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2022-12-31-accounts

Parish of Luton, St. Anne with St. Christopher

Annual Report 2022

Registered Charity Number: 1134772

Including accounts for year ending 31 December

2022

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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PARISH OF LUTON ST. ANNE WITH ST. CHRISTOPHER 2022

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our annual report for 2022. This booklet contains reports and accounts relating to this parish.

To comply with the Charities Act, this report contains information that is supplementary to that which is being presented as a Parish Statement to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

Aims and Purposes

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher, has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Anne Crosby, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, 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.

Objectives and Activities

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

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the supplementary guidance on charities 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.

Current patterns of worship comprise: a Sunday morning service at St. Anne’s Church (Holy Eucharist except for the third Sunday when a Morning Worship service is held); a varied programme of worship entitled Sunday@4 at St. Christopher’s (the third Sunday being a Holy

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Eucharist); a mid-week service at St. Christopher’s (Holy Eucharist except for the first Wednesday which is Morning Worship).

Patronal festivals and other special days continued to be celebrated with evening services of Holy Eucharist.

Fellowship time takes place after most services.

Holy Baptism takes place at mutually convenient services There were 7 Baptisms in 2022.

Funeral ministry is undertaken by clergy and the lay reader.

Weddings potentially take place at both St Anne’s and St Christopher’s.

The number of electors certified upon the renewed Church Electoral Roll in 2022 is 96.

The parish is part of the Inclusive Church Network.

Deanery Synod

Two members sit on the Deanery Synod, along with the Vicar.

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.

In association with Neville’s Funeral Services, Talking Elephants groups take place monthly in the halls of both churches.

Both churches have gardens to keep in order. At St Christopher’s, a member of the local community volunteers his services, cutting 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 parties 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

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Christopher’s grounds is significant for the community and is a place where parishioners may have the ashes of their loved ones interred.

Pastoral Care

Some members of the parish are unable to attend 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.

The Parish Pop-In Club, for toddlers and their carers is thriving. Young people attend Luton Unite, an ecumenical town wide gathering of Christian young people meeting at Youthscape.

These groups all have a Christian foundation, including appropriate worship and valuable fellowship.

Mission and Evangelism

The Church’s Life, Ministry and Mission is always on the agenda of PCC meetings, reminding us of our need for mission and evangelism within the everyday life of the churches.

The parish Mission Planning Group has worked to fulfil the current Mission Action Plan so that all we do focuses 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 Relationships

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 executive committee and together with the Lay Reader also attends monthly prayer meetings, when possible, with church leaders of all denominations from across the town.

Financial Review

The parish has one bank account and set of accounts The PCC has responsibility for the parish’s finances, supported by the Parish Standing and Finance Committee.

The parish as a whole had an income in 2022 of £51,763 and payments of £48,975. The overall bank balance at 31st December 2022 was £49,777. The full details and report are printed in the

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annual report, which is available to all those on the Electoral Roll before the Annual Church Meeting.

Reserves Policy

The policy states that we plan to have to hand the equivalent of three months ’regular expenditure, excluding Building and Fabric costs, money that has been designated for specific projects and restricted funds.

Risk Management

All regular worshippers in the parish have been, and continue to be, encouraged to give generously. Both churches have a contactless payment machines. The parish Facebook page and ‘A Church Near You’ have options 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 gift-aid their giving.

St Christopher’s is considerably dependent on rental income to meet most of its essential expenses. Most of the regular congregation at the church are not full-time 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 are reviewed annually, namely:

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Volunteers

There are a number of volunteers who give of their time and effort and work so hard to keep the parish a lively and vibrant community. We follow the diocesan guidelines regarding child protection 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 duties and responsibilities.

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 Representation Rules.

During 2022 the PCC met on seven occasions.

Administrative Information

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.

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.

Vicar’s Statement 2022

2022 began with hope and expectation. Lockdown was becoming a thing of the past and vaccinations were enabling life to return to ‘the new normal’.

We had created a plan for events and fundraising which we felt would bring about a new start in the post pandemic world. We were still live streaming services but more people were

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returning to worship. Receiving in both kinds at the Holy Eucharist had been reintroduced and the Sunday @ 4 service at St Christopher’s was beginning to become established.

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 Scott, Lay Reader. Thank you for all the time you have given to the parish, for your expertise and attention to detail. Thank you too, to Michael Whelan the parish treasurer who has diligently attended to the financial business of the parish. While Emma Reid the parish safeguarding officer has attended to the safeguarding needs of the parish.

We welcomed to the Ministry Team, Olubukola Olowoye as she was commissioned as a Lay Leader of Worship on Sunday 14 August 2022. In addition, after their retirement at Easter 2022, Fr Grantley Finlayson and Mthr Gladys Finlayson became part of the worshipping community.

The year began well, we celebrated on Sunday 6 February, that Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch in history to achieve Platinum Jubilee. A service of Holy Eucharist, was held with Revd Canon Dave Middlebrook, Archdeacon of Bedford as the president. In June, we celebrated again, having a tea party for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Later we opened our churches to enable a space of reflection as the country mourned the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. And now we prepare to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Our Pancake party was a really good event which included people coming in off the street, having seen the posters on the church railings.

With the invasion of Ukraine and the need to house Ukrainian refugees, as a parish we were in the process of agreeing and planning how we might enable a Ukrainian family to be housed at the vicarage. In light of subsequent events this did not happen.

Lent began and was progressing, when the first shock of the year occurred, as on Passion Sunday, 3 April 2022, Colin Crosby, my husband of 45 years died extremely suddenly. Not only was this a personal shock, the parish went into shock too. It is with huge thanks to Dianne Scott, Lay Reader and the Churchwardens Ann Moore and Michelle Reeves that the parish continued to offer its worship as planned. While I continued to take the sacramental worship, we received the support of Revd Canon Dave Middlebrook, Archdeacon of Bedford, who presided at the Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist. I continued to minister as the vicar, for a further six months before taking compassionate leave. This was enabled and gratefully received as Fr Grantley and Mthr Gladys offered to step in, presiding and preaching at all the planned sacramental services including a baptism.

I presided at Colin’s Funeral Service, including a Holy Eucharist on Friday 29 April.

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On Sunday 8 May we began Sunday @ 4 - Cafe Church. This was very well received with many from the community joining in the worship. Sunday @ 4 - Cafe Church. has become, consistently the best attended service at St Christopher’s.

The events and fund raising activities continued. Craft Fairs have become a part of our regular fundraising, while coffee mornings and table top sales have also raised money. The Christmas Crib and Tree Festival was well received with a good number of people gathering to sing carols around the tree. This year we were invited to lead the singing of Christmas carols with Luton Indoor Bowls Club.

As a parish, we were just beginning to dust ourselves down, when a second and even more unexpected death occurred. Ellie Scott, a member of our congregation, the daughter of Dianne Scott, Lay Reader and her husband Jon died on Sunday 21 August 2022. Once again the parish was in shock.

Again, we continued.

We continued to offer ministry and mission.

Following Ellie’s funeral on Thursday 29 September and the internment of her ashes on Wednesday 5 October, Dianne and I both took compassionate leave, returning to the parish on Saturday 5 November. During this time, Churchwardens Ann Moore and Michelle Reeves supported by Olubukola Olowoye, Lay Leader of Worship and retired priests Fr Grantley Finlayson and Mother Gladys Finlayson, along with Julie Taylor a Lay Reader from St Andrew’s at Slip End enabled worship to continue. Thank you to you all.

This year has been one of emotional challenge. A year during which we together have practically managed and supported one another. A year through which we have been sustained by our faith in the Living Lord Jesus, the Trinitarian God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Faith has enabled us to do more than exist, we have continued to grow as God’s children.

While attending the International Conference of the Sodality of Mary, Mother of Priests: SMMS, I made my life commitment. Sodality is an internationally dispersed community of catholic minded clergy, with a strong support network of prayer and encouragement. We are missionally minded, seeking always, through all we do to draw others to come into a living and real relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a PCC we have spent time thinking about Mission. At each meeting we spend time working through an offering of St Albans Diocese - The Mission Tree. - https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/faith/mission tree/

The Mission Planning Group, has met throughout the year. This is not a closed group but is open to anyone who wants to see this parish thrive. God has blessed us as we have depended upon our relationship with him. As we have prayed before each event and group, as we have prayed afterwards for the people who have attended, as we have been faithful, God has been faithful to us.

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As a parish, we have this year, been one of witnessing God’s gifts to us. We have grown. We have witnessed in our fellowship the words of Acts 2: 47 (NRSV) ‘praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved’.

As a worshipping community God has gifted us with much spiritual growth. God has gifted us with new people coming to know Christ. The Discipleship course was run twice. This led to two baptisms, four confirmations and seven reaffirmations of baptism most of whom were new to the parish. We have baptised, begun the preparation of couples for marriage and have journeyed with others through life’s challenges.

Changes occurred at Wenlock Church of England Junior school; as the governing body disbanded I was enabled to develop a positive ministry within the school. Weekly Collective Worship began in September 2022. It is wonderful to lead worship and share the word of God with approximately three hundred children and twenty adults each week. During this year we have been re-invited into Crawley Green Infants School and Hart Hill Nursery. Work with the local schools is growing.

We seek to serve the local community. We continue to host a Luton Foodbank collection each month outside both churches. Craft Groups, Community Refreshment Stop, Bacon Butty morning and Talking Elephants have all been part of our regular offering. This year we have added a second monthly Talking Elephants, this additional meeting is at St Christopher’s Church Hall, in the Jubilee Room.

As the cost of living crisis impacts many of our community, we as a parish decided to offer Warm Spaces. We began these in November, as soon as compassionate leave ended, each Wednesday in St Christopher’s and each Thursday in St Anne’s. These are attracting people we already know and those we don’t. Relationships are being formed and some are already beginning to occasionally come to worship.

Once again, our parish profile has risen in Luton. Through participation in the Fairness Taskforce there is now an image of me in one of the booklets, revealing to Luton, the Christian presence in the work of the wider town. This year saw Luton’s first Luton Pride. I attended in collar wearing a pride t-shirt. Many festival goers asked to have their photo taken with me. Numerous conversations took place too. That the parish was present, was important.

Dianne and I attended the USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) conference entitled Living Stones, Living Hope based on 1 Peter. It was a real privilege to attend, to hear from, and have informal conversations with, many bishops from around the Anglican Communion who were in England for the Lambeth Conference. We heard views from the Caribbean (youth leadership), Southern Africa (human trafficking and femicide) and South Asia (reshaping gender attitude to promote equality). The conference included the launch of a report on Human Rights - in the Philippians https://uspg.org.uk/get involved/events/uspgconference/

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The year concluded with a wonderful Christmas Day. The Christingle, Blessing of the Crib and singing of carols, Midnight Mass along with Christmas mornings Holy Eucharist were all well attended with people who don’t regularly come to church. God has continued to be faithful as we have been faithful.

So, this year has been an unexpectedly hard year, personally and for us as a parish. We have remained faithful, God has been doing amazing things. God is good. And so I conclude once again, saying thank you, for all you have contributed to the life of the church.

Let’s continue to work together to make 2023 a great year.

Every Blessing

Revd Anne

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

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 Practices’. In doing so our PCC members ensure their training is up to date having the basic awareness and foundation pathway. In line with the new guidelines for January our PCC members undertook further training on Domestic abuse. DBSs are carried out for our PCC members and those who volunteer for specific activities 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 continues to have a monthly update on the PCC agenda to ensure we are working together to meet the needs of our congregation and the wider community.

Emma Reid (Parish Safeguarding Officer)

MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL as at 31[st] December 2022

Churchwardens:

Ann Moore (Deanery Synod Rep) Michelle Reeves

Vicar and chairperson:

Revd Anne Crosby

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Elected Members:

Verma Denny Carol Mitchell Olubukola Olowoye Emma Reid Jason Reid Dianne Scott (Deanery Synod rep)

Sandra Tuffnell Michael Whelan (Treasurer) Susan Whelan

PARISH CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

In the Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher during 2022 there were just two Churchwardens for the whole Parish. Each Churchwarden has responsibility for the Parish, but for practical reasons each Churchwarden has particular responsibility for one of the Churches however they work together on all Parish issues and matters 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!! It is possible that in 2023 there will be just one Churchwarden for the entire Parish! Please do consider what you can do to help and support your Churchwarden(s), if you are not sure what you can offer then do ask…..

This has in many ways continued to be a very difficult and unusual year, whilst we have been able to worship regularly in our Church buildings we have had to continue to work hard to ensure the health and safety of the whole congregation and indeed the Parish.

This year both our Incumbent and Lay Reader have suffered a close personal bereavement, which has significantly affected them both and also the Parish. It was disturbing to discover through these events that there does not appear to be either a Diocesan or Deanery Bereavement Policy in place to cover these situations, which for an organisation which provides comfort and support to the wider community seems totally inadequate.

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The Quinquennial Inspection of St Anne’s Church finally took place in 2022, the report has been received will ultimately be used to inform practical work that needs to be completed at St Anne’s.

During the course of the year, across the Parish gas boilers have been serviced, emergency lighting has been tested, fire alarms have been tested and most of the routine 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, however the number of groups using our halls has reduced. Many groups have closed since the pandemic and this has severely affected the parish income.

Thank you to those of you who have helped and supported the Churchwardens during 2022. A very particular 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 tidy.

Ann Moore and Michelle Reeves (Churchwardens)

PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Luton, St. Anne with St. Christopher is a charity, and its members are Trustees of the charity; as such its constitution and operation are bound by legal requirements.

The principle function of the PCC is “promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church”.[1]

To this end the PCC, and her Standing Committee, have met regularly both in person (usually St. Christopher’s Jubilee Room) and online via Zoom.

PCC meetings always open with prayer and the Gospel reading for the day. Safeguarding, Finance and the care of our buildings always feature on the meeting agendas alongside consideration of the spiritual life of the parish.

In 2022 we continued to set aside 30 minutes of each meeting to engage with a training module - the Mission Tree- offered by the Diocese of St. Albans to help parishes Live God’s Love.

There have been significant difficulties facing the parish this year owing to personal bereavements and an increasingly challenging financial situation. Nevertheless, the members of the PCC have continued to listen to one another and work together in love as we seek the flourishing of those we serve in both the Church and the wider community.

Dianne Scott (PCC Secretary)

1 https://www.churchofengland.org

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DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

Luton Deanery consists of the Anglican Parishes of Luton plus Woodside and Caddington in the Archdeaconry of Bedford. The Synod is a body consisting of clergy together with lay representatives 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. New candidates will be appointed at the APCM in 2023.

Deanery Synod enables us to encourage one another as we live as Anglicans in this town. It sometimes has to deal with difficult issues, such as financial constraint and parish reorganisation. It also carries out duties relating to Wenlock Church of England School and many other aspects of Church management.

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

During 2022, Deanery Synod convened four times as follows:

Christchurch, Bushmead, 21/02/2022

Including a presentation, entitled Living Hopefully, led by the Diocesan Environmental Officer, Rachel Johnson.

St. Augustine’s (held at Holy Trinity Biscot, Church Hall), 13/06/2022

Including a presentation by Lynda Logan re the East of England Ambulance Chaplaincy and a time of working together re “Mission” in Luton.

St. Hugh’s Church, Lewsey, 03/10/2022

Including a presentation from Jessica Rowlands re Luton Community Chaplaincy.

Christchurch, Bushmead, 21/11/2022

Including a presentation about the proposed Diocesan Racial Justice Group consultation exercise led by Revd Jairo Nyaingo (in his role as Bishop’s Advisor of Ethnic Minority Concerns).

Dianne Scott

CHARITIES COMMITTEE REPORT

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 Committee meets annually to talk about this, and make recommendations to the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

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During 2022 we financially supported the following charities which the PCC agreed truly reflected the values of our parish at this time:

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

Unfortunately, the financial situation of the parish was not conducive to fulfilment of this policy at this time.

The work of this committee relates only to those donations that are made directly from our church income and it is good to remember that the people of this parish continue to generously support many other charities and good causes through specific fundraising.

The Parish Charities Committee, met at the Vicarage on Monday 5th September 2022 to pray together and discuss how parish charitable giving might be distributed for 2023.

PCC Secretary TUESDAY CRAFT GROUP AT ST. ANNE’S

The group has a steady number of people on Tuesdays mornings but it varies. They were pleased to be together and able to meet up again as lots had missed it. It is an all-inclusive and diverse group, all are welcome. It ranges in ages, gifts and talents which are also always sharedyou only have ask others therefore we then all benefit from the advice, knowledge and others’ experiences . We share time, tea, laughter and fellowship and sometimes cake. We had a successful year in 2022. Again lots of different projects took place. Some took part in outreach and items were created and able to then go out to the wider community, not forgetting it’s benefit to our own churches. We tentatively had an autumn celebration and it took us by surprise. It was a success so we aim to repeat it again this year. For some time several ladies crocheted and knitted squares for the tree project. It seemed to take for ever and two of the ladies spent time sewing and finding a way to erect the tree so we were able to have a Christmas tree outside. Hopefully we will be able to repeat it again this year.

On our return we started thinking about what worked and did not last year. We are looking at different types of stuff that might work that could be creative, inviting and needed so we are more focused and more prepared this year. During the later part of last year it became clear that some things needed to have started earlier and then completed to avoid last minute issues.

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Denise Dove

SATURDAY CRAFTERS

The Saturday Craft Group at St Christopher’s has continued to meet during 2022.

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 meetings we often bring our own projects to work on, but often spent more time chatting than we did crafting. We have also spent time sorting out and replenishing the bunting and flowers that are used to decorate the church fences. Also we have spent some time planning the new altar frontals we hope to work on in 2023.

We are a small, friendly but productive group who continue to work on projects at home and always swap ideas with each other.

Ann Moore

CREATIVE SCRAPBOOKING

Due to COVID-19 we have recently returned in the September, during this time 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 selection of tools on hand for you to use, there is also a selection of papers or card which can be purchased. Not all our members choose to scrapbook, we have paper crafters who use a die cutting machine to make boxes, bags etc, card makers and some crochet. There is a small fee which covers the use of tools and refreshments.

Emma Reid

POP-IN-CLUB

We have had another good year . We celebrated the Queens Jubilee with flags, bugles and icecreams . This last year we had to cancel our Strawberries and ice-cream summer event due to the weather been much too hot for anyone to do anything . On return in September we said goodbye to Maureen who after been with us for 12 years had decided she needed to retire .

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We made our Christmas Nativity Scene which was good fun to make and gave us many opportunities to tell the children the Christmas story. We had our Christmas party which was a great success

This past year we have new volunteers . I would like to thank them all long serving and new for all they do.

We continue to serve and support all the families that join us every week to play.

Carol Mitchell

COMMUNITY REFRESHMENT STOP

St Anne’s Church continues to provide a warm welcome on the 4[th] Thursday of each month from 9.00-12.00. Visitors can relax with tea, coffee and a range of delicious home-baked cakes. Thank you Pauline for gifting your time and talent to provide such wonderful treats.

Maybe you are looking for a peaceful moment with a magazine or puzzle book; or perhaps you want to meet friends, old and new for a chat; our team aims to provide for your needs. Children are welcome too. We look forward to meeting you.

Annette Considine

LUTON UNITE

Luton Unite meets at Youthscape on the first Friday of the month, during term-time from 7- 9.30pm. It puts on exciting events for young people from Years 7-13. Each evening is an opportunity for them to meet those from different churches and denominations across the town, 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 Christian community in Luton. Each church has a Youth Leader present to support its young people.

The evening 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. Until summer 2022, we continued to study the ‘I am’ statements. From September, we have been exploring people from the Bible, whose lives have been transformed by God. The evening concludes with a social activity; popular examples have included karaoke, a dessert cafe, a murder mystery, a creative night and toasting marshmallows on fire pits.

During the summer holidays, a successful 4-day event took place, which was a huge success. This year, the summer trip will take place at Shepton Mallet, from 4-8[th] August. A Weekend at

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Home took place during the February half-term holiday; another opportunity for young people across Luton to explore their faith.

Annette Considine

SCOUTING

Beavers – Beavers have had a great year with lots of fun activities. celebrating our late queens jubilee with a party and welcoming our new king, we were water wardens, looking at how clean the River Lea is and then our Christmas singalong and fundraising stalls, we have done lots of badge work with two Beavers earning their Chief Scouts award. We also had a camp with the cubs and scouts at Phasels Wood and are looking forward to a Beaver sleepover later this year and a camp to celebrate our 75 years as a group.

Cubs – Cubs have had a full programme over the last year, we hunted for eggs at Easter, worked on badges, did lots of outdoor and teamwork activities at our Phasels Wood camp and joined the parish at the cemetery for Remembrance Day. We enjoyed hiking out with the Beavers and Scouts and renewed our promise to the new King.

Scouts - The scouts have enjoyed a wide range of activities over the last 12 months. They have taken part in three camps: one camp at Phasels Wood with the Cubs in the Summer where they tried multiple activities, the Santa Camp in January at Haverings and finally a joint camp with the 15[th] St. Pancras Cubs and Scout groups at Scout Park in London, where they did rock climbing, a hike to Alexander Palace, archery and completed their navigation stage 1 badge. They have completed a lot of badge activities to complete their challenge badges. For example, they have completed their personal challenge badge. Some have completed their teamwork challenge badge and they are currently working on their creative challenge badge, where they are doing their musician stage 1 and 2 badges, photography badge and crafting badge.

Group – 2023 sees the group celebrate our 75[th] anniversary and while we continue to enjoy modern scouting, we also benefit from members who have been with the group for many years. Two of our current leaders, Reg and Brian have been in scouting for many years, Reg started as a leader with St. Anne’s in 1961 having been a youth member for many years before that.

We have had an adventure packed year with lots of indoor and outdoor activities, hikes, camps and are looking forward to our anniversary camp later this year.

As always we would like to thank our executive committee, whose work behind the scenes goes mainly unnoticed but without whom we couldn’t function, to our leaders and young leaders for all their time and efforts and to our young people and their parents and carers for their continued support.

Here's to the next 75 years!

Tanya Allen

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TALKING ELEPHANTS

The Talking Elephants bereavement support group continues to meet at St Anne’s Church on the third Thursday of each month from 10.00-11.30am. Last autumn, we introduced an additional group, which meets at St Christopher’s Church on the first Tuesday of each month from 7.00-8.30pm. This was in response to the need of those attendees, who had returned to work.

We have built up an excellent working relationship with Neville’s Funeral Service, who work in partnership with us. Special thanks to Michelle, who has been our regular representative. I give thanks for their team and all that they do. Recent attendance has averaged 3-4 people during the winter months, compared to 7-8 the rest of the year. It is pleasing to report that each member appears to have benefited from their visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. It is wonderful to see God at work, as bonds of trust develop. People use the space to suit their needs, be it to listen to others or to talk about their situation. We share laughter and tears, as tea and coffee flows.

A few members from the groups attended our Blue Christmas service. The service was much appreciated, with favourable comments about the calm and peaceful environment; the appropriate music and opportunities for reflection. The atmosphere during refreshments was positive and warm.

Some members have moved forward to find solace within the Parish through further opportunities, such as attending services or joining various groups. I pray that our churches continue to be a support and comfort to them.

Annette Considine

House Group

2022 has been a blessed year for learning together in our parish. The “House Group”, which had been meeting most weeks online throughout the Covid pandemic, made the transition to “inperson” at the vicarage after Easter and then to St. Christopher’s Jubilee Room towards the end of the year.

Meetings are held most Thursdays in term time and, although it is great if people can make every session, it is ok to come along just occasionally if that works better for you.

Revd Anne and I had been co-hosting the sessions for the past couple of years. However, from September I have taken on the running of this group as part of my Lay Reader ministry.

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Our aim is always to make deepening our faith together fun and not “too scary”. To this end, in addition to our Lent and Advent courses, we have offered other a wide variety of other studies during the year, together with some “one-off” sessions such as a Prayer Walk in June.

Whatever your favoured learning style or ability, everyone is welcome to House Group. If you haven’t been yet and want to give it a try just turn up on the night or, for more information, catch me after church or contact me on: readerstannechris@gmail.com

Dianne Scott

Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher

Treasurer’s report for the year ending 31 December 2022

The calendar year 2022 was another challenging year for the parish. Our potential rental income has been reduced because of the loss of one tenant who ran out of funds and ceased activity. As for many organisations, the Parish has faced increased costs particularly as regards gas and electricity, which have increased substantially because of the repercussions of the war in Ukraine.

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 13% to £23,334 (2021: £26,763). Rental income from both the halls and churches rose by 59% to £16,799 (2021: £10,584).

Overall, income Increased by 15% to £51,763 (2021: £44,909). This is an increase of approximately £7k. The increase of £6k for rental income, £3k for fund raising events and the reduction of approximately £3k for stewardship and pledges are the main reasons for this overall increase.

Expenditure:

Expenses have reduced by 23% to £48,975 (2021: £65,030). The PCC took the difficult decision to cut the parish share payment to £18,000 (2021:31,200), because of the increase in gas and electricity prices and general economic uncertainty affecting rental income and cost increases. The parish no longer has a part time parish administrator and wages have fallen by £4k in the year. The overall expenditure has fallen by £16,055 and the above two items are the major reasons for the decrease.

Bank balances:

The current account balance increased by £2,788 to £49,777 (2021: £46,987).

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The Buildings and Fabric account decreased by £8,468 to £56,319 (2021: £64,787). This was due to the cost of the new central heating system in St Christopher’s Hall – £21k less funds raised of £10k and monies received from Luton Borough Council of £3k for the Edible Round Green project.

A business reserve account was opened in the year to earn interest on our bank deposits.

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 10%. There are also concerns that energy costs will rise substantially in 2023, a particular worry, as we have three large buildings to heat. Our prospects will hinge on the results of our efforts in the following areas:

  1. Increasing our congregation size.

  2. Increasing our rental income.

  3. Mitigating energy costs.

  4. Processing our income tax refund claims.

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.

Michael Whelan

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Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher

Year Ending 31 December 2022

General Fund - Income

2021
£
£
Balances brought forward at 01/01/2022
67,110.10
Bank general fund
67,110.10
26,763.34
Stewardship and pledges
455.00
Gift aided envelopes
228.23
Guild
1,268.54
Donations and bequests
140.00
Specific collections
Collections
1,100.16
Loose
135.70
1,235.86
Weddings
3,504.00
Weddings and funeral fees
27.50
Refreshments
10,446.17
Hall rental
138.00
Church rental
387.21
Fundraising events
35.00
Bookstall & bible reading notes
Due to B & F account
220.00
Transfer to B & F account		 2022
£
£
46,988.96		 2022
£
£
46,988.96
1,100.16
135.70		 2,086.70
582.31		 46,988.96
23,334.48
567.00
0.00
657.05
685.69
2,669.01
2,336.00
231.18
16,637.61
161.00
3,405.25
25.00
1,000.00
0.00

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Interest received
60.00
Sundry income
44,908.85
Total income for the year
112,018.95
General Fund -
Expenditure
2021
£
£
2,436.93
Church:
Light and heat
1,507.88
Insurance
3,013.33
Repairs and renewals
Organ repairs
6,958.14
260.79
Service requirements
160.00
Maintenance grounds
31,200.00
Parish share scheme
Youth group and junior church
230.00
Charitable donations
568.44
Administration, stationery and stamps
929.41
Internet / telephone
4,416.35
Wages
797.87
Photocopier / printer
2,709.86
Clergy expenses
1,315.79
Envelopes / legal / inscriptions
69.55
Bible reading notes		 53.81
0.00
51,763.08
98,752.04
2022
£
£
3,318.83
1,519.47
607.80
5,446.10
319.86
594.88
18,000.00
57.50
739.61
323.98
1,109.49
48.00
1,422.75
3,412.83
912.41
8.98		 53.81
0.00
51,763.08
98,752.04

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2,603.48
5,794.26
700.00
2,613.14		 13.73
Educational books
322.25
Outreach magazine
Hall :
Repairs and renewals
Light, heat and water
Rent deposit refunds
Insurance
11,710.88
18.07
Refreshments / church café etc
411.86
Sundry expenses
60.00
Transfer B & F account
2,877.00
Fees
65,029.99
Total expenditure for the year
Balances carried forward at 31 December 2022
Bank - business reserve
Bank - general fund
Due to Pop in Club
Due to B & F St Chris
46,988.96
112,018.95		 6,371.93
4,734.23
400.00
2,641.02		 0.00
0.00
14,147.18
262.71
45.00
1,042.00
1,082.00
0.00
46,988.96		 53.81
50,831.23
-317.58
-790.70
48,975.28
49,776.76
98,752.04
Parish Share outstanding:
In respect
of:
2022
2021
2020
Total		 2022
2021
£
£
31,246
0
18,422
18,422
20,000
20,000
69,668
38,422

In the year to 31 December 2022, £18,000 was paid to the Diocese in respect of parish share. The full parish share requested by the Diocese for the year ended 31 December 2022 was £49,246 and the balance of £31,246 has been added to the parish share outstanding.

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The present policy of the Diocese is to consider writing off balances over 3 years old, if proposed by the Deanery.

No balance has been written off under these arrangements.

The total parish share outstanding is not reflected in the above income and expenditure account or closing 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 reflected in the above income and expenditure account or closing balances.

Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher

Year Ending 31 December 2022

Charitable Donations
2021
£
USPG
120.00
The Bishop's Harvest
20.00
Luton Food bank
Children's Society
40.00
Beds & Herts Historic Church Trust
50.00
Love Moldova Fund
Grassroots
Churches Together
Local donations
230.00		 2022
£
96.20
330.21
40.00
177.20
40.00
56.00
739.61
Parish of Luton, St Anne with St Christopher
Year Ending 31 December 2022
Restricted Funds
Building Projects St Annes
2021
£
32,827.03
Balance Brought Forward
1,441.00
Receipts
0.00
Income Tax Refund
0.00
From General Fund
-1,581.26
Payments
32,686.77
Balance Carried Forward
Building Projects St Christopher
2021
£
30,983.69
Balance Brought Forward		 Building Projects St Annes
2022
£
32,686.77
300.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
32,986.77
Building Projects St
Christopher
2021
£
32,013.69

Building Projects St Christopher 2021 £ 30,983.69 Balance Brought Forward

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0.00
Kitchen & toilet fund
1,030.00
Receipts
0.00
Payments
32,013.69
Balance Carried Forward
Edible Round Green
Project
2021
£
86.96
Balance Brought Forward
0.00
Receipts
0.00
Payments
86.96
Balance Carried Forward
Total Buildings and
Fabrics
2021
£
63,897.68
Balance Brought Forward
2,471.00
Receipts
0.00
Income Tax Refund
0.00
From General fund
0.00
Kitchen and Toilet Fund
-1,581.26
Payments
64,787.42
Balance Carried Forward
Bank Nat West
64,787.42
Made up as:
64,787.42		 42.00
24,271.13
-35,911.12
20,415.70
Edible Round Green Project
2022
£
86.96
3,208.43
-378.71
2,916.68
Total Buildings and Fabrics
2021
£
64,787.42
27,779.56
0.00
0.00
42.00
-36,289.83
56,319.15
56,319.15
56,319.15

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