Annual Report 2020 # Annual Report and Accounts 2020 Registered charity number 1135764. Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1NJ. www.pieravenuebaptistchurch.org.uk. info@pieravenue.org.uk 1 Annual Report 2020 ## **Contents** 3 - Structure, Governance and Management 4 - Objectives and Activities 6 - Achievements and Performance 9 - Treasurer's Report 11-16 - Financial Accounts for 2020 17 - Boys' Brigade 20 - Girls' Brigade 22 - Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups 22 - Prayer@Church 23 - Street Pastors 23 - Tiny Treasures 24 - Hall Usage 24 - Worship Team 2 Annual Report 2020 The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the independently examined financial statements of the charity for 2020. Pier Avenue Baptist Church registered as an independent charity with the Charity Commission on 4th May, 2010. Our Charity Registration number is 1135764. The church is administered by the Diaconate who are the Managing Trustees of the Charity and comprise: Minister and Chairman: Rev. Sean Fountain Church Secretary: Mrs Karen Rai Church Treasurer: Mrs Heather Baines Deacons: Mr David Baines Mr Antony Meloy Mr Richard Geddes Rev. Pauline Bailey Mr Ian Day Miss Elaine Hoadley The Charity’s bankers are Lloyds plc of 1 West Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1QP. The Independent Examiner engaged by the Charity is Mrs Karen Payne ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Governing Document** The Church’s governing document is the Constitution for Pier Avenue Baptist Church, Clacton-on-Sea which sets out the objects of the charity. The revised Constitution was approved by the Church meeting on 24th March 2010. ## **Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees** Deacons, who are the Managing Trustees of the charity, are chosen from among existing church members who show the reality of their faith by the consistency of their Christian character and by their loyalty to the cause of Christ. The Diaconate consists of two Church Officers, Secretary and Treasurer, together with up to ten elected Deacons, making a possible twelve in all. Annual elections are held at the Church Members’ meeting by ballot. Nominees must secure a vote of at least 66% of those voting (eligibility is specified in the constitution). The Minister is also a Trustee. ## **Organisational Structure** The Church is governed and regulated by its own members, where all aspects of the work of the Church are subject to the approval of the Church Meeting, which is normally held bi-monthly. The Minister of the Church is a paid Managing Trustee and, together with the Deacons, gives leadership to the Church. The Minister and Secretary are responsible for preparing the business for the Church meeting. 3 Annual Report 2020 ## **The Baptist Union of Great Britain and Eastern Baptist Association** The Church is part of the wider Baptist family, and is therefore a member church of the Eastern Baptist Association (EBA) and also of the national body, The Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). Both organisations are registered charities. The Church pays an annual subscription to BUGB based upon its membership numbers and also makes a donation to the EBA for the Baptist family in the UK (Home Mission). ## **Relationships between the Charity and related parties** Churches Together in Clacton – the Church is a member of the ecumenical partnership of churches in the Clacton-on-Sea area. The Church continues to take part in community activities co-ordinated by Churches Together in Clacton through involvement in the Clacton’s Street Pastors. The Church has joined with other denominations for activities at the beginning of the year before the first lockdown. We also continue to build links with the Baptist Church at Holland-on-Sea and had begun to meet with them regularly. These activities had to stop once lockdown began in March. The Church also supports a number of connected organisations including the Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade. These connected organisations of the Church exist as part of the work and mission of the Church and are open to the community. Each organisation has its own leaders and members, but they still fall within the scope of the Church Meeting and the Minister is entitled to be Chair of all meetings. ## **Objectives and Activities** ## **Objectives of the Charity** Established for the purposes of advancement of religion through the spiritual work of the Church, these purposes include the provision and upkeep of the place of worship, the carrying on of religious services and the payment, housing and pensioning of a minister of religion employed for the purposes of a place of worship. ## **Charity’s Aims** As a member of the Baptist Union, the Church subscribes to the Union’s Declaration of its Christian responsibilities beyond the local community and seeks to engage in both national and international situations: ## _“The basis of this Union is:_ _1. That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each Church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His laws._ _2. That Christian Baptism is the immersion in water into the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and rose again on the third day.”_ _3. That it is the duty of every disciple to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to take part in the evangelisation of the world.”_ 4 Annual Report 2020 Pier Avenue Baptist Church seeks to be an active Christian community/fellowship bringing Christian witness and care to the town of Clacton-on-Sea. The Church also acknowledges its Christian responsibilities beyond the local community and seeks to engage in both national and international situations. ## **Charity’s Main Objectives For The Year** The Church premises are situated in an ideal location in Pier Avenue in Clacton-on-Sea which makes the use of our premises attractive for a wide range of community groups, organisations and other charities. Unfortunately, in 2020, due to the pandemic, all this stopped in March. Where able and appropriate, the Church aims to discern the needs of the community and organise activities and support groups to meet these. However, this year, we have been unable to do this, with the exception of Enfold, which was able to continue in a small way as those using the service are classes as vulnerable. One of the ways in which the Church seeks to engage with others is not only the use of our premises by many varied groups, but to use our kitchen facility for the benefit of the community in as many ways as possible. Our Coffee Morning and Tiny Treasures Parent and Toddler Group were regular opportunities for us to bring our objectives to life, until these had to stop in March 2020. The community initiative which commenced in 2012, the Enfold Project (to provide breakfast, an opportunity for a shower and access to support services, one morning a week, for the homeless and disadvantaged people of Clacton) is now a well established part of our Church. This included providing tea and toast on a Tuesday lunchtime as well. However, this had to change once lockdown began and breakfast was then made available on a take-away basis. The Church continued to offer public worship on Sundays at 10.30a.m. weekly and 4.00p.m. twice a month until the first lockdown in March 2020. See the Minister’s report for further details. Conversations continue, where possible, with those who are interested in discussing their faith and the possibility of baptism and Church Membership. A Women’s Prayer afternoon continued bi-monthly but has not been held since March 2020 due to the pandemic. The Church aims also to develop and grow as a fellowship through both study and social activities: - a. Nationally – to assist in the development of denominational and inter-denominational churches and discover the experience of the church in Great Britain. - b. Internationally – to discover more, the work of the Christian Church overseas and support that work wherever possible. At the end of a very strange and unusual year in the life of Pier Avenue Baptist Church we give thanks and praise to God that we have been able to continue to worship together through online services (provided on DVD or CD for those without internet access). 5 Annual Report 2020 ## Charity’s Strategies - a. Worship – to seek to provide appropriate worship to God and review our act of worship on a regular basis. - b. Ecumenical – to actively encourage, promote and participate in ecumenical activities. - c. Premises – to maintain the premises to good standard, to promote and provide community activities. - d. Community needs – to review the work of the Church and discern the needs of the community and then develop strategies and actions to support as appropriate. e. Fellowship – to develop a programme to promote Christian knowledge and understanding and to enhance the social awareness of the Church. Such a programme to include educating the Church members and congregation about the Baptist denomination regionally and nationally and its links to international Christian activity through the Baptist Missionary Society – World Mission and other Christian organisations. ## **Achievements and Performance** ## **Easter, Harvest and Christmas** Our Easter, Harvest and Christmas services were all held online this year. ## **AGM and Membership** The Annual General Meeting of the Church could not take place in the usual way. The Annual Report and Accounts were accepted and passed by the Trustees via a Zoom meeting. Our membership stood at 62 on 1st January 2020 and had decreased to 58 by 31st December due to the passing of some of our members. Our Sunday school (Connect) continues and work packs have been regularly sent out to the young people during lockdown. Our puppet ministry team, ‘Reach Up Puppetry’ have sadly been unable to function during the pandemic. Although they did produce a wonderful video where the puppets showed us how the church building had been made COVID secure, and how to access the one-way system! ## **Housekeeping, Hall Hire and Fabric** Looking after pre-war buildings remains a challenge so we are especially grateful to those Church Members and friends who oversee and help to maintain the building in good order. The use of our premises by community groups was seriously curtailed by the pandemic. FoodCycle, a group of volunteers providing a meal for members of the community using food provided by local shops and businesses, were able to continue providing bags of food at first and then providing a take-away meal to members of the community. We have made our Church sanctuary, our halls and rooms ‘COVID secure’ and there has been the occasional time when they could be used during the pandemic, depending on the level of Government restrictions at the time. 6 Annual Report 2020 ## **Minister’s Report** The words of James 4 vs. 13 – 14 could have easily been written about the year 2020. Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. As 2020 began, nobody could have predicted what would happen during the course of the year, nor how it would impact the life of our Fellowship or our activities. In line with the Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, all face to face worship, social activities, groups and external hirers ceased from 23rd March. During this time, worship was transferred to online. For those without internet access, a CD or DVD option was offered. As housegroups were not permitted to meet, I started a “Housegroup@Home” on a Wednesday evening via Zoom. I am grateful that the ‘24/7 Prayer’ organisation made their prayer course available for free, and so we were able to use their resources. We also did an 8 week ‘Emotionally Healthy Spirituality’ course. Paula was kept incredibly busy with Tiny Treasures online. This involved a social time for stuck at home parents, singing and a story for the children. Paula also posted stories via Facebook for the children. At Christmas, the children had an online visit from Santa. Paula prepared Connect material which was sent out to the children and young people from the Church and an online learning link was also provided. I would like to express my thanks to Dan and Hannah who took a very active part in supporting our online presence during lockdown. I would also like to thank Karen, Elaine, Lorraine and Anna who acted as our distributors, ensuring that those who were not online could be kept in touch with all that we were doing. Lockdown did, however, bring an unexpected benefit. We had received a loan for our building project. With external hirers and regular users not accessing the building, it meant that all building work could be done with minimal disruption. The Welcome Hall has sound baffles which means that the echo has gone. The Fellowship Hall has new flooring and has been re-vamped. The flat roofs over the towers at the front of the building have been replaced and the asbestos in the cellar has been removed. Thanks go to Heather and David who have done so much work in the co-ordinating and arranging the finances for these projects. I would also like to thank all those who have given of their finances and of their time to make these projects so successful. Throughout the lockdown, we supported the work of the FoodCycle Project. They have been meeting in our building since January, providing a 3 course lunch on a Monday. As they were no longer able to provide meals, they moved over to providing food parcels. At its height, over 70 food parcels were leaving our building on a Monday lunchtime. The project was featured on Anglia News. Enfold continued to be operational throughout lockdown. We were able to provide take away tea and toast as well as some food donations from FoodCycle. Although many of our regular volunteers were unable to help (due to circumstances), Sylvia Burns and Elaine Hoadley were able to help us in the early stages of lockdown. As the situation developed we were joined by Richard, Sam, Carol and Trisha. I would like to thank them all for their support. 7 Annual Report 2020 As restrictions changed, we formed a “re-opening group”. Their role was to ensure that we were both aware of, and subsequently following, Government guidance. We kept the Trustees appraised of all information and the fellowship were regularly updated via email and letter. As lockdown began to ease, we opened the building twice a week for private prayer from Saturday 27th June. Everything was opened in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Government and The Baptist Union of Great Britain. We did, however, take the decision not to re-open immediately for Worship from 5th July. The guidelines that were in place at that stage, would have meant that we would not have been able to have an act of worship that would have helped members or visitors. As a Church, we began to move towards opening at the end of September and held our first “live” service on 1st November, only to re-enter lockdown and have to return to online worship! I was due to take my Sabbatical from September to November 2020. Owing to the circumstances, I decided that it would be best to postpone. My current plan is to take my Sabbatical during 2022. During the course of the year we lost our longest serving Church member, Marion Denton. Owing to the COVID restrictions, people had to either join online for the funerals or accept the minimal numbers allowed to attend. We also said “goodbye” to Jean Savage, Rose Crispin, Ida Hudson, Dorothy Hill, Betty Goddard, Jill Robbins, Peter Bailey and Julie Taylor. We also said farewell to Bernard Lambard. Although not a member of the fellowship, many of us knew him through his late wife Jean. We pray for their families and friends that God would comfort them in their sadness. Many of our friends will remember David and Margaret Hughes. David and Margaret moved to Harrogate some time ago to be closer to family. Sadly, Margaret passed away early 2020. We remember David and their other family members in our prayers. I was able to continue in my role as a School Governor for Oakwood Infant and Nursery School. Online meetings proved to be not quite the same as meeting face to face! Unfortunately, school assemblies that had been booked for the major festivals had to be cancelled. However, I did record a number of online assemblies which, I have been told, were well received. Whilst Air Cadets were unable to meet I, like other Padre’s, used the time to update my training. I completed the Government’s “Prevent” course and updated my Safeguarding training. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Deacons, Members and friends for their ongoing encouragement and support. As we move into 2021, it is not clear when we can return to “normality”. I am confident, however, that the fellowship at Pier Avenue Baptist Church will continue to serve our community and worship God. _Rev. Sean Fountain_ 8 Annual Report 2020 ## **Treasurer's Report** ## **Premises Project Appeal** We are pleased with work that has taken place to bring about vast improvements to parts of our Premises. The Cellar is now free from asbestos. The Fellowship Hall has been decorated and has a new good quality floor. The Welcome Hall was also decorated and acoustic panels were installed on the ceiling to significantly reduce its echo. With all this work taking place in the Spring and the Church halls being ‘out of bounds’ on those few Sundays that we could meet for live worship, very few of our Friends and Members have yet seen the outcome of their generosity to the project, that began with an appeal in 2019. Our prayer is that it will soon be safe for our Fellowship to return to Church for worship and they will then see for themselves the results of their generosity. We look forward to being able to give thanks together for the improvements we have been able to achieve. We are immensely grateful to all our Friends and Members for their dedication to the Premises Project and thankful too, that the Baptist Building Fund considered the project to be worthy of a BBF loan that we will repay over ten years. ## **Financial Stewardship** Our year started normally but as we all know, in March the Covid pandemic changed our lives beyond all recognition. The Charity Commission guidelines were amended allowing charities to act in a way that was best to monitor their financial activities during the pandemic. The Deacons monitored the business of the Church monthly via ‘Zoom’ but sadly we could not hold Church Meetings as it was not safe to meet. Members and Friends were updated through Sean’s letters and in November a Newsletter ‘PABC Financial Times’, detailed what was happening on premises and financial matters. From our 2020 Budget, the desperately needed flat roof replacements to the North & South Towers (street end of the Church) were undertaken in the Spring. The excellent work by Holland Roofing means these two roofs should now be good for 25 years. Despite the difficulties many of us have faced since the first lockdown, we are extremely grateful to everyone who worships in our Fellowship, to our friends/family further afield and to The Tudor Trust for all the financial support we have received this year. As Treasurer it is always very humbling to see prayers that are lifted to God being so graciously answered. Our 2020 financial shortfall has mainly come from the lack of offerings we would normally have received on Sundays and for the months when we could not hire out our halls. Altogether, the General Fund shortfall was £25,000 but to help counterbalance this, there have been considerable savings on aspects of expenditure and additional donations that have helped significantly reduce that deficit. Members and Friends have maintained or increased their offerings/donations, allowing us to carefully sustain the financial cost of our Ministry and buildings. Many churches, charities and businesses have found it impossible to cope this year, but we must 9 Annual Report 2020 be thankful to our God that through the generosity of His people at Pier Avenue and the Friends/Families associated with us, The Tudor Trust and the Government’s Furlough Scheme we have found it possible to weather the Covid financial storm. March’s lockdown highlighted aspects of the Church’s financial life that we need to improve. We will open a new online bank account to replace the existing account that proved inadequate in 2020; we will continue to encourage offerings/donations direct to the Church’s bank account; and when we can worship together again, we will consider contactless giving since many of us are now well accustomed to ‘tapping’ our bank cards these days! We will also continue to encourage greater use of our Annual Giving envelopes which some people find helpful to organise their giving and for those paying any level of tax we will encourage use of the Gift Aid Scheme. As the year ended, I described our financial position as ‘healthy, but still quite tight’. Going forward we will continue to be prayerfully mindful of using all the gifts that God has bestowed upon us to benefit his Kingdom and continuing to give as we are able, working hard to avoid complacency in our efforts to support God’s work in our locality and the wider world, for the Ministry in our fellowship and to maintain the upkeep of our spiritual home at PABC. 1 Chronicles 29:14—But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. ## _Heather Baines_ 10 Pier Avenue Baptist Church Annual Report 2020 General Fund & Designated Funds Financial Statement For the year ended: 31st December, 2020 Note 20201£) 20191£) Receipts Weekl Offerin Gift aid - Other Gift AidlGASDS Income Tax Reclaim.. General Fund Gift Aid Income Tax Reclaim.. Desi naled Funds Church Premises Pro ect acies and ￿EMorial ifts Communi( Activrt Grants Trust & Govt Furfou Char as for use of rÈmll8ès Minibus Hire Income Coffee Mornin rO￿ed5 Funds raised for other causes Tuesda Lunth Donations & Other Recei ts Commun(( Adivities Inco￿ 25,433 6,986 9,494 3,513 35,566 10,500 28,664 8,002 213 791 566 335 3,017 863 £ 133,943 24,085 14,055 8,333 16,868 115 28,500 20,357 1,314 3,602 710 303 12,492 6,098 136,835 15 Totals Payments Minist Ministerial Ex Manse u kee Mission & charf(abl8 causes of church rèmises Administration erational ex Church Premises Pro ed Comrnunit Activities Ex other ments enses incl sli end, travel, visitors 31,678 2,868 9,429 29,450 3,207 1,809 53,947 10,871 2,533 £ 145,792 32,661 2,478 11,785 25,430 3,512 3,323 10 enses 12 13 14 Totals enses 21,522 1,328 102,039 DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD 11,849 34,796 20,604 55,400 55,400 43,551 V-eatheyj B¢IL￿e& H.J. Baines, Church Treasurer 22nd Janua 2021 The accounts and ststement of assets and liabilities relating lo the year 1st January 2020 to 31 st Decen*er 2020 as approved by the TrusteeslDeacons at their Meeting held on Monday 1st February 2021. li Pier Avenue Baptist Church Annual Report 2020 statement of Consolidated Assets and Liabilities as at 315t December, 2020 Note 2020 2019 Assets Bank and other cash balances Representing balances on the followng accounts-. General Fund & Designated Funds Church auxilLiry funds 55,445 63,831 43,551 11,894 55,4C() 8,431 63,831 Non-monetar assets Held for church's own use Liabilities Loans outstanding 4,940,815 4,940,815 33,OC() 12 Pier Avenue Baptist Church Annual Report 2020 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 20201£ 20191£) 1. Basis of Accounts These accounts have been prepared on a Receipts & Payments b3818 & aword with Section 130 Charibes Act 2011 of the 2. Non-moneta assets hèld forthe church's own use The church Is the beneficial owner Isubiect to the relevant trusts) ol the following assets, the legal title to which is held by the church's custodian trustee. the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd Church remises at Pier Avenue Cl8Cton-on-Sea 4568143 Church manse at 36 Thor Rd, Clacton-on-sea 260.823 Fixtures Furniture and e ment 179602 lall the above are shown al insured values) 3. Liabilities Loans outstanding l&4ptist Buildir¥J Fund) 4. Donations and Memorial Gifts Donationslother Recei ts Church £38583 1 CA £863 Memorial GiftslLe Church Note. CA= Cofflryiunify A¢tivrties 4568 143 193.070 179 602 4,940,81S 33000 39.446 35.764 115 35,879 20191£) Raised 342 315 acies-. 2tr201£1 Raised 232 109 S. Funds raised for other causes 8MS boxeslbirthda schemeldonations eration A Home Mission Clacton Street Pastors CTIC Clacton Sou Run Love Into Action. U and Bible Socie London Ci Mission DEC Idai C lone A Given Given 4.209 60 4.062 50 225 201 201 201 4.192 315 225 197 197 197 53 53 710 9,106 20191£) al & Gambia En lefield School 566 9,209 2tr201£1 6. Minist Minisle¢s sti end erts PAYE & Pension contribLrtion Em efs National Insurance Inet Of G)wt rebate) Minislei's Pastoral & General Milea elEx nses Ministers Trainin Course Fees & Milea eiEx Visibn akerslothei ex n5e5 24.720 24.153 53 955 66 31,678 enses 1.147 207 32,661 7. Manse U kee Includes Council tsx, walei. insurance, repairs, tele honelbroadt£nd and rasscuttin ad acent land 8. Mission Given to other causes note 5 Junior Church -'Connect' Outreach & 2019 'Ho e Into Action, 12018 'Time for Q)d' Tuesday Lunch 2019 Thankofferin 1868 2,478 98 565 122 1.166 878 15,084 Pw Bibles & Grft in Memoriam Lecturn Bitrle 9,429 of church remises heatin arwj water Gleanin ex nses In5uiance Professional Fees Premises related airslPurchaselMaint e ment 4620 450 201￿1￿&s TowerRoofs 29,450 25,431 13 Pier Avenue Baptist Church Annual Report 2020 10. Administration Pa en¢ 2019 onl ICT softsvare Incl website Tele hone statione Photoco ier iental and co Pension Deficit Le al Fees 144 892 1 437 734 3,207 579 537 1457 939 3,512 ies 11.0 erational Ex Church ¢0 ht Iicenses Or anl ianos. music, sound and Minims hire Resourceslsubscri tionslsundries Trainin Icourse Fees enses 735 52 202 82D 659 ectors 1508 521 465 3,324 12. Church Premi5e5 Project Pro e¢1 Works Asbestos, Hall Floor, A¢ousti¢ Panels Redecoration Furniture Land Re 49250 2485 2172 40 53,947 1st Admin Fee 13. Communi Activitie5 Enfold Pio ect & Paiish Nuise Treasures Parenttroddlei rou 'HoFe In Action, House (Proied end 20191 Shed Proie¢l Job Club Iwludin 10 554 317 15149 848 2,166 37 22 18,222 Sailshi & ICT Club 10,871 14. Othér Pa ènts BooksE enVFurnrturelSu Refreshmentslsundiies Purchasè & RÈ 2437 96 1 168 160 1,328 15. Grants received Grants". Tudor Trust Y20ts £27,CK)O Enfold & Parish Nuise 4 Govt Job Retention Scheme Furlou £1664. Parish Nurse 28,664 28,500 14 Pier Avenue Baptist Church Annual Report 2020 AuxillaryAccounts Financial Statement a5 at 315t December, 2tr20 Treasurer. lan Smith ade al blfw Suttscii ions Other Income 3.202 206 Ca Unifortn etc Battalion & s cial events mént & Activi Slatione Ilnk ets Refreshments & other ex Bal clfwd 280 125 18 2985 3,408 enses Girls. Brigade (Treasurer. Lorraine Adam5 I blfwd" Sutscri lions UniformlGB sho DonationslFundiaisin Oulin Tuck Activitie￿slee Cam IDofE AdmirrfF131nin Statione Trainin UniforttlGB Sho Fundiaisin Outin uck Activitie¥Slee Cam IDofE Bal clfwd Current De IAdmin 866 201 869 62 510 84 ?14 82 1,191 440 3,549 7,142 vers vers Interest 23 7,142 Treasurer- Dan Fountain 610 Food & Refreshtnents Licence CostsEvent ex CoslumeslPro Set ment Li SoLJn Team Buildin Istatione ts Bank A(fvertisi Pal clfwd sit Cash 'Reach U aal bltwd Suttscii tions Ticket Sales Donations & Fundraisin Other Causes Fundraisin Team Buildin le ol GoodslBank Interest Pu Ministr 23 60 77 34 180 116 840 1,331 nses 238 304 92 etc 1,331 PABC Flower Fund (Treasurer- Sandra Adams-salmonl Bal blfwd Fluwersloasislmaterials Donations received Bal clfwd 13 13 13 Auxillary Accounts Summary 8￿1 ments 3463 Balances clfv 11,894 Balances blfv¢d ReTri 4,507 7,387 11,894 All Auxillary Accourts have tEen audrted Church Treasurer 24101r2020 15 Pier Avenue Baptist Church Annual Report 2020 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinorfs report on the accounts Sèction A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tNsteo$1 membern of Pier Avenue Bapli'81 Chwch, Pier ANEnue. Cladm on Sea. C015 1NJ On ac¢ount8 for th• y￿r Ch*rlty no Ill any} 311t December 2020 1135784 S•1 out on pays 11-15 I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charityllhe Trust.) for Ihe year ended 3111212020 Rrnponslbllluos and As the chanty trustees of the Trust, you are responsib￿ for tho weparstion basls of roport of the accourts in accordance ￿ the requirements of the Chanhe5 A<* 2011 ("Ihe Acr I report in respect of my gxamination of the Tfust's account$ carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in caryirvJ OLrt my examination. I have followed the applicable ￿'re￿.0￿S gr¥en by the Charty Commission under seclion 14515llbl of the Ac*. I have Completed my examination. I confinn that no m*ri81 rn￿er$ have come lo my attention in connection with the examination which gives mg cause to bolieve th* in. any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounti￿ records Ind?￿ndent examln•¢8 $tatem•nt I have no ¢on¢ems and have come acro88 110 other matters in Connection WTth the examination to which att¢nb'on should drawn in order lo enable proper understaTrJiro of the accourts to be reached. Slgn•d: 2510112021 N*m•: Karen Payne Rolevant profosslonal quallflcationlsl or body (11 any): AAT AddrM•: 25 Patching Hall Lar￿. Chelmsford. Essex, CM14BT 16 Annual Report 2020 ## **1st & 2nd Clacton-on-Sea Boys' Brigade** The 2019 report began with a comment that it was a year of two halves – well this year, for almost all of us, has been a year of 1st quarter 'normality' then 9 months of 'far from normal'. Our start to 2020 was bright and optimistic with a number of new families and boys joining the group, and a lot of excitement with a programme in Q1 2020 of lots of making things and an exciting science evening. Our first project of the year was in the area of woodworking, and each boy was challenged to make a bird box for their garden. This involved lots of measuring, cutting with hand and power saws, hammering, gluing and painting. The boys really took to the challenge and, with the help of the leaders, everyone managed to produce a bird box they could be very proud of. We worked over about 6 weeks and it was hard work, most of the time with only an hour or less available each week. Not even a plaster was needed as we worked with great care and proper safety equipment as needed. Our science night was also a great success. The main focus was on making ‘slime’, great fun, quite messy, and not everyone liked having messy hands – one tried using disposable gloves but they then got stuck into the slime whereas using hands it came off very easily. We did not have a public event for Pancake Day but made and created our own – and ate most of them – few went home. BB Headquarters began producing new and very high quality and exciting teaching and meeting activity materials and new games and activities. These have greatly enhanced what we are able to share with the boys, week on week. We were just about to make arrangement for our annual weekend camp in May and I attended a meeting in Ipswich on Monday 23rd March 2020 and while we were deliberating on whether it would be possible due to the evolving COVID outbreak the government were announcing the start of lockdown 1 and the abandonment of normal life for almost everyone and BB meetings in particular. We continued meeting through Zoom every week but were only able to engage with two or three families but we tried out a few games, quizzes and watched some short movies including a Bible story of the life of Joseph. The September re-start was delayed a bit and we tried a few Zoom catch up sessions but were not able to engage with the wider company so had to abandon that forum. We had hoped to start up with some COVID safe meetings at the church once these were possible but due to the time to clean and clear up safely, it was going to be difficult. Some leaders had new restrictions on time and availability as well. At the end of 2020, our year, having begun so promisingly, ended with a fair degree of doubt and concern as to when we would be able to meet again face to face, and just how many of the boys would be keen and able to come back once we start up again – this is something to pray for going forward – not just for BB, but the Church as a whole, and nationally. A surprising number who would not have gone to church in the past have found online some very engaging services and perhaps to their surprise, have found themselves watching week on week. BB in the past has often had to compete with XBox and other home entertainments, but perhaps this period of lockdown has enabled boys to think about other face to face activities, like BB, and see benefits that they had not considered in the past. 17 Annual Report 2020 2021 is to be an optimistic year, with hopefully some return of activities during the year but we may have to wait longer for that than the Easter start that we had hoped for – when it comes it will be great, and we look forward to whatever we can achieve in 2021. _Ian Smith_ ## **Connect** Connect continued to meet part way through the service until Lockdown in March. We felt it was important to keep a link with the children, so produced weekly packs with a bible story and activities. I think the favourite was definitely the kites that the children decorated and flew to remind them of the Ascension! We were able to meet for a few face–to-face sessions. Although we were limited in what we could do due to the COVID regulations, the sessions were enjoyed by the children attending. The nativity was very different this year. Each child was recorded at home performing and then it was all sent to the ‘Play it by Ear’ drama group, who produced a virtual Nativity. This was shown during the Christmas day service on the DVDs and Online. Our thanks go to all who were involved. We ask you to continue to pray that our Sunday Connect group keep on growing and that the children see it as fun as well as learning about Jesus. Please pray that the Lord will bless each child and that they will come to know Jesus as their personal friend and Saviour. _The Connect Team_ 18 Annual Report 2020 ## **Enfold** Enfold has, like many aspects of our Church life, faced a difficult year. Like everybody else, we were faced with lockdown in March. However, as Enfold is classed as an essential service, we were able to run a limited service. Thanks to Sylvia Burns, Elaine Hoadley and Richard Geddes we were able to run a takeaway service throughout lockdown. We offered a simple tea and toast. In addition, thanks to our friends at FoodCycle, we were able to offer some additional food items to support the most vulnerable in our community. During the March lockdown, we were not able to offer our Parish Nursing provision, so our Nurse was furloughed. As the measures began to ease, Amanda returned and was able to offer hygiene packs and face masks alongside health advice and support. As measures began to ease and people returned to work, Sam Suttling, Trisha Bud and Carol Dakin re-joined the team and we continued to operate our takeaway service. Other than closing on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, we operated throughout the year. We are pleased that FoodCycle now operates from Pier Avenue Baptist Church. In essence, FoodCycle offer a free three course vegetarian lunch to anybody from the community who would like to attend on a Monday. Although they have not been able to operate in their usual manner this year, they have offered food parcels and takeaway meals. Because of our partnership with FoodCycle, we have been able to support each other throughout the year. At the time of writing this report, there is no sign of the easing of restrictions. It is our intention to keep running Enfold in our present manner for as long as it is safe to do so. I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who puts in so much time and effort into Enfold and for your support over this past year. I know many of you pray regularly for our visitors and I encourage you to continue to do so in the coming year. ## _Rev. Sean Fountain_ 19 Annual Report 2020 ## **Girls' Brigade** Well, what a year! None of us were expecting that. We began 2020 with our usual planning meeting to discuss our activities and events for the first part of the year – Pancake Night, Sleepover, Mothers’ Day Parade, Easter Coffee Morning, Easter Breakfast and even the June Car Wash fund raising event and our Summer Camp. We were only able to hold our Shrove Tuesday Evening when we served pancakes with a choice of fillings and had cakes for sale. Although not so well attended as previous years we raised £100 which we donated to the Church for the hall renovation project. The other events were unable to take place and we had to refund the Sleepover payments, together with any Camp deposits made by the girls. We were allowed to transfer the deposit we had made to Thorrington Camp site to secure the event for 2021. We had notification from Girls’ Brigade Headquarters on 16th March that with immediate effect every Company had to cease all face-to-face activities due to the Coronavirus pandemic. So, we had to immediately contact all parents to inform them of the situation. We were told to look for ways to remain in contact with the girls and their families so they felt cared for during this upsetting time. GB launched GB@home for any who wished to engage in this way but this was not taken up by many, if any, of our girls. We could take our weekly meetings online via Zoom (as some Companies did quite successfully), but we chose not to go down this route for various reasons. Our final option was to send out activity packs to each of our 35 members, especially as we wanted to give them the opportunity to complete their year’s badge subjects. We did this on a termly basis as follows:- AFTER EASTER – Badge work. Explorers – Creativity. Juniors – Service. Seniors– Healthy living. Brigaders – First Aid. We asked for proof these had been done by photos/videos, completed work sheets. BEGINNING OF JUNE – Theme – Butterflies. Included – quiz sheets, craft using paint and glitter, cross stitch, key rings and packets of cookie mix for the older girls. Also Juniors last badge – Self Control. END OF JULY – To keep them busy over the summer holidays with sand art, Hama beads, bracelets, photo frames, colouring, more quizzes, packets of scone mix and symography. In each pack the girls were given a Bible based activity/story book. At this time I also put together a pack for the Leaders so they would not feel left out, with various activities for them to complete. At this point we collected the girls’ badge bags and having obtained the ones they had worked for from the GB Trading company, attached them in the usual way. Those earned From Sept/19 were:EXPLORERS – Pets, Autumn, Our Country, Creativity. JUNIORS – Faith, Co-Operation, Service, Self-Control. SENIORS – My Community, Getting Creative, First Aid, Healthy Living. BRIGADERS – Domestic Goddess, Pressure, Adventure. Emergency. Anyone doing any of the activities at home also received a new GB@home badge that had been produced We would present the bags to the girls when they returned to us. This would replace our cancelled Awards Evening. Parents were phoned regularly, keeping them updated with information and to see how they were coping with all the restrictions. Some lengthy conversations were had, especially latterly, with issues such as home schooling, family members unwell, lack of confidence, anxiety (especially among the older girls regarding their education). 20 Annual Report 2020 We continued to send Birthday Cards to our members together with a bookmark, on which is printed a Bible verse. During the first lockdown the Leaders remained in contact via Zoom on a Tuesday evening which also saw us playing some board games. Each Sunday a ‘Thought for the Week’ was text to the Leaders which was in turn put on our GB Facebook page for those parents who had logged into this. As restrictions were now easing groups were being encouraged to begin the process resuming face-to-face activities albeit under a different format. The Leaders met to undergo training and discuss the risk assessment that had to be completed before being allowed to reopen under the new strict guidelines. This included social distancing, individual equipment, separate entrances, cleaning and sanitising afterwards. We decided to have younger and older girls attend on alternate weeks for just one hour and discussed how to adapt activities so as to comply. Our risk assessment had to be agreed by the Church and then sent to GBHQ for acceptance. With all this in place we held our first night back on 13th October for Explorers and Juniors with Seniors and Brigaders the following week. Not all returned this time but it was good to catch up with those who came back. Disappointingly, another lockdown happened, thus preventing us from continuing, so another pack was put together to deliver to the girls. This one was on a Christmas theme and included making cards, decorations, lanterns, scratch art, sponge cake mix, decorating a candle. Although this year’s Remembrance Day Parade was cancelled we were still able to purchase a wreath which was laid at the War Memorial as recognition of our support for this occasion. On Wednesday 11th November some parents posted picture on our Facebook page of their girls going to school wearing their GB uniforms – what a great witness. As the second lockdown was lifted, we were able to return for a further two weeks in December (a week for each group). We provided Christmas activities and played some socially distanced games. Our Duke of Edinburgh programme has obviously had to be put on hold, which was disappointing for the 7 girls who are registered at Bronze level. However, earlier in the year we received Gold Awards for two young ladies who had completed this highest level. One was sent up to Scotland where Ainsley now lives and the second is waiting to be presented to Holly when a suitable occasion can be organised. Also waiting to be recognised are – a promotion to adult Leader for one of our Young Leaders and a 40 years’ service for a certain longer serving Officer. Please continue to pray for the girls, their families and the dedicated team of Leaders during these stressful times, especially as we are unsure of when we will be able to recommence our activities. Also that we will be able to remain in touch with everyone continuing to uphold our motto: - ‘Seek, Serve and Follow Christ’. We must trust in God to bring us through these difficult times. _Gill Stennings_ 21 Annual Report 2020 ## **Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups** Towards the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, we began to explore a partnership with the charity Kintsugi Hope. Founded by Patrick and Diane Regan and based in Chelmsford, Kintsugi Hope supports Churches to run mental health wellbeing groups. The concept behind their work is fully in keeping with the values of Pier Avenue Baptist Church, and we could see these groups as helpful to Church, Enfold and the wider community. In February 2020, Bob Cooke and Rev Sean Fountain attended two days of group leader training. The initial plan was that Patrick Regan would join our service on Palm Sunday and we would launch our first in-house group after Easter. As recorded throughout this report, other events got in the way! Whilst we could have run a group online, we felt that, as this was new to us, we wanted to run face to face to gain the experience. Given the current concerns raised about people’s mental health, we are now well placed to offer support and help to our community. ## _Rev. Sean Fountain_ ## **Prayer @ Church** ‘Prayer @ Church’ encompasses all the prayer activities within the church. Prayer is an essential part of the life and growth of the Church. When we pray together, we are stronger. From January to March, the Prayer & Church group met together to pray for our fellowship and town. We have not been able to physically meet together for prayer since March due to the pandemic. However, the prayer emails have continued and there has been prayer during the recorded services and the online housegroup. I am sure that many of us have been praying individually for our fellowship and families. The WhatsApp Encouragement group has been a source of prayer requests and also prayers as part of the devotions shared etc. If you have things that you wish us to pray about either at church, via the prayer email or in person, please contact Sean or Paula. Our prayer for 2021, is that we will continue to grow in our faith and stronger as a church as we experience God answering our prayers. May God bless you as you bless others by faithfully praying for them ## _Paula Fountain_ 22 Annual Report 2020 ## **Shed Project** The Shed project has been in the background for a little while now. The concept behind the project is that men tend to talk “shoulder to shoulder” rather than “face to face”. As they work together and share skills, a community is built that supports one another. Our project is a little different to the traditional men’s shed in the sense that, we are available for both men and women. We began to prepare to open in early 2020. We met with a small group of men and began to formulate what sort of work we could undertake. Unfortunately, this was both the first and the last meeting. Whilst some sheds within the Essex network were able to offer some services, we were unable to. Hopefully, this is a project that we can come back to once we return to normality. ## _Rev. Sean Fountain_ ## **Street Pastors** Clacton Street Pastors has now been running for over nine years. A team went out on most Saturday nights until lockdown. The Street Pastors aim to help those in trouble on the streets on a Saturday night. Unfortunately, as night time venues have been closed since March, we have been unable to do this work. However, we did support a scheme called Journey Makers. This ran for 6 weeks. It was started by the Ministry of Transport and, following training, we were able to provide 3 people each morning, Monday to Friday between 7.00 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. at Clacton railway station to help and support confidence in travelling on the train again. This was a successful time. 2 of the 11 Street Pastors are from Pier Avenue Baptist Church. We are hopeful to start up again, once things are a little more normal. ## _Karen Rai_ ## **Tiny Treasures** Tiny Treasures usually meet on Monday mornings from 9.30 to 11.30am during term time. Children aged between 0-4years, along with their Parents and Grandparents attend the sessions. We had to stop meeting due to the Lockdown. From March to July, we carried out Tiny Treasures online, where we ‘met’ on Zoom for a story and songs. Sally, the puppet, was popular. We also put stories online each week for the kids to listen to. A Facebook group was set up so we could chat together. In December, we had a Christmas special Zoom session, where the Nativity story was told and then we were able to talk to Santa (thank you, Tony!). A few Christmas stories were also recorded and put online. At the moment, it is impossible to say when we will be able to meet face-to-face. Please pray that, when we do restart, the children and carers will return and we will gain some more families. Please pray that the team will be able to reach out and show the love of Christ to them all. _The Tiny Treasures Team_ 23 Annual Report 2020 ## **Use of our Halls** This report is to let you know what has gone on in our halls week by week. - Joint events with Holland Baptist Church - • Street Pastors meetings and as a base Then there are those from outside: - Tendring District Council - Election Firstly there are our own organisations: - Girls Brigade - Boys Brigade - Connect (Sunday School) - Tiny Treasures - Meet and make - GB sleepovers - Prayer Meetings - Fellowship Lunches - Coffee Mornings - Enfold Project - Prayer Afternoons for women - Church members’ meetings - Homemakers’ reunions - Puppet ministry - Worship Group practices - Food Cycle - Dance classes - Dance exercise classes - Darby and Joan club - Birthday Parties - Music 'Jam' evenings - Gardening club - History club - Rainbows, Brownies and Guides - Alzheimer’s Society - Singing for the Brain (run by the Alzheimer’s Society - Bric-a-brac sales (in aid of Puppet ministry) - Thanksgiving (funeral) services - Careline - Fundraisers ## **Worship Team** We would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the music group and singers for their commitment. Like everything else, the pandemic has affected our worship group. As guidance has allowed, we have been able to meet occasionally either to practice or play at live services. We did spend one Saturday recording the carols for all the Christmas services. I think we were feeling a little ‘carolled’ out by the end! Please pray that as we return, we will be able to work together to being glory to God through our music. _Karen Rai & Paula Fountain_ 24 Annual Report 2020 Pier Avenue Clacton-on-Sea Essex, CO15 1NJ Tel: 01255 474 391 www.pieravenuebaptistchurch.org.uk info@pieravenue.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1135764 25