# Annual Report & Accounts **Annual Report and Accounts 2021** 2021
**Annual Report 2021**
## **Contents**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
4. Structure, Governance and Management
5. Objectives and Activities
7. Achievements and Performance
8. Minister's Report
9. Treasurer's Report
11. Financial Accounts for 2021
16. Boys' Brigade
17. Connect
17. Enfold
18. Girls' Brigade
20. Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups
20. Shed Project
20. Street Pastors
21. Tiny Treasures
22. Worship Team
**----- End of picture text -----**
2
## **Annual Report 2021**
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the independently examined financial statements of the charity for 2021.
Pier Avenue Baptist Church registered as an independent charity with the Charity Commission on 4[th] 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 Karen Payne.
3
## **Annual Report 2021**
## **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 24[th] 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.
## **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 a short Christmas service outside a local supermarket. No other joint activities have been possible this year.
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 last year and are yet to recommence.
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 committee, officers and members but they still fall within the scope of the Church Meeting and the Minister is entitled to be Chair of all meetings.
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**Annual Report 2021**
## **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.
Principle:
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.
## **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 2021, due to the pandemic, these activities were severely curtailed.
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 were vulnerable. However, towards the end of the year the service was able to increase its activities.
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.
5
## **Annual Report 2021**
Our Coffee Morning and Tiny Treasures Parent and Toddler Group, are regular opportunities for us to bring our objectives to life. 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. However, this had to change during the pandemic and breakfast was then made available on a take-away basis. However, towards the end of the year we began to welcome visitors inside the building again and our Parish nurse started to work again.
The Church continued to offer public worship on Sundays at 10.30a.m. whether in person or on line through our Livestream facility. 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. One baptism took place during 2021.
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 another 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).
## **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.
6
**Annual Report 2021**
## **Achievements and Performance**
## **Easter, Harvest and Christmas**
Our Easter service was held online this year but Harvest and Christmas services were able to take place in the church building.
## **AGM and Membership**
The Annual General Meeting of the church could not take place in the usual way again this year. The Annual Report and Accounts were accepted and passed by the Trustees via a Zoom meeting
Our membership stood at 58 on 1[st] January 2021 and had decreased to 52 by 31[st] December due to the passing of some of our members.
Our Sunday school (Connect) continues and work packs were regularly sent out to the young people during lockdowns. Connect activities were able to run in person once the church opened for worship later in the year. Our puppet ministry team, ‘Reach up Puppetry’ have sadly been unable to function during the pandemic.
## **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. However, Food Cycle, 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. They were able to serve meals inside the building again towards the end of the year. Other hall hires also slowly returned during 2021 although are yet to rise to pre-pandemic levels
We have made our church sanctuary, our halls and rooms ‘Covid secure’ and they were used at times during 2021, depending on the level of Government restrictions at the time.
7
**Annual Report 2021**
## **Ministers Report**
Writing an annual report is always an opportunity for me to reflect on how I have seen the hand of God at work over the past year. Both 2020 and 2021, have been years of great challenge and encouragement. I have found real comfort in some words from Psalm 121;
_He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121 vs. 3 – 4)_
As we began 2021, the country entered another period of lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic. Thankfully, our experiences of 2020 meant that we had already an established online presence along with a CD or DVD option for those unable to access the internet.
One of the lessons that we have learnt during the lockdowns, is that the Church must have an online presence for the longer term. The trustees made the decision to install equipment to enable the Church to livestream during its services. I would like to express my thanks to Dan and his friend Alex who spent many hours installing the new equipment.
Given the uncertainty of the situation, we were not sure it was advisable for Housegroups to meet. Thanks to the technology of Zoom, we were able to continue to offer Housegroup@home. The Church based group began to have in-person meetings from September.
As the national situation changed, we were able to recommence in person services by 14[th] March. By the 25[th] July, the government lifted its regulations and enabled the Trustees to take whatever measures they felt appropriate to manage COVID.
During the course of the year, we said goodbye to a number of members and friends. Megan Day, Cliff East, Colin Read, Dorothy Brooks, Ginny Cooke, Rose Crispin and Frank Pearson. With restrictions on gatherings, we held a service on 10[th] October called “In Remembrance”. It was an opportunity for the fellowship to reflect and give thanks to God for the friends we lost during the pandemic.
I was able to continue in my role as a School Governor for Oakwood Infant and Nursery School. In September, I was appointed Chair of Governors. I continued to provide online assemblies for the school. Although I miss the opportunity of face to face interaction, gathering such a large number of children and adults in the assembly hall is probably unwise at this time.
I have marvelled at how well our Girls Brigade and Connect Group have adapted to the challenges of COVID. I want to thank their leaders for all the hard work they have undertaken over the past year. In the face of so many challenges, they have maintained contact with the children and young people they work with.
It was lovely to see the return of Tiny Treasures, our parent and toddler group. Paula did an amazing job of on-line sessions but, it was great to hear the patter of tiny feet in the corridor behind my office. Tiny Treasures even managed a Christmas Party this year and were joined by Father Christmas.
I was glad to be able to return to Air Cadets. It was an encouragement for the Officers and I to see many new recruits joining the squadron. As Padre, I provide support for Cadet, Officers and Civilian Staff connected to the Squadron. When new recruits are “sworn-in” they receive a copy of the Bible, and the instruction to read it! In my time with the Air Cadets, I have handed out over 200 Bibles.
As the year drew to a close, we tried a new venture of a Christmas Tree Festival. For a first attempt, and given the startling rise in cases of the Omicron variant, I was pleased with what we were able to produce. The money raised was given to the Essex Air Ambulance and I want to thank all of those who were involved.
8
## **Annual Report 2021**
As a fellowship, we said farewell to Frank Pearson. Frank was the counsellor who worked out of our offices and supported the work of the Enfold Project. Many people, within the fellowship and beyond, were encouraged and supported by Frank. His passing will leave a hole in many lives.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Deacons, Members and friends for their ongoing encouragement and support. Whilst this year has been tough, we have seen God’s blessing on our fellowship and we look forward to the coming year.
Given the past couple of years, I hesitate to predict what will happen in 2022. However, I am confident that Pier Avenue Baptist Church will continue to bless our community.
## **Sean**
## **Treasurer’s Report**
You may recall in 2020 the Charity Commission amended its guidelines allowing Trustees of charities to act in any way that was best to monitor their financial activities. After monitoring the Church finances for 20 months, the Deacons were glad to finally hold a Members Church Meeting on Sunday 21st November 2021.
Emotionally, spiritually, and financially it has been another difficult year for most of us and for the Church. Our Services and activities have again been adversely affected by the issues arising from Covid19 through most of 2021. My responsibility as Treasurer is to ensure the Church can afford to function in the various and many ways that it needs to, which naturally puts an emphasis on the financial aspects.
The Church accounts are split between:-
- **General Fund** providing for the Ministry and day to day running of the Church & Manse, and the
- **Designated Funds** for specific projects, such as Enfold/Parish Nurse & the Premises 2019 Project.
We have been very grateful and humbled by the financial support we have been able to receive through Offerings & Donations, two Legacies, Grants, and some Hire Income.
‘Food Cycle’ were the only hirer able to carry on using our premises all year, but we gradually welcomed our other hirers back from September.
Financially we have missed the Sunday cash offerings and premises hire income during the periods of Covid regulated closure & partial closure.
All the support we have been able to receive has meant that despite the income shortfalls we have had and may continue to experience for a while, we are relieved to have carried on the Ministerial and day to day running expenses of the Church.
Altogether, there has been a shortfall on the General Fund income of around £10,000 in 2021 which has eaten up all the carry forward that we had managed to accrue in previous years. There has been a small saving on energy (gas, electric, water) during the closures, but most running costs do continue whether the church and its buildings are open or not. The financial situation is therefore very tight as it has been throughout the year. The Deacons continue to monitor the finances in detail, so we can better understand the issues that face us and discuss what actions we might need to take to counteract or control them.
9
## **Annual Report 2021**
We know God can only provide for His work at PABC through the willingness of His people and despite the many and various difficulties that we have all had to cope with, our Members and Friends have not let us down.
Despite the financial difficulties and the closures, we have been busy! Sean continued to work through the lockdowns, and we were extremely grateful for the spiritual sustenance that he brought to us through such difficult times. Our Enfold Project, led by Sean and staffed by volunteers, did continue during part of the year. We had to furlough our Parish Nurse between January and July because Covid regulations prevented her from providing the close-contact support that our Enfold guests sometimes need. During her absence we made sure our Enfold guests knew where they could get help from other providers or their GP.
We have undertaken repairs to the roof of the Manse, and next year we need to start the replacement of some soffits, gutters and fascia.
A legacy received in 2020 allowed us to buy equipment for a livestream facility which was installed on a voluntary basis by Dan and his colleague Alex. We are extremely grateful to them both for using their skills to help us, and along the way saved the fellowship hundreds of pounds that it would have cost us for the installation.
By utilizing some funds from four legacies, as we approach the year end we are starting refurbishment of the ‘Quiet Room’. This is used as a prayer room or for house groups and small meetings but has sadly been out of action since it was damaged following the failure of the flat roof above it in 2019. We have taken the opportunity during the refurbishment and decoration to raise the light levels and improve/update the décor. We look forward to being able to use it again next year.
What I said in 2020 and sadly repeat again now, is that many Churches, Charities, and Businesses found it impossible to manage financially due to the impact of Covid and the ever-moving Covid regulations. However, we have been blessed, and are grateful that through the gracious generosity of His people, Pier Avenue Baptist Church has continued to cope with its financial obligations through 2021. Thank you everyone. 2022 will be tough once more as we try to recover our financial position, but we must rejoice that we have been upheld to this point and pray that we will continue so into next year and onward.
## _Luke 6 v38:_
_“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)_
May God richly bless and reward your faithfulness.
## **Heather Baines - Church Treasurer**
10
Annual Report 2021
Pier Avenue
Baptist Church
General Fund & Deslgnatod Funds Flnanclal Statement
For th• year •nd•d: 31st D•c•mb•r, 2021
Notr
2021
2020
Recel ts
Weekl Offerln
Gifi aid
- Other
Gift MdlGASDS Inc4Th Tax Redaim.. Gener81 Fund
Grfl ANJ Income Tax Reclaim." Oesi
Dale(l Furids
Church Prern15e5 Pro
aues and MeMla1 ifts
Grants
TudDr Trusi & HM Govl Furtou
Char
es lor HITe ol
remlse5
Minibus Hire Income
Cijflee Wrnin
roGeeds
Funds raed lor other causes
Tuesda
LLJnch
Ck)nalions & Oihef Re
Is
Communi
Adivrties & Other Des
22.537
9.358
10.133
244
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
5.420
4.860
9.025
S40
327
naled Funds
4.811
86.414
Totals
P8
Min15
Minislerial
Manse u
kee
M15SIDn & charitate causes
ol church
remises
ministrallon
eralional e
enses
Church Premises Pro
ecl
Communil ACtivrts & Other Des
Other a
enls
enses Incl sb nd travel vi51to
31.678
2.868
9.429
29.450
3.207
1.809
53.947
10.871
2.533
£ 146 792
4.803
9.585
19.478
3.134
1.371
3.300
25.930
5.022
£ 106 242
10
12
13
14
Totals
naled Fvnds
DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR
SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR
BALAJ4CE BROUGHT FORWARD
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARO
19.828
11.849
55.400
43,551
43.551
23.723
Heotherj EQUe£
H.J. ealnos. Chureh Tr•a$urnr
1610112022
The accounts and slatemenl of asse15 and liabilthes rd8tsng lo Ihe ar
1$t JaNary 3J21 to 31st DerereT 2021 as approved by the Church Meetsng hekl
on 16th January 2022
li
Annual Report 2021
Pier Avenue
Baptist Church
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Iwpjtsnt In b3thyry 2021 S¢NK*6. knlek. E¥*s Prqffts96 Hirqg w•ro rll
2021
2020
1. B8918 olAecounts
These ara)unL5 have tEen preparS a ReLxikts & bw3 & wih Se¢kn 130 of It*
Ad 2011
2. P40fi4TroMta
ass•ts h•ld forth• churth'•own
The chuTch the beneficial Ow1 (subject lo Ihe relevant trusts) of fv folowing assets. thE kgal Ittle to
which 15 I1 by Ihe chvrth's custodian Itustee, the Bapttst Union Coworabon Ltd.
Church
remises at Pr AVUe. clactonn-Se8
4.613.824
Church manse al 36 Thor
e Ré. clac10nn.sea
259.602
FtUres. Fumiture a1 equipment
181.757
(all the atK)¥e are shown at Insured value51
15 OSS.183
3. Uatiilitl•s. Loans outstandin
18 b5t Buildi
29700
4 568.143
193.070
179.602
4W,815
Fund
4. Donatlons and Mornorlal Glfts
D&tnS1Other Recei
Churth £I*YJ I CA £4811
M*ronal GiftslL
aue5.
Church
PknEe. CA= c¢ty AdNths
24510
39.446
10.500
49,946
29,930
£1
Glv•n
4.278
107
2021
2020
R•lg•d
232
S. Funds raisod for oth•r c•u809
BMS wo m15y & 8irthd3
SL*emE
Operatsu
Home MtssN)n
Cladon Streei Pasttxs
CTIC CLqclon Sou Run
Love Into Action.
Bible Sooe
C Missi
Gambia En
elkld S(*K¥Jl
Gl¥•n
4,209
60
270
57
50
225
201
201
201
200
200
200
327
9,209
20201£>
24.720
6. Mlnl8
Minisws stspen
Ern0
5 PAYE, Pertsion (Yx)lrfbutkn & BU Pen$k)n Defitsi
r's Nabonal Insuran(* I1 Gts*t
Ministw's P85toral & Genefal Milea
Minisws Traini
Course Fees & Milea
Visi
akerother ex
2021 (£1
25.235
6.933
ses
352
53
955
66
31,678
enses
415
33,619
ans•U k
Includes council tax. waler. Ir&anCe. repairs.
le honettsfoadténd and
rasswttn a1"
cent ld
4003
1868
Given to (rther C4LLryes
n(th5
Junior Chuh- tDnneGI'
Tue¥da
Lun
Outfuth anrt Tt•nkoff
9.043
542
9.209
98
9,585
of Church Pr•rnlB•o
. heat
and water
4.008
1.834
3,866
5.636
4.620
2.973
3.822
Cleanin
Insuran
Grft In eMlal8
uesl. Lwestream In181
fessional Fees (Premise5 lateI
r5TrurchaselMaintence cl Prerrdses & E
450
17.585
29,450
enl
4.134
19,478
12
Annual Report 2021
Pier Avenue
Baptist Church
continued
10. AdmInIstraOn
en
ICT soth¥are ebte
Tde
cne. Statne
Phot
ier rental and
147
1.199
1.217
571
3,134
892
1.437
734
3,207
rallonal E
Church cop
hl IenseS
anos. MUS Sound and
Minibu5 hire
Regowe*Subs¢
Trainin
OU Fee¥
829
182
735
52
202
820
nSIdneS
1.371
1.105
ustlc
Loan RepahTrents120211. x3 Prqect Cosls120201
ReCOrtrOn
FUMI[*
Lan¢J Registry A(kmin Fee
49250
2485
2172
$3,947
13. Communlty ACVItI84 Icurrnntl
Enrd Pr
ecl
Tin
Treasur85 Par[ld1Er n)
Shed Pro
Tud[ Ttust.. Enfokl FutNls transferred b supwt GÉn Fmd
9.492
438
10.554
317
16.000
20.930
10.V11
14. thhvP
MenVFumiluIs
IRS
Purthase & Re
C*[ra4 Fund.
rt rEpa
elll of fun¢J5 bath lo Enfold FUNI
Relr£shff*ntslsundnes
2.437
37B
S,022
96
2,633
1& Gr•nts rK•lv•d
ants.. Tudor Trust Wellteing Grant £2.LM)O (Genera Fund)
vt Relentl Scheme IFU
h) £2860 IPansh Nurse
Statement of Consolldated Assets and Llablllties
as at 31st December, 2021
Note
2021
2020
Assets
Bank and other cash balances
Representln
balances on the followln
General Fund & Desi
nated Funds
Church auxilla
funds
36,317
55,445
accounts".-
23,723
12,594
36,317
43,551
11,894
55,445
Nonrymonetary assets
Held for church's own use
Liabilitios
Loans outstandin
5,055,183
4,940.815
29,700
33,000
13
Annual Report 2021
Pier Avenue
Baptist Church
Auxlllary Accounts Flnanclal Statement
•• at 31st Oocembor, 2021
Inm¥
Exponditur•
' Br5 adg.. Tr•asur•r- lan Smlth (Note: B8 dld not mg•llno actlvl
Bal blfwd
2.985
ttation
Subscri
tions
Uniform ete
Other Income
Battalion & s
ecial events
tnent & Activi
Slatione
Ilnk ets
Refreshments & other ex
Bal cjfwd
In 2021
nses
2.985
2,985
2,985
Gir16' Bri
Bal blfwd .
Subscri
tsons
UnifotmlGB sho
Donation51Fundraisin
Outin
$UCk
ActNitie51Slee
Cam
IDolE
AdmInrainI
ad•: Tr•aBurgr - Lorralng Adam8
3.549
2.865
141
statione
Trainin
UnifortnlGB Sho
Fundraisin
Outin
suck
Actiwlieslslee
Cam
IDofE
Bal clfwd
Curwent. De
IAdmlr
229
409
140
351
1.948
vef5
vers
Interest
15
8,736
osit. Cash
6.150
8,736
'R•aeh Up. Pup
Bal bld
Subscri
tK)ns
Ticket Sales
Donations & Fundraisin
Other Causes Fundraisin
Team 8uildin
Sale ol GoodslBank Interest
t Minist Tr•asurar- Dan Fountain {Did not mè•tlNo activi
Food & Refreshments
Licence CostslEvent ex
CostutneslPIo
sISet
ment. Li
. Sound
Team Buildin
Istatione
Scii
ts. Bank, Advertisin
Bal clfwd
in'21}
enses
etc
PABC Flowèr Fund.. Trèasurèr- Sandra Adams4almon & H•ath•r Bain•s
Bal bld
13
Flowersloasislmalerials
Donation5 received
20
Bal clfwd
33
15
18
33
Auxilla Ac¢ount$ Summa
7.387
Pa
ents
5.207
Balances clfwd
12,594
Balances blfw
Recw
Is
2.601
9.993
12.594
Atl Auxillary Accounts have been audrted by Church Treasurer
2510112022
14
Annual Report 2021
Pier Avenue
Baptist Church
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLANO AND WALES
Indep8ndent examine¢s report
on the accounts
Sectson A
Inoependenl Examinar's Report
R•port to th•tru•tsttl
PkryrAvenw Bapb8t Cbwth. CLth on SD#. Es¥eK C015 1NJ
On •ceounts lor yur
Chwrfty no
(If any)
31# tCember 2021
1135764
11-14
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Ilhe Trl.)lOr ye8r•ndad 31112r2021.
RtspoMlbllMl•• and As th& chadty tru8t8es. you ar6 rÉspon8*48 for the wwalion clthe
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order to enatde a pYcVrtanry ofthe a¢counts lo bts r•xhe
Karen Payne
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25 P8lthrwJ Lane. CWm$fofd. Ewx, CM148T.
Octob•T 2018
15
## **Annual Report 2021**
## **1[st] & 2[nd] Clacton-on-Sea Boys Brigade**
My previous reports was looking forward to a hopefully optimistic year and the return of normal activities.
The year of 2021 brought continuing challenges with on and off restrictions of varying degrees.
There were some hopes of a start in the Autumn term in a similar form to our GB company but while preparing and seeking out those who could commit to helping out in some way some further complications became apparent.
National BB advised on concerns over registrations and a tightening of the regulations and stronger enforcement for the protection of all parties and in particular the children attending BB.
There is an increased emphasis on registration of every leader or helper including those helping who might hold registrations with other bodies like GB. This has potentially always been the guidance but from 2021 was being enforced.
In previous years we would have had two leader posts registered with BB and all others were recognised as helpers but not fully registered – everyone would have had a DBS registration through the church or other body like work or school. We would also be required to have three leaders for the number of boys anticipated.
In looking out for those who could lead and help us was apparent that work practices and times had been changed due to COVID for some and committing to every week was not possible.
For myself having been involved with BB since we arrived in Clacton some 15 years ago and with old age finally catching up with me, I felt unable to commit to being Captain for another period though I would have been more than happy to support a new leader for another year or two.
The administrative workload in running a BB company is quite significant and the preparation for programmes week after week takes up more time than I would have available currently. BB Headquarters do provide excellent programme materials and ideas which helps greatly but the burden remains quite big and definitely more suited to a younger person with some energy and drive.
I met with Sean at the beginning of the Autumn term to explore options and we agreed to hold off till early 2022 and see what develops. There are no immediate plans to close and lay up the colours but at some point that may be the best option if a new leadership team cannot be found.
There are a number of parents willing to assist and help and we are therefore just looking for two more to take on leader positions with BB. Cherelyn Merriday is willing to continue and renew her Leader registration.
There remains a need for something like BB in our community and I still quite regularly get requests for information from mums with young boys. The work can be challenging at times but the rewards far outweigh these few times and the younger age group which we are more likely to restart with are even more rewarding to work with.
If you can consider helping or know of someone that could please let Sean know so that it can be followed up. For now, we are marked as existing but not meeting – not a great place to be where there is a need out there.
Please pray for God to open doors and move in hearts and minds – BB is not past its sell be date and very much the opposite – it has adapted and changed to meet todays’ needs and is keen to work with boys and young men – girls are included in many companies where no GB exists.
**Ian Smith – Captain**
16
## **Annual Report 2021**
## **Connect Report**
During lockdown, contact was continued with the children by doing a weekly pack of activities
We restarted face to face sessions on Sunday 14[th] March. To begin with, the children stayed out for the whole morning, but as restrictions were lifted, we were able to return to leaving part way through the service.
Although we have a small number of children, they are loyal and diligent during the sessions.
We want to take this opportunity to thank Hannah for all her hard work over the years in Connect. She and the family will be greatly missed when they move to Colchester.
Clare, Emma and Becky continue to lead the sessions with the help of Janet, Bill and Lee. Paula has stood down from the overseer role but continues to do the rota, and is still a great help and advisor when needed.
In August, the children had a summer party which went down well.
The first week in September was the prize-giving Sunday. Each child (age 0-16years) was given a Christian book, which is a great way of getting the word of God in their homes.
In December, the children (and adults!) put on a nativity, which went well. They had a party on the following week. It was lovely to see Ella, representing Connect by singing during the carol service.
Please continue to pray for the leaders and especially the children in this important work.
## **Clare Read**
## **Enfold**
Enfold has had another very difficult year.
Our intention had been to continue to offer tea and toast from the front of the Church. However, with the outbreak of the Delta Variant we were unable to operate in a safe manner. We made the difficult decision to suspend our service until it was safe to resume. This was the first time we had to close our doors and, it took a lot of soul searching to do so.
It was a relief when we were able to re-open and allow our visitors access to the Welcome Centre again. Thanks to our partnership with FoodCycle, we continue to offer additional items of food for our visitors to take away with them.
From October we were pleased to welcome the return of the Housing Support Workers from Peabody Housing. We have also welcomed support from the Homeless Outreach Team who are part of Tendring District Council. We are grateful for the links we have with both of these organisations.
As I am sure you will appreciate, our Parish Nurse was unable to fulfil her role in a COVID safe manner. As she was unable to perform her duties, Amanda was placed on furlough. We look forward to her return to duties when she is able.
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**
17
## **Annual Report 2021**
## **Girls’ Brigade**
2021 began with another lockdown which meant that all youth groups had to suspend face-to-face activities. This continued until the middle of April, so we again sent out activity packs to our members to enable them to feel connected to Girls’ Brigade. These took the theme of Mothers’ Day and Easter including card making, scratch art frames, foam 2D flower pots, fridge magnets, book marks, gift bags, bead flowers, Easter Baskets, ingredients for chocolate nests, crosses to decorate, bead crosses and various quizzes and work sheets.
As we were unable to hold a Mothers’ Day Parade Service where we would have given gifts to all the ladies, the leaders planted pansies in decorated flower pots with a Bible verse card attached. They were delivered to parents and church members and were very well received.
After Easter we were able to resume face-to-face activities albeit under certain restrictions, so we again held meetings on alternate weeks for the different age groups. This made it difficult to maintain our badge programme but with the dedicated work of the leaders the following subjects were covered in each group (Sept 20 – July 21).
|**Explorers**|– Being Together, Out and About, GB At Home|
|---|---|
|**Juniors**|– Being Together, GB At Home|
|**Seniors**|– Our Emotions, Working Together, GB At Home|
|**Brigaders**|– Being Together, Current Affairs, GB At Home.|
Each group would normally achieve 4 badges in a year with 5 for Brigaders
Our Duke of Edinburgh work continued to be on hold but girls remained keen to resume these activities as soon as we were allowed to restart the scheme.
When returning after the May half term we were allowed to meet on a weekly basis for all age groups as more restrictions had been lifted, which meant we could have more regular contact with the girls. We could revert back to some kind of normality.
Although our summer camp could again not take place, we organised a couple of events during August. We arranged a day at the beach with games and a paddle in the sea. Secondly, we took the girls to Thorrington Scout Camp Site for activities including – human table football, pedal karts, assault course, treasure hunt, craft and games. We cooked sausages on an open fire for lunch and toasted marshmallows.
As we resumed in September several girls moved into an older section and we welcomed some new members in to our Explorer group. We lengthened our meeting times to an hour and a half as a wider range of activities could now be undertaken including cookery which the girls always enjoy. We were also able to hold our first Parade Service since January 2020. It was Harvest and we had been asked to provide the display for the front of the Church. Our theme was land and sea and items were brought along to help those in need in our local area.
We took part in the Remembrance Parade organised by the Clacton branch of the Royal British Legion, marching down to the War Memorial where a service was held to remember those lives lost in various wars. A good number attended.
The following week we held a sleepover when girls enjoyed various activities including, a quiz around the town, craft and games. The following day all but 4 girls attended our Enrolment parade service, when new girls were enrolled in to the Company while existing members renewed their commitment to us. It was good to see this well supported.
18
## **Annual Report 2021**
Also, during the service Caitlin was commissioned as an adult Leader, Elaine and Emma were presented with their 20 year service awards and I received my 40 year service badge.
In December it was good to be able to hold our Carol and nativity service, when girls from all sections told the Christmas story with the younger ones dressing up as the main characters. This was followed by a Christingle service when the Christingles the girls had made were lit as we sang Silent Night. The Brigaders then served refreshments with mince pies, cakes and biscuits which they had made the previous week.
The year concluded with our Christmas parties when girls from all sections enjoyed an evening of games and food. Several girls brought a friend and it was good to see them joining in with the others.
During the year we held some money raising events to boost our funds, as due to lockdowns and limited attendance even when returning, our income had been reduced. During this time our National fees still had to be paid (@ £25.50 per member) as well as other items purchased for the girls. We arranged a coffee morning and table top sale which made around £100, set up a ‘Just giving’ page online for people to make donations for the girls and Leaders recording the distance they walked, cycled or swam during the month of June which brought in £565. One of our Brigaders kindly did a sponsored walk from Walton to Clacton Pier which produced £160, an amazing contribution. We also received £1000 from Lloyds Bank through their Match Giving Scheme as a result of Emma being an employee at the Clacton branch. All these contributions were a huge answer to prayer.
We continue to send Birthday cards to the girls together with a Christian bookmark and the ‘Thought for the Week’ still goes on to our Facebook page.
Although our numbers remain at around 30 members it is good to have regular contact with them as most attend very regularly and remain loyal to the Company. The following comments have been made by the girls as to why they enjoy coming to GB:-
“We like meeting up with friends that we don’t go to school with in a fun relaxed atmosphere”
“The activities are great, especially cooking also games, sleepovers, camps, D of E, badge work, going to pantomimes, parties.” “Being accepted for who we are.”
“It gives me something to look forward to all week.”
“It is fun because we learn in a fun way.”
“It stops us getting bored and I get to learn stuff and I get treat food.” “Covid made it difficult but we had the activity packs to keep us entertained instead of being stuck on the internet.” “Covid affected the activities we would normally have done,”
“The lockdowns were hard especially home learning as my Mum was working, I missed all my clubs especially GB.” “I loved the GB packs as they were creative.”
Several families have been affected by Covid, with a few being quite poorly, while others have had to isolate. Two Leaders also caught the virus. We are pleased all are well now.
It is good to be able to make a difference in the lives of the girls we have contact with and it was so important to keep in touch with them and their families during the lockdowns. We are blessed to have a team of 11 dedicated Leaders, who give up their time to provide activities for girls of all ages. We pray that our membership will grow so that we may continue to present the gospel to these young lives and see them come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
We look forward to our Centenary year and celebrate 100 years of faithful witness at 1[st] Clacton Girls’ Brigade. Long may it continue!!!!!
**Gill Stennings – Captain**
19
**Annual Report 2021**
## **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.
In September, we welcomed Patrick Regan and his team to Pier Avenue in what was a very memorable service.
We look to continue to build our links with Kintsugi Hope and look to open our Wellbeing Group during 2022.
## **Rev. Sean Fountain**
## **The Shed Project**
The Shed project has been in the background for some time now.
With the completion of the building, we began to prepare to open in early 2020. Unfortunately, owing to the COVID situation we have been unable to take this project forward. For the present time, we do not feel it could operate in a COVID safe manner and so have had to put it on the “back burner” for now.
We will re-visit this project as soon as we are able to.
## **Rev. Sean Fountain**
## **Clacton Street Pastors**
Clacton Street Pastors has now been running for over ten years. Street Pastors aim is to help those in trouble on the streets on a Saturday night. Night time venues gradually opened up during 2021. To start with we went out onto the streets at the earlier time of 8.30 p.m. and were able to interact with families who were still out during the evenings. Once the night clubs opened again we started at 10.00 p.m. We then returned to our normal 11.00p.m. start time. We have seen that there are far less people about than there were before the pandemic started but still some who want to talk and a few who need support.
Two of the nine Street Pastors are from Pier Avenue Baptist Church.
**Karen Rai**
20
**Annual Report 2021**
## **Tiny Treasures**
## **(God’s Beautifully Made Little Gems)**
We were able to keep some links with Parents during lockdown through our two Facebook pages. One page is an open one that anyone can see and one was closed group where only those connected with the group could contribute. Regular recorded ‘Storytimes’ were shared on both pages and were well received.
After lockdown, we were able to reopen Tiny Treasures on April 26[th] 2020. Numbers started slowly but built up to 26 children on register and for the first time for many years, we formed a waiting list, in December, for those wanting to join the group.
Before the sessions, the volunteers have fellowship and pray for the group. This is the most important part of the morning. We continue to follow the same routine of play, story & craft followed by snack and then singing. Due to COVID, we decided to shorten the session so we now run 9.30am-11am, which is 30mins less than before. Activities are planned to cover all areas of learning and are changed each week. The snack is pre-prepared by Karen, Richard and Maureen, who follow food hygiene and COVID practices.
In July, we ended the term with a slightly longer session and had a Teddy Bear’s picnic. This included a bible story and prayer in the Church.
In August, we held a ‘Picnic past and present’ on the Greensward near the park. This was for anyone who had been involved in Tiny Treasures previously, as well as for the current families. It was a good time for the adults to chat. We had parachute games and then the children played on the park. It was a success and it will be something that we will probably do again in the future.
We restarted the term in September and finished the year with our Christmas party. We held a nativity in the church, where the children dressed up and the Christmas story was told, followed by prayer and ‘Away in a Manger.’ After some ring games, Santa arrived, and all received a present. We ended with party food.
It was lovely to see one of the parents reading the bible to represent Tiny Treasures at our church carol service
We thank the team for their commitment. Our thanks go to Elaine for putting out the tables and chairs. Georgina for putting out all the toys, Karen, Lynn, Maureen, Richard, Sylvia and Paula make up our usual team with Carol joining us when able. Thank you to those volunteers for all they are doing. Without them, we would not be able to run this group or have such a friendly and welcoming reputation.
We pray each week that God will give us opportunities to offer prayer, or a listening ear, to share the love of Jesus with all who come along to Tiny Treasures and we ask that you join us in that prayer. It would be great to build a greater link between families and the church and see some come through to know Christ.
We appreciate your prayers
**Paula Fountain & the Tiny Treasures Team**
21
**Annual Report 2021**
## **Worship Group**
We thank all the Worship team for their continued commitment.
Live services resumed on Sunday 14[th] March, following lockdown closure. As a worship group, it was an emotional time when we restarted playing our instruments and singing together. Due to COVID restrictions, we began to play 15mins before the service as people were unable to walk around and chat.
During lockdown, the music group area was moved to the opposite side of the church. This was done for a few reasons, the main one being that we are now on the same side of the screen so we can see peoples’ faces which aids the leading of worship and the fellowship can see us better to follow our leading. We have found that as a group, we can hear the congregation better, which aids and encourages us in our worship. Unfortunately, we realised after moving that we had less space and microphone capacity, so were unable to involve the whole group at this time.
Our biweekly Tuesday night practices have restarted and we continue to meet early on Sunday morning before the services. We always begin the rehearsals with prayer.
In December, we managed to get the whole group together and with the aid of Dan and Alex (Dan’s friend) borrowing microphones and lights, we were able to have the whole group together to sing a couple of songs in our Carols by Candlelight service.
A huge thanks go to Dan for all his hard work with playing the keyboard, sorting microphones, technical expertise and sorting the live-streaming etc. He has been part of the Worship group for the last 14 years. He and his family will be greatly missed when they move to Colchester. We pray that God will richly bless them as they begin a new stage in their lives.
Please join us in prayer for the coming year; that we will grow closer together with each other, but more importantly, grow closer to God as we follow His leading and serve him by serving our fellowship. Please pray for us as we plan and lead worship.
## **Karen Rai & Paula Fountain**
22