# **PARISH CHURCH ST JOHN THE BAPTIST STAFFORD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING** # **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** **FOR THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING** **28th April 2024** ## **Incumbent:** The Revered Dr Carl Rudd The Rectory Westhead Avenue Stafford ## **Independent Examiner:** Mr Malcolm Kidd Chestnut Close Derrington Stafford ## **ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, STAFFORD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE P.C.C. FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023** ## **Index** 3. Administrative Information 3. Structure Governance and Management 3. Objectives and Activities 4. Rectors Report 4. Review of the PCC Meetings 6. Curates Report 7. Church Wardens Report - 8 Fabric Report 9. Deanery Synod Report - 10 Electoral Roll Report 10. Treasurers Report - 12 Independent Examiners Report 13-14 Statement of Financial Activities & 15. Accounting Policies 16-18 Notes to the Financial Statements ## **Other Church Reports** Youth & Children’s Worker Report Worship & Baptism Pastoral Care M&M’s/Place of Welcome World Focus Group Music Flower Group 2 ## **1. Administrative Information** The parish church of St John the Baptist is situated on Bedford Avenue, Littleworth, Stafford ST16 3LH. The correspondence address is The Rectory, Westhead Avenue, Stafford.ST16 3RP. The Parochial Church Council is a registered charity with the Charity Commission. PCC members who have served since the last Annual Parochial Church Meeting are: Incumbent The Rev’d Dr Carl Rudd Curate The Rev’d Sue Cooke Readers Mrs Isobel Wakerell Mr Francis Tamba Wardens Mrs Anne Scott Mr Francis Tamba Deanery Mrs Wendy Clark Synod Mrs Liz Clarke Representatives Mrs Nicola Woodhouse Elected Members Mrs Pam Ayre Mrs Naomi Blears Mr Eddy Chambers Hon Treasurer Mrs Christine Gawthorpe Mrs Isobel Wakerell Mrs Ann Woodcock ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election if they feel called to do so. ## **Objectives and Activities** The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish. 3 ## **Rectors Report for 2023.** Please take a few minutes to read the reports you find in this church annual report to remind yourself of some of the wonderful things you have been a part of in 2023, of the things that happened that we weren’t personally able to be part of, and the activities that happen in church and on behalf of the church that we may know little about. Together these actions both seen and unseen make up our church family witness for St John the Baptist, Stafford. I am so encouraged to say we as church family are a growing church both in depth and in number. There have been sad times this year as we have said good-bye to faithful members who have died. We have also welcomed new family members, and it is so good for each of us to take time to get to know those we don’t know. For the youngest to the oldest there are opportunities to be part of this family in worship, and in community life. We are blessed by a large group of volunteers and small number of paid staff, all of whom make a difference and together reflect the body of Christ in this place. There are few places you can go to receive such a warm welcome. Every single person has a part to play in this family, and we want to include you with all that happens. We always have space and the need of more volunteers to live out the call of God for this family. There have been special times of fellowship with the family eating together, worshipping together in the week and on Sundays, and studying the word of God together. As we see the children in Lego church and their groups, we get a sense of the special ministry that is offered to them all. When we worship with the children from our school and talk with them we have the joy of seeing them learn about faith and Jesus. Seeing our school go through its Church of England inspection wasn’t the most comfortable of experiences but showed just how the school seeks to live out God centred values. It is a great privilege to represent the church in the community, in day centres, in hospital, with those wanting to be married, to give thanks for children, who are grieving and those we form part of their annual connection with church (for now). We still have financial challenges to balance the accounts of the church; new members are needed for the church council, to look after activities, and the building. Most of all we would like to walk with you for you to both deepen your faith and share that faith with others. For 2024 we believe God is encouraging us to ask more of him as we seek to walk more closely with him. Our verses for the year: ## **Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.** ## **Ephesians 3 v20-21** ## **PCC Review of the Year 2023** _We Are Growing_ ! It is a joy to start the review with this news _._ There are many new faces joining us both in worship and other activities and we extend a very warm 4 welcome to them all. Following the upheavals of past years, it is good to find that more people are looking to God for security and a brighter future. We give thanks for our Ministry Team led by Carl who along with Sue, and our Readers Isobel, Christina & Francis provide worship, instruction and outreach. Communion visits to Bradbury House and Tithe Barn Court are proving very successful as are Places of Welcome and M&M’s in church. We have had Remembrance and Remembering services at church which have been much appreciated and welcomed by those grieving the loss of a loved one. START courses for those seeking Baptism have been held both in church or at home where needed. We congratulated our Youth Worker Megan on her marriage to Ben Morris in October and we thank her for the excellent work she does with our children and young people. Sunbeams has now become a bespoke Christian Group, Zone also has Christian input, Lost & Found has replaced Jesus Jam so along with TnT (Teens on Tuesday) our younger members are well supported and informed. Home groups have continued, having an evening as well as an afternoon session has been beneficial, though it has stretched our leaders. We have enjoyed John Pritchard’s book Twenty Questions Jesus asked, and studied Fruitfulness on the Front Line and The Creed. We encourage those who feel able or called to lead in some way to step forward. A Nurture Group started up with Sue leading those who were new to or unfamiliar with the Bible and home groups. This has proved very successful with those attending, building up knowledge and fellowship as they start or continue on their faith journey. A wonderful experience was enjoyed by those coming together to read St Marks Gospel one Saturday in November, some choosing to read while others just to listen. Despite the subject, Funeral Talk and Legacies was a much enjoyed event over two sessions in February & March led by Carl & Sue with input, including lunch from Chris Emery, a local funeral director. A further short session was held in July for those unable to attend on the previous occasions. With our FftN (Food from the Nations) group in full swing the congregation enjoyed a celebration meal on the Coronation of Charles III in May, followed by a splendid Harvest Meal in September. A Benefice Picnic was held in July but due to inclement weather the venue was changed to Tixall Village Hall. Some discussion has followed on the viability of everyone getting together and in the case of a picnic, both comfort and the weather are a factor. The Benefice Wardens are considering options and if sufficient people are interested in Benefice functions at all. We hosted a Police Community Support meeting in October for the local area with two officers in attendance to answer worries and questions. It was well attended by people who hopefully got an opportunity to air their grievances, and at least the officers got a good idea of the hopes, and to be fair, anger of some people and areas in the community. A Musical Fellowship session was run by Liz Clarke in October which was much appreciated. In December we were again visited by Stafford Sinfonia to give a very entertaining evening programme of music. 5 We have continued to host Repair Café’s through the year, as well as many groups within U3A. Tuition classes, singing groups and Keep Fit, all hire the hall on a regular basis thus assisting us to continue our 10% tithe supporting charities and organisations local, national & international under the guidance of our WFG. We also supported Christian Aid and Ride & Stride on their relevant fund raising events We were introduced to MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) and its work by two fully involved members of our congregation. Sadly we report the loss of some well-known and loved members of our congregation during the year and we give thanks for their devotion throughout their lives. Audrey Betteridge, Iris Badger, Julie Bass, Angela Giles, Albert Leese and Janet Eaton. RIP ## **Anne Scott** ## **Curate’s Report 2024** Another exciting and rewarding year has nearly come to an end and I continue to thank God for calling me to this Benefice. In many ways, this year has been a time of consolidating experience – weddings, baptisms, confirmation to name but a few. Having said that, every experience is different as we meet and deal with people from all corners of life and share their joys and sorrows with them. There is never a day when I come to work without a sense of expectation, never quite knowing what is in store and I am thankful to Carl for giving me as much breadth of experience as possible. There have been many highlights during the year; I think the Sunbeams pop-up Nativity will always stay with me; Megan and our growing team continue to enjoy and hopefully minister discreetly to the parents and carers who attend with their little ones and this sharing of the Christmas story in such a way was a delight. I have continued to enjoy Place of Welcome and M+Ms and this is always a source of pleasure, particularly with our growing team of volunteers. Not only are we hopefully a blessing to those who come as guests, but we, too, feel blessed by their having chosen to come. I have continued to enjoy wedding ministry, one of the highlights being that of Megan and Ben in the autumn, and I relish the opportunity to get to know new couples – befriending them rather than simply being their priest on the day. That is the same for funeral ministry – what a privilege to walk alongside strangers in their time of grief and shock, and what an opportunity to share the love and peace of our Lord Jesus with them. Homegroups have continued to grow as we have studied a range of subjects and I really believe that there is a growing confidence amongst the members. The ladies in the Nurture Group have done just what was hoped for; they are much more confident and willing to engage – a source of great delight for me. Pastoral visits are also a joy although I think they should be renamed as visits with friends, as that is what they become and what an important part of parish ministry 6 they are – what a lot we, as ministers and befrienders, can learn from the wisdom and experience of others. There are so many experiences and memories that I would share, but I really want to take this opportunity to thank every single one of you across the Benefice who has shown me their love and support – particularly during the last few months. I know it will become more difficult, but I also know that I can rely foremost on the love of the Lord from whom I get my strength and then on the love of you all. Thank you. ## **Sue Cooke** ## **Church Wardens Report** With another successful year of worship and fellowship we thank our Ministry Team for all the hard work and time spent bringing God’s word to us through sermon’s, prayers and leadership. So thank you to Carl and Sue, along with Isobel, Francis and Christina. Megan continues to provide opportunities for our young people both at church and St John’s Academy. We express our appreciation to her and husband Ben Morris with congratulations on their marriage. We have continued to meet with Carl as regularly as possible now that Francis has a new work schedule, but as always offer our full support to Carl and Sue in all the different aspects of ministry that they undertake. We also extend our appreciation to Roger Huddleston, George O’Brien and Nick Adams for their participation in worship. We offer our condolences to Gay Pye on the death of her husband Terry and we will welcome her back in 2024. Joint meetings and social events continue with our fellow wardens from Tixall & Ingestre and we work together to share experiences and aspects of church life for the whole Benefice . Home Groups have continued to thrive through the year with studying and learning both about and with the Bible. Thank you to all who have led and guided these sessions. We also thank Aileen Rudd for her continuing contributions to maintaining and updating the computer as well as, Dave, Lynn, Ian & Eddy, who operate the sound and vision systems for services. Everyone is much appreciated for their skills week in and week out. As always there are many who provide and complement the life and work of St John’s. Ian Ryder with the assistance of Rajan Sambandam attends to all the fabric needs of the building. Much of the technical equipment is kept in good working order by Ian and we have to thank Rajan for his ongoing work in the car park and garden. We thank Jane Judson who deals with the bookings for the hall including times of locking and unlocking or serving refreshments. We bade farewell to Jackie Courtney who has been our cleaner but happily she will continue to worship with us in her retirement and we welcome Gemma Constable as our new cleaner. Jackie Palphreyman remains our Benefice Administrator and Ann Raba our Safeguarding Officer and we give thanks that we have had no cause to call on her for any incidents this year. Our grateful thanks to all of you. Refreshments of any kind are much appreciated so we thank all those who serve on the tea and coffee rota’s after services on Sundays & Wednesdays, and at Place of 7 Welcome on Tuesday & Wednesday along with M&M’s providing friendship and conversations on Tuesdays with crafts of many sort. Well-deserved thanks to all who lead and attend both these gatherings of outreach and welcome. FftN (Food from the Nations) have provided us with some much enjoyed times & meals to share. WFG (World Focus Group) have continued to deal with our regular tithing by planning and deciding, along with PCC, the charities who will receive cash assistance for their work. Pastoral Care have met together as a group and individually visited those who are unable, for various reasons to join us in person. Maintaining contact through visits and Home Communion is so important to the housebound. We thank the Sacristy Team for the preparation required for services. Without the leadership of all our musicians, Jamie, Liz, Chris, Christina and Suresh our worship would be less uplifting so we say a grateful thanks to them all. We are delighted that sometimes Alan Bancroft or Ann Bolton feel able to lead us once again in music on Wednesday afternoons. The members of the flower group as always, provide us with floral displays as well as workshops through the year. As Churchwardens we are fully aware of the responsibilities that lie with us and say thank you to the PCC & congregation for the love and support they give as we carry out our duties to the best of our ability. **Anne Scott & Francis Tamba Corinthians 16: 13-14** Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong, Do all your work in love ## **Fabric Report** The panes in the rear stained glass window were resealed and repointed following Carl observing a gap between glass and wall in a couple of places, during Dec 22/Jan 23 and because of height & weather conditions completed in March. This year we have had a new LED light fitting in the ladies toilet the old one having failed. This was later repaired by Ian and is now providing the light outside the toilet area. The emergency light was also replaced. In September the projector in church was replaced and a higher specification one fitted providing excellent viewing for services with clarity to benefit everyone. The hearing loop has also benefitted from this and is now fully functional for those hard of hearing. Two radiators in the hall were replaced in August and an upgraded pump fitted to increase the heating power in the hall. We have had to have the sewers professionally cleaned out after they backed up and caused flooding in the kitchen. The main cause of this is wipes of any description being disposed of down the toilet rather than in the bins provided. Because of some external disturbances through the year with the sheltered corner above the boiler room steps being used as a hangout & for other activities unsuitable for church grounds we moved the rubbish and re-cycling bins into this space. This appears to have resolved that issue and also the bins are no longer thrown around. 8 Owing to an incident where refreshments were taken from the kitchen we now keep the hall and kitchen doors locked during a service. As a preventative measure and for health & safety reasons a lock has been fitted to the cleaners cupboard door as well. We hosted a Police & Crime meeting held for residents of the local area, many complaints were raised and discussions with the officers present were helpful if not always well received. Action has been noticeably taken since the meeting and we pray that these situations will not reappear. Thank you’s are due to everyone who plays a part in maintaining the church building and surrounding area in good condition. Special mention to Ian Ryder who carries out much of the repairs, adjustments and other needs quietly in the background thus saving us considerable expense not having to employ, pay and wait for outside assistance. Rajan Sambandam also contributes to keeping the garden in good order as well as assisting with moving furniture and other tasks. Thanks go to our volunteer cleaners who continue to keep the church clean and tidy ready for worship, the people who serve the refreshments both on Sunday and Wednesday after services and also to our flower group ladies who provide arrangements each week. ## **Anne Scott** ## **Deanery Synod Report** This year is slightly different from other years in that we not only have a new cohort of parish representatives, we have a new Rural Dean, Rev’d C Brumfitt (also minister at Bradley, Church Eaton, Derrington and Haughton), deputy Rural Dean, Rev’d G Adamson, Lay Chair, Phillip Taylor, Secretary Sue Savage, Treasurer Paul Evans and Vice Chair Stuart Hodson. Another change is that rather than the five year cycle of service, the officers will serve for three years, like the parish representatives. As often happens when there is a change of Rural Dean, representatives were asked why they were there, what they felt they could contribute and what they hoped to gain? The answers were very like those in previous years; - an opportunity to serve - be less parochial, more outward looking - sharing news, ideas, resources, best practice - enthusiasm and creative thinking - hearing reports from Diocesan and General Synod - voicing concerns which may be passed on to D & G Synod There was general feeling that we all loved and wanted to be part of the Church of England but, particularly at the moment, the large organisation needs to hear the voice from the grass roots and being a Deanery Synod Representative was a vehicle to sound that voice. 9 Of some concern was hearing that some parishes, and Deanery Synod itself, were having bank accounts closed or declined. There was an immediate response to the request for suggestions of accommodating banks. Following discussions in General Synod concerning redress and compensation for historical abuse, it was suggested that checks should be made to see if insurance would cover successful allegations. With these things in mind, Safeguarding will become a standard agenda item for the period of this Synod. So far the meetings have had a feeling of renewed energy and a sense of hope that this Synod can affect a positive change in the Deanery. **Wendy Clark** ## **Electoral Roll Report** The total number of people on the electoral Roll is 108. Unfortunately both Audrey Betteridge and Albert Leese have sadly died. Both had been active members of our church community. If you are not already on the Electoral Roll, please consider joining. I am always happy to discuss this and give you an application form for completion and return to me. This will allow you to vote at our annual A.P.C.M (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) Please ensure I am advised of any changes of details i.e home address, phone number & email etc. This way we can keep in contact with you. ‘God always watches and protects us, ## **Ann Woodcock Electoral Roll Officer** ## **Finance report for APCM 28[th] April 2024** Many thanks to all who have assisted with the church finances during the year. **Accounts for 2023** Despite the rising cost of living during 2023 the Church Members generously contributed £59,000 (including gift aid) towards the church finances. The Unrestricted funds of the church consist of the General Fund and the Designated funds. The total General Fund income for the year was £74,786 and the expenditure (after the reimbursement of the Youth and Childrens Worker’s salary and expenses of £13,304) totalled £80,123. Therefore leaving the balance of the General Fund at 31 December 2023 of £13,254 (2022: $18,591). Based on 2023 running costs averaging £8,000 a month, the above figure is insufficient to satisfy our Reserves policy of representing six to nine months operating costs. Presently it would cover only 1.5 months. The Designated Funds are Fabric, Office, Rectory (decoration) and Piano. The income to designated funds totalled £479 and the expenses for the years totalled £920 (repairs to high windows). The Designated Funds saw an overall reduction of £441 during the year. 10 The PCC agreed in 2019 that the Designed Fabric Fund should be used for the Quinquennial costs, (required by the five-year survey of the building). The balance of this Fund at the 31 December 2023 was £11,548 (2022: £11,990). Expenditure over the next few years is expected to exceed this figure. The balance of the Designated Funds as at 31 December 2023 was £15,798 (2022: £16,240). Although these funds have been set aside out of an unrestricted fund for a specific purpose, this would not prevent the PCC reallocating these sums for other uses or returning them to unrestricted funds. The Restricted Funds of the Church can only be used for the purpose for which they were given. A summary of these can be found on the last page of the accounts. Overall, the Restricted Funds have increased by £906. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities record that most of the cash funds are held in CCLA deposit accounts. Although the accounts are prepared using receipts and payments accounting the Shelter Christmas plate collection of £176 and amount owing of £1,213 to the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance are shown with agency collections under liabilities. ## **Conclusion** Our financial situation over the next few years gives cause for concern and is continuing to be addressed by the PCC. ## **Eddy Chambers, Hon Treasurer** 11 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, STAFFORD CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1138834 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT This report ￿ On th8 financial ¥1*emenlE of PaYod)ial Churth Coun¢il IPCCI forlhe year ended 31st De￿rn￿er 2023 R88Pa¢tNti rt8ponyl￿l1t￿s ofth8 PCC and the Examiner. As Members of the PCC. you are responSi￿e for the wparaiion of the fina￿la1 statemen15 You ¢on$ider that an is not requifad forlhis yearunder S¢won 144121 ollhe CharitiesA 2011 and Ih¥i an Independent examinAtion L% needed 11 is my responsibility lo examine the account8 urKler $eGtion 145 Df the 2011 Act, follow thè wocedures laid down In Ihe general direclion6 given by Ihecommission under se¢*(MTr 145<5llbl of the 2011 Arj". and siatewheiher part￿Ular matters have ¢omèto my attent￿n. Basi• of Ind•p•nd•nl Examin*3 slatqment My exatnination was camed ODI in accordan¢twilh the general directionsgiven by the Charty Cornmission Tnai txarninatson InGludes a review of the aoEounting records kept by the PCC and a compaiison ￿the 8t￿rnts presented witn those re¢ord$. It also includes CDn51deration of any unusual Items ordisclosures In the accounts and seeknng explanaiK)n$ from ycv as PCC members con¢eming Sny such matters Th8 PrO￿￿ureS undertaken dD not prDVide all Ih evidence thai would b2 required In a full 8LKlrt and Consequently no O￿nIOn 15 oiven as to helherlhe finanual slaletnenls a'true and lair View. and the reportls Iitniled tD those maliers set ouL In the rexl $lai8￿￿￿t Ind•p8nd•nt Examinern Statemont In connection with Ihe ex8minaiion. no matter& have come 10 rny •tigDknon which gwès mè r•asonat4e cause lo believe that In any m8ten•l re8pe¢tlhtr requirements 10 k•8p a¢¢ounbng récords in awd8n¢e Wlh S6(*￿Th 130 of thtr 2011 Act, ID wepare linarKial slslernents. whi¢h accord with IheaGcounting records and ¢omply with the aGcouThling requirement$ of IhB 2011 AL* hwe not be met., or lo whKh, In my opinion auontion shDuld be drawn lo ¢nats￿ a yoper Understar￿l￿g of the accounts to be reached. I have no Goncerns and have come acro¥8 no oth21 matters In connedion with the examinslion to ¥4￿1¢h attontson Should be drawn In this rep￿ ttsenable a proper understanding of the cwunts 10 t* reached. Signed Date VApvOI 202 Mr. M. D. Kidd CPFA eh••thut CloÈ Derrington, Stafford 12 Paroehlal Chweh Courbdl of St John the Wtlsl Stafford (Suity 11316J4 RECEIPTS and PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS Forth• pwknd Itom 01 Januvy X23 11> 31 DK•mbw 2023 Q•n•ral DMIgn•1￿ knds loial frJnd8 INCOMING AESOUACE8 IMornJng rcsourrcs trom 8cnri*cd full& VoluN¥ry Iibroil Aitiviijei (dr fiJnds 62.639 9.021 130 1&076 852 70.W8 &fv31 4J7 i(YJ¥ 21bl 9.X73 1.239 349 7.038 7.47 TOTAL INCOIATrK RESOUACES 479 RESOURCES USEO C-WJ ot'8¢n¢lalinS funds ¢iJJt of&pcD¢rnu￿ w¢otThe Fwxl CTr5t ofyds50kl (ban￿b￿￿￿1￿C5 Cr￿nc¢￿5 130 109 19.129 93.201 920 1119 962Jg i.J TOTAL RESOURCES USED 427 EXCESS OF REc￿PTs0vER PAYMENTS BEFOFIE TRANSFERS 441 14210 4,en 063 13.3¢ 13.304 -13_304 IIY)5 -13.304 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNOS .4337 4,872 061 RECONCIUATION OF FUNDS ALL A8SEfs AT 181 JANUARY 2023 11.$91 16.240 12.n6 47.566 53,630 ALLAS8Efs AT 318t DECEWER ¥023 47 N.B Any smIld￿r￿￿1Uvryll the T*we51 13 Parochial Church Council ot Sl John tho Bapti8( Stafford STATEMEKf OF ASSETS and LIABILITIES- 31st DECEMBER 2023 UnreAtrbct•d funds R•Atslet*d fjener*l Du19t￿ted lund To rth Totsl Cth at batsk (4th JD baud De￿slI fUn￿¢CLA 477 1.576 l4.929 129 10.029 lQ846 19.649 iu.xyx 30.547 411.75% JJ.799 LDMF.Rv*W 4kcoTaliau fiuMI l.J25 2.0 Current A••ets D¢bt(rsaod prepyttMts U•blllU Agttscy colleLaiiA15 MonKs rK¢iv¢d in adV*￿t lJ89 iJ89 360 137 4Y7 Toial a#¥ets le#• Ilthlltl•# 1%.7YY l.l.hh 47.hYS 47.567 Approved by The P•roeNal Chweh Counell on the 11th Mayeh 2024 Rev Dr Carl Rudd ls¢bel Wakerejl L•y Ch￿1 14 Parochlal Church Council ol St John the Baptlst. Stafford Notes to the Flnanclal Statements lor the year endlng 31 sl December 2023 AeeounYNJ Pollde# These fJnan¢i#l 5ts*m¢n15 hawe l*¢n pTw¢d in acrrfdanrewjth th¢ ChU￿h Arcowitin8 Regulations 2(M)6 108¢ther with 4ppli¢abk countLn8 StaDthds HThd ￿ StstcTr*ni of Recom￿£d Prnctice ISORPI ?015, tsktn8 adliArLts8e of the rciaxati(KLS lor Sn￿ll cbantiLS. Tbese finarlciai staternents knve becll yqmred orl& h￿tOnC￿l cost CODvention usiti8 Rcceirrts ard Paymellts xcountmg. Fund• Gener&ifuDdg r¢preseotth¢ fuDd% of tbe Irc that ar¢not subj¢¢i kn any restrirtioDs tewding thir w aDd w¢ ab?ilabl¢ for appli¢atiou on the general pu4x)ses of the PCC. Funds designaied fora pBnKUlarpurEM￿c by the PCC are aJyA> unresEriCtaL Restricted fimth •refwM 8ivM for a parti¢ular ptsrpTr5e0ndev¢#15 wher¢ mpney rai￿ for a partsru]*r puypose. Tbe*£ *ewut￿ ifLCI￿ a]1 transactions. assets 2nd ]iabilities for Mthicb PCC is ￿SP)nsI1)Ie UL ]aw. Try do rA)t i￿Illde the accounts of ChuTthBfoups that owe theiraifilialion to anotherEdyorthat are informal gatherinBs of (1w￿h rDettther5. Voluntsry Income and caplw wjre collectio￿ are recogni8ed when receii'edby or on behalfof the PCC. Planned Biving under Gift Aid i5 recognisedonly when received. ItKome tyx r¢¢ov¢Dbieoty glft thtyauon5 is re¢tsBnis¢41 ￿¢)? th¢ lax Y¢fund 15 r*eiv¢d. Such r¢futKb ar¢ o]ltrat¢41 to the G¢n¢r¥l Fund excw for the refillmts on dollaiioDS to the Youth Workerfs FU￿ aDd Project Fun& for major improliements. Gratts and lega¢i¢sOTeo¢¢outtrdfor when received FuDds' T*)sed by bts5pitslity. goup I￿￿￿¢% w)d 51milar ev¢Dis we for the m051 part atiwn*df0r t*t. UDless it is practicable to llccount for them sross. Saks of b(K>ks are llccounted for8ros5. Olher Income RLtir21 iDiomL' due from ietiwlg ofcbutchprenwses is acc￿MedfOr ￿ irLCODW whEll reeeivL)l Fees ￿Y￿b]e to ￿ dI(￿Se2nd to aTrJ IErgeT5are held in an Age￿Y collection account until pa￿J. Jn a sEmi￿r manner. event5 noi d￿lY r¢lalin8 to chwcb E￿InESS wheT¢ the church aCCOUDi ￿ uscd for gatheriDg dLTM)Sits and PyiDg out tbe sarrte held io A8t￿Y collectio Income frorn C8F depo￿1• Ini¢rYsr Dahmenis ar< aiLouniMribJiio offset pA>￿Itsjkn￿ 960 960 -960 12J44 -960 12J44 -1:.344 13.3(bl N.B Atty small d￿ere￿A￿lts will h*i'c dut 10 round￿￿ 10 thi V)Urtd. 17 * C 11, n ## **Youth and Children’s Worker Report January- December 2023** ## **Children’s Church** Children’s church is available for those children and young people who would like to explore and understand more about God. We meet during the Sunday morning communion services, and we usually learn about the same bible readings that the sermon is based on. The session includes the welcome chant, a dance/song, a game and lesson (which usually involves an animated video), followed by a craft. Once communion has started in the service, we rejoin the church family to partake in communion, and have an activity booklet to complete at the back, as well as joining in with worship. The number of children vary week by week from 4-10. It is a privilege to watch these children grow in Christ. ## **Lego Church** During family worship on the first Sunday of each month, the children have Lego Church. Usually based on the gospel passage for that morning, the children will read the bible passage then use the Lego to create what they have read. It is amazing to see what they create! This activity is a hit. Special thanks to Tony and Pauline Pittard for donating their Lego. ## **Messy Church** Moved to the second Sunday of the month (4pm), Messy Church is a service that uses crafts to explore the bible passage of that month. Beginning with shared welcome and worship, the congregation then crafts for approximately 50 mins, before returning together to finish in worship. Numbers for messy church are unfortunately inconsistent, but it is a joy for those who do attend. ## **Lost and Found** Whilst we offer many youth groups on a weekly or monthly basis, I realised we had no activity for Year 3 and 4. Due to inconsistent numbers, we decided to reallocate the time used for JesusJam on a Sunday afternoon to create Lost and Found. On the 4[th] Sunday (holiday dependent) 4-5.30pm, children from year 3 and 4 sing and dance to songs, play games and do a craft related to a short bible lesson. Whilst we are still building up our numbers, we have received positive feedback from the parents of the children attending. ## **TNT** TNT is a group for Year 6 and high school-aged young people. Meeting on a Tuesday 5-6.30pm, starting with hot chocolate and toast, we tackle difficult topics with help from the Bible to search for answers. As time has gone on, this has most definitely turned into a bible study group, and I am excited to witness these young people on their faith journey. A huge thank you to Anne Scott who has been a great support. ## **Zone** Zone continues to be great success. This is a 90-minute youth club, on Wednesday evenings (6-7.30pm), for young people in years 5, 6 and 7. The first half of the session is filled with games (table tennis, table football, pool, games consoles, etc.) with the second half dedicated to a planned craft activity, or games such as pizza 20 bagels, scavenger hunts and quiz night. We also run a tuck shop during the first half of the session and finish with a quick talk based on a bible passage (usually including a video) and prayer requests from the children. The children were treated to a bouncy castle in the church garden at the end of the summer term which was complete madness, but they loved it! Attendance prior to July was consistently above 20 (sometimes reaching 30). Word is spreading amongst the eligible cohorts and numbers have grown from an average of 15 in the autumn term, to 20 now. Thank you to Pam Davies, Ben Morris and James Hunt for your help, we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you also to Anne Scott who stepped down from the Tuck Shop at the end of the 2023 academic year. ## **Sunbeams** Sunbeams is a baby and toddler group on a Monday morning (9.15-11am) and is one of our most popular groups. Four sets of toys are rotated, with a different set used each week. Different messy/sensory activities are also laid out each week, such as muddy dinosaurs, snowy train tracks and pasta play. At the end of the session, we sit down for story and song time before we say goodbye. We wanted to make it clear to parents that we are a group within this church, and therefore we now have Bible stories and include Christian nursery rhymes during our story and song time. Whilst we were apprehensive of service users’ reactions, parents have embraced this and we have seen no drop in numbers or enquiries (perhaps even the opposite). We also have our Sunbeams soup mornings, usually on the second Monday of the month, where volunteers, parents and children share a meal together straight after Sunbeams. Our summer goodbye party was amazing, hiring a bouncy castle, ball pool and soft play which the children loved. Our Christmas party this year was a great success, with thanks once again to Santa! Thank you to Vicky Huddleston and Sue Cooke for giving their time for this group by volunteering - we couldn’t do it without you! ## **School Relationships** Each week I go into school to deliver worship to a phase of children (1&2, 3&4, 5&6) on a three week rota. The rota of lessons is supplied by the school, of which I then create the worship based on the recommended bible story. This will be a short bible story, followed by a prayer and dance/song (year group depending). Myself and Rev Cooke delivered an emotional Year 6 leavers worship based on the armour of God, dressing one child as a Roman soldier. The children also received a leaving gift from the church. The whole school also attend their own church services, including Easter, Harvest and Christmas and end of academic year. Rev Rudd and I also visited Year 1 to answer their questions concerning ‘how to pray’, the topic they were learning about. Whilst some of the questions were tricky, it was lovely to spend time with them. We have also recently started visiting Weston Road Academy, once per term during their assemblies, to discuss topics such as not giving up (God always being there) and the real meaning of Christmas. ## **YNow** YNow is a group for Years 1 and 2 (usually) on the first Mondy of each month after school until 4.30pm, held at St John’s School. Planned by myself and Sue Cooke, the children partake in team games whereby the winning team get a prize (usually a chocolate bar). We also sing and dance to worship songs, with a time dedicated to teaching the children more about Jesus. 21 ## **Reading to reception** As a new initiative this year, we (Rev Rudd, Rev Cooke and myself) have started going into school on a Monday afternoon to read to the reception class. We have done this to start building relationships with the children, so they recognise us when they then enter weekly worship in years 1 and above. Whilst it is only a short time with them, it is a joy to read to them and get to know them more. When Reception have not been able to attend the whole school church worship, we have gone to them, to make sure they were included. Furthermore, the reception class came to visit/explore the church, looking specifically at the altar, font and stained glass windows. This was followed by a short worship. ## **Megan Morris** ## **Worship and Baptism Report.** Our worship is blessed with musicians on Sundays and in the week and draws on the gifts and talents of a mixed team of lay and ordained leaders and preachers. We are further blessed by occasional visiting preachers to bring the Bible alive to help us all meet with God and grow in our living faith. Over the year we have had special times of seasonal celebration and national celebration with the King’s coronation. There are weekly midweek communion services alongside the Sunday Holy Communion or service of the word services. There have been 7 baptisms alongside a wedding and 14 funerals which help us serve both church family and the community in which we live. Discipleship continues to be so important in midweek services, Sunday services and in the homegroups and nurture groups that meet week by week. We seek to take opportunities to use study material to explore how with live out our faith, to look at books of the Bible and biblical themes. If you are not part of one of the groups please consider how this could enhance your own discipleship. We continue to believe that we need to have times to make relationship within the family, and outside our current church family. We look to offer START courses to help those searching, encounter the God who is searching for them and give opportunity for them to make a commitment to God. We also look to help all who know God to continue growing in their walk with God that we all can become mature Christians able to live and share our faith. Why not take a moment to reflect how your faith grew through 2023 and how you can take opportunities to grow with God this year. ## **Carl Rudd** ## **Pastoral Care Report** Throughout the year the team (Carl Rudd, Sue Cook, Anne Scott, Lyn Ryder, Nicola Woodhouse, Isobel Wakerell) have visited and kept in contact with any across the benefice in need of pastoral support. These have included visits to homes, hospitals, hospices, and care/nursing homes; with Home Communion being offered if required. There have been regular visits to Bradbury House and Tithe Barn Court to lead 22 worship and Holy Communion; thank you to others who join the team to help with music at these services. In the wider community pastoral needs have been brought to our attention through contact with families for baptisms, weddings and funerals and prayer has been greatly appreciated. The Remembering Services have also helped recently bereaved family and friends coming to terms with their loss. As a team we meet regularly to pray for individual concerns and inform each other of any new needs. Although many concerns are brought to our attention through Carl and Sue’s ministry, we also rely on members of the congregation to let us know where they feel pastoral support is required. As members of Christ’s body we all have a part to play; you are His eyes, ears, hands and feet. Please, speak to a member of the team if you know of a need. We would rather be told ten times than not at all and miss the opportunity of drawing alongside someone in need of support. We know that a lot of pastoral support is given amongst and between congregation members, thank you for your care of each other. “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”― Teresa of Avila ## **Isobel Wakerell** . ## **Joint Report on Place of Welcome and M&Ms** During the past year both M&M’s and Place of Welcome hospitality group have met regularly. M&M’s meet on Tuesday and Place of Welcome on Tuesday & Wednesday both from 10am to midday. M&M’s and Place of Welcome happen because of a team effort. Last year a rota of helpers was set up and this is working very well – an answer to prayer that there are now so many involved (Col 4: 3) On Tuesday’s M&M’S numbers range from around 6-10 and Place of Welcome from around 4-10. On Wednesday between 6-12 people meet under the Place of Welcome scheme – numbers have remained stable. All members of St John’s congregation are most welcome to attend – approximately 6 people are nonattendees on Sunday’s. Everyone is very supportive of one another. When some of our members are unwell they receive visits and are contacted regarding their progress (Hebrews 13: 2) Place of Welcome happens in church, sharing Tuesday mornings with M&M’s and it is always a pleasure to see their wonderful crafting skills which encourages others to be involved and initiates some excellent conversations! One member makes very lovely greetings cards and kindly keeps us supplied as we need – a very special gesture indeed. (1 Peter 4:10). A key passage from the Bible for us is Colossians 4, and we are very blessed by **all** who join us on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and the conversations we share. During the past year we have continued to enjoy gentle and peaceful fellowship. Although our Place of Welcome times afford an opportunity for welcoming and friendly hospitality in the safety of a peaceful sanctuary, it would be wonderful if the 23 church was able to open similarly on more days of the week – but we pray and trust in God to guide us in this. Below are the words of a Graham Kendrick song which perhaps expresses the vision of Place of Welcome at St John’s. _You’re calling us and so we are gathered here….._ _Call the seeker, call the stranger, call the children, let’s hear their praises Call the lonely, call the broken, young and old, will sing hosannas, Let’s fill this house with praise._ ## **Liz Clarke** ## **WORLD FOCUS GROUP** 10% of our church income is made available to charities, every year. The Focus group’s role is to ensure that the charities we help comply with the ethos of the church and registered with the charities commission. Decisions on which charities we choose are made by the focus group along with input from the congregation. We always try to ensure that all our donations meet local, national and international needs, as well as helping with emergency disaster appeals. Apart from giving from our tithing, we also try to raise money for charities by means of coffee mornings for Christian Aid. Gifts and food for Women’s Aid and the House of Bread. Last Christmas our church donated an enormous amount of food. This ensured every family connected to the women’s refuge received a Christmas hamper of food and gifts. We presently have 6 members in the focus group: - Isobel Wakerell, Lyn Ryder, Eddie Chambers, Pam Ayre, Steve Gale and Kate Passey. If anyone would like more information on our group or is interested in becoming involved. Please speak to any of our members. ## **Lyn Ryder** ## Music Report We worship God with all our senses and the gift of music can enliven our soul and the Holy Spirit within us in ways we cannot readily explain. For some singing is more important than for others. The mix of traditional and modern hymns and worship songs at St John’s is our attempt to enable a diverse congregation to praise God. Interestingly some of the ‘modern’ hymns are now 60 plus years old! Music has been led by a small group of musicians. Thank you to Alan Bancroft who has regularly played for the Wednesday 2pm Holy Communion service and Ann Bolton who has occasionally played at those services. A big thank you to Alan also for his faithful work behind the scenes in the use of his library of hymns/songs words which are used on the PowerPoint each Sunday, and for his tallying of usage for our licence from Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCCL). Sunday morning worship has been led by pianists Chris Scattergood, Liz Clarke and Christina Thomson with Jamie Parkes leading on guitar/violin and Suresh Rajbhandari on bass guitar. We have been extremely blessed this year with young Bowen joining us to lead on piano. An incredibly gifted young man, many have sat at the end of Sunday worship to listen to him playing Mozart, Liszt, Chopin and Glinka 24 (to name but a few). The team met on a regular basis to prepare and plan music for services. In addition to Wednesday and Sunday worship the musicians have played for extra services throughout the year including Ash Wednesday, some Holy Week worship, funerals, Remembering services and extra services over the Christmas period including Christingle. In October Liz Clarke led an excellent Saturday morning of musical fellowship when congregation members and the musicians shared singing, Bible readings and prayers. We learnt a new song together which has been used in Sunday morning worship. Songwriters over the last twenty/thirty years have created a vast repertoire. Please let us know of songs/hymns we could use; we are open to suggestions. Thank you for your words of support and encouragement to all the musicians. “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 104:33. **Isobel Wakerell** ## **Flower Group Report** It is a privilege to write this report on behalf of the Flower Group and to serve in this ministry with such an amazing set of like-minded ladies, each one of us thankful to our Lord for his amazing creation, and the talents he has bestowed upon us. We are a friendly inclusive group, and we are blessed and delighted during the year to have welcomed Beverley Dunn back into the group and two new members Di Zhang and Kate Greatholder. In addition to the regular weekly church, and festival flowers, in the past year we have decorated the church for a wedding, flowers for funeral services and in memory of loved ones. Held two workshops and a demonstration evening all great occasions of friendship, fellowship, fun and outreach. We are thankful to Megan and the young people who kindly created the amazing angels for the window displays at Christmas a great example of integration and inclusivity. Planning is ongoing for a Flower Festival and for more workshops, diary dates will be posted in the weekly notice sheet. ## Barbara Maltby 25