## **Reports & Accounts** 

## **2020** 

## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting 21st March 2021** 

Registered Charity Number: 1149709 

www.allsaintschurchgfd.org.uk 



## **All Saints’ Church PCC 2020/21** 

## **Ex-officio Members** 

**Vicar** 

Revd Beverly Watson* 

**Churchwardens** 

Henrietta Harding* Carolyn Nicholls* 

**Deputy Churchwardens** 

Richard Hemingway Lara Milne*(resigned) 

**Deanery Synod Representatives** 

Rebecca Brown Simon Doran 

## **Current Members—term ending** 

## **2021** 

Eve Gunn (Lay chair) * Chris Lambert * Paddy Payne * Martyn Whiteman * 

## **2022** 

Marguerite Barclay Rob Burch Julie Lodge * Joanna Smalley 

## **2023** 

Clare Byrnes (resigned) Simon Moulden Trish Tye * 

## **Co-opted** 

Robin Holdsworth * Rob Crossingham 

* Members of Standing Committee 

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## **AGENDA** 

**Annual Vestry Meeting - All Saints’ Church Guildford** To be held on 21st March 2021 

1. Opening prayers 

2. Apologies for absence 

3. Notice convening the meeting to be taken as read 

4. Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting for 2020 

5. Election of Churchwardens 

6. Election of Deputy Churchwardens 

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## **AGENDA** 

**Annual Parochial Church Meeting - All Saints’ Church Guildford** To be held on 21st March 2021 

1. Notice convening the meeting to be taken as read 

2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for 2020 

3. Revision of the Electoral Roll 

4. Election of people to the PCC 

5. Annual reports for the church 

6. Financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2020 

7. Appointment of auditor 

8. Review of safeguarding 

9. Appointment of Parish Safeguarding Representative 

10. Year’s report by the vicar 

11. ‘Transforming Church, Transforming Lives’ Plan 

12. Questions and points of interest 

13. Closing prayers 

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## **Draft Minutes of All Saints’ Annual Vestry Meeting held on 15th March 2020** 

## **1. Opening Prayers** 

The Meeting was chaired by the vicar, Reverend Beverly Watson, who, after welcoming those attending, said prayers. 

## **2. Apologies for Absence** 

Apologies were received from Del May and Graham Brown. 

There were 36 parishioners recorded as attending the meeting. 

## **3. Notice Convening the Meeting** 

The notice convening the meeting was taken as read as it had been displayed for the requisite time prior to the meeting. 

## **4. Minutes of the Vestry Meeting for 2019** 

The minutes were accepted unanimously as a true record and signed by the Vicar. 

## **5. Election of Churchwardens** 

Carolyn Nicholls and Henrietta Harding, having been nominated and seconded, were elected unanimously to serve as Churchwardens for the next twelve months. 

_Proposal:_ that we elect Carolyn and Henrietta 

_Proposed:_ Jean Reed 

_Seconded:_ Sandra Pointer 

All in favour 

## **6. Election of Deputy Churchwarden** 

Richard Hemingway and Lara Milne, having been nominated and seconded, were elected unanimously to serve as Deputy Churchwardens for the next twelve months. _Proposed:_ Paddy Payne _Seconded:_ Lydia Watson All in favour 

**Trish Tye PCC Secretary 2019/20** 

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## **Minutes of All Saints’ Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 15th March 2020** 

The meeting was chaired by the vicar, Reverend Beverly Watson, and followed on immediately after the Vestry Meeting. 

**Apologies:** Apologies were received from Del May and Graham Brown. 

**1. Notice Convening the Meeting** 

The notice convening the meeting was taken as read as it had been displayed for the requisite time prior to the meeting. 

## **2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for 2019** 

These were unanimously accepted as a true record. They were then signed by the vicar. 

## **3. Revision of the Electoral Roll** 

Richard Pointer reported that we prepared a new Electoral Roll last year with 119 people on Roll. During the year, nine new names have been added and three removed. Our total on Roll is therefore 125. Richard reminded us that only those on the Electoral Roll can vote and those voted for must also be on the Roll. 

**4. Election of members of the Parochial Church Council** 

Robin Holdsworth has retired by rotation and Lesley Graham has moved from the parish. 

The Deanery Synod Representatives, Simon Doran, Rebecca Brown and Angela Rose have reached the end of their three year term. Simon and Rebecca are willing to stand again. 

_Proposal_ : That Simon Doran and Rebecca Brown are our Deanery Synod representatives. 

_Proposed_ : Simon Moulden 

_Seconded_ : Jo Smalley 

All in favour. 

Nominations to join the PCC have been received from Simon Moulden, Clare Byrnes and Trish Tye. 

_Proposal:_ That we elect the three nominees as one to serve for the next three years 

_Proposed_ : Jean Reed 

_Seconded_ : Robin Holdsworth 

All in favour. 

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_Proposal_ : That Robin Holdsworth should be co-opted to the PCC in his role as Chair of the Premises Vision Group 

_Proposed_ by: Martyn Whiteman 

_Seconded_ by: Sylvia Holdsworth All in favour. 

## **5. Annual Reports for the Church** 

The Annual Reports had been previously available online and in printed form in the Reports and Accounts document. 

Comments on the reports: 

Jean Reed pointed out a typo on p.22 where ‘having’ should read as ‘have’. 

Trish will print copies for anyone who needs one. 

## **6. Financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2019** 

A Financial Review, the Balance Sheet, a Statement of Financial Activities and notes on the accounts have been included in the Reports and Accounts booklet. The Treasurer, Chris Lambert, presented a summary at the meeting. 

A small surplus was made this year, so we have not done quite as well as last year. However, we had forecast a loss due to losing some generous givers. We also had an increase in parish share of £4k. 

The deficit has been minimised by some windfall gains: a legacy of £1500, plus money from Toddlers that was in a separate fund. 

£1100 has been transferred from the Vicar’s Discretionary Fund. This was the remainder after funding the sound system. 

We are also holding a special legacy of £10k for church seating. 

The Treasurer has set up two new funds for major church and hall expenditure and will be charging to that on a quarterly basis. 

Buildings expenses have been less than last year, when we needed to put a new bathroom in at Thorn Bank. 

Questions on the accounts: 

_Vicar’s Discretionary Fund:_ 

Marguerite Barclay asked if this fund gets replaced. 

Chris explained that it is an allocation of assets, not a representation of cash as such. 

Beverly set it up for rent from the Vicarage, but thought it was better going directly into the main fund. 

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## _Budget for the year 2020/21:_ 

Robin Holdsworth asked how things are looking for the coming year. Chris explained that we are budgeting for a deficit of approximately £10k. This includes needing to spend £5k on the church floor. Chris anticipates that the basic running costs will be approximately the same apart from the increase in the parish share. We are fortunate to have a cushion from previous years. 

## _Commitments_ : 

Martyn Whiteman asked if the giving committed in 2020 was the same as in the previous year. Chris responded that the first three months look to be similar, but we don’t yet know about committed figures this year. Beverly commented that we would track this. 

## _Rental income:_ 

Eve Gunn (Bookings Secretary) pointed out that the outbreak of COVID -19 means that we are likely to lose money on the hall this year as people are already cancelling. 

Beverly offered a vote of thanks to Chris for his faithful work and the clarity of accounts. 

## **7. Appointment of Auditor** 

Mary-Jane Crump has verbally agreed to do this next year, although has not been officially appointed as Auditor at this time. 

## **8. Review of Safeguarding** 

Julie Lodge presented her report to the meeting. 

Julie has written a report which is presented in the Annual Report & Accounts. 

The Safeguarding Policy was approved and this will be done again at the first full PCC meeting after the APCM. 

This year, we held a Parish Self-Audit, which has previously been voluntary but is now compulsory. The suggestions coming from the audit are: 

- writing an annual safeguarding report 

- monitoring DBS needs as these can change over time 

- ensuring training takes place 

- displaying safeguarding policy and notices 

- complying with GDPR 

- addressing safeguarding administration needs 

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Last year, we had a push on risk assessments. Thanks to Eve Gunn who worked hard on that. 

This year we performed a training needs analysis against all of our roles. Emails were sent out to remind people of their training requirement. We have quite a lot of renewals to do. The requirements have changed in that when you renew, you only need to do the higherlevel course. Basic training is now available online. If you have no access to the internet – Eve will help people to do it in the church office. 

Julie reminded the meeting that we are blessed to have six people on the safeguarding team and Julie is grateful to the team as she couldn’t do it singlehandedly. 

Carolyn is promoting a ‘living alone’ form which would enable us to contact a family member, friend or neighbour in the event of an emergency. Julie urged people to fill one in, whatever age, if they live alone, or with minors only. 

To end, Julie reminded the meeting why we do safeguarding. It ensures we are kept safe in many ways. Churches are different because we have a duty of care legally, but we’re also here to welcome everybody. Julie urged people to reply to emails requesting that forms are filled or that training courses are completed. It all comes from law to the House of Bishops to the Diocese and then to us. 

Beverly offered a vote of thanks to Julie for all her hard work. 

## **9. Appointment of Parish Safeguarding Representative** 

Julie Lodge was prepared to continue as the Parish Safeguarding Representative 

_Proposed_ : Jeanette Whiteman 

_Seconded_ : Paddy Payne 

All in favour 

## **10. Year’s Report by the vicar** 

Beverly Watson presented her report as published. 

## **11. ‘Transforming Church, Transforming Lives’ Plan** 

Beverly Watson presented an update on the Transforming Church, Transforming Lives Plan and the progress we have made in the priority areas over the last year. 

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## **12. Questions and Points of Interest** 

- a) Sheila Kirkland asked what is happening about the window decoration. 

   - Paddy Payne explained that we have an agreed design and artist. The design will incorporate a silhouette of the building, a cross and a dove. There will also be the text “I am with you always to the end of the age” or similar. The timeline is unclear but we hope to have it in place by Easter. Money in the windows fund will pay for it. 

- b) Richard Pointer commented that all our updates seem to be parochial. We have Christian brothers and sisters worldwide, so are we doing enough for them and should we invite them to All Saints? 

   - Beverly commented that the Mission Vision Group will ensure wider support. 

   - Peter Nicholls commented that a speaker from ‘Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East’ (FRRME) is coming to talk at a service soon. 

   - Richard Hemingway commented that there are only four people on the Missions Vision Group. He feels that Mission is very important as part of our Christian discipleship. Please think seriously about joining the group and talk to Peter Nicholls if you’re interested. 

- c) Mike Woodcock commented that he read that the first service in Onslow Village was held in a workman’s hut on 25th April 1921. Perhaps we should be celebrating that centenary this year! 

## **13. Closing Prayers** 

Beverly Watson thanked everyone for coming and the meeting closed with the Grace. 

Henrietta Harding offered a vote of thanks to Beverly. 

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## **Annual Reports 2020 - Introduction** 

The Parochial Church Council of the church of All Saints, Guildford, Surrey (the PCC) has the responsibility (with the incumbent) for promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. These reports not only contain an account of church activities during 2020 for the benefit of parishioners and others who receive the reports, but also provide a justification of the charitable status of the church, which enables us to claim back income tax under the Gift Aid scheme of HMRC, as well as providing other rights and privileges.  The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the buildings of the church and church hall, and of the church field, car park and grounds. It is also responsible for the maintenance of 6 Thorn Bank, a house in the parish. Three members of the PCC represent the parish on Deanery Synod. 

In terms of Licenced Ministry, All Saints now has an incumbent (Revd Beverly Watson), a Licenced Lay Minister (David Barclay), a Licenced Lay Minister in training (Alison Moulden), and four Occasional Preachers (Martyn Whiteman, Julie Shaw, Ryan Harding and Lydia Watson). The parish also enjoys the ministry of two licenced Pastoral Assistants (Richard Hemingway and Marguerite Barclay). 

One of our members (Cally Burch) is in her third and final year of training for Ordained Ministry. The church also employs a part time parish Administrator and Communications Officer (Trish Tye). The Incumbent is now also Assistant Area Dean for Guildford Deanery. 

The reports that follow give a detailed account of the life and worship of All Saints throughout 2020. 

Governance structures at All Saints include nine ‘Vision Groups’ which report to the PCC on a regular basis. These groups cover the following areas of church life: Worship, Pastoral Care, Children and Young People, Events, Missions, Finance, Premises, Administration and Communications, and also Eco Church. Each Vision Group is active in both guiding and serving the community of All Saints. The reports that follow give a more detailed account of the work of the Vision Groups over the past year. 

All Saints is an intergenerational church of ‘all ages’, providing for the needs of the youngest child through to the most senior adult. Our worship includes Sunday services, assemblies at our church school (Queen Eleanor’s CofE Junior School), Messy Church at Onslow Infants, and a monthly service at Dray Court (residential home for the elderly). 

The majority of services are Eucharistic; but we also offer two ‘Services of 

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the Word’ (without Communion) on the first and third Sundays of each month at 10am. The first Sunday of the month at 10am is called ‘Altogether Worship’, and the third Sunday at 10am is referred to as ‘Morning Worship’. Music on the first and third Sundays is led by a Music Group, under the leadership of Amber Payne. On second, fourth and fifth Sundays, music is led by a choir, under the leadership of Jeremy Barham. 

A variety of other services are regularly offered, including online services (a response to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic), Tea-Time Church (a response to the 2019/20 Worship Consultation), Messy Church, Healing Services, ‘Songs of Praise’, Choral Evensong, Occasional Offices (including Baptism, Marriage and Funeral Services), a monthly service at Dray Court, Remembrance Services (including a Service for the Bereaved), ‘Stations of the Cross’, a regular midweek Communion Service, and home Communions. 

There is a strong sense of community at All Saints, supported and encouraged through social events and activities, via the work of the Events Vision Group and many others. This ministry of hospitality is extended to the wider community, through such events as the Fireworks Evening and the Summer Fete. The church has strong links with local community groups, including uniformed organisations, and the Onslow Village Residents Association. The Incumbent is an ex-officio governor at Queen Eleanor’s School. 

Pastoral care is given by the Pastoral Team, under the leadership of a licenced Pastoral Assistant. There are two fully trained Pastoral Assistants, and six Pastoral Friends who visit those in need, and take Home Communion to the housebound. Pastoral care is offered via the ‘Small Groups’ at All Saints; and there are now nine such groups meeting regularly for prayer, Bible study, fellowship and support.  These form an integral part of the pastoral care that is offered at All Saints. Pastoral care now sits within the Vision Group structure at All Saints, in the form of the Pastoral Care Vision Group. 

Children and young people are highly valued at All Saints, and are nurtured through Children’s Church, Quest, the Toddler Group and Messy Church. Ministry in schools continues, with regular services and involvement at Queen Eleanor’s, Onslow Infant School, and the Montessori nursery which is held in the church hall. All Saints offers Messy Church on a termly basis at Queen Eleanor’s School, Onslow Infant School, and at the Toddlers’ Group. All Saints hosts ‘Prayer Spaces’ for both schools, either in the schools themselves or at All Saints; and the incumbent regularly takes assemblies, 

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hosts school visits, and leads Harvest, Easter and Christmas services each year. 

Work on the buildings has continued, and a major achievement in 2020 has been the refurbishment of the floor in the main body of the church, and replacement of the pews with comfortable seating. This means that the church, the hall and the Reading Room are all now in a good state of repair, and available for use by both the congregation and the wider community. 

All Saints houses the Diocesan Resource Centre Library, and makes the resources available to church members, to the Diocese as a whole, and to local schools. The library supports Bible study and learning at All Saints, both by individuals and the congregation as a whole. 

Ecumenical links have continued through the partnership with St. Nicolas’ church, and the United Reformed Church on Portsmouth Road (though these have been interrupted in 2020 due to the retirement of both the Incumbent at St. Nicolas’, and the minister at the URC, and also the coronavirus pandemic). Joint services include an All Saints Day evensong (at All Saints), an Advent Carol Service at St. Nicolas’, and occasional services at the URC. 

All Saints has continued to give 10% of its income to charities and Christian missions both locally and globally, and overall has made a financial deficit of approximately £10,000 over the course of the year. 

Communication of the life and ministry of the church continues through the church website, social media, the parish magazine, the weekly news sheet, and hand -delivery of Easter and Christmas flyers to all homes in the parish. All Saints employs a part time ‘Administrator and Communications Officer’, to oversee the delivery of information to both church members and local residents. 

All Saints is now an ‘Eco-Church’, working to reduce its carbon footprint and live in a sustainable way. A Silver Award has been awarded for our work so far. As an ‘Eco-Church’ we seek to share this vision with our local community. 

Along with all other Anglican churches, All Saints is committed to keeping people safe at all times. Much work has been done over the course of the year to ensure that All Saints is fully compliant with the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Policy; and we are indebted to our Safeguarding Team for their work in this area. 

## **Revd Beverly Watson, Incumbent** 

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## **Vicar’s Report** 

As we come to our APCM again, and reflect on the year that has passed, I’m aware that each year has its own ‘character’ in many ways. Each year is different for us, just as the wider world – the context in which we live and worship – offers different joys and challenges. It’s my job, at this point in time, to offer something of an ‘overview’ of the year. The reports which follow contain the facts and figures; but what of the year as a whole? What was its character, its nature? 

Well, if I try to characterise All Saints in 2020, it would be easy to describe it as a ‘Covid’ year; a year in which the pandemic has impacted all our lives, and the life of our church, in major ways. And there’s no doubt that COVID19 has been a dominating factor over the past 12 months. But today I’d prefer to capture something slightly different: our response to the Covid year. How have we responded to the challenges? How has the Lord guided and directed our response through this time? 

Key aspects of our response have been in the following areas: 

**Creativity:** You may remember that the first lock down took place on the 17th March 2020. I remember it well; it was the day of Christine Evans’ funeral here at All Saints. The service took place, with refreshments in the hall afterwards, then churches were closed - for the first time in living memory. But by the following Sunday - just five days later, and Mother’s Day - we launched our first online service. With Trish’s IT skills we offered a full service with music, readings, a sermon, prayers - entirely led by members of our church; and it was watched by 200+ people. It was the beginning of a new way of being ‘church’, which very quickly became established and universally valued. 

And that creativity continued throughout the periods of full lock-down, and the times we were open for services as well. The Online Services themselves have drawn out new gifts from within our congregation: Jeanette Whiteman, Julie Lodge, Katy Peters and Lydia Watson with the ‘children’s slots’; new musical gifts have emerged from Amber Payne and the Payne family, the Watson family, Sara Truman, Julie Shaw and Katherine Hopwood; our preachers stepped up to the challenge of online preaching; families were willing to have a go at recording prayers together; and we even had our mission partners, the Koens family, recording prayers for us from Papua New Guinea. People had the imagination to forward the links to our services to family and friends in other parts of the country, and other countries of the world and suddenly we were reaching out beyond the borders of our parish in ways we’d never have imagined. That creativity has 

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emerged in many different ways over the course of this year. One example is our ‘Eco Hub’ at All Saints, which draws many people from the local area into our church building, and sends out a strong message about sustainability and care for creation. Our Online Quiz nights are another example, providing a great opportunity for fun and fellowship – and once again including family and friends from further afield. Our Online Youth Club can be included too, and also the Pilgrim Course. We’ve found new ways of worshipping, new ways of being together and new ways of reaching out through the challenges of the past year. 

**Generosity:** Another key aspect of our response to the challenges I would describe as generosity. If you remember back to this time last year, our PCC had taken the decision to upgrade the furniture in our church; and, in the process, to refurbish the floor. After many years of thought and prayer we agreed that over the course of 2020 we would aim to raise the money to restore the floor, and to replace the pews with comfortable and attractive chairs. When COVID-19 struck we could have decided to put the project ‘on hold’; and that would have been an understandable response given the uncertainties of the year ahead, and a significant drop in income due to the closure of the hall for bookings and fewer Sunday service collections. But instead the PCC took the decision to press ahead in faith, and to aim to complete the project ahead of time, while the church was closed. This would also enable us to open more safely when the time came, with chairs that were easily moveable to allow for ‘social distancing’. And so in the space of just a few weeks, members of our congregation gave very generously, so that by Easter the money had been raised to complete the project. It was a great achievement, and one that meant we were able to open safely for services in September, and to begin to use our worship space in new ways. So I would say that generosity has been a key feature of this past year. 

**Loving care:** Another aspect of our response to this Covid season I would describe as ‘loving care’. I’ve seen this particularly in the work of our Pastoral Team over the past year, now under the leadership of Marguerite Barclay. The Pastoral Team has taken great care to look out for our most isolated and vulnerable members, in new and creative ways. For some, this has meant regular phone calls, delivery of the weekly news sheet, and home-cooked meals. For others it has meant support with getting on board with technology, and the use of Zoom and the internet. When restrictions allowed it meant giving lifts to medical appointments and to church services. And that loving care hasn’t just been confined to our 

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elderly members; it has been extended to families in our church, and the congregation as a whole – recognising that everyone has been impacted in some way by the challenges of this past year. 

I’ve seen that loving care extended within our Small Groups too, as they’ve met online, or kept in touch with people via email and phone. And some of those groups have reached out and welcomed new members over the course of the year. That’s been particularly true of our Young Adults group (formerly the 18+ Group), under the leadership of Henrietta Harding and Martyn Whiteman. 

Many of our members have reached out to others in their streets over this time, forming communities of mutual support, either via WhatsApp or in other ways. Loving Care has rightly gone beyond the walls of our church, and reached into the lives of the wider community in new and imaginative ways. 

**Hard work and perseverance:** Another aspect of our response to these times, which I’m very aware of, is hard work and perseverance. That’s been particularly true of what we now describe as our Central Team (formerly the Senior Team) - me, Trish and our Wardens (Carolyn Nicholls and Henrietta Harding). We’ve met as a team almost every week for the past year, during a time when Trish and the Wardens have taken hardly any holiday or annual leave. For 52 weeks of the year the office has continued to function, and church services have continued to be delivered – in one form or another. I’m aware that that has taken a lot of hard work and perseverance. I’ve seen that same hard work, with little time out for holidays or rest, from many members of the congregation too: our Safeguarding Team, our Premises Vision Group, our Eco-team, our Missions Group, the Children and Young People’s Vision Group, our Finance Vision Group, our Admin & Comms team, our Worship Vision Group, the Events team – in fact across all areas of church life. And I do hope and pray that in the year ahead, each of us will be able to take some time out for rest, refreshment and renewal - and hopefully some well earned holidays! 

**Joy:** Despite the hard work of the past year, I’ve also seen joy and enjoyment of life. Our Quiz Nights in particular have been great times of fellowship and fun, and have drawn us closer to one another. There has been joy in simply meeting each other – sometimes out on our daily walks, or in person in our gardens when we were able to do that. I know some of us have found joy in spending more times with our families – maybe children at home, rather than in school; or adult children unexpectedly at home with us. Some of us have developed new hobbies, or found a new 

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appreciation of the natural world over this time. There have been unexpected ‘silver linings’ and times of joy for many of us, even in the midst of isolation and suffering. 

**Going deeper in faith:** I think, too, part of our response to this Covid season has been a desire to go deeper in faith. I’ve seen that in the way new people have joined our Small Groups over the past year, and particularly in the response to the ‘Pilgrim Course’. Last July we offered part one of the course, and an unexpectedly high number of people signed up. It soon became clear that people were keen to do part two, and we quickly made the decision to offer all eight parts of the course (48 weeks in all) over the course of 12 months or so.  I’ve seen that desire to go deeper in faith in our life of prayer at All Saints; there’s a greater commitment to Morning Prayer – which at times has met via Zoom over the past year. Our Preaching Group has welcomed new members; and those people have been willing to read, to study, to learn and to grow, as they’ve prepared for services, month by month. The challenges we’ve faced have led us to put down deeper roots into God; and that’s something I’m very thankful for. 

**Pulling together:** And finally, ‘pulling together’. As I reflect on the past year I’m very aware that we’ve so often acted as a body, rather than as individuals. The challenges of the past year have meant many changes – to our building, to our worship, to our day to day life. Yet I’ve heard no complaining, no grumbling; and no-one has chosen to walk away. It’s as if everyone has the best interests of each other, and our church family as their priority – rather than their own interests. And when I meet people out and about, so often what I hear is gratitude for all that we’re doing together. I’m deeply encouraged by that, and hope and pray that we can continue to pull together as we work our way out of this challenging season. 

So those are my reflections on the year that has been: creativity, generosity, loving care, hard work and perseverance, joy, going deeper in faith, and pulling together. And there are challenges ahead, we know there are. It’s going to take time to ‘re-group’ for services, after many months of worshipping from home. It’s going to take time for some of our more vulnerable members to have the confidence to join normal society again; it’s going to take time to re-gather our children and young people, after such a strange year; and there are financial challenges ahead. But I pray that as we continue to respond in the ways we’ve done over the past year, we’ll continue to know the Lord’s blessing both now and in the months and years ahead. 

**Revd Beverly Watson, Incumbent** 

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## **Structure, governance and management** 

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.  We also have a role description for PCC members and a PCC governance structure document, both of which can be found on the PCC noticeboard or in the PCC file in the Church Office.  All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. 

## **Secretary’s report of the work of the Parochial Church Council January - December 2020** 

In 2020, there were a total of six meetings of the PCC and one ‘away’ morning. There were also six meetings of the Standing Committee. All but two of these were held over Zoom. 

Following the APCM in March, we welcomed Clare Byrnes, Rob Crossingham, Robin Holdsworth, Simon Moulden and Trish Tye to PCC. Lara Milne continued in a Deputy Churchwarden role. Henrietta Harding and Carolyn Nicholls were both voted to continue their roles as Churchwarden. 

Our Deanery Synod Representatives are Rebecca Brown and Simon Doran. The key activities of the PCC and Vision Groups this year have been: 

- The replacement of the pews with chairs and associated fund raising. 

- Improvements to our premises including the refurbishment of the church floor, design and application of a decorative window film on the old Baptistry window and installation of new blinds in the hall. 

- Attaining the Eco-Church Silver Award. 

- Establishment of ‘Tea-time church’ on Sundays at 4pm (in response to the 2019/20 Worship Consultation) 

- Running three ‘Pilgrim Courses’ over Zoom 

- Adapting to running church during a pandemic, including online worship, online meetings, online events and extensive pastoral care 

**Trish Tye PCC Secretary 2020/21** 

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## **Churchwardens’ report on the fabric and ornaments of the church** 

The Wardens have carried out their annual inspection of the church fixtures and fittings as recorded in the terrier and inventory. The following updates provide an overview of the changes now in place as well as areas of concern with proposals for improvement or amendment. 

- _Refurbishment/Restoration of the Church floor_ (which includes the Vestry) has been fully completed. Thank you to Eve Gunn who was instrumental in organising this. 

- _Church pews_ were removed and replaced with chairs.  The new seating has been particularly welcomed, as it provides socially distanced seating, enabling the church to offer various ‘safe’ services during the current pandemic, as well as flexible use for other events.  Many thanks to Paddy Payne and the Church Seating Group for all their help with this.  A carved cross, made from the pew wood, now hangs on the church wall.  Our thanks to David Garrick for using his skilled craftsmanship in making the cross. 

- _The Reading room carpet_ has been not yet been replaced as the external door continues to leak during heavy rain. The Premises Group are trying to resolve the problem of the water ingress. 

- _Recycling Hub_ –  The church’s vision is to become a Gold Eco-church, and we now provide a recycling hub within the church premises for the community. 

- _Wooden sheds in the field_ are nearing the end of their useful life. Discussions are ongoing to look into how and when they might be replaced. 

- _Waste  bins_ - In line with waste regulations from Guildford Borough Council, all waste from the church hall is now considered commercial waste and is collected through a private contractor. Church refuse continues to be considered domestic waste and is collected by the council. 

- _Hall_ - we are grateful that the hall continues to be used by Montessori Nursery, and since January, the nursery has use five days a week. With the church reordering, we look forward to welcoming the Toddler group into the church, when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. There has been some issue with the heating boiler this winter which is being managed by the Premises Vision Group. 

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- As mentioned in last year’s report, the Premises Group is continuing to work on the areas of concern identified by the architect, including monitoring movement in the area of the chapel and library to help identify causes of subsidence. We are grateful to the Premises Vision Group for all their efforts in ensuring the maintenance of the church building and its surroundings. 

## **Carolyn Nicholls & Henrietta Harding Churchwardens** 

## **Safeguarding Report** 

As ever, the aim of the Safeguarding Team continues to be to make All Saints’ a safe place to be. 

The Diocesan Safeguarding Policy was approved by the PCC on 18th May 2020. 

As a PCC, we comply with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. 

We have continued to work on the Parish Self-Audit where we are tightening up on our good practice with DBS procedures to ensure roles aren’t started before the appropriate checks take place. We are also focussing, in a similar way, on risk assessments to ensure they are always in place and approved in advance of events. All risk assessments are reviewed at least annually. In addition to this we have started updating role descriptions to ensure they follow current advice. 

As reported last year we completed a parish safeguarding training needs analysis. Emails were sent or phone calls made to those who required training and these were then followed up as necessary. This is an ongoing job. We have recently received updated information on training requirements and we will be following this. Some training wasn’t available due to COVID-19 restrictions and some was available on line either via the Church of England website or live via Zoom. A review will be undertaken to ensure that we follow the new requirements. 

While mentioning COVID-19, this has obviously provided huge challenges to the safeguarding team in unprecedented times. We have increased the frequency of our meetings in order to meet the challenges we have faced. 

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Diocesan briefings continue to be sent weekly to advise us alongside government documentation. Any change in what we are doing is added to our COVID-19 risk assessment. This has included, for example, the reopening of the nursery in the church hall. 

We are incredibly fortunate to have a Safeguarding Team and I would like to thank Beverly, Carolyn, Henrietta, Trish and Eve for everything they do. It is a huge job and it requires a team effort. My particular thanks to Carolyn who is leaving the Safeguarding Team as she finishes as church warden. I am very grateful that she will be continuing in the role of DBS validator. 

**Julie Lodge Safeguarding Representative** 

## **Deanery Synod Report** 

Guildford Deanery Synod had one full meeting before the lockdown in February 2020, when Paula Bell gave a presentation on welcoming and supporting those with mental health issues in the worshipping life of our churches.  We also attended a Zoom presentation in June on the ‘Theology of Creation Care’ given by Margot Hodson from A Roche. 

Plans for deaneries across the Diocese to have an integrated ‘Leadership Team’ which will have new responsibilities for Strategic Management and God’s Kingdom were put on hold due to the pandemic.  Hoped for elections to Diocesan Synod were also put on hold.  There is currently a vacancy for a Deanery Synod Representative at All Saints and thus an upcoming opportunity to be elected on to Diocesan Synod, and even a possibility of being elected to General Synod . 

**Rebecca Brown Deanery Synod Representative** 

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## **Administration & Communication Vision Group** 

The purpose of the Administration & Communication Vision group is ‘Overseeing an efficient system of organisation to support the ministry and mission of All Saints’. Our remit is quite wide and varied, including the running of the Parish Office, the administration of the Electoral Roll, managing the hall bookings and communications within and outside the church.  Here are some of our key achievements from 2020: 

- Enabling online worship: As we went into lockdown in March we moved to producing weekly recorded services on YouTube. In 2020 our YouTube channel received 4658 views. We know from our web stats that we have viewers all over the world, from the United States to India. We also introduced a ‘dial-in’ service for those who are not online so that they can listen to a portion of the service. 

- The website has received more traffic than ever this year as it became the focal point for information. During the year, we experienced nearly 30,000 page views 

- _iKnow_ , our church administration tool, has been invaluable in helping with emailing church members. It has also been used to record attendance at services for track-and-trace purposes. 

- Annual renewal of the Electoral Roll. 

- Hall lettings have been badly hit by the pandemic, with Montessori Nursery being our only regular user this year. However, letting opportunities have increased with the introduction of the flexible seating in the church. This has already secured us a booking from a youth drama group who will use the church three times a week when restrictions ease. 

- Producing the magazine. During lockdown, we moved the magazine online. This has now become an option for our readers; they can continue to receive a printed copy or opt for an online version. The majority of our readers still like to read a paper copy which is delivered by 24 faithful people. 

The weekly news-sheet is a key part of our regular communications. If you’d like anything included then let me know by midday on a Thursday. 

Please also keep an eye on the website. The calendar can be reached from the home page and shows you everything that is happening day by day. 

## **Trish Tye, Chair, Administration and Communication Vision Group** 

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## **Children & Young People Vision Group** 

Who could have predicted the challenges that we would have to face in 2020? The threat of COVID-19 and the various forms of lockdown that we experienced meant that it was impossible to carry on safely with any of our normal children’s and young people’s activities. Instead, we had to work out what it was possible to do online. 

Therefore, starting with the first of our online services, we introduced a ‘Children’s Slot’, which we hoped would be encouraging and relevant to our Children’s Church and Quest youngsters. This was also continued in the services that we were able to hold in church when lockdown eased because, despite some restrictions being lifted, we were still not able to meet with the children in groups. 

As it has been a long time since we have been able to meet in person, Julie is also aiming to keep in touch with the children by sending out cards to each of the families that we have on our records. 

In the summer, Lydia and I introduced a weekly Zoom Youth Group meeting. These meetings gave the opportunity for a chat, a fun game or quiz, a final reflection and prayer for anyone who might need or want it. It proved popular with those attending. When term started in September, numbers dwindled as schoolwork and other activities became more pressing. We consulted with the young people and it was decided that we would hold these Youth Group Zoom meetings only during the holidays. Therefore, one was held in the October half term and two during the Christmas holidays. 

By November, the Toddlers Group had been unable to meet for much of the year. Vanessa and the team of helpers met and decided to use the All Saints’ Toddler Group Facebook page to reach out and try and stay in touch with some of the families that had attended in the past. Harper Collins kindly gave us permission to read the Nick Butterworth Bible stories that they publish, and so now, each week we take turns to post a greeting and a story on the Facebook page. So far at least 17 families have viewed what we have posted. 

Christmas was the final challenge of the year! We were asked again if we would produce an Advent window for the Onslow Village Advent calendar Window Trail. Also, there was the Nativity Play to plan. After sending out emails to all the families in the church, there were four who volunteered to 

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help produce silhouettes of Bethlehem buildings for the Advent window and five who volunteered to film part of the Nativity Story. It was all quite a challenge, but, I think, well received. 

**Jeanette Whiteman Chair, Children & Young People Vision Group** 

## **Eco Vision Group** 

It has been another 12 months of many improvements for the Eco Vision Group and its committed members. Achieving Silver Eco Church Award came on the back of hard work to make improvements count in many areas of church life. 

The recycling scheme has been a particular highlight. Despite the first lockdown seeing the church close, since the church was reopened the scheme has brought in a steady stream of visitors, many of whom stop for a chat. It is highlighting our lockdown dietary habits, several boxes of crisp wrappers have been sent off from our church, totalling just short of 9,000 packets of crisps. (The Moulden household sheepishly admits to have contributed quite a few.) 

We have extended the range of materials we recycle slightly, and we are beginning to reach far beyond our walls with our eco messaging. PlasticFree Guildford Association has been in touch in the last few weeks to invite All Saints to be an official partner, based on our recycling and the signposting to zero-waste shopping on our websites and magazines. 

Monthly eco tips have been a big hit in the magazine, and we put on an outreach talk by Bruce Parry to try to make connections within the community during lockdown. 

We have bought litter-pickers, ready for anyone to use – just collect from the porch of 23 Irwin Road, and return them back again, but please do wipe down with disinfectant before and after use. The plan is to use these on our pilgrimages to Willow Grange every year, and perhaps with children’s groups, post COVID-19. 

We have significantly improved the wildlife habitats in the church grounds. This includes a wide variety of nest-boxes, a hedgehog house, a well-packed insect hotel, and a beautiful new bucket pond area in the Vicarage garden. 

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On a larger-scale note, we have been investigating alternative heating for the church, hall and vicarage. A company has given quotes for installing a ground-source heat pump, and we are considering engaging an energy consultancy to give further advice. These investigations provide steps towards achieving our net zero carbon by 2030 goal, that was passed by diocesan Synod in November. 

All this behind-the-scenes work means we are also moving ever closer towards Eco Church Gold award, which would be such a milestone to achieve. 

Onwards and upwards in 2021. 

**Alison Moulden Chair, Eco Vision Group** 

## **Events Vision Group** 

As far as the Events Vision Group are concerned it has been a very quiet year with very little to organise, no suppers to prepare, no cake stalls, no bonfire night hot dogs or mulled wine! 

We were very pleased to be able to run Zoom quizzes and in particular thankful that Robin and Sylvia were able to come up with so many different and diverse questions for all the different quiz nights.  We had up to 80 individuals joining in with the quizzes in about nine teams and the quizzes were thoroughly enjoyed. 

In December we set up our online Christmas Fayre. Not something we had run before, but once again Trish came up with lots of ideas on how we should organise ourselves. Before we knew it, we had an online page of items for sale, links to prices and pictures and many spreadsheets listing all our wares. 

We asked for donations for items to sell and were amazed at the response we had. Altogether we had 135 individual items, some of which had multiple quantities. These included Christmas cakes, veg boxes, face masks, Christmas cards, Christmas biscuits, chocolate cakes, marmalade, a variety of soft toys, hats and bags and even some babies hand knitted jackets. Some of the doners weren’t known to us previously, but were happy to contribute to the Fayre. 

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Our thanks must go to all those who were prepared to bake, sew, knit and deliver items. Without them it would not have been nearly so successful. 

We raised over £800 altogether which we were very pleased with, and we also met some new people and made some new friends. 

Of course it’s been a quiet year for us and we can only hope 2021 will give us more opportunities to run events as we used to in the past. We look forward to enjoying some sociable events in person with you all. 

**Eve Gunn Chair, Events Vision Group** 

## **Finance Vision Group** 

The Finance Vision Group has met consistently during 2020, and takes an overview of the finances of our church. It also exists to support Chris Lambert in his role as Treasurer. The Group is overseen by me, and includes Chris Lambert, Peter Nicholls, Rob Burch and Rob Crossingham. 

During 2020 the Finance Group oversaw our Stewardship campaign in February 2020, and the raising of funds to pay for the new seating at All Saints in the spring. I was delighted that money was raised so quickly for the seating, and that the congregation rose to the challenge with such generosity. 

Once again I’d like to thank Chris Lambert for his faithful work as Treasurer, and Mary-Jane Crump for auditing the accounts for us. 

**Revd Beverly Watson Chair, Finance Vision Group** 

## **Missions Vision Group** 

The Missions Vision Group met on five occasions in 2020. We were pleased to welcome Katherine and Bruce Hopwood to the group but sorry to lose Rachel Hubbard following Julian’s appointment to the church in Compton. Other members are Richard Hemingway and Carolyn and Peter Nicholls. New members are always welcome! 

During 2020 we completed a further year of our commitment to support the work of Clare and Andrew Koens, working for Wycliffe Bible Translators 

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in Papua New Guinea.    Other groups promoted during the year were Mosaic Middle East, the work of Friends International among international students in Guildford, Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, the Bible Society, United Society Partners in the Gospel, Matrix Trust, Five Talents plus the Mission to Seafarers and Christian Aid.   Throughout the year, articles featuring the work of these organisations have appeared in the church magazine. 

There were two Sundays in the year when we welcomed representatives from our supported mission groups to speak at church services.  At the start of Lent we welcomed Debs Harrison from the Bishop of Guildford’s Community Fund and in October we welcomed Mike Simpson, the Director of Mosaic Middle East. 

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, activities raising support for Christian Aid were curtailed and the planned BBQ with international students and volunteers and staff of Friends International had to be cancelled.  The sponsored walk to Willow Grange that would have raised further support for the Koens was also cancelled. 

During 2021 we will publicise and support the work of Mosaic Middle East, Friends International, the Bishop of Guildford’s Community Fund, United Society Partners in the Gospel and Bible Society plus A Rocha International and the Guildford Food Bank. 

We are most grateful for the support and interest shown by members of the congregation but would welcome suggestions on how we might be more effective in creating awareness and involvement in mission, whether local, national or international . 

**Peter Nicholls Chair, Mission Vision Group** 

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## **Pastoral Vision Group** 

In March last year Beverly asked me whether I would be willing to take on the role of Pastoral Vision Group leader which after prayerful consideration I agreed to do.   This meant taking on the leadership of the Pastoral Team and the Small Groups by supporting, through individual contact and four meetings a year, the leaders of small groups.  However, in the event, COVID19 lockdown came into force and it was decided that it was important for Beverly at that time to remain the spearhead of the pastoral work.   This continued until the end of September when Beverly thought it was right to hand over the baton to me. 

So, with me coordinating what we were able to offer and with Beverly’s oversight initially of the Pastoral Team, we agreed to meet every month to support each other in new ways of reaching out to those in need of support during these very challenging times. This has been through the Pastoral Team: Richard Hemingway and myself having been formally trained and commissioned by the Bishop; and Pastoral Friends Jean Reed, Diana Reiblein, Richard Pointer, Carolyn Nicholls, Dave Barclay and Susan Groves.  The diocese at this time is also looking at appropriate new training for Pastoral Friends and the changed role of Lay Pastoral Assistants; although any form of formal training has been very limited this year. Supporting one another as a team, and learning together how we can appropriately reach out to the community and share the church’s vision of welcoming all and be a caring, loving community, has therefore been our priority. 

As a Pastoral Team, we have sought to keep in touch with both families and individuals by email, telephone  and cards, together with appropriately distanced visits (when that was allowed) and encounters on our exercising walks.  With appropriate Risk Assessments in place, accompanied walks with those not able to go out on their own, have also been possible.  Another aspect of our work has been to offer Home Communion to the housebound by those in the team trained to work in this way (when this was permitted).   It is a huge loss to many not being able to receive Communion at All Saints or in their own homes, so offering prayerful spiritual support is especially important. 

Those who are housebound and/or do not have access to the internet have received the printed news sheets each week including printed sermons. This 

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has also included the residents, who we have permission to contact, at Dray Court. More recently a small booklet, containing prayers to aid prayer life and worship whilst we are not able to offer live services, has also been delivered. This has meant that all those with links to the church have been contacted in one way or another during this past year. Those with particular needs because of complete isolation have been kept in touch with. This has meant we were aware of particular difficulties that we could personally respond to, but we were also able to offer prayerful support in a confidential way as a team when there were particular concerns for which people requested prayer. 

Our ten Small Group leaders leading the Barnabas Group, the Sharing and Learning Group, the Young Adults Group, the Men’s Lunch and Coffee Group, the Wednesday lunch group, the Local Community Prayer group, the Hard of Hearing Group, the Friday Group, the Welcome Group  and the Prayer breakfast have also needed to adapt to these challenging times. Even so they have continued to offer contact and pastoral support through Zoom get togethers, WhatsApp, telephone and email contact. 

We look to the future with prayerful concern as we continue to reach out to our community and explore new ways of offering pastoral support and working with other organisations also active in our parish. 

## **Marguerite Barclay Chair, Pastoral Vision Group** 

## **Premises Vision Group** 

Like most plans for the past year, COVID-19 posed its own issues for the Group. We were unable to hold many of the planned workdays except for those which allowed us to work, socially distanced, on the field. Good progress was made in clearing the bramble and tree shoots. This enabled a new site to be available for the composting of the grass mowings. It is hoped that we can soon continue to clear the end of the field by encouraging nearby residents to become involved in developing a Community Project which emphasises our Eco Church credentials. 

After several years of consultation and despite COVID-19, the outstanding achievement in 2020 was the removal of the original pews in the church 

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which gave us the opportunity to have the floor repaired and resealed. Later a set of new chairs was delivered but due to COVID-19 restrictions it has not yet been possible to put them all out in the church. In the summer we were also able to install the beautiful film on the refurbished old Baptistry window. 

After a drier than usual summer, there was an increase in the rate of subsidence, particularly under the Chapel area. It was also found that one of the underground water drainage pipes had broken and this along with roots from a nearby oak tree, exacerbated the situation. The window in the Chapel moved to such an extent that emergency repairs to the whole structure had to be made to prevent autumn’s driving rain entering the Chapel. 

An area of work to be undertaken in 2021 will be repairs to the Bell Tower which is not only losing some of its wooden slats but is providing an access route for water to enter the church building. 

Unfortunately it has not been possible to complete the planned work in the Reading Room, primarily because the new exit door has continued to let in water. The manufacturer and installation company have not yet successfully found an answer to that problem. At the moment the Reading Room is being used as a store for the excess new chairs. 

The temperature controls for both the church and hall have been updated and timers for both structures can be operated remotely. Storage space remains a problem in the hall and plans to rectify this have been put on hold due to COVID-19. 

In conjunction with the Eco Group, alternative energy sourcing for the church and the hall is currently being evaluated. It is hoped that a decision on this very important issue, to meet the requirement for us to be carbon neutral by the end of the decade, can be made during 2021. 

Finally, I would again like to thank the whole group for their ‘can do’ approach to resolving the problems that pop up on a day to day basis. I would especially like to thank Dave Mowat and Peter and Carolyn Nicholls for being on hand to quickly solve those problems . 

**Robin Holdsworth Chair, Premises Vision Group** 

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## **Worship Vision Group** 

Worship remains central to all we do and are at All Saints, both during the Festival Seasons, and also in ‘ordinary time’. It’s the heart of our calling, and our core purpose as a church; and I’m delighted that our worship has continued to develop over the past year – partly due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus. 

An overview of worship is taken by the Worship Vision Group, which meets five or six times a year. The Group reviews all aspects of worship at All Saints, and seeks to understand and respond to the Lord’s vision for our church. It also takes an overview of worship in our schools, and at Dray Court; and of prayer and Bible study within the congregation. 

Our regular worship is overseen by me as vicar, and is supported by our Licenced Lay Reader (David Barclay), a Licenced Lay Minister in Training (Alison Moulden), and our four Occasional Preachers (Martyn Whiteman, Julie Shaw, Ryan Harding and Lydia Watson). Others take part in leadership, particularly at our ‘Altogether Worship’ service on the first Sunday of each month, including our children and young people.  One of the encouragements of this year has been seeing people grow in their leadership and preaching ministries at All Saints. 

A significant development this year, has been the development of ‘Online Worship’. This began in response to the first lockdown, and has quickly become an established form of worship at All Saints. The services take the form of a ‘Service of the Word’ (without Communion), and include all aspects led by members of All Saints. When lockdowns have eased, we’ve continued to live-stream some of our services, so that those who are unable to worship ‘in person’ are able to attend. I see this as a very significant new development, and one which I imagine will continue to be a feature of our worshipping life together. Many people from the congregation (including children and young people) have contributed to these services, in a variety of different ways: through music, through preaching, via the intercession, and through reading Bible passages, and via the ‘children’s slots’. The services have been widely appreciated, and are regularly viewed by friends and family members from other parts of the country, and around the world. We’re hugely indebted to Trish Tye for her IT skills and expertise – not to mention consistent hard work – in enabling these services to take place. 

A further development has been the PCC decision to make the third Sunday 

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of the month at 10am a Service of Morning Worship (without Communion), and led by a Music Group. This decision came partly out of the 2019 Worship Review at All Saints; and partly as a response to the popularity of the online services (which are non-eucharistic, and include a greater variety of musical worship). In September, Amber Payne was appointed as our ‘Musical Worship Leader’, and now takes responsibility for the musical life of our worship at 10am on the first and third Sundays. Jeremy Barham continues to lead our choir at 10am on the second, fourth and fifth Sundays of each month. The balance between traditional and more contemporary worship has been widely valued by members of the congregation. 

A Communion Service continues to be offered at 8am each Sunday, with the fourth Sunday of each month being a Book of Common Prayer Service. Our licenced preachers all preach regularly (Occasional Preachers are licenced to preach five times per year); and members of the congregation lead the intercessions, read from the lectionary, and serve as chalice assistants, crucifers and sides people. The Sacristan team is ably led by Henrietta Harding, and she prepares the church for each service. 

‘Altogether Worship’ takes place at 10am on the first Sunday of each month; and it has been good to see that service gradually become established over the course of the past three years. Its goal is to be accessible for children at all times, whilst remaining meaningful for all. The service has been led by Alison Moulden and a strong team; and we now have children worshipping regularly and taking an active part in the services - including singing in an all-age Music Group. We have offered Communion on occasions at these services, which has been valued by people of varying ages. 

Messy Church has been largely ‘on hold’ during the challenges of the coronavirus, although three events have taken place over the course of the 2020 - including two Messy Christingles during the Advent season. One very special event was our ‘Online Pentecost Holiday Club’, overseen by Jeanette Whiteman. The Online event went out to both schools, as well as children at All Saints; and was full of imaginative activities, Bible stories and fun. In normal times we offer three distinct ‘Messy Churches’ – at Onslow Infant School, at the All Saints’ Toddler Group, and at All Saints. Each Messy Church meets once a term, and is led by a team from All Saints under the direction of the incumbent. Gradually we are drawing members of other churches to join the team. This pattern ensures that Messy Church 

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achieves its core purpose, of offering the Gospel to those outside the church, and for whom this may be the first opportunity to hear the Good News. 

Our monthly service at Dray Court is now in its fifth year, but has been largely ‘on hold’ during 2020. However, the Dray Court team has continued to meet monthly over the course of the past year, to pray. We were able to offer outdoor carol singing in December, and continued pastoral care throughout the year. In normal times the service is led by a strong team from All Saints, which also includes two residents from Dray Court. A regular pattern of services has emerged, often focussed on the Festivals; and also offering ‘Songs of Praise’, an Easter Communion, and other more informal ‘café style’ services on occasions. Members of the congregation take part in the service in an active way, choosing hymns/songs, reading Bible passages during the services, and writing poetry for the worship. 

Behind the scenes of public worship lies our daily practice of prayer. Morning Prayer takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (9.15am). Prayer continues during the Thursday Communion Service at 9.15am; and at the Prayer Breakfast on the second Saturday morning of each month (8am). During lockdowns, prayer has taken place via Zoom, and has enabled more people to attend on a regular basis. Members of the Pastoral Team take Home Communion to those who are housebound or ill, continuing this ministry of prayer and worship in a very personal way. We engaged with the Archbishop’s Call to Prayer, Thy Kingdom Come, between Ascension and Pentecost, and offered prayer during this time. This rhythm of prayer undergirds all we do as a church. 

Another significant ministry is that of our Flower Team, ably led again this year by Sue Hemingway. The team quietly produce wonderful displays, both for our Sunday services (when our church has been open) and for special occasions – particularly Easter, Harvest and Christmas. I’d like to thank the team for their gracious ministry. 

Our worship is further supported by the courses we offer, to enable members of the congregation to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith, and to take new steps of commitment as time goes by. During 2020 we have offered the Pilgrim Course, and embarked on a year long course of study together. The course consists of eight parts, which each run for six weeks. So far three of the courses have been completed, with 2025 people attending. The course offers time for prayer as well as study and 

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discussion, and has become a fresh expression of church – particularly for those who have been unable to physically attend Services during the year. 

The Courses we offer, and learning generally, are now supported by the extension of our Church Library which began in 2019. All Saints now owns the book resources from the Diocesan Resource Centre, which are in the process of being merged with our own library books. This is a significant new resource for us, as we seek to encourage spiritual growth and development at All Saints. 

To summarise: It’s a rich pattern of worship, which is developing as time goes by; and one which I feel privileged to lead. My prayer is that we will continue to worship the Lord together in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:23) in the years ahead 

**Revd Beverly Watson Chair, Worship Vision Group** 

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## **Finance Review – Year Ended 31 December 2020** 

In 2020 All Saints’ Church suffered a deficit of £9,956 on its main unrestricted fund compared to a surplus of £2,133 in 2019.    The reason for the deficit is mainly, though not entirely, down to a loss of income arising from the pandemic.  The total of the incoming resources for the year was £111,694, substantially less than the £125,701 in 2019 (please see Note 2 to the accounts).  There was however some saving in the church expenditure (Note 3); this was slightly lower at £121,650 compared to £123,568 in 2019 and has reduced (somewhat) the deficit.  The deficit is very much in line with what we forecast at the beginning of the year before anyone had heard of COVID-19 but the figures conceal a whole host of anomalies some of which I have endeavoured to explain below. 

## **Incoming Resources** 

Over the past few years the percentage of the incoming resources of the church arising from voluntary income from the congregation has been remarkably consistent at about 60%.  It remains the church’s main source of income – but it is this source of income which has been most badly hit by the virus. The decrease in voluntary income from £75,163 in 2019 to £67,473 in 2020 (Note 2(a)) is partly attributable to a fall in collections and in envelope income because the church has been closed to services for long periods.  But one very generous donor cancelled their donation in 2020 (nothing to do with COVID-19) and this has also had an impact.  The fact that the church relies very heavily upon a small number of donors for a disproportionately large element of its income is often commented upon, and when such a person leaves, it can have a detrimental impact upon the finances.  I cannot see what, if anything, can be done about this.  It is just how it is.  Anyway, the virus has had absolutely no impact on the gift aided giving; the figure is almost identical to the preceding year (Note 2(a)). 

The other areas which have been adversely affected by the virus are the church hall income, and also the summer fete and bonfire, both cancelled. The gross income from the church hall predictably dropped as the users were forced to cancel their activities. Under the circumstances this was not as bad as it might have been; the income from the hall, the church and the Reading Room taken together declined from £23,721 in 2019 to £18,629 in 2020, (Note 2(d)). 

Included in incoming resources are two grants, one from the Bishop of 

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Guildford’s Foundation for £1,200 which we had anticipated, and one COVID -19 related grant of £5,000 from Guildford Borough Council which came completely out of the blue (Note 2(b)).  Without these grants the finances of the church would be in a very perilous state indeed and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Trish who pursued the local authority grant on behalf of the church. 

## **Resources Expended** 

As always, the most significant item of expenditure is the parish share, which amounted to £73,457, a decrease of over £1,000 on 2019.  The parish share was initially slated to increase to £78,658 for 2020 but in response to cash projections we submitted to the diocese our parish share was reduced in two tranches by £5,200 in total.  The diocese provided financial support in this way to all the parishes in the Guildford diocese and most of the churches obtained rebates.  The rebate that we were granted was quite close to the average for all the parishes. This taken together with the £5,000 Local Authority grant referred to above limited the church’s deficit to a reasonably acceptable level . 

With the exception of the expenditure on the upkeep of the buildings at £17,390, which was an increase over the equivalent figure in 2019, £14,029, (Note 3(d)), most of the other expenditures were lower than those incurred in 2019.  The church and the hall were closed for a considerable part of the year and all the associated costs of carrying out services and running the buildings were lower.  Within the aforesaid buildings upkeep figure of £17,390 however are the maintenance costs of £11,170 and £3,357 (Note 3 (d)) for the church and hall respectively.  The church maintenance cost is high because it includes the cost of the floor preparation for the installation of the new chairs, some £4,600. And both the church and the hall maintenance costs are further inflated (rather artificially) because they include amounts transferred to separate subordinate funds, (the church and hall ‘major maintenance funds’), and both these funds have increased during the year: the church fund from £1,186 to £3,042 and the hall fund from zero to £951 (Notes 1(a) and 1(b)).  As was explained in the 2019 accounts, these funds were set up to deal with major expenditure to the buildings, and the amounts transferred to them from the main fund exceeded the amounts charged against them by way of expenses. 

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## **Balance Sheet** 

The main unrestricted fund of the church has declined from an opening balance on 1st January 2020 of £63,926 to £53,970 (the deficit of £9,956).  But as mentioned above, the subordinate major maintenance funds have increased by a total of £2,807, so you might say that the church’s unrestricted funds in total have decreased by only £7,149 over the course of the year. This is probably a better way of looking at the financial position than just looking at the main fund in isolation. 

As for the restricted funds, their movement is described in the notes to the accounts (Notes 1(d) and 1(e)).  The £10,000 legacy was moved across to the chair fund; and that, in addition to the donations from the congregation and associated Gift Aid brought the total on the fund to £25,658.  This was used to pay for the chairs leaving £2,407 in the fund (Note 1(d)). 

The total of all the church funds was £61,285 at the year end, down from £76,866 at 1st January 2020. 

## **Projection for 2021** 

In the absence of something extraordinary the church funds will decline even further in 2021.  We are budgeting for a deficit of some £7,500 on our main fund in 2021 and the subordinate major maintenance funds will increase only marginally if at all.  We anticipate that our bank balance on current account will decline to about £30,000 by the end of the year but we will still have the deposit account and CBF Investment Shares to fall back upon. This is not a very optimistic picture and of course it is highly speculative in the present environment. 

**Christopher Lambert PCC Treasurer** 

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## **Independent Examiners’s Report to the PCC of All Saints’ Church** 

I report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2020, which are set out on pages 40 to 53. 

## **Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the Independent Examiner.** 

As members of the PCC you are responsible for preparation of the financial statements.  You consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is my responsibility to 

- examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of this report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters.  The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required of an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. 

## **Independent Examiner’s statement** 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements 

   - to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 

   - to prepare financial statements which accord with those accounting records have not been met; or 

2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. 

Mary-Jane Crump ACA 

18 Wilderness Road, GU2 7QX 

Dated: 

39 



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## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31st December 2020** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice, ‘SORP’ 2015. They have therefore been prepared under the historical cost convention under which the assets of the church are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.  The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law.  They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. 

## **Funds** 

Under the SORP 2015 the church may operate three categories of fund, Unrestricted Income Funds, Restricted Income Funds and Designated Funds. An Unrestricted Income Fund can be used for anything deemed appropriate by the church to further its general purposes.  By contrast a Restricted Income Fund has to be set up when money is received by the church under condition that it must be used for a particular purpose.  The money must be used for the purpose specified and cannot be used for any other (otherwise it would be a breach of trust).  A Designated Fund is not restricted in this way but is money which has been earmarked by the PCC for a particular purpose and therefore has to be kept separate from the main fund of the church. In 2015 the PCC of All Saints operated a single Unrestricted Income Fund for all the financial transactions of the church.  In 2016 however it was necessary to introduce additional Funds of the other two categories to deal with a very small number of specialised transactions and in 2017, 2018, 2019 and in the current year 2020 further additional funds have been introduced, used up and removed, as appropriate.  All the funds of the church in use during the year are itemised below.  The main activity of the church however continues to be accounted for in its main Unrestricted Income Fund and the Statement of Financial Activities for 2020 shown on the previous pages relates entirely to that fund.  The balance on the main Unrestricted Income Fund at 31st December 2020 stood at £53,970.  The other funds are used (as stated above) to account for exceptional items only and are described below. 

44 



**1(a) Church Major Maintenance Fund:** In 2019 it became apparent to the PCC that major repair work will always be necessary to the fabric of the church building and to the church fittings on an ongoing basis – but when and to what extent, difficult to predict. In the past when such expenditure has occurred it has had a distorting effect upon the accounts because this sort of expenditure tends to be unpredictable and significant.  The idea behind setting up this fund is that the anticipated expenditure can be spread evenly over the course of the year (to build up the fund) and then the actual expenditure when it does arise can be charged to the fund instead.  In 2020 the movement on the fund was as follows: 

|Opening Balance at 1st January 2020<br>Transfer from main fund over the course of the year<br>Deduct Expenditure:  Engineers Topographical Survey<br>Roof Repairs<br>Architects Advice<br>CCTV Drains<br>Balance remaining at 31 December 2020|**£**<br>1,186<br>4,000<br>5,186<br>(714)<br>(748)<br>(502)<br>(180)<br>3,042|
|---|---|



**1(b) Hall Maintenance Fund:** Everything said above in relation to the Church Major Maintenance Fund also applies to the Hall Maintenance Fund. The movement on the fund in 2020 was as follows: 

|The movement on the fund in 2020 was as follows:||
|---|---|
||**£**|
|Opening Balance at 01 January 2020|-|
|Transfer from main fund over the course of the year|3,000|
||3,000|
|Deduct Expenditure: Roller blinds for Reading Room|(1,510)|
|New thermostat for boiler|(539)|
|Balance remaining at 31 December 2020|951|



**1(c) Special Legacy:** This is a legacy of £10,000 from a deceased member of the congregation.  It was received under condition that it be used to replace the seating in the church. (It is therefore a restricted fund.) The seating has now been installed and the £10,000 transferred to the Chair Fund (see below). 

45 



**1(d) Chair Fund:** This is a fund which was set up to pay for the new chairs in the church.  It consists of donations from the congregation and the associated Gift Aid recovered from HMRC. The special legacy referred to above, 1(c), was also transferred to this fund. The amounts due to the supplier of the chairs, both paid and pending, have been charged against the fund.  The details are set out below. 

|Opening Balance at 01 January 2020<br>Donatons from members of the congregaton<br>Associated Gif Aid where appropriate<br>Special Legacy transferred across<br>Deduct cost of chairs<br>Balance remaining at 31 December 2020|**£**<br>-<br>13,471<br>2,187<br>10,000<br>25,658<br>(23,251)|**£**<br>-<br>13,471<br>2,187<br>10,000<br>25,658<br>(23,251)|
|---|---|---|
|||2,407|



**1(e) Windows Appeal Fund:** As stated in previous accounts this fund was created to pay for the replacement of the windows in the Reading Room and the church office.  The movement on the fund during the year was as follows. 

||**£**|
|---|---|
|Opening Balance at 01 January 2020|1,754|
|Deduct cost of Baptstry window mural|(839)|
|Balance remaining at 31 December 2020|915|



## **Assets and Liabilities** 

**1(f) Tangible Fixed Assets:** Consecrated and benefice property is the property of the diocese, not the PCC, and is excluded from the accounts by S10 (2) (a) of the Charities Act 2011. 

Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time.   Such assets are not valued in the financial statements. 

The freehold property in Thorn Bank stands in the balance sheet at a nominal valuation of £12,000.  This valuation arose when the property was transferred from Onslow Village Limited in 1983 to the church (as tenant of the 

46 



bungalow). As in previous years it has not been thought worthwhile to revalue the property. 

**1(g) Investments:** The CBF Investment Shares are included in the balance sheet at cost price.  Our 786 units are valued at £16,071. 

|**Net Current Assets:**<br>**1(h) Debtors and Prepayments:**<br>Gif Aid & GASDS income tax recoverable<br>Other – mainly payments in advance<br>Total|**£**<br>2,760<br>635<br>3,395|
|---|---|



**1(i) Short Term Deposits:** Monies surplus to current needs are lodged with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund at short term rates of interest and with immediate withdrawals allowed. 

**1(j) Cash at Bank:** The PCC banks with CAF Bank Ltd at their West Malling, Kent head office. 

|**1(k) Creditors and Accruals:**<br>Thorn Bank rent received in advance<br>Hire of hall and church – advance receipts<br>Secretarial costs outstanding<br>Visitng organists<br>Magazine printng costs<br>Choral Scholars deferred income<br>Utlites accruals<br>Alpha Furnishing – balance due on chairs<br>Other<br>Total|**£**<br>794<br>758<br>642<br>160<br>1,000<br>464<br>242<br>11,625<br>639<br>16,324|
|---|---|



**1(l) General Charitable Missions:** The Planned Giving from the congregation (excluding the legacy and the non-recurring donations but including the collections - please see note 2(a)), comes to approximately £63,700.  So the charitable donations made by the church for 2020 will be in total 10% of that figure rounded up to £64,000, £6,400, and see note 3(a).  £1,200 has already been disbursed to the Wycliffe Bible Translation Foundation so that leaves a further £5,200 to be disbursed, hence the accrual of this amount. 

47 



## **Other Accounting Policies** 

Planned giving, collections, donations and legacies are credited when received.  Income tax refunds in respect of Gift Aid claims on the Planned Giving are credited quarterly when the claim has been calculated.  The income tax recoverable under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) is claimed and accounted for twice annually – at the end of the tax year and at the end of the financial year.  The income tax due at the year-end of £2,760 - see note 1(h) - therefore includes the second of these GASDS elements along with the main quarterly Gift Aid claim for the December quarter. Property rents and amounts due in respect of the hire of the hall are credited to the period to which they relate. All other income is credited when received. 

**Resources expended:** Missionary and charitable giving is accounted for when the amounts to be donated have been agreed by the PCC.  The diocesan parish share is paid by twelve monthly instalments and accounted for accordingly.   All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred. 

|**Missionary and Charitable Giving:**<br>Wyclife Bible Translaton Foundaton<br>Five Talents<br>Friends Internatonal<br>Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy<br>Matrix Trust<br>United Society Partners in the Gospel<br>Bible Society<br>Mosaic Middle East<br>Total|£<br>1,200<br>742<br>743<br>743<br>743<br>743<br>743<br>743<br>£6,400|
|---|---|



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**Approved by the PCC on 8th February and signed on their behalf by:** 

**Revd Beverly Watson (Vicar)** 

**Mr Christopher Lambert (PCC Treasurer)** 

54