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2020-12-31-accounts

St John’s Sandiway www.stjohnsandiway.org.uk

Sandiway Parochial Church Council

Annual report on business and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 for presenting to the 2021 APCM

Sandiway PCC registered Charity No 1135082:

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CONTENTS

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Sandiway Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its annual report on its business and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020.

OBJECTIVE AND ACTIVITIES

The primary objective of the PCC is to promote the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Vicar in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish of Sandiway the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It is charged with good stewardship of finances and has maintenance responsibilities for the church and the church hall, both in Norley Road, Sandiway.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The PCC is made up of the Vicar, Churchwardens, Readers, parish representatives on the Deanery Synod plus a number of elected and co-opted lay members. The appointment of PCC members is governed by the Church Representation Rules and all church members who are on the Electoral Roll are encouraged to stand for election.

The following have served on the PCC and therefore as trustees from 1 January 2020 until the date this report was approved. They are:

Vicar The Revd. Ruth E
Mock		 Vicar & PCC Chairman from
01/10/19.
Churchwardens Kathryn Holmes Elected on 1st July2018 And subsequently re-elected
eachyear.
Steve Denton Elected on 1st July2018
Readers HilaryChambers Licensed 19/10/2013
Paul Stevenson Licensed 21/10/2017
Sue Hadden Licensed 21/10/2017
Elected
 Eric Wright Elected 14/10/20 to APCM 2023 PCC Secretary
Sue Hadden Elected by PCC on 25/01/2021 to
representatives to
the Deanery Synod		 Paul Stevenson
the APCM 2023		 Both are also Readers.
Elected
representatives of
the laity		 Christine Cartwright Elected 29/4/2018 to APCM 2021
Elizabeth Hughes Elected 29/4/2018 to APCM 2021
CherryJackson Elected 29/4/2018 to APCM 2021
James Wren Elected 29/4/2018 to APCM 2021
Aileen Alford Elected 28/4/2019 to APCM 2022 Resigned after 22ndMarch 2021
PCC meeting–moved away.
Margaret Denton Elected 28/4/2019 to APCM 2022
Stewart Hadden Elected 28/4/2019 to APCM 2022
Alison Fletcher Elected 28/4/2019 to APCM 2022
StanleyMendham Elected 28/4/2019 to APCM 2022
Marian Fraser Elected 14/10/20 to APCM 2023
Jane Green Elected 14/10/20 to APCM 2023
Nicola Boot Elected 14/10/20 to APCM 2023 & previously co-opted at PCC
meeting on 13/05/19.
Co-opted members Co-opt 1 Andrew Carter at PCC meetings of
28/04/19 and 16/11/20.		 Treasury Team leader.
Co-opt 2 This co-option not used.
Advisers
(non-members)

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ELECTORAL ROLL –

CHANGES SINCE 2020 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM).

At the postponed 2020 APCM on 14thOctober 2020 the E/R stood at 186
Names added since the 2020 APCM up to 22ndApril 2021 (end of revision period) 3
Names removed since the 2020 APCM up to 22ndApril 2021 (end of revision period) 4
At 22ndApril 2021 (following the revision period) the 2019/25 electoral roll stood at 185
The revised Electoral Roll will be available for inspection on the church website for the APCM.

The Electoral Roll will re-open after the APCM to receive further applications throughout the year.

NOTES:

The last occasion when there was a completely new electoral roll was for the APCM in 2019. All PCCs are required to produce a new roll every 6 years and in between a formal revision has to be made ahead of each APCM. After such preparation of a new E/R or its revision in intermediate years no further applications are permitted until after the APCM.

All congregation members are encouraged to register for the Electoral Roll to enable them to take part in the governance of the parish.

PCC CONTACT AND LOCATION INFORMATION

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Vicar Revd Ruth E Mock, The Vicarage, 50 Norley Road, Sandiway, Northwich. CW8 2JU. Email vicar.stjohnsandiway@gmail.com, telephone 01606 883286.

Sandiway Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Correspondence address:

Sandiway PCC, c/o The Vicarage, 50 Norley Road, Sandiway, Northwich. CW8 2JU.

Sandiway St John the Evangelist Church is located on Norley Road, Sandiway in between the junctions with Hadrian’s Way and Weaverham Road.

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ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PARISH GENERALLY.

Please see the separate illustrated colour section.

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

Please see the summary statement on page 15 of the above item.

Please see the outer back cover (page 20) of this report for our full Safeguarding & Vulnerability Policy on Children, Young People & Adults at risk.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PCC

FINANCIAL REVIEW

by the Treasury Team 22nd March 2021

Background

This report covers the financial statements and balance sheet for the year ended 31[st] December 2020, copies of which are included with other APCM papers.

Financial administration

The treasury team manages the parish finances on a day-to-day basis. The PCC members scrutinise the actions of the treasury team and the committee as a whole provides information and advice to the PCC on financial matters.

The headlines

With the Covid19 pandemic it is not surprising that the accounts for 2020 show a deficit, the loss incurred amounted to £6,498 before revaluation of the Ministry fund and £5,119 after – the deficit could have been a much higher because we have received very little in Hall hire, fundraising and with the Church being closed for a lot of the time reduced contribution from Weddings and Funerals. However we are fortunate that our parishioners continued to contribute – some regular givers increased their monthly standing orders and others made regular donations to the Church – the Diocese also contributed with a grant of £2,000.

Expenditure was also below budget, although the Parish share remained at the budgeted figure of £67,624 there were savings in other areas – with the Church buildings being closed for much of the time our Gas and Electricity usage was down and other costs associated with Church Services were not required. We also benefitted from the Governments furlough scheme; this saved the Church £3,419. Finally some costs were accounted for in the 2019 accounts, including the repair and painting of the Church Hall windows – this prudent accounting meant that the figures are considerably better than they could have been There are a number of projects underway, for example the flat roof on the Church Hall needs to be repaired and provision has been made in these accounts, under Church Maintenance a provision has been made for tree surgery required, both in the Church grounds and on the Church field. The largest project is still the repair of the Tower, which will cost in excess of £60,000, at the time of these accounts we have raised approximately £54,000. In addition there will be other maintenance requirements identified in the 2020 quinquenial review. However we still need to find ways to increase our income so that we can meet, not only our regular expenses but also start to address the maintenance schedule that will be produced.

During the year we introduced online giving which has made it easier for many to make their donations to the Church. In an ever-increasing cashless society this must be the way to move forward and we hope to introduce card machines in both the Church and the Church Hall when we get back to normality

Where does the money come from?

T he church does not receive any government grants or other funding towards its running costs.

The primary source of income for general funds continues to be the planned regular giving of members of our worshipping community together with donations and collections in services together with Gift Aid

Additional sources of regular income are derived from fundraising events, weddings, funerals, church hall hire and investments. As already indicated, in 2020 these sources provided reduced income.

Where is the money spent?

The biggest item of expenditure, is the parish share due to Chester Diocese which was £67,624 in 2020 and was just covered by planned giving, open plate collections and donations (excluding Gift Aid Tax Recovery) About 90 per cent of the parish share and other income (for example, from diocesan property or land) is used by the diocese to pay for the parish clergy and other diocesan ministries. That is the costs of stipends, pensions and National Insurance, parsonage housing, and training expenditure for ordinands. It also includes money spent on diocesan ministries that support the parishes, such as children’s and youth work, stewardship and communications. Through the parish share we also contribute to supporting other parishes that are in a worse financial position than our own. In addition in 2020 approximately 53% of income from Weddings and Funerals was paid to the Diocese. We have no choice but to continue to pay these if we wish to continue to benefit from a full-time vicar to lead us in spiritual and numerical growth.

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All other costs have to be met from other income (including our Gift Aid Tax) – these costs include the upkeep of the Church and grounds, Church Hall and part of the costs of the Vicarage. It also includes the cost of all Church services, relief clergy, clergy expenses and administration. After these costs have been met there is little income to cover other repairs that are needed. Our outward giving from PCC funds is based on a percentage of the receipts from planned giving. The PCC is determined that our outward giving promise should be maintained as it is a fundamental Christian principle to help others. We have kept control of both Church and Church Hall running costs during the year, and it is gratifying that the Buildings Management Team continues to examine how best to manage our resources.

Thank you

To everyone who so generously contributed to our finances, either by planned giving or donations, during this difficult year.

To all the people who work so hard to make applications for any grants available for our projects. To our Gift Aid Officer, for keeping our claims with HMRC up to date.

To our Independent Examiner, Roslynn Ralston, for the work she has put in to satisfy herself that St John’s has a set of accounts that satisfy all statutory requirements and in which the PCC and the parish can have confidence.

To the Treasury Team, for dealing with receipts and payments and without whose effort there would be no accounts!

To the Buildings and management Team for their understanding of the Church finances.

The continuing challenge

The PCC has set a budget for 2021, which shows that we will be showing a loss of approximately £12,000; this projected loss assumes no income from Gift Day or Fund raising and is also before we address the maintenance Schedule arising from the 2020 quinquennial inspection. The PCC acknowledged that the challenge for us therefore remains the same as it has in previous years, and as it does in all other parishes. We, as members of the worshipping community of St Johns, Sandiway, need to give freely and generously if we are to continue to meet our aims of:

Please give all the help that you can as often as you can.

Andy Carter, Treasury Team Leader On behalf of the PCC

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GENERAL ACCOUNTS

REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 9 to 16, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act’).

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements; you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and s.43 (2) of the Act does not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under s.43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Roslynn Ralston

Independent Examiner

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GENERAL ACCOUNTS

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

Notes
Incoming Funds
Planned Giving, Gift Day, Tax claim,
donations and cash collections
2
Operating activities
Fundraising activities
2
Church activities
2
Investment income
2
Total Incoming funds
Expenditure
Donations made
3
Church activities
3
Administration
3
Total expenditure
Transfer from (to) Restricted Funds
4
Net Incoming (outgoing) General
funds
Gain (loss) on revaluation of
investments
5
Net movement of funds
Funds b/fwd. at the start of the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Funds c/fwd. at the end of the year		 2020
2019
£
£
88,582
96,049
1,156
6,562
17,445
20,779
1,851
2,255
109,034
125,645
3,797
6,361
119,517
124,772
3,213
4,959
126,527
136,042
10,995
9,407
(6,498)
(990)
1,379
3,056
(5,119)
2,066
46,965
44,899
-
-
41,846
46,965

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement of income and expenditure

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GENERAL ACCOUNTS

BALANCE SHEET

Assets
Investments
Ministry Fund
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank
Current liabilities
Creditors
Net assets
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds		 2020
£
20,758
6,696
94,594
122,048
8,363
113,685
41,846
71,839
113,685		 2019
£
19,379
11,388
95,217
125,984
8,573
117,411
46,965
70,446
117,411

The accounts on pages 9 to 16 were approved by the PCC on the 4[th] May 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

AW Carter – Treasury Team Leader

Reverend R Mock – Vicar and Chairman of the Parochial Church Council

4[th] May 2021

The accompanying notes, on pages 11 to 14 are an integral part of these accounts.

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GENERAL ACCOUNTS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1 Accounting policies

A summary of the principal accounting policies, all of which have been applied, consistently throughout the year and the preceding year, are set out below.

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Charities 2005.

The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.

Funds.

Incoming funds.

Expenditure.

Fixed assets

Investments .

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2 Incoming funds

Donations
Planned giving:
Standing orders and pink envelopes
Blue giving envelopes
Tax recovery
Collections (open plate)
Gift Day
Donations and legacies
Fundraising events
Concerts, social and other activities
Christmas Raffle and Gala day
Church activities
Hall rents
Magazine sales and advertising
Wedding & funeral fees
Investment income
Field rent
Trust income - School Fund
Dividends and Interest
Total Incoming funds		 2020
2019
£
£
61,822
59,083
1,441
1,813
16,603
18,397
1,813
6,791
0
6,570
6,903
3,215
88,582
96,049
1,156
6,300
0
262
1,156
6,562
4,498
11,036
4,915
5,034
8,032
4,709
17,445
20,779
660
966
437
425
754
864
1,851
2,255
109,034
125,645

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3 Expenditure

Giving
To secular charities
To Christian charities
Church activities
Parish Share to diocese
Vicarage costs
Clergy expenses
Church Services
CDBF Assigned Fees
Junior church & youth group
Church operating costs
Church maintenance
Magazine production costs
Outreach
Hall operating costs
Hall maintenance
Administration
Administration costs
Photocopying
Bank charges
Telephone
Total outgoing funds		 2020
2019
£
£
1,672
3,271
2,125
3,090
3,797
6,361
67,624
65,975
4,220
6,671
794
99
5,104
10,647
4,286
956
335
257
4,570
6,567
6,398
6,419
3,988
3,760
11,565
10,397
7,184
9,547
3,449
3,427
119,517
124,722
1,176
2,392
961
1,169
841 1,054
235
344
3,213
4,959
126,527
136,042

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4. Transfers from (to) Restricted Funds

Moneys raised for Specific Projects are transferred to Restricted Funds. When this money is expended for Capital Projects it is not included in the Income and Expenditure Account. For Revenue projects expenditure is included and results in a transfer from Restricted Funds.

2020 2019 Transfers to Restricted Funds 0 (50) Transfers from Restricted Funds 10,995 9,457 Net Transfer 10,995 9,407

5. Gain / ( Loss ) on revaluation of Investments 2020 2019 Unrestricted funds – Ministry Fund 1,379 3,056

6. Related party transactions:

PCC members have during the year received reimbursement of items of expenditure properly incurred upon the business of the PCC.

7. Related trusts:

The Vicar and Churchwardens are trustees of the school fund set up on the sale of the premises which were originally the Church school. The school fund comprises 762 income shares in the CBF Church of England Investment fund; the shares originally cost £5,073 and have a current market value at 31 December 2020 of £15,611 (2019 £14,574). The capital is not shown on the Balance Sheet as under the terms of the trust only the dividends from the fund are mandated to the PCC and must be used for “Youth and Junior Church” purposes only.

8. The Ark Café

The Ark Café is non-profit making with any surplus being used to help the community. During 2020 the Ark Café was only open for a few weeks due to Covid 19 – however £1,150 was donated to local good causes from reserves. The Ark also provided a Friday lunch service to the vulnerable in the parish during lockdown – this was funded by donations from the community and foundations funding local initiatives.

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BUILDINGS DEVELOPMENT APPEAL FUND

REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

I have examined the Building Fund Financial Statements for 2020, which are set out on page 12.

No matter has come to my attention:

Have not been met; or

Roslynn Ralston

Independent Examiner

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BUILDINGS DEVELOPMENT APPEAL FUND

Income and Expenditure
Notes
Creditors written off
Interest receivable
Net Incoming (Outgoing) funds
Funds b/fwd. At the start of the year
Funds c/fwd. At the end of the year
Represented by:
Current Assets
Debtors
CCLA Deposit account
Bank balances
Current Liabilities
Creditors
Net Assets		 2020
2019
£
£
1,376
0
83 186
1,459
186
21,674
21,488
23,133
21,674
0
0
19,529
19,447
3,604
4,186
23,133
23,633
0
1,959
23,133
21,674

Note: The Building Fund was transferred to its own set of accounts in 2010

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ANNUAL FABRIC REPORT

Churchwardens’ report of the church fabric, goods and ornaments for the year 2020.

Introduction

The church and churchyard has been inspected both internally and externally at least once per week during lockdown.

Fabric

A roof leak developed at the rear of nave during the first Coronavirus lockdown in March/April. The cause was a combination of degraded lead flashing and age-related damage to the tower downspout. Our church architect drew up a repair specification and approved specialist contractors carried out the work in June. In September, the mineral salts that had been leached out of the mortar high on the back wall of the nave had dried out and were removed in accordance with English Heritage guidance. Otherwise the fabric remains largely as described in the architect’s 2015 Quinquennial Report (QR 2015) with little further deterioration. The latest Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in stages during the last quarter of 2020 but we had not received the report as 2020 drew to a close.

The organ continues to be services/tuned regularly. The hand wash heater in the toilets was replaced in October, and in December new locks were fitted to both the front and rear doors to improve security. The church boiler was serviced by a manufacturer-approved contractor. A sound system survey took place in March but has not progressed as the contractor suspended operations the following week and had not resumed by the year end.

In the churchyard a Red Chestnut tree blew down in unseasonably high winds in May, damaging a neighbour’s garage, car and fence. A tree risk assessor subsequently carried out a survey to our tree stock, which showed that the other trees in the churchyard were not at risk. Based on this we have also drawn up a tree maintenance plan the first part of which was implemented after the period covered by this report.

Goods

The silver and brass goods were physically checked and tallied with the inventory. All bibles, books and booklets etc were stored in boxes within the baptistery as part of our Covid-safe protocols prior to the church reopening after the first lockdown. These were not physically checked.

Ornaments

No change

Inventory

No change

And finally…

Even in these unprecedented times we continue to blessed with volunteers who regularly clean the church, polish the brasses and undertake many other tasks. The Fabric Team continues to oversee routine maintenance and arranges service contracts for gas and electrical work etc. We thank everyone for their work and dedication throughout the year. As ever, we always need more volunteers, so if you can help with any job in any way then please let us know.

Every blessing

Steve and Kathryn

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PROCEEDINGS OF MIDDLEWICH DEANERY SYNOD 2020

In 2020 there were three lay representatives (Eric Wright, Barbara Daniels and Mary Greenwood) plus our Vicar in the House of House of Clergy and our Pastoral Worker at the time. This provides the PCC with a link between the parish and the wider structures of the church.

The laity representatives are elected directly to the synod and by virtue of this are automatically members of the PCC.

All Pastoral Workers are ex officio on the Deanery Synod and therefore on the PCC of the parish where they are licensed.

The Deanery Synod met only once in 2020, in February 2020 due the Covid19 outbreak. We hear reports from deanery officers plus receive copies of reports from the Diocesan and General Synods. Parish news is also shared at synod.

In addition to the formal business each meeting focuses on a different topic with invited guest speakers.

The Guest Speaker in February 2020 was Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner.

Emily gave an interesting talk on the challenges and opportunities for our church buildings.

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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SANDIWAY SAFEGUARDING & VULNERABILITY POLICY STATEMENT ON CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & ADULTS AT RISK.

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 1[st] April 2019

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

The Parish will:

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Margaret Denton as the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Mandy Shaw as the Assistant Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Churchwardens: Kathryn Homes and Stephen Denton (who have signed copies for display in St John’s Church and Church Hall).

Diocesan Vulnerability & Safeguarding Officer: Pauline Butterfield, 01928 718834 ext 221 or 07703800031

Cheshire West & Chester Children’s Services: 01606 275 099 or out of hours, 01244 977277

Cheshire West & Chester Adult Services: 0300 123 8123 or out of hours, 01244 977277

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The separate activities section (illustrated colour) is appended here:

St Jofin's cAurcA, SanLfiway Activities in 2020

Vicar’s Report

Looking back on 2020, the whole year was dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects are still being felt. People within our church congregation and the wider village communities have been bereaved and others suffered serious illness; others have lost their jobs or face an uncertain future. We hold in our prayers all those who are grieving and those whose lives have changed significantly. As a church, we had to adapt to restrictions of two national lockdowns and rapidly respond to the challenge of worshipping God together and offering pastoral support whilst unable to meet in person for our Sunday services and other activities.

The Covid pandemic was very disruptive but our worship and pastoral care continued throughout 2020. From March we quickly established a pattern of publishing a pre-recorded service of Morning Worship every Sunday, available via Facebook, St John’s website and our YouTube channel, (St John’s Sandiway stay connected). These services include music recorded by St John’s choristers, sermons from myself and other members of the ministry team, as well as prayers and Bible readings led by other members of the congregation. I am amazed at the creativity that we have tapped into, and am very grateful to Kathryn Holmes, our Director of Music, for the work that she has continued to do with the choir, our Readers and retired clergy, who have also adapted to the new technology and Stewart Hadden who took on the role of editing videos for me. Working together as a team we were able to offer weekly worship and to pray and praise God together, even when confined to our own homes. In addition to Sunday worship, there was also a service of Morning Prayer on Thursday mornings at 9.30am, usually livestreamed by me from the Vicarage to Facebook. It has been heartening to hear that new people have accessed

our online services, which are now available to people who live far beyond the parish boundaries.

p2

Vicar’s Report cont.

St John’s Church reopened for public worship in August and the wardens and PCC introduced practical steps to reduce the risk of Coronavirus transmission before allowing services to restart. Some pews were roped off so that the congregation would be safely distanced from each other, hand sanitiser was available on arrival, a one-way system was introduced through the building and people were encouraged to wear masks (this had become compulsory in July). The number of services offered was reduced and we alternated between Holy Communion and a weekly said service of Evening Prayer in church, whilst continuing to offer opportunities to worship together online. During the second period of lockdown in November the church remained open for private prayer on Sunday mornings whilst online worship continued. We were able to reopen again on the first Sunday in December and worshipped together in church on Thursday mornings and Sunday mornings as well as offering 4 services of Holy Communion for Christmas, before closing our doors again on 27th December.

Creative Worship

The disruption to our regular services from March did not prevent us from worshipping creatively and reaching out to the wider community during the year. In August we started a weekly outdoor service taking place at 10.15am each Sunday on the church lawn. These were joyful services of Morning Worship where we praised God in the open air and marvelled at the beauty of God’s creation on display around us. The services continued until early November and we plan to run outdoor services monthly in 2021.

Harvest

Limited seating in church meant that we could not host our traditional Harvest Festival but the church was decorated with jars of hope, (individual flower arrangements that were given away to people in the village), the choir recorded harvest hymns for use online and people generously donated items for Mid Cheshire Foodbank.

p3

Vicar’s Report cont.

Prayer Weekend

This was celebrated with takeaway resources to help people pray at home.

Christmas Celebrations

These also included takeaway bags for people to use at home! Christingle kits were distributed at the beginning of December to accompany our online Christingle service and donations for the work of The Children’s Society were collected as usual.

Advent Sheep

Advent sheep were knitted by members of the congregation and adopted by families who sent pictures of their Advent adventures. The church was also decorated with paper sheep to help us remember our “scattered flock”, those who weren’t able to join us for worship in person as they continued to shield during Advent.

Choral Music

This plays an important part in our church throughout the year and we missed the opportunities to sing together. However, the choir recorded music in church in December and we hosted an online carol service with music and Bible readings recorded by members of the congregation. The children and young people put together an online Nativity service to tell the Christmas story.

p4

Vicar’s Report cont.

Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals

There were 4 baptisms in church in January and February, but subsequent baptisms were postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. All the weddings booked for 2020 were postponed and rebooked for 2021. There were 32 funerals conducted by the Ministry Team during the year: 15 were held in church, 11 took place at the crematorium and 6 were held at the graveside in Gorstage Cemetery. The numbers allowed to attend funerals were restricted under government guidelines and the sense of loss that always accompanies the death of a loved one was often intensified by the restrictions in place.

Pastoral Support

Pastoral support continued throughout the year with weekly emails from me and regular phone calls from other group leaders to those on the electoral roll or associated with us in some way. We also embraced technology when we were unable to meet in person. Zoom coffee sessions were scheduled for 11am on Sunday mornings so that members of the congregation could share news and chat in small breakout groups.

Production of our excellent parish magazine continued without interruption in 2020 and included two months where we distributed to the whole village – this proved to be another effective way of keeping in touch with those beyond our usual congregations.

Learning Together

I created an online course called Faith MOT in the Autumn, encouraging people to think about their own faith journey. The course looked at the key points of the Christian faith, looking back in thankfulness for those who’ve influenced us as well as offering practical tools to help us pray.

p5

Vicar’s Report cont.

Governance

PCC meetings were disrupted by the first lockdown and meetings in March and May were postponed. Business was successfully conducted by email during this time and the Standing Committee met regularly on Zoom to monitor the situation. Zoom PCC meetings were successfully held in June, July, September and November and most of the subgroups were also able to meet at different points during the year in person, or remotely online.

Our Annual Parish Meetings were postponed from April but following the Bishop’s permission to meet on Zoom, we held the meetings to elect churchwardens, Deanery Synod representatives and PCC members online in October.

Inevitably, the business of the PCC has been dominated this year by the need to manage our buildings and respond to government restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus. However, when planning our objectives for the year, the PCC gave consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit by ensuring that public worship continued on a weekly basis.

Members of the Standing Committee also managed our employed workers: our Director of Music, verger and church hall cleaner were furloughed for part of the year when the church was closed and activities at the church hall had been suspended. Our Children and Families leader was also furloughed for a month in May, but returned to her usual part-time hours from June onwards.

Looking Ahead

In the 2019 Annual Report I outlined the following priorities for development:

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Vicar’s Report cont.

The garden at the church hall was cleared during the summer and new turf was laid. We look forward to continuing the development of this space in 2021 and using it for different activities.

Plans to develop the Church Building

We were able to arrange a site visit from the Diocesan Advisory Committee in early March so that we could gather feedback about our proposed plans to extend the building and remove the pews. Whilst they were supportive of plans to improve access, they raised significant questions about the proposed extension, stating that they “would prefer a scheme where an extension broke through from the tower.” This was a significant set-back after the detailed consultation work that had been carried out in 2019 and it has been very difficult to meet together to discuss the way forward due to lockdowns. Accessibility and inclusion remain important priorities and discussions will continue in 2021 with the PCC and wider congregation.

I would like to thank everyone who volunteers their time and talents to support our mission and ministry within Sandiway and Cuddington. The churchwardens, Kathryn Holmes and Steve Denton worked very hard to get to grips with rapidly changing regulations this year and have continued to work tirelessly; others embraced the challenge of ensuring that our work didn’t stop even when the buildings were closed. There are so many people who use their gifts and talents at St John’s that it’s impossible to name them all individually but thank you to the lay ministers, the members of the PCC and the dedicated teams whose creativity and skills enhance our life together.

Revd Ruth Mock

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St John’s Groups

The Ark

The café opened briefly in February before the first Covid lockdown came into effect. The Ark team decided to deliver a free packed lunch each Friday to the elderly, vulnerable and shielding. This was generously funded by the Police & Crime Commission, CWAC, The Cheshire Community Foundation and Councillor Gillian Edwards. Many local people sponsored a week of lunches and many recipients also contributed. When the second lockdown was announced the service was repeated for another five months with funding from Cheshire Community Foundation, local councillors Gillian Edwards, Paul Williams and Charles Fifield and many other individuals. Village cohesion came to the fore over these 11 months. Volunteers came from all over the village. We had 38 drivers/deliverers and at the highest point 138 lunches were delivered although the average was 90. Lunches were delivered to staff in both primary schools who were in to teach children of essential workers as well as vulnerable children. Some children produced art work and messages to be included in the lunch bags and these lifted the spirits of all who received them.

People have really appreciated the chat when they ordered lunch and when it was delivered. It has been a focal point for people, a cheery time of the day to look forward to. It has also been an opportunity for us to alert family and friends when someone has not been seen. We are extremely grateful to all who have supported this venture in any way, and we look forward to reopening the Ark in May 2021.

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Groups cont.

Arts in the Ark

Regular meetings continued until the imposition of lockdown at which point a WhatsApp group was established for all who wished to join; this has been very successful and continues to be a source of sharing ideas and completed work. Regular contact has been maintained with all members.

Book Groups

It has not been possible for the groups to meet in person but there have been online meetings and WhatsApp conversations during the year.

Choir and Music

Music and musicians have adapted since the move to online services. Chorister quartets have recorded in Kathryn’s back garden and piano/organ solos were also recorded. Whenever possible, combinations of choristers sang in church for Harvest, Remembrance, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. The cycle of the lectionary has kept going. Members of

the choir have stayed in touch but are so looking forward to being able to sing together again. Thanks go to all who made the many recordings.

The annual Christmas Singalong organised by Jenni and Pete Hardy also went ahead in an online form and was much enjoyed.

Home Groups

Our six home groups continued to provide an opportunity for exploration of faith and Bible study during this very difficult year. Although unable to meet face to face for much of the year groups found imaginative ways of ‘meeting’ and keeping in touch either electronically or otherwise which helped us all to cope with lockdown. However, it will be a joy to meet together next year, all being well.

JIMS

There have been no meetings since 14th March, but Paul Stevenson has kept in touch with members.

Youth Group

Youth Group have not properly met since early 2020. We are looking forward to reinventing ourselves in Summer 2021, to build on what we used to do, move forwards to try new ideas and welcome new young people to join us for fun, fellowship and food!

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Groups cont.

Mothers’ Union

Sadly members have not been able to meet since February although a few members did meet in the church hall garden for tea in the summer. In February many members met for a commissioning service in Chester Cathedral.

The main aim of the Mothers’ Union is to support with prayer, and worldwide the MU continues with its work and ministry. We continue to contribute to central office fundraising. Many members have been knitting blankets which have been delivered to Joan Colwell, our Deanery leader. Large numbers of knitted garments have also been sent to Christian Hope International through Margaret and Robert Dickinson.

If you are interested in joining any of these groups, you would be very welcome! Please see the magazine or website for details, or contact Kathryn on 01606 889879 or Steve on 01606 883976.

St John’s Teams

St John’s is extremely grateful to the many different teams and individuals who keep St John’s running. All of the formal teams are sub-committees of the PCC and carry out valuable work on its behalf.

There are very many other people who work individually or with others to make St John’s what it is: warm, welcoming, prayerful. There are those who clean the church and the brass, those who move furniture about, those who make and serve refreshments, those who arrange flowers, those who bundle and deliver the magazines, those who edit online services. There are also those teams who maintain the buildings even in lockdown, manage our finances, handle our publicity and organize our worship.

At the beginning of this very difficult year a group of people was set up to keep in touch with members of St John’s community. These people – pastoral responders – disseminated news and notices and were available to help

pastorally either by telephone or online or, when permitted, doorstep visits. This team has been very much valued and St John’s is grateful to them. In addition, once restrictions allowed, a Chat Space was opened in the church hall garden to allow people to come together.

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Teams cont.

Children and Family Team

At the beginning of the year, we enjoyed our usual Pancake Party in the church hall in February, and made bird feeders in the church hall garden in early March.

However, because of the extraordinary circumstance this year we have had to adapt and create new ways of being together. Whilst our local schools have been providing remote learning, we have been able to continue our support in a different way. Our annual July visit to talk to the children preparing to move to high school couldn’t happen but we provided Scripture Union and other resources to help teachers deliver sessions as we would have normally done. We have also recorded and shared assemblies with both primary schools. We offered practical support to families struggling financially over Christmas with food and gifts, bringing comfort and pleasure to families in our community. This could only happen because of the kind and generous donations from the Ark and many individuals.

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Teams cont.

(Children and Family Team cont.)

Junior Church has only met a couple of times but we have provided weekly online activities throughout: Bible stories with cartoon retellings, puzzles, activities and family prayers. Our young people have been encouraged to record readings and prayers, and junior choristers have been recorded too. The children also led the online Crib Service on Christmas Eve, The Mystery of the Noisy Neighbour, enjoyed by many far and wide.

Our “takeaway bags” full of activities to be undertaken at home have become legendary. Some were delivered to their homes (Father’s Day 2020); others have been collected from church. These have included the very popular Christingle bags to go alongside our online Christingle service.

It was wonderful to see Cuddington Primary School work so positively alongside us in our Jars of Hope event. Our Advent sheep were also a huge success with our knitted “flock” traveling far and wide last December.

Prayer Group

The Prayer Group has continued to uphold St John’s, our community and the world in prayer. The loss of Open Church each Saturday due to coronavirus restrictions was felt deeply. The team has continued to highlight prayer through weekly prayers on the website and the long established prayer page in the parish magazine. The last three of this year’s Lent Reflections were put online when lockdown came into force. Our annual Prayer Weekend in September became a “Takeaway” and 180 Prayer Bags were delivered on the theme “Let there be light”. Later in the year more than 200 sets of Advent Ribbons were distributed and the weekly Advent Reflections were posted on our website.

All our teams do so much to support and maintain the community that is St John’s and would welcome new volunteers. If you can spare a little time to help please contact Kathryn on 01606 889879 or Steve on 01606 883976 to offer your support.

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Events in 2020:

January •Epiphany and other services take place
February •Ark reopens after Christmas break
•A Wine and Cheese evening is held to meet the Vicar
•Entertaining Quiz Night event takes place
•Pancake Party - with games and crafts
•Ash Wednesdaymarks the start of Lent
March •Lent reflections begin, and move online when lockdown starts
•Course Live Lent: Care for God’s Creation begins (later cancelled)
•Family activity - bird feeders are made in the church hall garden
•Firstpre-recorded service is uploaded to YouTube
April •All services are now online
•First Zoom service takes place
•The Ark team starts to deliver lunches to the vulnerable and shielding
•The Easter season is celebrated(online only)
May •First Zoom coffee morning takes place
•VE Day is observed with a stay at home street party
•A volunteer team starts to produce scrubs & other PPE
•Online Christian Aid Quiz takes place
June •First Zoom PCC is held
July •Church is open for private prayer only
August •Work begins on the church hall garden, turf is laid
•In-person services resume, with masks and socially distanced
•Chat Space in the church hall garden is launched
September •Prayer Weekend is packed into takeaway bags
•Online course Faith MOT begins
October •Harvest jars of hope decorate the church
•Annual Meeting takesplace online
November •Remembrance Sunday is observed with a small outdoor tribute
•Advent Sheep are adopted by families
December •Advent reflections are shared online
•Christingle takeaway bags allow all to join in with the online service
•Online Christmas Singalong is held
•Christmas is celebrated with online and in-person services

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Finances

Thank you to so many who, despite all that has been happening during this very difficult year, have continued to contribute to our finances through planned giving, donations and collections.

For more financial information, please see the 2020 Business & Financial Annual Report.

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Safeguarding Statement

At St John’s, we take extremely seriously our duty and obligation to protect all. We have adopted the Church of England’s robust procedures and guidelines, and in all our activities have given due regard to the House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. You can find out more at www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding. If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Margaret Denton (01606 883976) or Mandy Shaw, our Assistant Safeguarding Officer (01606 882312).

St John’s registered charity no. 1135082

During lockdown...

While we weren’t able to meet up, a number of us found time to be quite creative! Here’s just some of what we did:

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