2022-12-31-accounts

St John’s Burgess Hill

The Parochial Church Council of St John the Evangelist, Burgess Hill THE ANNUAL REPORT and

ACCOUNTS

2022

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Aims & Purposes

The Parochial Church Council of St John the Evangelist, Burgess Hill (the PCC) has as its primary objective the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, Fr David Charles, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. We aim to know Jesus better – and make Him better known.

Objectives and Activities Fr David Charles, on behalf of the PCC

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St John’s. When planning our activities for the year, the Incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’. The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

For the first five months of the year, salient activities and events are recorded under the Churchwardens’ report and the Fabric report, included in the sections below. At the beginning of the summer, the parish welcomed Fr David Charles as its new Incumbent, on June 9[th] , with the Bishop of Chichester presiding at the Institution and Induction. The Vicar has made good progress in 2022 in visiting those on the Electoral Roll, and aims to see as many people as possible from it, within his first year.

During the second half of 2022, St John’s was able to continue the process of gradually returning to normality following the upheaval and pressures associated with Covid. The 8am Sunday said Mass was reintroduced, and the communal chalice restored at all eucharistic services. Looking more outwardly, we were able to reopen the Spire on Thursday mornings (with the IT group in attendance), and additionally hosted five varied, enjoyable and very well-attended concerts. It is hoped that 2023 will see a still fuller programme of events, dependent on people to organise them. Both Woodland Meed and London Meed schools visited the church in December, the latter holding their Christmas Carol Concert here.

Of course, September saw the death of our late Queen, yet St John’s endeavoured to suitably and solemnly mark her passing, and be open and available to the wider parish at a time of huge collective loss. Working collectively with the Town Council, a civic service was held for the community, while the other special services tailored and held (and the building being open every day) seemed widely appreciated by those who came. It has also been wonderful to have worked collaboratively with the Council in facilitating the town’s Christmas Tree Lighting service, and additionally its Armistice and Remembrance Sunday

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services; discussions are already underway for Burgess Hill’s first National Holocaust Day observance next January. Our annual Remembering Service, for bereaved families in the community for whom the parish had held a funeral service, was held in November, with a sevenfold increase in attendance. On a Diocesan level, the Vicar continues to serve on the Council for the Promotion of the Common Good, and is Liturgical Chaplain to our

Bishops. The Vicar also recorded a series of devotional Advent/Christmas reflections, which were broadcast for the community on Mid Sussex Radio, during December 2022.

The PCC adopted a number of policies in 2022, to ensure that, as an employer, best practice was followed. These included Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures, together with a Financial Procedures policy. Furthermore, the formalities associated with the CCTV were regularised, including the required data privacy notice, and planned introduction of the requisite signage. We have also been encouraged to become involved in Eco-Church, and the PCC was delighted to accept Ginny Nicholls offer to become our representative; we look forward in the coming year to placing more emphasis on this crucial area of our witness.

Although Michael Tester was appointed as Director of Music for St John’s in the summer, he unfortunately resigned before the end of the probationary period. Ongoing problems with the organ are inhibiting the developing of the ministry of music in the parish, but we are delighted that plans are very much underway to restore the instrument in 2023. By the end of the year, the PCC had agreed to formally apply to the Diocese for a Faculty, with much of the needed funding already being in place. We were delighted to welcome Dr Alan Thurlow, the Diocesan Organ Advisor, to the PCC’s November meeting,

whose wisdom and expertise has been incredibly helpful in guiding us through the process.

“Thank you for the hours and hard work you put in to get the church up and running again. It is really appreciated by so many in the congregation, to whom the church means so much.”

J.C.

The church was sadly unable to be used at the end of November, following storm damage that had resulted in the loss of heat and power. While this entailed the cancelling of our planned Advent Carol service, it was wonderful that we were able to be fully functional again by Christmas, at such an important missional time of the year. We this year ran a joint Advent course with St Edward’s – ‘Exploring Advent through Art’ – and it was great to

be able to work together, across the parish boundaries. Our own service of Nine Lessons and Carols was a particular highlight of the season, attracting a strong congregation. We have been blessed with a number of newcomers joining the church this past year, and look forward to

continued growth in the next. To that end, the PCC has undertaken to formulate a new Mission Action Plan, specifically focusing on our spiritual and numerical growth – a sub-committee has been formed to spearhead this initiative, and will begin its work and consultation in 2023.

Reports from our respective church groups can be found later in this document; the PCC is incredibly grateful to those who co-ordinate these activities, and who show such proactivity in furthering the church’s outreach and engagement.

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Achievements & Performance

Services Statistics Fr David Charles

The impact of the Covid pandemic on regular services continued to be felt in 2022; we began the year with necessary precautions still in place, but these were gradually lifted, with a fuller sense of normality returning by the summer. As is the case nationally, attendance at St John’s still hasn’t returned to pre-Covid levels, though there has been a noticeable increase in numbers, particularly in the second half of the year. This has been helped by the reintroduction of the 8am Sunday said Eucharist, and a steady stream of returners and new worshippers, who have joined the 10am. The Wednesday midweek service continues to do remarkably and consistently well, sometimes with an attendance of over 30, which many churches would be pleased with on a Sunday. For a number of people, this is an oasis in the middle of the week. It is hoped that further weekday services will be able to be (re-)introduced in 2023.

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 Attendance
120
Induction
Easter Day
100
80
60
snow
40
20
no heat or light after
0 Xma s
Wednesday attendance Sunday attendance Trendline average
Jan22A Jan22C Jan22E Feb22B Feb22D Mar22B Mar22D Apr22B Apr22D May22B May22D Jun22A Jun22C Jul22A Jul22C Jul22E Aug22B Aug22D Sep22B Sep22D Oct22B Oct22D Nov22A Nov22C Dec22A Dec22C
----- End of picture text -----

At Easter, the attendance was 106, of which 89 were communicants – though as the parish was still in Interregnum at the time, there was only one service offered on Easter Day, and no Easter Vigil; however, this was still an increase of 80% on 2021.

2022 was the first year since 2019 that the full panoply of Christmas services could be held; there were 133 communicants from a total attendance of 214 for the three masses over Christmas Eve/Day, and a further 218 people attending the Crib Service.

There were 10 baptisms during the year, but there were no marriages. 16 funerals were conducted, of which 6 were held in church; there were 4 burials of ashes. There are a number of home communicants – some who receive the sacrament during times of sickness or immobility, while those long-term housebound are generally visited by Dcn Stephen.

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Churchwarden’s Report Colin Squires (Churchwarden)

2022 was a year full of anticipation, that COVID would be over and that life could begin to get back to normal and that after more than 2 years in interregnum we were finally getting a vicar. However life wasn’t quite that simple and things took longer than we had hoped. We would like to begin by thanking all the various priests that took our services during the first 6 months of the year. We would also like to thank the congregation who supported us during these months, that was much appreciated as things were quite challenging at times. Sadly John Leggett our director of music retired at the end of 2021 but thanks to Gill Squires organist were found for every service until the end of July when Michael Tester took on the role. Unfortunately things didn’t work out for Michael as he had hoped, so he left on 6[th] November, but thankfully the loyal band of organists stepped up to the plate and are continuing to offer cover each week.

The better news was that the COVID restrictions kept being relaxed and things did start getting back to normal and we were able to keep Holy Week and celebrate Easter Sunday albeit with slightly less of our usual rituals and traditions. The best news was that our new vicar Fr David Charles was finally licenced on 9[th] June by Bishop Martin, a lovely celebration with refreshments afterwards. Before Fr David arrived however, the vicarage had to be completely redecorated, with a new kitchen being installed. This was all organised by the diocese but St John’s were responsible for paying for this work to be done, but as our finances are so low, we were offered an interest free loan of £8,000 which has to be paid back by March 2024.

Life then really did get back to a new normal, with services at the high altar, full altar party and robed choir which was all appreciated by the congregation. Fr David settled in well and began visiting all those on the electoral roll, as he promised at his interview, this is very much appreciated by all, if you haven’t been visited, don’t worry you will not be missed.

We were delighted that we could open the café after mass on Wednesday mornings and also welcomed back the IT group on Thursdays, just for coffee and cake, but hopefully in time we may be able to increase what we offer and open extra days. The café is also open on the second Saturday of the month when Felicity has her stall outside, thanks to Felicity and her team for making that happen, and for the money it raises. Regular booking also started up again with Age UK meeting every Monday morning and AA every Wednesday evening. Both of these offer help and support to the community but also bring in much needed funds to the church. Other occasional bookings, such as the running club and photographic group also generate income.

A leak in the boiler house at the end of July was quickly fixed, but the leak in the organ fan room in the middle of November was not quite so straightforward. It necessitated calling out UK Power who cut the power supply to the whole church, so for 8 days we had no lights, heat or sound system. Our thanks to Graham Todd who together with us met all the various contractors who had to do everything in order to get us up back and running. Unfortunately this incident resulted in us having to cancel our Advent Carol service, when Bishop Ruth was coming to preach. We will fix another date when she can come.

Concerts again started up in the church, again raising much needed funds but also giving the local community somewhere to come for live entertainment. The first of these was the Perdido Players on 2[nd] July who put on a charity concert for Ukraine. Ashley Beauchamp and friends came on 8[th] October, Burgess Hill Girls put on a concert for family and friends on 15[th]

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October, Sussex Harmonisers entertained us on 14[th] December and our last concert was Mid Sussex Brass Band on 22[nd] December. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make these enjoyable.

We also held our tree lighting service for the community which was well attended and London Meed school held their first carol service since 2019 due to COVID, that was standing room only.

Our boundary wall opposite Williams the chemist was again partly demolished in early November, but unlike last time no details of who had damaged it, so it will be our insurance who will pay. This is likely to be in the region of £20,000 as it is a listed wall and has to be constructed in the warm spring/summer weather due to lime mortar having to be used. No doubt this will put up our insurance premium for next year.

We ran a very successful appeal during the autumn to replace all the bulbs in the church to LED’s which should save us money and last a lot longer than the current ones. Thank you to all who supported that.

We still have ongoing problems with the fabric of the church, especially in the narthex, the main south wall where it goes into the Lady Chapel and the spire café roof. We are hoping to get a grant to do the spire roof, but the other items will need to be addressed before they get any worse, but we hope that we may be able to get grants for some of the work. Finally our heating system has been causing many headaches: pumps needing replacing, electronic switches on the burner malfunctioning and several visits from Heatcraft which has cost a lot of money.

Electoral Roll

Ginny Nicholls (Electoral Roll Officer)

At the beginning of January 2022, we had 183 people on the St John the Evangelist Church Electoral Roll. We were pleased to welcome an additional 17 people onto our Electoral Roll during 2022 after attending the church for more than 6 months.

Sadly, we had 4 church members who died in the year. 7 church members decided to leave the church, along with 2 church members who decided to worship at a church closer to home. This totalled 13 people being removed from the Electoral Roll. Halfway through 2022, a review was taken of the Electoral Roll in line with the Church Representation Rules. After the review, we found that 25 church members needed to be removed from the Electoral Roll. (10 church members no longer living in the parish and 15 church members who had not attended Mass or any other church service in the past 6 months or through 2021).

This means by the end of 2022, we had 162 people on the Electoral Roll. The 2022 Electoral Roll can be broken down as follows:

• 96 people living within the parish

• 66 outside the parish

• 60 male

• 102 female

The figures do not include anyone under the age of 16, or those who come to church regularly but for various reasons have not joined the Electoral Roll.

The total comprises those who come regularly to the main Parish Mass plus people who attend the 8.00 am Sunday Mass or the 10.30 am Wednesday morning Mass.

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How do I join the Electoral Roll?

It is possible to go on the Electoral Roll at any time of the year and application forms are available from Father David, the churchwardens (Liz and Colin), the Parish Office or from the Electoral Roll Officer (Ginny Nicholls).

You will need to be over 16, been baptised and not a member of the clergy (e.g. a lay person). Also, you need to live within the parish of St John the Evangelist, if you live outside the area, then you will need to have attended St John the Evangelist for at least 6 months. A reminder that if you are on the Electoral Roll, and your details change e.g. move house, or email/phone number change, then please inform Ginny.

Why be on the Electoral Roll?

Being on the Electoral Roll allows you to be contacted by the clergy in times of illness, emergency, general support or bereavement.

It also allows you to attend the APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting), where you can raise questions, and hear what is happening in the church. You can also join the PCC (Parochial Church Council) which is a committee of church members and clergy, who make decisions on behalf of the church members and looks to support the local community in outreach projects. The PCC meet about 6 times a year.

Deanery Synod

Claire Elliot (Hurst Deanery Synod Representative)

The Rural Dean for The Hurst Deanery is Revd Paul Doick from Henfield. St John’s Deanery Synod representatives are Claire Elliot, Graham Todd and Jean MacCarthy.

There have been 3 meetings this year, held at different churches in the Deanery.

1) On 16[th] February 2022 Deanery Synod met at Holy Trinity Church, Hurstpierpoint.

Presentation by Dan Jenkins, Diocesan Youth Officer and Gary Pickett , paid Youth Worker.

Dan described a three-stage model for growing youth work.

• Starting with Outreach : e.g. Youth Clubs/café, outreach work and schools work, social action projects, homework clubs, trips/outings, food.

• Then Transition : e.g. Discussion groups, May camp and Festivals, Alpha course or similar.

• Finally Discipleship : Youth Worship, Bible study, Mentoring (1:1 or group), Prayer challenges, faith building challenges, Social Action.

2) On 19[th] May Synod met at St Edward the Confessor Church, Burgess Hill

Presentation on ‘Generous Giving and Electronic Payments’ prepared by Helen James, Diocesan Parish Advisor (Finance, Stewardship and Governance) who wasn’t able to attend as she was unwell.

3) On 15[th] Nov 2022 Deanery Synod was held at St Andrew’s Burgess Hill

Deanery Mission Action Plan 2022 - 2027 : Paul Doick, Rural Dean, gave a presentation on the Proposed Deanery Mission Action Plan (MAP)

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The Diocese put forward a plan based on the “4 Mores”, and it was agreed at the same time as our Deanery review.

More Open:

He wants us to think about how we can work together as churches and share our resources. He doesn’t want us be parochial and only think of our own parish, although he recognises the importance of a parish community. Archdeacon Fiona’s idea was to collaborate with our nearest neighbours to make sure Priest’s didn’t feel they were working on their own. The idea is to cluster Churches/Parishes together e.g. St Edwards and The Point.

More converted to Jesus:

Examples are:

• Children’s Church.

• A target is to put on 4 new seeker courses. Can we pool our resources to run them together?

• Schools: which schools need assistance and what do they want?

• Toddler groups

• There are 3 Foundation Governor Vacancies in the Deanery.

• Youth Hub, Gary Pickett is coordinating this. Link in with the Diocesan Youth Hub.

More Generous:

Examples are:

• Every Parish to have a legacy policy.

• 100% of Parishes to have PGS set up, even if not all parishioners give by it.

• A stretching target is for 75% of churches to have contactless payments, but this does depend on having good Wi-Fi.

More Engaged:

Examples include:

• Creation Care policy – be carbon neutral by 2030.

• Stephanie Lawrence, Deanery worker for FSW, is working 3 days a week. She would like to work more but she can only do this if there is more money available.

Paul Doick announced that he will be stepping down from being Rural Dean and will be finishing in June/July 2023. Also Revd Jane Willis was attending her last Hurst Deanery Synod before taking up her new incumbency.

Safeguarding

Dr Vince Elliot (Parish Safeguarding Officer)

Our Church is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all children, young people and vulnerable adults, while remaining open and inclusive, to all worshipers.

We have adopted and implemented the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy, ensuring that all those who work with children and young people are safely recruited and appropriately trained.

From January of 2022 the rules around DBS checks have changed. All DBS checks subsequent to January 2022 will require to be renewed every 3 years. However those whose DBS checks were last carried out before that date, remain on the 5-year cycle until their next renewal. If you are uncertain when your DBS renewal is due, do not be concerned. I have a list of renewal dates and will contact you when required.

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For members of the PCC, DBS checks are no longer routinely required, provided that PCC membership is their sole role within the Church.

The Safeguarding training requirements have also changed. C0, C1 and C2 have now become Basic Awareness, Foundation, and Leadership respectively. Basic Awareness (BA) and Foundation are both on-line courses. BA is very straightforward and is recommended for almost everyone who has an interest in safeguarding. Foundation is for anyone who has safeguarding responsibilities or contact with children. If you are unsure of what is required, please do contact me.

The Church of England produces a Parish Safeguarding Handbook that contains guidance and advice for parishes regarding safeguarding issues. An electronic version is available at The Church of England and also the Diocese of Chichester internet sites.

Finally, and most importantly, if anyone has any concerns or questions regarding the safety or wellbeing of any child, or adult, no matter how minor or trivial they may seem - please come and talk to me about it. Anything you say will be treated in the utmost confidence.

I am in Church every Sunday and my contact details are on the notice board in the Narthex and in the Spire Café.

Fabric

Graham Todd (Fabric Manager)

West Window repairs

Early in the year we carried out extensive repairs to the internal stonework around the large west window. We successfully obtained a partial grant and the congregation raised a further significant amount.

Getting ready for our new vicar

During the first half of 2022 we re-erected the posts for the banner in the church yard, polished the church floor, cleaned most of the glass between the nave and vestries, held a working party in the churchyard and then two at the vicarage to clear the overgrown garden.

Radio Microphones

These needed replacing as the old ones were cutting out and did not rebuff unwanted external interference. We successfully applied for a grant and bought four new radio mics which work extremely well.

Roof leaks

We addressed a roof leak over the vestry. But we could not afford to repair the SW corner roof or Spire roof shown here.

Energy costs rise

The PCC approved cost savings by lowering the heating background temperature, shortening the flood light switch on period and by changing 39 main church lights to LED fittings, thus saving nearly £300pa. The congregation funded the new bulbs which cost £800.

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Boundary Wall

Our Grade 2* listed wall was again demolished, by an unknown vehicle in November.

This time the damage was more extensive than 5 years ago. We arranged for temporary fencing to prevent further damage by vandals. The wall will be repaired in the warmer weather because we have to use lime mortar.

A storm and then power failure

Later in November very heavy rain cascaded down the chancel roof, over the organ chamber roof and found its way into the electrical intake room and damaged the main electricity supply. The National Power Company wasted no time in cutting our intake cable below ground, leaving the church without heat, light and power.

A frantic week followed, altering church services, cancelling meetings and dealing with four different energy suppliers and electricians.

The photo shows a UK Power engineer finally reconnecting our cable.

Our failing pipe organ

With £45,000 in a restricted fund it was again decided to research the possibility of restoring the organ. A meeting was set up with an organ contractor, the organ advisor to the Diocese and our team to kick start a phased restoration. We have applied for the Faculty and that has been promised. Hopefully work can start in the Spring.

From the Belfry Doug Stewart (Tower Captain)

2022 was a year of slow Progress. We were only ringing 3 bells for Service at the start. At the end we were managing 4 or 5. Of course our target is to have the full octave ringing for every Sunday.

We have had one ringer return and are grateful for the support we received from Jo and Joan who ring with us regularly on Sunday and Monday. They travel from Twineham to be with us. We were all “rusty” at the lifting of lockdown but now with regular ringing again our efforts have improved. Other visitors appear at practise night and this means we sometimes have 8 bell ringing.

We hope to attract some learners to build up Tower numbers, as some of us are not as young as we were!

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Children’s Church and Youth Group Claire Elliot (Children’s Church Leader)

Leadership Team:

The Children’s Church and Youth Group leadership team remains small, consisting of 6 people who run the Sunday morning teaching sessions and the social events for Youth Group.

The break from Children’s Church during COVID Lockdown led to a few leaders deciding they would step back after many years of involvement and then during 2022 a few more leaders chose to leave St Johns.

One new leader stepped forward at the end of 2021, but sadly we have been unable to recruit any new helpers in 2022. As a result, we continue to only offer Children’s Church once a month, on the 3[rd] Sunday of the month. We run groups for two age groups ranging from 0 – 16. On some occasions crèche has also been offered.

Attendance numbers in 2022:

Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June	July	Sep	Oct	November	November	November	December	December	December
13	13	12	11	12	10	8	12	11	7	10	14	18	13	20

During Advent we held rehearsals for The Nativity so we met on 2 extra Sundays in November and 3 times in December, including Christmas Eve, when 20 children and young people took part in The Crib service.

We have been raising the profile of the Children’s Church by showing the congregation what we have been doing in our sessions when we return to the service.

Easter 2022:

We held Children’s Church on Palm Sunday and told the story of Christ’s Passion using visual aids and props to engage the children.

On Good Friday families were invited to Stations of the Cross at 10.00am, followed by Hot Cross Buns. Fr Nick Lamb and Claire led this service and encouraged more participation by using Stations of the Cross Eggs with objects inside to help make the Way of the Cross more accessible and meaningful.

On Easter Saturday the Children helped transform the Easter garden and Lenten Tree and started to create a welcome picture for Fr David.

70 Acts of Service:

To help mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee the Children’s Church designed cards and decorated a box for the congregation to record and post their 70 Acts of Service. These acts of service were blessed at Pentecost during the Jubilee celebrations.

Nativity/Crib service Christmas Eve:

We were very excited to be able to hold the Crib Service again this year with the congregation filling the church. It was wonderful that 20 children and young people took part, either taking on parts in the story or as narrators. Most were children who regularly attend St Johns, but 5 extra joined in on the day.

Youth Group:

We held three Youth Group social events in 2022. In January we held a Burns Night social evening with games, a quiz and Scottish food and drinks. In May, we had a games evening and Fish and Chip supper before putting Youth Group events on hold until Fr David arrived.

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In November we held another social evening and introduced Fr David to some of our favourite Youth Group games. We hope to be able to plan a full programme of monthly events again soon.

Charity Giving

Di Tipler (Charity Co-ordinator)

During 2022 we were able to support the following charities:

• Headway - £534.26 was raised for our Spring charity, which included some money donated before Covid.

• Ukraine - An emergency collection was taken following the invasion of Ukraine and this raised £734.00

• Blind Veterans - £228.50 was raised for our Summer charity.

• Water Aid - £244.50 was raised for our Autumn charity.

• Family Support Work - £377.97 was raised for our Winter charity plus another £500. raised by an annual Sponsored walk taken later in the year.

• Sussex Historic Churches - £150.00 was raised through the sponsored Ride and Stride event in September.

• The Children’s Society - £122.98 was raised at the Christingle Service in December

We are so grateful for your ongoing generosity during the year.

“Your support really does change lives … you are standing alongside young people and letting them know that a brighter future is possible.” Andrew Moran The Children’s Society

Choir

Gill Squires (Choir member)

Last year 2022 was a very busy one for the choir as we began to get back to a normal level of music in our main Sunday service and were able to celebrate some of the major festivals again. As I reported last year our Musical Director John Leggett retired after Christmas 2021 so up until the end of July we were welcoming a variety of different organists every Sunday to play for our services and I am indebted to them for all their support.

In June we welcomed Fr. David as our Parish Priest and he has enjoyed being in a Parish which still has the choral tradition and is very supportive. At the end of July we then welcomed Michael Tester as our new Director of Music but unfortunately although all the choir members really enjoyed working with him, he decided that for various reasons he would not complete his probationary period and his final Sunday was 6[th] November so I was again booking organist cover for our services.

Sadly we also said goodbye to Nicholas & Sigrid Moiseiwitsch last year and they are much missed.

Although for most of the year we didn’t have a Director on Music we still ran choir practice on a Friday evening to prepare the music for Sunday services and I would like to thank both Paul Mead for his help in playing the piano and to the rest of the choir for their support.

We ended the year with the service of Nine Lessons and Carols which was very well received and we were also able to celebrate Midnight Mass for the first time since the pandemic. We look forward to being able to find a new Director of Music and for the choir to grow both musically and in numbers.

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We are a friendly group of people and if you love music and are interested in joining us, please speak to one of the choir members or come along to choir practice at 7.15pm on a Friday evening in the church.

Community Outreach Felicity Fernee (Market stall and outreach)

From March to December on the second Saturday of the month we held a stall outside Church, whatever the weather. Not only were we

making contact with the community at large but it was an excellent fundraising event making on average £250 each month. Thanks go to our faithful volunteers (not necessarily churchgoers) for helping and for making it a jolly, friendly event. At the same time The Spire Café was open for refreshments and we hope to continue this into 2023.

A wide range of goods were on sale as well as cakes and marmalade. Many, many thanks to all who contribute in any way, especially to the cake and marmalade makers.

Concerts

Colin Squires (Churchwarden)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not able to arrange any concerts during the first part of the year. Artists were reluctant to come and perform and we were not convinced there would be enough people who felt confident enough to come and listen. However, we were able to host the Perdido Players who put on a charity concert for Ukraine in early July.

It was lovely to have live entertainment back into St John’s after over 2 years. Our next concert was on 8[th] October when we were entertained by Ashley Beauchamp and friends. This was a wonderful concert enjoyed by about 80 people.

Burgess Hill Girls then hired the church for a concert for family and friends on 15[th] October, which was enjoyed by all. Sussex Harmonisers then held their annual concert on 13[th] December and the Mid Sussex Brass Band rounded off the year with their Christmas concert on 22[nd] December.

We would like to thank everyone who helped in any way with these concerts which as well as providing entertainment, makes much needed funds for the church.

Deacon’s Report Deacon Stephen MacCarthy

We were grateful for the return to church and growing confidence in the precautions taken to safeguard those attending as the year progressed. Nevertheless, attendance was markedly reduced with a few of our more vulnerable members unable to come on Sundays, and without a return to an 08.00 service until mid-year. However, the Wednesday service has become popular for those able to attend midweek and for some this now provides a more accessible service.

In many areas of our lives there was an increasing freedom. However, we should also recall that a few of our older or more vulnerable parishioners were only able to return to public

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worship infrequently or perhaps not at all. Pastorally the visiting and home communions had been concentrated with me so that others could concentrate on other areas and arranging the public worship. This was and remains a great privilege to be able to help the sacramental and spiritual life of St John’s to be shared. Naturally with the arrival of Fr. David I am grateful for his support in this ministry, and for the continuing part I can play in supporting him in the life of the parish. In the new year it is my hope that this ministry will expand with our Lay Ministers of Communion returning to home visiting, and perhaps the Pastoral Team being reformed to visit the housebound and those in residential care.

There have been both national and local moments affecting our lives in 2022, not least the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and I would commend the way in which St John’s provided support and public remembrance on this and other occasions. In addition, we have been both appalled by events and engaged in prayer surrounding the war in Ukraine. Indeed, I was privileged to be invited to speak at a local community event organised for families from Ukraine now living in our community. It was inspiring to see how they have found welcome and support in and around Burgess Hill and are forming a valued part of the community following their arrival.

Now, in the wake of the ever-present but reducing effects of the Covid Pandemic may we remember those members of our community who remain unable to fully return to our public worship yet who greatly value our support, both practical and in prayer. As we look forward in the life of our parish pray that we do not forget the heartache and restrictions that continue to affect the lives of many of our friends and neighbours.

Family Support Work Felicity Fernee (Hurst Deanery Committee Member)

Family Support Work (FSW) has helped families across Sussex since 1890. St John’s has supported them during the year in several ways.

We collected several boxes of food and toiletries at harvest to be distributed amongst families across the county. At our Advent Toy Service in November we

collected gifts suitable for children and young people of all ages which were donated to FSW for distribution.

In September a group of our Church family took part in the annual walk from Amberley to Arundel. We were delighted to raise £500. in sponsorship. This was in addition to a further £377.97.

It was announced during the year that families in Hurst Deanery now have their own local practitioner, Steph. FSW are able to give practical and emotional support that enables families to access appropriate services, give them coping strategies and build their confidence to become stronger.

• 16 -

Flower Arrangers Carol Matthews (Flower Team Co-ordinator)

Throughout the year, the small team of flower arrangers have maintained keeping flowers in the church on a weekly basis. At the start of the year, we were only providing one arrangement per week as COVID restrictions were being adhered to. Following Fr David’s arrival at St John’s. We have reverted to having 2 arrangements for a normal week and additional ones for special occasions i.e. Christmas and Easter.

The flower arranging team have seen a few changes over the year, Kit organised a rota for the first half of the year and she handed this over to me halfway through the year. On behalf of all the flower arrangers, I would like to say a Big Thank You to Kit for the many years that she has organised the flower arranging rota, organised buying the flowers for special occasions and for encouraging me over the years. I would like to say thank you to those who have supported me over the last 6 months, Tracie, Jacquie, Kit and Felicity.

Over the last six months since I have had the responsibility of the flowers at St. John’s, many people have commented how nice it is to see the flowers in church, I am aware that these comments have been made to Kit in the past as she has often phoned me to tell me.

Lastly, I would like to thank the members of congregation who give generously at Easter and Christmas to help with the cost of purchasing flowers and to those individuals who sponsor the flowers on a specific week to

commemorate a special date. If anyone feels able to help in anyway with either arranging flowers or providing sponsorship for a specific date, please do contact me.

Servers’ Report Colin Squires (Server and Sacristan)

After over 2 years of only having one server due to COVID restrictions and the need for social distancing, also having no vicar, although it has been wonderful to have all the retired priests helping us out, it has been lovely to reinstate a full serving team on Sundays and major festivals, now that Fr David is here. It is also good to welcome Jane, Shona and Tony to the team, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge especially as Annie has had to hang up her cassock due to continuing health issues.

We all consider it a privilege to serve at the altar and to assist the priests in whatever way we can. We are always on the lookout for any young or young at heart members of the congregation who wish to join the team, either as servers or as boat boys or girls.

It was great to have Thomas as boat boy on All Saints, so please do not hesitate to speak to me after the service on a Sunday.

• 17 -

Treasurer’s Report Geoff Burton (Treasurer)

ST. JOHN the EVANGELIST BURGESS HILL Registered Charity 1165166

This year has seen a further diminution of the changes wrought by Covid –19, Although the café has not yet opened due to a leaking roof, we have been able to hold a few concerts.

Total income has improved slightly, but this is entirely due to more special appeals which brought in £6,000 more than last year. Unfortunately, regular giving, including Gift Aid owed by HMRC is mainly unchanged from last year following a number of years in which it fell. Total costs have increased by £16,000, mostly due to the repairs to the West Window and the redecoration and repairs to the vicarage of approximately £18,000.

Excluding these costs gives a slight reduction in expenses, but the church reduced its planned Parish Contribution by £9,000, meaning other cost are higher, PARTICULARLY GAS and ELECTRIC, which are four times as high as at this time last year. Regular giving this year has covered 72% of our costs but only because of the further reduction in Parish Contribution. If we include the maintenance cost this percentage drops to 60%.

In 2022 it cost £87,000 to run the church even though it was still not back to running all the previous services, EXCLUDING maintenance, charitable donations and the Spire Cafe. This is £1,673 per week. £16.50 per week per person regularly attending this church if they were able to attend. Every week, even if you don't come every week.

The December and January gas and electric bills suggest 2023 will see those costs rise by at least another ten thousand pounds.

The repairs to the vicarage were carried out thanks to a generous loan from a member of the congregation which must be paid back in the next two years.

The PCC has been active in reducing some of these costs, particularly printing and we are looking at other areas where reductions can be made, but we have built up some arrears on stonework maintenance which cannot be put off much longer.

The listed building status of the church means we often have to pay more for repairs, particularly external repairs.

General Funds have dropped to £1,000, but this means we cannot do any other necessary stonework repairs or any other required major maintenance at the moment without yet another special appeal. It is not good to try to run a church without at least £20,000 pounds in general reserves. The church is running on empty.

All other funds (mostly Organ Fund) have to be kept for the specific use of those funds and they cannot be used to keep the church open. Clearly, we all need to re-consider our giving.

18 Examlners Re ort Inde￿ndOW Examinerfs Rewrttothe PCC of StJDhnthe Evangellstthurch. Buryess Hlll. I reportonthe accountsofthe PCC for theyear ended3U1212022 wh1th3re setout on pages to ReS￿￿1Ve responslbS1Ithsof tnee5 arml examlner. The members of the Church's Pccare resp0Tr5ible for the preparation of the 3cctsunr5. The members of thÈ Church's PCC Co￿ader thatan audit is not required forth￿ year (under secthin 144121 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 Attll and that an indEpendent examinatlon is needed Examine the account5 under SEttion 145 01 the 2011 A¢t-. Tofollowthe prO￿dureS laid dDwn in the General DirEcknon5 giveD bythe tharity CommissIDners lunder section 14515llbl of the 2011 ACE.. and To stste whether partlrular matter5have come tp myattention. BJs150f Indeppndent2umlne¢s report My examination was carried out in acCord8￿tw1th the ienernl dlrectlonselven by ih• Chirlty Commisslon. An examination induded a review of the accounting records kept by the charlty and a comparison of the accoynts presented wlth those ￿cOrdS. It 0150 includes coThsider3tion of any unusual item5 or disclosures In the accounts. ènd seeking explanatlonsfrom you astru5tee5 concerning anysuch matters, The procedures undertaken do nor provlde all the evidence that would be required in and audit and consequently no opinion i5wven as towhetherthe accounts Present a true and faIr￿¢w, and the report L5 Ilmltedto those matter5setout in the statement below. IndepeTrdentexamlnerfsststement In conneciign my examlnatSon. no matter has come to my ttentionwhich &¥esme cause to belle¥e that ID. ony mèterial respecr." The accounting record5 Were nirt kept in alt0rdan￿ wtEh settion 130 olthe CharitiesAct", or The acco￿ntS did not accord with the accounting record5.' or Th& ac£ounts did not comply wlth the applicable requlrement5 concernln8 the form and content of ac(ount55etoutin the tharitiE5 (A￿aunt$ and Reportsl Regulations 2008other than any requirement that the accounts give a'true and faie viewwhich 15 not a Tnatrer considered a5 Part Df i￿lePendeTht examination. I have tome across no oiher matters In confteaion wtth the examlDatlonto whlch attentlon should be drawn1n this report in orderto enable a proper understan(fing oftheoccounts to be reathed. Slined.. Name.. Helen Preece Datè.. 2410212023 Professional Qualification.. ACMA. ACIB Addre5s'. Unit I,Yekntsl House. Wielorla Road, 8ur8ess Hill, Westsussex, RH15 9LH

• 19 -

Statement of Financial Ac/vi/es

	Unrestricted Fund	Re	stricted Fund/s	E	ndowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021 Notes
Income and endowments from: Dona%ons and legacies Charitable ac%vi%es Other trading ac%vi%es Investments Other receipts	£ 80,761 1,172 4,650 498 611		£ 6,504 - - 567 -		£ - - - - -	£ 87,265 1,172 4,650 1,065 611		£ 83,348 3,219 518 501 1,256
Total income	87,692		7,071		-	94,763		88,841 2
Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable ac%vi%es Other trading ac%vi%es Other expenditure	960 94,880 1,003 -		- 8,769 - -		- - - -	- 960 103,649 1,003 -		960 88,555 - -
Total expenditure	96,843		8,769		-	105,612		89,515 3
Net gains (or losses) on investments	-		-		-	-		- 8
Net income or (net expenditure)	(9,151)		(1,698)		-	(10,849)		(674)
Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains/(losses) on revalua%on of -xed assets Other gains/(losses) Reconcilia?on of funds:	(123)		123		-	- (10,849) - (2,185)		- 10
	(9,274) - -		(1,575) - -		- - (2,185)			(674) - 11 -
Net movement in funds	(9,274)		(1,575)		(2,185)	(13,035)		(674)
Total funds brought forward	10,374		49,357		18,592	78,322		78,996
Total funds carried forward	1,100		47,781		16,407	65,288		78,322

• 20 -

Balance Sheet

Balance Sheet
	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Intangible assets Tangible assets Heritage assets Endowed investments	£ - - - 16,407	£ - - - 18,592
Total 4xed assets	16,407	18,592	11
Stocks Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand	- 4,252 - 61,286	- 1,709 - 62,021	14
Total current assets	65,539	63,730
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year	(12,658)	(4,000)	15
Net current assets or (liabiliEes)	52,881	59,730
Total assets less current liabiliEes Creditors: Amounts falling due a7er more than one year Provisions for liabiliJes	69,288 (4,000) -	78,322 - -
Total net assets or (liabiliEes)	65,288	78,322
The funds of the charity: Endowment funds Restricted income funds	16,407 47,781	18,592.31 49,356.53
Unrestricted funds RevaluaJon reserve	1,100 -	10,373.62 -
Total unrestricted funds	1,100	10,373.62
Total charity funds	65,288	78,322.46	18

• 21 -

Notes to the 4nancial report (con1nued)

Analysis of income and endowments

Analysis of income and endowments
	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund/s	Endowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds) Planned giving (no tax refunds) Loose cash collec>ons Summer fete & Christmas bazaar Other Fund Raising Events Concerts Other Special appeals Gi7 Aid recoverable Legacies Grants	£ 48,422 - 6,481 - 3,476 - 6,068 15,037 - 1,276	£ - - 140 - - - 2,156 208 - 4,000	£ - - - - - - - - - -	£ 48,422 - 6,621 - 3,476 - 8,224 15,245 - 5,276	£ 53,326 - 7,158 - 3,497 - 1,901 10,624 34 6,808
Dona1ons and legacies	£80,761	£6,504	-	£87,265	£83,348
Fees for weddings & funerals	1,172	-	-	1,172	3,219
Charitable ac1vi1es	£1,172	-	-	£1,172	£3,219
Café/Church Hall Concerts Sales of the parish magazine Rent from leAng of Parish house Bible study notes Church centre hiring fees Magazine adver>sement fees Bookstall sales	1,585 2,198 - - - 868 - -	- - - - - - - -	- - - - - - - -	1,585 2,198 - - - 868 - -	165 - - - - 353 - -
Other trading ac1vi1es	£4,650	-	-	£4,650	£518
Bank & CBF deposit interest CBF investment fund dividend Rent from leAng of investment property	8 491 -	567 - -	- - -	574 491 -	23 478 -
Investments	£498	£567	-	£1,065	£501
Other receipts	611	-	-	611	1,256
Total income and endowments on all funds	£87,692	£7,071	-	£94,763	£88,841	8

• 22 -

Notes to the 4nancial report (con1nued)

	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund/s	Endowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Special appeals costs Stewardship costs Grants costs Investment management costs Other fundraising costs	£ - - - - 960	£ - - - - -	£ - - - - -	£ - - - - 960	£ - - - - 960
Cost of raising funds	£960	-	-	£960	£960
Charitable grants and dona@ons Mission & evangelism costs Diocesan parish share Clergy and other people's expenses Salaries and honoraria incl NI Upkeep of services Church running costs Sunday school Church maintenance and repair Upkeep of churchyard Upkeep of vicarage Storage costs of donated goods Miscellaneous Administra@on Bank charges Deprecia@on Governance	70 82 45,834 309 11,773 - 16,987 153 5,580 - 10,532 - - 3,360 - - 200	- - - - - - - - 8,769 - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	70 82 45,834 309 11,773 - 16,987 153 14,349 - 10,532 - - 3,360 - - 200	70 300 55,000 148 16,541 - 9,320 - 3,939 - 499 - - 2,538 - - 200	4 8
Cost of charitable ac1vi1es	£94,880	£8,769	-	£103,649	£88,555
Summer fete/Christmas bazaar costs Concert Costs Church centre hiring costs Church hall running costs Bible study notes Parish magazine costs Bookstall costs Storage costs of donated goods Other trading costs	- 935 - - - - - - 67	- - - - - - - - -	- - - - - - - - -	- 935 - - - - - - 67	- - - - - - - - -
Cost of other trading ac1vi1es	£1,003	-	-	£1,003	-
Total expended on all funds	£96,843	£8,769	-	£105,612	£89,515

• 23 -

Notes to the 4nancial report (con1nued)

Missionary and charitable giving:

Missionary and charitablegiving:
	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund/s	Endowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Overseas: Water Aid Chris8an Aid Home: The Childrens Society St. Peter & St. James Hospice DEC Ukraine Ukraine Blind Veterans Family Support Work Mothers Union Chailey Heritage Bishops Discre8onary Fund Royal Bri8sh Legion BBC Children in Need Headway Charity Sussex Historic Churches Missions for Seamen Burgess Hill Community Foodbank Forget-me-not café Mid-Sussex Older Prersons Council Toybox Brighton Homeless Young Minds	£ 245 - 673 734 542 229 878 70 534	£	£ - - - -	£ 245 - 673 - 734 542 229 878 - - - 70 - 534 - - - - - - - -	£ - - - - - - - - - - - - 70 - 215 - 25 - - - - - -
	3,905	-	-	3,905	310
Sta: costs
	Unrestricted Fund	Restricted Fund/s	Endowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Remunera1on Wages and salaries Employer social security costs Employer pension costs	£ 11,773 - -	£ - - -	£ - - -	£ 11,773 - -	£ 16,541 - -
	11,773	-	-	11,773	16,541

Governance

Governance
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowed	Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds	Fund/s	Fund/s	2022	2021	Notes
	£	£	£	£	£
Independent examina8on	200			200	200
Accounts produc8on	-	-	-	-	-
Bookkeeping	-	-	-	-	-
	200	-	-	200	200

Transfers between funds

Transfers between funds
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowed	Total Funds	Total Funds
	Funds	Fund/s	Fund/s	2022	2021	Notes
	£	£	£	£	£
			-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-

• 24 -

Notes to the 4nancial report (con1nued)

Fixed Assets

a Investments

Fixed Assets a Investments
	Unrestricted Fund	Re	stricted Fund/s	E	ndowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022
Market value 1 January 2022 Disposals at carrying value Purchases at cost Net gains and revaluaBon	£ - - - -		£ - - - -		£ 18,592 - - (2,185)	£ 18,592 - - (2,185)
Market value 31 December 2022	-		-	£16,407		£16,407

b Tangible 4xed assets

b Tangible 4xed assets
		Freehold land and buildings		Audio visual equipment		O=ce equipment	Total 4xed assets
Cost or valua1on At 1 January 2022 AddiBons Disposals RevaluaBon		£ - - - -		£ - - -		£ - - - -	£ - - - -
At 31 December 2022		-		-		-	-
Charge for impairment At 1 January 2022 AddiBons Disposals RevaluaBon		- - - -		- - - -		- - - -	- - - -
At 31 December 2022		-		-		-	-
Net book amounts At 31 December 2022		-		-		-	-
At 31 December 2021		-		-		-	-

• 25 -

Notes to the 4nancial report (con1nued)

Analysis of net assets by fund

Analysis of net assets by fund
	Unrestricted Funds	Re	stricted Fund/s	E	ndowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Fixed assets for church use Investment -xed assets Current assets (except cash) Cash at bank and on deposit Current liabiliFes Long term liabiliFes	£ - - 17,626 (11,101) (4,000)		£ - - 43,660 (1,557) -		£ - 16,407 - -	£ - 16,407 - 61,286 (12,658) (4,000)	£ - 18,592 - 62,021 (4,000) -
	£2,525	£42,103		£16,407		£61,035	£76,614

Debtors

	Unrestricted Funds	Re	stricted Fund/s	E	ndowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Income tax recoverable Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors	£ 3,324 929 -		£ - - -		£ - - -	£ 3,324 929 -	£ 1,709 - -
	£4,252		-		-	£4,252	£1,709

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

	Unrestricted Funds	Re	stricted Fund/s	E	ndowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Deferred income Accruals for uFliFes and other costs Archdeacon's loan Other creditors	£ 100 7,001 - 4,000		£ - - - 1,557		£ - - - -	£ 100 7,001 - 5,557	£ 255 3,104 - 641
	£11,101		£1,557		-	£12,658	£4,000

Creditors: amounts falling due a?er more than one year

	Unrestricted Funds	Re	stricted Fund/s	E	ndowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2022	Total Funds 2021	Notes
Deferred income Accruals for uFliFes and other costs Archdeacon's loan Other creditors	£ - - 4,000		£ - - - -		£ - - - -	£ - - - 4,000	£ - - - -
	£4,000		-		-	£4,000	-

• 26 -

Notes to the 4nancial report (con1nued)

Prior year Statement of Financial Activities comparative figures for this year

	Unrest	ricted Fund	Restricted Fund/s	Endowed Fund/s	Total Funds 2021
Income and endowments from: Dona%ons and legacies Charitable ac%vi%es Other trading ac%vi%es Investments Other receipts	8	£ 1,315 3,219 518 478 1,206	£ 2,032 - - 22 50	£ - - - - -	£ 83,348 3,219 518 501 1,256
Total income	8	6,736	2,105	-	88,841
Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable ac%vi%es Other trading ac%vi%es Other expenditure	8	960 8,437 -	- 118 -	- - - -	- 960 88,555 - -
Total expenditure	8	9,397	118	-	89,515
Net gains (or losses) on investments					-
Net income or (net expenditure)	(2,661)		1,987	-	(674)
Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains/(losses) on revalua%on of -xed assets Other gains/(losses) Reconcilia)on of funds:	(123)		500		377
	(2,784) - -		2,487 - -	- - 2,310	(296) - 2,310
Net movement in funds	(2,784)		2,487	2,310	2,014
Total funds brought forward	13,534		46,869	16,282	76,686
Total funds carried forward	10,751		49,357	18,592	78,700

Statement of funds

Statement of funds
	Balances b/fwd 01-Jan-22	Income	Expenditure	Transfers, other gains and losses	Balances c/fwd 31-Dec-22
Church Charity The Crunden Church Charity	£ £7,630 £10,962	£	£	£ (897) (1,289)	£ 6,733 9,674
Total of all endowed funds	£18,592	-	-	(2,185)	16,407
Organ fund Charity fund Bells Fund Other Special Appeals Christmas Lights fund	£43,669 £0 £1,672 £2,852 £1,164 -	742 - 75 6,254 -	- - - (8,769) -	- - - 123 -	44,410 0.00 1,747 460 1,164
Total of all restricted funds	£49,357	7,071	(8,769)	123	47,781
General fund Designated funds Revalua%on reserve	£(854) £11,227 -	86,107 1,585 -	(95,154) (1,689) -	(123) - -	(10,023) 11,123 -
Total of all unrestricted funds	£10,374	87,692	(96,843)	(123)	1,100
Total funds	£78,322	£94,763	£(105,612)	£(2,185)	65,288
94,763 105,612

• 27 -

Structure, Governance and Management Liz Hayward (Secretary to the PCC / Churchwarden)

The PCC is a charity (Charity number: 1165166) registered with the Charity Commission. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

The PCC and Churchwardens are elected under the terms of the Church Representation Rules 2006 (Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended by Statutory Instrument 2004 No 1889).

The Vicar serves under licence from the Bishop; Churchwardens, Deanery and (wherever applicable) Diocesan Synod delegates are the subject of separate elections to their posts. All these then serve on the PCC ex officio.

Churchwardens are elected annually, four lay members of the Deanery Synod for a threeyear term, and a maximum of twelve members of the church are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, for a three-year term, on a rolling cycle. The electorate comprises those persons on the Electoral Roll.

All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll; members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent; a Financial Procedures Policy is in place. A Grievance Procedure and Disciplinary Procedure have both been adopted in respect of church employees.

The Standing Committee (SC) of the PCC transacts PCC business between PCC meetings – either because the matter is urgent, or, on the other hand, because the issue is sufficiently routine that waiting for a full PCC discussion would be unnecessary. The Committee consists of the Vicar, Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary and at least one other elected PCC member.

In 2022, the PCC was comprised of the following members, after the May 2022 APCM:

SURNAME	FORENAME		Year (re-)elected	End of term on PCC
CHARLES	Fr David	SC	Incumbent (From 9 June 2022) SC
HAYWARD	Liz	SC	Ex-officio (Churchwarden, Secretary) SC
SQUIRES	Colin	SC	Ex-officio(Churchwarden)SC
BURTON	Geoffrey (treasurer)	SC	Co-opted 2022	2023
CARTER	John	SC	2020	2023
ELLIOT	Claire	SC	Ex-officio-Deanery Synod
HORN	Roy		2022	2025
McCABE	Sue		2022	2025
MACCARTHY	Jean		Ex-officio-Deanery Synod
MACCARTHY	Stephen		Co-opted 2022	2023
NICHOLLS	Ginny		2020	2023
RHODES	Kate		2020	2023
STEWART	Doug		2020	2023
TIPLER	Di		Co-opted 2022	2023
TODD	Graham	SC	Ex-officio-Deanery Synod
WEST	Averil		2021	2024

• 28 -

The PCC held eight meetings during 2022 on the following dates:

• 9[th] January (an extra-ordinary PCC called by Bishop Ruth Bushyager of Horsham)

• 25[th] January

• 15[th] March

• 6[th] May (The PCC convened to be addressed by Bishop Martin Warner of Chichester and Archdeacon Angela Martin. This was followed by a Section 11 meeting.)

• 22[nd] May (a short meeting of the newly formed PCC following the APCM for the election of PCC officers.)

• 21[st] June

• 22[nd] September

• 24[th] November

Administrative Information

Church Address:

St John the Evangelist Church, Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AA

Administrative Address:

St John the Evangelist Church, Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AA Incumbent: Fr David Charles: 01444 244340 or [e-mail]

Charitable status of the parish

The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, number 1165166.

Name and address of Independent Examiner:

Helen Preece, Unit 1, Teknol House, Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9LH

• 29 -

The Parish of St John the Evangelist, Burgess Hill

Meeting of the Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens

and

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 22[nd] May 2022 11.27am in Church

Chaired by Graham Todd, Vice Chair of the PCC

MINUTES

1. Deacon Stephen MacCarthy opened the meeting with prayer.

2. Apologies had been received from Ginny Nicholls, Claire and Vince Elliot, Di and Alan Tipler and Jean Cant.

3. Election of Churchwardens. Nominations had been received for:

Colin Squires Proposed by Kate Cannon and seconded by Maggie Vine Liz Hayward Proposed by Amanda Green and seconded by Jean MacCarthy

All were in favour. Graham Todd thanked Colin Squires and Liz Hayward for all their hard work during the past year and this was met with a round of applause.

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting began at 11.30am.

1. Acceptance of the minutes of the APCM 23[rd] May 2021

Proposed: John Carter Seconded: Annie Ellis

All in favour.

1. There were no matters arising.

2. Acceptance of the Annual Report

Proposed: Gill Squires Seconded: Roy Horn

1. Adoption of the Accounts - Graham Todd commented that our giving had decreased but that a few people had left the Church. We do need to reconsider our giving. We paid a significant percentage of our Parish Share to the Diocese during 2021 and also had the unexpected costs of the West Window repairs. We are grateful to those who continue to give generously what they are able.

2. 30 -

The adoption of the accounts was proposed by Roy Horn and seconded by Charles Vigor and all were in favour.

Graham Todd and Roy Horn both thanked Geoff Burton (treasurer) in his absence for all the hard work in which goes into that role, particularly in the current difficult circumstances.

1. The roll stands at 156. This is 30 less than at the last APCM but an accurate revision was not possible during the pandemic. People have moved away, sadly 5 have died, and others who live outside the parish have not returned to our Church. Presentation given by Liz Hayward in Ginny Nicholls’ absence.)

2. Report on Goods and Ornaments: Colin Squires reported that the Log Book and Terrier were both available to look at and were up to date. He wanted to record the churchwardens’ thanks to Amelia Ganasalingham for updating and digitising the Terrier as part of her D of E Award. It is an excellent piece of work and very much more user friendly thank the previous paper versions.

3. Election of one Deanery Synod member - there was one nomination:

Jean MacCarthy Proposed: Alan Tipler Seconded: Averil West.

All in favour.

1. Three members of the PCC resigned during the year: Stuart Beckett, Linda Blaker and Theresa Corkill. Three members retired: Carol Butler, Luke Corkill and Roy Horn. Election of up to five PCC members. Only two nominations had been put forward and there were no more forthcoming.

Roy Horn Proposed: Liz Hayward Seconded: Colin Squires Sue McCabe Proposed: Liz Hayward Seconded: Felicity Fernee

1. Appointment of an Independent Examiner: Helen Preece is prepared to continue. Proposed: Jean McCarthy Seconded: Felicity Fernee

2. Any Other Business.

Sigrid Moiseiwitsch (on behalf of herself and Nick) said how concerned they were about the way that St John’s is moving away from being inclusive. Not being on the PCC, this was their first opportunity to raise this in a public forum. She noted that we are no longer on the register of Churches if one were to search on the “Inclusive Church” website for a Church in this area. They had written to Bishop Ruth and were urged to stay to experience Fr David’s ministry first-hand and were willing to do that.

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They had asked Bishop Ruth about women presiding at the altar on Sundays. The implication is they will not be allowed to.

Doug Stewart said that the meeting should be aware that he had tried to put the topic of inclusivity on the PCC agenda but had been told by Bishop Ruth this must wait until after Fr David had arrived.

Graham Todd said this would be on the agenda once Fr David had arrived.

Liz Hayward addressed the two points raised by Sigrid, firstly that Inclusive Church had removed us from the website while they came to a decision as to whether our Church could be a member of their group. This had not yet been decided, possibly because they too were waiting until Fr David arrived. With regard to the second point about women presiding at the altar. We only have what Bishop Ruth has said. Fr David made no mention of refusing to allow women to preside at Sunday Mass during his interview.

Felicity Fernee gave an impassioned defence of the inclusivity of our Church and said membership of Inclusive Church means nothing against the background of the type of caring and outreach we do at St John’s. We show Christ’s compassion to all - this is much more important. (This was received by applause.)

Liz Griffiths asked whether she would still be able to continue as an LMC and server or was Fr David against women in these roles. Liz Hayward assured her that Fr David had women in these roles in his current parish and welcomed them.

Graham Todd commented that at the original meetings to discuss the parish’s membership of “Inclusive Church” he felt people were only considering the congregation and community we welcomed in, rather than the priest.

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting ended at 11.58am.

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Cover photograph used with kind permission of Steve Hudson

www.hudsonaerialvues.com