DIOCESE OF LONDON Page I
ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, STONEBRIDGE Diocesan Ref No 21/20 Deanery of Brent
PARISH REPORT:
on PCC PROCEEDINGS and CHURCH ACTIVITIES
This report covers the time period between APCMs i.e. April 2019 to October 2020. Our primary purpose is to follow God as revealed in Jesus Christ, living with the hope and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. To live this out in detail, our church has chosen to foreground some practical priorities for the short-term future.
Aspirations
We discussed our aspirations to be a beacon of light and hope last year at the April 2019 meeting. We decided that we wished to focus on two main areas: First, some practical actions answering the five principles of our mission:
1. being disciples
2. being a community
3. worshipping together
4. ministering to the needs of others
5. reaching out
Second, the support system that would need to be put in place behind the mission:
1. communications
2. finances
3. buildings
4. legal and compliance
April 2019 to October 2020
Being disciples
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The weekday prayer group moved to become the Wednesday Prayer Fellowship, and has met every week with occasional breaks for holidays and COVID. We have studied Bible books including 1 Corinthians, Nehemiah, Esther, and now Philippians, our 2020 Lent book (Paula Gooder’s Let Me Go There) and all the women of the Bible depicted in our stained glass windows while we were in lockdown, meeting on the phone and missing our building.
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We have held further Bible studies, trying out weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons, including an in-depth look at the Joseph Cycle from Genesis. We hope shortly to recommence another Bible study outside working hours, probably on Zoom.
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At Michaelmas 2019 we admitted 8 children to communion after a course of preparation in the basics of the Christian faith.
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The Growing in Faith Group continues to meet on an ad-hoc basis, planning the events of the next season of the Church’s Year.
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Recently we have responded to a viral video by the Bishop of Oxford with a series of our own Bible studies on Philippians and used this letter as an inspiration for re-examining our discipleship in all areas of church life.
Being a community
- We have been active in the local Churches Together group. We held a service at St Michael’s as part of the summer week with a theme of issues in Brent, and also produced artworks and liturgy for an Advent service.
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In the summer we helped the URC church with their children’s summer club and held a week of free activities at St Michael’s attended by around 25 different children, on the theme of The Holy Family in Stonebridge.
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We continued our close partnership with Daniel’s Den and the Elders’ Drop-in.
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During lockdown we made efforts to phone all our contacts, check people had adequate supplies, and publicise what services could take place. There is now a “Postal Messenger” going out approximately monthly to keep housebound people up to date.
Worshipping together
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The greatest change to our worship was of course caused by COVID. We were required by the Church of England to close our buildings for public worship but reopened for private prayer in June and then Parish Eucharists once again in August.
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During closure the Vicar began recording Eucharists and sermons in audio and video to upload on the Brent Deanery Youtube account and elsewhere, and also set up a recorded phone line to play the most recent sermon when dialled.
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Also dating from lockdown, we have a new service: Church on the Phone. We have a teleconference line so that people who cannot come to church may dial in and participate in a Service of the Word every Sunday. We also used this facility for a while to hold prayers and Bible studies on weekdays when none of us could meet in person.
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Morning Prayer continued on four days of the week and we added Evening Prayer according to Common Worship until the lockdown prevented this. After a period of meeting under the gazebo in the vicarage back garden, Morning Prayer is now back in church and we have returned to Evening Prayer on Thursdays on Zoom.
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The Saturday Service has not yet returned since lockdown, however new services will be added following demand and availability.
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We also reorganised our children’s worship, launching Junior Church in autumn 2019 with praise, study and activities based on the lectionary provided by the Roots ecumenical partnership.
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We added new seasonal services for St Michael and All Angels (our dedication), All Saints and All Souls.
Ministering to the needs of others
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We continued to work with Daniel’s Den, the Elders Drop In lunch, and other community initiatives until lockdown. Face to face meetings are still largely impossible, however Daniel’s Den has been active online and is expanding its offering to parents and toddlers with craft packs to use at home as well as Zoom meetings for groups from each venue. Our volunteers continue to be part of this.
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We had a schedule of monthly visits to care homes established by the autumn of 2019, which led to links with families and carers including for funeral arrangements. Visits cannot yet restart, and one care home has closed down, but we still continue updates by phone.
Reaching out
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We have begun to strengthen links with some nearby organisations, including Stonebridge Primary School bringing their choir to sing at our Christmas Carol Service, and a joint Watch Night Service on New Year’s Eve with Harlesden Methodist Church.
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We have regular contact and some volunteers working with the food bank based at Harlesden Methodist.
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Our first celebration of Michaelmas included a free lunch for the whole church and the families of children admitted to communion, with a Michaelmas Fair on the previous day open to the public with sales and café.
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The support system behind the mission Communications
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The website saw increased usage and content during lockdown and since.
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We expanded our social media outreach during lockdown with more posts on our facebook account. Unfortunately, this account is currently inoperative.
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We had more printed publicity for the Remembrance and Christmas Seasons but our briefly repaired noticeboard blew down in a storm.
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There remains much to be done in communications.
Finances
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Our accounts for 2019 have now been passed by our independent examiner, Mr Nigel Ogilvie.
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COVID has had an impact on our finances for 2020 and we have stabilised our cash flow, reopened classes for some existing hall clients and just managed. We shall be setting realistic budget and Common Fund payments as one of the PCC’s first tasks.
Buildings
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After the last APCM it soon became clear that our buildings were in a worse state than we had anticipated and also that there was a shortage of volunteers , particularly anyone with much experience. There was a cascade of faults requiring urgent attention, such as temporary electric heaters being overused and burning out the electrical circuits.
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The permanent heating has not yet been installed. Our Quinquennial Architect has been appointed as the project co-ordinator and a team from ENG Design led by Martin Skinner has produced the first draft of a design, currently being revised. This will shortly go out to tender and ENG have four companies who will be invited to tender. We have raised a potential £154800 in grants and a further £20000 to be loaned if necessary to complete this project. Last winter’s temporary solution proved troublesome and this winter we are going to use a temporary church building instead of a temporary heating system.
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We have started upgrades and repairs to the halls and adjoining facilities to reduce COVID risk, including improving ventilation in the lavatories.
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Other major systems upgrades were: a complete replacement of the electric circuits and wiring for the plug sockets in the church building, and the main fuses; replacement and upgrade of lighting in the church nave and also in the large halls. The whole church has been cleaned, decluttered, and the proper furnishings brought back into use, making space available for ecumenical services, baptisms, weddings and other occasional services.
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Our latest Quinnquennial (five-yearly) Inspection was completed in May 2020 and our architect, Jonathan Goode, recommended that our next focus should be upgrading the services: e.g the lighting, and also preparing for the end of life of our current roof. We have 22 urgent action items including the heating.
Legal, compliance and governance
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We have provided DBS checks and safeguarding training for those working with children, on the pastoral team or otherwise in contact with adults potentially at risk.
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We have produced role descriptions for important areas of church volunteering including for PCC members and the pastoral team.
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We have reviewed hall booking clients and ensured all instructors for martial arts or exercise classes have appropriate insurance and safeguarding in place.
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Regular and occasional hall hirers now have contracts and rates and deposits have been reviewed. We have complied with the Archdeacon’s requirements for other faith groups using our premises.
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We are progressing with risk assessments for our services and other church activities and implementation of health and safety policies both general and in the light of COVID. Our insurers are working with us and monitoring this.
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We have sourced further training in bookkeeping and streamlined some of our ordering and stock processes.
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We have reviewed security in the church and halls in the light of some incidents and have had relatively little trouble during and since lockdown.
The future
We have spent time in PCC meetings, fellowship groups and other places thinking and praying about our mission here at St Michael and All Angels, Stonebridge. We have considered this in the light of our readings of Paul’s encouraging and joyous letter to the Philippians. Our vision to be a beacon of light and hope is the foundation of our work and the measure by which we judge our next moves. We have had the good fortune to be led and advised in this by Revd Ali Taylor, a former professional community development expert, and others. In our audit of the gaps in provision in our neighbourhood, we identified young people from school age and above as one of our specific priorities. As always, we intend to welcome everyone and provide worship for all the residents of this parish.
As for our meetings, we pledge to continue all the media and methods we are using, subject to keeping everyone as safe as possible, although the gazebo will soon be replaced by a fire pit. We hope also to add more online content perhaps including live feeds for those who can participate in this way.
St Micheal & All Angels Stonebridge
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End of Year Financial Statements
Year ending 31[st] December 2020
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St Michael & All Angles Stonebridge
I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 2020 which are set in pages of the Annual Report.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees 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:
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
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To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's 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 charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualification is as shown below.
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In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Kevin Ogilvie
Charity Bookkeeping and Examination Services 18[th] November 2021
13 Evelyns Close, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB8 3LR
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Statement of Financial Activities
| UnrestrictedDesignatedRestrictedEndowment TotalPrior year funds funds funds funds fundstotal funds |
UnrestrictedDesignatedRestrictedEndowment TotalPrior year funds funds funds funds fundstotal funds |
|---|---|
| Incoming resources | |
| Incoming resources from generated funds | 2,957 — — — 2,957 1,352 |
| Voluntary income | 52,182 592 — — 52,774 82,986 |
| Investment income | 569 — — — 569 338 |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities |
— — — — — (186) |
| Other incoming resources | 853 — — — 853 449 |
| Total income | 56,561 592 — — 57,153 84,939 |
| Resources used | |
| Cost of generating funds | |
| Investment management costs | 201 — — — 201 698 |
| Charitable activities | 44,001 18,721 — — 62,722 99,220 |
| Total expenditure | 44,202 18,721 — — 62,923 99,918 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer |
12,359 (18,129) — — (5,770) (14,979) |
| Transfers | |
| Gross transfers between funds - in | — 18,354 — — 18,354 16,044 |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (18,354) — — — (18,354) (16,044) |
| Other recognised gains / losses | |
| Net movement in funds | (5,995) 225 — — (5,770) (14,979) |
| Total funds brought forward | 6,478 5,437 3,301 — 15,216 30,195 |
| Total funds carried forward | 483 5,662 3,301 — 9,446 15,216 |
Statement of assets and liabilities
GeneralDesignatedRestrictedEndowmentThis year Last
| GeneralDesignatedRestrictedEndowmentThis year Last |
|
|---|---|
| year | |
| Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand |
|
| Lloyds TSB current account - | 322 (1,702) 4,146 — 2,765 8,810 |
| Church deposit account - | 7 7,097 — — 7,104 7,097 |
| Hall deposit account - | 154 267 — — 421 154 |
| Totals | 483 5,662 4,146 — 10,291 16,061 |
| Liabilities - Agency accounts | |
| Agency collections - | — — 845 — 845 845 |
| Totals | — — 845 — 845 845 |
| Grand total | 483 5,662 3,301 — 9,446 15,216 |
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Fund movement by type
| Opening Incoming Outgoing TransfersGains/losses Closing | |
|---|---|
| Build - Building Maintenance | |
| Designated | (225) 592 18,721 18,354 — — |
| Sub-total for Build | (225) 592 18,721 18,354 — — |
| Children - Children and Young P | |
| Designated | 61 — — — — 61 |
| Sub-total for Children | 61 — — — — 61 |
| Di - Drop in | |
| Designated | 30 — — — — 30 |
| Sub-total for Di | 30 — — — — 30 |
| Disabled - Disabled Access | |
| Restricted | 3,464 — — — — 3,464 |
| Sub-total for Disabled | 3,464 — — — — 3,464 |
| HtF - Heating Fund | |
| Designated | 500 — — — — 500 |
| Restricted | 100 — — — — 100 |
| Sub-total for HtF | 600 — — — — 600 |
| Roof - Roof fund | |
| Designated | 3,597 — — — — 3,597 |
| Sub-total for Roof | 3,597 — — — — 3,597 |
| Ventures - Ventures | |
| Restricted | (263) — — — — (263) |
| Sub-total for Ventures | (263) — — — — (263) |
| Vic - Vicarage | |
| Designated | 1,474 — — — — 1,474 |
| Sub-total for Vic | 1,474 — — — — 1,474 |
| General - General fund | |
| Unrestricted | 6,478 56,561 44,202 (18,354) — 483 |
| Sub-total for General | 6,478 56,561 44,202 (18,354) — 483 |
| Grand total | 15,216 57,153 62,923 — — 9,446 |
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Analysis of income and expenditure
| — — — — — (186) |
||
| — — — — — (186) |
||
| 853 — — — 853 449 |
||
| Total | 853 — — — 853 449 |
|
| INCOME TOTAL | 56,561 592 — — 57,153 84,939 |
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EXPENDITURE
| Cost of generating funds - Investment management costs Bank Charges 201 — — — 201 698 Total 201 — — — 201 698 Charitable activities Common Fund 11,934 — — — 11,934 46,000 Clergy Expenses — — — — — 154 Sacristy/Worship 317 — — — 317 1,002 Music — — — — — 292 Telephone 404 — — — 404 — Mission & Outreach 104 — — — 104 791 Mission Giving 180 — — — 180 108 General Maintenance 30 18,721 — — 18,751 22,305 Vicarage Expenses 143 — — — 143 2,026 Children and Sunday School 8 — — — 8 120 Payments for courses 300 — — — 300 120 Ofce/Admin 4,977 — — — 4,977 3,340 Vicar's Discretionary — — — — — 200 Additionals 500 — — — 500 704 Insurance 8,498 — — — 8,498 8,429 Daniels Den 720 — — — 720 533 Drop in — — — — — 240 Loan repayment 620 — — — 620 780 Church Trips — — — — — 1,300 Men's Breakfast — — — — — 100 Verger 1,242 — — — 1,242 526 Electricity 6,479 — — — 6,479 3,961 Gas 7,546 — — — 7,546 6,189 |
Cost of generating funds - Investment management costs Bank Charges 201 — — — 201 698 Total 201 — — — 201 698 Charitable activities Common Fund 11,934 — — — 11,934 46,000 Clergy Expenses — — — — — 154 Sacristy/Worship 317 — — — 317 1,002 Music — — — — — 292 Telephone 404 — — — 404 — Mission & Outreach 104 — — — 104 791 Mission Giving 180 — — — 180 108 General Maintenance 30 18,721 — — 18,751 22,305 Vicarage Expenses 143 — — — 143 2,026 Children and Sunday School 8 — — — 8 120 Payments for courses 300 — — — 300 120 Ofce/Admin 4,977 — — — 4,977 3,340 Vicar's Discretionary — — — — — 200 Additionals 500 — — — 500 704 Insurance 8,498 — — — 8,498 8,429 Daniels Den 720 — — — 720 533 Drop in — — — — — 240 Loan repayment 620 — — — 620 780 Church Trips — — — — — 1,300 Men's Breakfast — — — — — 100 Verger 1,242 — — — 1,242 526 Electricity 6,479 — — — 6,479 3,961 Gas 7,546 — — — 7,546 6,189 |
|---|---|
| 201 — — — 201 698 |
|
| 201 — — — 201 698 11,934 — — — 11,934 46,000 — — — — — 154 317 — — — 317 1,002 — — — — — 292 404 — — — 404 — 104 — — — 104 791 180 — — — 180 108 30 18,721 — — 18,751 22,305 143 — — — 143 2,026 8 — — — 8 120 300 — — — 300 120 4,977 — — — 4,977 3,340 — — — — — 200 500 — — — 500 704 8,498 — — — 8,498 8,429 720 — — — 720 533 — — — — — 240 620 — — — 620 780 — — — — — 1,300 — — — — — 100 1,242 — — — 1,242 526 6,479 — — — 6,479 3,961 |
|
| 7,546 — — — 7,546 6,189 |
|
| Total | 44,001 18,721 — — 62,722 99,220 |
| EXPENDITURE TOTAL | 44,202 18,721 — — 62,923 99,918 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 12,359 (18,129) — — (5,770) (14,979) |
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