2021-12-31-accounts

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul, West Mersea.

Annual Parochial Meeting Sunday 3rd April 2022 11.30am

AGENDA for the ANNUAL MEETING

To be held on Sunday 3rd April 2022 @ 11.30am in the Church Hall,

1. Attendance 2. Welcome 3. Appointment of Clerk to the meeting 4. Apologies for absence MEETING OF PARISHIONERS 1. Minutes of the 2021 meeting 2. Matters arising 3. Election of Churchwardens ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING, 2022 1. Minutes of 2021 meeting 2. Matters Arising. 3. To accept: 3.1 Copy of the new 2022 Electoral Roll 3.2 Annual report on the proceedings of the PCC in 2021 3.3 Deanery Synod report 3.4 The independently examined accounts and statements of funds and property for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 3.5 Fabric report 3.6 Pastoral Care Report 3.7 Reports of Children’s activities/Families Worker 3.8 Music Report 3.9 Parish Evangelist Report 3.10 Reports from Committees/Representatives for Charities 3.11 Chairman’s Report 4. ELECTIONS 4.1 Parochial Church Council 3 vacancies 4.2 Deanery Synod – no vacancies 5. Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2022 6. Any other business 7. Notices 8. Date of Next Year’s meeting – TBA 9. Closing Prayer

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul, West Mersea

MINUTES of the ANNUAL MEETING

Held on Sunday 30[th] May 2021 at 11.30 am in the Church

1. PRESENT : 28 members

2. The Church Warden Barbara Peter presided at this 91[st] meeting, welcoming members 3. Sandra Wheeler was appointed Clerk to the meeting.

4 Apologies for absence were received from: Peter Easy, Derek and Hilary Gay, David Galliphant, Frances Hart, Malcolm Peter, John and Jackie Pantry, Christopher Parkinson, Stephen Rice, Sarah Robinson, Annette Sapsford, Bridget Smith, Brian and Vera Snelling

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

1. Minutes of the 2020 meeting: One name was corrected in the list of Apologies. The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2. 2 Matters arising: There were none

3. Election of Churchwardens: The meeting approved unanimously the appointments of Alan Brook and Barbara Peter as Church Wardens.

Date:

Signed:

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING, 2021

1. Minutes of 2020 meeting: Pauline Sanderson proposed and Heather King seconded the approval of the Minutes as a correct record. The Minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2. Matters Arising: There were none.

3. To accept:

3.1 Copies of the new 2019 electoral roll. The Electoral Roll now stood at 101 members. Nine names having been removed during the last year. The Electoral Roll was accepted by acclamation.

3.2 Annual report on the proceedings of the PCC in 2020. St Peter and St Paul's PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with incumbent, (during the vacancy with the Churchwardens) in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has the maintenance responsibilities for the Church complex in West Mersea. Membership The Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parish and Parochial Meetings in accordance with the Church Representational Rules. During the year the following served on the PCC:

Incumbent: Vacancy Assistant Priest: Rev. John Pantry Curate: Rev. Terry Walker Evangelist: Mr Stephen Rice Wardens: Mr Alan Brook and Mrs Barbara Peter Health & Safety Officer: Mrs Cathy Roberts Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Cathy Roberts Families Worker: Mrs Heather King Treasurer: Mr Roland Gardener Representatives on the Deanery Synod: Mr Christopher Parkinson Elected Members Mrs Emma Cornwell Mrs Cathy Roberts Mr Peter Easy Mrs Pauline Low Mrs Frances Hart Mr Christopher Parkinson Co-opted Mrs Pauline Sanderson

It was noted that Mr. Stan Joslin had been co-opted in the last year.

3.3 Deanery Synod report The report was available to those attending and gave details of two meetings of the Deanery Synod. The first focussed on the ongoing review of stipendiary numbers, on the need for tithing and the use of lay ministers to take up roles normally undertaken by a priest.

The second meeting highlighted the need for the Church to review its carbon emissions with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. There were no questions following this report and Christopher Parkinson is willing to continue. The Chair asked for others to consider serving as deanery representatives. 3.4 The independently examined accounts and statements of funds and property for the year ended 31[st] December 2020. Barbara Peter thanked Roland Gardiner for the work involved in providing the accounts and reiterated the need for an assistant. The Accounts were accepted by acclamation. 3.5 Fabric report. Barbara Peter drew attention to the fact that the Church of St Peter and St Paul, West Mersea is very old, Grade 1 listed and maintenance is an ongoing task. Generally, the church building is in a reasonable condition but some work is always needed. This report listed major work.

• Quinquennial Report - all significant works are now completed.

• PA/AV system is in place and working. The Rectory, although empty, is regularly monitored and the grounds are maintained. This is organised by Pete Rudlin.

• Cleaning the church re Covid-19 precautions continues.

• The bells have been inspected and the suggestions in the report carried out.

• The two ceremonial chairs in the Chancel, have been refurbished.

• There have been discussions about replacing the organ, but the Standing Committee and the PCC decided to leave this until we have a new incumbent.

• The major work in the future is repair to the tower. This is now in the planning stage and tenders have gone out to a number of companies. Although a considerable sum of money has been ring-fenced for this project, further fundraising will be necessary. The PCC are very grateful to Geoff Sexton, who has offered to project manage this work without charge.

• Barbara Peter expressed the thanks of the meeting to the Members of the Committee, Alan Brook, Pete Rudlin, Alan Hammond, Roland Gardener and Geoff Sexton The Fabric report was accepted by acclamation.

3.6. Pastoral Care Report. Barbara Peter thanked Rev. Terry Walker and his team for their care

3.7. Reports of Children’s activities/Representatives for Charities.

These reports were available to those attending. They included reports from Giving and Gift Aid, Alan Hammond. Families Worker Report, Heather King. ‘Open the Book’ Bible Storytelling at Mersea School, Margaret Gaunt. Beach Club, Steven Gaunt. Mersea Island Mothers’ Union, Bridget Smith

Church Cleaners Report, Sue Hammond. Church Bell and Clock Report, Peter Rudlin. The Children’s Society, Georgie Hewes. Mission to Seafarers, John Talbot.

• 3.8. Music Report. No music report had been submitted. Elizabeth Willey expressed the thanks of the meeting for the work of Ian Jewitt, particularly in the lead up to Christmas and in the setting up of the zoom services. The music team would continue as at present with a review on the appointment of a new incumbent.

• 3.9. Parish Evangelist Report. Barbara Peter spoke of the appreciation of someone who had been significantly helped through contact with Stephen Rice.

3.11 Chair Person’s Report

These reports were read and accepted en bloc and without further question. 4 Elections

4.1 Barbara Peter thanked Frances Hart for her work following her decision to ‘stand down’ from the PCC. Four nominations had been received namely Peter Easy, Pauline Low, Pauline Sanderson and Valerie Bocking. These nominations were accepted by acclamation.

• 4.2 Deanery Synod. The appointment of Christopher Parkinson was agreed nem.con. 5 Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2021 Louisa Tippett had agreed to continue as Independent Examiner for 2021.

6 Any other business Pauline Low expressed the thanks of the meeting to Alan Brook and Barbara Peter and others who had kept things going through a difficult year.

Barbara Peter mentioned the work of Georgie Hewes and Philippa Fairbanks in helping with funerals and Peter Rudlin and his team for many other tasks undertaken. Other names mentioned were Angelina Naish who cared for the linen and candles, Rosemary Gardener for her work on flowers, Heather King and Lily Cornwell in bell ringing.

• 7 Notices There were no further notices

8 Date of Next Year’s meeting

The suggested date for this is Sunday 10[th] . April 2022

9 Val Bocking offered a vote of thanks to Alan Brook and Barbara Peter in their challenging jobs as Church Wardens and prayed for them

Barbara Peter closed the meeting in prayer.

Signed: ______ Date: ____

3.1 ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

3.2 REPORT OF PCC ST PETER AND ST PAUL'S CHURCH Annual Report for 2021

Background St Peter and St Paul's PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with incumbent, (during the vacancy with the Churchwardens) in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has the maintenance responsibilities for the Church complex in West Mersea.

Membership The Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parish and Parochial Meetings in accordance with the Church Representational Rules.

During the year the following served on the PCC:

Incumbent: Vacancy then from September 2021 Rev. Jude Bevan

Assistant Priest: Rev. John Pantry Curate: Rev. Terry Walker Evangelist: Stephen Rice Wardens: Alan Brook and Barbara Peter Health & Safety Officer: Cathy Roberts Safeguarding Officer: Cathy Roberts Families Worker: Heather King Treasurer: Roland Gardener Representative on the Deanery Synod: Christopher Parkinson Representatives of Friends of West Mersea Parish Church : Lizzie Dumas and Steven Gaunt

Elected Members

Val Bocking Pete Easy Stan Joslin Pauline Low Cathy Roberts Pauline Sanderson Emma Cornwell Co-opted Mrs Pauline Sanderson

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Peter and St Paul, West Mersea, met on 6 occasions during 2021. At each meeting they considered reports from the Fabric Committee, Porch Pantry, Deanery Synod and accounts from the treasurer as well as other topics.

Major topics included -

• The environment: to explore ways in which the church can improve our green credentials and to be striving visibly to protect God’s earth.

• Covid protocols, which changed frequently, and working to reopen the church.

• New marriage certification procedures.

• Strategies to be carbon neutral by 2030.

• Management of the church during the interregnum.

• Assisting the new incumbent, Rev. Jude Bevan, to settle into her new role.

Many thanks must go to the PCC who have worked very hard to ensure the church has continued to function both materially and, more importantly, spiritually during 2021.

3.3 DEANERY SYNOD REPORT Report on the meeting of Witham Deanery Synod on the evening of 24[th] February 2022, the meeting was held by Zoom

The meeting began at 8 pm with a welcome and prayer from Simon.

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 16[th] October 2021 were agreed, followed by congratulations given to Terry Walker on taking up his placement at East Donnyland.

The report from the latest General Synod had been circulated with other papers for this evening’s meeting. Simon urged us to look at the section on Everyday Faith, page 3. Simon additionally reported on a course ran last month on Growing Churches which looked at topics such as welcoming new people into the Church family, quality of worship, engagement, all with achievable outcomes.

The main agenda item was for incumbents or their representatives to give a short report on where their churches were now as the Government eases restrictions relating to covid. From the reports given, some common themes emerged such as relying on the greater use of technology, the age demographics of congregations and those who feel unable to return to church for whatever reason. Simon thanked those who had given their reports and stressed the importance of letting other know of positive outcomes and issues in their parishes, all which will help develop the Deanery Plan, more of which later.

The Deanery Treasurer next presented a short report. A full end of year report could not be given until the diocese release figures for parish share paid last month, but at the end of December 2021 the Deanery had paid 77% of its share, the Archdeaconry 88% and the Diocese 82%. The Treasurer concluded that parishes will see have seen an increase in their share to reflect the full cost of incumbents.

Simon next updated Synod on the new Deanery Plan and its four sub-divisions; where are we now, this meeting had started this process; what are our hopes; where we need to be by 2027; how are we going to achieve this. The plan would aim to address issues such as finance and support and MMU’s will not become the be all and end all. The need for clergy and parishioners not to feel isolated will also be a main focus point. Where you are now is important and discussions on this will continue at the summer meeting of Synod at Terling.

As at the last meeting of Synod, serious concerns were expressed by several Synod members regarding the current diocesan safeguarding training. Good people were leaving their safeguarding roles whilst others were ready to resign rather than undergo the training which had been widely reported as cumbersome, time consuming and discriminating to those without internet access. One member who had undertaken the full training program was willing to train others in her parish but this offer had been refused by the diocese. Simon responded that he totally accepted their concerns and would their share these with Ruth. The meeting finshed at 9.10 pm with prayers for growth and the Ukraine, followed by the saying of the grace.

3.4 ACCOUNTS

3.5 FABRIC REPORT

Fabric Committee Report 2021

This has been a busy year for the Fabric Committee which comprises of Barbara Peter, Alan Brook, Alan Hammond, Geoff Sexton, Roland Gardener and Pete Rudlin.

• The major work carried out in 2021 was, of course, the refurbishment and repair of stone work on the tower. The project was organised by Geoff Sexton, who worked tirelessly drawing up the schedule of work, getting quotations and liaising with the contractors. All this work is done as a service to our church and saves us a considerable amount of money. We are very grateful for Geoff’s efforts on our behalf. The finance for this project was partially from the Friends of West Mersea Parish Church and also from a generous legacy. Whist the scaffolding was in place, the clock face was removed and refurbished. The clock on the tower is the only public clock in West Mersea.

Other works include -

• The box for the PA system has been repaired.

• Fire Brigade inspection was satisfactory. The one item of concern, signs on the fire doors, has been addressed.

• The clock has been serviced.

• Rat problems in the drains is an ongoing problem which is dealt with as it arises.

• The Rectory garden was maintained during the Interregnum.

• Extra storage was installed in the Tower Room for Porch Pantry goods and a curtain put up to hide these goods when necessary e.g. at a Baptism.

• We had a visit from the insurance company, Ecclesiastical, which was very comprehensive. The representative was satisfied with the way the church was maintained.

• The notice board outside has been amended to include Jude’s name but it is intended that it should be replaced.

• ‘Bottle Brush’ devices have been put in some gutters to prevent down pipes becoming blocked and therefore gutters overflowing in heavy rain.

• Planning has begun the church buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030 as requested by the Church of England.

These are some of the work carried out during 2021 but regular maintenance is done on a weekly basis by a willing group of volunteers. We must all be grateful to these people who monitor the buildings and rectify problems immediately.

I would like to thank the members of the Fabric Committee for their diligence and hard work during 2021.

Barbara Peter

3.6 PASTORAL REPORT Pastoral Care Report for 2021

The pastoral care team have not been able to meet during the last year and for much of the time we have not been able to visit people or take home communion. However our newsletter bridged the gap for those who were unable to join us on Zoom and it was also sent out as an email. A team of people delivered them and some contact was maintained by knocking on doors and standing back. Now opportunities are opening up again and we are beginning to plan ahead and would welcome anyone who would like to be involved in this ministry.

Terry Walker has headed up this ministry for many years and we thank him for his ministry to so many people. We will miss him but know that his new Benefice will be blessed by his care and compassion. Val Bocking.

3.7 REPORTS OF FAMILY WORKER AND CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

2021 has been another strange and for some an isolating year. I have continued to stay in touch with local elderly residents and struggling young families.

Sunbeams like all things had to stop for a while but as soon as it was safe to do so we restarted. We had our Christmas party with Malcolm Peter our resident Santa as usual which was enjoyed by all.

I have been very busy supporting young families over 2021 many in need of bedding white goods,furniture, toys,flooring and financial help or advice with heating. Our wonderful community have risen to the challenge every time l have asked for help sourcing items, some even helping with collecting and delivering. I cannot tell you how completely overwhelmed l have been by peoples kindness. We have collected, delivered, heaved fridges, freezers and sofa's up flights of concrete steps for a number of families and the amount of household items l can squash into my Corsa car amazed me. Thank you so very much to you all.

A number of baptisms were incorporated into the end of the zoom services once we were able to use the church again, others were postponed, all these bar one have been rebooked.

Beacon House had stopped taking donations when covid numbers were high and the homeless had all been found places of the street by the council. When donations did resume they have been as always very grateful for your donations of jeans, trainers, new underwear and socks. Thank you to all of you that have continued to support Beacon House with your donations.

There had been no junior church due to lockdowns and covid restrictions, activities for our youth are now restarting afresh and are very exciting.

I shall continue to work to strengthen links with our community, to assist mums/carers/and young families and those in need and to carry information and a welcome to our church into our community.

Heather King (Families Worker) 18th February 2022.

Report to APCM on 2021 Activities

Beach Club

A Beach Club for children of all ages has been running in Mersea for one hundred years. The Covid pandemic sadly curtailed the plans for Beach Club yet again in 2021 and the event did not run for a second year in succession so there is no activity to report for the year The good news is that with Covid restrictions lifted, gaining a licence from the Council now appears to be straightforward. We are therefore very much looking forward to celebrating a somewhat delayed Centenary Event from 25 to 29 July in 2022. Please come and support West Mersea Beach Club’s Centenary Year on the Beach opposite the end of Empress Avenue as Mersea churches join together for the week’s programme of events. Steven Gaunt, Hon Treasurer, Beach Club Steering Group

Open the Book

The Bible Society-backed programme at West Mersea School has been very disrupted, as has been the case for the past two years. The usual format is that members of our church act out Bible stories at assemblies at the school on a weekly basis, using the Lion Storyteller Bible. We were invited to return in

September 2021, having been absent from the school since the start of the first Covid lockdown of March 2020, and to deliver the stories to the first two school years only, rather than the whole school. We were rather disappointed not to be delivering to the entire school, but respected the School’s wishes and we had a great reception from the children in that format for a number of weeks until the rate of Covid infection began to rise and we were then asked to deliver the stories on a one storyteller per class basis, which we did for the latter part of the Autumn term. Both formats appeared to be well received by the children. Margaret Gaunt, Team Leader

3.8 MUSIC REPORT

3.9 PARISH EVANGELIST REPORT

“2021 has been a tough year for many and I am no exception. There have been episodes when I have been barely functional. I am however supported by the knowledge that there are saints praying for me and my work, both specifically and generally.

No prayer goes unanswered, and this is one of the many things I tell people who are interested. And many still are.

Quantifiable, futile, ‘target-driven’ activities are never going to be my area, but if it is felt that someone with such gifts is needed, then please go ahead. Otherwise, you are saddled with me, on the margins, working alone, of sketchy faith, but determined that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit never abandon us, and are not about to now, no matter how inadequate and ineffective we may feel.

May you all continue to be blessed.

Yours truly

Stephen Rice Parish Evangelist Just off the coast West Mersea 2022”

3.10 OTHER REPORTS

CHURCH BELLS ANNUAL REPORT 2022

The church bells were not chimed during the “lockdown” period, as required by Church Authorities but with easing of constaints bells have again been chimed for services and weddings as campanologists were available!!

The opportunity has been taken to thoroughly clean the belfry area, together with the bells, following the tower restoration work. All the bells and hangers have been brushed down and sprayed with a PTFE lubricant spray, bell fixings checked for tightness and treated to prevent any further rusting. All the bell moving parts have been lubricated and checked against wear.

The “Captain of the Tower” expresses his grateful thanks to all who have assisted in maintaining the fabric and those who call the faithful to church.

John Talbot Captain of the Tower February 2022

CHURCH CLOCK REPORT

Towards the end of 2021 the clock face and hands were removed by Simon Michlmayr & Co Ltd, from Norwich, using the scaffold that was surrounding the tower at the time for the tower repairs. The clock face was repainted and the hands re-gilded with gold leaf. These items were then refitted.

At this time the worn gear was remade, and the worn shaft repaired. These were later replaced and the clock restarted and adjusted before the end of the year.

The clock is now keeping good time.

TOWER FLAG HALYARD AND WOODEN YOKES REPORT

The new halyard was spliced in with the help of local fisherman, Andrew French in June 2021.

The flag pole has had it's rotting bracing saddles replaced with new, specially made, teak versions and new Nyloc stainless nuts were fitted.

Peter Rudlin March 2022

The Children’s Society

Unfortunately, yet again, we were unable to have a Christingle Service due to COVID restrictions. This of course, meant that the money raised for the Society during 2021 was entirely based on the box collections from our Supporters. The amount raised was £1665.55.

Georgie Hewes Local Hon. Sec. for The Children’s Society

MOTHERS' UNION ANNUAL REPORT FOR APCM 2021

We started the year with 20 members, but sadly, 1 member is no longer able to continue due to ill health. However, another lady has joined us, so, despite another terrible year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have remained at 20 members. I believe we are now the largest branch in the Witham Diocese.

I am very pleased to report that Mary Trenter is still a member. Although she left Mersea Island a year ago, she has continued her membership of our Branch of Mothers’ Union as an Indoor Member. This type of membership if for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend meetings. We have 6 such members in our Branch. I keep in regular contact with them, and they receive special letters, cards, prayers, etc from the Diocesan Indoor Members Officer.

We were unable to hold our monthly meetings from February 2020 until last November when we were able to start again. As we would in September of any year after our summer break in August, we held our “reopening” service in Church in November. This was a traditional Evensong led, as usual, by Revd. Keith Lovell.

We were able to hold our usual Christmas Celebration Meeting in December with mince pies and a gift for each member from Santa.

During the past 2 years, each member of the branch has received a birthday card in the relevant month instead of the customary birthday posy presented at meetings, and a Christmas Card.

As Branch Leader, I’ve received lots of communication from our Central Office in London. Our Worldwide President and Diocesan President have been working very hard behind the scenes to keep our members here, and across the world, informed and provided with spiritual encouragement. I have also attended Diocesan Meetings and events via Zoom.

We are all looking forward to being able to continue to gather for meetings, and hopefully, soon to hold our twice monthly Prayer Group Meetings in members' homes, and to worship together at our Corporate Communion Service on the First Wednesday of each month.

Mersea Island Mothers' Union co-ordinates the Mersea Island Churches “Annual World Day of Prayer Service”, always held on the first Friday in March. We arranged for the 2021 service to be held in our own homes. Representative from each of the 5 churches distributed the service booklets to those who would normally attend, with a letter suggesting we all sat down at 2pm on 5 March to read through the service, and feel united in prayer and fellowship.

This year, the World Day of Prayer Service on Friday 4 March will be hosted by the Mothers’ Union here in our Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul. The Service has been written by ladies in England.

Bridget Smith

Branch Leader, Mersea Island Mothers’ Union

Mersea Lights Up

Lights Up presents us with a wonderful missional opportunity in our village, to meet our neighbours and engage in conversation - particularly good after the absence of interaction that Covid has created. 2021 Lights up was different, and was a village-wide event held during the day on Saturday 4 December from 10am to 6 pm. A smaller than usual group began star making in October meeting on Wednesday mornings, fortunately we had a stock of stars and so we were able to get 350 ready for the day. We were ready with the stars hung on the Christmas tree on the Church wall by 3pm with a group of helpers to give them out , it’s a real privilege to meet people and share the Christmas message the verse on the stars was

“May the love of Jesus shine as a bright star in your life this Christmas” We gave about 280 stars away and were delighted to think that our stars will be displayed in so many local homes over Christmas. As It was a really cold evening we decided to have the Carol singing inside the church at 6.30pm, rather than outdoors. Hot chocolate was served and David Willey led an enjoyable session of carol singing which was shared with members of the church and community. Thank you to all who shared in this event. Margaret Gaunt

3.11 CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

CHURCHWARDENS’ APCM REPORT – 2021

As we will all, no doubt, remember so vividly, 2021 was mainly marked as our second consecutive year of Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. Your Wardens, together with Cathy Roberts, our Health & Safety Representative, worried about how to keep the church open as much as possible, for safe services and private prayer, without creating a hotbed of infection. By working hard and largely following both Government and Diocesan instructions/recommendations, we were happy to have come through the year without a single outbreak of the disease being recorded as having come through church contact.

In retrospect, we could, maybe, have kept the church building open a little more than we did. Certainly, the Right Reverend, Justin Welby himself, the Archbishop of Canterbury, regretted not having rebuffed Government restrictions more than he did. But hindsight is a wonderful thing, as the saying goes, and the main thing to reflect on, probably, is that we came through 2021 safely. We hope not to have failed the community in taking safety to too great an extreme, to the detriment of prayer and spiritual comfort……

By sealing off alternative pews, instigating mask wearing and the use of hand washing disinfectant procedures, we were able to offer the building for private prayer on two mornings a week. The ability to remain open longer, for more days was inhibited by the need to have at least one responsible person remaining in church, both to help visitors, to ensure protocols were followed and to clean up after their departure. This onerous duty was also felt necessary because of the untimely and sad thefts of both the roof lead and the eagle lectern from St. Edmund’s, Martyr & Saint, East Mersea church. It is perhaps now time our own eagle lectern might be brought back out from its place of safe storage in the tower and replaced in the Lady Chapel; our church not being so isolated and remote a target?

With the church closed we were forced into new ways of thinking about worship and the arrival of “Zoom” meant a rapid and steep learning curve of modern technology for all! With very grateful thanks to the fantastic support received from all involved in making this work, it was a new delight to be able to welcome 80- 90 people every Sunday, via our computer screens, as we worshipped together, but separately, at home.

We have, though, lost some momentum in our regular patterns of prayer and worship, as a result of the pandemic. We did temporarily lose some old friends, those unable to either join on Zoom or enjoy church through the ether, but we also gained many new friends who discovered our online services as a safe haven in a storm. The closing of weekly House Groups is something we need to work on reversing. Hopefully, the recent return of Carol Services, Open the Book school sessions and Lent Lunches will rekindle sparks of a new flame in that direction? The melding together of the two, old 9:30am and 11:00 am Sunday morning

services is a feature that will remain, however, as it is far too great a workload on our clergy and musicians to continue offering the extra service.

It was so very special to be able to include friends and family from far away, allowing us to reconnect with the French family in Norfolk, with Frances Hart’s daughter & granddaughter, in Arles, France, and even Alan & Sue Hammond, quarantined for several weeks in Christchurch, New Zealand! Online service facilities are here to stay for a while, we expect.

The Christmas services were affected by Covid with our traditional Christmas Eve Midnight service being Zoom only, apart from a few people and a small choir in church. But earlier that afternoon, we were able to serve our community with an open air Carol service which was attended by over 250 people. As Cathy Roberts commented, “I think we’ve started a new tradition!” Christmas morning saw a restricted service in the church.

Special thanks and a mention must go to those stalwarts who stuck by us and helped make our Zoom services of United Worship such a success, if we might claim that. Without the true and amazingly loyal support of our retired clergy, our long three year period of vacancy would have been intolerable and far more painful. But without the commitment and extra efforts of David Willey, in producing the weekly ‘songsheets’, and Pete Easy, in hosting and mediating the ‘Zoom’ attendances, to maximise quality of sound and minimise the risk of unwanted outside interference, it would not have been possible to run our online church.

Our new audio system, therefore, got far less use than was intended and, with the loss of our Music Director to pastures new during the year, it was a struggle at first to include music at all with our worship. So, we were very, very fortunate to ‘discover’ the musical talents of Joan Joslin. We are therefore equally grateful to both her, and to Stan, for allowing us to draw on her keyboard talents and lovely singing voice, which enabled music once again to help us praise our Lord.

Val Bocking, too, helped maintain our outreach to those who could not access church nor join us on ‘Zoom’, both with her Newsletters and her pastoral contacts. Her weekly group prayer sessions also helped many during their struggle through life in the ‘new normal’.

Once our church was able to reopen for worship, we were delighted to be able to continue to offer ‘Zoom’ linked services to all. Now, too we could bring music back into church in all its many forms. It has been wonderful to welcome back both Jamie and Helen Nightingale, as well as John Davies and the Mersea Island Choir, to enhance our weekly joint services and re-establish a regular, monthly pattern of Evensong. With Ray Bocking helping nurse along more traditional hymns on our faltering organ, we are well-served, musically, once again.

In late September, of course, the biggest news of all was the arrival of our new incumbent, the lovely Reverend Jude Bevan! Her instalment commissioning service, led by Bishop Roger of Colchester, was a complete joy and a very welcome moment indeed. Her transforming ministry has begun, with much to do and with happy acclaim from all who have met her. Hallelujah! We pray, oh God, you will give her the strength and wisdom to carry this Mersea Benefice forward into a joyous future, in Your name, Lord.

Following that momentous occasion, the year was rounded off most satisfactorily by the amazing achievement of Geoff Sexton, who, almost single-handedly, not only brought in the Tower stonework refurbishment project well under budget, but also did so to a superb standard, completed on time, before the bats started their winter roosting period of hibernation! Our very grateful thanks must go to Geoff, who made his professional services to our church a huge part of his tithed ‘giving’. Our ancient Norman tower should continue to serve us well for many, many more years.

Finally, it is with no little relief, and with very grateful thanks to you all, especially to Roland Gardener, our loyal and hardworking Treasurer, I am able to announce, notwithstanding the closures of church and the loss, or postponement, of many regular services, weddings, baptisms and other special occasions, that our finances still stand us in good stead!

It is fair to report we have had to dig into our reserves a bit, and are currently budgeting a shortfall on income over expenditure for this year. However, the General Account remains healthy and, largely thanks to our regular givers who have adopted the newly installed Parish Giving Scheme, as well as the support of those who contribute via Direct Debit, the reduction in numbers using the Gift Aid envelopes, or giving in

the form of hard cash, has been offset much more than might have been expected during our lockdown periods. So, Thank You all!

Alan Brook and Barbara Peter

4 ELECTIONS

• 4.1 PCC 5 Vacancies

• 4.2 Deanery Synod 1 vacancy

• APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER FOR 2022

• ANY OTHER BUSINESS

7. NOTICES

1. DATE OF NEXT YEAR’S MEETING

9. CLOSING PRAYER

1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL, WEST MERSEA ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2021 Registered Charity Number 1142676

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL, WEST MERSEA Reglstered Charity Number 1142676 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$1 DECEMBER 2021 2020 INCOMING RESOURCES On Unrestricted Funds 2021 Incoming Resources from Donors General Collections Parish Giving Scheme Standing Ordersl incl Family Worker don81ionsl Donations for General Fund Gift Aided Tax Reclaim Home Communions Carol Services Midnight Mass & Christmas Day Legacies 5,103.63 35,828.88 31,703.90 1,109.79 17,987.36 3.00 0.00 18.00 50,000.00 4,860.77 35,614.88 35,010.50 2,008.37 18,567.68 0.00 51.72 59.00 2.555.23 141,754.56 98,728.15 Other Voluntary Incoming Resources Donations for Mary's Meals (incl some 2019) Donations for Val Bocking (Retiring C Warden) Appeals Income Christmas Lunch Donations Received(20191 Christian Aid lin lieu of Lenl Lunches) Donations towards Flowers 543.54 320.00 404.40 100.00 0.00 85.00 0.00 o.oo 0.00 0.00 430.00 105.00 1,452.94 535.00 Income from Anclllary Trading Beacon House Service Collection Hall Hir& Bell plates Income Rev. Jude Bevan Installation Collection Pianissimo Income (incl Weddings} Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates 0.00 4,702.00 134.00 0.00 490.20 12.00 5,338.20 72.50 4.813.00 0.00 309.26 80.00 0.00 5,274.76 Ordlnary Incoming Resources Interregnum Fees refunded by CDBF Fees from Funerals & Weddings Caleringl Refreshments Benefice Team Ministry Expenses Reimbursed 1,972.00 14,354.00 70.00 0.00 16,396.00 1,598.00 17,086.33 0.00 147.43 18,831.76 21.76 Interest Recelved 2.76 164,963.46 Total Incoming Resources 123,372.43

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL, WEST MERSEA Reglster8d Charity Number 1142676 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2021 2020 OUTGOING RESOURCES On Unrestricted Funds 2021 Mlnlstry 43,035.00 0.00 43,035.00 DIO￿an Family Share Team Ministry Expenses 47.132.88 47,132.88 Runnlng Expenses 308.72 2,199.86 900.62 1,134.93 281.80 4,828.18 2,500.00 965.84 0.00 3,337.04 0.00 335.40 5.600.00 600.00 180.00 2.635.26 125.16 200.00 5.748.40 425.50 432.45 6,447.94 0.00 0.00 206.62 320.00 1,972.00 11.828.87 216.00 16.00 Water & Sew8ragè Insurance Healing Oil Electricity Altar Requisites Parish Office Offi¢8 Machines & Equipment Printing. Poslago 8 Stationery Tearn Ministry Costs 335.11 2.13608 64213 1,639.61 588.27 6,249.19 413.95 1,818.05 1,473.78 3,982.16 0.00 461.72 480.00 Organ Service & Repairs Audio & Video Costs Organists Fee5 Pianissimo Pianissimo + General Running Repairs Flowersloasis Rèctory Utility Costs Families Workèr Costs Evangeli5 Advertising (Christmas Leaflets & Vacancy) Charities and Missions sae sthedule Porch Prayer Display Rectory Refurbishm8rit Bank Charges Gift for Val Bockingl retiring C Wardén I nterregnum Fee5 Funeral & Wedding Fees Costs Sunday Scho& Sponsorship Sunbeams Refrèshments lor Installation Service 3.583 24 490.57 234.61 5,636.80 461.45 6,189.34 0.00 5.689 80 191.42 1.632 00 11.471 32 216.00 48.(X) 141.16 56.271 26 53.746.59 96,781.59 0.00 2,000.00 98,781.59 Total Olrtgoing Resources Tr8nsferred to Fabric Fund Transferred to Community Chest Fund Total Resourc&s Used 103.404.14 30,094.84 0.00 133.498.98 fj64,963.46 Total In¢x)rning Resources 123.372.44 66,181.87 Nel Change on Year 110.126 541 43.013.61 Balance at 1st January 2021 109,195.48 109.19548 Balance at 31st December 2021 99,068.94

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL, WEST MERSEA Registered Charity Number 1142676 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2021 RESTRICTED FUNDS 2020 2021 BELL FUND Balance at 1 st January 2021 Interest Received Repairs Balance al 31st December 2021 8,134.40 34.54 0.00 8,168.94 8,168 94 4.26 8,173.20 FABRIC FUND Balance at 1 st January 2021 FWMPC Donation for Moss Removal & Tile Replacement Interest Received Donations from Friends for Towèr Repairs Donation for Clock Repairs Transferred from General Fund for Tower Clock Repairs Moss Removal & Tile Repla¢emenl Major Clock Repairs Tower repairs Balance al 31 sl December 2021 7,863.99 3.547.20 34.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,898.05 0.00 4.11 10,000.00 500.00 30,094.84 0.00 13,074.401 37,520.44 7,902.16 13,547.201 0.00 0.00 7,898 05 COMMUNifY CHEST FUND Balance at 1 st JanLJary 2021 Tonsf&rred from General Fund Donations Received Good Causes Balance at 31 sl December 2021 307.59 2,000.00 120.00 250.30 2,177.29 2,177.29 0.00 3,132.45 727.79 4,581.95 PORCH PANTRY FUND Balance al 1$1 January 2021 Transferred from General Fund Donalions Received Purchases Balance al 31 sl December 2021 0.00 2,228.05 12,560.19 4,856.86 9,931.38 9,931.38 0.00 7,188.52 15.355.70 1,764.20 TITHE CHANCEL ENDOWMENT FUND Dividends in the year Ireinvesled in 17.47 sharesl 638.99 Shares held 1st January 2021 Shares re-valuation 656.46 Shares held 31st De￿mber 2021 699.42 11,892.70 499.06 13,091.18 383.69 13,091.18 1,898.18 15,373.Q5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL. WEST MERSEA Registered Charity Number 1142676 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2021 RESTRICTED FUNDS 2020 2021 AUDIO VISUAL FUND Balance a11 sl January 2021 FWMPC donab'on lowards new Sound System Sound System Costs Including Installation 20,915.47 10,000.00 126,787.401 4,128.07 0.00 0.00 4,128.07 Balance as at 31 st Decernber 2021 4,128.07 CHURCH & COMMUNITYICCTV) FUND 307.00 Balance al 1st January 2021 307.00 307 00 Balance as at 31st December 2021 307.00

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL. WEST MERSEA Registered Charity Number 1142676 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2021 2020 2021 CURRENT ASSETS 13,091.18 Central B08rd of Finance Inveslrnent Fund Units 15,373.05 122,104.26 Cash wth Bardays Bank 109,242.86 21,3&8.41 Cash wth Central Board of Finance ol the Church of England 21,379.54 57.23 Cash in hand 57.23 2,410.62 Debtots and Prepayments 2,669.60 14,134.311 Liabilities 17.423.711 154,897 39 141.298.57 REPRESENTED BY.. Totals Restrlcted Unrestricted Total$ 109,195.48 General Fund 99,068.94 99,069.94 9.931.38 Porch Pantry Fund 1,764.20 1.764.20 8.168.94 8ell Fund 8,173.20 8.173.20 7.898.05 Fabric Fund 7.902.16 7,902.16 2,177.29 Community Chest Fund 4.581.95 4.581.95 4,128.07 Audio Visual Fund 4,128.07 4.128.07 307.00 Church & Comrnunity ICCTVI Fund 307.00 307. 13,091.18 Tithe Chancel Trust- hdd by Diocese 15.373.05 15,373.05 154.897.39 42,229.63 99,068.94 141.298.57

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL, WEST MERSEA Registered Charity Number 1142676 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2021 SCHEDULE OF GIVING TO CHARITIES AND MISSIONS 2020 2021 500.00 Essex Clergy Charity Leprosy Mission Mersea Beach Club 809.26 500.00 500.00 500.00 Mission lo Seafarers 500.00 Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Bamabus Fund 377.58 500.00 500.00 500.00 Colchester Beacon House 500.00 500.00 Christian Aid 430.00 500.00 cyo 500.00 500.00 Fellowship Afloat Childrens Society Colchester CAP 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 904.40 Tearfund Col¢he$ter CAB Beacon House { Mersea Island Chorus } MaWs Meals { some late for 2019 plus 2020) 72.50 543.54 6,447.94 5,689.34

Indepgndent Examiner's Report to the Parochial Church Council of St. Peter and St. Paul. West Mersea Reglstered Charity Number 1142676 I report lo the members of the Parochial Church Council of Sl Peter and Sl Paul, Wesl Mersea on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021. Rèsponsibilities and basis of report As members of the P C C you are ￿spOnSible for the p￿ParatiOn of the accounts in accord8n¢e with the requirernenls of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the P C C's accounls carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrwng out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl ol the Act. Indèpendent examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirrn that no material matters have come to my 8tlention in connection with the examinaii'on giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were noi kept in ￿SpeCt of the P C C as required by seGtioft 130 of Ihe AGt', ai the accounts do not accord with those rècords., or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reportsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fair. wew which is not a matter Considered as part ol an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other mallers in connection wlh the examination to which attention should be dpwn in this report in order to enable a proper undersianding of the accounts to be reached. L C Tippett ACA Chartered Accountant West Mers&a 21 March 2022