2021-08-31-accounts

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The Methodist Church The Stamford Circuit

23/15

Circuit Policies and information 2021-22

	The Circuit Churches
Bourne	Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF
	Minister: Rev’d Ruth Charlesworth
Deepings	Church Street, Deeping St James PE6 8TL	Page
	Minister: Rev’d Ruth Charlesworth
Empingham	Main Street, Empingham LE15 8PR
	Minister: Rev’d Bekkie Wright
Ketton	Bull Lane, Ketton PE9 3TB
	Minister: Rev’d Andy Fyall
Oakham	Northgate, Oakham LE15 6FH
	Minister: Rev’d Bekkie Wright
Ryhall	Mill Lane, Ryhall PE9 4HF
	Minister: Rev’d William Booker
Stamford	11 Barn Hill, Stamford PE9 2AE
	Ministers: Rev’d Andy Fyall
	Rev’d William Booker
Thurlby	High Street, Thurlby PE10 0ED
	Minister: Rev’d Ruth Charlesworth
Uppingham	Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ
	Minister: Rev’d Bekkie Wright
Online Church	Facebook based
	Minister: Rev’d Andy Fyall

The Circuit Ministry Team CHAIR OF THE NORTHAMPTON METHODIST DISTRICT

Rev’d Helen Cameron

SUPERINTENDENT MINISTER:

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Rev’d Andy Fyall

OTHER MINISTERS APPOINTED TO THE CIRCUIT:

Rev’d William Booker

Rev’d Ruth Charlesworth

Rev’d Helen Fyall (Hospital Chaplain) Rev’d Bekkie Wright

LAY MEMBERS OF THE MINISTRY TEAM

Mr Philip Jones (Circuit Mission Enabler)

VACANT at time of agreeing policy (Circuit Children & Families Worker)

VACANT at time of agreeing policy (Circuit Youth Outreach & Social Media Consultant)

Mrs Ruth Pryke (Stamford Children & families Worker)

FORCES CHAPLAINS RESIDING IN THE CIRCUIT

None at present

SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS

Sister Eileen Rogers

Rev’d Neville Ashton

Rev’d Richard Baggott

Rev’d Barry Gent MA

Rev’d Brian Lewis BA

Rev’d Chris Bamber

Rev’d Maureen Jones

Rev’d David Bosworth

Rev’d Dr Christine Pocock

Rev’d Fred Day

Rev’d Andrew Bell

Rev’d Julia Dowding

Circuit Leadership Team

Circuit Stewards

The circuit stewards are responsible, with the Superintendent and the ministers and probationers appointed to the Circuit, for the spiritual and material well-being of the Circuit, and for upholding and acting upon the decisions of the Circuit Meeting.

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They also have the particular rights and duties set out in Standing Orders 532 to 534 regarding invitations, manses etc.

In discharging those responsibilities and duties it is desirable that the circuit stewards shall:

• (i) be sensitive to the needs of the ministers and probationers and their families;

• (ii) meet with the ministers and probationers at least twice each year, before the Circuit Meeting;

(iii) keep themselves informed of the activities of each Local Church in the Circuit; and

• (iv) be aware of district and connexional policies as they affect the Circuit and its Local Churches.

In exercising these responsibilities current Circuit Stewards have

said that the following attributes are needed:

• ➢ Pastoral sensitivity with a broad vision and constant seeking after God’s guidance

• ➢ A listening ear, empathy, confidentiality and a helping hand

The Circuit Stewards are namely:

Ian Husbands, Moyra Collins, Chris Barber, Sarah Burke, Nina Rawlins and AnneMarie Niemann.

Circuit Leadership Team Meeting

The Circuit Stewards and Circuit Ministry Team to consider, discuss and pray for the mission and ministry of the circuit. The CLT meets about 6 times per year.

Policies and Statements

Circuit Mission & Policy Statement

In partnership with other Christians, the ten churches of the Stamford Circuit exist to:

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• ➢ Spread the Good News of the life changing love of God as seen in Jesus Christ and experienced through the Holy Spirit

• ➢ Enable individuals and groups to grow in faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ

• ➢ Demonstrate God’s love for all people

• ➢ Encourage and support each other in seeking and fulfilling the will of God

We work together towards the above aims as follows:

Worship

• ➢ To offer our best to God in heartfelt praise, honest reflection and prayerful concern

• ➢ Offering various styles and emerging patterns of worship to meet a range of spiritual needs and, so far as is possible, relevant to the society in which we live.

• ➢ On-going training of preachers and worship leaders, and encouraging people to respond to the call of God

Nurture

• ➢ Supporting and training all who work with children and young people.

• ➢ Offering appropriate Bible study, fellowship groups, prayer groups and study courses.

• ➢ Encourage folk to consider becoming a part of God’s community, the Church.

Pastoral Care

• ➢ Maintaining and developing effective pastoral care networks for people of all ages within and beyond the Church.

• ➢ Emphasising the importance of our circuit family in mutual care and support

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• ➢ Providing safe space for all.

Sharing the Good News of Christ

• ➢ Inviting those involved in church and community groups to meet Jesus Christ and grow in Christian faith .

• ➢ Creating opportunities and enabling our people to share faith in relevant ways.

• ➢ Creating opportunities to offer children Christian faith through holiday clubs, weeknight activities and schools work.

➢

Service

Both at home and in the world context:

• ➢ Prayerfully and intentionally supporting those who work out their faith in secular employment or voluntary work.

• ➢ Meeting people’s needs as God calls us, wherever possible and appropriate, with other agencies.

• ➢ Enacting social justice and supporting the World Church.

• ➢ Supporting and standing with the poor and the marginalised.

Encouraging participation in all the above by each congregation both locally and circuit-wide.

Dated : 9[th] June 2021

Signed Andy Fyall, Chair of Circuit Meeting

Stamford Circuit Reserves Policy Trustees’ Annual Report - Circuit Reserves Policy

This document includes all funds held by the Circuit Meeting as charity trustees. Our Reserves Policy relates to our general (unrestricted) funds which are freely available to be used for any or all of the purposes of the Circuit. Other funds are also included for the sake of clarity and openness and to show that the Circuit has a policy for the management of all of its money not simply those which are defined as reserves.

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General Policy

The Circuit’s reserves in hand should never fall below 6 months of the annual assessment.

Aims

Our aim is twofold:

• (1) To secure and sustain the Circuit’s viability and future.

(2) To give reassurance to the general public that the Circuit, which is a charity, intends to use all of the money coming into its care for the purposes of the charity.

(1) Mission Policy

The Circuit’s Mission Policy is set out in a separate

document and was approved by the Circuit Meeting (as the charity trustees) in June 2021

Essentially, it provides for:-

(a) The ministerial oversight and pastoral care of the ten local churches in the Circuit.

(b) The support of a ministry team of:-

• four presbyter ministers

• fifteen supernumerary ministers

• one part time Children and Family Worker

• one part time Circuit Administrator

• one part time Mission Enabler on an annual contract

• contribution to the employment of parttime Circuit Youth Outreach & Social Media Enabler.

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(c) The maintenance of the three Circuit manses.

(d) An amount of £50k to be ringfenced for evangelism across the Circuit (i.e. outreach events, ALPHA courses etc. This equates to an amount of £5, 000 per chapel and any application for funding will be scrutinised by the CLT. Criteria and application forms will be made available.

(2) Financial Plans

• The Circuit Assessment is reviewed annually and seeks to cover the costs of 1(a) and (b) above and is based on contributions of each church towards the total cost. Any shortfall is found from the Circuit Model Trust Fund by agreement of the Circuit Meeting.

• The Circuit Assessment will also allow a provision for our property maintenance to maintain the three manses and to reach a balance of £10,000 as a reserve.

(3) Reserves Policy

The Charity Commission have agreed that it is appropriate for the trustees to set a policy for the management of this fund and that policy is set out below:-

Unrestricted Funds

Under Standing Orders the Circuit must meet its financial obligations in relation to the maintenance of the manses. The total cost for the last financial year was £ 14,255

It is Circuit Policy to never allow the Revenue Accounts to exceed the recommended level of six months expenditure. When balances rise above this,

recommendations for investment of the surplus will be brought to the Circuit Meeting by the Circuit Leadership Team.

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Balance @ 31/8/20 £476, 713 in total

Restricted Funds

The circuit has three restricted funds; the Model Trust Fund (formerly Circuit Advance Fund), Manse Maintenance Fund and Ministerial Assistance Fund.

Model Trust Fund

This fund derives from the sale of chapels and manses and its use is restricted by Conference. This restriction is an internal regulation though the fund can be used for a variety of purposes.

Money held in the Model Trust Fund has been earmarked by the trustees for the following purposes:

• £10,000 p.a. for anticipated property schemes in the next year

• £28,000 p.a. for the employment of a Rural Missioner over the next year

• £18,000 p.a. for the employment of Children and Family worker over the next year

• £4,000 towards the potential costs of Quinquennial

Balance @ 31/8/20 £262.666

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Manse Maintenance Fund

This fund is designated towards the maintaining the manses. Balance @ 31/8/20 £5,986

Ministerial Assistance Fund

This fund was used initially for the payment of an Admin Assistant but from September 2008 the salary has been taken from the Circuit Fund Balance @ 31/8/20 £7,360

Endowment Funds

Three endowment funds are held, all of which are bequests. These are held by TMCP custodian trustees.

The income from these funds (net of admin charges) is treated as unrestricted income for the circuit and can be spent for any circuit purposes. The capital value of the bequests therefore remain constant, subject to valuations. The circuit policy is to maintain these bequests in line with the perceived donor’s wishes.

George Waddey Bequest – this is a Permanent Endowment and therefore only the income can be spent. Due to the size of the bequest, the circuit has the option of releasing these funds for general circuit use with the approval of the circuit meeting and in line with the Charity Commission guidelines. This bequest dates from circa 1900.

Value @ 31/8/20 £866

G Marsh Bequest – this is an unconditional bequest and the capital can be used for any Methodist purpose at the discretion of the circuit

Value @ 31/8/20 £ 6,680

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B Sims Bequest –The money was endowed to the Circuit to be managed by TMCP. Value @ 31/8/20 £1,449

Kingston value @ 31/8/20 £3,969 Various ex Barnack @ 31/8/20 £ 345

Approval

Approved by Circuit Meeting on 18[th] November 2020

Signed: Andy Fyall

(Chair of the Circuit Meeting) Date to be Reviewed June 2022

Safeguarding Policy for the Stamford Circuit (23/15)

Statement of Safeguarding Principles

Statement of safeguarding principles Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of humans in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

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Principles

We are committed to:

• the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral

• ministry with, all children, young people and adults

• safeguarding and protecting all children, young

• people and adults when they are vulnerable

• establishing safe, caring communities, which provide

• a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.

We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

We will respond without delay to every safeguarding concern, which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, working in partnership with the police and local authority in any investigation.

We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed

pastoral care.

We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

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Working with the District Safeguarding Officer, we will support risk assessment of those who present a safeguarding risk within a church environment. We will ensure appropriate pastoral care is offered and measures are taken to address identified risks including referral to statutory agencies, suspension and the use of safeguarding contracts. We will recognise and apply the restrictions to appointment laid down in Standing Order 010 of the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.

In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

A model circuit policy

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy for

The Stamford Circuit

This policy was agreed at the Circuit Meeting held on 9/6/2021

It will be reviewed on 8/6/2021

1. The Policy

The Methodist Church, along with the whole Christian community, believes each person has a value and dignity which comes directly from God’s creation of humans in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

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The Stamford Circuit is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults and affirms that the needs of children and of people when they are vulnerable and at risk are paramount.

The Stamford Circuit recognises that it has a particular care for all who are vulnerable whether by disabilities or by reduction in capacities or by their situation. It is recognised that this increased vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible, but that it does not diminish our humanity and our wish to affirm the gifts and graces of all God’s people. This policy addresses the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is intended to be a dynamic policy. It is intended to support the Church in being a safe, supportive and caring community for children, young people, vulnerable adults, for survivors of abuse, for communities and for those affected by abuse.

The Stamford. Circuit fully agrees with the statement reiterated in Creating Safer Space 2007: As the people of the Methodist Church we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone. We seek to safeguard all members of the church community of all ages.

The Stamford Circuit recognises the serious issue of the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and recognises that this may take the form of physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, discriminatory, controlling behaviour, domestic or institutional abuse or neglect, abuse using social media, child sexual exploitation or human trafficking (slavery). It acknowledges the effects these may have on people and their development, including spiritual and religious development. It accepts its responsibility for ensuring that all people are safe in its care and that their dignity and right to be heard is maintained. It accepts its responsibility to support, listen to and work for healing with survivors, offenders, communities and those who care about them. It takes seriously the issues of promotion of welfare so that each of us can reach our full potential in God’s grace.

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The Stamford Circuit commits itself to:

1. RESPOND without delay to any allegation or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, whether in the Church or in another context. It commits itself to challenge the abuse of power of anyone in a position of trust. It commits itself to providing informed pastoral care to those in need, including the supervision of those who have committed criminal offences.

2. IMPLEMENT the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance, government legislation and guidance to achieve safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.

3. The PROVISION of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in

safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

1. AFFIRM and give thanks for the work of those who are workers with children and vulnerable adults and

acknowledge the shared responsibility of us all for

safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults on our premises.

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2. Purpose

The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure that procedures are in place and people are clear about roles and responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults in our care and using our premises. It is to be read in conjunction with the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance (July 2020). The full implementation of these policies should ensure that:

• The Church (and all associated activities) is a safer place for everyone.

• Communities we serve have confidence that

• children and vulnerable adults are as safe as possible and that their wellbeing is enhanced in the life of the Church.

• People in the church are alert to unsafe practices and are able to challenge them.

• Office holders are safely recruited, trained for their roles and are accountable for their activities.

• People who have experienced abuse are accepted,

• empowered and supported in maintaining control over

• their lives and making informed choices without coercion.

• People who abuse are held accountable to the law

• and the risk they pose is managed while they are

• supported and challenged to address their motivations and behaviour.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1. Circuit Meeting

It is the responsibility of each Circuit Meeting to appoint a Page | 17 Circuit Safeguarding Officer and there should be no gaps in this crucial provision. It is not appropriate for a minister in pastoral charge or circuit superintendent to fill any gap, because of the potential conflict of roles but an individual safeguarding officer may cover the role in more than one location. The role will usually be undertaken on a voluntary basis, although expenses should be met. Ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within the circuit lies with the Circuit Meeting. The circuit safeguarding officer should be a member of the Circuit Meeting or have the right to attend at least annually to report on implementation of the safeguarding policy. Where an individual holds the role in more than one location, they must be able to cover the activities identified in the relevant role outline and be facilitated to attend meetings to report on safeguarding in each location.

The Stamford Circuit

Appoints Katherine Willison and Charlotte Davis as Circuit Safeguarding Officers (Adults) and Katherine Willison as Circuit Safeguarding Officers (Children), and supports them in their role.

The circuit meeting holds the following responsibilities, which may be delegated to the Circuit Safeguarding Officer, if appropriate:

1. Support and advice to the circuit superintendent and the circuit stewards regarding safeguarding matters. 2. With the support of the circuit superintendent,

prompt recording and reporting of any safeguarding

• concerns of which they are made aware. This will include appropriate referral to statutory agencies and DSOs, as required by Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance.

• Making appropriate arrangements for the secure storage, retention and appropriate sharing of safeguarding information held by the circuit.

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1. Promoting the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable adults within the circuit.

2. Presenting a report to each circuit meeting about

safeguarding events (noting the need for confidentiality

regarding specific cases) and reminding relevant parties (where necessary) that safeguarding should be a standing item on the Circuit Meeting agenda

1. Receiving and reviewing church risk assessments and training schedules for each church in the circuit and sharing with the circuit meeting annually.

2. Attending the circuit staff meeting as necessary to discuss concerns brought to their attention.

3. Liaising with individual church safeguarding officers to offer guidance and check they are complying with

Methodist Church Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Guidance. This should include at least one annual meeting.

1. Working with the superintendent minister, ministers and the DSO regarding safeguarding concerns.

2. Attending and active participation at safeguarding training, district safeguarding events and meetings. 11. Work with local ecumenical partners and their safeguarding representatives.

3. Reviewing safeguarding policies for each church in the circuit prior to presentation to the Circuit Meeting.

4. Supporting the circuit superintendent with the annual review of the circuit safeguarding policy and sending a copy to the DSO.

5. Maintaining of a record of all people within the circuit who have received Foundation Module,

Foundation Refresher Module (prior to 2020), together with dates of attendance

1. Ensuring that training is offered to those working with children and vulnerable adults, holding an office of

responsibility, or are in other applicable roles as defined in Appendix III of the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance.

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1. Overseeing timely delivery of appropriate training, in liaison with the Church Safeguarding Officers and accredited Circuit Trainers

2. Advising all churches in the circuit of the requirement to adopt a safer recruitment policy and to carry out

required procedures when appointing staff or volunteers 18. DBS verification on behalf of the circuit.

1. Retaining records of names of those at circuit level who have DBS checks.

2. Providing reminders to church safeguarding officers about the need to apply or reapply for checks in

accordance with the Methodist Church policy (for updates, the period is currently every five years).

1. Assisting the DSO with setting up Monitoring and Support Groups for those subject to safeguarding

contracts and reminding the chairs of groups when reviews are due.

1. Maintaining a directory of useful names and contact details.

2. Where a circuit safeguarding officer carries out the above activities, there is a requirement for supervisory oversight,

3. which will be arranged by the superintendent minister and carried out by them or a nominated substitute. Records of oversight meetings will be signed and agreed.

4. Supervision will include consideration of wellbeing and

discussions of the areas of activity included within the role on a regular basis.

3.2. Superintendent Minister

1. Ensure that all churches have appropriate and up-todate safeguarding policies in place.

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1. Support those in pastoral charge in exercising

responsibility for the implementation of safeguarding policy and practice.

1. Ensure the provision of pastoral support for those involved in issues of abuse and in the management of those who present a safeguarding risk.

2. Ensure that training opportunities are in place for all workers with children, vulnerable adults, for staff of the circuit and for members of the local churches in the circuit, in accordance with Appendix III of the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance.

3. Ensure that the Circuit Meeting appoints a circuit safeguarding officer/s and that the details of each person are passed to the district office.

4. Ensure that the Circuit Meeting reviews this policy annually.

5. Support the circuit safeguarding officer (Adults) and the circuit safeguarding officer (Children) in their work, providing access to resources to enable them to fulfil their functions.

Circuit stewards

The circuit stewards must ensure that agreed procedures are in place for circuit and ecumenical events that involve children or vulnerable adults.

Procedures for circuit events involving children, young people or vulnerable adults

It is essential that circuit events that involve children or vulnerable adults do not slip through the net because

they are not owned by one church. Circuit events must be notified to the DSO prior to final agreement with the event organiser to ensure that all permissions, risk assessments and good practice guidelines are in place.

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Responsibility for those planning and leading the event All those involved in leading and running the event must be aware of the procedure.

The event should have been planned effectively and attention given to the following issues:

1. Risk assessment and suitability of the activity and the premises

2. The appointment of a team to take charge of the event, including safeguarding and first aid personnel

(particular health or ability needs should be taken into account)

1. Numbers of children, young people or vulnerable adults involved

2. Transportation following good practice guidelines. This information is to be sent to the DSO for approval PRIOR to the event being agreed.

Key concepts and definitions

i) A child is anyone who has not yet reached their eighteenth birthday. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, a member of the armed forces, in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change his/her status or entitlements to services or protection.

ii) Vulnerable adults: any adult aged 18 or over who, due to disability, mental function, age or illness or traumatic circumstances, may not be able to take care or protect themselves.

iii) Safeguarding: protecting children or vulnerable adults from maltreatment; preventing impairment of their

health and ensuring safe and effective care.

iv) Adult/child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect children/specific adults who are Page | 22 suffering or are at risk of suffering significant harm, including neglect.

v) Abuse and neglect may occur in a family, in a community and in an institution. It may be perpetrated by a person or persons known to the child or vulnerable adult or by strangers; by an adult or by a child. It may be an infliction of harm or a failure to prevent harm. Signed

Chair of Circuit Meeting

Dated : 9[th] June 2021

Signed Andy Fyall, Chair of Circuit Meeting

This policy was agreed at the Circuit Meeting held on 9[th] June 2021. It will be reviewed in June 2022

Reps to the Representative Session of the Synod

The synod is a District Gathering which meets twice per year where each Circuit is represented by local church members. The synod deals with matters of mission and ministry within the District and is led by the Chair of the District. We must elect 6 members from the Stamford Circuit.

1. Jean Suff 2. Sarah Burke Jones (ME)

2. Phil

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1. Chris Ballard 5. Moyra Collins 6. VACANT

Church treasurers’ Annual Meeting Staff link person: Rev Andy Fyall

Local church treasurers meeting in January / February each year to agree the apportionment of the annual circuit assessment.

Property Advisory Group (PAG)

Staff Link person: Rev Andy Fyall

The Property Advisory Group is a small working group who oversee matters to do with circuit properties (chapels and manses) on a project by project basis.

Current coordinator: Jean Suff

Members of the group: Jean Suff, Ken Stewart ++ new members needed

Preachers & Worship Leaders Meeting

Chair: the Superintendent Minister Current Secretary: Phil Jones Rep to the Circuit Meeting: Vacant

This is a quarterly meeting of all preachers (lay and ordained) and worship leaders within the circuit. The meeting deals with the oversight and training of preachers and worship leaders.

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The meeting also exercises a function to enable continuing development, support and encouragement of all those involved with these ministries.

There is an annual service of Holy Communion held at the beginning of each Connexional Year during which the Preachers and Worship Leaders renew their commitment to their calling.

Circuit Resource Group

Staff Link Person: Phil Jones (ME) Current Co-ordinator: Vacant

The Circuit Resource Group plans and runs various activities for spiritual growth and stimulation throughout the year. Examples of such gatherings are: Quiet days,

Study Days (such as ‘Reflecting on the work of chaplains’ and ‘Medical Ethics and Christian faith’)

Training days (for pastoral visitors and church stewards).

Members of the group:

Phil Jones, Ruth Charlesworth, Moyra Collins, David Bosworth, Andy Fyall

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MWiB (Methodist Women in Britain) Group

Staff link person: Ruth Charlesworth Current coordinators: Nina Rawlins

MWiB is an organisation which brings together creative spirituality, a passion for global social justice and mission. At the core is worship, and from there grows the challenge to live as disciples of Christ in today's world, supporting, encouraging and acting for the good of all.

Public Issues Forum

Staff Link Person: Rev’d Bekkie Wright Current coordinator: Helen Baggott

The Public Issues Forum is an ad hoc gathering which meets twice a year. It is open for anyone to attend who has an interest in addressing issues of social justice and current affairs from a Christian perspective.

The forum offers all attendees the opportunity to share their issues and concerns for conversation, debate and prayer.

It is the express intention of each gathering that we will agree on practical ways of addressing the issues raised.

Circuit Mission Forum

Staff link and coordinator: Phil Jones (ME)

A working group to consider outreach and mission across the circuit and to develop mission policy and strategy for the circuit.

This group will meet as often as needed to support initiatives in the local churches and specifically encourage the making of more disciples of Jesus.

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Circuit Social Group

Staff link: Ruth Charlesworth Coordinator: Ian Husbands

A working group to discuss and plan for various social events across the circuit and for the circuit.

Examples of these kind of events have been the trivia quiz and the Barn dance at Normanton Lodge Farm.

Circuit Worship Planning

Staff link: Andy Fyall

The Circuit Services exist to offer excellent preaching and worship which relates to the life, mission and ministry of the wider circuit. It is essential that friends from the local churches offer their help in planning these acts of worship to ensure that they properly reflect the life of the circuit. This group will meet to plan the Quarterly Circuit Services along with members of the Circuit Ministry Team.

Online Church

The group now has a sub-group consisting of those preachers who offer online worship.

Circuit Praise

There are also the ‘Circuit Prayer & Praise’ gathering which offer informal, contemporary worship at various churches around the circuit.

Circuit Children & Youth

Staff link: Luke Denley

A new working group to offer support and share ideas for work with children and young people across the circuit. This ad hoc group would meet maybe twice per year.

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Circuit Invitations Committee

Staff Link: Andy Fyall Circuit Steward: Ian Husbands

Members: Chris Pursehouse, Eileen Ray, AnneMarie Niemann, Nina Rawlins, Sarah Burke, Chris Barber, Moyra Collins, Roger Macey.

The CIC exists to enact the Circuit decisions regarding ministerial staff invitations and consultations.

Circuit Kaleidoscope Group

Staff Link: Rev’d William Booker

Co-ordinator: Linda Bosworth

A group set up to encourage prayer and spirituality across the circuit.

Circuit Online Ministry team

Staff Link: Rev’d Andy Fyall

The group is made up of preachers and volunteers who enable, prepare and lead online acts of worship and prayer.

The group is also working towards offering on line mission and ministry to seekers and making the Circuit social media presence meaningful for seekers and new joiners.

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Name of Circuit Independent Examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with Ihe examination (other than that disdosed belo￿) which give me cause to believe that in, any material resFect the accounting records were not kept in accordan(£ with section 130 of the Act" or the accounts do not accord with the accountir@ records. I have no COn￿rnS and have come across no other matters in connectton with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I ha¥81have nor obtained independerrt verification of all investments wth the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts. bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church vthich are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner rs Name of fimi (where appropriate) Address E" ..w.f..wr.*.... Post Code -( Date delete or circle as appropriate Sep-21 2015 R wd P.>ts 1 (01