## St John the Baptist Church
## Baxenden
Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings 2022
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## Contents
Contents ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 Agenda: Annual Vestry Meeting ........................................................................................................................ 3 Agenda: Annual Parochial Church Meeting ....................................................................................................... 3 Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting held on 23[rd] May 2021 in church ........................................................ 4 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 23[rd] May 2021 in church. ...................................... 5 Vicar’s Report ................................................................................................................................................... 10 PCC Annual Report 2021 .................................................................................................................................. 12 Treasurer's Report for 2021 ............................................................................................................................. 15 Fabric Report .................................................................................................................................................... 25 Deanery Synod Report ..................................................................................................................................... 26 Children and Youth Report .............................................................................................................................. 27 Safeguarding .................................................................................................................................................... 29 Governors' Report ............................................................................................................................................ 32
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**Accrington St. Paul’s and Baxenden St. John’s Special Parochial Church Meeting**
## Agenda: Annual Vestry Meeting
1. Apologies for absence.
2. To agree the minutes of the last Annual Vestry Meetings:
St. Paul’s on 24[th] May 2021.
St. John’s on 23[rd] May 2021.
3. To elect two Church Wardens for each church.
## Agenda: Annual Parochial Church Meeting
1. Apologies for absence.
2. To agree the minutes of the last Annual Parochial Church Meetings:
- St. Paul’s on 24[th] May 2021.
- St. John’s on 23[rd] May 2021.
3. To elect 3 Deanery Synod representatives (one year only).
4. Decisions
- a. Whether both LLM (Readers) are ex-officio, or one and the other may stand for election if they wish
- b. Agree terms of office for elected PCC members
- c To elect 6 Parochial Church Council members from each church _._
5.
- To appoint the Independent Financial Examiner or Auditor.
6.
- To appoint Sides Persons
7. To consider:
## a. Vicar’s report;
- b. Revised Electoral Roll;
- c. Annual Report of the proceedings of the two Parochial Church Councils;
- d. Financial Statements of the _two_ Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31[st] December 2021;
- e. Annual report of the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of each church;
- f. Report of the proceedings of the Deanery Synod;
- g. Report of the proceedings of the Children’s and Youth work of the two churches;
- h. Report on Safeguarding provision in both churches;
- i. Other matters of Parochial or general Church interest.
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**St. John the Baptist Church, Baxenden**
Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting held on 23[rd] May 2021 in church
## **Present (a disappointing 16):**
Patricia Wilkinson (Chair), Diane Clough (Church Warden), Barry Grimes, Roger Longworth, Chris Gascoigne, Dave Finch, Sheila Finch, Mark Brockbank, Val Eland, Pete Teasdale, Joyce Teasdale, John Massey, Pat Massey, Marion Wilkinson, Dorothy Brown, Ian Rushton (PCC Secretary).
The Chair opened the meeting in prayer and with a reading from Romans 12: 3 – 8.
## **1. Apologies for absence.**
Apologies were received from: Janet Robinson, David Wilkinson, Pam Stewart, Sally Knott, Paul & Rebecca Pountain, Brian & Lorraine Mercer, Paul Brown, Maureen Westwell, Cath Quinn.
## **2. Accuracy of the minutes of the last Annual Vestry Meeting.**
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record as follows:
|Proposal|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Vestry meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Vestry meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Vestry meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Vestry meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Vestry meeting on 24thOctober 2020|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|John Massey||Seconded by|Joyce Teasdale||
|For|8|Against|1|Abstained|3|
|Carried||||||
## **3. Election of two Church Wardens.**
Diane Clough offered to continue as Church Warden for one more year, was proposed by Marion Wilkinson, seconded by Barry Grimes and elected with no objections.
Both the Chair and the Warden reminded the meeting that it was untenable and unfair to expect Diane to continue for another year without the required second Church Warden and again appealed for all members of the church family to continue praying for, and seeking out, a second Warden.
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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 23[rd] May 2021 in church.
## **Present**
Patricia Wilkinson (Chair), Diane Clough (Church Warden), Barry Grimes, Roger Longworth, Chris Gascoigne, Dave Finch, Sheila Finch, Mark Brockbank, Val Eland, Pete Teasdale, Joyce Teasdale, John Massey, Pat Massey, Marion Wilkinson, Dorothy Brown, Ian Rushton (PCC Secretary).
## **1. Apologies for absence.**
Apologies were received from: Janet Robinson, David Wilkinson, Pam Stewart, Sally Knott, Paul & Rebecca Pountain, Brian & Lorraine Mercer, Paul Brown, Maureen Westwell, Cath Quinn.
## **2. Accuracy of the minutes of the last Annual Parochial Church Meeting.**
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record (by those who attended) as follows:
|Proposal|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Parochial Church Meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Parochial Church Meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Parochial Church Meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Parochial Church Meeting on 24thOctober 2020|The minutes be accepted as an accurate record of the last Annual
Parochial Church Meeting on 24thOctober 2020|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|John Massey||Seconded by|Dave Finch||
|For|8|Against||Abstained|5|
|Carried||||||
## **3. Election of two Deanery Synod representatives.**
The following two were proposed, seconded and elected unopposed as Deanery Synod representatives as follows:
|Proposal|That Roger Longworth be|elected as Deanery Synod representative|elected as Deanery Synod representative|
|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|Marion Wilkinson|Seconded by|Sheila Finch|
|||||
|Proposal|That Marion Wilkinson be elected as Deanery Synod
representative|||
|Proposed by|John Massey|Seconded by|Diane Clough|
## **4. Election of Parochial Church Council members.**
Following some initial confusion regarding the number of PCC vacancies, the Chair confirmed that there
were a total of six vacancies for elected members of the PCC and apologised that the agenda and “Form” stipulated four.
The following five were proposed, seconded and elected unopposed to serve on the PCC for one year:
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|Proposal|That John Massey be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|That John Massey be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|That John Massey be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|
|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|Sheila Finch|Seconded by|Val Eland|
|Proposal|That Joyce Teasdale be elected as Parochial Church Council
member.|That Joyce Teasdale be elected as Parochial Church Council
member.|That Joyce Teasdale be elected as Parochial Church Council
member.|
|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|Marion Wilkinson|Seconded by|David Wilkinson|
|Proposal|That Sally Knott be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|That Sally Knott be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|That Sally Knott be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|
|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|Marion Wilkinson|Seconded by|Diane Clough|
|||||
|Proposal|That Mark Brockbank be elected as Parochial Church Council
member.|||
|Proposed by|Marion Wilkinson|Seconded by|David Wilkinson|
|||||
|Proposal|That Ian Rushton be elected as Parochial Church Council member.|||
|Proposed by|Patricia Wilkinson|Seconded by|Diane Clough|
The first general meeting of the new PCC was noted as Thursday 10[th] June 2021 at 7.30pm on Zoom.
## **5. Appointment of the Independent Financial Examiner or Auditor.**
Jacqui Creig was appointed as follows:
|Proposal|That Jacqui Creig be appointed as the Independent Auditor.|That Jacqui Creig be appointed as the Independent Auditor.|That Jacqui Creig be appointed as the Independent Auditor.|That Jacqui Creig be appointed as the Independent Auditor.|That Jacqui Creig be appointed as the Independent Auditor.|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|Barry Grimes||Seconded by|Roger Longworth||
|For|16|Against||Abstained||
|Carried unanimously||||||
## **6. Appointment of Sides Persons.**
The meeting noted that there had been a low response to the annual call for parishioners to volunteer as sides persons (although this came as no surprise to PCC members and Service Leaders). Diane Clough reminded the meeting that others, not considered here, can be co-opted at the next general PCC meeting and any interested parties should contact her beforehand.
The following were proposed, seconded and appointed to serve as sides persons until the next APCM:
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|Pat Massey|David Hayslop|David Wilkinson|Ian Rushton|
|---|---|---|---|
|Susan Hayslop|Val Eland|Marion Wilkinson|Lorraine Mercer|
|Brian Mercer|Jerard Knott
Mark Brockbank
Dorothy Brown|||
## **7. The meeting considered:**
- a. the revised Electoral Roll. No questions were raised for the Electoral Roll Secretary.
- b. the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council.
There were no comments or questions on the report and it was accepted by the meeting as follows:
|Proposal|That the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church
Council be accepted|That the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church
Council be accepted|That the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church
Council be accepted|That the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church
Council be accepted|That the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Parochial Church
Council be accepted|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Proposed by|John Massey||Seconded by|Barry Grimes||
|For|16|Against||Abstained||
|Carried unanimously||||||
- c. the Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31[st] December 2020.
The Treasurer gave an oral presentation, leading the meeting through the Treasurer’s Report and the 2020 Accounts as enclosed in the APCM pack, and highlighting some key points of note for the next PCC as follows:
The church has not paid any tithes to individual beneficiaries this year (although the Parish Share is considered by the Diocese to be a tithe component).
The £5,000 bequest from the late Mrs. Hope’s estate (re: Minutes from 13/8/2020) needs to be allocated to a tangible and appropriate project.
The Reserves Policy of maintaining a £14,000 balance of unrestricted funds (held to smooth fluctuations and meet emergencies, was currently £12,465.
There were no comments or questions regarding the report or accounts and the Treasurer thanked Mark Brockbank, John Massey and Roger Longworth for their support.
It should also be noted that the Treasurer will be stepping down from the role before the next APCM in 2022.
d. the annual report of the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church.
Roger Longworth asked if any areas of dry rot have been stripped of plaster but not treated. Pete Teasdale replied that there was, and that they would be treated in time when the building work is able to resume.
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Diane Clough commented that the dry rot appeared to have either vanished or not developed further in affected areas.
There were no other comments or questions regarding the report and the Church Warden thanked Pete Teasdale, David Gregory and the Wardens’ Assistants for their support over the last year, one which has been difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
e. the report of the proceedings of the Deanery Synod.
There were no comments or questions regarding the report.
f. a report of the proceedings of the Day School Governors.
John Massey, as Chair of Governors, expressed his thanks to the staff, parents and Governors of the school for their contributions over the last year.
There were no other comments or questions regarding the report.
g. a report of the proceedings of the Children’s and Youth work of the church.
There were no comments or questions regarding the report.
h. a report on Safeguarding provision in the church.
A brief discussion arose concerning the difficulties of training the Pastoral Team via Zoom and updating their DBS records during the pandemic, all of which will be done as a priority once restrictions have been fully lifted.
There were no other comments or questions regarding the report.
i. other matters of Parochial or general Church interest.
With the exception of Pete Teasdale remarking that the glass in the vicarage vestibule door is in some way illegal (Diane Clough to check with the Diocese [one wonders how he would know such a thing]), the only topic of interest was that of the process of finding a new incumbent. Here, a healthy discussion ensued where the Chair worked hard (wearing her Parish Representative hat) to clarify progress towards a joint parish with St. Paul’s in response to the following questions:
## _**Pete Teasdale: “Why is there no information coming out of St. John’s regarding finding a new incumbent? I have to go to the website of St Paul’s to find anything out”.**_
The Chair replied that a report to the PCC on this was an agenda item at each business meeting and that the PCC also meet fortnightly between business meetings to receive interim reports on progress. There was a suggestion that the Signal Church Information tool be used as a means of keeping parishioners updated regularly and in a speedy manner. The Chair also gave an update on the progress of the Joint Parish Profile (JPP) which had gone to the Archdeacon for his comments and was currently with the Bishop awaiting his comments before being returned to both Parishes for editing into the final JPP when both PCCs can comment on it. There had been one early expression of interest, all five representatives had spoken with her informally and all agreed that her interest would not be “progressed” as a potential application since there was no appetite for a single applicant, as the previous two vicars had been.
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## _**John Massey: “Is there a timeline for the process of finding a new incumbent?”**_
The Chair replied that much depended on the speed of the Bishop’s response to the draft JPP but, once it has has been received and agreed, there would be a national advertisement (allow one month for responses) then shortlisting and interviews. The Archdeacon had told the PCC (see Minutes for 7/1/21) that a new incumbent could possibly be in place between September and December ‘21 although, currently, Advent was a more realistic target than September.
## _**Chris Gascoigne: “Why are we waiting for the Joint Parish Profile?”**_
Because the Bishop needs to comment on the draft that we sent.
“Can anyone push him?”
No.
## _**Roger Longworth: “Will the new PCC see the Joint Parish Profile?”**_
Yes, but the Archdeacon and Bishop have to comment on it (the Archdeacon having already done so) so the draft that we currently have is likely to change.
## _**Dave Finch: “What can you tell us about the enquirer for the post?”**_
The Chair repeated her earlier comments that all the representatives who met her had reservations since she might be the only candidate.
## _**Dorothy Brown: “Which Vicarage will the new vicar live in?”**_
The Diocese will be making that decision.
There being no other questions or comments, the Chair ended the meeting with prayers and a reading from Ephesians 3: 14 – 21.
The meeting closed at 2.50pm.
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## Vicar’s Report
I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the parishes of St John’s and St Paul’s. Richard and I have settled here well and enjoyed our new home, the beautiful scenery and the friendly people.
Highlights for me have been working with leaders in both churches, identifying future leaders, Accrington Christians Together, the Keep Fit group at St Paul’s and the opportunities to do lots of baptisms and funerals.
During the first four months my focus has been on getting to know people and I have done this mainly through home visits to as many people as possible. I have heard your stories, shared your griefs, prayed with you and hoped for the future. It has been an immense privilege to meet so many committed and godly folk.
## **Church Oversight**
I have worked hard with both PCCs to bring the two churches together and it is hoped that this initial phase will be complete by the time this report is read. I want to pay tribute to the members of the smaller joint groups that have put a lot of time and effort in to make this happen. Thank you!
I want to create a new structure to church oversight that devolves responsibility to smaller specialist subgroups; for example, fabric, finance, pastoral care, prayer, worship, preaching, outreach, discipleship. They will meet on an ad hoc basis reporting into the PCC. The PCC will meet less frequently and will take more of a steering/advisory role. I have also created an advisory team for each church (with the hope that in time this will be one team for both churches), who will meet regularly with myself for prayer, discernment and direction for each church. This will again report into the PCC.
**Fabric and Finance** are critical areas for us and without proper attention will stop us from moving forward in mission. I intend to be teaching about ‘giving’ and am attending a seminar with our treasurer on how to introduce the Parish Giving Scheme. I hope by forming a fabric team across both churches and by being part of the new Parish Renewal scheme launched by +Philip that we will find ways to improve our situation.
## **Worship**
Behind the scenes I have been reviewing our services, preachers, worship leaders and liturgy and this has led to a group forming to support preachers and another group forming to support worship and service preparation across both churches. We are about to finish our first sermon series called ‘The Church – the hope of the world’. It has been a great pleasure to see others preach on the series at both churches and to introduce some new worship leaders. We return to the lectionary around the major festival of Easter but hope to have a new series either over summer or in the new school year. At St John’s we hope to re-start the worship band and prayer ministry very soon and are exploring re-introducing more formal communion services once a month on a Sunday and once a month during the week. At St Paul’s we hope to re-launch Café Church and are considering how to draw children and families back to the church.
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## **Discipleship**
I am seeking to strengthen our discipleship – this has included organising a Lent course, setting up a group that will have responsibility for prayer in both churches (they will take a lead on ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ this year) and seeking to re-launch some of our home groups. Paul Harcourt, Head of New Wine, said last year, ‘The church of the future will not be churches that offer home groups, but churches that are made up of home groups’. I hope that every regular member of the church would be part of some sort of home group. This is the best place for discipleship, prayer, outreach, pastoral care and encouragement.
## **Outreach**
We are seeking to find ways to share the love of God in our community in practical ways, like our excellent work in schools, the Jubilee celebrations and exploring introducing Kintsugi Hope – a Christian organisation that seeks to offer hope to those who are lonely, have mental health issues or bereaved. I hope to develop both a Wedding Prep’ day and a Baptism Prep’ day with a team from both churches that will enhance our outreach to non- church families. I want to build on our links with schools and am exploring re-starting the toddler group at St Paul’s with a small team.
I have given support to ‘Ave a Cuppa, Foodbank and hope that I can work with a team who have a heart to reach out to those who are not yet Christians. I was delighted to be part of the Hope for Hyndburn mission with five girls staying at our house for the mission and I was able to support their work in our churches, our schools, work with men and women and then being part of the evangelism on the streets, the youth event and the communications workshop and the final Comedy evening. I am organising the After Mission Enquirers course – Hope Explored.
## **Developing Leaders**
I have come along side our present leaders and those with potential to encourage and support them. I am also identifying new leaders for PCC, to be church wardens and to lead sub-groups. I have always been involved in this role and hope to widen the base of those who are active in church. I have to pay tribute to those who have faithfully and valiantly kept the churches going through Covid and after the resignation of Tom Donaghue.
## **Children and Families**
Our churches will only grow if we invest in attracting children and families. I am so grateful to the leaders at both churches who have given time and love to children over the last years. My priority is to find ways to disciple the parents and to ensure the services we offer meet the needs of those who may only attend church for the sake of their children.
## **What Next**
My priority is to consolidate the work we have done to join our two churches into one parish, so that both churches can grow both numerically and in terms of their faith and discipleship. I will do this through supporting each one of you to enable you to use your gifts, grow in your love of God and share your faith through word and deed. This is my calling and my prayer.
Rev Amanda Marshall, March 2022.
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PCC Annual Report 2021
## **Name of Church** : Baxenden Saint John,
**Correspondence:** PCC Secretary, Baxenden Saint John Church, Church Avenue, Baxenden, Lancashire, BB5 2RQ. **Bankers:** HSBC, 12 Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JH. **Independent Examiner** : Jacqui Creig, Principle Accounting Services Ltd, Suite 1A, Ribble Court, 1 Meadway, Padiham, BB12 7NG.
## **Background**
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the church, although there was no incumbent until November 2021.
Every Church of England church has the same aim: “To promote the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”.
The church’s mission statement is “St John’s is a community church for all ages, moving in the power of the spirit.”
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The membership of our PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar), churchwardens, the reader, two Deanery Synod representatives and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.
All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
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The following people served as members of the PCC in 2021:
|Role|Name|Election date|
|---|---|---|
|Incumbent & Chair
(appointed November 2021)|Rev. Amanda Marshall|Ex-officio|
|Churchwarden & Vice Chair
(April 2018 topresent)|Diane Clough|Ex-officio|
|Churchwarden & Vice Chair|Vacancy|Ex-officio|
|Reader|Patricia Wilkinson|Ex-officio|
|Deanery Synod Rep
(April 2021 topresent)|Roger Longworth|Ex-officio|
|Deanery Synod Rep
(April 2021 topresent)|Marion Wilkinson|Ex-officio|
|Member (April 2021 to present)|Mark Brockbank|Elected|
|Member (April 2021 to present)|Ian Rushton|Elected|
|Member (April 2021 to present)|Sally Knott|Elected|
|Member (April 2021 to present)|Joyce Teasdale|Elected|
|Member (April 2021 to present)|John Massey|Elected|
|Member (April 2019 to present)|Chris Gascoigne|Elected|
|Member (April 2019 to present)|Dave Finch|Elected|
|Member (April 2018 to present)|Barry Grimes|Elected|
Kathleen Quinn stepped down from the PCC for health reasons and Naomi Taylor stepped down as nonelected PCC Secretary.
## **Electoral Roll**
At the end of December 2021 there were 60 names on the electoral role, an increase of five on the previous year.
## **Standing Committee**
The Standing Committee is required by law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings. The Standing committee consisted of: The Vicar; The warden, Diane Clough; the Treasurer, Barry Grimes (then John Massey); and Reader, Patricia Wilkinson; the Secretary, Ian Rushton; and Dave Finch. The
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Standing Committee met once during 2021 to agree emergency repairs to the tower.
## **Annual Review – Highlights**
The full PCC met for 12 business meetings and three extraordinary meetings (relating to the Parish Profile and the Parish Representatives) during 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, meetings were held via Zoom in the first half of the year.
Topics covered at the meetings tended to focus on the delights of: recruiting a new incumbent (against the Diocesan embargo on information, useful or otherwise); preparations for joining with Accrington St. Paul’s as a joint Benefice; the tensions and balances of maintaining a programme of worship to cater for all dietary requirements (and thanks are expressed to Rev. Steve Brown and the Haslingden Team and others for their support); falling income; and maintaining a deteriorating church building that we were, for much of the year, unable to enter.
Many events and activities that were planned or were in the process of being planned continued to be cancelled or postponed due to the corona virus pandemic. During the national lockdown services were held via zoom for the main congregation as well as a separate service at 9.00 am for the younger members of the church family (the only apparent area of church growth in 2021).
There have been a number of costly issues for the PCC to continue addressing including birds in the bell tower, the bell tower “shifting”, dry rot and water ingress into both the cellar and the South entrance.
Following a 12-month interregnum, Rev. Amanda Marshall was appointed as Priest in Charge of Baxenden St. John’s.
We would finally like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church a friendly, lively and well-run community.
On behalf of the PCC
## **Ian Rushton, February 2022**
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Treasurer's Report for 2021
## **Financial Statement**
1. Total receipts on Unrestricted Funds were £55,258 of which £43,378 was Unrestricted Voluntary Donations, and a further £7,589 was from Gift Aid. No Restricted Donations were received this year
2. Planned Giving through banker’s orders was £9,349 down on last year
3. Total income, including tax recovered was £24,600 down on last year
4. £58,350 was spent from Unrestricted Funds to provide the Christian ministry from St. John’s Church, including the contribution to the Diocesan Parish Share that largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy
5. The sum that the churches in the Deanery have to find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is based mainly on a head count of the congregations. We have to find more of the sum at St. John’s as our socio-economic factor is considerably higher than most churches in our Diocese
6. The PCC decided to only pay £37,500 [68.7%] of the requested £54,652 Voluntary Contribution towards our Parish Share
7. Our Giving this year was £3,075 (5.6%) of our Unrestricted Income of £55,258
8. The net result for the year was an excess of payments over receipts of £3,092 on Unrestricted Funds. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31st December on Unrestricted Funds totalled £45,932 of which £25,269 has been set aside to meet the costs of building maintenance, IT equipment, mission & outreach, churchyard trees and cellar refurbishment as Designated Funds
## **Reserves Policy**
It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on Unrestricted Funds which equates to at least two months Unrestricted Payments. It is not easy to assess this figure due to undulations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a reasonable figure to work to would be approximately £10,000. This money is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies
The balance of £1,087 in the Restricted Fund account is retained towards meeting the cost of office refurbishment at future dates
## **Summary of Accounts** (last year’s figures in brackets)
St. John’s holds three bank accounts and one Diocesan deposit account:
1. **General Account** - balance £17,917 (£28,029) - general day to day running of the church finances
2. **Designated Funds Account** - balance £13,750 (£7,550) - building maintenance, IT equipment, mission & outreach, churchyard trees, cellar refurbishment. Designated Funds represent sums set aside by the PCC, out
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of ordinary Unrestricted Funds, for specific designated purposes, but they can be transferred back into General Funds at any time
3. **Restricted Funds Account** - balance £1,087 (£1,087) - churchyard, office refurbishment. Restricted Funds may only be spent on the specific purpose for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent must be carried forward as a balance on that fund and cannot be absorbed into General Funds
4. **Diocesan Deposit Account** - balance £14,065 (£13,245) - partly Designated
5. **Petty Cash Float** – balance £200 (£200)
**Account Movements** (last year’s figures in brackets) [movement in square brackets]
## **General Account**
## **Receipts: £54,469 (£79,007) [-31%]**
- Voluntary receipts £43,378 (£54,974) [-21%]
- Gift Aid recovered £7,589 (£12,656) [-40%]
- Other income £3,501 (£11,377) [-69%] - room hire, church ministries, investment income
## **Payments: £58,350 (£73,354) [-20%]**
- Mission, Giving and Donations £3,075 (£0)
- Diocesan Parish Share £37,500 (£54,000) [-31%]
- Salaries, wages and honoraria £300 (£0)
- Clergy & Staff expenses £499 (£4,517) [-89%]
- Church running expenses £10,726 (£9,118) [+18%]
- Church utility bills £6,043 (£5,443) [+11%]
- Cost of trading £0 (£276)
- Major Repairs to Church Building £0 (£0)
- All other payments £208 (£0)
## **Designated Funds Account**
- Building Maintenance Fund increased by £1,200
- Cellar Refurbishment Fund increased by £5,000
## **Restricted Funds Account**
- No change
## **Diocesan Deposit Account**
- Increased by £820
## **Summary**
- a. The church ended the year with £47,019 (£50,110) [-6%] - in cash funds
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- b. We have one outstanding debt of £41,381. This is the Voluntary Parish Share that we give to the Diocese
- c. Our 2021 Quinquennial Report on the state of our church building, recommends that we need to undertake repairs to the value of approximately £65,000
## **Finally**
Thank you to Barry Grimes who was our treasurer for the first half of 2021 and to Mark Brockbank who helped bank our money in 2021
John Massey (Treasurer)
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24
## Fabric Report
2021 was once again an eventful year regarding the fabric of the Church building. The year yet again began with wind causing damage to the roof tiles. This was duly repaired in one day to try and prevent a repeat of the numerous lead thefts of previous years.
The dry rot discovered in early 2020 was, and is, still an ongoing problem but we were unable to address this to due lockdowns. When lockdown ended both the Builder (Tony Carr (TC) of Tope Construction) and surveyor (Steve Fish (SF) of Fish Associates who inspected the dry rot only days before lockdown in early 2020. SF said there appeared to be water ingress probably coming from around the Bell Tower and a scaffolding would be needed in order to inspect it. The inspection was done and the outcome was that an area of leadwork had loosened over time and the cement render had been eroded leaving a large gap which would need repairing as a matter of urgency and would hopefully over time dry the rear wall out. It was also noted at the time that there was some loose stones where the render had been eroded but SF was hopeful that it would not be a factor in the immediate future and that if it became one a Faculty may be needed. The leadwork was repaired as advised and the render renewed to close the gap and seal the lead in place.
The Quinquennial Report, being due in 2020, was commissioned as this would also allow us to prioritise much needed repair and maintenance work. The Quinquennial survey was out carried out in late September by Sf. The report has not yet been received despite numerous phone calls chasing it up. John Massey has recently spoken to SF and asked for it to be with him by the 18[th] of January 2021.
The day after the Quinquennial inspection was carried out a large piece of plaster was found fallen from the top of the archway at the front of the Chancel. After contacting the Archdeacon and Area Dean the Church was shut down as a matter of safety. TC performed an emergency inspection of the front of the Chancel Arch, removed all loose plaster from the affected area, and checked for any other possible areas of concern. With safety being assured the Church was reopened in a matter of days. As a further safety measure plaster had to be removed from the Vestry wall.
The Archdeacons Visitation was done at the beginning of November by the Area Dean. When the Dean arrived, on a very wet and windy day rain was as heavy in the foyer as outside. The gaps due to missing cement had now become urgent. A list B Faculty was quickly applied for and we are awaiting the results of the DAC as to whether or not we can go ahead and get the repair done. At the time of the Quinquennial a further area of dry rot was identified and reported.
When the results of the survey are received we can hopefully begin work to address all latent works in order of importance, though much of the indoor work is dependent on the dry rot being treated.
## **Diane Clough, January 2022**
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Deanery Synod Report
The Deanery Synod have not met during 2021
## **Roger Longworth & Marion Wilkinson, February 2022**
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## Children and Youth Report
As a church we are blessed by the number of children and young families we see in our church each week, and to have a dedicated team of volunteers to lead them.
As a group of Children’s leaders, our aim is to see young people changing the world, through the love of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our mission is to help build our children into prayerful, worshipping disciples who love Jesus and want to follow Him. And who live out their faith in their communities, through their friendships and in their families. We do in this in several different ways.
## **Children’s Church**
We started the year, as e left 2020, meeting weekly on Zoom. We were pleased to welcome two families from Trinity Church who live locally, and even though the returned to Trinity when churches re-opened have kept links with St Johns by coming to Tots Praise.
We had a wonderful Zoom Easter, giving out around 25 Easter eggs.
During our time on Zoom we held Family Quiz nights which were very enjoyable. The children set some of the rounds which we adults found very difficult to answer. Well done children.
As summer approached, and churches started to open again, we felt it important to move towards meeting face to face and coming back to church. We had our first face to face meeting in Oakhill Park at the beginning of June when we met for games and a picnic lunch and a session about being part of the family of God. It was wonderful to see each other face to face again and to see how much the children had grown.
Following this the wonderful Julie, head of St Johns School offered us the use of “Gods Garden” the outdoor worship area at school. We were very blessed to be able to use this facility and remained there until the weather started to change. By this time, parents had more confidence in meeting together and we moved back into church.
The wonderful Rebecca led a Light Party at Halloween after which several members of the congregation joined us for hotdogs.
Unfortunately, due to a rise in covid cases locally, e felt we had no option but to cancel the Christmas party, but Rebecca led a Christingle and games in the lounge and “Santa” Amanda, with her trusty elves, Joyce and Rebecca, gave out 22 gifts to the children.
## **Tots Praise**
Following lockdowns, Tots Praise started again in September, but unfortunately, we were forced to close again at Christmas, due to the rise in covid cases.
## **Messy Church**
Due to the pandemic, we have only been able to hold one Messy Church this year, in October, to celebrate Jesus, The Light of the World.
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## **School**
Excellent links are developing with our school. In the absence of a vicar, Joyce has led weekly assemblies and has been meeting with the God Squad, a group of year six pupils who want to develop their faith.
We also welcomed the school into church to help lead the Harvest Service and the Carol Service
## **Training**
Training from the diocese has been on hold, again due to the pandemic, but Joyce did attend the annual children’s leaders conference, this year held on Zoom, the focus of which was reaching children and young people in a digital age.
A great big thank you to Rebecca, Sally, Tirzah and Sarah for their tireless enthusiasm in reaching the needs of our children every week
## **Joyce Teasdale, January 2022**
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## Safeguarding
## **Parochial Church Council Duty**
It is a formal legal obligation for the PCC in its report to the APCM to state whether or not the PCC “ _has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and clergy discipline measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults)”._
The statement made at the APCM is, effectively, a public statement and therefore PCC needs to be clear that in making this statement that in good conscience, they have complied with this legal duty.
To assist in this process an annual assurance report from the Parish Safeguarding Officers is attached which reviews current church practice against the national model parish safeguarding check list which aligns with the House of Bishops guidance. Members of the PCC are therefore asked to review the content of this report and either raise any concerns or confirm that they are confident that The PCC is abiding by its duty.
To aid the process an outline of PCC member duties has been included below:
## **Responsibilities of the Incumbent and PCC**
The Incumbent and PCC have a duty of care to ensure the well-being of the vulnerable in the church community and within this are required to:
- Adopt and implement the House of Bishops’ Policy on safeguarding children or the Joint Safeguarding Principles and a Parish Policy and procedure on safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable. A dated copy must be sent by email to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
- Adopt a Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (the ‘Designated Person’ with special responsibility for safeguarding children and adults), to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
- Ensure that the Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) and anyone having regular contact with children and vulnerable adults is appointed according to Diocesan Safer Recruitment Guidelines, is trained and supported, provided with a copy of the parish safeguarding policy and code of practice for church workers.
- Deal promptly with allegations or suspicions of abuse in accordance with the Disclosures and Allegations policy in consultation with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
- Display the Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, the contact details of the PSO(s) named person on church premises and wherever possible on the church website.
- Ensure that known offenders or others who may pose a threat to children and young people are effectively managed and monitored in consultation with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
- During an interregnum ensure that information about all safeguarding matters is securely stored before passing on to the new incumbent. The departing incumbent should give the information to the PSO(s) who will inform the new incumbent when they take up post.
- Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children undertaken in the name of the parish.
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- Review the implementation of safeguarding children and adults’ policy, procedures and good practice, at least annually.
## **Parish Safeguarding Checklist**
At Baxenden St John, we recognise that the few who are determined to harm children or adults, deliberately seek out groups or organisations where they can meet children or other vulnerable people. The Church is particularly vulnerable to these people. Creating and maintaining a safeguarding culture will discourage them from becoming involved for the wrong reasons and make it difficult for them to harm or abuse children or adults if they do.
In order to assist with the creation of a safeguarding culture we have as a PCC:
## **Appointed:**
- An appropriately experienced designated Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO) to work with the incumbent and PCC. The PSO is a lay person and is supported, has undertaken the appropriate training and has a copy of the parish safeguarding policy and procedures
- A DBS administrator for church officers who work with children or vulnerable adults.
## **Safer Recruit, Support and Train:**
- The PSO has been trained in Safer Recruitment _**.**_ During 2021 no recruitment has taken place.
- Church officers have been offered access to safeguarding training and support. However, a small
- number of church officers do not have computer training available and alternative training is to be sourced.
- The PCC has appropriate insurance to cover all activities undertaken in the name of the PCC which involve children and vulnerable adults.
- No Domestic Violence training this period as we are awaiting the Diocesan training package to be made available.
## **Display:**
- There are two noticeboards with Safeguarding information displayed. One is in the public area of the lounge and the second in the South Vestry.
- In addition there is a Safeguarding page on the church website, with a link prominently displayed on the home page.
- A formal statement of adoption of the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’ is signed on behalf of the PCC and presented at the APCM.
- A copy of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook is available on both noticeboards together with aidememoires " _Safeguarding a pocket guide_ " and " _Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility_ "
- The noticeboard and aide-memoires contain contact details of the PSOs the Diocesan Safeguarding
- Team – including out of hours contact details that information about where to get help with child
- and adult safeguarding issues, domestic abuse and key helplines
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- Copies of our Safeguarding policies for children, vulnerable adults and domestic violence as well as whistle blowing can be found on the church website.
## **Responded:**
- We promote an environment, which is welcoming and respectful and enables safeguarding con cerns to be raised and responded to openly, promptly and consistently.
- The PCC have agreed policies and procedures to deal promptly with safeguarding allegations or suspicions of abuse in accordance with the relevant policy and practice guidance and in consulta tion with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
## **Review and report progress**
- A Parish Safeguarding self-audit was completed in the summer of 2021with the action log being
- part of the safeguarding report at the monthly PCC meetings.
- Copies of the Audit and subsequent action log were submitted to the DSA.
- Safeguarding is a standing agenda item for every PCC meeting.
- Progress has been reported on areas such as training, accident reports and risk assessments.
- The PSO has sought approval for various policies during the year. One outstanding policy is the
- Complaints policy, where the PCC requested some legal advice before approval. It is expected that
- this will be approved soon after the merger of the parishes of "Baxenden St John with Accrington St Paul".
- Room hire documentation has been updated to ensure it is aligned with Safeguarding policy and procedures.
- There has not been any safeguarding incident reported during 2021
It is expected that Baxenden St John merges with Accrington St Paul in 2022, the Parish Safeguarding audit and action logs will be revisited and reviewed, together with the roles of PSO.
John Massey
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## Governors' Report
_"Our school helps us to walk with Jesus, to be the best that we can be. Through God's love and guidance, we create an ethos of shared behaviours, friendship, and co-operation to help us flourish academically, emotionally and spiritually"_
## _**"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13**_
The statement and verse above provide a summary of the school's vision and ethos. This short Governors' report will give you an idea of just some of the things that have happened during 2021.
## **Your Foundation Governors**
Ian Rushton; Kirsty Freeman; Tirzah Russell; John Massey; Sarah Barrett; Jerard Knott; Rev Amanda Marshall.
During the first part of the year John Massey was chair of Governors with Jerard Knott as vice-chair. At the Autumn Full Governing Board Jerard took over the role of chair with Kirsty Freeman as vice-chair.
## **COVID 19**
The year started with continuing and ever-changing COVID 19 conditions. Remote learning was in place with all the complexities for pupils, parents and carers, and staff. Staff continued to develop new working practices and techniques to ensure the delivery of a good level of education. The Government continued to introduce new rules and reporting information needed from schools. This resulted in a heavy burden on the HT and senior management team, with the Business team in support. The overarching focus was to provide a balance of delivering good education alongside their wellbeing.
In the spring term school opened with staff vaccinations, followed by a testing regime. However, there were many cases of COVID 19 amongst both pupils and staff, resulting in challenging staffing issues.
## **Church and School**
During the " _vacancy_ " in 2021, Joyce Teasdale worked hard to maintain and increase a positive relationship and involvement between church and school, leading to school involvement in both the Harvest and Carol services. Her hard work is recognised by the governors and school, thank you Joyce.
The school looks forward to 2022 and working with Rev Amanda Marshall providing the spiritual lead alongside our headteacher.
## **School improvements**
Recovered funds from the proceeds of crime have funded the following projects
- Technical equipment such as laptops and iPads
- Beehive/Nurture room created and equipped
- Libraries for both KS1 and KS2
- Storytelling area in the KS2 playground
- Staffroom refurbished
- New entrance doors and entrance area updated
- Musical instruments and curriculum items such as books and classroom resources
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A successful funding bid to the Diocese resulted in new radiators being fitted throughout the school to match the new boilers fitted in 2020, to maximise energy savings.
A storeroom was converted into a changing facility for special needs children.
Lastly a defibrillator was donated through the Oliver King Trust, who trained staff in the use of this vital equipment.
## **Summary**
The Governing Board acknowledge and applaud the ability of our staff who have adapted to ever-changing ways of working this year and worked far beyond what would have been expected in normal times. Mrs Green has provided the strong leadership needed, supported by her senior management team and all the staff, all together a great team, thank you.
Please continue to hold the staff, children, and governors in your prayers as we move into 2022.
John Massey
Foundation Governor
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