Following the way of Jesus, serving the community
Book of Reports for the year 2021
Prepared for the Annual General Meeting Sunday 24[th] April 2022
incorporating The Trustees Annual Report (TAR) for 2021 and Accounts for the Year ending 31[st] December 2021
Growing Loving Sharing
Jasmine Way, Locking Castle, Weston-Super-Mare, BS24 7JW. Charity Number 1170425 office@lockingcastlechurch.org, Tel: 01934 519888, www.lockingcastlechurch.org
Contents Leader Page
| Minister’s Report on behalf of the Trustees | Tom Yacomeni …………......... |
3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ecumenical Church Council | …………………………………………. |
4 |
| Worship | Andy Pearce |
4 |
| Prayer Ministry | Carolyn Campbell …………….. |
4 |
| Pastoral Care | Emily Cumberbatch………….. |
5 |
| Oasis Café Church | Emily Cumberbatch………….. |
6 |
| Soaking Prayer | Katherine Hollis……………….. |
6 |
| Youth Ministry | Andy Pearce………………………. |
7 |
| Children’s and families work | Cathy Bond……………………….. |
7 |
| Finance and Accounts | Martin Purnell |
9-13 |
| Life Groups: | Jacqui Keir-Bucknall……………… | 14 |
| Emily………............................... | 14 | |
| Pete ……………..…………………….. | 14 | |
| Suzanne……..…….………………….. | 15 | |
| Kat………………………………………. | 15 | |
| Martin……………....................... | 15 | |
| Mark…………………………………….. | 15 | |
| Jutta……………………………………… | 15 | |
| Jill & Luke……………………………… | 16 | |
| Neville…………………………………… | 16 | |
| Men at Locking Castle (M@LC) | Andy Pearce............................... |
16 |
| Women at Locking Castle (W@LC) | Lyn Thomas…………………………… |
16 |
| Sunday Lunch | Sandra Blackwell…………………….. |
16 |
| Outreach ministries: | ||
| Alpha | Tom …………………………………………. |
17 |
| Haywood Village | Fiona Mayne……………………………… |
17 |
| West Wick | Andy Pearce……………………………….. |
17 |
| Summer Lane Chaplaincy | Emily Cumberbatch…………………….. |
18 |
| Reading in Care Homes | Suzanne Pearse…………………………… |
18 |
| FoodBank | Dave Manuel………………………………. |
18 |
| Toddlers | Jutta Stanley ……………………………… |
18 |
| CAP money(Christians Against Poverty) | Emily Cumberbatch ……………………… |
18 |
| TLG | Mims Yacomeni……………………………. |
19 |
| Church operations | ||
| Safeguarding | Suzanne Pearse ……………………………. |
19 |
| Mission Partners | Emily Cumberbatch ……................... |
20 |
| Flowers | Suzanne Pearse ……………………………. |
21 |
| Bookings | Teresa Britton ……………………………… |
21 |
| Administration | Katherine Hollis…………..………………… | 21 |
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Lead Minister’s report on 2021
Tom Yacomeni
Despite 2021 being such a challenging year due to the Covid pandemic, I am pleased to report that Locking Castle Church has grown and developed in lots of different ways. Our wonderful church family have really pulled together and made the most of the opportunities, innovating new ideas, trying things differently and continuing to grow a loving community by sharing Jesus with everyone .
2021 began with the 3[rd] national lockdown starting January 6[th] , which meant many church activities had to remain online until Easter. Our Covid secure plan and risk assessments were continually updated throughout the year as restrictions varied. Booking in was required for 9am services with places initially limited to 24, rising to 44 seats by the end of August. Easter day was the first in-person 10.30am service for over a year and it was a wonderful celebration of the resurrection as we were able to baptise 3 people by full immersion.
The team worked hard to develop hybrid live-streamed services, such that every 10.30am service has been live streamed every week since September 2021. A steady 25 or so people continue to watch live with several hundred further views afterwards during the week.
A highlight of the year was commissioning a team of 12 to go with Caroline Deakin to serve at St. Peter’s Milton with Mead Vale. Sending out planting and revitalisation teams is a core part of the calling of Locking Castle Church, and it was a time of mixed emotions as we said sad goodbyes to some wonderful long term members, whilst holding on to the faithful expectation of good things to come for Weston. Our other church plants at West Wick and Haywood Village continue to develop well under the leadership of Andy Pearce and Fiona Mayne, who was ordained in September. Haywood Village started the process of becoming a Conventional district (a precursor to a separate parish) and drew up exciting plans in faith for a wonderful café church building at the end of the Runway.
Lockdown did produce further innovations during the year. As well as LCC continuing to operate midweek as a Foodbank outpost whilst restrictions were in place, Emily developed CAP courses online in partnership with other churches, and also a wellbeing course which proved very helpful and can be rolled out as a teaching package in future. The youth group met for support and encouragement, starting new programmes such as Greenlight and youth Alpha on Sunday evenings. Katherine organises Zoom prayers every Wednesday on Zoom to keep us praying online. Andy and Cathy started providing weekly assembly videos for St. Anne’s Church Academy which were so popular that they are continuing to produce them every week. Cathy started a popular new Parent and Baby group called Blessed Beginnings, ran Parenting for Faith courses online and Kids club had some very special moments on zoom.
With such uncertainty over restrictions during the year it took a great amount of energy to overcome the inertia of restarting midweek activities. But we are getting there. Our active volunteer base gradually started to return towards the end of the year and we were delighted to welcome 8 new members in the first week of December, as well as baptising 2 people who had been on Alpha during lockdown.
There are so many activities and too many team members to thank everyone individually here for all their hard work over the year. Our Staff team, Ecumenical partner ministers Angie, Gary and Steve and the ECC are amazing, always staying positive and going the extra mile in faith. But I do also want to pay tribute to all those
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who do so much in the background, providing hospitality, safeguarding, praying and caring, organising our finances, leading life groups, running courses, serving our children and youth, cleaning and maintaining our facilities, arranging flowers and running our tech. Thank you to everyone for giving to the Lord’s work at Locking Castle too – even though 2021 was a challenging year financially, the Lord has always provided and we can be confident he will continue to do so.
I give thanks to God for such a wonderful church at Locking Castle. We continue to experience His love, grace and faithfulness daily, and we continue to pray that His Kingdom will come in 2022. With my love and prayers and on behalf of the Trustees,
Revd Tom Yacomeni - Lead Minister
Ecumenical Church Council (Trustees) following the 2021 AGM
Trustees
Andy Watts Revd Tom Yacomeni Revd Andy Pearce Emily Cumberbatch Steve Gurney Martin Purnell Cathy Bond Fiona Mayne Heather Colledge Jacob Skyrme Neville Brownlee Adele Lloyd Salv Lomanto
Chair and Church Officer Lead Minister (Ex officio) Associate Minister (Ex officio) Pastoral Asst. & Ecumenical Rep Church member Treasurer Children and Families Pastor Community Pastor Safeguarding Lead Church Member and Worship Team Church Member Church Member and AV Team Church Member and Worship Team
Co-opted Members
Katherine Hollis
Secretary
Worship Report by Andy Pearce
We have been truly blessed by the worship at the church this year. We started off the year with some great worship recorded for us to use on our online services by some of our young musicians. The youth band are developing into a fantastic addition to the worship team. We are looking forward to developing our worship and growing the team. Thank you to all involved.
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Report by Carolyn Campbell
Prayer Ministry
Prayer Ministry was suspended due to Covid. We are only starting to get back to normal now. Leaders were praying for people as and when the need arose. Going forward we are looking at all those who want to be involved in praying for people wear a badge so they can be approached after the service for prayer.
Pastoral Care
Report by Emily Cumberbatch
My role is to ensure that Pastoral care is offered to those in need, where their Life Groups are unable to fully support them.
Pastoral Care ranges widely. Counselling, completely confidential, either in a room at church, at the person’s home, or by phone or zoom, usually takes place weekly over several weeks or months, but can also be a single 1-to-1 chat or time of prayer ministry.
During 2021 I started meeting with several people who have been through the most deeply traumatic experience. One person just needed to share their story, and to be heard by another person, that was sufficient for them. Another has shared their story and is still working on processing it to find that freedom to live based on who they are at their core, rather than based on the person they became as a result of their experiences.
One person struggled with patterns of thoughts but found stability over several months of weekly phone meetings.
Forgiveness is a frequent theme that can be hard to face on your own, but when prayerfully explored it can take a huge spiritual and emotional weight off!
My work also includes a missional aspect reaching those outside of our church family, for example we have served people sent to us through Social Prescribing, and through ROC (Redeeming our Communities). Usually this might involve befriending, counselling or helping with shopping and prescriptions when someone comes out of hospital without a care package in place, just as we help our own church family in this way. ROC continue to hold regular meetings to share information and ideas.
As I look back, 2021 also seems to have been a year of 80[th] birthdays, delivering homecooked meals, writing many references, and house hunting - may God’s will be done in all those homes and posts applied for – and multi-disciplinary meetings either educational or for health care.
House blessings or cleansing prayers, hospital visits, home Communion, memorial prayer vigils, practical jobs of all sorts, indoors or out, all come under my remit, I do my best to find the best way forward for each individual, mindful of trying to be Jesus’ hands and feet, and doing it His way and in His strength. I’m very grateful for the many many generous people who have agreed to join in when more pairs of hands are needed, and also to all those who serve others pastorally.
During covid restrictions doorstep meetings were a common way to safely meet with an individual, or else a slow meander at the park or beach while we chat.
As a church we opened a Foodbank Outpost – a twice weekly chance for people to collect food without having to travel into town. This ran until the end of March.
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The WellBeing course started in January, running for 10 weeks, covering the WellBeing’s Simple 7 Keys to regaining and maintaining a good level of Wellbeing in body mind and spirit. We ran one course on zoom, and later in the year an in-person course.
On March 4[th] Churches Together in Somerset said a sad farewell to the County Ecumenical officer Alan Dixon, at the AGM & Forum. He has been a great support. Please pray for the new CEO, Revd Canon Jonathan Lloyd.
My remit includes Haywood Village church, for pastoral care and support, and I love to join Tea & Toast whenever possible, especially Fiona’s ordination special in September!
With the formation of Fiona’s new Conventional District, I hope this support can continue.
My chief days for in person visits are Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mondays being Counselling placements and Wednesdays being College days. As always I hope to be flexible where necessary to ensure that pastoral care is available to all who need it.
Oasis
Report by Emily Cumberbatch
Oasis has survived the pandemic surprisingly well! We didn’t miss a beat – moving to zoom when necessary, and back in person by Spring with an option to attend by Zoom for those who were still too vulnerable. Once most of the flock were back in person and zoom attendance dropped to ones or twos, we were able to stop zoom and focus on carefully keeping our in-person congregation safe.
The format for an Oasis service is set up as informal café church, with bistro tables for our cuppas and choccy biscuits etc. We have a 5 minute talk on a bible passage, and half a dozen traditional hymns. It’s very gentle, with some friendly chat and our Saviour Jesus at the centre! Everyone is welcome, there’s usually 20 to 30 each week, it’s dementia friendly, and it’s a great chance to get to know people as we recognise the importance of fellowship and leave some space for this.
We especially emphasise the special days, Harvest, Remembrance etc. At Christmas we were so blessed by a couple of members bringing in delightful gifts to share among the whole congregation!
A huge shout out for the Oasis team; Peter R, Sandra B, Carolyn C, Sue Watts, Nadine, Kathryn S, Tom, Tarisa S, Linda P, Sue W, and all those who volunteer to help and those who kindly give lifts to others so that they can attend. You make an amazing contribution, bless you all.
Soaking Prayer
Report by Katherine Hollis
This was suspended due to covid and will return in 2022.
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Youth Ministry
Report by Andy Pearce
We started the year where we had left vital support groups, a lifeline to those suffering from mental health. As the year progressed and restrictions were lifted, we started moving the support group to a regular youth group with a new youth team. We reintroduced with wide games, making use of the excellent weather. The main aim was to build community again and enjoy being together. We then started to look at how we could reconnect them spiritually as their faith had taken a big hit through the Pandemic. We began to formulate a plan by learning through the Parenting for Faith Course, which equipped parents with the tools they need to help their young people grow in their faith.
In September, we launched a new vision that provided a new space called ‘Green Light’ on Sunday evenings where we worship, study, and discuss the bible. We also planned for an intergenerational service called ‘Uprising.’ We encouraged the young people to stay in and serve in the main morning service, to worship alongside their parents instead of taking them out. Research suggests that young people are more likely to stick with their faith in an intergenerational environment than being separated. This has helped the youth be more actively involved in many aspects of the church; they lead worship, volunteer at Kids Club, Kids Church, and give hospitality on Sundays.
We are so fortunate to have kept our youth over the lockdown period when many other churches experience the opposite. It was tough, but we made it through by the commitment of a great youth team. I want to thank Cathy Bond, Jacob Skyrme, Dan and Beth Dinsmore, Chris Kavanagh and others who made it possible to make Thursdays and Sundays possible.
I am looking forward to seeing how young people develop in their faith and service in the future.
Children’s and Families Work Report by Cathy Bond
Our children and families work started another year on zoom!!!! With Kids Club, Parenting for Faith still supporting everyone and lots of positive faith experiences happening, along with Mountain Rangers 1:1.
Managing to stay connected with our families to support and encourage them. This happened through conversations, walks, encouragements, and different resources I was able to find along with videos of activities they could try. Our YouTube channel continued to help build new and strengthen old relationships. It continues to grow in followers and content as we upload our weekly videos to the channel so families, schools and Kids Club can easily access them. St. Anne’s school welcomed us back in on Wednesdays to spend time with pupils and staff during lunchtime in the playgrounds and deliver assemblies.
‘Parenting for Faith’ courses, continued online and have been so fruitful for all in many ways. This year PfF courses ended with a teens course live on zoom with over 100 other churches led by Rachel Turner which we joined we joined with parents/carers and our youth team. We will continue to run and resource the course for everyone as this is a great ethos and we would like to see it being taught as a regular part of discipleship in the church.
During the Easter holidays the community and church family enjoyed a trail around the estate, starting at the church, incorporating fun at the vicarage, and ending back at church for Easter treats. This was a fun way to celebrate Easter during the continued restrictions of the pandemic.
Mountain Rangers completed a few ‘sunrise walks’ over Easter weekend and during the summer, please pray for more opportunities for families to join in.
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‘Zoom Kids Club’ became ‘Kids Club’ face to face again in June, I think I was more excited than the kids at being back together in our lovely large church room. The children continue to grow in faith and size of group, with amazing ability in Chat and catch prayer with God. Katherine hosts a parent’s room every week supporting the parents in faith and life journeys.
Blessed Beginnings began as a support group for expectant and new parents/carers providing a safe place and facilities to weigh, change and swap clothes, and support from the team and each other. This group grew very quickly through word of mouth and need in the community. We have used the Parenting for Faith Babies and toddlers’ resource, completed paediatric first aid, and look forward to our first Baby massage course in the new year.
The autumn term began with a church family breakfast in between the Sunday morning services. We had another in the winter term, they were a great way to reconnect as restrictions started to lift.
The Neon light party on 31[st] October was full of fun, games and light using the whole church for both age groups during the night finding clues to get the answer, ‘Jesus’.
The start of advent Katherine Hollis prayerfully planned a family advent evening during a Kids club session where families enjoyed special prayer stations and our new prayer tree.
Dance worship WSM started its first workshop with Rev Caroline Deakin leading and choreographing along with the dancers, many of which are from LCC. We look forward to Gods plans for this lovely intergenerational group.
The year ended with two Christingle services due to restrictions, families enjoyed Christingle making stations in the hall guided safely into Church for a little service with worship led by the youth band and a nativity dance from Dance Worship WSM.
I would like to thank Andy Pearce, Adele Lloyd, Katherine Hollis, and June Ford for always being by my side and all their hard work through this year along with all the amazing leaders and helpers who work so hard delivering the Jesus story and my crazy ideas to all the children and families.
‘Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.’
Deut 6:7-8 MSG
If you have a heart for children and young people please come contact me for an informal chat in church, at mine or on a walk? This is a real privilege discipling children and families in support and prayer on their journeys.
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Report by Martin Purnell
Finance
LOCKING CASTLE CHURCH
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1 JAN 2021 – 31 DEC 2021
| INCOME | 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giving | 74,815 | 73,088 | |||
| Gift aid | 13,175 | 15,019 | |||
| Grants | 23,300 | 16,772 | |||
| Special collections | 1,860 | 2,226 | |||
| Lettings | 11,003 | 8,010 | |||
| Events | 1,850 | 1,916 | |||
| Parochial fees income | 2,419 | 2,117 | |||
| Children and youth | 532 | 593 | |||
| Skate Club | - | 886 | |||
| TLC | 1,397 | 776 | |||
| Haywood Village Church | 11,691 | 2,941 | |||
| Church @ St Annes | 2,119 | 3,744 | |||
| Bank interest | 20 | 190 | |||
| Boiler fund | 50 | 19,050 | |||
| Coronavirus hardship fund | - | 2,346 | |||
| Other | 1,182 | 3,588 | |||
| 145,413 | 153,262 | ||||
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| EXPENDITURE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community and mission giving | 7,200 | 8,004 | |||
| Events | 1,032 | 652 | |||
| TLC | 528 | 101 | |||
| Haywood Village Church | 7,902 | 2,562 | |||
| Church @ St Annes | 491 | 1,658 | |||
| Other mission and evangelism costs | 1,114 | 853 | |||
| Children and youth | 2,793 | 1,277 | |||
| Skate Club | 500 | 2,437 | |||
| Coronavirus hardship fund | 70 | 1,189 | |||
| Equipment | 1,689 | 2,455 | |||
| Other church running expenses | 1,385 | 3,754 | |||
| Worship | 1,830 | 2,006 | |||
| Staff salaries, expenses, training etc | 61,126 | 59,895 | |||
| Denominational contributions | 39,426 | 42,848 | |||
| General church maintenance | 2,936 | 2,100 | |||
| Utilities | 4,837 | 6,704 | |||
| Insurance | 693 | 788 | |||
| Office and sundry expenses | 2,475 | 2,275 | |||
| Parochial fees to Diocese | 1,297 | 1,666 | |||
| Clergy expenses | 1,155 | 1,119 | |||
| New boiler | - | 20,971 | |||
| Other | 585 | 439 | |||
| 141,064 | 165,753 |
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INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | 145,413 | 153,262 | |||
| Expenditure | 141,064 | 165,753 | |||
| Surplus/(deficit) | 4,349 | (12,491) |
BALANCE SHEET 31 DEC 2021 31 DEC 2020
| ASSETS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank and cash | 41,103 | 36,754 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES | - | - | |||||||
| Net assets | 41,103 | 36,754 | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 23,678 | 24,146 | |||||||
| Restricted funds | |||||||||
| Development fund | 546 | 546 | |||||||
| Mentoring/TLG | - | 30 | |||||||
| Coronavirus hardship fund | 1,087 | 1,157 | |||||||
| Church @ St Annes | 4,090 | 2,462 | |||||||
| Haywood Village Church | 6,014 | 937 | |||||||
| HV Youth Worker | 5,152 | 6,440 | |||||||
| Skate Club | 536 | 17,425 | 1,036 | 12,608 | |||||
| 41,103 | 36,754 |
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MOVEMENT OF FUNDS
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Development fund |
Development fund |
Mentoring/ TLG |
Mentoring/ TLG |
Haywood Village Church |
HV Church Youth Worker |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance b/f | 24,146 | 546 | 30 | 937 | 6,440 | |||
| Income | 131,603 | 0 | 0 | 11,691 | 0 | |||
| Transfers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,288 | (1,288) | |||
| Expenditure | (132,071) | 0 | (30) | (7,902) | 0 | |||
| Balance c/f | 23,678 | 546 | 0 | 6,014 | 5,152 | |||
| Church @ St Annes |
Skate Club |
Coronavirus Hardship Fund |
TOTAL | |||||
| Balance b/f | 2,462 | 1,036 | 1,157 | 36,754 | ||||
| Income | 2,119 | 0 | 0 | 145,413 | ||||
| Transfers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Expenditure | (491) | (500) | (70) | (141,064) | ||||
| Balance c/f | 4,090 | 536 | 1,087 | 41,103 |
CASHFLOW
| 2021 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash balances at start of year | 36,754 | 49,245 | |
| Surplus/(deficit) for the year | 4,349 | (12,491) | |
| Cash balances at end of year | 41,103 | 36,754 |
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TreaSur. n. MaiinN FkW4UL z i/>12Z INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of LockK¥J Castle Church (R•giternd Chtr ND. 1170425) ILY year eThded 31 December 2021. A$ tts tharitY8 trustees, you are responsible for the preParart of the accwnts kn accordarKe wth Ihe requwements Charths Act 2011 nhe A(2"). I report in resped of my examinatKm of the T3 accowts carri8d o under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying oth my examinatM)n. I have folloed all the apF4icable Ditedions given by the Charity Commission under secuon 1445)(b) of the A I hawé c(xnpleted my examinatim. I C that rm) material matters have c(Th to my 8ttention in Cld10n examinatM)n gives me cause lo believe that in, any material resped.. of the ChartS Act: or the accounts did not acctyd the accounting r•cords: or the accoltS dKI not compty wrth the ap"cable rnqulremerrts concemirwJ the form and ntent of accounts set out in the Ch¥ities (Accounts aTrJ Reports) Regulatlms 2(M18 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view 1$ not a matt considered as part of an IrKJepen¢Jent examinati. I have no ¢oncemg and have come across rbo her matter8 in connedion with the examination to whith atterth'on shcyjld iy dr•n in this report in order lo enable a woper urKlerstanth'ThJ of the accounts to be reactod. Relevant professional qualifi¢atiM or body: .... . Address: .... Dat•:..........Z..*.b.. 3. Page 13
Life Groups
Report by Jacqui Keir-Bucknell
LCC Life Groups - providing a space where each member is truly known, deeply loved and radically challenged to follow the way of Jesus in serving others.
Lead : Jacqui Keir-Bucknall
Despite the Covid19 challenges, life groups continued to find ways of meeting and supporting one another. Some moved online for a period of time, others met outside in gardens or in the church building, until social distancing measures enabled gatherings to resume in their usual venues.
Through their meetings and other contact, life group members were able to support one another’s wellbeing and spiritual growth. Issues could be discussed in confidence, experiences shared and concerns lifted in prayer.
In the Autumn, LCC carried out a comprehensive survey amongst the congregation, gathering experiences, thoughts and ideas about Life Groups. This information was analysed and shared with life group leaders so that it could be used to inform future developments.
By the end of the year there were 13 life groups, providing pastoral support for approximately 110 members at LCC, with non-contact oversight for another 40 people. This was in addition to the regular gatherings at Oasis, Haywood Village Rooted and West Wick.
A meeting for life group leaders continued to be held each half term, which provided opportunities to ensure newcomers to church were identified and invited to join a life group, support was provided for leaders and any church priorities could be disseminated. It was also an opportunity for leaders to pray for one another and the important Life Group ministry of LCC.
Monday Morning Life Group
Emily
We started off 2021 studying the life of Esther, then moved on to Evangelism. As a group we have kept going continuously, either on zoom, but mostly in person, either at Irene’s house, - Thank You Irene for your kind hospitality – or at church.
Elizabeth Wells is our chief organiser and very efficient, keeping a wonderful record of our prayer requests and answers to prayer. At Christmas we enjoyed a Life Group meal on 13[th] December and it was wonderful to invite back Su Lincoln, our previous leader to join us for that occasion.
Elizabeth Wells has kindly taken over now that I am unable to be there on Mondays. I wish her and all the group every blessing and I will hold them all in my prayers in gratitude for all their amazing support.
Monday Morning
Pete
Our LG has met throughout 21/22 on Monday mornings at the church, from 10.30 to midday.
We consist of a tight group of 6 people. Brian, Peter R, myself, Graham Thomas, Phil Hawkins, and Mark Bowden (Clarence Park Baptist-close friend of Graham). The group is attending Emily’s wellness course, at the request of our disabled, and learning needs members Our able-bodied members pastorally care for our disabled folk, who struggle on occasions. Our group may expand, but would realistically cater for retirees or those who do not have a work commitment.as we when most are working.
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Honeysuckle Life Group
Suzanne
Honeysuckle Place life group has met on both zoom and in person at church in the last year. There have been some changes in attendees but I feel strongly that we are supportive of each other and it is a “safe” place for us to share our life experiences and spiritual journey.
Our WhatsApp group is often used for prayer requests. We meet at church on a Wednesday at 7.30pm. If you would like to join us then please do come along and try us out. For the most part, we follow the church sermon series.
Tuesday Life Group
Kat
Our life group started 2021 mainly on zoom catching up with each other whilst in lockdown. It was great to be able to support each other through that tricky time.
In summer we managed to meet together for a meal in Kat and Andy's garden - the first time we all met together for a long time.
In the autumn on a Thursday night we alternated between zoom and meeting in person and enjoyed discussing the weekly bible notes.
In 2022 we are looking to increase our numbers so if you are looking for a life group to join have a chat with Kat or Andy.
Tuesday Life Group
Martin
Our life group relaunched in September, meeting earlier in the evening and at different people’s houses each week.
This has worked well and we have eight regular members. We have done a study of the ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus and a DVD course on Samson. We are currently enjoying the church’s Lent course. Prayer, laughter and food are also important to us as we seek to encourage each other in our walk with Jesus.
Tuesday Life Group
Mark
Initially the group continued to meet via Zoom. To catch up, continue with the sermon series, prayer and followed the Peter Greig 'How to prayer' series
.
As the year progressed the attendance started to twindle and surprising continued to fluctuate even when we started meeting in person in the church itself.
By September only on average, 4 of us attended and lost 2 members. This has been due to individuals own personal issues, and necessarily a reflection on the group itself.
In October the group increased to 12 members. It is working so well, now that we have a broader range of experience in our faith journeys. A lot of experience and feelings are shared which brings a lot to the group.
Attendance stills flutters, but not to the same degree prior to October.
Wednesday morning Life Group
Jutta
This group restarted last year after the pandemic with a new intake of parents, some of whom have been associated with TLC, some through church and church contacts.
We meet on a regular basis, children are part of our group which makes the group rather lively. Initially looking at the Parenting for Faith Course, this has developed to be a support group for parents and their Christian walk. Rachel has stepped up to do the majority of leading with others helping at times.
All parents/carers of younger children welcome, with or without children.
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Wednesday Room 1 Life Group
Wednesday Room 1 Life Group Jill & Luke Lyons This group meets weekly at 730pm and started in the autumn as a follow up from Alpha. We laugh a lot and enjoy lively discussion and support each other in prayer there are currently 7 members.
Thursday Life Group
Neville
We are a Thursday lunchtime (1.00 pm to 2.30 pm) group of 7 who meet at Adele Lloyd’s house with great hospitality. We follow, but are not restricted to, the Church weekly questions. Our activities keep in mind, as individuals and as a group, the church’s value filters of spiritual growth, safety and wellbeing, community cohesion and care for the environment. Anyone who feels able to lead a session is encouraged to do so.
The group is relaxed and any questions can be asked, no matter how difficult the answer, and everyone is encouraged to express their personal views. We always make room for anyone wishing to joins us for learning, caring and fun.
Church Groups
Men’s Breakfast
Report by Pete Burden
We meet early at the Landing Light where we are provided with a fantastic cooked breakfast. We enjoy the fellowship that this brings and also some teaching from our guest speaker each month. We regularly have a full house. We are looking forward to another year of great food and talks. Thank you to Sarah and the staff at the Landing Light
Women’s Breakfast
Report by Lyn Thomas
We started back up in November meeting at Banwell Garden Centre for a wonderful time of good food and great company. The meeting is very popular and always full. We are looking forward to another full year of fellowship.
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Sunday Lunch
Report by Sandra Blackwell
Sundays can be difficult when you live on your own. Families enjoy the day together and you feel at a bit of a loose end. I feel this and I know many other people do too. So, on the first Sunday of every month, anybody who is on their own, from church and the community, is invited to join us for Sunday Lunch together. It breaks up the day. We enjoy each other’s company and, of course, we enjoy good food. We have frequented various hostelries and, this month, April, we met up at The Pavilion Beefeater where we all agreed that the food was excellent. We appreciate that transport can be an issue so, those of us with cars, give lifts to those who haven’t. Please contact me on 07719 210623 if this is something you would like to do.
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Outreach Ministries
Alpha
Report by Tom Yacomeni
Alpha continues to be such a blessing to all who attend courses. We ran 3 courses during 2021 on Sunday afternoons with Holy Spirit days on Saturdays. Numbers varied from 2 to 10 people attending each session, but we continue to see lives transformed as people discover who Jesus is in a safe place where any question is valid and respected. Alpha was more difficult with lockdown but smaller numbers actually allowed greater depth of conversation and connection. Thank you to everyone who made cakes, scones and helped make each course delicious!
Haywood Village
Report by Fiona Mayne .
In 2021 the Wednesday night Rooted Church group continued to meet over a meal for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. They continued to disciple new believers which resulted in three people getting baptized on Easter Sunday 2021. They also did two wedding blessings and two baby blessing services in people’s gardens over the summer as well as a child baptism service at Tea and Toast Church. Tea and Toast Church met on the fourth Sunday of the month in 2021 and Take 5 pop up café relaunched on Monday afternoons in a new simplified format which has been a great success. Detached youth work on Tuesday evenings and youth group in the school hall on Friday evenings has gone well and this has resulted in youth coming to Tea and Toast Church. Fund raising has been happening for a permanent church/café space on the Persimmon sales office site throughout the year and is ongoing. We had an Easter experience and 100 people came and followed a trail and we gave away eggs and people had selfies with the Easter bunny and we gave away 200 hot chocolates at Halloween in the park. We had a Christmas experience outdoor event and it had activities and stalls and we sang carols and gave out mince pies and mulled wine
West Wick
Report by Andy Pearce
We have had to carry on meeting via Zoom over most of the year because we could not use the school Hall due to Covid restrictions. So, we connected with the community of West Wick in other creative ways.
Easter, we hid painted rocks for people to find with the message of Easter on them and encouraged the school children to do the same. We also hid messages of Hope over the summer, with a scripture and keyring gift for people to find around the community, using videos on Facebook to give them clues.
In September, we were allowed to use the hall again, so we started to meet face to face again, bringing our own food instead of a bring a share.
Cathy and Andy have continued providing videos for the school worship every week as the school as all years have been allowed to come back in Year Bubbles. These videos have greatly blessed the children and teachers receiving positive feedback from them.
A big thank you to the church for supporting one another through this time; I love seeing the care and concern for each other. Also, a big thank you to the school for allowing us to use the sports field to gather for worship in the summer and enabling us to use the hall from September.
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Summer Lane Care Home Chaplaincy Team
Report by Emily Cumberbatch
Our Summer Lane Chaplaincy has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic, with very limited access into the home and no regular ministry allowed there during 2021. Some other Homes are more accessible for visits, such as Lakeside, Diamond Court, Butterfly House and Beaufort Hall. We did however gather a very tuneful bunch to sing Carols with candles on 21[st] Dec around each of the 3 main homes, staying outside and singing through the open doors and windows! I very much hope that during 2022 we can make a full return to Chaplaincy at Summer Lane.
Reading in Care Homes
Report by Suzanne Pearce
Having finally been allowed into Beaufort Hall Care Home I am hoping I can resume visiting Betty and Keith and re start my reading with them and possibly others in the care home.
Foodbank
Report by Dave Manuel.
The Foodbanks are increasingly busy especially with the current economic situation with many increased costs of living yet we are receiving a lot more donations, especially at supermarkets so the Lord is obviously working with us in this situation. LCC we are still maintaining an average of delivering essential food to one family a week, which has been maintained for a number of years now, Our aim at LCC is to provide essential food and make contact with those in need, usually by delivering the food to them shows that others do care for them and are willing to help them. They are always so much appreciative of this and often struggle to come to terms with the fact that it’s free and there are people out there who are giving their time and effort to help them and that it is provided free of charge to their front door, we are therefore shining a light to the local community that LCC is there for them.
– TLC Toddlers Locking Castle
Report by Jutta Stanley
TLC kept going during the pandemic and was one of the first groups to reopen again, initially with small groups of up to 15 parents per session – over 4 sessions over 2 weeks. We then moved to up to 30 parents per group meeting every week to reopening fully with a bang and up to 65 children present at any time. As we also offer a baby group with Blessed Beginnings, TLC has become more of a toddler group, but we have a few babies arriving now.
Sadly, we had to say good-bye to a couple of team members, Mims Yacomeni and Debbie van der Watt, who have moved on to new responsibilities. We very much valued their leadership over the many years. But God is faithful and we have had new team members start since then but are always happy to welcome additional help! It is a fun, lively group. Each week we have a Christian focus through singing, craft and praying with special days such as celebrating Christmas and Easter.
- CAP Money Christians Against Poverty
Report by Emily Cumberbatch
Having previously run CAP Money courses for over 10 years, many of those times with Caroline Williams, it has been a great joy to connect with Liz and Sarah-Jane from Worle Baptists, to partner in delivering this course with Caroline Williams (now at Church@ St Annes West Wick). The church unity this presents is really important, and of course it is an opportunity to meet peoples’ financial needs as well as witness for Jesus and pray for those on the course. As a partnership we ran several online courses in 2021 and enjoyed a well earned CAP Coaches pudding evening in my garden to review and plan together. We made a great team and will continue to partner in 2022.
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– TLG Transforming Lives for Good
Report by Mims Yacomeni
Coaching children through the TLG (Transforming Lives for Good) programme during a pandemic was a challenge! Some of the coaches had a natural break and were without a child, and other coaches kept in touch with families with messages of support.
From May 2021 it was great to be able to coach in person, back at Haywood Village Academy. We have had 5 active coaches this year. Gwyn Air, Paul Gill and I have continued to coach and we welcomed Karen Thompson and Roger Paul to the team. It is a great honour to work so closely with a child, be their encourager and cheer leader, and journey alongside their family. The coaches have done a great job at finding out the child's strengths and weaknesses (using a strength and difficulties questionnaire) and planning sessions to develop their skills and working on building confidence in areas they may struggle. All coaches receive training and we meet up termly to support one another and pray together.
There are plenty of children that need a coach, so if you're interested in joining the TLG crew, have at least an hour a week during school hours, do come and speak to me. Thank you.
Church Operations
Safeguarding and Safe Recruiting
Report by Suzanne Pearse, Safeguarding Officer
So the last year has still not been quite “normal” but more of our new normal! Safeguarding is a constant whether we are meeting in person, on zoom, teams or if we are making recordings for Youtube! It supports all aspects of church life including the ECC, Sunday worship, TLC, youth and families, Oasis, music groups, life groups and prayer ministry etc.
The church council has again voted to adopt the safeguarding guidelines and arrangements of the Church of England through the Diocese of Bath & Wells. LCC’s policy statement can be found on our website with a link to the Diocese of Bath and Wells’ safeguarding webpage. This covers the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults within our church, online and the groups that we run. As a church the ECC has also adopted a policy against domestic violence and you will find this policy statement on the church website. If you have any concerns regarding domestic violence then Tom, Emily, Andy Watts and I have all undertaken training.
Not all positions need a DBS check so have a word with me about any volunteer role that interests you. You can “observe” a session to see if a particular role suits you and I can then talk to you about how to progress to the safer recruitment and DBS process. Please remember you cannot be included on a rota until you are cleared.
Lots of you are now due to renew your safeguarding training so please keep an eye out for an email from me. Safeguarding training is mandatory if you are in a church role that require a DBS check.
I have regular calls, emails and meetings with Cathy who keeps me up to date with the children, families and youth work. Tom, Heather and I meet monthly on zoom and I also still prepare monthly reports for the ECC and the open church meetings. I’m grateful to Heather Colledge for being the safeguarding lead on the council.
Photographs in Church
Please remember to always seek consent of a leader before taking or publicising photographs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that include photographs of children and/or young or vulnerable adults.
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Driving
If you are a designated driver, please remember to let me know when you have renewed your insurance, tax and MOT and if you have changed your car. Finally, please remember that we must all take responsibility for safeguarding within our Church. The Diocese are extremely supportive of the work we do at LCC. If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact me immediately.
Mission Partners Report by Martin Purnell and Emily Cumberbatch
Each month, on the fourth Sunday, we focus on one of our 6 Mission Partners. We hear about the work they are doing and learn what specifically to pray for. Normally the offering collected during that service is given to their work, during lockdown and church closure the church council agreed £300 would be donated twice a year. At the start of each year the church council select the charities for the year. This way we cover a diverse yet relevant range of missional activity. On occasion a representative from the charity comes to speak and tell us first-hand about their cause.
Community and mission giving January to December 2021
Mission partners 2021 Total
| Hope for Justice | 1019.39 | Fighting Human Trafficking and helping victims and survivors | Fighting Human Trafficking and helping victims and survivors |
|---|---|---|---|
| of modern slavery around the world | |||
| CMS (Jimmy Rocks) | 1019.39 | Church Mission Society, Jimmy Rocks and family | |
| ‘Sharing Jesus, Changing Lives’ | |||
| Kreativity, Ukraine | 1105.00 | Passionate about Mission, developing business projects to | |
| fund ministry. | |||
| A Rocha | 1019.38 | Equipping Christians and churches to care for the | |
| environment, working to protect & restore the natural world. | |||
| Open Doors | 1042.53 | Serving persecuted Christians in the world’s most dangerous | |
| countries | |||
| Kenya Hope Charity | 1019.39 | Responding to God’s call to care for the poor in Kenyan | |
| villages | |||
| Other giving: | |||
| Life Bookshop | 500.00 | Weston’s best bookshop |
|
| supplying Christian books and gifts | |||
| St Peter’s | 32.40 |
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Transforming Lives for Good
442.53
TLG
Total giving in 2021: £7200.00
In addition, we packed off 35 shoeboxes for Samaritans Purse, with some online shoeboxes and also over £100 in donations to enable the boxes to be sent.
Our 2022 Mission Focus Partners are:
CMS – Jimmy Rocks, Brazil Kenya Hope – supporting work in Yala, Kenya Kreativity - The Bute Family, Ukraine Open Doors, Serving the persecuted church
A Rocha – Eco church
TLG – Early years coaching intervention
Thank you for your generosity, and we pray that all our mission partners will be blessed.
Flowers
Report by Suzanne Pearse
My thanks yet again to our fabulous flower team namely Lyz Wells, Susan Brooks, Rose Gray and Sandria Elvey. The ladies and I continue to brighten up each Sunday morning with flowers for all to enjoy. If you would like to join the team, please let me know.
Bookings
Report by Teresa Britton
2021 has certainly been a challenging year as we all know but we have started to return to normal as the year ends.
Thank you to our loyal returning hirers and welcome to some new ones too. Here’s to 2022 being a much brighter year!
Church Administration
Report by Katherine Hollis
2021 saw the building slowly opening up. It is lovely to see it being used again. Many of our paper forms are being transferred to online which is great for organisation and the environment.
Life is always busy in the office with regular tasks and requests for Banns and Baptisms are starting in increase which is wonderful, breathing life and normality to the church and the promise of new beginnings.
- Psalm 33: 20-22. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him ours hearts rejoice for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
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