## **St Mary’s Selly Oak APCM 2021**
## **Parish Reports for 2020**
The Covid-19 pandemic during 2020 prevented usual activity for a number of our groups. The report of ‘usual activity suspended since March 2020’ applies to the following:
- Bellringers
- Coffee mornings
- Deanery
- Issues group
- Open church
- Youth club
For the following reports, see separate documents:
- Charitable donations
- Treasurer’s report and accounts 2020
- Website report
The other reports are as follows:
## **1. Vicar’s Report**
Back in February 2020 in my first sermon as Vicar of St Mary’s, I said that ‘coming to this parish is a bit like boarding a train… and what I need to do is get on board, hopefully without de-railing the train’. I also said that I wanted to spend my first 6 months looking, listening and learning, getting to know people and the parish. Well! Little did we all know that just over a month later everything was going to grind to a halt as the UK entered the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A year on, I do feel that I have been able to get to know people and the parish, but not at all in the ways that any of us were expecting. I’m very conscious that there may be elements of parish life at St Mary’s pre-Covid that I know nothing about at all, as well as some people I haven’t been able to get to know.
Nonetheless, 2020 was quite a journey of discovery, as we all had to adapt and learn new ways of doing things. At each different phase of the pandemic, there has been a need to make adjustments in the ministry we offer. During the first lockdown, there were lots of phone calls and emails, a weekly newsletter compiled by Ben Reeves for the website, and a weekly reflection written by members of the ministry team. As we emerged from that phase, in June, we re-opened the church for private prayer, swiftly followed by a return to in person worship at 10am on Sundays and Wednesdays in July, albeit with social distancing and various other safety measures in place. Not everyone was able to return to the building for worship, and we were very mindful of all those who were shielding and self-isolating. Then after enjoying some easing of restrictions during the summer, Covid infections rose in the autumn, leading to another month long lockdown in November. This time churches were allowed to remain open for private prayer, which we did, but public worship was again suspended, resuming in December in time for Advent and Christmas.
At each stage of the pandemic there was a need to absorb guidelines published by the Government, the CofE nationally, and the Birmingham Diocese, and then complete risk assessments and make decisions about what me might safely do. I am extremely grateful for the support and positive attitudes of our ministry team, PCC, and teams of stewards, as well as all those who behind the scenes have offered care by keeping in touch with others. Without this, much of what we were able to do wouldn’t have been possible.
It was also a year when we learned to do things on-line. At times when in-person meetings were not allowed, meetings of PCC, Standing Committee, Ministry Team and other committees have been held via Zoom. A discussion group on wellbeing in the autumn worked very well, as did Evening Prayer on Zoom in November and through Advent. As we became more confident in using Zoom, other groups have also met in this way. The choir was able to record a service of readings and carols just before Christmas, which was expertly put together by Ben Reeves into a YouTube
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video. Whilst recognising that not everyone has the facility, or wishes to, engage with groups or worship on-line, for others this has been a very welcome way of connecting with others, especially for those who have been housebound or isolating due to Covid.
Despite Covid restrictions, I have enjoyed getting to know people in the wider community including other ministers in our Cluster of Churches (St Gabriel’s Weoley Castle and St Michael and All Angels’ Bartley Green), ministers in Churches together in Selly Oak, and Staff and Governors at St Mary’s CE primary school, where I automatically became a member of the Governing body after becoming vicar here. I have enjoyed contributing to the newly formed school ethos committee, as well as being on the curriculum and standards committee and becoming lead Governor for monitoring RE and Collective worship. Much of this has happened on a screen, as most meetings have been online, but it was good to be invited to take part in leavers’ assemblies for Y6 which were held in a large space at the BMS world mission centre in July.
My roles in the wider Diocese have continued, although again, mostly I have met with people via a computer screen. This has included meeting a couple of people discerning vocations to ordained ministry, contributing to the training programme for Curates, and seeing people for spiritual accompaniment. Since last July I have been supervising the Curate at St Francis Bournville following her Vicar’s departure for another post.
It has been good to begin to think through with the PCC our vision and priorities for mission and ministry here in Selly Oak, and to reaffirm our vision statement, that **St Mary’s is here to proclaim and celebrate the love of God for all.** Although I have already shared with PCC my impressions of St Mary’s during my first year in post, this seems a good opportunity to share this more widely. There is much to celebrate at St Mary’s, including: a strong ministry team; a welcoming ‘family feel’ to church life with a lot of care shown by church members for one another, and new people noticed and welcomed; well cared for buildings, both church and hall; a firm financial footing; a good musical tradition with a strong choir and a number of gifted musicians; a strong bereavement ministry; many coming for baptism (although this has been a ‘casualty of covid’, but hopefully will build again once restrictions are lifted); lots of willing volunteers getting involved in many areas of church life; a strong link with St Mary’s CofE school, and a wide open door for more engagement there; a Junior Church that is doing well and growing on Zoom; social events with people enjoying having fun together (although again this hasn’t been possible during the past year); many people who are well established in faith and spirituality, with a hunger to learn more and grow in faith; an Inclusive ethos.
We do, however, have some challenges including: how to connect with the local community, which is not easy when there is no obvious ‘centre’ or ‘heart’ to the community, and we are tucked away down a long drive; succession planning - some people in key roles are not getting any younger(!) and younger people do not find it easy to step into leadership roles in church due to the pressures they are working and living under; financial, to keep regular giving, as well as fundraising, at a level that is able to sustain our mission and ministry; gaps in volunteering - flower arranging, servers, PCC, to name a few; children tending to ‘drift away’ once they get to a certain age and other things such as Sunday sports compete for their time; some issues with our building, including the urgent need for a new heating system.
We also have some exciting opportunities including: developing discipleship and nurturing spirituality; finding ways to connect with the new housing in the parish; opportunities to connect with students, the University and the Chaplaincy; the potential to expand our involvement with St Mary’s CofE school and develop links with other schools in the parish; opportunities to build on and grow our work with families, children and young people; maintaining and perhaps further developing our bereavement ministry; nurturing our links with wedding couples; thinking about whether we might build on our strong musical tradition, especially in our outreach, which could be through holding concerts, or special services, or considering different musical offerings in worship.
We also need to think about how we continue and develop the on-line worship and use of social media that have begun during the pandemic. Finally, we need to look at the church building as a whole in the light of all this and consider how it best serves our mission and ministry. So, exciting times ahead, with lots of potential.
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Finally, although my move to Selly Oak and Induction Service on 9[th] February 2020 both seem a long time ago now, I’d like to say thank you so much for your welcome, your ongoing support, and your patience whilst I have tried to get to know you all whilst also enabling us to navigate our way through a pandemic. Thank you too for all that you contribute in so many different ways to our church life together.
Revd Hazel White
## **2. Altar servers, lesson readers, intercessors and lay assistants**
## **Altar Servers**
There are currently only eleven servers, however, due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic servers have not taken part in any services since mid-March 2020.
## **Lesson Readers**
During the pandemic we have been fortunate to have a group of nine members of the congregation who read the first and second lessons at the 10:00 service.
## **Intercessors**
The intercessions at the 10:00 have been led by members of the ministry team and two members of the congregation..
## **Lay Assistants**
Due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic the congregation have not been able to take the chalice since mid-March 2020. However, when the pandemic restrictions are lifted there is a group of eight church members who are licensed to assist with the administration of the chalice at communion services. One of those members is also licensed to support the clergy by taking home communion to the sick and housebound. The role of deacon, which includes leading the prayers of preparation during the first part of the Parish Communion and the reading of the gospel at the 10:00 service, is carried out by two lay members of the church as well as members of the clergy.
_Richard Edmonds, March 2021_
## **3. Baptisms**
Baptisms were held as planned up to March, but the many baptisms planned for later in the year have been postponed.
Revd. David Parker
## **4. Bereavement chaplaincy**
Our small yet dedicated group of Bereavement Carers have as always, continued to contact families when a member of our clergy has taken a funeral for their loved one.
In a year when it has been a challenge for families to plan a funeral and make some difficult decisions about who might attend a service due to limited numbers, our bereavement carers have provided a much needed and special contact for over 50 families.
Our bereavement carers call a family and might then be someone who listens to the story a family member needs to share, or hear a concern a family member has, but they never know until they make that telephone call, of how a conversation might be. It can also be that the family member is not ready to talk or does not feel the need to share anything, but they know we continued to remember them after the funeral.
We have been unable to plan and have a memorial service in church, since our last one in November 2019. For families who were unable to invite no more than 6 people to a funeral during 2020 and now invite just 30 mourners, a memorial service might eventually provide an opportunity for families to come and be together to say farewell and remember their loved one.
Our thanks go to the members of our Bereavement Group who are willing to step into the fragile world of those who are bereaved; this is a valuable and valued ministry.
Revd. Jayne Adams
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## **5. Book group**
Book Group took place as usual at Sheila Skeeles’ flat in Bridgewater Court in the first couple of months of 2020. We read:
January: _The Second Sleep_ – Robert Harris
February: _Emma_ – Jane Austen
With the onset of the first lockdown in March, the group was temporarily suspended, with our planned novel for April – _A Single Thread_ by Tracy Chevalier – read by most members of the group but not discussed.
In January 2021 we resumed Book Group on Zoom. Whilst sadly meaning that Sheila has not been able to join in, we have gained new members, George and Laura, which has been great. Books read so far:
January 2021: _The Trouble with Goats and Sheep_ – Joanna Cannon
February 2021: _The End of the Affair_ – Graham Greene March 2021: _Go Set a Watchman_ – Harper Lee
April 2021: _Sacred Hearts_ – Susan Dunant
Whilst not the same as meeting in person, the online sessions have gone really well and been enjoyed by all. We will continue for the next few months like this, perhaps looking to resume face-to-face meetings in September.
Kate Cheyney
## **6. Choir / organ**
I don’t think I’ve ever written a report like this, and I hope I will never have to again! The covid restrictions have meant that we have been unable to sing as a choir for the last 12 months. For all of us involved in music, a very depressing scenario. A few of our choristers have had the virus, and although symptoms take some time to disappear, fortunately no really serious outcomes. Hilda was seriously ill (not covid related) and spent 2 months in hospital having 3 operations. Fortunately, she has made a good recovery, and I thank you all for the prayers and support you’ve given us.
For brief times during the easing of lockdowns, we have been able to have a soloist singing during the communion services, and for a few weeks, a quartet, but the inevitable social distancing makes singing as an ‘ensemble’ very difficult. Similarly, we had a few choir practices spread out in the north aisle. Fortunately, I have been able to play the organ to add some music to the services, but time restrictions do not allow for any significant voluntaries. The one redeeming feature for our life at St Mary’s has been the appointment of Vicar Hazel, who has guided and supported us with great sensitivity through this difficult period.
As mentioned in last year’s report, we introduced ‘ _Friday News’_ , a weekly bulletin which ran until the end of July, with contributions plus photos from most of the choristers. We now follow this up with a monthly _‘Notice Board’_ giving information for choristers. In the early part of lockdown, I occupied myself composing a new musical setting of the _Jubilate_ (Psalm 100), and when we’re back to singing as a choir, will inflict it on the choir and congregation! My other occupation, along with several of the other choir members, has been _Lego_ constructions. It’s almost been competitive, with bigger and better models and Paul Bradley excelling at his own creations. Since the start of 2021, in lieu of our Friday choir practice in church, we have held a fortnightly Zoom session, to be able to meet together socially, and have invited a few of our past choristers to join in.
The comings and goings of choristers in this difficult year has just one item. Alison joined the sopranos and was able to join us for our online Carol Service. It is my hope that as and when we are able to return to ‘normal’ singing, all our choristers will be able to return to us. We will also be looking to welcome new members into the choir, to strengthen all the voice parts, and to seek to recruit students to join the choir at the start of the next academic year. Our one highlight of the year was, with Ben Reeves’ professional help, the recording and subsequent YouTube transmission of an abbreviated Carol Service. A memorable event with the choristers widely spaced in the chancel and nave on what must have been one of the coldest days of the year. It did seem to be well received by the online congregation, but I wouldn’t want to have to do it again! My thanks to all choristers who’ve managed to keep in touch, and especially to Kate for the excellent support she’s given me during this difficult year.
**The Organ** continues in the care of Paul Daly, Pipe Organ Maintenance and Tuning Services, who have fortunately been able to continue despite the lockdown and have kept the organ well in tune. With varying temperatures, the organ’s internal humidifier will need to be re-located when things get back to normal. I am greatly encouraged that St Mary’s PCC judges the upkeep of the organ to be important in its many other
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priorities. As mentioned before, in due course a schedule of cleaning and dust removal from the interior of the organ will need to be carried out by the organ builders, but this is not currently an urgent issue.
John Stormont. Organist & Choirmaster.
## **7. Church flowers**
There were no flowers in Church during the first Lockdown and we resumed flower arranging in July. This coincided with Lorraine (our Lead Flower Arranger) moving to Wales and June (who had arranged the flowers in Church for many years) deciding to take a break due to health problems. They are both very much missed. This left Jane and Kirsty who have continued arranging the flowers on a fortnightly basis since. Jane and her husband did a wonderful job decorating the Church at Christmas.
We have been trying to move away from using Oasis due to environmental reasons and are hoping to look at sourcing more material locally.
The Flower Fund currently stands at £1034.59. We have received one or two very kind donations but there has not been much increase to the Fund as there have been very few weddings.
It would be good to have a bigger team and we are hoping that in future we might be able to ask for more helpers and perhaps make requests for donations from time to time via the This Week Sheet.
## **8. Church hall**
At the start of the year we were looking forward to building on the success of the previous year, with the increased income enabling us to undertake various projects to improve the look of the Hall and to make it more attractive to potential hirers. The Hall had continued to be used by Church and outside organisations, including GBNFC-Children’s Centre, who provide support to new mothers and babies, the Kid’s Club and Pre-school group and other social groups.
Unfortunately, along with all other enterprises, the onset of Covid with its associated lockdowns has had a big impact upon what we have been able to manage. GBNFC-Children’s Centre have not been back since the lockdown started, and the Kid’s Club and Pre-school group had to shut down for a period of time, but they were able to restart during the partial lockdown, after a full risk assessment, as they were providing further support to families who had children attending St Mary’s School.
There has been some improvement work undertaken, including further repairs to the roller shutter, and replacement of damaged glazing. As we had been provided with replacement kitchen furniture, it was agreed that this year we should completely refurbish the kitchen, and this work has started, but because of the Covid restrictions it has not been possible to complete this, but this should be finished off in the coming year.
I remain grateful to Gerald Fage for his services as Hall Manager and continuing supervision of contractors working on the site and to the whole committee for their contribution to the running of the hall.
George Harrison
## **9. Fabric**
The following is a summary of work undertaken in 2020
1. **External church building and grounds** .
- a. Routine maintenance carried out by volunteers included hedge cutting, strimming of drive, sweeping leaves from drive, pruning of plants, nettles, ferns, grass against church walls, weeds on hall drive and mowing of lawns. Further maintenance of the graveyard has been undertaken by the City Council as they are responsible for this as the graveyard is closed.
- b. Malfunctioning lights have been repaired in the Church drive.
- c. Low level guttering has been cleared but the high level guttering requires the use of a cherry picker for the safety of the operative and will be dealt with early in 2021.
2. **Internal Church work** .
- a. Contracted church cleaning, organ tuning, photocopier and alarm system service have continued.
- b. Volunteers have continued to maintain flowers, floor polishing, silverware, altar dressing and kitchen equipment.
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3. **Church tower and roof** . In 2019, damage was caused to the church roof because of falling masonry from the tower. A survey was undertaken which showed that there was damage as a result of the degradation of steel bands which had been used at the time when the tower was built. These needed to be replaced. At the same time, it was noted that the poise weight was fixed by a steel rod, and that this should also be removed and replaced by a lockdown system. Faculty was obtained at the end of 2019 and the work to effect the repairs commenced in January 2020. The work on the spire and tower was completed in June. During this work, all loose stone on the outside of the tower were removed. The tower is under review by the Church Architect for the necessity to replace any significantly damaged stonework. It has been necessary to replace damaged tiles on part of the roof over the south transept.
4. **Heating system** . As reported previously, the PCC had decided to seek Faculty for the development of a gas-fired heating system to replace the current oil-fired system. An initial proposal was presented to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for approval. However, because Synod decided in February 2020 to bring forward the date at which the Church of England should be carbon neutral to 2030, the DAC decided that not sufficient assessment of low-carbon heating systems had been considered, and therefore the request for Faculty was turned down and the PCC was advised to get the input of a building services contractor to consider other potential options.
As a result, it was agreed by the PCC to instruct Laura Bishop, a building services contractor, to produce a report on the potential systems for providing heating to the church. This report gave details of various other options including ground source heat pumps, gas, oil and biomass. These have since been considered by the PCC, and further investigations will be made before making an informal approach to the DAC for further guidance.
5. **Windows.** The possibility of secondary double glazing to the windows is still under consideration and options for this are to be considered in association with the Parish Surveyor.
6. **Gutters and Drains** . One of the down-pipes from guttering outside the north vestry door has been severely corroded and this has been replaced. Minor leaks in other down-pipes have been sealed.
7. **Sound System** . Subsequent to the lockdowns imposed by Covid, it became apparent that the ways of providing services in a way which would make them more accessible to people who could not be present physically. One of the problems has been the quality of the sound system, which has not always been adequate, and it was considered that before doing anything else, the sound system needed to be reassessed for its appropriateness. Information on possible systems is being sought.
George Harrison
## **10. Health and Safety**
## **Accidents reported:**
- None reported.
## **Work regularly carried out to prevent accidents includes:**
- Gritting/clearing of paths during icy conditions
- Checking on loose masonry after storms
- Regular fire extinguisher checks; extinguishers fitted correctly in new places
- Loose tiles checked and re-mortared where required
- CCTV cameras checked periodically
- Walk around church at least once (ideally twice) annually by church warden and health and safety officer performing overall H and S audit of premises
## **Future improvements/things to note:**
- New lighting for outside path to toilet under consideration, but on hold until more normal services resume
- Frequent Covid Health and Safety risk assessments have taken place since last summer. Stewards in place for all services, overseeing safe movement of congregation in, out and around building
## **Safeguarding:**
- This comes under a separate heading, with new guidelines issued by the C of E and diocese. Serious incidents, if any occurred, would also be reported separately.
- Kate Cheyney
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## **11. Junior church**
This year has been an unusual year for us all, and Junior Church has looked very different, but we have been able to keep going and maintain most of our regular members. We currently have a membership of about 5-7 families and about 10-14 children.
We started weekly Zoom sessions at the beginning of the first lockdown in March 2020, and these have been very successful. It was helpful to all families to have a regular weekly commitment, and we did our best to replicate the format, beginning with our usual prayers, followed by a bible reading or some teaching related to the gospel, a simple craft activity, some singing and prayers to finish. Our leaders have become creative at finding games and activities to engage the children online and it has worked extremely well. The continuity of these sessions has helped us to see the children growing and developing their understanding of our faith across the year.
Once church reopened for services, we made the decision to continue our online services, as we felt that the services in church would not be as easy for families to attend, with social distancing being more of a challenge. We have enjoyed being back in church once again for family services, although not all families have felt able to attend in person at all times. At Christmas, we managed a different kind of nativity service, with children remaining in their family groups in the pews, but with most of the children being a little bit older, they were able to take on more words to read, and with costumes too it was well received and didn’t feel like too much of a compromise.
We are unsure when we may be able to start meeting in church again as normal, and in recent weeks people have been busier with catching up with family outside so our weekly meetings have become less frequent. We are hoping to meet shortly and make a new rota for services, whether they are to take place online or in the church hall once again. We have a small number of people who are happy to lead sessions, but it would help to expand this group. Leading the online sessions has been generally easier and less time consuming, and it may be that once people are returning to more of their other activities and commitments, it may be harder to find enough leaders to run sessions each week.
In spite of Junior Church not being able to meet in person, regular contact with other families during our Zoom sessions has helped the children and parents to maintain a sense of community and belonging with St Mary’s. Input from Hazel and Jayne in some of our sessions has really helped this. We have also been delighted to welcome a couple of new families who have become regular attenders online and who havealso been to church in person on a couple of occasions. The Whatsapp group has been invaluable in communicating the details for the meetings, and giving some advance notice of items needed to complete the activities. We have a couple of families who have found it difficult to attend online sessions and we hope that the regular communication we have had online will help them to feel able to return once we are back to our normal sessions. We are very much looking forward to having the children back in church each week once we can.
Sarah Herbert
## **12. Kids club and preschool**
## **13. PCC secretary**
The PCC met in person in January and September 2020, and met via Teams throughout the rest of the year. This unfortunately made it impossible for some people to join, so in line with Church of England guidelines, votes were held following the meetings by email. There were also communications by email where PCC members were asked to vote on proposed measures to manage the changing Covid situation. As well as receiving reports relating to finance, fabric, and other church matters, much of the activity of the PCC over 2020 was in relation to the pandemic and the risk assessments associated with it. All proposed changes to practice and restrictions were scrutinised and all actual changes were approved by the PCC. Unfortunately, the difficult circumstances of the past 18 months have led to four resignations from the PCC: Lynette France, Irene Quinn, Julie Charlwood and Simon Charlwood. We will miss their valuable contribution.
Susan Hunston
## **14. Safeguarding**
The Parochial Church Council continues to comply with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in terms of training and its adoption of diocesan policy. All required persons are either up to date or in process of being so with diocesan training. Our Parish Identify Verifier, Suzanne
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Johnston, continues to ensure that all members of the PCC (and others required) have up to date checks and certificates from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Our Safeguarding Policy, Domestic Abuse Policy and Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement were reviewed and adopted at the PCC Meeting in January 2021. Annual reviews of these documents will take place to ensure we are in compliance with legislation, guidance and best practice. The most recent documents can be found on the church website and copies displayed at the back of church.
The following documents will be presented to PCC for approval on 25th May 2021:
- Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy Statement
- Safeguarding Complaints Procedure
- Safeguarding Action Plan (as required)
We have recently subscribed to and started to use the online Parish Safeguarding Dashboard to help us keep track of safeguarding at St. Mary’s, keep us up to date with local and national changes in safeguarding guidance and ensure we are fully compliant with church and legal requirements.
As we, hopefully, emerge from what has been an incredibly difficult and testing time for many I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation to all those in our Ministry Team and the wider congregation who have taken the time to support and reach out to those who are vulnerable, and whose vulnerability increased during the various periods of lockdown.
Martin Sorby Churchwarden and Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator
## **15. Social committee**
Social Committee has had a somewhat more relaxing time in 2020 than they would have hoped for! In short, due to Covid restrictions, no social events have been planned or held since February 2020, when we were extremely lucky to present the pantomime – _Puss in Boots_ – with just fortnight to spare before churches closed.
Some initial thoughts about a Pentecost Picnic have also been postponed. If government plans for restrictions to be lifted in June go ahead, some sort of outdoor social gathering will be planned for the summer.
Kate Cheyney
## **16. Stewardship**
Our total income from planned giving in 2020 was £58,268. This comes from 61 planned givers:
- 36 give through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS)
- 19 give through standing order
- 6 give through the envelope scheme
Most of our stewardship income comes through the PGS. While we are grateful for all financial donations, we would like to encourage people to move from standing order and the envelope scheme to the PGS.
We hope to hold a Stewardship Sunday during the summer. This will give us an opportunity not only to thank members of our church for their giving but will also allow us to remind people of the benefits of planned giving through the PGS and to make them aware that joining the PGS can now be done online or by telephone.
Laura Hart
## **17. Way group**
The Way Group meets on the second Monday of the month from 7.30 -9 at one of the groups’ houses. Each month we have a topic for discussion led by one of the members. These can be very wide ranging but in the general area of spirituality. Sometimes, usually during Lent or maybe after our summer break, we choose a book to read and discuss this together.
At our January meeting we discuss the programme for the year. In July we have a communion service followed by a bring food supper. We break for August. At our December meeting we bring Christmas readings and nibbles.
In 2020 the topic for our February meeting was What is Christianity? In March we discussed Lenten Practices. Then, of course, came Lockdown, and we weren’t able to meet.
However we formed a WhatsApp group and I think I would not be the only member of the group to say that I found this a great comfort and support during that strange year. I was particularly grateful to members who sent beautiful pictures of that wonderful spring. We also emailed each other a lot. But by December we wanted more contact than that, so we met on Zoom. It was a joyful reunion.
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Having established that link this year we continued on Zoom. January with the new lockdown we met basically as a support group, but by February we decided to work on a programme for the year modified to work on Zoom. So in March and April we read and discussed the God of Surprises by Gerry Hughes. In May the topic is ‘How We pray’ and in June ‘Someone who has inspired me’. We are hopeful we may be able have our communion and party in July in person.
We are very happy to accept new members so if anyone is interested in joining and would like to know more they can contact me inn church on Sundays or on email mary_cutler@hotmail.com
Mary Cutler
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## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **Receipts and Payments Accounts**
|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY, SELLY OAK**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Receipts**
Stewardship
Stewardship tax
Cash collections
Donations/Grants
Gift Aid tax
Legacies/Memorials
Fundraising
Fees
Interest
Church hall
Ringers
**Total Receipts**
**Payments**
Charity donations
Common Fund
Clergy Expense
Parsonage
Services
Church running
Maintenance/repair
Education/training
Staff
Churchyard
Administration
Church hall
Ringers
**Total Payments**
**Excess of Receipts over**
**Payments**
**Transfers between funds**
**Funds at 1 January**
**Funds at 31 December**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**|**Designated**
**Funds**|**Restricted**
**Funds**|**Total 2020**|**Total 2019**|
||**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
47,201
47,201
46,558
11,067
11,067
11,372
2,880
2,880
6,710
4,293
62
4,355
12,607
1,553
1,553
3,607
40,683
100
40,783
118,951
297
111
408
1,806
3,456
515
3,971
8,722
1,433
1,433
1,249
11,429
11,429
19,826
114
114
533|||||
||**72,181**
**52,112**
**903**
**125,195**
**231,941**|||||
||2,800
2,800
2,800
49,810
49,810
56,655
588
588
2,502
2,502
84
840
490
1,330
1,469
15,315
15,315
20,022
230
20,504
2,599
23,333
32,305
505
18
523
800
4,420
4,420
4,710
723
723
719
1,018
1,018
933
12,579
12,579
23,296
279
279
255|||||
||**78,751**
**33,083**
**3,387**
**115,221**
**144,048**|||||
||-6,570
19,029
-2,484
9,974
87,893
304,970
212,866
30,359
548,195
460,303|||||
||**298,400**
**231,894**
**27,875**
**558,170**
**548,195**|||||
|||||||
## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 December 2020**
|**Fixed Assets**
Church hall and contents
**Current Assets**
HSBC current account
CBF deposit account
Parsonage redecoration scheme
Church Hall account
Ringers account
**Total Assets**
**Less Current Liabilities**
Childrens' Society
Christian Aid
Service fees
**Total Net Assets**
**Unrestricted Funds**
General Fund
**Designated Funds**
Hall
Legacies & Memorials
**Restricted Funds**
Organ
Drive
Flower
Fabric
Bereavement
Youth
Choir
Ringers
Hall Building
**Total Funds**|**2020**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
267,289
267,289
14,753
28,885
270,000
249,000
1,049
2,554
3,826
4,976
3,794
3,959
560,712
556,664
2,542
2,542
8,469
**558,170**
**548,195**
298,400
304,970
3,826
4,976
228,068
207,890
231,894
5,592
5,868
2,313
2,393
1,059
1,481
12,845
14,441
545
545
301
219
1,428
1,454
3,794
3,959
27,875
**558,170**
**548,195**|**2020**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
267,289
267,289
14,753
28,885
270,000
249,000
1,049
2,554
3,826
4,976
3,794
3,959|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||**558,170**
**548,195**|
£267,289 of the General Fund represents the church hall and contents. The disposable value of the General Fund is therefore only £31,111.34.
## **APPROVED by the Parochial Church Council on 23 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by**
**Rev'd Hazel White George Harrison Vicar Churchwarden**
INDEPENDENT EXAMtNER'S REPORT TO THE MEKBERSTfRUSTEES OF
THE PCC OF ST MARY SELLY OAK
I report on the acwunts for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and IDdepend¢nt Examiner
As trustees of the charity. the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the
Charities Art 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an indcpendent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility
to examine the accoEmts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity
Commissioners in sec1ion 145{5Xb) of the 2011 A¢t
to State whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner's report
My ¢xamination w&s carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the
chlty Commission. An examination includes a r¢view of the accounting records kept by
the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes
consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations
from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide
all the ¢vidence that would be required in a full audit and consequently I do not express an
audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent examiner's stateTuent
In connectton with my examination no matters have come to my attention which give me
reasonable cause to believe that in any rnaterial respect the requirements to keep accounting
records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and to prepare accounts in line with
these records have not been met or to which in my opinion attention should be drawn in order
to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
{signed).........
David Loveday
35 Bristol Road South
BirtninJo anl
B312GH
Independent Fxamin¢r
Date..
- 3(Jl