2021-08-31-accounts - Rustington Methodist Church

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Rustington Methodist Church

Claigmar Road Rustington West Sussex BN16 2NL

Annual Report 2022

Welcome to

Rustington Methodist Church’s Annual Booklet for 2022

This booklet serves to give information regarding all of the Church’s activities during the year September 2020 to August 2021 but ranges more widely also.

There will be an opportunity to reflect on individual reports at the General Church . Meeting on Sunday May 8[th]

In due course the whole report and our accounts are sent to the Charity Commission. The Church’s Mission Statement is on page 5.

You will find the Agenda for the meeting and information about the formation of the Church Council on Page 4. Please inform Rev Bob Sneddon before the meeting if there is something you would like to raise that is not covered by the Agenda.

At the meeting appointments will be made, as appropriate, of Church Stewards and Congregational Representatives to the Church Council. Nominations, agreed by the nominee, should be received by 1[st] May. Nomination forms are available. Everyone eligible to vote can do so at the meeting. As the Church is registered with the Charity Commission elected Council members become Trustees.

We are aiming to start the meeting at 11.45 following the second service/refreshments. The first part of the meeting will deal with items in the Annual Report, appointments and conversation about the work of God in our church.

Please bring a packed lunch and drink

The second part of the meeting, starting at approximately 1.00 p.m., will be led by Tim Cooper (the Lay Pastor at Selsey) who will help us to explore the “God in Love Unites Us” report that was adopted by the Methodist Conference in 2021. One part of that report gives Church Council’s the choice of whether or not to approve same sex marriages in a local church. That is on a Church Council Agenda later in May.

The General Church Meeting will end no later than 2.30 p.m.

CONTENTS/CONTRIBUTORS

Offices	Name	Page
Church Council Information		4
Mission Statement		5
Minister	Rev Bob Sneddon	6
Senior Steward	Elizabeth Slatter	8
Finance Report	Bob Slatter	9
Resources Committee	Bob Slatter	11
Lay Worker	Brigette Alexander	12
Safeguarding	Lindsey Tilbrook	13
Pastoral Secretary	Mollie Priest	15
Bring & Share Lunch	Mollie Priest	15
Church Family Committee	Lindsey Tilbrook	15
Communion Stewards	Verena Thrift	16
The Lunch Bunch	Mollie Priest	17
Consultation on Worship		17
Shoppers’Service		17
Food for Thought	Brigette Alexander
Organisations/Activities	Name

Monday Evening House Group	Simon Richards	18
Bible Study Group–Friday Mornings	Doreen Straw	18
Coffee Mornings	Chris Clarke	19
Christian Aid	Chris Clarke	20
Church Flowers	Margaret Cocker	20
Flower Distribution	Brigette Alexander	21
Hand Bell Ministry	Margaret White	21
Healthy Ageing	Carole Pickworth	22
Junior Church	Bec Richards	22
Link to Hope Family Shoebox Appeal	Bec Richards	23
Mod Mums	Brigette Alexander	24
Organists	Colin Fraser	24
Rascals Pre School Playgroup	Tracey Hubbard	25
Service Recording & Projection Operation	Simon Richards	26
Stepping Stones	Jill Corby	26
Stitchers	Tessa Greig	26
Table Tennis Club	Rev Norman Peck	27
The Link (RMC Church Magazine)	Brigette Alexander	27
Women’s Fellowship	Jenny Ludwig	28


Regular Activities		29

AGENDA

Opening devotions
Apologies for absence
Minutes of General Church Meeting 24.10.21
Matters arising from the Minutes
Collection of Any Other Business
Appointment of Church Stewards
Appointment of Communion Steward - Convenor
Appointment of representativeness to Church Council
Finance Report
Annual Reports
Minister's reflections
Any Other Business / Conversation about the work of God
Date of next General Church Meeting
A conversation about the “God in Love Unites Us”
report led by Tim Cooper the Lay Pastor at Selsey Methodist Church
Closing Devotions

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP 151 at 3.2.22 Church Council Membership

The following were members of the Church Council as of 12th April 2022: Minister, Rev Bob Sneddon; Church Council Secretary, Paula Trahern; Circuit Ministers, Ian Suttie and Frank Okai-Sam; Church Treasurer (and Chair of Resources), Bob Slatter; Pastoral Secretary, Mollie Priest; Church Stewards, Elizabeth Slatter (Senior), Sue Bingham, Chris Clarke, Sue Cooper, Patrick Khoo and Pam Warren; Junior Church Leaders, Simon and Bec Richards; Communion Steward, Verena Thrift and Designated Circuit Representative, John Bishop (Circuit Steward).

: Church Representatives

Alan Clarke, Ruth Fraser, Colin Fraser, Jean Marshall, Ken Marshall, Carole Pickworth, Joan Salmon, Ann Waters, Stephen Waters

A maximum of eight more church representatives are eligible for election. There is information about this in the April edition of The Link. Nomination forms are on the notice boards and voting forms are available from the church office. Please do consider undertaking this role.

RUSTINGTON METHODIST CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT

Rustington Methodist Church exists for:

Worship: to increase awareness of God’s presence and to celebrate God’s love.
Learning and Caring: to help people to learn and grow as Christians, through mutual support and care.
Service: to be a good neighbour to people in need and challenge injustice.
Evangelism: to make more followers of Jesus Christ.

Priorities for Rustington Methodist Church:

In partnership with others wherever possible, Rustington Methodist Church will concentrate its prayers, resources, imagination and commitments on this priority:

To proclaim and affirm its conviction of God’s love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God’s presence and action in the world and in the Church.

As ways towards realising this priority, Rustington Methodist Church will give particular attention to:

underpinning everything we do with God-centred worship and prayer;
supporting community development and action for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor - in Britain and worldwide;
developing confidence in evangelism and in the capacity to speak of God and faith in ways that make sense to all involved;
encouraging fresh ways of being Church;
nurturing a culture in the Church which is people-centred and flexible. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP 169 at 3.2.21

Church Council Membership

Rustington Methodist Church

General Church Meeting May 8[th] 2022

Minister’s Report

For the first time since 2019 the General Church Meeting is back to some sort of normal. My annual report that year focused on a number of challenges that faced us and the potential of the forthcoming Church Review (held in July that year).

Since then, completely unforeseen at the time, and for the more than two years from March 2020, the global and local impact of the Covid virus has dominated our life and worship. We have discovered the benefits of technologies old and new and benefitted from the generosity and creativity of our church community in pastoral care, worship and every other aspect of our life. I want to express my thanks to all those who, often unseen, have prayed and planned to sustain us.

We are gradually emerging into a new phase of our life together. It will never be the same so we must find “the different” that God requires from us. A token of that is the preparation that is in place for the Church Council to consider the God in Love Unites Us report including the possibility of same sex couples being married at Rustington Methodist Church. There will be an opportunity for the whole church to reflect on that report at the General Church Meeting.

It is probably true to say that the last two years have been more about living in the shadows than in the light. As we began to emerge from lockdown the world was rocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Having wrestled with the creation in the form of a virus we have been starkly reminded of the human capacity for violence in the pursuit of power. Prior to the invasion of Ukraine there were already strains on global prices and the cost of living, particularly with regard to fuel. Energy provision to churches is non-domestic so not capped. Rising prices are likely to impact on our budget, and the way we use our premises, in the immediate future.

Our woes continued when on March 26[th] our friend Stephen Waters died suddenly. We surround Ann and Stephen’s family and friends with our love and prayers.

The last few years have not been without joy – the birth of children, the gift of marriage, the treasure of friendship, the presence of God in our worship - but the shadow, if not the darkness, has weighed upon us. To adapt a phrase that my grandfather often used - we are longing for God to “pull us up by our bootstraps”.

I am conscious that, in the very near future, my role in Rustington will change. I retire in the summer and from September 1[st] the Rev Rosemarie Clarke will be your minister and the Circuit Superintendent. Be assured that you will continue to be held in my love and prayers.

On retirement I will have had the privilege and responsibility of being the minister here for nine years including the unprecedented times resulting from COVID. Inevitably my heart and mind are full of what has been and my future lies down a different road. By way of a farewell suggestion however may I remind you of a question that was asked at the Church Review in July 2019? The Review asked everyone attending to rate how well we were doing in seven areas of church life on a scale from 1 to 6 where 1 is low and 6 is high. The scores of the 42 who attended were added together and the totals ranged from a high of 193 (average of 4.5) to a low of 127 (average of 3). The lowest score, so possibly the area needing most attention, was to the question “Does the church seek to find what God wants”. As much as possible I have sought to respond to the challenge of that question as we have lived through the years since. If I can offer you anything by way of a legacy it would be make this question central in discerning the way that lies ahead.

In conclusion I would like to say how much I have relished my time as Minister here in Rustington and living in this community. It has been a privilege to lead worship so regularly in one place and to share the wider life of the church and village. In particular, I would like to express my very great appreciation of the care, kindness, courage and support of so many as we have sought to live together as a community of Christians

Bob Sneddon

STEWARD’S REPORT

The role of a Church Steward is many and varied. On Sundays they supervise each service and support the preachers, aware of the congregational needs. They have an oversight of the spiritual life of the church and an awareness of the social and pastoral aspects of the Church Family. Stewards have a place on the Church Council, so have a very broad view of the church as a whole and its role in the wider community.

Unfortunately, owing to social distancing and lockdowns the regular meetings with the Minister have not taken place.

We have managed to maintain weekly worship slowly changing the way we do things as Government and Methodist regulations relaxed. We are still working to keep everyone as safe as possible, aware of the varied needs of the congregation.

We currently have a small, loyal team of people who have been preparing the church and welcoming people for worship on a Sunday. They have been especially trained to the different regulations and way of doing things to keep the congregation safe. I think the church should say a very big thank you to them all for stepping forward.

I am, however, aware that this team will be changing and we will need more support to continue as we have

I would like to thank all the Stewarding team They are very supportive and willing to work together, being flexible within the various roles. Their support is essential for smooth running of the church on Sundays.

Appointments

Sue Bingham has completed eight years of service and has agreed to continue as a steward.

Sue Cooper, Pam Warren and myself have each served seven years and are all willing to continue in this role. Both Pam and Sue have challenges at present and may not be able to serve as regularly as they did in the past.

I bring the following names to you as stewards for the coming year: Sue Bingham, Sue Cooper Patrick Khoo Pam Warren

Chris Clarke – appointed at the November 2021 General Church Meeting Elizabeth Slatter willing to serve as Senior

I have no names of prospective new stewards, so, I request that, should a suitable person offer to serve within the year, the Church Council can agree the appointment and it be ratified at the next General Church Meeting.

If you would like to offer your assistance on a Sunday, or would like more information about how you could help, please do not hesitate to speak to Rev Bob Sneddon or myself to find out more.

Elizabeth Slatter – Senior Steward

FINANCE REPORT

Annual Accounts for the year Sept 2020 to August 2021 are available on request: they are abbreviated below.

	INCOME				EXPENDITURE
	Church Giving		64,394		Assessment	77,714
	Income Tax Recovered Gift Aided Giving		13,109		Church Donations	4,350
	Special Collections		1,331		Special Collections	1,331
	Fund Raising Activities				Fund Raising Activities
	Lettings External Bodies		690		Worship Expenses Organists/music	2,252
	Church Based Bodies		4,165		Youth + Junior Church	528
	Interest		303		Church Administrator Salaries/Office Costs	4,585
	Weddings/Funerals				Property–maintenance	3,978
	Coffee mornings etc				Utilities (Gas & Electricity and Insurance)	4,195
	Legacies & Living Gifts		500		Cleaning	3,197
	Self-funded activities		350		Self-funded activities	350
	Recovered costs Insurance		1,404		Recovered costs Insurance	1,404
	Recovered Costs		463		Church Projects	2,280
	Circuit Grant re Lay Worker		7,040		Church Family Worker Paid by Churchbut funded from Reserves	20,117
	Circuit Grant and Rebate		8,554
	Sundries				Sundries	462
	Total Income		102,303		Total Expenditure	126,743
Adjusted Income Interest on Parry Legacy Circuit Grant re Family Worker Circuit Assessment Rebate		256 7,040 8,554 £86,453		Adjusted Expenditure Church Projects 2.280 Church Family Worker 20,117 £104,346

This shows that our adjusted expenditure exceeded our adjusted income by £17,893 I have previously reported that our church needs personal giving of £75,000 per year, so regrettably this year we were £10,000 below this level

We have been fortunate that again this year the Circuit has found that their actual overall costs for the previous year, were not as high as budgeted, so they were able to rebate part of the original Assessment to all the churches, which has been of great assistance in this difficult year - without this our shortfall would have been even worse.

During this Pandemic, many people have been letting us have their collection envelopes and donations by several means and many others have changed their method of giving to Standing Order which has been very beneficial. Thank you very much.

Bob Slatter, Church Treasurer

RUSTINGTON Church METHODIST

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

	SECTION A		Unrestricted Funds Restricte d Funds	Unrestricted Funds Restricte d Funds	Totals last year £ 77,934 1,691 7,169 24,303 111,097 78,892 4,440 17,978 6,273 31,526 139,109 (28,012) 281,826 253,814	Totals last year £ 77,934 1,691 7,169 24,303 111,097 78,892 4,440 17,978 6,273 31,526 139,109 (28,012) 281,826 253,814
			£	£
a1	RECEIPTS	Note
a2	Offerings and Tax recovered		77,504
a3	Bank and CFB interest and Investment income		303
a4	Lettings		690
a5	Other receipts		22,475
a6	TOTAL RECEIPTS		100,972

	SECTION B
b1	PAYMENTS
b2	Circuit Assessment or Share		77,714
b3	Donations		4,350
b4	Repairs and Maintenance		9,455
b5	Utilities (Insurances, water charges, heating & lighting)		4,196
b6
b7	Other payments		29,697
b8	TOTAL PAYMENTS		125,412

	SECTION C
c1	NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR (a6-b8)		(24,440)

c2	Total funds brought forward from last year		253,814

c3	Sub total (c1+c2)		229,374

c4	Transfers and adjustments

c5	TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (c3+c4)		229,374		253,814	(c6)

	SECTION D
d	FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS (these amounts are not to be included in total receipts/payments figures above) £ £ Balance brought forward from last year Offerings/Gifts-received for external organisations 1,331 1,071 Offerings/Gifts-passed to external organisations 1,331 1,071 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1+d2-d3)
d1	Balance brought forward from last year
d2	Offerings/Gifts-received for external organisations				1,071
d3	Offerings/Gifts-passed to external organisations				1,071
d4	BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1+d2-d3)

RESOURCES COMMITTEE - PROPERTY REPORT

Our role is to upkeep the premises in a safe way, sensitive to all its users and uses.

This year has been more challenging than most due to the National Government Lockdowns caused by the Covid19 virus pandemic. We had to find a way to keep the Rascals Pre-school Playgroup open and safe, and, after September 2021, find a way for others to use the premises safely as other groups re-commenced their activities.

In autumn 2020 we had problems with broken windows in the church which were replaced as necessary. We have subsequently also had issues with vandalism to the church roof and breakage of skylights – all of which have been dealt with. Police and local officers have been informed.

We have also been challenged by the new regulations to the Tesco Car Park opposite our entrance and subsequent increase in the general public using our car park.

The Resources Committee have not met until very recently, but people within the maintenance team have been doing all sorts of general maintenance to keep the premises in good order.

The Annual Risk Assessment was carried out in January though the group are regularly checking and re-assessing the building and reviewing health and safety, as well as fire risks in all areas of the premises.

The Church has continued to remain open for worship, with amendments being made on a regular basis to both relax things, yet endeavour to keep people safe. Our Risk Assessments and instructions have been regularly updated to keep up with the change in regulations and ways of doing things.

As we were able to work outside we have been able to maintain our gardens which have been much appreciated by our own folk and the people in the village. Kathleen Tidbury has been in charge of the main gardens, very ably assisted by Ann Waters and Marlon, as well as the general team who have mowed the grass. Norman and Pam Peck also have a team of people who maintain the car park area and have improved that greatly. They are assisted by others who have kept the hedges and taller plants under control.

Many thanks to all who assist in any way in keeping our premises in good shape.

Bob Slatter Chairman of Resources – formerly known as Property and Finance Committee

LAY WORKERS REPORT

We had been in lockdown since March 2020, fortunately the lockdown restrictions started easing in August. So we were now allowed to start opening the church for private prayer, which we started from 16th August. It was a very nervous time for us all, but things progressed well and we were all delighted to be able to open the doors for weekly Sunday services on 6th September, with two services, one at 9.30am and the other at 10.45. There were still a lot of rules and regulations from the government we had to follow but it was wonderful to be back worshipping God together. We had our first communion service on 4th October, a very moving service. Sadly we went back into lockdown from 5th November for another 4 weeks and there was a lot of uncertainty as to what we would or wouldn’t be allowed to do over the Christmas period. We again went back into lockdown from 6th January, however we reopened for two Sunday services from 18[th] April and this has continued to evolve and progress as restrictions have lifted.

During this year we worked on starting a Youth Alpha course for the older members of Junior Church and had our first meeting on 4th July for the young adults. The sessions consist of a short Christian film with questions and discussions and of course food!

In November the team and Simon did a video recording of the story of Ruth using ‘Open the Book'. This was used as part of a school assembly and it was linked to the food bank. Due to national restrictions we have not been able to do any live performances for Rascals but hope to get back to doing them on a regular basis again soon.

Pastoral care has, as usual, been very busy this year. We found different ways of offering ongoing support to those in need. Sadly visiting people in their homes, in hospitals or nursing homes continued to be very difficult. The telephone has proved to be a lifeline for a lot of people. Other ways of keeping in touch have been explored and implemented such as emails, regular letters and zoom.

The Zoom group meetings, which were set up soon after lockdown, have continued and have been enjoyed and of great benefit to those who attend. These quickly

turned into regular Wednesday meetings with a large variety of topics. We also ran short Bible studies and a Lent course and we even managed a zoom Christmas party on 23rd December.

We have not been in a position to resume Food for Thought due to continuing government restrictions. We hope to be able to carry on with these popular events again soon.

The Church Prayer Chain was set up in April 2020 and is still going strong. Some of the group receive the prayers via the phone and others via a confidential WhatsApp group. Everyone prays in their own way daily for those who have requested prayers. It has been much appreciated by both those who are prayed for and by those who are praying.

Several of our wonderful knitters had been very busy knitting gorgeous Easter chicks which we were planning on using the year before. Fortunately the chicks were very patient and waited quietly in a drawer. This year we were able to stuff each knitted chick with a small Easter egg and then a wonderful team delivered them out to everyone with their copy of the Easter Link, they looked and tasted delicious!

During this year we have been unable to collect and deliver food to the Littlehampton Food Bank but are working towards restating this very soon.

As always I am available and happy to have a conversation with you to talk about what else I’m doing and what is in the pipeline.

Brigette Alexander

SAFEGUARDING

During the period of Sept 20 – August 21, the main focus of safeguarding, not only in our church but around the whole Connexion was, of course, the pandemic. Constant updates from the Government and the Methodist Church kept us busy and sometimes extremely frustrated! With every easing came pages and pages to read and interpret and also a new look at the required Risk Assessments.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Slatter who helped so much with not only writing Risk Assessments but also liaising with groups as we began to “open” up again. Without Bob Slatter, the church building would not have been kept safe during the periods when the church had to be closed. Rev Bob and also Brigette have been instrumental in implementing all the necessary procedures to keep Rustington Methodist Church functioning during this worrying time.

In the background, there have been many changes to Safeguarding regulations and procedures over the past few years. Covid has slowed the implementation of these in practical terms, in the Church Community.

Safe Recruitment guidance now brings churches into line with the “outside world” and means that everyone who takes on a role with children/young people and vulnerable adults must not only have a DBS check (as they always have done) but will require further paperwork to be completed. There is a much greater need for record keeping. If you do take on a role, please don’t be daunted by this process, we are organised and ready to make it as simple as possible!!

Could I ask please that if your group falls into this category (check if you need to) that you inform the Safeguarding Officer if you wish to take on a new recruit. No one must start volunteering with children/young people or vulnerable adults without a DBS first being obtained. The need to attend initial Safeguarding training and updates remains the same.

If you are organising any event for the church then please do check if a Risk Assessment is necessary because in most cases the answer to this question is “Yes.”

From my own point of view, after being involved in Safeguarding in one way or another for many years, I have taken a step back from some of the role. Please support Karen Scrivens as she takes on the position of Safeguarding Officer. I will still be involved in Risk Assessment and Safe Recruitment but would be delighted to hear from anyone who feels they have a heart for Safeguarding and would like to be part of the team. If I had not fervently believed that the Church must live in the modern world and improve its practices to keep people safe, I would have not been involved for so long. If you have any doubts about safeguarding practice, I would refer you to read the “Past cases review” on the Methodist website (where you can also find details of new and existing requirements.)

I do thank all those who have patiently listened, attended training and put into practice what they have heard.

Lindsey Tilbrook

PASTORAL REPORT

In a Church where my husband once served as Minister, all those involved in Pastoral care wore a small silver shepherd’s crook in their lapel. This indicated to the congregation that they were “Shepherds to the flock” and could be called upon for pastoral care. Here, at Rustington Methodist Church, 28 people are appointed, by the Church, to be Shepherds, or as we call them, Pastoral Visitors to the 151 members.

The work of the Pastoral Visitor has been challenging during covid restrictions and we have all needed to adapt in our caring roles. Now we can meet freely again in homes, coffee shops, or parks as we visit our flock. Only Care facilities and Hospitals still have restrictions in place for visiting.

As Pastoral Visitors we seek to rejoice with those who rejoice and walk happily by green pastures and still waters and we weep with those in the Church family who walk through a dark valley and face the many challenges of life. I express boundless gratitude to all those who work alongside the Minister and lay Worker in offering Pastoral Care to the flock at Rustington.

Mollie Priest

BRING AND SHARE LUNCH .

This group, for people who live alone and find Sunday a lonely day after Church worship is over, has not yet reconvened. Normally we meet on the first Sunday of each month for a bring and share meal in the Coffee lounge. We have had a group of 20 +people, but because of Covid restrictions involving sharing food and the limited way we can use the Church kitchen it has been too complicated to start again. We will see what restrictions are eased in the future for this group to meet.

Mollie Priest.

CHURCH FAMILY COMMITTEE

During the period in question, we were unable to hold any events or meet as a committee, so perhaps the best way to update you all is to repeat the article I submitted to the Link for April this year.

“Over the past ten years, representatives of groups from the Church Family have

met as a committee to provide support for each other, fundraise and organise social occasions for the whole church.

I have so enjoyed my involvement in all the activities – Quiz and Pud evenings and musical mornings, Christmas parties, games on the lawn and so much more. Most of all, working with such an enthusiastic team.

However, all things must evolve and grow if they are to survive. When we started out in 2012, as a result of consultation at the General Church Meeting that year, we had 16 members and 12 groups represented. Ten years and Covid have taken their toll and in 2022, we have found ourselves with 4 groups and only 6 people in total.

We met recently and after some honest discussion decided that it was time for the Committee to hang up its hat and stand down.

We do this in the fervent hope that the space left by Church Family Committee leaves room and possibility for something else to begin.

Can we please ask you to pray for new beginnings and God’s guidance for new and beneficial ventures as we learn to move forward in His name? Let’s hope that the piano we fundraised for in the church hall is played by many musicians over the coming years.

Thank you so much for supporting all our efforts.”

Lindsey Tilbrook

COMMUNION STEWARDS

Members of the team: Sheena Baker, Anne Bound, Christine Carr, Joy and Terry Smith, Verena Thrift, Joan Welham-Jones, Margaret White and Wilma Walton. Rev Norman Peck is also part of the team, assisting our minister at the 10.45 Services.

Due to the ongoing restrictions of Covid, we are not able to work as a complete team assisting Rev Bob Sneddon with preparing and serving Holy Communion.

For a while Rev Bob Sneddon has been carrying out these services on his own.

It was then agreed, that I could prepare the Elements and the Communion table and assist Rev Bob Sneddon with serving the wine to the Communicants.

It was also decided, that for the time being the Communion Rails would not be used due to social distancing.

The use of plastic glasses and wafers will continue for the foreseeable future.

It is hoped, that when restrictions are eased, the whole team will once more be able to be involved in preparing and assisting with Holy Communion.

My very special Thanks to the whole team, for their patience and understanding in these difficult and ever changing times.

Verena Thrift

THE LUNCH BUNCH REPORT

The Lunch Bunch is a group of people, around 14-18, who have experienced bereavement. We meet once a month for lunch in various homes and at the present time we take our own packed lunch and the host provides drinks and dessert. We offer support and encouragement to each other and remember anniversaries of loved ones. It is a group who can freely cry over loss but also knows how to laugh and share good news. People join the group whenever they feel ready after bereavement.

Mollie Priest

CONSULTATION ON WORSHIP

We anticipate a Worship Consultation meeting with our new Minister early in the new Church Year.

FRIDAY SHOPPERS SERVICE

We have recently had some services on a Friday morning for Rascals Playgroup and we hope we may be able to resume some sort of activity on a Friday morning in the future.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food for thought was started 4 years ago. It took place on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month. Sadly since lockdown we have not been able to hold any meetings.

The evening is based around food, fellowship and a topic. There is no definitive format and it has taken on different guises depending on who is involved in

organising the evening and on what the topic is. We have had speakers, film clips, quizzes, prayers, music, debates, bible readings, poetry, silences, hymns, personal reflections, a labyrinth and much, much more.

From the feedback I have received Food for Thought evenings have been greatly missed and although we started an evening zoom group it is not possible to include us eating a meal together.

We are always open to consider new topics that anyone might suggest. It is an excellent way to meet, get to know and form lasting friendships with like-minded Christians in a relaxed, informal and friendly environment. It is not a club and there is nothing to join. We only ask that you let us know you are coming and about your dietary requirements, we don’t want you to go hungry! If you haven’t been before please come along as soon as we are back up and running again.

Brigette Alexander

MONDAY EVENING HOUSE GROUP (…FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART)

We have not met in the preceding year due to COVID-19, but keep in touch. We will consider restarting in the near future.

Simon Richards

FRIDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP.

During this time of the Corona Virus Pandemic, the Friday morning Bible study group has ceased to meet on the church premises. We had months of reading our Daily Bread Bible Notes on our own and really missed getting together each Friday to discuss them and how they have spoken to us as individuals. We also find this very helpful when we come across something we don't understand.

There were just six of us who met each Friday, and when that meeting couldn't get together three of our group felt unable to carry on with the Daily Bread notes. One joined in with a Bible group on line and two were feeling very unwell and could not concentrate enough to do them each day on their own, so gave up having the Bible Notes.

When the church felt it was O K to get together on the church premises there were so many restrictions that we decided to take up the invitation of Maureen Robinson to use her apartment instead. At the moment we are only three, a new member who is a neighbour of Maureen now meets with us, with another past member intending to rejoin us again once her commitment of meeting with an elderly friend each Friday morning stops. We look forward to having her back with us again when she is ready.

Even though there are three of us at present, the hour we spend together is most helpful to us all and also keeps us continuing with the Bible readings and commentaries each day, which is why the group began so many years ago. We have great fellowship and are a grand group together.

There is space for a few more ladies and if you would like to know more, please contact me and I will make arrangements with Maureen. Our group is not a deep Bible Study Group by any means, but a support to encourage each other to read our Bibles each day and then discuss the weeks readings when we meet together. Maureen uses audio Bible notes and we always finish with listening to the Friday reading together.

We start at 10 am and aim to finish by 11.15. Please get in touch if you feel this group is for you. The apartment is very central to the village shops and has a lift but no parking for visitors. Our church car park or the village car park behind Iceland store is very near.

Doreen Straw

Coffee Time is Here Again!

Thanks to a great band of helpers we are now serving hot drinks after the 10.45 morning service again.

There’s also a great selection of snacks to go with your drink too!

We’d like to welcome you to stop and join us for a chat, to share the news and reconnect with people you may not have had a chance to see lately.

If you had some time to help we might even be able to extend our ‘drinking hours’ to another day in the week!!!!

Chris Clarke Catering Co-ordinator

This is Christian Aid

A global movement of people, churches and local organisations. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.
We stand together. For dignity. For equality. For justice.
Together we have the power to transform lives.
Together we can create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.
For over 70 years, we’ve been standing with the poorest of our neighbours working in 37 countries, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality and justice.

So where is Rustington Methodist? Where do we stand? What are we doing?

During the year we raised £2002

Thank you for trying to make a difference, in a difficult time.

Chris Clarke Area co-0rdinator

CHURCH FLOWERS

Each week we are grateful to those who kindly give the money for the church flowers. The arrangements are enjoyed on Sundays by the congregations; then on Mondays they are taken to those who the church feels are in need of being remembered or thanked. A team of ladies enjoy arranging the flowers for those who prefer someone else to arrange them. The team is Margaret Cocker and Doreen Straw, joint coordinators, Ina Eleveld, Ann Waters. Sadly, this year both Margaret Barker and Marion Davis are unable to continue with the team. We thank them for the years they have produced beautiful arrangements for us. We know they have enjoyed their time and are sorry to have to give up. We welcome to the team Pam Chapple who is worshipping with us. We are delighted that she is keen to help arrange the flowers.

If anyone would like to donate the money for flowers, please contact Doreen or Margaret. We suggest at least £20 for the pedestal and a small arrangement on the organ. If specific flowers or colours are wished then the cost may be higher. We try to accommodate a request for a specific date. The team enjoys decorating the church for Easter and harvest and providing arrangements for weddings. If anyone else would like to join the arrangers we would be very happy to have extra help.

At Christmas we appreciate the help from various groups within the church family with the window decorations. Although we have a theme the varying interpretations are always a delight and add greatly to the Christmas worship.

Margaret Cocker, Doreen Straw

FLOWER DISTRIBUTION

The ministry of taking flowers to members has now restarted. It is a lovely ministry, taking just a couple of hours on a Monday morning and is enjoyed by both the small team who deliver the flowers and those receiving the flowers. New helpers are welcome – all you need is a ready smile and the ability to drive.

Brigette Alexander

HANDBELL MINISTRY

With relaxation of some of the Covid 19 rules I decided to contact the Bell Ringers’ Team in November 2021 to see if there was an interest to re-commence practice and maybe play at Christmas. I also needed to ascertain whether members were still interested in playing.

We have lost some members and were mindful we should recruit others. The general consensus was that it was too early to resume and we would reconsider when the situation re Covid became clearer.

Margaret White

HEALTHY AGEING.

We restarted classes on the 7th. May 2021 because of the Pandemic with limited numbers.

Classes were held on a weekly basis instead of fortnightly to accommodate those who wished to attend.

It was good for the class to meet up socially and also do some exercise after a long time away.

Carole Pickworth.

JUNIOR CHURCH

Junior Church was unable to meet during the various 2020/2021 lockdowns and COVID precautions but we made positive use of technology to help us stay connected. After starting a WhatsApp group for Junior Church families in March 2020, we continued to share a daily Christian song until the summer of 2020 and in total shared over 300 songs reminding us of God’s love. We also began to add craft videos for families to our recorded services on YouTube and in December 2020 we created a stop-frame animation Nativity, with voice-over provided by our children and young people. Over the months, we delivered a variety of goody bags to our thirteen families, reaching out to our twenty-six children and young people. Goodies ranged from Advent calendars and Christingles, to Lent-in-a-bag and Easter crafts, with a chick and Easter egg.

We were delighted to be able to meet together again on three Sundays in June/July 2021. We enjoyed spending time together under a gazebo in the church garden where we sang, shared craft activities and played games in the sunshine. Do look for the bug hotel we made in the garden! Quite a few of us also met at Mewsbrook Park in August for a family picnic, to catch up with news and see how much everyone had grown! We enjoyed playing football, games and climbing trees, as well as picnic food and ice-cream.

Since September 2021, Junior Church has started meeting again in the hall on Sunday mornings. We have been meeting from 10.30am until 11.30am, whilst some of our parents join the 10.45am service. Our attendance varies from just a few to twelve children/young people, with two leaders and one helper for each session. We have restarted using Roots as a resource and share time together playing games, singing,

being creative with craft, hearing stories and thinking about what it means to know and follow Jesus. In the Autumn, our teens had several taster sessions of Youth Alpha with Brigette but for now have decided that the group is a little too small for this. For a while, we have been meeting in a pattern of 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off, so that families and helpers could ease back in gradually. We are excited to be trying weekly meetings after Easter 2022 and hope to be joining you all back in church too!

Thank you to everyone who has helped Junior Church over the last few years. To all those who reflected during lockdown and for various reasons decided not to re-join us - a truly heartfelt “thanks for everything!”

To those still helping – “thank you so much for all your support and help!” To those who haven’t yet tried Junior Church – we would very much welcome more helpers or even just occasional visits from church members to come and share with us – do contact me if you would be interested!

Bec Richards

LINKTOHOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL

In the Autumn of 2021, RMC members and friends supported the Shoebox Appeal for the tenth year in a row. Happily, we were able to collect items more easily this year as lockdown had eased and we were also able to meet for The Big Wrap, although on a slightly smaller scale and with face masks hiding our smiles!

We filled 90 boxes with a wide range of items for the whole family. In total we collected just over £750.00 which went towards transportation costs (£3 per box) and buying extra items so that the boxes were filled to the brim.

Every year I have been delighted and humbled by the generosity of our church folk and friends and by God’s grace in helping it all come together. In 2021 this sense was even stronger, considering what a difficult year everyone had experienced. Huge thanks to everyone who knitted, crocheted, collected, shopped, donated, packed, wrapped, made refreshments and prayed.

I think some of you are already knitting again for this year!!

God bless

Bec Richards

MOD MUMS

Mod Mums has had a very quiet year due to not meeting in the church since March 2020. We have met up during the summer month in local parks, to comply with legal guidelines and we have continued to hold Zoom meetings to discuss the future of Mod Mums. We also continued to use our Facebook page as a community hub. Since we have been more engaging on social media, we have had a number of new followers and people reach out to enquire about the group. We are hoping with the right promotion, we can enjoy a larger number of attendees again in the very near future.

Our aim is to restart meeting in the church hall and we would really like to get the crèches going again, as the babies and children really enjoyed playing in the crèches, making new friends whilst their parent or carer had a good chat with the other adults in a separate room. We would like to extend a sincere thanks to the wonderful crèche ladies – we have missed you all!

Brigette Alexander

ORGANISTS

With lockdown in place for most of the year there were no baptisms, weddings or funerals. Currently Ann and myself are covering regular shortened morning services under present Covid restrictions.

The new church hymnal is proving successful on the rare occasions that it has been needed. Thank you, Simon.

My thanks also to those of you who acknowledge and thank the organists as you leave, even though at times we are not able to look up from the music

Colin Fraser

RASCALS PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP

This period has continued to present us with challenges at Rascals Playgroup.

We reopened after the summer holidays in September 2020 to all children. However, as the new year approached there was another major lockdown but we were asked to remain open for all children. At this point in time approximately half of our families had older children attending school, but as most school children were being asked to stay at home, several of our families chose to keep their preschool children at home also. This meant we were still operating at much lower numbers than usual for this time of year.

We were unable to do a Nativity performance in the church so instead we recorded the children singing some Christmas songs and sent this to all of our families via email. This was very well received.

We continued to receive funding from WSCC throughout this period for all eligible children so financially our position wasn’t too severe although it meant we did lose some income from our fee paying families who chose to keep their children at home.

On 8[th] March we welcomed back all of our children and staff. Transitions to school were supported by phone calls rather than visits but we felt we were able to discuss all of the children and we were able to provide extra information to the schools for those children who required additional support.

Our end of academic year celebrations were held outside in the car park rather than in the hall and the staff decorated the ‘podium’ with banners and made it feel very special for the children and their families.

Unfortunately, I was in isolation as my son had caught Covid and so I missed the last day of term. I was extremely sad but the staff and children video called me during the morning to wave goodbye which was lovely and very emotional.

As always Bob Sneddon and other members of the church team fully supported us through this challenging year for which we are grateful and we would like to extend our thanks to them all.

Tracey Hubbard

Manager Rascals Preschool Playgroup

SERVICE RECORDING AND PROJECTION

In the last year services have been streamed onto YouTube so that those at home have the opportunity to feel part of worship. These services are also then available, having been uploaded to YouTube, to watch at a convenient time to viewers. The - church YouTube Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jTCVUj Zo7SPu9kAUIoUA or search ‘Rustington Methodist Church’ in YouTube.

We have not been sending out audio recordings of services, although this could be possible if there was a need. Please do let me or one of the leadership team know if this is the case.

Each service has projection of media, ranging from hymn words to videos. This is done at each service by either the minister or one of the team.

Simon Richards

STEPPING STONES

Stepping Stones shut down due to covid on March 24[th] 2020. We were unable to reopen until September 16[th] 2021.

The committee tried to keep members informed by email and telephone, but it wasn`t until the summer of 2021 that it was hoped lockdown could be eased.

In the preceding months members had expressed a preference for meeting during the day as many disliked venturing out in the evening, especially during the winter months.

The committee started meeting in people`s gardens when allowed, to discuss what could be done about continuing the club or closing down completely.

We were eventually given the green light for a free Thursday afternoon and decided that we would try for September 16[th] with a social evening.

The Women`s Fellowship group had folded during lockdown and many of the members came to join Stepping Stones.

The club is now viable with an interesting future programme.

Jill Corby

STITCHERS

In 2020 we were still dreaming of an end to restrictions and looking forward to meeting again. In the meantime we kept in touch by email and phone and were able to keep up to date with whatever people were stitching. Unfortunately many

of us lost some motivation during all the restrictions and it was not until the summer, when garden meetings became feasible, that we could meet face to face, chat and share experiences.

By October it looked as though we could once again meet at RMC but after only one meeting that was no longer possible. Frustrations all round!

However we are now back and functioning at full strength so everything is much more interesting. Long may it last this time round.

Although this sounds like all doom and gloom, the truth is that the group is more than stitching and our friendships and ongoing support in difficult times have kept us all cheerful and positive. We believe that stitching in its various forms keeps us sane. So, keep stitching everyone.

Tessa Greig

TABLE TENNIS CLUB

I find it difficult to write a report about the Table Tennis Club as we haven’t met for over 2 years.

. All I can say that we intend to re-open on Friday April 22[nd]

Our numbers are likely to be very reduced due to ill health and the ageing of our members.

We are also unsure how covid restrictions will impact upon us, but we face the future hoping that the club will attract new people who want to play Table tennis.

Norman Peck

THE LINK (RMC Church Magazine)

The Link is produced in the Church Office and informs on the life of our Church. When the usual activities of the church ceased in March 2020, owing to the restrictions necessitated by the Covid pandemic, it was important for The Link to continue to be produced. Along with the Minister’s message, various church members continued to contribute poems, occasional articles and other items, and these are always most welcome. We have continued to distribute copies of The Link to members and anyone who is interested in receiving a copy.

I am very grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way to the production of The Link or made contributions of items for inclusion.

Please continue to send any items you would like to be incorporated into the Link, by email, to the Church Office so that they can be processed.

Brigette Alexander

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday afternoons just won't be the same at Rustington Meth . . .

After many decades of women gathering in this place, through good times and bad, to support each other and the church, Women's Fellowship is coming to an end. With committee members all feeling their age and no younger members to take over their role, it was decided, initially, that we would reduce activities to a simple weekly tea and chat. In the end, however, especially with all the additional precautions necessary to help keep us Covid secure, we had to face the fact that we just did not have enough fit and willing members to make it viable.

We had initially set the beginning of September as our re-start date after lockdown but that will not now happen and we shall not meet again as a group. However, we have kept in touch with members by telephone during lockdown and we hope to continue those friendships in some way.

So, farewell Women's Fellowship. We have thoroughly enjoyed the work over quite a few years with many happy memories of dear friends and the joy of spending time together on a regular basis. The sound of 30 or 40 women (it was double that number in the old days!) excitedly meeting and greeting each other as I walked into the hall always lifted the spirits. The memory of that will remain with me.

Our hope and prayer is that WF's departure, though sad, will inspire other younger church folk to fill that gaping Wednesday afternoon space with something fresh and new to encourage each other and draw others closer to God.

Thanks to all the church folk who have helped us in so many ways over the years. It has been so, so appreciated.

God bless.

Jenny Ludwig (for the Women's Fellowship committee)

Regular Activities

Mondays

2.00pm Healthy Ageing (fortnightly) contact Carole Pickworth: 770313 Please confirm dates with Carole
7.45pm Ageless House Group (recommencing soon) at Simon & Bec’s, 47 Mallon Dene, Rustington, 772214

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

9.55-11.30am Mod Mums’ Coffee Club (weekly/term-time) contact Church Office

Thursdays

1.30-4.00pm Stitchers (2[nd] & 4[th] Thursday) contact Tessa Greig: 786896
2.15-4.00pm Stepping Stones (1[st] & 3[rd] Thursday) contact Verena Thrift: 776178

Fridays

9.45am Bible Study (weekly) contact Doreen Straw: 770372
2.00pm Table Tennis Club (weekly) contact Norman Peck: 731356

Rascals Play Group meets on 4 days (term-time): Monday & Tuesday

(9.30am – 3.30pm) and Thursday & Friday (9.30am – 12.30pm) contact Tracey Hubbard: 07546 584314

Rustington Methodist Church

Claigmar Road, Rustington West Sussex, BN16 2NL - Web site http://www.rustington methodist.co.uk/

Registered Charity Number 11354885

Minister Rev Bob Sneddon

60 Westlands, Rustington BN16 NW

Church Office 01903 776900 Home 01903 717035

gorsefore@ googlemail.com

Lay Worker Brigette Alexander

Mobile 07757 717730 Or via Church office 01903 776900 brigette.rmc@gmail.com

Church Office

01903 776900 rustingtonmethodistchurch@gmail.com

CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS RtIngton Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2021 Worthinglcoast & Do$ Cirtuit Circuit no R•918tsred Charlty. Charlty R8gS8tralon numbor If not a registered tharity H•r Mai•$ty'8 R•¥8nue and Cu¥tQffls Gift Aid number ITh& HMRC number Is eqJiwalent lo a reg151ered charity number In telms of evidence of charitable S1$ an¢J may be used to give to donors or grant funder$ vKshiny to see trvidtnct of the organisation's chantable 51alu5. Methodist chaniies in England and Wales th81 are not registered chaniies ar8 exceptad from f89isirntson under statOry Inslrumeni 2014 No.2421 11346885 Min1Ster.' Rev'd Robert Sneddon Church stewards.. Mrs Elizabaih Slatter Mr P8trith Khoo Mr John Bdl Mrs KathW Th1bury Mr5 Sv¥aD C<wr Susan Bin8lwn Mrs Panwlawarrcn Tr88sur8r. Mr RL*¢rt Slatt¢r crpxthR¥•JP2alS

ACCOUPITS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 AUGUST 2021 Rustington Cthllr¢h Toil¥ ¥t SECTION A Fur¥ Funds fte¢EIPT$ Not• a2 Offeii s Tax recoveied 8an# and CFB Inlfriesl and 77,501 77.934 303 3tsJ ¥4 690 7.169 (Xher iec8yts TOTAL RECEIPTS .475 100,572 22,47S 100.972 24.303 SEcnoN PAYMENTS ¢ircurtAss85smentoi Shore 77,714 4,3$0 9,455 77,714 4.3$0 9.455 78.892 4.440 Re IFS and MainlenaD¢o Uh19$ Iln5uiances, vralfrr tha h8Btsn hbn 17.978 4,196 8273 b7 Oth@r paymgnts TOTAL PAYMENTS .697 125,41Z 29,617 125.412 31.528 159.109 SECTK)N C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YÉAR c1 24,440 24.440 8,a12 Total funds browblforyrd trom 1&styear 2S3,814 2$3.814 281,8 c3 sub lvtsl 1+¢2 229,374 219.374 253 Transfersand ad ustmen TOTAL FUND8AT END OFYEAR Ic3+c41 229,374 229,374 253M14 8ECTr)N O FOR INFORMAMON ONLY.. MONEY RECEI¥EDAND PA88ED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANLTIoNS •r• notto b• in¢lud•d in total r•¢•i Balanc8 br htllltwèrd trornlast d2 Offpri Grfb- 18rfjried forgxtgtllgl o 1,071 d3 Off8ringstGts - dt0 @Atginal IrgantioI 1.331 1,071 d4 BALANCE 8nL TO BE PAJD (41+-d3) thkryvJP2QIS. 2olS

Rusl ton $TIDplE ITENN OHGANklATbX ¥127S 1.STJ 103t76 24 15J.114 VccH 1247 i•D.2J6 J4•. 331.tsD TOTIRECEIPTS TOTAL PAYifJENT¥ SECTb4F 251614 108.17• 3J2.$ 1FCTG OTHEftASSETSwJLI•ILWS 2381 711 a1

Name of Church .. MBthOdistaVrth Declarations and Scrutiny I cxjnfinn that these R8ripl and Payment based accounts for the y88r to 31 August 2021 have bean prepared trom th8 r8cords of th8 Church and th81 they includa ali funds undgr tha control of tna Church trusio06. Signature ol treasurer Namè and addres5 of trea urer.......MrRobertHSatter .. 14JeAisAvenue knwthampton $JeX BN162AU Pr88entatlon to the Church tru8teeJ I confimi that the annual rtport and aoUnt$ forthe year eed 31 August 2021 w8r8hwll b8. e$8nled to the meeting of th8 Church trustees he on Signature of the Chair orthe meeting Na of the Chair of Ihe meeting . .. Date.. .. .. Zi Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Tru$tfjg$ of the . Methotht Chirtty Numb•r.............. 11348e85 Re8poMlb515tl88 Ind ba818 of report I report to the trustee$ on my examination of the a¢¢ounts of the Churc for the year ended 31 August 2021 58t out on pag85 to As the Church's Irustaes. you are swnsib for the preparation of lh& accA)unts In accordance wrth tho requir•manis of Chariti85 Act 2011 I'the Act'i. l pOrt in resp8rt of my examination of the Churth's a¢uJunt$ carried out under seuion 145 of the Act and. In c8rrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commi$$ion under Section 14515llbl of the A¢t. 401$

Name of Churth . RUton Meihodi51Chur Independont Examlnorfs Statement I havè completeé my examination I confirm trat m ma18rial matters have com8 to my attonlicn in connection wth thè èxamination lothgr than that disclosed below") btrhich give me cause lo beli8ve th8t in. any material r85P8Ct'. the scrounting CordS w¥w not kèpt in ar£ofdance with 88Ction 130 of th8 Act.. or the 8ccounts do not accord with the accounting records. Ilhe Ilhe I have no ¢oncern$ and have come auoss no other matters in ojnnection wth the examination lo %vhich attoniion Should be drawn In this report In order lo enable a prop8r und8rslanding of the accounts to bo r•achod. l •lhave not. obtain8d independent verification of all Investmonls with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other Irusls, bank balance5 fund5 al the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Chur¢h which are individually in excgss of £10,000 Ilen thousand wund51 at the balancè sheet date. Signaiure of Independent examiwr Nam8 of independènt èxaminor rL18 Allen Drew Relevant yofessional qualification of ind8pandeni 6xaminer . Cny & Gu1j 800k-Keeo¥ & Aeth)unian¢y leoulvelefflio IC8 Level 31 Name of fimi Iwhgre appropriatel .Arun eOok4(eerffj & Camwu Addross . 28 Linnet CIOSO.Lrft1oh8moon,W¢ Sussfyx Post Codg . 8N177GW Date delete or cirrAe a$ appropria18 Sep.20 2715oNthft¥•JP 5of5