2021-10-31-accounts - New Cross Community Church

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NEW CROSS COMMUNITY

CHURCH

The Annual Report of the Local Ecumenical Partnership

For the period November 2020- October 2021

MISSION STATEMENT

New Cross Community Church is called to respond in worship, discipleship, mission and service to the good news of God’s love in Christ

DISTINCTIVE VALUES

We recognise that Jesus Christ is the “Head of the Church” and that as the “Body of Christ” the church exists for a purpose.
We continue to value our Anglican and Methodist heritage and seek to further promote our Ecumenical Partnership.
Everyone who belongs to the church has a vital contribution to make.
We accept that the church has to adapt to the challenges and the needs of an ever-changing world.
Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and the message of “good news” that the church proclaims is the means by which people of all ages come into life-changing relationship with God.
The Christian life is a life of right relationships, with God, with ourselves, with others and with the world.
The Bible is the authoritative standard for Christian living and practice.

Prayer is the necessary activity of every Christian.
We believe that the “pictures” given in the New Testament of the

church as an assembly, a body, a bride, a temple, a family and an army are intended to shape the life of the church today.

Worship

Ministry, Nurture and Pastoral Care Evangelism Serving the Local Community Stewardship World Mission

INTRODUCTION & HOW WE ARE STRUCTURED CURRENTLY

New Cross Community Church is an LEP (local ecumenical partnership) between the Church of England and Methodist church. However, we have a smattering of other parts of the Christian family engaging in worship and witness in the New Cross area of Sutton- in Ashfield where the church is based. We came together in 2000 at a time when the two congregations felt that God was moving them to join together to further the kingdom.

Ministerial leadership is given by Rev. Peter Taylor from the Methodist Church, Rev. Julie Cotterill from the Church of England. The Church Council, elected at the AGM are responsible for all aspects of the church, and is comprised of 9 members, Joanne Parr, Fiona Hodgson, Michelle Chadwick, Lee Fletcher, Kevin Freer, Adrian Self, Methodist Circuit representatives Joan Spray and Margaret Lee and the afore mentioned Ministers. The council meets approximately 6 times a year.

In the background are many people who do many things that allow the church to exist and continue to fulfil the vision of when the LEP came into existence. An advance THANK YOU to all who do so much.

OUR MEMBERSHIP&CHURCH ATTENDANCE

The membership of the church has an interesting levelling effect. We meet together as a worshipping community and the distinctions of the parental churches are blurred to give New Cross a unique way in which it operates and worships.

We have two services on a Sunday at 9.30am and 11.00am, the Wednesday 10.00am has not as yet resumed due to Covid 19. We also have some outreach “services “at the local schools, led by Rev Julie Cotterill and a hard working and dedicated team. We also have extra services at times in the year when appropriate.

Church attendance has slowly started to increase since the pandemic but has not reached it’s pre pandemic numbers.

OUR SERVICES

Unfortunately, since the covid pandemic, some of our members have not returned to Sunday Worship but we are so thankful for those members, who in spite of not being able to attend, still kindly support the work of the church financially. We remember and miss all those members of the congregation who are no longer with us, especially May Rickers and Charles Harrison who died this year. We regularly sent out weekly messages to those at home, but these are now happening occasionally, however it is good to know that people are phoning each other, and I am visiting when convenient. We were so pleased when Hilary returned to play the Clavinova and lead us in singing, it makes so much difference, a big thank you! Thank you also to Adrian and Gemma who have ably led and preached and to Kevin and Sue who have faithfully, every Sunday, opened church and set up for us. After the service, we all welcome the cups of tea and coffee, huge thanks to Jules for getting this off the ground and to Derek, Joan and Margaret for continuing to refresh us!

11 Alive have met when it has been good weather in the open at Sutton Lawn and when safe to do so again have returned to church. As a result of the pandemic we have looked at how 11 Alive is delivered each week and how we can stay ‘fresh’ and we now have a different focus to our gatherings. Two weeks in the month we go deeper with teaching, two other weeks we spend more time in worship and prayer and an activity, for instance making banners. We also planned on a fifth Sunday for something outdoors, maybe at Sutton Lawn or visiting another church.

REPORTS FROM OUR MINISTERS REV JULIE COTTERILL and REV PETER TAYLOR .

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phillipians 1:3-6

As the report shows, despite the covid pandemic, we have still been an active church throughout the last year and there are so many people who make this church what it is and

who spend time and effort serving in many different ways, all of equal importance and value, thank you to each of you.

From Carol cleaning the building to Fiona and team sorting clothing for families, Joan organising Tuesday’s at Two (Bingo), everyone involved in helping with school holiday activities, making refreshments after services, and all those on the prayer chain. Hilary as she plays in services for us, Adam and Kay as they lead choir, Gemma for being the safeguarding rep and now as we look to making repairs to the building following the quinquennial thank you to John and those who organise and meet with tradesmen and much more besides.

I am thankful for all the members of the ecumenical church council and for Jayne as secretary who always very quietly and efficiently produces all kinds of reports and minutes. For Michelle as treasurer who has kept us on the straight and narrow and Joanne as steward\warden who with much help from Adam (a big thank you!) has taken care of many repairs within the building.

I am so thankful to have shared in ministry with Rev’d Pete and being able to lead services together both at church and in the community. A highlight being the confirmation service of Jules, Michelle and Lee, along with celebrating the 21[st] anniversary of the LEP. Another highlight of the year is Adrian being licensed as lay minister at Southwell Minster and serving in this capacity amongst us.

I feel so blessed to be part of the New Cross Community Church family for over 12 years now and it has been a journey which I will always be so thankful to God for. It has truly been an exciting time, seeing God move in many lives and making so many wonderful friendships. I have treasured the special times in church before services, with Kevin and Sue as they have ensured things run smoothly and forming relationships and learning so much from our older members along with youth and families at 11 Alive, remembering the experiences of trips to Soul Survivor.

As many of you know, I will be taking up the post of vicar at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sutton and truly feel that God has called me there as much as he did over twelve years ago to serve here at New Cross Community Church. And at this time as we go through lent and approach Easter, I think of Jesus as the servant King, He gave us all an example of how we should lead our lives and serve others in order to bring the kingdom of God closer. I know that you will continue to serve each other and the community as I journey on and I pray that the Holy Spirit will pour out His blessings upon all of you as you seek to make Him known in New Cross, the parish of St Michael & All Angels and the world.

With much love and blessings,

Julie

Holy Saturday- Stopping & Preparation points- And What next?

Dear all.

I write this brief report towards the end of Holy Week, on Good Friday afternoon.

Holy Saturday is perhaps a strange, isolated day in the moving and powerful week that we know as Holy Week. It is a day about emptiness. We wait as mourners beside a grave

unsettled, almost not knowing what to do with ourselves. The Church and Christians can use this day in silence and with prayer. In some Church traditions it is customary to hold an ‘Easter Eve’ or ‘Easter Vigil’ Service, on a Saturday evening after Sunset. There is often light, fire (and candles) and water! This is a time when we reflect on our Baptism, and we can reaffirm our Baptismal promises. The Easter Vigil is about Hope, Anticipation & Preparation ; as well as expectancy. One of the highlights here for me last year was the really great, joyful and Spirit-filled Ecumenical Confirmations & Receptions into LEP membership- for Jules, Michelle & Lee. Many of the words and symbols on that day, I believe, helped us to reflect on our Baptism and our commitment and life in Christ and in Church. The Ecumenical 21[st] Anniversary cake was also great!

I wonder if we as New Cross Community LEP Church are at a ‘Holy Saturday point’ in our collective life? The life of many churches up and down the country has changed, due to the impact of the last few years and we are in a similar position. Our congregations have decreased and we rely on a small band of people who do a number of tasks and groups here. We still should seek to unpack the findings of the Local Ecumenical Partnership review back in Spring, 2020 and see if they speak into the life of the church? Sometimes we do need to re-think how we Be & Do church. What we always did say 10 or 20 years ago may not work in 2022. Perhaps we need to ‘empty’ ourselves of the past and ‘anticipate’ here, now and the future? Julie, as you know, is moving on in her ministry. I give thanks, as I am sure you all do, for her commitment, care and energy in the being, saying & doing she has done at New Cross and the community. We all offer our prayers and good wishes for the next step in her calling by God as takes up ministry ‘down the road’ at St. Mary’s.

So, Can I encourage you to take some ‘Holy Saturday’ time (any day/s are fine!) and pause, ponder, think, pray and anticipate what is next and what is to come for us at New Cross Community Church?

Thank you & God Bless you all,

Rev. Pete

DIOCESE DEANERY CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT

Newstead Deanery Synod Methodist Circuit

Joanne Parr and Michelle Chadwick are your Methodist Circuit representatives and they have attended meetings around the circuit representing New Cross. We meet every 3 months to discuss matters concerning the Methodist Churches in our circuit. They report back to the ECC what had been discussed. Matters raised included finance, property, safeguarding and special announcements.

Newstead Deanery Synod meets around 4 times a year and this year we have met mainly over zoom. We regularly pray for each other in the deanery and have guest speakers. In April Tony Brown spoke to us about giving and funding and in June, Julian Hodgson spoke to us about his role in the diocese as Safeguarding Officer and changes that have been implemented to improve the existing safeguarding systems. Rev Fi Shouler has this year stepped down as chair of synod as she has recently retired and the Rev Pat Hemstock is now the interim area dean for Newstead Deanery. Joanne Parr and Mihelle Chadwick are our Deanery Reps.

THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH

During this year there have been things to celebrate

Celebration of 21 years as an LEP and Confirmation and Reception into Membership Service

Admission and Licencing of Adrian Self as Licensed Lay Minister at Southwell Minster.

Hall bookings

This year the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education have hired the building for some of its courses. We also continue to hire it as a polling station and for parties. This has really helped financially due to the lack of use during the lockdown periods.

Safeguarding

Gemma Self is the named safeguarding representative, the policy has been updated. A reminder safeguarding training takes place at times during the year through the circuit and Rev Peter Taylor does the DBS.

Small Group

A group of half a dozen women from church have met, roughly fortnightly, to do the 'Pastoral Principles' and 'Living in Love and Faith' course. This was well received and we had many thought-provoking discussions over a cup of tea. As the course ended, we met at Kings Mill Farm for a meal and to celebrate birthdays.

Youth Work

A small group undertook the Rebuild training, a diocesan initiative looking at youth work and thinking and praying about opportunities to be effective in this area. The team looked at the possibility of detached work in Sutton, looking at making connections and building relationships with young people. This has been explored and discussed as to the possibility of a worker to help with this.

We have held the deanery Generate for church youth on a monthly basis, this was continued through zoom but when covid permitted we met in person. Every other month is a social, such as bowling, and the other Sundays we have games, worship and teaching. We are currently watching the youth Alpha every other month.

Sharewear

Having moved to Portland Pathways from our premises during the pandemic sharewear have continued to provide a much needed service with a team from church. However, Sharewear now have new premises in Nottingham and have vacated the premises at Portland. The volunteers are still willing to continue to support Ashfield with clothing and it is hoped that the service will continue, partnering with ATTFE, as in the current climate it is envisaged that more families will be in need.

Schools work

I have been into schools this year, but on a less frequent basis as usual due to covid. I have been to Hillocks primary for harvest assemblies and myself and Rev Pete for Christingle at Christmas 2021. I have been invited into classes at Priestsic Primary to tell stories of Jesus and being a friend to us and I have recently also been into Priestsic Primary and Forest Glade Primary to tell the Easter Story (2022).

Prayer chain

The prayer chain has been a valuable source of prayer especially through this time of the pandemic. They commit to praying, confidentially, for 48 hours and longer if needed. There have been many answered prayers and our faith is ever increased. Thank you for all those on our prayer chain for this valuable gift.

Giggles -Girls in God Growing Loving Eating and Sharing

Giggles have been meeting monthly for prayers, a meal and friendship. The ladies have enjoyed their activities and listening to testimonies. On average 20 ladies have been attending since Giggles returned after Covid.

Coffee Nutters

Coffee Nutters have not resumed their meetings in person but have been keeping in contact with each other through Messenger fun times.

Tuesday’s at 2

This wonderful group is not about winning at bingo or making money to run a church, it's about a mixed group of people come together to enjoy one another s company. We regularly have new faces and they are always welcomed.

There is never a dull moment and laughter is always heard, but don't take my word for it come and see for yourself.

These are comments from some of those who attend about what Tuesday's at 2 means to them:-

'To meet new people and make friends. Coming to bingo we have a laugh. it's warm and welcoming.' 'A good afternoon out with good company.' 'Fun and friendly' 'Good fun, good afternoon, nice people.' 'I enjoy bingo, it always makes me smile. The people are great and being a new member I have felt a sense of belonging and welcomed since I first walked through the door.' 'Love bingo, friendly, very fun but cold and needs an allocated bingo caller.' 'I love coming to bingo, enjoy the company but it is always cold.' 'It helps to get me out of the house so I am not as lonely.' 'Bingo is good afternoon of fun and food.''A great group. Can meet with friends and have fun. A valuable group.'

Toddlers

Since the toddler group has resumed it is doing well, with an average attendance of 25 children. The children have been enjoying their new weekly routine, including story time, activity time, snack time, dance and song time. We look forward to meeting new children and their parents or carers.

Prayer Group

Through zoom most Monday evenings at 7.30pm a small group of us meet to pray and we would welcome anyone to join us. Please do come if you can, even if you don't feel comfortable to pray aloud, we know God hears all our prayers whether spoken or unspoken, the main thing is that we are praying!

New Cross LEP Church Account5 1st November 2020- 31st October 2021 INCOME Offering linduding G¢ftAid & special 5e[vIs) Lettlngs- Room Hlre Other Recelpts.. Funerals and Banns Charity Collections (Open Plate, Brown Box} Church Events Me55y Ch*Jrch Giggles Sn3ck & Chat Grants Salary- Furtough Donatlons Petty cash 2019-2020 £15.968.97 £6,655.iX) £16.694.90 £15.205.61 £1.015.CXJ £2,069. £0.( £o.c() EO.00 £0.00 £0.00 £550.Ix) £1.162.47 f 12,913.43 £0. £2,189.CKJ £1,012.30 £2.948.98 £29.71 £427.37 £99.05 £1.800.QM) £206.82 £0. 419.19 £24,914.65 £39 31&87 EXPENDITURE Circuit Assessment and Parish Shgre Donations Repairs and Malntenance £15.460.95 £0.( £205.42 £2,620.99 £550.00 £5.998.47 £27.330.92 £150.00 £262.00 £4.133.19 £o.cK) Restricted Funds Other Payments.. Choirmaster Stationery/cleaning/maintenace Items Organists/pianists Funeral Costs Diocese £o.co £58.29 £0.00 £175. £0.00 £590.00 Fi'l Salaries + Admin charge Bank Account Fee Grants Donation Envelopes Craft items Gifts & Cards CCLI Training Independent Examiner 8roadband £1,132.(X) £3.213.61 £93.50 £0.00 £75.75 £44.94 £297.40 £325.98 £225.C £ioo.00 £432.00 £398.(K) £2,986.73 £60.00 £1,361.49 £0. £1.062.17 £0. £315.67 £160.(X) £1.()) £443.51 £24 835.83 £39,528.68 Opening Bank Balances Closing Bank 8alantss £13.316.85 £27,799.89

Balance sheet a5 at year ending 31st Ortober 2021 Opening Balance CAF Bank Opening balance Lloyds 13086.85 230 13316.85 Receipts into CAF Bank Recelpts into Lloyds 39318.87 39318.87 Purchases through CAF bank 24835.83 Balance shown as at 31st October 2021 CAF bank Lloyd5 27569.89 230 27799.89 26929.88 26929.88 640.01 640.01 18924.63 10990.34 29914.97 230 Unrestricted Funds CAF bank Re5trlrted cash Caf Bank Restricted Funds Southwell Unrestricted Funds Southwell Interest Endowment Interest 15.59 3348.4 2.26 61081.11 Balance Sheet 31110121 Cash in Banks eic 61081.11 Represented by Revenue Balance Endowment Restrlrted Fund5 57730.45 3350.66 61081.11

No........... Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these ReIpt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 October 2021 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Signature of tre88urer................................. Name and address of treasurer ... . Date.... Postcode.................. Presentatlon to the Church trust0e8 I confimi that th8 annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 October 2021 werelwill be. pSented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on ................. Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting Date........................ Independent Examlner's Report to tha Trustees of the Charity Number.............. Responsibllities and basis of report I report to the trustees for the year ended 31 21 set out on pages ... to As the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the prepalon of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Chartties Aet 2011 {'the Act,). mination of the accounts of the N.6A3fjF0as...O.rfrf.. Church 2015churth R YThl P.Al¥

Name of Church.......... AJLW 6f(oSS .(kffl/pVIUi f./ No............. Independent Examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentioi connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below) which give me cause to b&li in, any material respe¢t- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act", or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. [the [the I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the to be reached. I l)agWhave nov obtained independ8nt verification of all investments with the Trustees for Met Church Purposes or held in other twsts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Boar< Methodist Church which are individually in eXsS of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the bal,, sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Address Date ......OX - cXv-..E.4iL . Post Code .l).o.££.. Isp delete or circle as appropriate Sep-20 2015 ehurch R ar P.x1s

I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts carried out under section 145 of the A¢t and, in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the appliLxble Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ib) of the Ad. (felete or circle as appropriate 2015 cmtrh A and p.xL8 4015