Welcome to St. Mary’s APCM
We have gathered together to celebrate the last year of the church and to for the God has for the future. prepare exciting things
Contents
Agenda........................................................................ 2 The Reports.................................................................. 3 General Annual Report for 2022...................................... 3 Churchwardens Report................................................ 10 Goods, Fabric and Ornaments........................................10 Safeguarding.............................................................11 Junior Church........................................................... 11 BRF report............................................................... 12 Readers and Intercessors Rota.......................................13 Hymn Selection Team..................................................14 Ringers Report.......................................................... 14 Treasurer's Report......................................................15 Accounts.................................................................... 16
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Agenda
1)Opening Prayer
2)Apologies for absence
3)Results of Vestry Meeting
4)Proposals
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a)All elected positions are for the term of office and do not need re-electing every year.
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b)Church wardens are only able to serve for 6 consecutive years.
c)All Reader Ex-Officio
- 5)Minutes of the previous APCM
6)The Reports
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7)Address from Revd Tom
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8)Elections & Appointments
a)Election of representatives to Deanery Synod b)Elections of PCC members
c)Appointment of independent examiner
9)Any other Business (must be submitted in advanced)
10) Closing Prayers
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The Reports
General Annual Report for 2022
St Mary’s Walsgrave Hall Lane Coventry CV2 2AW
Diocese of Coventry
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Mary’s presents its annual report and accounts in respect of the year 2022.
The PCC is a registered charity with the Charity Commissioners with the number 1174550.
Background
St Mary’s PCC has the responsibility along with the current incumbent, the Revd Tom Cook from his appointment in October, for promoting the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It has responsibility for pursuing vision, overseeing staffing, managing finance, stewarding resources & agreeing policy.
Membership
Members of PCC are elected by the APCM in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year the following served as members of PCC.
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| Priest-in-charge | Revd Tom Cook | Chair (from Nov 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | Tony Thistlewood | ex-officio |
| Wardens | Barbara Hancox | Secretary |
| John Aspden | ||
| Deanery Reps | Lorraine Baker | |
| Gary Croshaw | Lay Chair of PCC | |
| Nicola Harwood | Until APCM 2022 | |
| Elected Lay Members |
Stephen Baker | |
| Valerie Ekin | Until APCM 2022 | |
| Jean Hudson | ||
| Jean Hudson | ||
| Dawn Keeling | Until APCM 2022 | |
| Norris Poon | Until APCM 2022 | |
| Matthew White | ||
| Treasurer | Mervyn Hancox |
Committees
The PCC operates through a number of committees or groups which meet between full meetings of the PCC.
The following committees operated during the year: Standing Committee, Pastoral Group and Hymn Choosing Group.
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Church Attendance
The electoral roll was revised during May and June 2022. Numbers reported to the APCM in June were 118, of whom 43 are not resident within the Parish boundaries.
The adult attendance the was 49 and average Sunday during year for under 18’s was 7. Adult attendance on Wednesdays was 13.
Review of the year
The majority of the year was spent in interregnum until the appointment of the Revd Tom Cook as Priest in Charge in October.
Whilst the Diocese initially planned to let the vicarage out for at least six this did not and it remained under our months, happen care. Mervyn carried out a weekly inspection to satisfy the insurance company requirements and also met Diocesan officers, contractors, service engineers and grounds maintenance people.
In January, PCC held a Visioning Meeting led by Archdeacon Barry Dugmore to explore the process of appointing a new incumbent. It was explained that the Diocese wished to suspend the living at St Mary’s thus removing the Patrons right to appointing directly, meaning that the post would be for a Priest in Charge. PCC were also advised of the need to produce a Parish Profile giving details of the parish and setting out what it would like in a new incumbent and to choose 2 Parish of whom should be a Representatives (one churchwarden) who would be on the interview panel.
PCC then met to choose the Representatives and members to make the Profile Thistlewood and Barbara Hancox up writing group. Tony were chosen as Representatives and Mervyn Hancox and Stephen and Lorraine Baker for the Profile Group.
The post was advertised with a closing date of the 17[th] June and 3 candidates were shortlisted for interview on the 7[th] July. On the day prior to the interviews the candidates were given tours of the
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church, the vicarage, the parish and Walsgrave School followed by an evening meeting with PCC members and other members of the congregation. The Parish Representatives were excluded from this event.
The interview panel was Archdeacon Barry Dugmore, Area Dean The Revd Buff Forbes Stone, Sylvia Geraghty from the Lord Chancellors Thistlewood and Barbara Hancox. The was Office, Tony post offered to The Revd Tom Cook from the North Cheltenham Ministry Team. On the 19[th] October at an evening service at St Mary’s he was licensed by The Right Reverend John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick and welcomed along with his wife Debbie, and sons Sam and Ethan.
PCC are for all the members of the who very grateful clergy covered our services and occasional offices throughout the interregnum. Particular thanks go to the Revd Lesley Johnson, Revd’s Claire McArthur and Dan Bennett from Stoke St Michael’s and Revd Jon Taylor from St Bartholomew’s, Binley. We also continued to receive the full support of our Readers, Tony Thistlewood and Lorraine and Stephen Baker.
The church was opened on Saturday 10[th] September for private reflection, the lighting of candles and signing of a book of condolence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The bells had been on the 9[th] at in line with churches across the rung midday country.
PCC met on 6 occasions during the year with an average attendance of 85%. Standing Committee met informally through the year to address any issues which arose.
Weekly worship material was sent out to all members of the congregation either by post or through email until the end of June after which it was placed on the website.
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A Lent course ‘Embracing Justice’ was run jointly with Walsgrave Baptist Church. Tony Thistlewood led the morning sessions at St Mary’s and Jonathan Gardner the evening sessions at the Baptist Church.
We remain a collection point for the Trussell Trust Foodbank organisation and support them further by donating the goods brought by the congregation and Walsgrave School to our annual Harvest Festival.
The Annual Christmas Card was produced as usual and distributed to the congregation and by post to those who were unable to attend. The £81.00 raised has been donated to Walsgrave Baptist Church towards the cost of the Christmas Meal which they provided.
the the number of occasional offices were During year following conducted at St Mary’s
| ucted at St Mary’s | |
|---|---|
| Weddings | 4 |
| Funerals in Church | 4 |
| Burial of cremated remains | 5 |
| Baptisms | 15 |
Barbara notice to PCC that she was down as St gave standing Mary’s Safeguarding Officer.
Sue Morton took Holy Communion to people in their homes.
As a result of the there were no interregnum, young people confirmed during the year.
Written by Barbara Hancox Church Warden
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It has been a real joy to join the community at St. Mary’s. Being licensed mid-October means that are almost into you straight Christmas preparations which seemed like a baptism of fire but was
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such a wonderful time. I especially want to thank Barbara Hancox for her support as I found my feet.
Story telling
As a church we started collecting people stories in preparation for our planned Candlemas Celebration in January. I was very moved by all that people shared and it is an honour to be with Christians who have been on such a journey.
Christmas Services
We decided to have a mixture of services for Christmas that saw hundreds of people come through our doors. I think that the Carols by Candlelight will become a flagship Christmas service. Even the one we held this had almost 100 in attendance. It was also the year turn of St. Mary’s to host the Christingle. We did this and ran it in a close partnership with Walsgrave Baptist Church. We also had a Christmas Choir that met and at some of the services. I sang believe many people enjoyed being part of this choir and it made a positive impact on communicating the wonder of Christmas. I hope we will work hard as a church on the links formed with the community through the Christmas service throughout the year. A list of Christmas Services: Nine Lessons & Carols, Carols by Candlelight, Christingle, Midnight Mass, Christmas Day & Nativity Service.
Youth and Young People
We also started a youth gathering where we invited the young people of the church to chat and have pizza with the Vicar. This has started to lead to interesting conversations and exciting future ideas.
Walsgrave CoE Academy
I started to work closely with the children and staff of Walsgrave Academy delivering weekly assemblies and Faith Club. I also offer pastoral support to the staff and have even visited sick family
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members with them. There are lots of exciting opportunities developing that I hope to report to the APCM in 2024.
November 11th
The church was for a time of reflection and on opened prayer November 11th. This allowed members of the community to participate in a spiritual way to Remembrance Day. The years 6’s from Walsgrave also were in attendance and wrote prayers. Infrastructure and communication
One of the things that was a priority coming into the parish was to start to work on clearer forms of communication with the community and within the parish. A new website was created (stmaryscoventry.org) and new church emails for all that help a role within the church. We also set up consistent social media accounts - (St Marys Coventry Instagram & Facebook). This is to help people connect with the church in a We also started on digital age. working on clear policies and practices to aid in the effective administration of the parish. This is an ever evolving practice and is reviewed regularly.
Wider Connection
I have spent a lot of time creating new connections across the parish and the diocese as we pray about how we might play our role across Coventry. This has included meeting with Dioceasn Staff, Hope Coventry, Coventry Youth for Christ, Mission Hubs, and other meetings to become more aware of the wider life of Christ’s church in Coventry.
Walsgrave Baptist Church
I have also spent time investing in the relationship between St. Mary’s Coventry and Walsgrave Baptist Church. This is proving to be a fantastic friendship between the churches.
Updated by Revd Tom Cook Priest in Charge
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Churchwardens Report
First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to the congregation for the support which was given to myself and John during the interregnum.
Along with those mentioned in the Annual Report and GFO Report, thanks also to Colin who for us week week for which we go plays by are truly grateful; Clive who stands in when one of us is away; Gillian who assists Sue in the office on a Thursday morning and who also helps Valerie arrange the flowers; Norris our sacristan; Sue Morton for the readings and those on the serving team plus all who both rotas and take in them. Without all these prepare part volunteers, the church would not function.
Barbara Hancox and John Aspden
Goods, Fabric and Ornaments
Routine maintenance has been carried out in and around the church and centre throughout the year by Gary Croshaw, Ross Spall and Mervyn Hancox for which PCC is very grateful. The organ was tuned and a repair carried out by R & S Young, Organ Builders, Rugby at a total cost of £285.60.
The carpets and upholstered chairs in the Octagon were cleaned by Miracle Cleaners in May at a cost of £206.
The church heating system had a broken switch replaced and received a service by Mellor & Mottram, Heating Engineers at a cost of £582. Ross Spall continues to tend to both the church and center heating systems. He also ensures that the church clock keeps good time and has carried out a repair to the automatic winding system.
A Chrism Set was purchased with the cost covered by Kay Morgan and Barbara Hancox.
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A meeting room was created in what had been Malcolm’s office with Mervyn Hancox carrying out the redecoration, with carpet cleaning and a new ceiling light installed by Ross Spall.
There is fortunately no vandalism damage to report this year. Barbara Hancox and John Aspden
Safeguarding
In January, I took over from Barbara Hancox as the Safeguarding – Officer for St Mary’s and I would like to offer my thanks to Barbara for fulfilling the role up to that point. I have now been trained and have taken over the so I am now fully officially role, working closely with Reverend Tom to make St Mary’s Church into a leader in the diocese in this vital area.
Since January, we now have a number of risk assessments in place (with more to follow) to cover various aspects of our life here. As Safeguarding Officer I am responsible for administering DBS checks, and I am also able to deliver in-house safeguarding training to people who need it (members of the PCC and volunteers).
Safeguarding is not, however, just something that I do that else can about. There is a whole-church everyone forget duty, which falls upon every member of our congregation, to safeguard each other.
If have concerns about see or hear about in you any anything you church, please contact me as soon as possible. My contact details are on the safeguarding board and on the St Mary’s website. Ste Baker, Parish Safeguarding Officer
Junior Church
Our ministry to our younger members has continued to grow and develop throughout 2022.
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Sadly, a dwindling number of leaders made it increasingly time-consuming and onerous to continue to offer Junior Church sessions each week, so during the vacancy the decision was made (in conjunction with the PCC) to reduce the frequency of the sessions to the first and third Sundays of each month.
With the arrival of Reverend we have a Tom, however, begun major and ongoing overhaul of Junior Church, including a review of materials used. Our intention is to provide our young people with a high-quality, interesting experience that will make them want to come back for more. The current format we are involves a using short initial burst of around a then a teaching particular theme, carousel of different activities, also linked to the theme. We have also introduced space for young people to talk, reflect and pray.
We are always on the lookout for more people to help run sessions (in line with the church’s policies on safer recruitment). This – would not to sessions there are necessarily require you plan – people available who can help with that but if we can increase the number of volunteers then we could increase the frequency of sessions once If are interested in or again. you leading co-leading in Junior talk to me or Reverend Tom on a Church, please Sunday morning.
Ste Baker, Youth Ministry Coordinator
BRF report
I have been the BRF representative for the church for several years now, ordering and distributing daily reading notes 3 times a year. The Daily readings booklets are for the months January-April; May-August and September-December each year.
I have a stable number of but am currently subscribers, always happy to order more copies of the books if anyone else is interested
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in having a set Bible reading verse and a thought for the day, for of the every day year.
The booklets are approximately £5 for each 4 month booklet and I have back copies available if anyone wants to have a look at the style of the booklet available.
There are also several for available if wanted apps your phone you to listen to each Please to Rev Tom or something day. speak myself if are interested. you
Lorraine Baker, BRF Coordinator
Readers and Intercessors Rota
Thank who has read or led you everyone prayers during Sunday 10am services over the last 12 months, especially those who have joined the rota recently. A special thank you to those people who have stepped in to help at short notice on a Sunday morning when someone is absent.
Thanks also to Barbara Hancox for her continued advice and to Sue Williams [Parish Secretary] for typing/photocopying etc.
33 people are presently on the rota to read Lectionary set passages of scripture at Sunday Holy Communion services. We are most fortunate to have so many adults, young people and children who enhance our in this It’s so and to see worship way. special uplifting children and in confidence and when young people grow ability reading publicly.
5 adults regularly lead intercessory prayer on Sundays. We need more people to step forward and help. Lots of support is available; have a chat with Nickie or We could me, Tony, Lorraine, Stephen. have “practice” sessions in church. Reverend Tom will also offer - his and advice. don’t be have a support So, please shy go. Sue Morton
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Hymn Selection Team
The only obligation for the Hymn Committee is to provide hymns for the 10.00a.m. SundayService. We obtain relevant & suitable details of hymns which are related to the subject of theday sent out from the Royal School of Church Music.It was interesting that the combined choir of members from St. Mary's together with the Baptist Church & arranged by Rev Tom, added so much to our worship over the Christmas period.
Colin Gardner
Ringers Report
Ringing has continued at St Mary’s and we have been able to support service ringing and weddings as required.
St Mary’s currently have 3 ringers. We are currently training 2 new ringers who have responded to the “Ring for The King” appeal. We have a lot of support from ringers from other towers and we are extremely grateful for their time and efforts.
We have had a number of visitors (including someone from Australia). A number of quarter peals have been rung. We have also rung for royal occasions.
We have a number of ropes that are now worn and will need some maintenance, we are getting quotes for the repair of these ropes.
We are hopeful that the St Mary’s ringers will be able to continue ringing and attract more members over the coming year. Our – practice is on Monday evenings from 7:30 9:00 pm. If anyone aged from 10 upwards would like to try bell ringing, please contact Bill or Norris Poon and make to come Kelly arrangements along, you will be most welcome.
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Treasurer's Report
I am pleased to be able again to report that we ended the year with a surplus largely as a result of the regular church centre letting to ‘Always Me’ the Alzheimer’s support group. Whilst overall this is a positive outcome, we shouldn’t lose sight of the aim to be viable our financially through regular giving.
Thank you very much to all who have given donations, those committed to regular giving which is the foundation of our financial planning and to everyone who has increased their giving despite these difficult times.
If you would like to commit to giving by standing order or envelopes, please have a word with me and I can provide the necessary help.
Mervyn Hancox
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Accounts THE PAROCHIAL CHtTRCH C.OTIliCIL OF THE EC.CLE.SIA.STICAL PARISH nTr' SI'.NL4RY'S WALSGILIN E ACCOUNTS Tr'OR THE I'E.4R LINDED 31 DECEIIBER 2022 INCOIIE AM) EVENDITI'RE ACCOII.%T TrnR THE I'LAR ENDED 31 DECEIIIBER ?11? Note UnTeslricied Re.*tri¢ted Tr-unds ndnwment Trknnds Incomin% resources 201? ?Q21 Incoiniiig resources rrom donors 58.669 -58.069 56,817 Other incunie Ib 15,710 1.5.710 iY.444 In¢¢ent illcome Ic A.152 A,990 Tnfr Lthristmas fayrc 77.631 77.631 80.251 Expejbes Church and ¢entre upke¢p 20.181 20.181 22,706 PaTish Share 41,IKX) 41.IMM) 47,940 SundriLS 572 6.021 4,771 Chariiii". i72 67.202 75,417 Trangfeis Profit for the ).r 4,8.34 APCM Booklet 2023 16
BALA_YCE SHEET A5 AT 31 DECE%IBER 2Oa? 2022 2021 'r#n%lble A&%e¢s" e1 book v#lue) Equipmenl. fixiuies ld Iiiiin8S 1.714 2.286 Inve51meDts I¢ cosll Ccnlrdl Board of Finance Charities Ol'ficial Ini'estmeni Fund Isee noie klL?wI FundsNeiwvrk ini-esiments Ci)N'eniry Building Solieiv 1,577 171.877 17.287 ?9,719 ?07,1(J) 193.741 Current A&%ets' and Lidbilities Bank and cash Sundry clcbiur .Sundry creditors 4.596 798 6.489 .263 4.844 7,202 Net Aets 111,6S¥ 2U3.221) Funds UnrestriL'ied RisfriLtLd End()wmcnl 197.366 3,863 2.1)(Kl 20_1.229 3,291 The invesirnent in th¢ Chariiies Official InN'eslTncni Fund is 1.181 Incon uniii acquired. as shown abol'e. for £l.577. Thi. Mark¥1 Value oft. thi's inveslment ai I l Dember )0?2 wa> £21.434 (?021: £24.2$4). The inve51rneELts aged b) FundsNeN."ork are held in various funds and had a i'alue ot £178.516 as at I l (k-loiK'r 2022 1?071.. £21.S.2X.S). Approved by Ihe Ph]41 (Thurch Council on and signed Dn 115 half bi.: APCM Booklet 2023 17
NOTfr:S TO THE ACCOl"Ps I'nR 'fHE I Tr'.4R tr.ND+.'D JI DF.Cfr..IIIIfr:R ?J?• Ilnret4rkthd unds ResirIrt4 bl0t Totsl Tr'unds l. IncthminR resoun la Incoming re41rL*s frum d0 Planne41 gi¥ints _ gill did¢d Plrfinned gii"ing- nut gitt aided Qthef gifi didt ()ther Ril'ing- gift aiikd tiili 411d received .lfi.(M)2 4,181 ¥66 7.4?5 1415 4.1144 10.708 -i8.1J69 Ib Other illCOD rces - wthkjings. fLtncrJls dc rurKiraisin¥ projects rriend%hip Group Hire nf cenire Cofiee Club 4.fF)I 4.(P)I 0.7YY 11,320 12,595 50 l.utKheiTrn Club RLfuTbishmeni Fufid 15.71n 1.5.710 19.441 Ic Inivilmtnl Income Iliink li1 Iluildin¢v &K-i¢ry inwc41 C¢ntrdl Fl¢Yard vf linancc Chariiie$ OffiLial Fund FundqNirwork [cveSd inc()me Fund%N¢twurk proti[% on 13? 13 132 17 695 651 77 1489 977 1.489 3.990 2. C'.hurrh Ind ceatre upkeep 481 481 Bcll ringers Cle41ning Clcrgy expeD5es Trees lo d]e5c In>lifi5 ght JJNI heal Org4ini%l dThJ niusic Priniing. Ixmikx dnd klage RLpairs niaintenaThce 1,506 199 .199 1.722 1216 2.9.)5 2.88 2.92 (x) 3.151 66.5 1.708 1.7118 4.611 1.708 1.7011 i. I 4.411 ¥ILph()nc Verger Wdi¢rclwge 1.177 242 941 ?0.181 941 649 APCM Booklet 2023 18
-NOTES TO THE ACCOINI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECLIIBER 20?2 LlnrL%¢rl¢¢ed Reslrlrted Fuhd5 Endovrnen( Trknnds Trt41 Tr"llnds 2022 2021 J. Siindr). expen Accounioncy PtoI"essional Fee5 CREW 510 -510 eprtiiaiion Flower5 Junior Church New cquipm¥lJt Re(Te%hnn1 SuhsLripiirTrn8 Sundrv expenses Interview expenses Trainin8 LuniheiTrn Club rundsNciivork fee$ Bank charges -572 -572 767 281 22 181 ?5? 252 7Y 174 9lY 21 .4?8 79 174 919 gb 7A7 319 1.4?8 1.539 1.522 302 4,771 46 5.419 572 6.021 4. Anal}"sis Df net wets bv fuhd fiK¢)J &%S¢ls Current a4$clS CuTTcnt liabilitit5 und balance 1.714 1.577 714 212.494 liio) 21 i.6)8 2.286 201,493 155ni ?V3,??9 208.917 ?08.3&7 3.291 I rept>n ii) Ihc chiirily. Irusl¢es nn m)- eiaminalion of ihe accounis of the Chily for lh¢ )'&v ¢nded I I tkcernber ?0?? whiLh llre sei oui on 110 4. Reswn5ibililie5 gDd h45is of report As the Chty, j iruqlee£ you are re.)ng•h]e Irtrr the preparation of ihe dctounis in accordanc¢ with th¢ Church AccouniiDR R¢Auluiion5 21X)6 ("the Re2ulalions') a1 the requirernenL% ol Ihe Charilies Aci ?01 I I'the Act'l. I retK>rt in rekpect ol" ni). exiLlia110ll ol the charii) S dccounts carried oui under 5eciion 14.$ of the Aci in car.]ng oui rny exaniinaiion I hai'e lollowtd 211 the applicable Direciions giv'en hy the Chariiy C¢immiisi()n under sectsoA 14i1511bl of the ALt. Independenl eyami1's Statement I Ik2ve completed rny exaTninali¢)n. T cDnfirn1 ihlli material matters ha%c conK la rny attention tn conncction wilh Ihe ex3rnination %i%inR mc cause to believe ihdL In mdteriJl respeci". . accounting records were nol kcpt in rc$1 of the charity required bw section 130 of thc Act: or ? the aLc()unis do nol accord ith those records I have no c()IiLerii% and hai'e cume aL Toss no other man¢r8 in ¥M)ne¢iic)n with ihc cxamination to hILh diienlion should bc drawn in (his rert in ordcr b) cnabk a poTrr¢r undcrsundinu uf ihc dccoaEnts 11) bc rcaihcd. APCM Booklet 2023 19