St Luke's Church - Hedge End
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Incorporating the
Annual Meeting of the Parishioners
Sunday 12 May 2024
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (ALSO KNOWN AS TRUSTEES) OF THE
PARISH OF HEDGE END. ST LUKE
Charity Registration No: 1142990

CONTENTS
Page Number
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rev Ben Jones, Introductory Remarks
1 .2 Admi nistrative Informacion
1 .3 Income and Reserves
1 .4 Structure, Governance and Management
1.5 Membership of PCC
1 .6 PCC'S Objectives and Activiti es
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2022
2.1 Reports
la)
Curate's Report
Senior Leadership Team ISLT) and Ministry Leadership Team IMLT)
Pastoral
Ibl
(c}
Id)
Children and Youth Sub-committee
Children's Church Groups for 0-11 Year Olds
lil) Youth M inistry
Mission and Outreach
lel
Christian Aid
Hedge End, West End and Botley Churches Together
(i ill Encounter Afternoon Tea
(iv) Snowdrop Care Home
(vl Open the Book
Ivil Minnows Playgroup
Iviil Youth Café
{viiil Book Club
(ixl Si Luke's Walking Group
Ixl
Israeli Dancing
{xi) Not So Strictly St Luke's
(xii) Ladies Group
Buildings Sub-committee
Communications and Publicity Sub-committee
Eco Church 5ub-Committee
(n
(gl
(h)
(J.)
Finance Sub-committee
2.2 Standing Committee
2.3 Churchwardens and Assistant Churchwarden's Report
2.4 Eastleigh Deanery Synod Representatives, Report
2.5 Electoral Roll/Church Attendance
2.6 Safeguarding
20
20

CONTENTS
Page Number
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rev Ben Jones, Introductory Remarks
1.2 Administrative I nformation
1.3 Income and Reserves
1.4 Structure, Governance and Management
1.5 Membership of PCC
1,6 PCC'S Objectives and Activities
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2022
2.1 Reports
lal
Curate's Report
Senior Leadership Team (SLTI and Ministry Leadership Team IMLTI
Pastoral Re
Ibl
Icl
Id)
Children and Youth Sub-committee
lil Children's Church Groups forO-11 Year Olds
lill Youth Ministry
Mission and Outreach
(el
Christian Aid
Hedge End. West End and Botley Churches Together
liiil Encounter Afternoon Tea
livl Snowdrop Care Home
(vl
Open the Book
(vi) Minnows Playgroup
Ivii) Youth Café
Iviiil Book Club
(ix) St Luke's Walking Group
(x)
Israeli Dancing
Ixil Not So Strictly St Luke's
Ixiil Ladies Group
Buildings Sub-committee
Communications and Publicity Sub-committee
Eco Church Sub-committee
14
14
(n
Igl
{h)
(il
Finance Sub-committee
2.2 Standing Committee
2.3 Churchwardens and Assistant Churchwarden's Report
2.4 Eastleigh Deanery Synod Representatives, Report
2.5 Electoral Roll/Church Attendance
2.6 Safeguarding
20
20

Annual Report for Year Endlng 31 December 2023
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rev Ben Jones. Nicar} Introductory Remarks
Well. I'm writing this in March and most of you will be reading this in May 50 2023
probably already feels qu ite a long time agol But It's good to look back and reflect on
what was another fantastic year at St. Luke's.
My over-riding emotion in my role as vicar here is one of thankfulnes5. 1 genuinely
thank God every day for you all, for our wonderful church community. l am well aware
of how lucky l am to have been called to 5t. Luke's and I hope that, as you look around
at Ehe extraordinary community we are part of here, that you share in this feeling.
We've seen plenty of growth as a church. in our diversity, our home groups, our
numbers, our finances, our environmental awareness. our staff team, our generosity to
other organisations and mission agencies and in our closenes5 as a community. Above
all, my hope is that we have grown in the depth of understanding of God's great love for
us and, in response, ir) our love for H im and for our world.
Do read on through the rest of this report to find out more of whafs been happening,
but here are a few things which I think are worth mentioning here:
We ran two Alpha courses in 2023, both of which were a great Success.
We launched two new home groups, one following on from Alpha and one
specifically for the 205 and 305 age grou p.
We employed Maddie, our wonderful new Youth Ministry Co-ordinator. and have
seen new events started and new young people joining in.
Clive was ordained as a priest and has continued to be an extraordinary blessing
to us as he shares in the leadership of the church.
Jeanette. our brilliant parish administrator, continued to provide high quality Ibut
often unseen) support for the church's ministry.
We launched our new online churchwide prayer meeting and have now met
several times.
We had a glorious baptism service on Easter Day and a lovely variety of superb
Christmas services.
We installed a new sound system which should last us for many years to come.
We installed a new oven in the church kitchen, which has already been used to
cook hundreds of pi22as for youth café, dozens of meals for chLArch lunches and
much, much more.
There is so much more to celebrate, and the rest of thi5 report details those things.
Please keep praying for all the fantastic ministries, grou ps and events that take place at
St. Luke's.

I'd like to conclude these opening remarks with a bible verse that has been resonating
with me recently. May it be true for us as a church as we continue to go forward
together in God's love.
'The Lord is my strength and my shield. In him my heart trusts and l am helped. My
heart exults and with my song I give thanks to Him., Psalm 28..7
Rev Ben Jones
1.2 Administrative Information
This Annual Report was approved by PCC ITrusieesl on 18 March 2024. The Parish of
Hedge End, St Luke, is part of the Diocese of Winchester vvithin Ihe Church of England
and is in the Eastleigh Deanery.
Bank: Co-operative Bank, King5 Valley, Yew Street, Stockport.
Independent Auditor. Russell Lee
1.3 Income and Reserves
St Luke's has the Charity Registration Number 1142990. As anticipated in the last annual
report. income has now returned to a level that requires Charity Commission
Registration.
It is the policy of this Church to hold in reSe￿e £10,000. This figure is deemed to be
appropriate considering lal the size of St Luke's church and Ibl the considerations
stipulated by the Charity Commission which include forecasting for levels of income and
expenditure in the current and future years, analysis of future needs, opportun ities,
commitments and risks and an assessment on the likelihood of a shortfall arising.
1.4 Structure. Governance and Management
The method of appointment of Parochial Church Council members is set out in the
Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the
Electoral Roll and stand for election to PCC. Guidelines on the role and responsibilities of
PCC and Deanery Synod Representatives are available from the Vicar and
Churchwardens.
1.5 Membership of PCC (also known as Trustee5)
During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:
Ex-officio..
Revd Ben Jones
Revd Clive Beard
Rosie Adams
Michael Crutchley (Lay Vice Chairl
Martin Phillips
Revd Liz Williams
Vicar
Curate
Churchwarden
Churchwarden
Licensed Lay Minister
Curate (for part of yearl

lected Memb
cc..
Emma 8lamey
Mandy Dean, Deanery Synod Representative
Alastair Dobson
Janet Compton
Gary Holcombe, Deanery Synod Representative
Sam Mathew
Sandra Plaw
Nibu Thomas
ted Members of PCC: None
endance.. The following staff member5 attend PCC meetings but hold no voting
rights.
Maddie Thorp. Youth Ministry Co-ordinator attends PCC meetings as an observer.
Jeanette Harrison, Parish Administrator, has served as Secretary to PCC.
Notes
Those noted as ex-officio are members by virtue of their position in the Church
including all licensed clergy in the parish, LLM'S, Churchwardens and Lay
Deanery Synod Representatives.
Co-opted - PCC can co-opt people. Co-opted member5 have the same voting rights
as elected and ex-officio members.
1.6 PCC'S Objectives and Activities
St Luke's PCC has the responsibil ity of co-operating with the Vicar in promoting, in the
ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral. ev3Dgelistic, social and
ecvmenical. The PCC operates through several sub-committees that meet in between
PCC meetings. These sub-committees are..
Senior Leadership Team
Ministry Leadership Team (MLT)
Children & Youth
Buildings
Eco Church
Finance
The following Working Groups have been established to effect specific tasks:
Pastoral
Home Group Leaders
Socials
Communications and Publicity

Review of the Year 2023
2.1 Reports
lal
Curate'5 Report
Time is absolutely flying by! The end of 2023 ffleans that I have now been in post
as cu rate for 18 months already. Can you believe it?
This year in Ju ly, I was ordained as a Priest in Winchester Cathedral and was able
to undertake further duties as part of my training, key of which have included
presiding at holy communion and conducting weddings. The latter was an extra
special joy for me as, only a vveek after I had been at the cathedral. I was
conducting my first wedding - that of Mark and Stacy. It is fantastic to be able to
take a wedding of people you know, and it was a wonderful day (those of you who
didn't hear Bens talk about an "M&S wedding, missed something special).
I remain heavily involved in Eco-church, both here at St Lu kes and in a role
supporting the wider Diocesan ambition. This is a really important part of our
ministry for me, and l am optimistic that our plan over the next 12 months for
St Lukes should allow us to apply for a Gold Eco-church award.
As well as all of the activities I was involved in last year, I have also had the Joy to
start leading a new home group for 20-30 year olds in the church. l am now, once
again, a 20-year old (albeit an honorary onell I have also had the joy of leading
communion services at Snowdrop, parishionerg homes and being able to lead
Book of Common Prayer communions at Bishopstoke. l am glad that we have
managed to get the church prayer meeting running again, and I pray more will
become involved as we move forwards.
For all the activities though, what I really think is at the heart of St Lukes is
generous love. Love for God and love for one another. It is a really warm and
generous church. In small ways and big ways, in one-off acts of kindnes5 and in
patient, long-term service. we are able to share some of God's love with the
community around us.
Two final comments,. firstly, I knew clergy often wore black and white- but being
dressed in a penguin onesie for the Christmas Eve service was not quite what I had
envisioned and, secondly. the delight on Ben's face when I was mistaken for his
dad by a young boy is something l am unlikely to forget {or be allowed to forget!}
I feel that Ben, Maddie and l along with the wider team work together really well
and l am excited for what 2024 will bring.
Revd Clive Beard

Ibl
Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Ministry Leadership Team IMLT)
SLT (Sen ior Leadership Teami met six times and consists of the clergy, the
Churchwardens and LJP to three congregation members (appointed by PCC). We
discussed matters such a5 recruiting and employing our Youth Ministry
Co-ordinator, the roof project, developing a set of values that represent St. Luke's
and preparing reports and proposa15 for PCC.
MLT {Ministry Leadership Team) met 3 times in 2023. The role of the group is to
review, plan and prepare for services. Over the year, there was an excellent mix of
all-ins, morning worship, communion services and more formal services such as
Ash Wednesday, Remembrance and Midnight Communion. New people were
added to variou5 team5, and it 15 great that we are seeing a variety and diversity of
people involved. Services continue to be wel l-appreciated and the number of
people atrending continues to grow. The All-ln planning team also met regularly,
and we are very grateful for all the imagination, inrlovation and inspiration which
go into producing such fun and engaging services.
Revd Ben Jones
(cl
Pastoral
Our pastoral ministry continues Wlth our pastoral team, Ben, Clive, Sue and Rosie.
We also have prayer@stlukes for prayer requests which are not confidential but
are then prayed for by a number of people. Thank you to everyone on the prayer
tree for your faithful prayers! The pastoral team on care@stlukes 3150 pray, offer
practical support or a listening ear which is confidential within the pa5tor31 team.
The pastoral care of church members and others is also done by the small groups,
and all the other ministries that vve have in St Luke's. I would like to thank
everyone who has taken time to chat, get alongside, WhatsApp and offer support
by cooking, giving lifts and befriending another person. A real team effortl
Sue Phillips
Idl
Children and Youth Sub-committee
Children'5 Church groups for ￿11 year olds: This report is for the year
2023 and is about groups offered on a Sunday morning for children aged
0-11 years old, excluding the first Sunday of each month. when there is
the All-ln service.
We started the year with seven volunteers and continued to offer one
group every sunday, apart from the All-in service, for children spanning
the age of 0-11. Due to the large age span, volunteers leading and
helping in the group require skills to adapt the activities to be inclusive for
all attending. The group conslsts of two adult volunteers as per
safeguarding policy.
At the beginning of the year. we used the Red Compendium
Scripture Union Resources. For the Summer and Autumn terms we

looked at characters in the bible who were God's ordinary
Superheroes. These resou rces were either found in the Scripture Union
resource5 or found by Clive and Nicki through other reliable
sources. Artwork was displayed on the existing vir)e which was created
last year and climbs the side of the stairs in the foyer of the church. For
Mothering Sunday, the children made posies wh ich were given to all the
ladies of the church during the service.
For the Spring term we had 97 children attend the group over the 11
weeks, making a mean average of eight children attending per
week. During the Summer term the volunteer numbers increased to
eight. A total of 62 children attended the group over the 10 weeks of the
term, making a mean average of 6 children attending per week. During
the Autumn term the volunteer numbers remained at eight. With a total
of 92 children attending the group over the l D-week period, making a
mean average of nine children attending per week. Last yearfs report
did not indicate the number of children attending the Spring and Summer
terms,. however, it was documented that there had been an increase in
attendance. This year there has been a further increase in the children
attending Children's Chu rch, with new fami lies visiting regularly and
children wanting to join the group.
The Nativity was held on 10 December and the children were joined by
Clive, Maddie and some of our volunteers to showcase some of God's
ordinary Superheroes we had explored this year. The Nativity
concentrated on telling the story of God's Ultimate Superhero-
Jesus. Several kind and positive comments were received from the
congregation about the Nativity.
Consent forms are being comple(ed when new children regularly attend
the group. These are kept in the register wh ich is locked in a box in the
office.
Jeanette sent out hand-made birthday cards to the church's children on
their birthday duri ng the year. Consent for this is included on the consent
forms. This is a lovely gift, which is appreciated by the children receiving
them. As mentioned, resources have been taken from our
Scripture Union Compendium and other sources. Children's church
artwork has continued to be displayed on the vine in the foyer. The
display boards in room 3, upstairs. are still used to display church events
and important themes and is updated byjuliette. This room has been
used by Children's Church to facilitate J7 accessing the downstairs coffee
room. N icki ha5 been providing Jeanette with inset5 for the weekly
email. These provide the bible passage and a glimpse of what (he session
will consist of so parents have information prior to the Sunday group.

Looking ahead to 2024..
Two volunteers are leaving the group, reducing the number of
volunteers to six. There have been appeals and notices in the church
services and the weekly emai l asking for more volunteers. There is a
real need for more volunteers to run and help in the group.
The grou p will continue to run with one group for 0-11 years old,
every Sunday apart from the All-ln Service.
Children's Church will now solely run upstairs in room 3. Ta bles and
chairs have been moved into the locked adjoining storage cupboard
for easy access.
Volunteer5 are going to select small creche tOyS to be kept and used
Upstairs for the group. This is to reduce the carrying of large boxes of
toys from the coffee room to room 3 upstairs and provide the babies
with a few items to play with.
A meeting has been arranged in January with Ben and all
Children's Church volunteers. This will provide an opportunity to
celebrate successes and good work of the group and talk through
challenges experienced. The plan is to have regular meetings with
the ministry team.
A change of Children's Church Leader is scheduled for end of the
Summer term with a new volunteer stepping into the role. The
current Ch ildren's Church Leader will continue to compile the rota and
resources and will support the new leader until thi5 time.
A change for displaying the children's work in the church will be
discussed ar the January 2024 meeting with Ben.
With support from Safeguarding Officer. job roles are being written
for the roles within Children's Church.
It can be challenging supporting the vast age range in the group, but all
the volunteers work hard to include and fill the weekly sessions with fun,
enthusiasm and God's love. They are all thanked wholeheartedly for their
continued commitment to the children's work through Children's
Church. Thank you!
Nicki Short
Youth Ministry
For the first part of 2023 Junction 7, largely led by Rose, Roger. Tors and
Ben, met twice a month on a Sunday evening and had regular trips
together. including going bowl ing and to N inja Warrior. I (Maddie Thorpl
joined St Luke's in September and have had a great time getting to know

the yOLJth and the volu nteers and have been really excited seeing God
move. We have recruited several new volunteers and are hoping that we
may be able to recruit some more as our youth ministry continues to
grow.
Since September, Junrtion 7 have begun to meet on a Sunday morning
(bar the all-in services) for games, discussion, teaching, and prayer. Earlier
in the year, they looked at science and faith and the beatitudes, and then
later in the year we looked at what the Bible is and why it matters. In the
run up to Christmas Junction 7 looked at the names of God from Isaiah 9..6
and what these mean to us today. We have used resources from the Bible
Project, particularly their videos, as well as some Scripture Union
resources.
Junction 7 have continued to meet on a Sunday evening twice a month,
and these evenings involve lots of active games and running around with
a space for discussion questions. The evening sessions are intended to be
a middle ground between the youth café (with no overt Christian teaching)
and Sunday mornings where they can bring their questions about faith,
the Bible and church and explore these in smaller groups together. This
space is also intended to be one we can invite those at youth café to,
especially if they are asking questions about faith.
From November, a fortnightly post-16 house group has Started up twice 3
month to dive deeper into the Bible with the college aged students. There
have been requests to explore the Old Testament in more depth, 50 we
have been focusing on different Genesis passages, including Creation and
the Fall. We usuallystartwith a round of a game called'conversations
Against Mundanity, that encourages discussior) about a range of topics,
from best karaoke songs to questions around identity, and is a lot of fun
and brings out a whole variety of opinions.
We continue to have regular youth socials - in my first week at St Lu kes
we went to Playzone and we all had a great time running around and
going down death drop slides. In October we vvent to Wet Wheels Hamble
and the youth went on a speed boat around the Hamble and Solent.
getting very wet in the processl We have also been ice skating and had a
Christmas Youth Movie Night where we watched Natlvlty. The movie night
was designed to be more of an outreach event where they could invite
friends, and we had 13 young people come, with seven of those not being
in our regular youth group. I was really encouraged by the number of
young people invited by friends and am looking forward to other ourreach
events in 20241
During the GCSE mock exams in early November, we ran a two hour drop
in each day upstairs in the Lounge. The youth especially enjoyed the
colouring, and it was great to have them opening up on how exams were
going, as well as other parts of their lives. I really enjoyed being able to

spend time getting to know several of them a bit more and going into
20241 would like to continue these drop ins duri ng exam seasons for
Junction 7 and their friend5 to come to, as wel l a5 for us to invite those at
Youth Café to.
We currently have around 10-14 young people regularly coming on a
Sunday morning and evening and are in conversation with St Jame5, West
End about incorporating their youth into some of ihe Sunday evening
sessions. l also hope to, in conjunction with St John's Chu rch, be an active
presence in Wildern and Deer Park Secondary Schools, offering lunch time
clubs and prayer spaces. We have had some communication vvith the
ExecLJtive Headteacher of the schools and look forward to meeting with
staff at the schoo15 after Christmas to discuss how we might support
stLJdents in school. We are also connected with Scripture Un ion and
Wildfire and will be exploring how we might plug into their events, as well
as other local youth worship events such as Encounter at Thornhill Baptlst
Church.
It has been a real blessing ar)d privilege to have been part of St Lukes for
the last few months, and l am excited to already have seen the faith of our
young people and where God is at work in their lives. l am looking
forward to really engaging with the link between Youth Café and other
aspects of our youth ministry going into 2024. My hope for the next year
in our youth ministry IS that we will continue to see the growth and
flourishing of both individual faiths, but also the group as a whole.
Maddie Thorp
le}
Mission and Outreach
Christian Aid..
Christian Aid works in around 30 countries to transform the lives of those
in poverty, working with people of all faiths and none wherever the need
is greatest. At St Luke's, we have been continuing our support for
Christian Aid in 2023, through both fundraising and campaigning, helping
to fight poverty worldwide to give everyone the chance to thrive.
St Luke's continued to support Christian Aid as one of its chosen charities
with regular giving of £140 per month to the charity.
For Christian Aid week in May, we welcomed Katie Roberts from
Christian Aid to speak at our Sunday Se￿ICe. She spoke about responding
to the teaching of Jesus, love and grace. Despite the injustices that
remain, some progress against poverty has been achieved, and faithful
support has helped enable thi5. £428 was raised in the col lection to help
farmers in Malawi to plant better seeds. secure a fai rer price for their
crops and build happier futures for their children, and we were
encouraged to engage with the loss and damage campaign.

We responded with prayer and a collection to 2 emergency appeals in our
role as an Emergency church..
DEC Turkey-syria Earthquake appeal - February 2023 - £512 raised
Middle East Crisis appeal - October 2023 £150 raised
In April, members of St Luke's joined with other Christ13n Aid supporters
to join The Big One, climate protest in London, including worshi pping at
St John's Church, Waterloo ir) a service led by Christian Aid and other
Christian charity grou ps and participating in a wal k of pilgrimage to
parliament.
In September, over 40 people from local churches participated in a
Christian Aid 'Make Polluters Paf march from 5r Luke's to 5tJohn's
Hedge End, starting and ending with a short Service of prayer and
worship. The walk was to highlight the need for loss and damage
payment to those suffering the effects of climate change, by the biggest
pol luters. li ke fossil fuel companies.
In December, we supported the Christmas Appeal to help young women
in Bangladesh to start up small businesses in order to escape poverty. We
raised £695 in total, which included £185 from the sale of Christmas
cakes.
Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, the total raised and
donated by St Luke's for 2023 added up to £3465, with some gift aid
claimed by Christian Aid in addition to this.
Sian Andrews, St Luke s Christian Aid Representative
Hedge End. West End and Botley Churches Together (HEWE8)
Churches Together for Hedge End, West End and Botley continued to
meet bi-monthly, this year, mostly in person, sometimes on Zoom. The
aim is to provide a forum to learn about what other churches in the area
are doing and to support each other in prayer. It is always encouraging to
hear how God is working in different churches in our area. In 2023 we
were able to hold a united service during the week of Christian Unity in
January, hosted by Hedge End Methodist church. A third
Churches Together Children's Holiday Club was successfully held in
August. The main outreach of Churches Together has been to visit all the
new homes in our area with a gift bag and details of the local
churches. Backed up with regular prayer, these visits have proved fruirful,
and the visitors have been warmly welcomed.
Rosie Adam5
io

Encounter Afternoon Tea
Encounter Afternoon Tea takes place on a Wednesday afternoon for
anyone to gather between 2- 4 pm to share tea, coffee, and beautiful
cakesl We don't charge but have a bowl for donations, and we are
blessed that our cakes are donated. Encounter meets in the church,
where we have the little tables with tablecloth5 and flower5 and waitress
service serving the drinks i n beautiful china cups and saucers. Over the
year we have continued to have regular people come although not
necessarily every week, many of those who come are not from St Luke's.
We have also welcomed new people to join us which is a blessing and a
real joy as they become part of the fellowship, making new friends. Sonia
has continued to bake a cake every week which is amazin& thank you
Sonial l also want to thank Heather and Stacy for their help, and they are
amazing at welcoming new and existing people. I would like to thank
other helpers-janet who hasjoined us and thanks to Mark who has been
there when needed. The team are brilliant! l also keep in contact with
people who miss Encounter.
Sue Phillip5
liv)
Snowdrop Care Home
We have continued to go into Snowdrop to provide a Communion service
once a month and visiting for a coffee and chat time with the residents.
Both are well received and attended. We also visit some residents in their
rooms for a chat. We have been working with Gemma at the care home
who is both encouraging and supportive. Many thanks to the team
including Ann, Brenda and Sandra who have been around for the whole
year and Ben and Clive who do communion.
Sue Phillips
Iv)
Open the Book
By now we have established a very warm working relatior)ship with bot
Berrywood and Wellstead Primary Schools and our assemblies are
evidently enjoyed by staff and ch ildren alike. not to mention by the
Open the Book Team.
Last year we lost two members, Roger and Sue, who were no longer in a
position to participate, but we have now gained a new member, Jackie, so
vve still have a very strang team of 10. I wish to express here my gratitude
and admiration to each and every one for their commiiment, reliability
and willingness to have a go. They are really exception31.
We continue to visit each school once a month, presenting the month's
Bible story twice at 8errywood. first for Key Stage 2 and then for
Key Stage 1, and once at Wellstead for the whole school. We work hard on
costumes and props to make the story as visually appealing 35 possible.
li

and the feedback we get from the schools confirm5 that this 15 very much
appreciated.
The ch ild ren listen and watch with rapt attention. Even more, rhey love to
participate, whether by taking a dressing-up role or by providing
accompanying sounds or actions as part of the whole school. A big
highlight was lastluly, when both Head Teachers agreed to make a
surprise appearance as an angel with a fiery sword in the final story of the
school year. The ch ildren were so excited when they recognised them1
A crucial element of the srory is the introduction, end ing and prayer, i n
which a particular Ihought is drawn out for the children to take away. We
are indebted to Ben and Clive for the excellent way they do this.
since Autumn 2023 we have had some issues getting to grips with the new
Open the Book Membership structure, for which we now have to pay an
annual fee. Although some of us are happy to pay for our own
membership, we are grateful to 5t. Luke's for covering the initial cost as
part of the church's children's ministry.
Dianti Snugg5
Ivil
Minnows Playgroup
Minnows playgroup meet5 Fridays 10 to 11.30 am for parents, carers and
under 5's for free play, and a snack of cheese, fruit, bread, water with
coffee/tea for the adults and we also have left over Encounter cake most
weeks. We finish with a time of singing where we have introduced a
Christian goodbye song. We make a small charge of £1 per family which
covers the cost of refreshments and a Christmas present. We have a
good number attend each week. However, in January we had so rnany
come on one week we had to close the group when we reached capacity.
It has settled since with numbers fluctuating but within safe parameters.
We do enjoy building good relationships with the regu13r members Ai
Christmas we had a party with a visit from Father Christmas who gave
every child a book for a present. We have had such encouraging
feedback from those who come which is lovely. The team are Karen,
Emma, Rosie, Roger and Sandy. My thanks to the team for their help and
support.
Sue Phillip5
{viil Youth Café
Our Youth Cafe, which is held every Thursday during term time from
3-4 pm. has an attendance of around 180 children each week. These
youngsters come mainly from Wildern School, but we éo have a few from
Deer Park School too. They eat and chat with some staying for a while. We
are getting to know some of them well and building up relationships with
them.
12

We are trying to work out ways in which we can reach out to these
children further, so Maddie and Clive projected the QR Code of the
church, and we put out laminated codes on the tables each week for the
children to use if theywish. At Christmas Ben did a short talk and invited
them to our Christmas services. Vve also invited them to a fil m n ight at
church. I thank myteam of 13 land an extra lady who helps us Out quite
regularly) who are so dedicated to our work. It is indeed wonderful to
serve these youngsters.
I'd just like to end Ihis report by sharing a short story of encouragement.
A while ago, 3 young lads turned up and asked if they could have some
Pizza. I could see they weren't from any local school but said they could
come in for food. One was called Christian, and he 5aid.'I know my name
is Christian, but I have no idea what a Christian is!1 l asked if he vvanted to
know what a Christian was and he said,'yes please,. I spent the next 10
minutes or so, explaining the Gospel to these 3 lads! As they left. or)e of
them said 'thanks for telling us about God, we've never heard it explained
like that beforel, What a privilege it was to chat to these lads, and I pray
that seeds were sown in their hearts. Please pray for opportunities to sow
seeds in the hearts of all the youngsters that come to the youth cafe.
Thanks from Rose and the youth cafe team.
Rose Spink and oll the Youth Cofe team
Book Club
Up to 12 women meet monthly to discuss books chosen from sets
provided by Hampshire libraries. The fun part of a book clu b is reading a
book or author that we might have not considered before. We discuss
what we liked or didn't like about the book which often leads into wider
discussion of issues relating specifically to women or contemporary
society. IVS great to learn from each other and see things from a different
perspective and sometimes question how our faith relates to what we
have read. We try to vary the genre of the books we read and during
2023 we looked at murder mysteries. historical fiction and a book which
examined what might happen if one always told the truth. We continue to
enjoy cakes provided by Dorothy Hare to raise funds for Testwood Lakes
Sailability charity.
Rosie Adoms
{ix)
St Luke's Walking Group
The church walking group meets twice a month on the first and third
Thursday mornings starting at 10 a.m. We have walked many areas in the
region including the New Forest, Meon Valley and around Mottisfont. The
vvalks are about 5-6 miles long. The weather has not always been the best
and during the latter part of the year, we had to cancel a couple of the
walks due to torrential rain or high wind. The walks are well attended with
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an average of about 10+ people plu5 two dogs. The highlight of the walks
is stoppi ng at a local pub for a well-earned lunch at the end of each walk,
but it has to be a pub that serves a good piel A new programme of walks
is being put together so if you would like to Join u5, please do.
Chris Duff and Roger Cooper
Ix)
Israeli Dancing
We have contirlued to meet monthly to enjoy the fellowshi p, exercise and
worship encompassed by Israeli Dancing. A number of members come
from other churches, and some from no chLJrch at all, so this is a lovely,
wide-ranging friendshi p group where people enjoy and appreciate being
together.
Since we moved 10 the last Thursday evening of the month, numbers have
remained constant between about nine and twelve. and because people
have been able to come more regularly it is evident that their familiarity
with the dances and therefore their confidence has grown.
We have a repertoire of more than twenty dances, some slower and more
gentle, some faster and more energetic, and seek to include some of each
every month. We also try to be aware of the origins of the dances -
sometimes they are danced at special festival times. sometimes at
weddings or Bar Mitzvahs, and often they are danced to settings of words
from the Psalms. There is much more to it than just exercisel
Since 7 October. even more than usual, we have made Israeli Dancing a
focus for prayer for the land and people of Israel, including the people of
Gaza and the whole dreadful and complex political situation. May we
soon be able to dance dances of rejoicing in celebratior) of a lasting and
peaceful end to this conflict.
Diono Snuggs
Ixi)
Not So Strictly St Luke's
We started our Not So Strictly dance sessions in January 2023 as a fun way
to exercise, learn some dancing and socialize. They are once month on a
Sunday afternoon, and it is £3 a person to include refreshments. Anybody
can come along, with or without a partner and whether or not they can
already dance. They have proved to be very popular with church
members and some of their friends and some non-church members too.
Any profit made after the cost of refreshments is paid dirertly back into
church. We are enjoying running these afternoons and are very grateful
to some of our dancing friends who have come along to support us and
encourage and help the beginners.
Anne and lan Taylor
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Ladie5 Group
We have had an active and interesting year with speakers on many
different subjects such as'Butterflies Bereavement Support Group, and
'My Time as a Magistrate.. We had a walk and meal in the Summer, a
Pimms and strawberries evening and a craft evening. Our group numbers
are between 15 and 20 people. Another interesting year is planned.
Sundra Plow
Buildings Sub-committee
Planned preventative maintenance has been completed and is up to date. We have
given notice on Churche5 Fire due to customer service and cost and have moved to
a new contractor.
As referred to in the Churchwardens report, the roof repairs are progressing,
although not at the speed we would have desired. We now have faculty agreement
and agreed a roofing contrattor. The delay is with the contractor who has been
held up on other works due to weather. The contractor did confirm that there
would be no further damage to the main church building with postponement in
works. PCC are committed to get the works completed, although we can be assured
that the delay will not cost the church more in the long term. There is a risk
assessment in place for access to the rear of the church due to the risk of debris
falling.
Intelligent thermostatic controls have been installed to the heating system. This has
enabled remote control of temperature, improving cost efficiency and
environmental impact.
We continue to use contractor cleaners. Green Thumb, garden contractors have
been cancelled. Notice was siven on BT for internet and phones due to rising costs,
Virgin Media are the new provider.
An upgraded PA system was installed to manage the increasing Size and output
from the worship group. We are thankful for all those who contributed to this
specific purchase.
Risk assessments including insurance are all up to date for external hirer5.
We give thanks to all who contribute in time, expertise and finances to the safe
running of the church building.
Michael Crutchley
Igl
Communications and Publlclty Sub-committee
We were delighted to welcome Maddie to the publicity team. Her enthusiasm has
been matched by her social media skills. She has developed a set of excellent
templates and increased the frequency of our Facebook posts. At the same time.
15

She has also extended our online reach by creating an I nstagram account for the
church. The posts have generated interest online and have been well received.
Throughout the year the web51te has been maintained and regularly updated.
Although the vast majority of these changes are not visible when viewing the
website, they ensure the functionality of the website is maintained, the site remains
secure, and the content up to date.
For Christmas, a coordinated effort ensured there was a consistent theme across all
material across all platforms Iwebsite. Social media. and print). A decision vvas
made to overhaul the design this year and opt for a contemporary look. A big rhank
you to everyone involved in categorisirng the postcards by roads - including a
considerable effort from Martin and Sue Phillips and to all the members of the
congregation who helped deliver them around the parish.
Jacob Blamey on behLylf of the Publicity Group
Ihl
Eco Church Sub-committee
Eco church continued work to maintain our Silver status and start work towards
Gold in 2023, th rough raising awareness of the climate crisis and the importance of
care for nature and highlighting and encouraging actions for the congregation to
take.
The Eco church team supported Alpha with two meals - vegetarian and plant based.
The building team supported church sustainability by smart contro15 bei ng put in in
February to save on heatingJC02 and strips added to the windows to help keep out
drafts.
Fairtrade fortnight was supported in February with Fai r Trade biscu Its, cookies,
chocolate and bananas supplied from Hedge End Co-op for after the services over
the course of 3 Sundays and Steph ran her'closing down sale, of Fairtrade items.
1 member of Eco church attended the protest at Chichester Cathedral in March with
Christian Climate Action calling on the CofE to divest from fossil fuels. In June the
CofE announced li has 'followed science and faith. to divest from fossil fuels.
In consultation with the eco church team, a new eleciric cooker was bought to
replace the old and ineffective gas cooker.
A group of 11 members and friends of St Luke's took our banner and prayer
placards to represent the church at The Big One, climate protest in London in April.
It was a privilege to join a large and diverse group of Christians from all over the
country for a 'No Faith in Fossil Fuels Service, led by Christian Aid and Tearfund and
addressed by the former Archbishop of Yorkjohn Sentamu. We then collectively
made a walk of pilgrimage to Westminster, stopping to pray outside the Shell HQ
and deliver a letter, before join ing other grou ps in a peaceful and dignified
gathering to put pressure on the government to take action to halt climate change,
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which is already seriously affecting the poorest people on earth. Our groLJ p a150
gathered respectful ly outside the Department for Transport to address the issue of
carbon emissions and proposed solutions.
Eco Church led the Pentecost service in May with the theme of Empowermenr. We
created various 'stations' for people to move between, i ncluding a video we created
of 5peeches/examples of people making a difference. a prayer station. reflection
tables, an action table and plant-based cooking, all framed by worship.
A representative from the St Luke's Eco church group met with 5tJame5' Eco church
group and offered advice and guidance, helping the church achieve a Silver Award.
Operation Noah wa5 chosen by the PCC to be a charity we support financially, as a
national Christian Environmental charity whose work aligns with St Luke's Eco
Church targets.
I n September, over 40 people from local churches participated in a Christian Aid
'Make Polluters Pa/ march from St Luke's to Stjohn's Hedge End, starting and
ending with a short service of prayer and worship. The walk was managed by the
Eco church team and highlighted the need for loss arbd damage payment to those
suffering the effects of climate change, by the biggest polluters, like fossil fuel
companies. Letters were signed and sent to the MP.
Towards the end of the year, Eco Church wrote a "Plan to move toward5 Eco Church
Gold Award" which set out the intent and associated actions required for St Luke's
to achieve an A Rocha Gold Award. A notable difference for this award is the need
to systematical ly and thoroughly document the evidence against each aspect of the
Eco Church survey. A framework has been put in place to identify what needs to be
logged and how, specific actions have been identified that would enable St Luke'5 to
achieve Gold in each category, and discus5i0ns were had about how this work could
be managed by the members of the Eco Church group.
Sion Andrews andjacob Blamey
o'i
Finance Sub-committee
Finance Sub-committee Members.. 8en Jones, Clive Beard, Martin Phillips,
Louise Brown ffreasurer)
The committee met regularly to review the accounts against the budget and agree
actions that needed to be taken to the PCC. Louise, a5 Church Treasurer, presented
the accounts for review of income and expenditure to the PCC, demonstrating due
diligence as Stewards and Trustees of the Churches, finances.
Income
Thank you to all who give financially and support the valuable work at St Luke's.
GiftAid continues to be an important stream ofour income.
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We received the following restricted dor)ations:
Updating the Sound System £3621
New Cooker£1089
Youth Ministry Coordinator Role £3000
Youth Cafe £1562
We have opened a Savings account with Kingdom Bank, to enablethe money not
needed immediately to earn inierest.
We have registered for Easy Fundraising and many mernber5 of our congregation
have signed up to this. We have been paid £96.18 in 2023 with a further £270
pending from donations which are awaiting the Retailer to pay Easy Fundraising.
The card reader continues to be regularly used to receive donations.
Expenditure
Unexpected expenditure was the for updated sound system, new cooker and new
bibles.
The charities we supported in 2023 were Christian Aid, Fledge and Simon Says.
We are aware that there will be a substantial bill to pay for the roof repairs, and
we have set aside £29,933.12 so far towards this, and our current policy is that our
Annual Gift Aid claim is put towards this.
We cor)tinue to keep a strict policy on expenditure and ensurewe are gelling best
value for money. We have produced a budget forecast for 2024, which has been
agreed by the PCC, and this will continue to be reviewed in 2024.
We continue to be grateful for lan Taylor's management of the Gift Aid applications.
Louise Brown and Martin Phillips
2.2 Standing Committee
Standing Committee meet on an ad-hoc basis if urgent decisions are needed between
PCC meetings. There was no requirement for this during 2023 so Standing Committee did
not Meet.
Revd Ben Jones
2.3 Churchwardens and Assistant Churchwardens Report
It has been a full and vibrant year for St Luke's. Ben is now firmly established as vicar,
bringing leadership and spiritual direction to the church. Clive in his ordinand pathway
continues to contribute so much to the life of the church which we hope and pray is
supporting his formation. The worship, prayers and teaching is continuing to inspire,
challenge and guide the church community as a whole and as individual disciples ofjesus
i n our community, workplace, family and friendships,
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We also said goodbye to Lil who is now associate minister at Sholing. We w3ni to thank
her for her many years of min istry at Sr Luke's and wish her every succe55 as she continu es
her ministry in a new parish.
The PCC has provided good governance of the church, ensuring the d iversity of experiences
and views of the church are represented. We want to thank all PCC members who have
conrributed their time and variety of gifts.
The roof continues ro be on the agenda for the church PCC. While there may not be the
progress we deJire, we are now only waiting for the specialist roofer who has been
significantly delayed due tD Other job5 and the chronic wet weathef conditions through the
second half of the year. We are confident that there will be progress in the year ahead.
getti ng to a clear understanding of the overall vvork that is required. We are mindful that
access to the rear of the church continues to be limited and as such committed to progress
the works as soon as possible.
The chu rch's finances continue to be strengthen ing in their stability and sustainability. It 15
a joy to be increasing ou r contribution to charity, employ a Child ren and Youth Lead and
put aside reserves for the roof. The finance team, continue to give close oversight of the
church's finance5 to ensure thar we can th rive in the ministry we feel God is calli ng us to
As already mentioned, Maddie as Children's and Youth Coordinator started in September
and it is a pleasure to already see her settle in and be a significant part in shaping the
growing children and youth mirlistry. Youth Cafe continue5 to thrive with amazing
examples of God touching the lives of the young people who attend
There has been an increase in community groups hiring the church, further developing our
communityexposure alongside financial revenue. jeanette continuesto be a keyto liaising
with hirers and is ensLJring that there is safe oversight and assurance on the church's use.
We want to thank all members of the congregation who contribute their time, gifts, and
finances to the life of the church. There are too many people to mention by name, although
we wvant to acknowledge that each of our contributions, however13rge or small, enables
the mission of the church to bring the good news of Jesus to the lives St Luke's
encounters. While we are encouraged by the growth of the church, vve never want to be
complacent on our mission, for all those in the parish and wider areas to experience God's
Kingdorn through St Luke's.
Rosie Adam5 and Michael Crutchley on behalf of the Churchwordens and
A551Stont Churchwordens
2.4 Eastleigh Deanery Synod Representative's Report
In 2023 the Deanery Synod met three times,. in March, June and October. At the meeting
in March 23 at 5t James West End, we had a presentation by Victor Humphrey from the
Diocesan Environment Group about Eco church and Net Carbon Zero, and the upcoming
challenges we will face. In June 23 we met at St Boniface Chandlers Ford for the first
Deanery Synod meeting of the new triennium. We welcomed new members elected to
19

Synod from the respective benefices and elected the new Deanery Synod Officers for this
next term. The guest speaker was Revjames Mosher. rhe new port chaplain in the Port of
Southampton. He spoke about the work of Mission to Seafarers and the assistance and
support that the Deanery could provide. Finally in October 23 we met at Stjohns Hedge
End where the Archdeacon of Winchester - Richard Brand- spoke about issues of clergy
welfare. Across these three meetings we also discussed,. diocesan and deanery finances,
new archdeacon for the Bournemouth Archdeaconry, progress on appointment of a new
Diocesan bishop, and appoi ntment5 Wlthin the deanery and diocese.
Revd Clive Beard
2.5 Electoral Roll and Church Attendance
As required, revisions to the electoral roll will be made prior to the APCM on 12 May
2024. As at 31 December 2023, there were 102 people on St Luke's Electoral Roll.
Melvyn Plaw
During October 2023, the average church attendance was 74 adults and 16 children/young
people.
2.6 Safeguarding
Catherine Spiers is now doing DBS checks and working a5 Assistant Safeguarding Officer.
All information relating to DBS checks and courses undertaken by church members has
been transferred to a central data base. This means an online record is kept which can
indicate when renewals are needed. Currently 69 church members have
successfully completed a DBS check. All PCC members and group leaders have
completed the required course 'Domestic Abuse Awareness, and the majority have
completed local leadership courses.
St Luke's is now using the'Parish Dashboard, as encouraged by the diocese, a useful
online tool for recording the status of safeguarding tasks undertaken by the parish.
Safeguarding posters with contaci details of the local safeguarding officers and the
diocesan contacts are now in place in the privacy of all the toilets as well as on the
noticeboard. In addition, there are barcodes stickers signposting help for domestic abuse
provided by the Local Neighbourhood Police Team. There is also information on
contactirbg'safe Spaces in England and Wales,, an independent advocacy service for
thosewho have survived or been affected by church abuse.
Two copies of the Diocesan Safeguarding handbook are available in the vicarfs office.
The PCC has adopted the diocesan'Policy on Social Media, which has essential protocols
and protections for those using social media and its supervision within the chu rch setting.
A list of social media groups has been compiled. Risk assessments for all groups have
been completed and are now held on a central datab3se as well as by the group leader.
Templates for youth risk assessments have been devised and can be adapted for each
youth group occasion.
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It is pleasing to note that a culture of respect for good safeguarding practice has been
welcomed and understood by the members of the congregation and this 15 much
appreciated.
Janet Compton, Safeguording Officer
Revd Ben Jones Vicar. Michael Crutchley (Lay Vice Chair, PCC)
On behalf of the PCC (Trustees)
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