Minister’s Report 2023
Just after Easter of 2022 we were in a position, as a Parish, where we had prepared our Parish Profile and were looking for a new Priest in Charge. Unfortunately as a new one was not available, we had to make do with a reconditioned model and so, after interview, I was duly appointed as Priest in Charge of St George’s on a half-time basis. Sorry about that! Having already outlined our vision for 2023 and into 2024, we didn’t really need anything new by way of direction but instead we proceeded with seeking to follow through on our sense of calling towards service of our community. In this way we continue to seek to share the gospel with every opportunity.
Shortly after my appointment as Minister I was asked, by the Archdeacon and the Bishop of Chelmsford, if I would consider serving as Hadleigh Area Dean and I agreed to take on this task. You can be relieved that I have not yet been invited to become a Canon of the Cathedral and, although the post of Bishop of Bradwell is now vacant, I have no plans to apply!
Outreach
In addition to our regular outreach activities, Seniors Tuesday Club, Toddler Group, Legacy XS, we have held special events through the year. These included a Jubilee Cream tea to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Church Anniversary event, half term junk modelling and the ever popular Christmas Fair. Indeed this last event was probably the biggest we have seen and included Santa’s grotto being open for Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs on the Friday evening. We have had several men’s breakfasts over the last few months with inspiring speakers and it has been good to see many men who do not normally come to church services or events join in and be challenged by God’s love.
Services
This year we have continued with our pattern of Sunday services which has hopefully created some variety in our times together as well as making space for Sharing, Extended times of Prayer, a healthy focus on the Lord’s Table and a friendly welcome to Guests. Our monthly Sunday evening gatherings in the Hospitality Hub have proved to be wonderful times of prayer and intimate worship as we spend time with Jesus together. These have been opportunities for refreshing and closeness which have served to feed those who have gathered and inspire us to press deeper into God and his loving presence by the Spirit. They are an opportunity to pray together as is the Tuesday morning prayer time hosted by Ian and Lynda.
It has been good to welcome back the Uniformed organisations for parade services which are always fun and hopefully gives the youngsters an opportunity to engage in church life. Remembrance Sunday saw us gathering outside again and
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this more recent development seems to be attracting members of the local community as well as reserving time for us to maintain our worship focus on God when we return inside.
On 8th September 2022 we were all saddened to hear of the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The church bell was rung when news of her death broke and on the day of her funeral. The week following the announcement, 14th September, we held a special service of thanksgiving for her life here in church. A book of remembrance was opened and for a month members of the church and local community wrote their messages of condolence and thanksgiving in a book in the foyer.
Our Christmas services saw a healthy growth in attendance this year as peoples’ confidence in mixing post-Covid grew. The Chaos Round the Crib service proved popular and this may be linked to the growth in Messy Church ministry seeing our connections to young families expand.
Home groups & pastoral care
Our home groups continue to be places of fellowship, learning and mutual support and ministry. Post-Covid two of the groups have closed down due to members circumstances having changed and in some cases members having passed away. Other groups have grown in number and an additional group started up last Autumn. These home groups remain the primary channel through which pastoral care is delivered and we would encourage everyone to consider becoming part of a group if that is not already the case.
In the last few weeks we have re-formed a small Pastoral Care team with the aim of better supporting individuals who are not part of a home group. Referrals of pastoral care needs should be made to me and I will then be able to share the load with the other members of the team.
Children’s ministry
Both before and after the summer we took the decision to redouble our energies expended on Messy Church with the idea that, if numbers did not begin to creep up, we would re-think our strategy. Given that running Messy Church is a good 5 hours of work on the day, with preparation time on top of that, I think part of us was hoping it would become obvious that Messy Church’s time was over. However, God clearly has other ideas and we have seen steady growth in attendance and the energy levels at the sessions is through the roof! Messy Church is only possible because of the dedication of leaders and volunteers such as Nichola, Jenni, Margaret, Jen and all those others who lead activities, cook food, move furniture and wash dishes!
The recent Easter holiday saw a successful space themed holiday club which, though always hard work, is also always very rewarding. Thanks of course go to Jenni, Hazel and the rest of the team for all their efforts throughout Holy Week.
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Alongside these aspects of our work with children you should also be aware that we have seen a rebuilding of our relationship with Woodham Ley. I have been in to lead assemblies on a number of occasions and we have welcomed groups of children here into church regularly throughout the year. I am building a good rapport with the Head and the rest of his team which is a lovely opportunity for me to represent the church as The Vicar to the local children.
Having served as Chair of Governors at The Appleton School for 10 years, and longer as a Governor, I will be stepping aside from this role in June. However, I will be continuing by involvement with the school as I am now serving as a member of the Compass Multi Academy Trust board which oversees Appleton, Billericay, Bromfords, and soon, Woodlands schools. I do all this of course as a representative of God’s church here at St George’s and therefore on your behalf.
Similarly, of course, although Jen and I foster as private individuals it is well known by the fostering community that I am also the local Vicar so speaks loudly to the wider community of the Church’s concern for children in need of love and compassion. I am speaking at two events this year on the theme of fostering wearing my collar so, again this is an opportunity to witness on your behalf.
Hall refurbishment
Following the successful cladding of the church hall we became painfully aware that whilst outside looked like 2023, inside it was still 1975. So the decision was taken to refurnish the main hall, installing brand new heating, lighting, ceiling together with cladding the walls and replacing window treatments. The small hall was redecorated with lighting and window treatments also replaced. Both kitchens were completely gutted and replaced with modern easy clean finishes and brand new stainless steel units and appliances. This was a very large undertaking and I would like to thank all those who gave up time to undertake the work especially Matt Rose, Jon and Hazel together with my foster sons Bailey and Alex (the latter two being less “volunteers” and more resigned members of the press gang!). In part, as a result of this work, hall bookings have increased and the satisfaction of the hall users is much improved. It should also be said that the works are a clear signal to the local community of our desire to serve them the best we can as God’s people.
Hospitality hub & Grounds
Towards the end of 2022 we launched the Hospitality Hub which operates out of the small hall and which is open each Wednesday morning. Matt Rose has been co-opted from Legacy XS to oversee this project and he is supported by a team of volunteers. Although not as busy as we would like numbers using the hub are beginning to grow and we hope to have an external seating area operating on the grassed area outside for the Summer.
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Speaking of which, our church grounds are well maintained by Martin Nunn to whom huge thanks are offered for his hours of service. Martin intends to continue to cut the grass (supported by Brian when Martin is away) but the beds and shrubs now need to be taken on by others. If you are able to volunteer for regular grounds maintenance duties we’d be grateful to hear from you but otherwise we will be contracting this work to a firm from the next couple of weeks to ensure they look their best.
Celebration of Ministry
Due to my prior 3 years service to the Parish as Associate Minister I requested a low key Licensing to the post of Priest in Charge which took place in August at the home of the Archdeacon. Instead we held a Celebration of Ministry service to coincide with the completion of the refurbishment works to the Hall and were joined by local Councillors and the Archdeacon of Southend. We were able to celebrate and give thanks for Ministry which is carried out in Jesus’ name in this Parish and for the financial provision to refurbish the hall to a high standard.
Conclusion
Now I am going to be entirely honest with you all and remind you of what I have said on numerous occasions over the years when asked. That is that I have never really wanted to be a Parish Priest. However, despite that I appear to have been doing that job for the best part of 4 years now. And I have to say that I am very much enjoying serving the Parish of St George’s. We all know that the church is not the building, it is the family of people who form part of the community. It is all of you that make this such a pleasure and privilege.
There have been too many “highs” to describe in a report like this. But these stick in my mind as a snapshot:- Being Santa for the Uniformed groups, Leading the Community Act of Remembrance, Baptising my friend Ruben and pronouncing the blessing in Lingala! Building a castle model of the Tower of London, being “The Vicar” at the cream tea afternoon. Being ridiculously larger than life at Messy Church and Chaos round the crib, Presiding at the funerals of aged Saints who have now passed to glory such as Phylis, Terry and Kola. Seeing God move in power in services or worship, experiencing us grow in understanding and depth of prayer, preaching God’s word and, of course, Presiding at the Lord’s table.
So whilst I never really wanted to be a Parish Priest, it would seem that I was wrong and that the key to experiencing blessing is not to simply pursue our own dreams and interests, but rather to seek to be obedient and available to God.
Thank you to all of you for playing your part in the family of God’s church here at St George’s. You are valued, you belong and you are essential. And, in case I hadn’t mentioned it before, it would be very boring without you!
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Independent examiner's report to the PCC of New Thundersley St George I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are attached. Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required foT this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that Independent examination is needed. It is my Tesponsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; Follow procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity C,ommissioner5 section 145(5)(b) olthe 2011 Act; State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of IDdependent Examiner5 Statement. My examination was carried out in accordance 1th the General Directions given bv the Charitv Commission. An examination includes a Teview of the accounting records kept by the chaTity and a Comparison of the accounts presented 7th those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from th¢ management committee Concerning any such matters. 'rhe procedures undertaken do not prolde all the evidence that ivould be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not ¢xpre5s an opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (i) hich gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirementg to keep accounting records in accordance witb s.130 ofthe 20 I I ALI; or to prepare accounts, which accord Mryth these accounting records hai'e not be¢n met; or (?) to ThFLich, in my opinion: attention should be dra in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be rea¢hed. Daniel K¢L¢h 38 Shepard Close Leigh on Sea SS9 SYR 21
New Thundersley St Ggor9e Charity No - 1134854 Recelpts and payments Selected period: 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 From To 01 January 2022 31 D?cembgr 2022 01 JJnu¥ry 2021 31 DèComr 2021 Ivote General . Gengral fund Iunrgstrtctodl Fund Income and endowments Donations and legaues Gift - Bank Gift Ald- Envelopè$ other giwng Loose plate collections IGASDSI Loose plate tsJllections (Non GASDSI One-off GIttd gits Donations appEals et Donalions- Flowers 43,428.00 5.850.00 2.732 00 3.672.38 849.00 42,677.00 7,855.90 3,424.00 2,797.56 700 252.00 990.63 1156 601 68.24 12,445.48 629.89 653.49 1.500.OD 90.OD Donations- Sum up Tax recoverable on Gift Ald Gift Ald s1& DOnaon$ $cheW IGASDSI Other lunds 9enwai4d 159.30 11.631.92 937 13 1.15238 TotalDonations andlegades 72.002. 11 72,337.59 Incorne from charitab actlvitleg Fees for weddings and fvnerals 8ooksiall $al8s to promote objective5 36.33 293.00 13.443.78 2U3.00 23S.OD 8.962.12 TDt411ncome frDm ¢h•Fitab ad1vitS 73.m.Yl 9.4th9. 12 oitwlrading activilies 8ookslall sales- fund raising 50.OD TolalOthertr4ttirJg tIvit Total Incomoand Qndtswmènts 86.776.22 81,787.71 Éxpgndlture Raising furKIs Cos15 of fetes & otrÈr events 1.549.05 250.46 Total R•ising funds t,549.05 2N.46 Expenditure on chaiiiable Ètttivitie5 M18sion giwng Mlnistry p8ri$h shaFe ete Parish Adminlstralof Worting expenses of incumbent Vicarage expense5 Parish ouifeach Church runThing- in&urènce Church offit8- ielephone Church maintenan Chufch runnill9- dèaning Upkeep of 5eFvir$ Administration Churth running- ekciric Church running- waier Htyll running- management Hall running- eleclridty all running gès Hall running- insuran Hall running- rnainienance 6,718.00 33,239 46 6.628.25 37,e53.70 4,167.54 354 51 108.10 453.30 1.10060 1.307.47 1,192.19 1,874 45 703.63 1.394.05 1.695.11 1ry2.70 1,800.00 1.424.35 1.409.59 2.164.10 120.00 431.37 61.23 617.22 1.102.00 1,605.50 5,307.38 1.923 37 611.13 2.OS4.33 4,310.17 123.30 1.800.C 1.245.49 1.922.20 2.204.31 9.53 eoy 09 F•bnJary 2023 Page 1
From To 01 January 2022 31 Dècgmber 2022 01 January 2021 31 D?cember 2021 Hall Nnning- ckaning Hall running- reluse ¢olle(on Hall running water Govemance costs examinali0nl8Llrt fee New Mall worts 2.697 52 612.36 107 18 50. 13.000.001 66,753.05 2.(69.38 279.10 159.87 50.00 Toi8lExpértditWe OP> ¢h•rt•Ob ac1vit$ 68,211.99 Totsl OXp•rtdtt 68,302.10 68,462.45 ExcÈ$¥ of Incorne and endoW[rlI ¢)ver El1111Ure Brought forward balance Tr8nsler$ iollfroml Total ¢arrl•d foN•rd b•l•n 17,473 12 17,718.81 13.000.001 32,191.93 13,325.26 34,393.68 130.000.001 17,718.81 N•wHall. Now Hall fund IR98trlctgdl Fund Incomè and •ndtsY4m•nts Donations and legacies Donallons appeals other bJnds gen8ret•d 14.00 13.00 29.35 T¢MI Don•tions •rtdl•oKIs 27.00 29.35 Tot•l Ineom• ind •ndowm•nt• 27.OQ 29,35 Èxp•ndltur• Expenditur• on ¢h•ri19ty 8¢¥1109 Hill * major repalrs. Jlru¢lure New Hall work# 24.879.31 83.544.8J T¢i•lExortdlhtfe ott ch•rt•ble J¢11vh 88.423 94 Tot•1 •xp•ndKur• 88,423.94 Exce of Incom• and endowfflenl$ over Expéndiiuie Brought 1ofv48rd b818nc• Tran$fets iollfroml Total carrfwd lorw•rd b•l•nci 188.396.941 94.485 32 3.000.00 29,38 94,4ss.97 9,088.3 ,486.32 ChBulldlng - Church bulldlng fund IR•strl¢t•dl Fund •nfl •ndowm8fits Inve$itNnl8 8ank and bulldlng sodety Inlerejl 3.30 0.70 TOMI Inwstmonts 0,70 Totsl Incom• •nd gndofflents 3.30 0.70 Exuet$ of aryj endowments over Expendllur8 8rouohl forwa b8lan¢ Totsl carrt•d fomard balance 0.70 1.356.97 1.357 67 1,380.97 ,357.67 09 Fèbruary 2023 P89£ 2
From To 01 January 2022 31 December 2022 01 January 2021 31 December 2021 Note PCCR6s•tve . PCC Reserve Fund IDos¥gnatedl Fund Broh1 lo8 ba18nce Tran51ers lollfroml Totsl rrIed foww8Td balanGe 30,(KJO.00 30,000.00 30.000.00 30,000.00 09 February 2023 Page 3
N9w Thundersley St George Charlty No - 1134854 Statement of Flnan¢lal Actlvitle$ - summary For the period from 01 Jaftuary 2022 to 31 Decèmbor 2022 Un¥••trEtqd Iyhd¥ Dp•lgn•t•d funds R•¥ri¢i•d lunds EndovTh•n¢ lyndi Tot•1 fund¥ totsl lunds T¢t•l 1nEQffl• 85.775.22 .Jo 04.805.62 81.817.76 Totsi exp?ndllUYQ 88.302.to B8,423.?4 156.726.04 88.462.4J N•t IncomD I l•xpgndftur•l f•tsurc•i bAfovA tr•nl•r 17,47J.12 170.920.J21 13.JS8.31 Gr055 trallElet5 b2pween funa5. 10 trin•lor• betw fundi.ty 30QOOO 300000 (3.000 001 30 000 00 ijo.ooo ooi N•tmr>v•m•nt In fun•• 14,473.12 170.920.621 13,J66.31 Total fund• broughtloThv4r 17.718.81 30.000.00 t30.106. Tot•1 ¢¥rrlid lorw•rd 32,191.93 30.ooo.oo lQ,449,31 72.e41.28 t4J,481.80 Unrqitncd G•ntfvl lund 0¢1001d PCC Rewrwj lund 32.1•1 •3 17.718 11 .000 ) 30.000.00 jo.ooo 00 Chwrth buitdingfund Hqn lund 1.380.91 9.0913 9,08e.38 94 4e5.32 eoy 09 February 2023 Page 1
New Thundersley St Ggorge Charity No - 1134854 Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) As at.. 31 December 2022 Pr•vlous balan¢e Balance Cash at bank and In hand 6501.. Santandor 090155 34216706 Church- Asset Gener21 funJ Unreslricied Nev4 Hall furtd Restric1j Church building fvnd Reslricled PCC ReSee Fun Designated 32.191.93 764.40 1.360.97 30.000.00 17.718.81 750.40 So,0 00 64.317.30 48.469.21 6503.. Natwost 600943 79638074 Hall Fund- Asset New Hall bjnd Restdcted 8.323.98 93,734.92 8.323.98 93.734.92 6510: CCLA IC8FI Bulldln9 Fund 608381001D. •tssot Church buildin9 fund Restricted 1,357.67 1,387.67 Cash at bank and in hand 72,641.28 143,S61.80 Grand Total 72.641.28 143,561.80 FebDJgry 2023 Page 1