ST PAUL'S CHURCH
ST PAUL'S
HOOK
REVIEW OFTHE YEAR
2020

## **THE VICAR’S REPORT** 

Dear friends, 

## **What have we achieved over the past year?** 

What a year it has been, a year of lockdowns and of struggle, of restrictions and of isolation. But thanks be to God, it is beginning to feel as if the end is in sight. 

But for those of us in St Paul’s it has been a strange year. 

Firstly, let me acknowledge that what has been done over the past year has, of course, been imperfect.   I guess we have all struggled in various ways and that has been reflected in the activities run by the church.  So, I do apologise for some shaky videos, for some dodgy sound, and for those who have not been phoned. 

However, there have been some real successes, I think.  In particular: 

- The online services:  These have been appreciated by many and have reached beyond our normal congregation.  I thank God for the technology that has made this possible.  But I am also thankful that this has been a real expression of the fact that we are still the people of God here in Hook. 

- The Bible Reading Notes:  These were circulated for around six months of ‘lockdown’ and I know that they were appreciated by many. If you miss them, perhaps you should do what I have done and order some Bible reading notes.  I’ve just ordered mine from Scripture Union. 

- The Buddy Groups:   Obviously, these are imperfect but 72 people are currently in ‘Buddy Groups’.  If you are in a group, please take this as a prompt to ring your fellow group members.  Jesus said that we should ‘Love one another’ (John 13 v34); it is a joint communal responsibility. 

- The Church Office & Notices:  The office has remained open and Joanne has continued to produce our weekly notices, a key link uniting us together and keeping us informed. 



- Church opening for Private Prayer:  This has been much valued by a number of people and helps us to remember that we are a community. 

## **Hope for the future** 

Having not fully celebrated Easter last year, I am delighted that this year the church will be open for worship and for the celebration of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So, on Good Friday, the Church will be open from 12 noon until 3pm.  Allowing for the time difference between us and Jerusalem this is, of course, the three hours that Jesus spent on the Cross (from 9am until 12 noon).  You can come and go at any time in the three hours. 

On Easter Day, we will celebrate the resurrection in Church (but also on Zoom for those who can’t attend) with a 10am Easter Celebration and Eucharist. Jesus is the giver of new life and new hope, and he points us to a blessed future. 

So, thank you for your patience and persistence over the past year. As we approach Easter together may we receive his love and hope, and of course share it with others. 

_With love in Christ._ 

_Luke_ 




## _**FROM THE TEAM RECTOR:**_ 

## **THiS Team Matters** 

**T** _rusting in the Father,_ **H** _onouring the Son,_ 

**S** _erving in the Spirit_ 

When I started out writing this review, I wrote ‘ _As with most submissions, for our churches’ Annual Reports I am guessing that what we are able to say is severely limited by all that was 2020._ But having looked back over the year I realise that is just not accurate! 

Fuel – our group for young people across the Team goes from strength to strength both under the great leadership of Jen Houghton and Simon Rowe and as a result of the young people’s fantastic enthusiasm and energy and the growing sense of friendship and commitment within the group. It has been meeting on Zoom over most of 2020 and to get a flavour, here are a few comments from the parents’ WhatsApp group: 

_[ ] just said it was good, which at the moment is very high praise’. ‘My son [ ] loved it’ ‘Thank you [ ] really enjoyed it’_ 

At such a difficult time for young people anything which builds them up is great and Fuel certainly is living up to its name! 

On 02.02.2020 we shared our annual Team Service at St Paul’s on the theme of 'All-Age Church - everyone's important ' as we also celebrated Candlemas. We had other joint services too:  Ash Wednesday at St George’s and then online for Ascension Day.  This service kick started our THiS Team response to ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ for 2020 which involved nightly Zoom Calls and the welcome involvement of a number of different people from across the Team leading those sessions. 

While our churches were in lockdown initially, the different churches responded in different ways in order to support congregation members.  From April we pooled efforts so the clergy began to produce printed daily Bible Study Notes and at the beginning of August we joined together to offer pre- 



recorded Daily Worship across the week on our newly established THiS Team YouTube Channel. 

However, my personal THiS Team highlight has been our regular team clergy Zoom calls.  Originally weekly but now fortnightly, we have shared the many up and downs of ministry in 2020 and found in one another a constant source of friendship, support, love, humour, acceptance and faithfulness to our callings and the gospel. 

Life in ministry would have been much harder without each other. 


So, I am indebted to Carolyn, David and Luke over this last year but also to Joanne, Julie and Phil who have worked through the difficulties of working from home and all the complications which we have all faced with characteristic efficiency, generosity of spirit and good humour.  I know they and the clergy have also been supported by our churchwardens variously across the year Graham, Jackie, Ken, Mike, Paul, Pauline and Rachel. 

Thank you to them and thank you to you and of course . . . 

Thanks be to the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come.  Amen. 

_Rev Helen Hancock_ 



## **BAPTISMS 2020** 


We were able to hold baptism services on just two Sundays during 2020 and welcomed the following to baptism:  Andrew, Oscar, Bertie, Imogen and Ayvah. 

## **CATERING TEAM** 

The Patronal Festival lunch was held in the Parish Hall and was well attended, including some friends from St Mary’s, Chiddingfold.  It is always a very social occasion, especially for those who are on their own. 

I would like to thank the committee who helped organise the event, Carole, Prue, Mary, Gill, Marlene and Alison, and those who helped on the day.  Sadly, Val passed away and is greatly missed by us all. 

Refreshments are served after the 10am Thursday Communion Service and during the first three months before lockdown, we raised £93.60 from our raffles.  Thank you to everyone on the rota and those who donate raffle prizes. _Diane Tink, Verger_ 

## **THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY** 


Due to Covid-19, we needed to change the format of the main fundraising event this year; but we were able to open most boxes on Saturday 24[th] October 2020 at St Paul’s Centre. 

The boxes are usually full of small change, but with so many restrictions in place during the year, a far 

smaller amount of cash was counted.  We were, however, pleased to find that our kind supporters had topped up their boxes with notes instead, which made counting a much quicker process this year!  The usual refreshments, including lunch, and raffle could not be offered this year, but Sue Craig kindly donated the profits from her sale of Christmas cards in church to the Children’s Society. 



The Children’s Society, along with all charities, have seen a huge fall in donations from fundraising this year. So, we were delighted to be able to send them £1,821.84 collected from the boxes and £145 from the sale of cards and donations, making the total raised a whopping £1,966.84!  The box money was up by £243 on last year’s total, so a huge thank you to every one of our supporters. 

If anyone else would like to help us raise funds for The Children’s Society, please speak to Graham and Jill Cocks and they will let you have a box to start collecting in. 

_Sarah (Earl), Vanessa (Kearns) & Nigel Ling_ 

## **CHURCHWARDENS** 

2020 was an extremely testing year.  The first Covid-19 lockdown in March meant that the church was closed for both services and private prayer.  During this time, we drew up risk assessments and brought in measures to ensure that the church was Covid secure and compliant with Government and Diocese regulations, ready for the time we were able to reopen.  We were allowed to open firstly for private prayer only and then were able to provide collective worship again from August, albeit without singing and with restricted capacity.  However, we were blessed that this allowed us to hold our Christmas services before the lockdown returned. 

The closure of church premises and the curtailment of services has had a severe impact on our finances.  This has meant that we have put on hold our plans to replace the audio/visual equipment in the short term.  We already have donations for part of the cost and hope to move ahead as soon as normality returns. 

During 2020 we have completed the redecoration of the Mary Wise Room and lobby entrance, replaced the external notice boards and have renovated the lychgates, the wooden surround to the Jubilee Memorial Garden, the gates to the old Memorial Garden and all the benches.  Sadly, there was a disappointing response to my search for volunteers, so there remains to redecorate the office, to repair the church pew feet and to repair the brick pillar by the lychgates, which will require professional attention. 



Later this year we are due our Quinquennial inspection by the Diocesan architect, which will almost certainly produce more work! 

I should like to thank all those who have helped and supported me this year in maintaining the church and churchyard and in my other duties. 

Finally, the coming year will be my final year as Churchwarden.  Normally we should have two Churchwardens.  I would encourage you to consider standing at the APCM this year to work alongside me and ensure a smooth handover in 2022. 

_Graham Cocks, Church Warden_ 

## **CHURCHYARD & GARDENS** 

Due to the lockdown last summer causing the church to be closed, the opportunity was taken to do some inside jobs.  Brian made good the walls where the old wiring had been removed. The centre/Mary Wise room has been decorated, and the woodwork and doors have been treated by Graham.  The rain water ingress into the ceiling of the kitchen has been repaired after some detective work by Graham and myself to find the source on the roof.  This was repaired by a roofing contractor. 

In the churchyard, the four wooden bench seats have been treated with the appropriate covering by Madeline and her husband David.  The lychgate has also been treated by Graham.  Down at the far end of the churchyard, the wood around the Jubilee Memorial garden had rotted away, so new wooden sleepers have been put in.  The grid reference letters and numbers have been refurbished by myself.  The grass in our much-admired churchyard is kept under control by Graham, Ben and Phil.  Gary came along with his strimmer and went round the perimeter of the churchyard.  The graves have had the attention of Maggie, Sue and myself.  There is always plenty to keep me occupied in the garden/borders keeping them tidy, pruning and dead heading over 50 roses. 

Thank you to all who have given their time to help keep the church and grounds looking good. 

_David Freeman_ 



## **DEANERY SYNOD** 

There were three meetings of Deanery Synod during 2020 – all ably chaired by the Area Dean, Rev Robert Stanier and the Lay chair, John Dewhurst. 

The first meeting in early March was held at St Mark’s and included consideration of the new Deanery Mission Action plan, looking in particular on that occasion at one of the priorities highlighted for the plan which was supporting schools in the deanery.   Then and since Synod has received updates on the new Kingston Voluntary Aided Secondary School which is now really taking shape. 

On 16 June we met on Zoom with homelessness (another MAP priority) being the focus of attention. A report was also received form Christians Against Poverty who asked for prayer for those in debt, volunteers to become befrienders and for financial support for the organisation based locally at St John’s New Malden. 

A part of the meeting was set aside to mark with gratitude the life and ministry of Rev Peter Holmes who had died from Covid in April.  Peter was anticipating retiring from being Vicar of St Paul’s Norbiton last August.  During his long ministry at St Peter’s, he had been foundational in the establishment of the Joel Project.  His loss to his family, congregation and the wider community was a great blow and he was remembered by the meeting with thanks and love. 

Feeling more at home with the technology, our second Deanery Synod meeting on Zoom took place on 13 October.  The main business was to adopt a new constitution for the Synod and the meeting also provided a forum for a catch up on how local Anglican churches were coping in the pandemic and their experiences positive, negative and surprising!  There was no shortage of things to discuss! 

Since APCMs were delayed until late in October, new Deanery Synod Representatives had not been voted in time for that meeting.  However, they will be able to attend their first meeting in early February.  Thanks go to our previous reps – Sue Fry, Pam Ingram and Ian Reid for being in service for their full three-year term (and just a little bit over!).  Our current reps are Prue 



MacPherson, who continues her service, and Sue Russell.  We also have two vacancies and if you would like to join, please speak to Luke. _Helen Hancock, Deanery Synod member_ 

## **ELECTORAL ROLL** 

_“The Church Electoral Roll is the official membership list of the Church of England”_ and is updated annually. 

This year we have been unable to meet in the church building and worship in the usual way because of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. 

There are no additions to the roll this year, but there are two deletions. 

Sadly, Peter Roe, who worshipped at St Paul’s for many years has passed away.  We shall miss him, but remember him with our love. 

Bill Dixon, our much-loved Server, has moved to Exeter and we wish him much happiness in his new home. 

The Electoral Roll for 2021 contains 121. 

(Application forms for new members to join the Roll are available at the back of the church and can be returned to the Parish Office.  New names may be added at any time.  Thank you) 

I present the Church Electoral Roll of St Paul’s at Hook with Southborough for 2021. 

_Marlene Whitlock, Church Electoral Roll Officer_ 



## **HOOK & SOUTHBOROUTH PARISH HALL** 


_The Parish Hall is located 300 metres up the road from St Paul’s Church.  It is a large hall that is widely used during the week by many different groups within our community – Hook Pre-School, Pilates, Rainbows, Guides, Kumon, Line Dancing, Women’s Institute, Tai Chi, Games Club and St Paul’s_ 

_Players.  At the weekends it is used mainly by families for children’s parties and also for fundraising events by both St Paul’s Church and other charities. We allow these charities to use the hall for free in our attempt to ‘give something back’ to the community_ ………..well, this is the usual opening statement but as we know this year has been very different.  We started the year as above and all was going well, when COVID19 changed all this.  We have abided by government guidance at all times and have managed to keep the hall open for Pre-School, who are the only hirer currently allowed to use the facility.  This actually makes compliance with government guidance simpler as we have only one user.  We did briefly open to a few users in the summer, when guidance allowed, and cleaning measures were put in place to accommodate this. 

With regards to the upkeep of the hall, we re-invest the funds from the hire of the hall back into maintaining and improving the facilities.  Works have obviously been quiet this year as we consolidate the accounts and reduce expenditure.  That said we have erected a new sign board.  In addition, we have been looking at the annexe.  This had a new roof a few years ago, and we have taken the opportunity of someone on furlough to strip this out and insulate the walls / roof for potential hiring out.  The structure, whilst at least 50 years old, was very sound. There were some areas of rot that we caught just in time so here’s looking at the next 50 years… 

In addition, during the summer, we carried out some ‘housekeeping’ maintenance work in the hall that included redecorating – we could not have our workday this year 



We have a programme of improvements lined up for future years which include: 

- Kitchen cooker & dishwasher to allow for larger hall functions 

- new front doors 

- replacing windows not already replaced 

- Toilet remodels 

- new flooring (long term goal) 

the list goes on..…   If you have any ideas you would like us to consider, please let the Parish Hall Committee know. 

The committee gives its time for free and we still urgently require help to spread the workload, so if you would like to come and join the Parish Hall Committee please contact: Ian Reid, Izzy Burton, Sue Russell, Julia Bradley or Steve Griffiths.  Thanks to all that help here.  We could also do with the help of a handy man / afternoon cleaner to assist with the small jobs that we would pay for – we have someone on furlough doing this now but this is a short-term measure (hopefully !!).  As we are hiring out to external users, we have to keep the hall in good working order – can you help here or recommend anyone? 

We are unlikely to have a workday this year but when allowed we will look to do this. 

If you would like to book the hall, please contact the Parish Office on 020 8391 2362 or email: premises@stpaulschurchhook.org.uk 

_Steve Griffiths, Parish Hall Committee_ 

## **LINK PARISH – ST MARY’S CHIDDINGFOLD** 


St Mary’s Chiddingfold and St Paul’s have shared a link of friendship for a number of years, and we are grateful to God for bringing us together. 

Obviously, our link with St Mary’s has been ‘at a distance’ over the past year, but we look forward to renewing and refreshing it in the coming year. In the meantime, we keep each other in our prayers. 

_Luke Wickings_ 



## **ST PAUL’S HOOK, MOTHERS’ UNION** 


St Paul’s Hook Mothers’ Union usually meets on the 2[nd] Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 12 noon in the 

Mary Wise Room at the Church with coffee served from 10am: Our meetings open and close with prayers. 

Unfortunately, we only had our first three meetings of 2020 due to the coronavirus lockdown.  Despite this, we did manage to arrange three services in Church between the lockdowns while abiding by the rules of safe distancing, wearing masks, etc.  These were well attended and enjoyed by all who came. 

When the coronavirus lockdown is over and we are told we can all meet together again, we have a list of interesting speakers lined up.  We will also start our knit and natter group again.  This meets on a Monday afternoon from 2pm-4pm making items for Kingston hospital’s ‘Born too Soon’ unit and an orphanage in Malawi. 

Mothers’ Union is open to anyone who is a baptised member of the church.  It has a worldwide membership of four million working to strengthen family life. All are welcome to our meetings. 

For further information, please contact Branch Leader Carole Noakes. _Carole Noakes (Tel No: 020 8397 1558)_ 

## **PARISH OFFICE** 

The St Paul’s Parish Office is open Monday through to Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm, term time only.  Joanne Griffiths is the Parish Administrator. 

The office deals with all enquiries, weddings, baptisms, funerals; etc., keeps the congregation informed via the notices and email of what is happening within the Church and provides the necessary service sheets for all the different types of services we have within church. 



The Administrator is sometimes the first point of contact for anyone coming to or making enquiries about the church.  The office also deals with and looks after all the Parish Hall and Mary Wise Room lettings. 

_Joanne Griffiths_ 

## **PASTORAL TEAM** 

Normally, this group meet roughly every six weeks, however a number of members of this group have moved on and, of course, we have not been able to meet physically for the past year. If you feel that you could pray for people, phone or visit people, and love them, then perhaps you could join this important team.  As soon as it is possible to do so we will re-start this team and its vital work. 

_Luke Wickings_ 

## **PRAYER CHAIN** 

The Prayer Chain is compiled through emailing Mary Reid and she passes the messages around to members of the prayer team. She tries to give updates on situations when she can. We have been told by others that the power of prayer has worked and it is a comfort to have others praying for them. _Luke Wickings_ 

## **SAFEGUARDING** 

The Parochial Church Council of St Paul’s along with the Vicar carries a duty of care for the safety of those who attend or use our church premises. There is a statutory legal duty to pay “due regard to the guidance issued by the House of Bishops on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.” 

A hard copy of ‘A Safe Church’ can be found at the back of the church and via the Southwark Diocesan website: 

https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies-andprocedures 

A link to this guidance can be found via the Parish website. 



Any queries or concerns you may have should be addressed in confidence to Luke Wickings, Vicar or Sue Russell, Parish Safeguarding Officer.  Email and telephone numbers can be found on the Safeguarding posters around church, which also carry details of key helplines. 

_Sue Russell, Safeguarding Officer_ 

## **SERVERS / SACRISTAN** 

After our Sacristan, Graham Robini, was married in October 2019, he went on a long sabbatical and we (Susan and Jane) covered his duties.  From then until March 2020, Claire, Bill, Susan and Jane served for Eucharist as usual. After lockdown, on the few Sundays the church was allowed to open in 2020, Susan and Jane covered the servers’ rota.  Even when the church was closed, the altar was dressed for the appropriate liturgical season and the candles filled for Luke to record online services. 

Bill Dixon had been a server at St. Paul’s for nearly twenty years, and served at nearly every Thursday Morning’s Eucharist.  He continued to do so until December when he decided to move to Exeter to live nearer to his son.  We will really miss Bill and thank him for his loyal service to St Paul’s. _Susan Hodgson & Jane Greenfield-Sacristan & Servers_ 

## **ST PAUL’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL** 


St Paul’s School is, of course, our link Primary School and I would ask you please to pray for them. 

The leadership team and the staff have done an amazing job over ‘lockdown’. They have produced excellent home-learning resources whilst also providing quality learning for those pupils who were still in school. 

They have also engaged with the school community with video messages, newsletters, online reading and even a cookery club! 

Now, of course, the pupils are all back in school and they are handling the fresh challenges that brings. 



We have an excellent school that provide high quality education and more for our local families. 

I have now restarted going into school for my weekly Collective Worships which is a joy.  We are now working through 1 Corinthians 13 and thinking about what real love means in practice. 

St Paul’s is officially a ‘Good’ School as assessed by OFSTED and we can be very proud of all that they offer to our community. The leadership and the staff deserve great credit. 

_Luke Wickings, Chair of Governors_ 

## **SATURDAY STALL** 

This, like most other things, became a victim of the Covid lockdown.  However, when church re-opened for private prayer permission was gained to locate a table at the rear of the church. 

At the time we had quite a stock of produce so it was displayed and a container put on the table for voluntary contributions, negating the need for anybody to handle money. 

Over the months the supply has been replenished with marmalade made by Joyce Parfitt and various jams by Madeline Child. 

If you would like to make marmalade, jams, chutneys for the stall it would be most welcome. I am also happy to receive ‘spare produce’ as the summer and autumn crops arrive. 

Currently there are no plans to resume the external stall manned by volunteers but as the Covid situation changes this will be reviewed. 

_Sue Russell_ 

## **STUDY GROUPS** 

## **Reading the Bible Together: Monday mornings 10.30am to 12 noon** 

These sessions have usually been at Ann and Christopher’s, 36a Hunter’s Road, Hook, though on occasions Prue has hosted the group at her house. 



We started 2020 meeting as usual, having coffee and chat commence from 10.30am, then starting with prayer at 11am remembering the needs of people we know and asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  At this time, we studied the Epistle to the Ephesians.  Then in March came Lockdown until August when we resumed our meetings to study Romans then the Book of Job.  Then that changed to having two groups to comply with the rule of six. As things kept changing, we started to think of having meetings on Zoom.  We are very grateful to Sue Fry for hosting the Zoom meetings and to Emma for setting things up.  Gradually we have all got used to this arrangement.  We have read through the books of Ruth and Esther.  During Advent we studied passages from Isaiah, then just before Christmas read St Luke Chapters 1 and 2. There have been nine of us, sometimes ten.  This arrangement has been good for us but we look forward to the time we can meet together again. 

The group decide what they would like to do next.  No preparation or previous knowledge required.  Everyone is welcome. Contact Ann Fernihough (020 8397 5954) E-mail  fernihough443@btinternet.com 

_Ann Fernihough_ 

## **Wednesday evenings Bible Study at 8.00pm on Zoom!** 

It has been a real blessing to keep meeting, albeit via Zoom, throughout this lockdown period.  We have just finished working our way through the whole book of Acts, which was fascinating and very spiritually rewarding. It even included one special study using the main Church window as our focus. 

Our meeting is a time for fellowship, for chat and for Bible study.  Then we end by sharing our prayer needs and we pray for each other during the week. 

If you would like to join this Bible study group, please contact Luke. _Luke Wickings_ 

## **TECHNOLOGY** 

We've had two comprehensive quotes for renewing the church AV equipment and we were just about to obtain a third one when the first lockdown happened.  Any work on this has been suspended while we wait to see how our finances pan out. 



To help with Covid infection control, we have put everything on the screens rather than use the worship books.  We have also been able to use what we have for playing in worship videos.  We are grateful to the people who have become involved in helping all this to happen.  Luke has also been producing much devotional material single-handedly which he has edited and uploaded to YouTube, Facebook and the church website.  This has been a considerable achievement. 

Some churches have been able to livestream their services.  Our broadband connection presently isn't fast enough to do this.  Also, for it to be engaging, we'd need more equipment.  We'd also need people to produce material, and operate the equipment.  At the time of writing (mid-February), we are experimenting with worship using Zoom. Things are still evolving in this area. 

I wouldn't want to see the church rushing back into replicating exactly how we were pre-Covid 19.  Whilst there was much that we loved, the world is different and our congregation has changed.  We need to put some thought into how we are relevant to our community.  Do we need to look at livestreaming our services?  Is it a new mission field?  People can get an idea of us before coming physically.  They can watch at a time that is convenient for them.  People who have difficulty getting to the building can watch from home.  But of course, there's the challenge of engaging with them on their faith journey.  How do we make it easy for them to reach out to us?  Many questions! _Brian Dale_ 

## **TREASURER’S REPORT** 

2020 was mainly a year of lockdowns, social distancing, small congregations, masks and hand sanitiser. However, in spite of all that we kept our heads above water in a financial sense, thanks to all of those who kept their bank payments going; some of them increased. Most of those who give by weekly envelopes did their best to bring them when we were allowed to open but of course our church service collections were very much smaller than in other years. 



The Centre roof and the heating were repaired in time for our Christmas services. Earlier in the year, the work on the memorial garden was completed and it is now looking neat and tidy. We were also able to purchase smart new notice boards, thanks to two generous donations and our church is looking very good indeed with the lovely gardens surrounding it. 

Now we need to build up our diminishing resources. Our bank balance is lower than I have ever known it and unfortunately the audio-visual fund cannot be given priority at the moment as we need general funds for the upkeep of the church. 

The collection box remains at the back of the church for your envelopes and donations and if you do not already give regularly, please consider doing so this year. If you pay Income Tax and are able to sign a Gift Aid Form, available at the back of the church, this will increase your contribution by 25% at no extra cost to you. All your contributions are completely confidential. 

Thank you for your loyalty to St. Paul’s in these difficult times. _Jane Greenfield, PCC Treasurer_ 

## **WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA** 

Facebook has proved to be an invaluable resource during the pandemic. Throughout most of the year Luke and Carolyn posted daily prayers on our Facebook page (at www.facebook.com/stpaulschurchhook) with longer services on Sundays.  The videos were then uploaded to our website (at www.stpaulschurchhook.co.uk). Facebook has also been an important channel to communicate changes in the timing and style of services. 

Later in the year St Paul’s joined the THiS team on our new YouTube channel (search for THiS Team Ministry on YouTube) and started to produce joint services which were then posted on Facebook. 

Online comments have indicated that these services were much appreciated by church members. 

_Kirsty Watson (kryan85@sky.com) – Facebook Mary Reid (mary@maryreid.org.uk) – Website_ 




## **Hook: St Paul 2020 Return of Parish Finance** 

## **Included Churches** 

Churches Included **[X] Hook: St Paul** 

Fresh Expressions of church included: 

Names: Description 

## **Incoming Resources** 

## **Receipts** 

|**Voluntary receipts**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|1 - Planned giving|£44,944|£0|
|3 - Collections at services|£1,846|£0|
|4 - All other giving and voluntary receipts,<br>including Special Appeals (recurring and<br>one-off)|£6,261|£1,207|
|6 - Gift Aid recovered (planned giving and<br>one-off donations)|£8,184|£55|
|7 - Legacies received (capital value)|£0|£5,500|
|8 - Grants (Include recurring and one-off)|£0|£0|
|TOTAL|£61,235|£6,762|



|**Activities for Generating Funds**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|9 - Fundraising activities (gross proceeds)|£479|£15|



|**Investment income**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|10 - Dividends, interest, receipts from<br>property etc.|£0|£6,497|



|**Church Activities**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|11 - Fees retained byPCC (weddings,<br>funerals etc.)|£0|£4,630|
|12 - Trading activities (gross proceeds),<br>NOT fundraising|£552|£4,200|






|**Other receipts**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|13 - Other receipts/income not already<br>listed**PLEASE NOTE BRIEF DETAILS IN**<br>**COMMENTS BOX IN SECTION E**|£5|£0|






## **Total Receipts/Income (from Financial Statements.)** 

|Unrestricted|£62,271|
|---|---|
|Restricted|£22,104|
|Combined Total|£84,375|



## **Planned Givers and Legacies** 

## **Planned Givers And Legacies** 

|14 - Number of planned givers|64|
|---|---|
|16 - Number of new legacies received in year|2|
|For your information, weekly average total planned giving per<br>total planned giver|£13.50|



## **Resources Expended** 

## **Payments** 

All expenditure from any fund under the control of the PCC needs to be accounted for on this form. This does **NOT** include money transferred out of one PCC fund into another. 

|**Costs of generating funds**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|17 - Costs of fundraising activities|£0|£0|
||||
|**Church Activities**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|18 - Mission giving and donations|£0|£3,800|
|19 - Diocesan parish share contribution|£55,262|£1,582|
|20 - Salaries, wages and honararia|£10,419|£0|
|21 - Clergy and staff expenses|£105|£150|



|**Church expenses**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|22 - Mission and evangelism costs|£185|£250|
|23 - Church running expenses (_Including_<br>_Governance_)|£12,573|£477|
|24 - Church utility bills|£2,340|£0|
|25 - Costs of trading|£0|£26|
||||
|**Major capital expenditure**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|27 - Major repairs to the church building|£0|£0|
|28 - Major repairs to church hall or other<br>PCC property, including redecoration|£0|£630|
|29 - New building work to the church,<br>church hall, clergy housing, or other PCC<br>property|£0|£0|
||||
||||






|**Major capital expenditure**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|
|SUB-TOTAL of all expenditure payments<br>items above:|£80,884|£6,915|
||||
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|99 - Other payments not already listed|£0|£6,440|



## **Total Payments/Expenditure (from Financial Statements)** 

|Unrestricted|£80,884|
|---|---|
|Restricted|£13,355|
|Combined Total|£94,239|



## **Cash and Investment Balances** 

30 - On which basis were your accounts prepared? **[✔]  Receipts and Payments** [  ]  Accruals 

## **Cash and Investment Balances** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|
|---|---|---|---|
|31 - Cash and deposit balance as at 31st<br>December|£6,608||£9,817|
|32 - Investments as at 31st December|£0||£13,128|
|||||
|Looking back across 2020, were there any exceptional<br>circumstances (other than COVID 19) that may have led to<br>unusual figures? Please provide details in this box.||Lockdowns and very few services in church. Gift aid claims<br>were not up to date.||





Parochial Council of SL Paul's, Hook
Financi21 Statements and Accounts
2020

INDEPENDENf EXAm￿ER's REPORT TO
THE PAR{￿H[AL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST. PAUL'S HOOK
We rew)rt on the aw)unts of the church for th¢ year ended 31° December 2020 which are set out on
th¢ attached pages.
RESPF.CTIVE RESPONSIBILITIF.S OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINERS
The church's truste¢s are reS[￿S￿l le for the preparation of the &¢counts. The church's trustees
consider that an audit is not required for this y¢ar under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the
act 2011) and that an independent examinknon is needed.
It is our responsibility to:_
examine the accounts {und¢r section 145 of the 2011 Act).
to follow the procedures laid down tn the general diff￿10n$ given by the Charity
Collllnissioners (under section 145(5Kb) of the 201 l Act); and
to state whether porticular matters have comc to our alt¢ntion.
BASIS OF fNDEPENDF.prr EXAMINER'S REPORT
Our &xaminatton w&5 carried out in accordance with the g￿¢[al directors given by the Chartty
Commission. An ex￿ninatIon includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a
C4)mparison of the accounts presented with those tecords. It also include5 consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees con¢erning
any such matters. The PTwedures undcrtaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required
in an audvt and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair
view and the report is limited to those mattezs set out in th¢ slatement ￿lOw.
INDEPENDENT EXAMtNER'S STATEMENT
In connection with our &XaMinatio￿ no It￿ has come to our attention:_
which give5 us reasonable cause to ￿lIeVe thaL in any material rcspecL the requirements:.
(a) to keep accounting records in accordance with S￿rtIOn 130 of the 2011 Act" and
(b) to prepare accoutts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the
accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have Dot be￿ m¢t or
to whiclL in our Opinio￿ attelltioll should be drawn ID order to a proper understanding of
the accounts to IK reached.
24 Stoneleigh Pw* Road
Epsom
Surrey KT19 OQT
SLOANE WINCKLESS & CO

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL'S HOOK
TRusfEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° DECEMBER 2020
AIMS AND PURPOSES
St Paul's Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the
incumbent. the Reverend Luke Wickings, in promoting the whole mission of the Church.
pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the
maintenance of the Church. the Churchyard and the Church Centre of St Paul's, Hook.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The PCC consists of the incurnbent, and of members elected by the Church membership (those
on the electoral roll) atthe Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The PCC'S role is to make
decisions on behaFf of the congregation about the running of the Church. that enable us to fulfil
God's purposes in the Church and in the Community.
The PCC are also stewards of the resources that the Church has at its disposal: our finances, the
buildings and churchyard, the equipment within the buildings, and the Stsff. It is the
responsibility of the PCC to ensure that these resources are maintained, replenished and used
appropriately.
The PCC also keep an overview of the Church servI￿s, whilst recognising that the ultimate
responsibilty for the services rests with the incumbeTrt. Nevertheless, the PCC are a channel for
communication between the congregation and the incumbent and are also encouraged to
express their own views about worship.
When planning our activities and related expenditure the PCC will always consider the Charity
Commission's guidance on public benefrt and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on
charities for the advancement of religion.
WORSHIP, PRAYER AND RITES OF PASSAGE
The PCC is keen to offer a range of services and other events duringthe week and over the
course of the yearthat our communty will find both beneficial and spiritually uplifting.
As well as our regular se￿ices. we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the
milestones of the journey through lrfe. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life: in
marriage. publlc vows are exchanged before God. through fiineral services friends and family
express their grief. r￿1ve comfort. give thanks to God for the person who has passed. and
commend that person into God's keeping.
DEANERY SYNOD
Four members of the PCC are the Church's Deanery synod representatives. The Deanery Synod
provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structure5 of the
Church of England.
Signed: ....
lincurnbent) Date".

FNANCIAL REVIEW
In a year that has had repeated lockdowns and sma]ler congregations, our income has be¢n
severely reduced. In spite of this. our totsl receipts of unTestrxcted funds were £71,593, of
which £3.318 unrestricted voluntary donations and £8,239 was from Gift Aid.
RestTiCted donations of £6285 wer¢ also r¢ceiv¢d and are detsiled in the financial
statements.
The planned givillg tbmugh envelopes and bankerfs orders was lower than l&st year, due to
the passing and/or leaving of parishioners and our church collections hav¢ been badly
affected by the lockdowns and enforced closure of the church.
Our Audio/Visual Fund continues and we received two legacies and several donations in
memory wljich have been added to the totsl.
£62263 was spent from unrestricted funds to pmvide the Christian ministy from St Paul's
Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share which had been increased
from the previo￿ year. This payment from each Ewish largely provides the stipends and
housing for the clergy in the diocese.
The net result for the year wds an excess of payments over receipts of £10,166. The bank
and deposit balances brought forward at 31" December totalled £29.553 of which £9,817
ar¢ restricted fun(Ls.
RESERVES POLICY
Our policy is to maintsin a balance on unrestricted funds of £25,000. However, as our
designated fimds total nearly £IO.000 and our Gift Aid claim did not come through
before the end of the year. our reserves were unavoidably reduced. We are hoping for a
more optimistic outcome in the coming year.
Mrs Jane Greenfield
PCC Treasurer. St. Paul's, Hook

Parochial Church CouDcRI of St Paul'& Hook
Church Aeeount Balance sheet as at 31 December 2020
2020
2019
MONETARY ASSETS
Natwest Bank
Less outstanthg cheques:
17.181
756
26,591
16,425
CBF Deposit Fulld
13,128
13.072
29.553
39,663
SOURCE OF FUNDS
As at I. January
Transfer to desiguatal fi]nds
36202
(6J56)
39,845
44.845
Excess of receipts over payme￿8
aymert8 over receipts) for year
(io.iio)
(48.488)
19.736
36,202
DESIGNATED FUNDS
IKgacies
Church linen fund
Commonwealth War Graves Grant
Audio/Visual Fund
422
39
30
9.326
422
24
30
2,985
9.817
3,461
29,553
39,663
Associated A¢counL"
Hook Parlsh Hall
Reverend Luke Wickings
Vicar
Mrs Jane Gr¢enfield
PCC Treasurer

Parochial Church Council of SL Paul's Hook
Church Income and Expenditure Atcount- Year ending 31 December 2020
Income summa
2020
2019
Committed giving: Gift Aid
Tax credit on conMnitted giving
Other committed giving
Church collections
Donations for general fim(L
Donations for Audio/Visual Fund (electrics)
Legacies
Donation for Linen Fund
Grant from Allchurches Tn
Fundraising: Fetes & Saturday Stall
Catering: Sunday and Thutsday mornings
Weddings. BaptiSn￿ Futlerals, M¢morials
ees from Dean¢ry Fun¢ral Scheme
Parish Hall Management fee
Centre lettings
Bungalow
Commonwealth WaT Grave Grant
Unspecified income
Interest from investment account
Plus collections for outside ¢l]arities
39285
8239
5,659
1,846
6261
1207
5,500
15
41,124
14,664
5,747
3,885
412
9.089
2,000
2,250
2,684
1,158
8,322
78
4,200
1,777
6235
30
io
243
236
4,630
4200
552
6,441
56
1.034
564
85.409
104,229

Paroehial Church Council of SL Paul's Hook
Church Income and ExpeDditure Account- Year eDdiug 31 DeceJJJber 2020
endithre
2020
2019
Pa)Tnents to Diocese: Parish Shar¢
Payments to Diocese: Funeral & Wedding fees
Church expenses. major & minor repairs
Electrics and lighting installation
Sacristan and Housekeeping
Heating, lighting and water
Insurance and fire inspection
Organ tuning and repair
Churchyard
Outreach and Pastoral Care
Salaries
Parish Office
Accountant's fees
Miscellaneous expenses: TV & copy licences
Catering: Sunday and Thursday mon]ings
TraiDing: Lent courses and house groups
St. Paul's School
nd
2 Hook S￿uts
Payments to Deanery
Reader and SPA fees
PCC pavm¢nts to outsid¢ ¢l)ariti¢s
Fundtaising outgoings
Bungalow
Plus paym¢nts to outsid¢ ¢lwities from church collections 1280
55.262
1.582
5,206
477
53,652
2,865
1,423
63.195
450
2,432
2.979
307
519
955
10,724
1,691
2.340
2,884
2.512
185
10,419
1,593
366
955
26
927
94
54
1,500
300
loo
108
2,000
79
6219
476
1,500
300
150
95,519
153,049
(332)
Less written off in 2019
152,717
Income
85,409
104,229
Expenditure
95,519
152,717
Excess of Expenditure over Income Oncome over Expenditure) (10,110)
(48,488)

Audio Visual Fund Anatysis for year ending 31" December 2020
Brought forward from 2019
2,985.56
Fundraising: (Lent lunches)
23.53
Donations and pledges
403.71
Legacies:
Iris Markey and Pam Prothero
5,500.00
Donations in memory of:
Shirley Edwards , Joan Carter and Winn Jeffties
542.53
Gift Aid
55.00
Interest from Investment Account
55.50
Collection box in church
74.61
Christmas card box
163.01
Total at end December 2020
Less payment for final electrical installation
Less payment for architect's inspection
9,803.45
192.00
285.00
Balance carried forward
9J26.45

Parochial Church Council of SL Paul's, Hook
Parisb Hall Balanee Sheet as at 31" December 2020
Balances at Banks:
2020
2019
CAF c&sb account
4,349
HSBC (Account closed)
623
CAF Gold
35.498
43,324
39,847
46.591
Parish Hall Accounts
&s at I" January 2020
46,591
35,414
Income over Expenditure
(Expenditure over Income}
(6,744)
11.177
39.847
46.591

Hty)kwith
l. PaTith Hallkcotsnt
INCOME
Letungs
Interest HS8C
Interest CAF Gold
Interest CAFCasWCBF
Payphove
Key DeKK)Srts
(hrtside &8lla8e IKutYKJnlPrethF)
20
36249
67
li
59
36581
EXPENDITURE
Caretskerlcleaning
Elettricity (Main Buildin8i
Électrictty (Annexol
Gas
Water
Insurance
FI￿ Protection se￿Ices
Hire and Clearaft£e of RefvselRwde Bin
Payphone IBT ￿ne and Call thargesl
C￿aDIng Mater5als and ￿nrtries
Staionery Ipaperlstsmpsnnk CattridBesl
Building works/Mairbtenan
CAF Bank Account Fees
PCCAdmin Charges
BoilerSeN
Etertriciall S YearCertsfic*e
Plumber
Sm811 Purchases IH(Kwer 2019/ShrethJar 20201
Pre-schts)l Lease
Outside NotteetM>ardlPlans
Outside Signage IKumolllPresdwy)11
Leaving Grft IR Clementsl
Service Masteraeanin8
Barton Ltd IRepair Floor M￿lne)
223
-1411
-1216
-166
-174
-2574
-1721
-1697
-295
-917
-In7
-61
-￿20
-249
-1103
-218
-1242
42fy)
-270
-215
-IiKJ
-139
-2712
-202
.Z6195
4744
11177