

VICAR ! S STATEMENT TO ANNUAL MEETINGS 2021

2021 began as a year of uncertainty, we were back in lockdown, but we knew what to do, live streaming was well established and we had a network of people keeping in touch with different members of the congrega>on. Those unable to access the live streamed services from the parish were encouraged to pick up the phone and dial in for worship (Daily Hope) which the Church of England had created earlier in the Pandemic. In actuality, this was a difficult >me. People were feeling worn down by the constant yoyo of, we’re in lockdown, oh, no we’re not. As we neared the end of 2021 we again held this uncertainty. Lockdown didn’t come, which meant that with cau>on and wearing masks when inside, including for singing we we’re able to gather to celebrate Christmas. Everyone who aPended in person spoke very posi>vely saying how much they had missed this part of Christmas last year.

As with 2020 we had planned, but we had planned this year with the possibility of not being able to meet as we intended. We used the learning from 2020, meaning we were more easily adaptable. There has been this year an increased ministry and mission through the fences of both churches. By placing decora>ons and posters on the fences along the pavements we have increased our visibility and our engagement with the locali>es, especially at Round Green. It was through the fence decora>on that we were invited to join in the Stopsley Scarecrow Fes>val. A good event to be part of.

But before we go any further, I want to offer my huge thanks to the Ministry Team, Ann Moore, Michelle Reeves, both Churchwardens, and Dianne ScoP, Lay Reader. Thank you for all the >me you have given to the parish, for your exper>se and aPen>on to detail. Thank

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you too, to Michael Whelan who became our new treasurer this year and has diligently aPended to the business of the parish. Thank you too, to Emma Reid the parish safeguarding officer, who this year has enabled us as a parish to make huge progress with the safeguarding dashboard.

Thank you to the PCC members and others who took on the role of keeping in contact with parishioners with regular phone calls. Thank you to those who delivered the regular newslePers and the Christmas cards. 3,000 homes received hand delivered Easter and Christmas cards. Thank you to everyone who helped with the delivery.

Thank you to those of you who have been on a journey of deepening your faith and growing in confidence as you have aPended the weekly House Groups, the Lent Course, Advent Course and Start Course. All ways in which you have given God an opportunity to enable you to experience more of God’s transforming love.

Thank you to those of you who have cleaned the churches, stood outside the churches collec>ng food for the Luton Foodbank or stewarded the churches for individual prayer.

Thank you to all who have created and decorated the fences. You have helped with the mission of the parish.

Thank you to those of you who have returned to worship in our church buildings. We have con>nued to live stream worship on Facebook, to upload it to YouTube and have used Zoom for mee>ngs and House Group.

Thanks also to Jen Drummond, the parish administrator, who worked hard under difficult circumstances, working from home and then working from the Parish Office throughout the Year. Jen tendered her resigna>on as her own circumstances changed. She le] the administra>on in good order. We are seeking new and crea>ve ways to organise our administra>ve needs.

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We also said goodbye to Sandra and Brian Riley who moved, to return to live in Garstang, the town from where Sandra originated. We miss them but know that this was the right decision for them and their family.

2021 began with being in lockdown. But that didn’t stop the ministry and mission of our parish.

Regular virtual refreshments were held on Zoom, the WhatsApp Parish Chat group gained momentum providing a place for parishioners to chat. The WhatsApp Prayer Group has become a place where people pray for the needs of others, requests come in for people beyond the congrega>on and all are prayed for. We even launched a new prayer >me - ‘We Pray Together’ on Zoom in February. This now meets in St Anne’s Church and has become an in person >me of prayer.

We have looked at our depleted finances, holding services themed around Generosity and Gra>tude. We have created a PayPal account to enable online giving. We have joined the scheme #easyfundraising where companies have given us money when those signed up to our page have made purchases via their site. These are regularly promoted in monthly newslePers and during services.

It was wonderful to begin to work with the children from Wenlock Church of England Junior School; year 4 spent an a]ernoon thinking about ‘what kind of world Jesus wanted’ and then year 6 came to think about "Crea>on and science: conflic>ng or complementary?!. I have con>nued to be a part of the Open the Book team who share with years 3 and 4 a different Bible story every couple of weeks.

As we have finally come out of lockdown, we have begun to revisit our plans. What do we s>ll want to do, what are we leaving behind? The Mission Planning Group has undertaken

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some really important work, looking at how we as a parish are inten>onally missional in all we do. An updated Mission Ac>on Plan was developed which the PCC agreed. It was during this process that a new Parish Mission Statement was created.

The planning of events and fundraising now has criteria from the Mission Ac>on Plan, that say all ‘Parish Events are fun, engaging, enable faith to grow and seek to raise funds.’ Events are prayed for in the planning, before the event and a]erwards too. Each event is evaluated to ensure that we learn through the experience and therefore the inten>on is that we con>nually refine the events we offer. As the Parish Mission Planning Group began to meet in person, this also became the evening when once again the parish Quiz team, Living in Hope, began to par>cipate in the quiz nights at the Jolly Topers. Another way in which we are increasing the visibility of Chris>ans in the locality.

Another way in which we reached out to our local community was to place buckets of palm crosses by the main entrances to both churches. Many were taken. Something to repeat in 2022.

We offered to the community a Sunflower Growing compe>>on, and this was won by a lady currently unable to get to church. Entries came from people on the fringe of the church and regular worshippers.

Our planned Harvest Thanksgiving supper to raise money for the Bishops’ Harvest Appeal became ‘A Stay at Home Harvest Thanksgiving Supper’. We had a simple meal at home, and donated how much we would otherwise have spent to the appeal to bring clean, safe water to communi>es in the Democra>c Republic of Congo.

In September, we introduced a new >me of worship, Sunday @ 4. At 4pm each Sunday a]ernoon at St Christopher’s there is a different style of service with the excep>on that on the third Sunday we celebrate the Holy Eucharist together.

Again we reached out into our community as we held a simple Alterna>ve Hallowe’en , A Fes>val of Light event outside St Christopher’s church, giving away to children goody bags that shared something of God’s love for them, for the adults a hot chocolate.

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As we planned for Thy Kingdom Come, we were blessed to have a session with Revd Canon Jean Kerr from the na>onal Thy Kingdom Come team, to which all PCC members and any members of the congrega>on interested in sharing the love of God with family, friends and community were invited to aPend. This was a good and inspiring evening that enthused those who aPended. This year, we distributed Cheeky Panda Prayer Booklets for children, interac>ve Family Prayer Maps and Prayer Journals. And online we prayed the Novena, Listening on the Way, devised and gi]ed by the Canterbury Diocese. We also made good use of Luton’s offering to Thy Kingdom Come - we played and have con>nued to use the Thy Kingdom Come anthem - We Seek Your Kingdom. It quickly became a favourite.

Things we have done to help others.

We have learnt together. The weekly House Group has covered many diverse subjects including an explora>on of Diverse Saints as a way of engaging with Black History Month. We linked to COP 26 as we followed the York course - Caring for Crea>on. We followed 1 Peter, a Global Commentary supported by online material that had been made available to Bishops who had been going to aPend the postponed Lambeth Conference.

It is really good news that one of the regular aPendees of the House Group, with the support of the PCC, has undertaken training as a Lay Leader of Worship, Olubukola Olowoye (Bukie). Once all of the requirements of this training have been completed and permission given Bukie will be licensed.

The Leading Your Church into Growth, Start Course was offered three >mes during the year. This was completed only once.

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We have prayed together, including a weekly prayer >me in our own homes. We have added new groups of people whom we regularly pray for, those whose anniversaries of death occur during each week and those who receive their Holy Eucharist at home. Once it felt safe, we began to take Holy Communion to those unable to get to church. Both churches have developed ways of opening each week for private/individual prayer. This has developed as changes in the COVID-19 regula>ons have adjusted. Currently St Anne’s is open on a Thursday morning from 9am - 10am, while St Christopher’s remains open a]er the Wednesday morning worship un>l 4pm.

A quiet day, based at St Christopher’s, was held, where we used cameras as a tool to help us pray. A selec>on of the photographs were used as the backdrop for a hymn during the Harvest Fes>val at St Anne’s which we combined with Climate Change Sunday.

In person events went online as necessary. We made Easter Story Gardens, shared photographs on Facebook and WhatsApp before sharing the completed Garden photos on our fences.

Our Fences also became an Advent Calendar, with a new image being added each day. This was based on an Advent book en>tled An Advent Book of Days by Gregory K. Cameron.

It was with great delight that from September onwards we have been able to relaunch groups that had been on hold since March 2020. St Anne’s Cra] Group is going strong. Popin Club is thriving. These and all the other church groups that meet are now prayed for using specially wriPen prayers for each group, before the session begins.

The parish is cau>ously moving forward, taking care to avoid spreading COVID-19.

The PCC took the decision during the year that we would develop pray and play spaces in each church. These were to have a very clear Chris>an theme to them, including a small altar to enable the children to engage more fully with the Holy Eucharist. We were blessed to receive a small grant from the Diocese of St Albans to support the sepng up of these. We now have a child’s set of chalice, ciborium, paten, candle s>cks and hosts that the children can use. All materials in these areas are to enable the children to interact with their responsible adults. There will be themed materials appropriate to the season; each church will have a Christmas and Easter, Advent and Lent set of materials. Other sets such as crea>on and the story of Noah, will be changed between the churches.

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It has been a hard year, but as you can see, it has had many, many rewards. CoVID-19 has not stopped us, our Ministry and Mission have adapted, con>nued and developed. We have met and ministered to exis>ng people in the congrega>ons, we have met and begun to build rela>onships with new people and others who have returned. We have encountered people who are searching, who are seeking something more in their lives. People whom we are called as God’s children to love and bless, to draw into the fellowship of faith.

So once again, thank you. For all you have contributed to the life of the church. Let’s make 2022 a great year.

Every Blessing

Revd Anne

Aims and Purposes

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher, has the responsibility of coopera>ng with the incumbent, the Reverend Anne Crosby, in promo>ng in the ecclesias>cal parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelis>c, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the two parish churches, St Anne’s and St Christopher’s, in Luton.

ObjecVves and AcVviVes

The PCC is commiPed to enabling as many people as possible to worship in our churches and to become part of the parish community.

When planning our ac>vi>es for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the supplementary guidance on chari>es for the advancement of religion. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of the parish community through:

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the two churches and their halls.

Achievement and Performance

The PCC is keen to offer a range of services across the parish during the week and over the year that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. At the start of the year,

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the pandemic con>nued to impact our ability to hold in-person services. Where possible, the PCC ensured that correctly risk assessed, and stewarded services took place, and to be as inclusive as possible, services were live streamed to Facebook and later uploaded to YouTube. Following the relaxa>on of restric>ons, with the excep>on of Compline (offered weekly via Zoom and livestreamed to Facebook), all services are currently held in-person, and most are also live-streamed. This includes >mes of weekday Common Worship Morning, Evening and Prayer during the Day. In addi>on both churches are open for a period each week providing the opportunity for quiet individual prayer.

Current paPerns of worship comprise: a Sunday morning service at St. Anne’s Church (Holy Eucharist except for the third Sunday which is a more informal All Together service); a varied programme of worship en>tled Sunday@4 at St. Christopher’s (the third Sunday being a Holy Eucharist); a mid-week service at St. Christopher’s (Holy Eucharist except for the first Wednesday which is Morning Worship); Common Worship Morning Prayer (Tuesday), Prayer during the Day (Tuesday) and Evening Prayer (Monday) and Compline (Thursday) are each offered once per week.

Patronal fes>vals and other special days con>nued to be celebrated with evening services of Holy Eucharist.

Fellowship >me was restricted to online ‘refreshments’ at the start of the year but later came to be restored to in-person gatherings a]er the Sunday and Wednesday services with people bringing their own drinks.

The ‘Talking Elephants’ group that had been run un>l the first lockdown (2020) in partnership with Nevilles, funeral Directors and Keech Hospice offering a safe space for the bereaved to meet re-started in the Autumn.

A successful Coffee-Morning was held during the October half-term, and it is an>cipated that other opportuni>es for people within both the church and the wider community will restart in due course.

Holy Bap>sm takes place at mutually convenient services. During 2021, in total there were 2 bap>sms in the parish.

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Funeral ministry is undertaken by clergy and the lay reader. In 2021, a total of 16 were taken on behalf of the parish.

Weddings poten>ally take place at both St Anne!s and St Christopher!s. In 2021, however, no weddings took place.

The Church Electoral Roll in 2021 totals 97 individuals, of whom 64 are residents and 33 are non-residents.

The parish is part of the Inclusive Church Network.

Deanery Synod

Two members sit on the Deanery Synod, along with the Vicar. There is also one vacancy. These members are part of our PCC.

The Churches

Various maintenance tasks have been completed in both churches, details of which are in the accompanying Churchwardens!#reports.

Both churches’ halls are regularly hired out to local community groups, including uniformed youth groups, non-Anglican Chris>an worship groups, dancing classes, and mar>al arts groups to name but a few. At St Christopher!s this includes the Round Green Pre-School.

Both churches have gardens to keep in order. At St Christopher’s, a member of the local community volunteers his services, cupng the grass and keeping the borders in order. This has been supplemented by volunteers from the Church community and the Community Pay Back Scheme. St Anne’s and St Christopher’s both receive working par>es from the Community Pay Back Scheme. These groups of people undertake gardening and maintenance work in the church and the grounds under supervision from their supervisor. The Garden of Remembrance in St Christopher!s grounds is significant for the community and is a place where parishioners may have the ashes of their loved ones interred.

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Pastoral Care

Some members of the parish are unable to aPend church due to sickness or age. The vicar and lay reader visit and take Holy Communion as appropriate. Those receiving Holy Communion at home are regularly prayed for by the wider church community. Parishioners are also visited in hospital where appropriate and possible.

In September, the Parish Pop-In Club, for toddlers and their carers, re-started and is thriving. The young people aPend Luton Unite, an ecumenical town wide gathering of Chris>an young people mee>ng at Youthscape.

These groups all have a Chris>an founda>on, including appropriate worship and valuable fellowship.

Mission and Evangelism

A parish commiPee recommended to the PCC which chari>es would be supported locally, na>onally and interna>onally. In total £230 was given to missions and chari>es.

A newslePer from Revd Anne is distributed monthly (by email where possible) and also available publicly via the A Church Near You website. This includes some spiritual guidance from the vicar together with a list of services each month, a calendar of events and some >ps for prayer.

Across the whole parish, much appreciated Christmas and Easter cards were delivered to 3,000 homes.

The Church!s Life, Ministry and Mission is always on the agendas of the Church Councils as a set item, so that we are reminded of our need for mission and evangelism within the everyday life of the churches.

The parish Mission Planning Group, has worked to develop a new Mission Ac>on Plan so that all we do seeks to look out into our community, seeking to transform the lives of our neighbours, as we grow in faith and enable others to come to know Jesus.

Ecumenical RelaVonships

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Our two churches are the only two church buildings within the parish. Revd Anne meets regularly with other local clergy in the east of Luton. Revd Anne serves on the Luton Churches Together execu>ve commiPee and together with the lay reader also aPends monthly prayer mee>ngs with church leaders of all denomina>ons from across the town.

Financial Review The parish has one bank account and set of accounts for the general funds, and alongside this is a bank account for each church which holds the building and fabric funds. The PCC has responsibility for the parish’s finances, supported by the Standing and Finance CommiPee of the PCC.

The parish as a whole had an income in 2021 of £44,908.85 and payments of £65,029.99. The overall bank balance as at 31[st] December 2021 was £111,689.42. The full details and financial report are included in the Parish Annual report which is available to all those on the Electoral Roll before the Annual Church Mee>ng.

Risk Management

All regular worshippers in the parish have been, and con>nue to be, encouraged to give generously. Since the pandemic we have developed new ways to enable people to give. Both churches now have a contactless payment machine. The parish Facebook page and A Church Near You have op>ons to enable people to financially support the parish and an Easy Fundraising account has been established. Everyone is encouraged to be part of the stewardship scheme, and if they are taxpayers, to gi]-aid their giving.

St Christopher!s is considerably dependent on rental income to meet most of its essen>al expenses. Most of the regular congrega>on at the church are not full->me wage-earners, the majority being aged 60 and above. There seems no easy way of managing these risks at present.

General Policies

The PCC has now agreed a total of seventeen parish policies which will be reviewed annually, namely:

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Volunteers

There are a number of volunteers who give of their >me and effort and work so hard to keep the parish a lively and vibrant community. We follow the diocesan guidelines regarding child protec>on and DBS checking. We are grateful to our two churchwardens, Ann Moore and Michelle Reeves, the parish treasurer Michael Whelan, and safeguarding officer Emma Reid, who have wonderfully fulfilled their du>es and responsibili>es.

Structure and Governance

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representa>on Rules.

During 2021 the PCC met eight >mes, of which one was in person and seven were via Zoom.

AdministraVve InformaVon

The Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher, is situated in the Deanery of Luton. It is part of the St Albans Diocese in the Church of England. The Registered Charity number is 1134772.

Un>l the Autumn of 2021 the parish appointed a part >me Parish Administrator, working nine hours per week.

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The Parish Office is located at: Parish Office, St. Christopher!s Church Hall, Felix Avenue, Luton, LU2 7LE. Further details in the reports from groups and other financial details can be requested from this address.

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS Emma Reid (Parish Safeguarding Officer)

The House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy states that the church will train and equip church officers to have the confidence and skills they need to care and support children, young people and vulnerable adults and recognise and respond to abuse.

In line with the above statement, we also follow the diocese ‘Safeguarding dashboard’ where we have reached the final level of ‘Safer Prac>ces’. In doing so our PCC members ensure their training is up to date having the basic awareness and founda>on pathway. In line with the new guidelines for January our PCC members undertook further training on Domes>c abuse. DBSs are carried out for our PCC members and those who volunteer for specific ac>vi>es which are renewed every three years and as the Safeguarding officer it is my duty to inform those to update their training and DBS in accordance.

Safeguarding con>nues to have a monthly update on the PCC agenda to ensure we are working together to meet the needs of our congrega>on and the wider community.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL as at 31[st] December 2021

Churchwardens:

Ann Moore (Deanery Synod Rep) Michelle Reeves

Vicar and chairperson:

Revd Anne Crosby

Elected Members:

Verma Denny Carol Mitchell Olubukola Olowoye Sally Philp Emma Reid

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Jason Reid Dianne ScoP (Deanery Synod Rep) Sandra Tuffnell Michael Whelan (Treasurer) Susan Whelan

To be approved by the PCC on 07 March 2022 and signed on their behalf by the Revd Anne Crosby (PCC Chair)

PARISH CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

Ann Moore & Michelle Reeves

In the Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher there are s>ll just two Churchwardens. Both Churchwardens have responsibility for the Parish, but for prac>cal reasons each Churchwarden has par>cular responsibility for one of the Churches however they work together on all Parish issues and maPers pertaining to both churches. In this way each Churchwarden knows what is happening in the Parish and has an awareness of what is happening in each Church and are therefore able to support each other more readily. Going back two years and beyond, there were four Churchwardens so now we have two people doing the same amount of work, if not more than four people were doing previously taking in to account what has happened over the last two years!! Please do consider what you can do to help and support your Churchwardens, if you are not sure what you can offer then do ask…..

This has in many ways con>nued to be an unusual year, whilst we have been able to worship in our Church buildings more o]en than in 2021 we have had to con>nue to work hard to ensure the health and safety of the whole congrega>on and indeed the Parish. Church and Government Guidelines have con>nued to be followed at all >mes and Risk Assessments have been updated appropriately.

The Quinquennial Inspec>on of St Anne’s Church was scheduled to take place in December but the surveying architect was unwell so it did not happen! A new date is s>ll to be arranged. The report from the Quinquennial Inspec>on at St Christopher’s Church in 2020 was finally received in 2021! Fortunately, the report did not contain anything unexpected and will ul>mately be used to inform prac>cal work that needs to be completed.

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During the course of the year, across the Parish gas boilers have been serviced, PAT tes>ng has been carried out, emergency ligh>ng has been tested, fire alarms have been tested and most of the rou>ne maintenance work has been carried out. Also, the kitchen equipment at St Anne’s has been serviced.

The Churchwardens always work closely with the regular hall users and it was good that some of our regular hall users were able to start mee>ng again in 2021, but obviously with some changes to the way in which they were able to meet. All groups provided a risk assessment before they were able to return and have been encouraged to view these assessments as working documents which will need reviewing and upda>ng as guidelines change.

Thank you to those of you who have been helped and supported the Churchwardens during 2021 while keeping themselves safe. A very par>cular thank you to the volunteers from the local community and to the Community Payback team who have all helped to keep the Church Grounds so wonderfully >dy.

PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT Dianne Sco_ (Secretary from October 2021)

2021 proved to another extraordinary year for the PCC due to the con>nuing Covid pandemic.

Nevertheless, the PCC and her Standing CommiPee met regularly throughout the year, mostly via Zoom, but also in person for the September mee>ng.

PCC mee>ngs always open with prayer and the Gospel reading for the day. Safeguarding, Finance and the care of our buildings always feature on the mee>ng agendas alongside considera>on of the spiritual life of the parish.

In May, most PCC members took the opportunity to aPend an online training session- PCC Tonight- delivered by our parish patron, CPAS. One thing that was taken from this training was the idea to inten>onally evaluate the content and conduct of PCC mee>ngs.

On Saturday 31st July, a well-aPended PCC Day was held in person at St. Anne’s. Following a shared breakfast, the group took part in a series of ac>vi>es rela>ng to the Anglican Communion Five Marks of Mission. The day ended joyfully with a celebra>on of the Holy Eucharist in church.

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From September onwards the PCC have set aside 30 minutes of each mee>ng to engage with a training module - the Mission Tree- offered by the Diocese of St. Albans to help parishes Live God’s Love as is our inten>on.

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

Dianne Sco_

Luton Deanery consists of the Anglican Parishes of Luton plus Woodside and Caddington in the Archdeaconry of Bedford. The Synod is a body consis>ng of clergy together with lay representa>ves from every parish elected on a three- yearly basis. Those elected also serve on the Parochial Church Council. Since 2020, Ann Moore and myself have had the privilege to serve in this capacity.

Deanery Synod enables us to encourage one another as we live as Anglicans in this town. It some>mes has to deal with difficult issues, such as financial constraint and parish reorganisa>on. It also carries out du>es rela>ng to Wenlock Church of England School and many other aspects of Church management.

Mee>ngs usually consist of a guest speaker, followed by news, planning, business and financial reports from chaplaincies and news from Diocesan and General Synods.

Once again, Covid has massively influenced so much during the last year. Nevertheless, in 2021, Deanery Synod has convened four >mes as follows:

Zoom Mee>ng, 23/02/2021

Including a presenta>on from Paul Davies, Archdeaconry Church Growth Officer

Zoom Mee>ng, 16/06/2021

Including a >me of working together in crea>ng a new Deanery Mission Ac>on Plan (MAP).

Holy Cross , Marsh Farm 04/10/2021

Including a presenta>on from Chris>an Cole Diocesan Youth Missioner: ‘Faith in Young People.’

St. Francis Church, 25/11/2021

Including opening prayers from the new incumbent Revd Josias de Souza, and a brief reflec>on upon how the events of COP26 would influence the Church, in our Deanery, Diocese and beyond.

The Area Dean, Revd David Kesterton paid tribute to the late Valerie Dallinger who had served the Deanery so much over many years, including as Deanery Secretary.

My memory of Valerie for this year will be at the Deanery Barbecue held on 28/07/2021 in St Mary’s Churchyard. This was a joyous gathering a]er all the months that Synod members had been kept apart due to the pandemic. Valerie organized it with precision; it was a good evening; she will be greatly missed.

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MISSION PLANNING GROUP

Dianne Sco_

Despite beginning the year under Covid restric>ons, the Parish Mission Planning Group con>nued to meet regularly throughout 2021.

The Parochial Church Council adopted the updated Mission Ac>on Plan (MAP) for the parish in February. Since then the Mission Planning Group (AnnePe Considine; Revd Anne Crosby; Verma Denny; Carol Mitchell; Ann Moore; Emma Reid and Dianne ScoP) has worked to enable our stated priori>es for the next five years to bear fruit. These priori>es are:

Just a few highlights of this year’s ac>vity include: offering the Start course three >mes; aPending Diocesan MAP Refresh training; par>cipa>on in na>onwide Thy Kingdom Come mission; enabling the leaders of Church groups to have designated prayer >me before ac>vi>es; encouraging the growth of the WhatsApp Prayer Group; enabling the establishment of ‘Pray and Play’ spaces in both church buildings; engaging with “knipng in public” day; mee>ng folk on the street for hot chocolate at AlternaMve Halloween; mee>ng folk inside at the October coffee morning and the December Crib and Tree Fes>val; Carol singing on AbboPswood Estate; and of course looking outwards into the community beyond our doors through the con>nued embellishment of our fences featuring prayers, poppies, sunflowers, doves, a community Advent Calendar and much, much more …

Although, the Mission Planning Group started the year on Zoom, we usually now meet about once a month in the Jolly Topers, joined later by those who wish to par>cipate in the quiz. In October an open mee>ng was held at Venue 360 to consider the programme of social and fund-raising events for next year in conjunc>on with the aims of the Mission Ac>on Plan (MAP).

It is good to par>cipate in God’s mission together as the family of Christ in this parish. If you are being called to this work, have a word with Revd Anne or Dianne- this is not a closed group.

Dianne ScoP, January 2022 CHARITIES COMMITTEE REPORT Dianne Sco_

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It is the policy of the Parish of Luton, St. Anne with St. Christopher to donate ten per cent of our unrestricted income each year to charity. This CommiPee meets annually to talk about this, and make recommenda>ons to the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

During 2021 we financially supported the following chari>es which the PCC agreed truly reflected the values of our parish at this >me:

1/3 LOCAL: AZALEA 1/3 NATIONAL: CHURCH URBAN FUND 1/3 INTERNATIONAL: USPG

The work of this commiPee relates only to those dona>ons that are made directly from our church income. However, it is good to remember that the people of this parish con>nue to generously support many other chari>es and good causes through specific fundraising.

During 2021, for example, we have supported: Luton Deanery appeals to help refugees and asylum seekers; the Children’s Society through boxes, Chris>ngle and carol singing; the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal through a ‘virtual’ supper; Luton Food Bank through regular collec>ons.

The Parish Chari>es CommiPee, met at the Vicarage on Tuesday 7th September 2021 to thank God for his generosity, to pray together and discuss how our charitable giving might be distributed for 2022.

TUESDAY CRAFT GROUP AT ST. ANNE’S

Denise Dove

The cra] group were able to meet later in 2021 even through the ups and downs of restric>ons that were in place. It has been a successful year even in >mes of adversity . We were able to take part in the parish tree fes>val with some success. This year brings hope and with that in mind we are looking forward to new exci>ng ideas and projects , sharing laughter joy, friendship and fellowship.

SATURDAY CRAFTERS

Ann Moore

19

The Saturday Cra] Group at St Christopher’s was finally able to resume mee>ng in September 2021, and we were pleased to be back! The group meets in the Church on the fourth Saturday of most months between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Generally we will not meet in December. During our three mee>ngs in 2021 we generally brought along our own projects to work on, but o]en spent more >me chapng than we did cra]ing. We are a small but produc>ve group who con>nue to work on projects at home and always swap ideas with each other.

The mee>ng is not just for cra]ers but for anyone who wants to pop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

CREATIVE SCRAPBOOKING

Emma Reid

Due to COVID-19 we have recently returned in the September, during this >me our numbers have recently grown which has been lovely. We are a small group who enjoy sharing our albums alongside refreshments. To help you create your memories there are a selec>on of tools on hand for you to use, there is also a selec>on of papers or card which can be purchased. Not all our members choose to scrapbook, we have paper cra]ers who use a die cupng machine to make boxes, bags etc, card makers and some crochet. There is a small fee which covers the use of tools and refreshments.

POP-IN-CLUB

Carol Mitchell

Pop-in started back in September 2021 a]er not mee>ng since March 2020. We were worried about what aPendance would be like, as some of our regular children would now have moved on to nursery or school. A]er much prayer we are pleased to say Pop-in is as popular as ever and growing . We are a happy group and always find something to talk about. It is a pleasure to see how the children interact with each other and play

.

Also grown in number are our volunteers which has made a big difference to us. As usual I say a big thank you to you all.

LUTON UNITE

Anne_e Considine

20

Luton Unite meets at Youthscape on the first Friday of the month, during term->me from 19:00-21:30. It puts on exci>ng events for young people from Years 7-13. Each evening is an opportunity for them to meet those from different churches and denomina>ons and to be part of a growing, vibrant group. The aim is for young people to be introduced to the breadth and depth of the Chris>an community in Luton. Each month, two youth leaders from St Anne with St Christopher go along, in order to support our 5 regular aPendees. The evening usually starts with an opportunity to socialise with friends before assembling for worship. Live music and games, along with the opportunity for individual prayer are well received. Leaders take turns to open up the Word. Recently, the focus has been on the ‘I am’ statements. The evening ends with a social event. Previous events have included playing a real-life version of the hugely popular video game Fortnite, a summer beach party, toas>ng marshmallows over fire pits and a dessert cafe. There is also a Christmas Ball held every December.

During the summer holidays, a 4 day event took place, which was a huge success. In the light of this, a 2 day event is planned for February half term. Please speak to AnnePe Considine, Michelle Reeves or Emma Reid for more informa>on.

SCOUTS

Tanya Allen

While some of the year was s>ll spent virtually, we were fortunate enough to return to face to face scou>ng. St. Christopher’s garden played host to our mee>ngs for a while, giving us an outdoor space to use before we returned to using St. Anne’s hall in September. We worked on our bike badges, learning maintenance as well as safety, we prac>sed knots and planned a cookery evening. The following week we all made pasta bake, Eton Mess and mini pizzas.

The whole group had a night hike from Cockernhoe to Tea Green then to our Treasurers house for hot dogs and hot chocolate. We also paraded from St. Anne’s down to the memorial in Crawley Green Road cemetery for Remembrance Day and Cubs then enjoyed a fun day up at Ross Park, taking part in lots of challenges including science experiments, crossbows, backwoods cooking and some par>cularly tuneful campfire singing. As usual leaders and young leaders collected the Peace light from St. Saviours Church midDecember and bought it back to our parish where it burned throughout the Christmas period. We even had a visit from the Posada, our Beavers were thrilled to meet the >ny Mary and Joseph touring the parish, tying in perfectly with our Christmas cra] ac>vi>es, they con>nued their journey the next day from our leaders house to their next stop. We finished the year with our usual fes>ve sing song for parents and raised over £200 from our cra]s, tombola and refreshment stalls.

We are off to Santa Camp this week, our first since before the pandemic and we are looking forward, hopefully, to a more normal 2022 but as always pass our thanks on to all our supporters, the group could not con>nue with all the help we get from our young leaders and our commiPee. Thank you all for everything you have done throughout 2021 and con>nue to do.

Revd Anne

TALKING ELEPHANTS

21

Talking Elephants is a bereavement support group, which was suspended with the outbreak of COVID-19.

In September 2021, in partnership with Neville Funerals, we relaunched this monthly mee>ng.

Each >me we meet there is a different group of people, coming along as their need arises and their availability permits. Generally, there are approximately 8 or 10 people in aPendance. Some are quiet, others need to talk. Tears are shed, and a listening ear is offered. Tea and coffee is flowing.

Those aPending were invited to the Blue Christmas Carol Service, some came along.

The group con>nues to meet on the third Thursday morning of each month.

The Talking Elephants prayer is prayed before each mee>ng.

Heavenly Father,

Your Son Jesus knew what it was to mourn a friend,

and acted with love towards those who had lost someone close.

Heal us from experiences of loss in our own lives and,

through your grace, give us generous hearts

that quietly make room for the suffering of others.

Help us to walk beside those we encounter today;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever.

Amen.

“WE PRAY TOGETHER” Report Dianne Sco_

The first priority of our parish Mission Ac>on Plan (MAP), is that: prayer will be at the heart of everything we as the Chris4an community of faith in this place undertake.

22

“We Pray Together” is a weekly group that enables us to gather and bring before our loving Heavenly Father the needs of individuals, the community of Luton, our na>on and the world as we feel called to do. The order for Common Worship Daily Prayer guides each session, followed by a >me of open prayer.

The group launched live using Zoom in January, replacing Evening Prayer with Extended Intercessions which had been prayed through most of 2020 on Facebook Live. We did experience technical hitches here and there; nevertheless it was good to have more than one voice on air.

In October, it finally became possible to meet in person and open to the public. 12 Noon on Tuesdays at St. Anne’s Church is now regular slot and everybody is welcome with the freedom to say as much or as liPle as feels comfortable.

Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher

Treasurer’s report for the year ending 31 December 2021

The calendar year 2021 was another challenging year for the parish. Like so many other organisations, the work of the parish was severely curtailed by both lockdowns, covid related restrictions and the understandable concern of some people in attending a service while the virus was active.

Income:

The major sources of income of the parish were again from stewardship and pledges, and rental income resulting from the hire by external parties of the parish buildings. Stewardship and pledges fell by 18% to £26,763 ( 2020: £32,826 ). Rental income from both the halls and churches fell by 52% to £10,584 (2020: £21,940 ).

Parish income also usually includes an amount of gift aid, where income tax on donations is reclaimed by the parish where the giver is a UK taxpayer. The claims were processed historically by submitting a claim for each of our two churches separately. The change to processing a combined claim, and the setting up this of process with HMRC, has delayed our latest claim which had not been processed by our year end. The income tax refund claim has, therefore reduced by 100% to £0 (2020: £8,822).

Overall, income reduced by 35% to £45,909 ( 2020: £70,904 ). This is a reduction of approximately £25k. The reductions of approximately £6k for stewardship and pledges, £11k for rental income and £9k for the income tax refund, explained above are the major reasons for this reduction.

Expenditure:

The PCC is very aware that the parish is operating in a difficult financial environment and has made every effort to control costs in the year. In addition, the fact that there was less activity at our churches meant that costs linked to usage would also reduce temporarily. As a result costs overall have reduced by 16% to £65,030 ( 2020: £77,154 ). Due to financial

23

constraints, charitable donations reduced by 95% to £230 ( 2020: £4,198 ). Other cost reductions fall across several expenditure lines with none large enough to merit a particular note.

One item that always causes considerable debate for the PCC is the parish share. The parish share represents the amount paid to the Diocese of St Albans to reimburse them for their costs, which include all costs relating to the provision of a vicar. The parish was not able to pay the full amount of parish share in 2020. It then paid £31,323, which was

approximately 61% of the requested £51,323. As explained already, this year!s discussion was held in a difficult financial environment. The conclusion reached was that it would not be desirable to reduce the amount paid for the parish share % lower than last year. This year, we have paid £31,200, which is approximately 63% of the requested £49,622. We do take our responsibilities in respect of the parish share very seriously and it remains our long-term aim to reach a financial position where we can pay it in full. For all the reasons discussed, our current account bank balance has reduced to £47,989 ( 2020: £67,110 ).

The year ahead:

I believe that the year ahead will be another challenging year for the parish. There are expected to be cost pressures generally with inflation running at 5%. There are also concerns that energy costs will rise substantially in 2022, a particular worry, as we have two large churches to heat. However, we also expect our income to rise. Rental income is

expected to rise to more than double this year!s figure as activity recommences. Also, we expect to make up the income tax refund claim amount not shown this year. Overall, and subject to no further covid outbreaks or restrictions, we expect a slightly better outcome than in 2021.

Thank you:

This is my first year as treasurer and I would like to thank all members of the PCC for their support during the year.

Thank you to all the people who have given financially to the parish in any way. Your donations are vital in allowing the important work of the parish to continue.

Thank you to all those who have gift aided their donations. This enables the parish to claim an extra 25% of your donation from the government if you are a UK taxpayer.

Thank you to Ian Gorton who has once again served as the Independent Examiner for the Parish.

24

Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher

Year Ending 31 December 2021

General Fund - Income

2020

2021

25

£ £ £ £
Balances brought forward at
73,361.
 01/01/2021
Bank general
 67,110.
~~00~~ fund
73,361.0
 ~~10~~ 67,110.1
~~0~~ ~~0~~
32,825.9

Stewardship and pledges		 26,763.3

Planned giving
2 4
507.28
Gi] aided envelopes		 455.00
Gi] aid
Guild 228.23
762.05
Dona>ons and bequests
1,268.54
Unrestricted and
restricted
614.85
Specifc collec>ons		 140.00
8,822.45
Income tax refund
Collec>ons
650.39
35.00		 Loose
Weddings		 1,100.1
6
135.70		 Cash
1,235.86
685.39
3,236.52
Weddings and funeral fees		 3,504.00
168.38
Refreshments		 27.50
17,414.4

Hall rental		 10,446.1
3 7
4,525.75
Church rental		 138.00
590.47
Fundraising events		 387.21
500.00
Magazine adver>sing revenue
0.00
Bookstall & bible reading notes		 35.00
Receipt from B & F fund 220.00

26

250.01
Sundry income		 60.00
70,903.5

Total income for the year		 44,908.8
0 5
144,264.
 112,018.
~~50~~ ~~95~~
General Fund - Expenditure
2020 2021
£
£		 £
£
2,829.0
1
Church:
Light and heat
1,482.3
1
Insurance
4,725.5
1
Repairs and
renewals
0.00
Organ repairs		 2,436.9
3
1,507.8
8
3,013.3
3
9,036.83 6,958.14
987.20
Service requirements		 260.79
1,355.90
Maintenance grounds		 160.00
31,323.0

Parish share scheme		 31,200.0
0 0
127.16
Youth group and junior church
4,198.07
Charitable dona>ons		 230.00
1,031.42
Administra>on, sta>onery and
 568.44
stamps
1,306.90
Internet / telephone		 929.41
5,119.20
Wages		 4,416.35
1,218.12
Photocopier / printer		 797.87
2,546.43
Clergy expenses		 2,709.86

27

1,690.99
Envelopes / legal / inscrip>ons		 1,315.79
-13.78
Bible reading notes		 69.55
122.00
Educa>onal books		 13.73
293.00
Parish magazine
276.60
Outreach magazine		 322.25
1,758.1
2
2,612.3
9
5,377.9
5
500.00
2,562.7
 Hall :
Cleaning
Repairs and
renewals
Light, heat and
water
Rent deposit
refunds
Insurance
2,603.4
8
5,794.2
6
700.00
2,613.1
~~8~~ 12,811.2
 ~~4~~ 11,710.8
4 8
26.02
Refreshments / church café etc		 18.07
1,225.25
Sundry expenses		 411.86
84.85
Publicity
Transfer B & F account 60.00
2,388.00
Fees		 2,877.00
77,154.4

Total expenditure for the year		 65,029.9
0 9
Balances carried forward at 31 December 2021
0.00
67,110.
 Cash
Bank - general
 0.00
46,988.
~~10~~ fund
67,110.1
 ~~96~~ 46,988.9
0 6
144,264.
 112,018.
~~50~~ ~~95~~
Parish Share
liability:
In respect of:
2021 2020

28

£
£
18,422
20,000
20,000
0
0
0
14,447
2021
2020
2019
2018 or earlier
Total 38,422
34,447
The present policy of the Diocese is to consider wri>ng of balances over 3 years old, if proposed by
the Deanery
The 2018 or earlier balance of £14,447 has been wriPen of under these
arrangements
The total parish share liability is not refected in the above income and expenditure account or closing
 old, if proposed by
balances
Light and heat
There is a disputed liability of £1,407 in respect of our previous gas supplier.
This light and heat liability is not refected in the above income and expenditure
account or closing
balances
Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher
Year Ending 31 December 2021
Charitable
DonaVons
2020
£
2021
£
Church Army
1,739.0
3
Keech Hospice Care
Mission to Seafarers
869.52
USPG
110.00
The Bishop's Harvest
869.52
Church Urban Fund
50.00
Azalea
210.00
Luton Food bank
90.00
Children's Society
Alzheimer's Society
Noah Enterprise
Level Trust
220.00
Hands of Mercy
40.00
Beds & Herts Historic Church
Trust
Love Moldova Fund
120.00
20.00
40.00
50.00
4,198.0
~~7~~		 230.00
Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher
Year Ending 31 December 2021
Charitable
DonaVons
2020 2021
£ £
Church Army
1,739.0 Keech Hospice Care
3
Mission to Seafarers
869.52 USPG
110.00 The Bishop's Harvest 120.00
869.52 Church Urban Fund
50.00 Azalea
210.00 Luton Food bank 20.00
90.00 Children's Society
Alzheimer's Society
Noah Enterprise
Level Trust
220.00 Hands of Mercy
40.00 Beds & Herts Historic Church 40.00
Trust
Love Moldova Fund 50.00
4,198.0 230.00
~~7~~

29

Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher
Year Ending 31 December 2021
Restricted Funds
Building Projects St Annes
2020
£
33,299.
56
Balance Brought Forward
1,297.4
7
Receipts
Income Tax Refund
From General Fund
-1,770.0
~~0~~
Payments
32,827.

Balance Carried Forward		 Building Projects St Annes
2021
£
32,827.
03
1,441.0
0
0.00
0.00
-1,581.
~~26~~
32,686.
~~03~~ ~~77~~
Building Projects St Christopher
2020
£
30,556.
41
Balance Brought Forward
400.00
Kitchen & toilet fund
27.28
Receipts
Payments
30,983.

Balance Carried Forward		 Building Projects St
Ch i t
h
2021
£
30,983.
69
0.00
1,030.0
0
0.00
32,013.
~~69~~ ~~69~~
Big Ideas Project
2020
£
0.00
Balance Brought Forward
250.00
Receipts
-163.04
Payments
86.96
Balance Carried Forward		 Big Ideas Project
2021
£
86.96
0.00
0.00
86.96
Total Buildings and Fabrics
2020
£
63,855.
97
Balance Brought Forward
1,574.7
5
Receipts
0.00
Income Tax Refund		 Total Buildings and Fabrics
2021
£
63,897.
68
2,471.0
0
0.00

30

0.00
From General fund
400.00
Kitchen and Toilet Fund
-1,933.0
~~4~~
Payments
63,897.

Balance Carried Forward		 0.00
0.00
-1,581.
~~26~~
64,787.
~~68~~ ~~42~~
30.00
Made up as:
Bank HSBC
63,867.

Bank Nat West		 0.00
64,787.
~~68~~
63,897.
 ~~42~~
64,787.
~~68~~ ~~42~~

31