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2021-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST HILLMORTON

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

To be held in Rogers Hall Wednesday 6[th] April 2022 at 7.30pm

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Agenda

WELCOME, WORSHIP AND PRAYER

2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

  1. Election of Church Wardens

2022 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

  1. Apologies for absence

  2. Approval of the minutes of the 2021 APCM

  3. Electoral Roll Report

  4. PCC Report

  5. Vicars’ reports – with opportunity for questions

  6. Financial Report and Accounts

  7. Mission Partners Report

  8. Building and Fabric Report

  9. Deanery Synod Report

  10. Safeguarding Report

  11. Worship Team Report

  12. Prayer Ministry Team Report

  13. Cathedral Parish Partner Report

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

  1. Elections to the Parochial Church Council

  2. Appointment of Independent Examiner

  3. Appointment of Cathedral Parish Partner

LOOKING FORWARD

  1. Any other business

  2. Closing prayers

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  1. Welcome, worship and prayer.

2021 Minutes

  1. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Tuesday 15[th] April 2021 by Zoom Video Conference

Virtually Present: Steve Gold (Vicar) Margaret Simmons (Associate Vicar), Claire Hughes (CW & Sec), Peter Webb (CW), Linda Webb, Helen Merrigan, Margaret Harris, Anne Tippett, Louise Bradshaw, Judith Clucas, Val Aspeling, Heather Lyons, Ted Lyons, David Bradford, David Simmons, Paul Thomas, Pat Lole, April Gold, Chris Addison, Phil Clucas, Janet Addison, Lindsay Hughes (22 attendees)

Opening Prayers & reflection

The meeting opened with scripture from John 12:17-26 read by Helen Merrigan. SG reflected that 2020 has been a really strange year for all of us and many metaphors have been used to describe the times, but he wanted to reflect on the image of a garden in winter and its connection to the reading from John 12. Much of what we recognise as being normal worshipping life of the church has either stopped or totally changed to something unrecognisable. Like the winter garden, the usual goings on in church life have been stripped away, and from the outside looks quite stark, no leaves, no fruit. But SG reminds us that as garden hunkers down and waits for the spring, whatever it might look like from the outside, the garden has not stopped being alive, it has been going through its life cycle where its life is just less obvious. There is still loads going on; life continues, just not obviously. Behind every good garden is the gardener, preparing the soil, preparing the plants, for this year’s harvest. If the garden is the image for the church, then God is the ever-attentive gardener. The good gardener continues to be at work among us. We must not underestimate the grief some are experiencing, the loss of the “normal” but sometimes when you are in a dark place, it may feel like you’ve been buried, but the reality is that you have been planted and if we allow God to work in us, then that planting that takes place results in something new coming from that. If we allow ourselves to fall to the ground and be planted, then God will grow much fruit through us. As spring comes, the garden will look different, and so the life in the church will also look different. Some parts will die off and some will flourish in whole new ways. Our job as the people of God is to join in with the work of the gardener – He has invited us to bring our gifts and talents to bear. If we want to see the garden flourish, we in some way have to be like the kernel of wheat that falls to the ground in John Ch 12. New growth and much new fruit will come to bear as the garden comes back to life. Steve closed in prayer.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

  1. The minutes of the last meeting held on 6[th] October 2020 were accepted and signed as a true record.

  2. Election of Church Wardens. There are 2 nominations, Claire Hughes, proposed by Peter Webb, seconded by Linda Webb, and Peter Webb proposed by Chris Addison and seconded by Janet Addison. The nominations were carried unanimously. SG expressed his thanks to Claire and Peter for their continued support and hard work during a difficult year. He also added thanks to Judith Clucas as Deputy Church Warden.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

  1. Apologies: Jo Isley, Hazel Setchell, John Merrigan.

  2. The minutes of the meeting held on 6[th] October 2020 were accepted and signed as a true record.

  3. Electoral Roll Report – presented by Margaret Harris. Margaret was delighted to give a positive report this year with no deaths recorded, and 6 new members: Funmilayo Ikuomola, Olakunle Ikuomola, Vimbainashe Nkruma, Deane and Paula Mayfield, and John Merrigan, taking the total to 119 on the roll this year. MH added that there are still some consent forms outstanding. SG expressed thanks to MH for continuing so diligently in this role.

  4. PCC Annual Report. Brenda Pittam is not seeking to be re-elected after completing her 3-year term. SG thanked her for her contribution over the last 3 years during which some of the time she was also Safeguarding Officer.

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  1. Vicar’s joint review of 2020 . SG has been struck by the extent and size of contribution to the life of the church made by so many people. So many people offer their gifts in so many different ways and those contributions make a huge difference. The way in which the church family has come together to offer their gifts in such different circumstances over the last 12 months is a wonderful testament. MS hopes that the report is an encouragement to everyone, she is most grateful for all that has been achieved and offered to the community and the church family. MS would like feedback on any of the items in the report. Claire Hughes offered thanks to SG and MS for all their newly earned skills to enable church life to carry on in its different forms during the pandemic. SG gave thanks for the technology that enabled the video production and editing. Margaret Harris agreed that the church family would have been very much drifting without the skills of MS and SG keeping us together through the services offered. Peter Webb added that the wider community has also benefitted from the different platforms available to us now. MS added that one of the joys has been creatively thinking about how to present things differently eg Vox Pops.

Reports

  1. Financial Report and Accounts . No questions. SG added that if we extract the investment in repairs, specifically the flooring at Rogers Hall, the overall financial picture, for a year in COVID was remarkable for which we should offer thanks. Many churches have been struggling to keep going, but our church family has continued to give and offer sacrificial financial gifts in difficult times, and thanks to our ever-faithful God. SG thanked David Simmons for all the hard work, like many jobs, all the work goes on unseen, he thanked David for his continued attention to detail and leadership in this area. Mission Partners . MS asked that if anyone would like to champion any of the mission partners please speak out, as it would be lovely to have more people involved. SG added that the figures were based on the same proportional level as previous years based on income. The giving has already been made from this year’s budget.

  2. Building and Fabric Report . Peter Webb added that the electrical work at church will be started this coming Monday. SG commented how wonderful it is to finally have the West End finished, and the extra facilities are most gratefully received. It is a much more welcoming place to be. Each item on the report represents a lot of work so thanks to PW for taking the lead on looking after the Grade II listed building and all the difficulties that causes.

  3. Deanery Synod . Nothing to add and no questions. SG added that we now have 4 members on the Deanery Synod, an important connection between us at Parish level across the wider Deanery. The representatives are Claire Hughes, Judith Clucas, Pat Lole and Anne Tippett. MS commented that the Deanery reorganisation plan originally showed 1 full time stipendiary and 1 full time associate minister. The version that has been distributed to the Deanery shows only half-time associate. To be followed up with DMPC.

  4. Children and Families . MS, SG and Judith Clucas prepared the report in the absence of a C&F minister. SG added that pre-COVID there was an intention to put together a job description and to recruit a part time C&F worker, but those plans were put on hold once COVID hit. With all the challenges we currently face with the ongoing pandemic, this still needs to be held until we formulate the plan and budget for 2022 when things have settled down somewhat.

  5. Safeguarding . Thanks to Jo Isley for her continuing hard work keeping everything up to date. Dashboard is checked regularly, a few ongoing items which are being progressed. No concerns have been raised during the year.

  6. Worship team . Lindsay Hughes added that we have missed so much of live music, but it has been lovely singing along at home. Wonderful to have the new organ, thanks to John and all those who helped. Looking forward to having live music in church again. Thanks to Phil for all the work on a technical front. Thanks were offered from Judith Clucas for the work the musicians put into the most recent outdoor services for Palm Sunday and Easter Day, what a joy to be able to sing outside. SG added that for many, sung worship is the way they best connect with God, and for such a long time this has been denied, it has made us realise just how precious this form of ministry is.

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  1. Winter shelter . Stopped abruptly in March 2020 due to COVID and did not restart last year at all. Phil Clucas added that although there were no sleep overs, a group of churches who were able to, due to the proximity to the town centre, had offered to cook lunch time meals, but because of the good work of the New Hope 4 Manager, Adi Robinson, there was only 1 person that actually needed this. With the help or Rugby Borough Council all Homeless people had food an accommodation up to 23[rd] March 2021. Hope 4 are actively planning as to how they can keep homeless people off the streets during the winter months. SG added that we will keep an open mind as to what that ministry may look like in terms of the ministry of St John’s. Phil Clucas offered his thanks to David Simmons for all the organisation, sorting out the food, and argumentative clients so well, St John’s has been a stalwart contributor to the homeless shelter over the last 9 years.

  2. Prayer ministry report. Ted Lyons added his appreciation to SG and MS for putting the services together, and also to the much wider team involved. It has been a very rich experience to see both St John’s and St Gabriel’s families represented in the online services. Prayer ministry has been difficult but praying has of course continued. Requests have been received in all sorts of ways, via email, text, phone calls etc. He also added that the richness of some of the prayers being led in church is amazing and offered thanks and blessings to all who prepare intercessions, they have really enriched the services.

  3. Cathedral Parish Partner. Nothing to add as no meetings have taken place. Paul Thomas added that the future of CPP is under discussion; during the pandemic contact has still been maintained with the Cathedral so is this a role that is still needed in its existing form. Discussions to resume when able.

Elections and Appointments

  1. Elections to PCC . There are 9 elected members to the PCC each of whom serves 3 years. Brenda Pittam is stepping down at the end of her 3-year term. One nomination has been received for John Merrigan, proposed by David Simmons seconded by Brenda Pittam. SG looking forward to all John has to bring to the PCC. There are no other nominations. The PCC members for 2021/22 are confirmed as Steve Gold (Vicar), Margaret Simmons (Associate Vicar), Claire Hughes (Church Warden, Secretary and Deanery Synod Rep), Peter Webb (Church Warden), Judith Clucas, David Bradford, Anne Tippett, Jo Isley, Linda Webb, Helen Merrigan, Louise Bradshaw, Pat Lole and John Merrigan.

  2. Appointment of Independent Examiner. David Simmons confirmed that Roger Watson is happy to continue as independent examiner. SG thanked him for his service and willingness to continue. Appointment of Cathedral Parish Partner . Paul Thomas is the existing CPP and happy to continue.

  3. Looking Forward. SG added that in the short term, there is a desire to see the worshipping life of the church resume in a way we recognise. But is important to do this in a way that does not leave behind all the investment we have made by making things available to those online. Would be great to get back to some sense of normality. Looking forward to welcoming Curate Anne Marie Marsh and her family as they join us for the next 3 years. This brings responsibility to us in helping to equip her in readiness for wherever her ministry takes us. The heating and the car park are still projects to be accomplished somehow, these would make a huge difference to our environment at The Locks. St Gabriel’s feels almost like restarting again, it seems to have taken a more serious hit than the St John’s family because it was such a fledgling thing. We had been getting some good growth and momentum and connection with people there, and things were taking off before COVID. Since we last met at Houlton, the community has more than doubled in size. The opportunity is unbelievable, and the hope and prayer is that we manage to get that community back up and running and feeling like a church community again, and that we continue to see it grow and flourish. SG thanked everyone for the support in growing the Houlton community as much as it had pre Covid.

MS added that as Houlton grows, she would like to see her role reinstated as leader in Hillmorton and St Johns as she feels this has been eroded a lot over the last 12/18 months. She still has a great heart for Hillmorton and feels that is where God is still wanting her to be. This will allow SG to be released into Houlton. She would also like Children and Families Ministry to be re-started, there are 2 new team members fully DBS checked and ready to go. It would be good to restart Sunday children’s groups, although leadership of this will need to be thought about now that April is an ordinand on placement elsewhere as well as working full time in a senior job. MS also stated a desire to see Messy Church

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return and expressed regret that Messy Church was ever stopped. MS added that she would also like to see midweek groups restarting, eg Meet for Tea, Thursday communion. Growth – MS would love to see the prayer life of our church family deepen, and grow, in diversity, expectation and power. Small groups – she would like them to continue to grow and multiply. Youth ministry is also something to be considered. The twice postponed Sanctuary day is now booked for 18[th] September 2021 for the whole church. As we enter the next season during the summer, MS advised that a journey through Acts is being planned for the Sunday services. One thing that COVID has done, is opened up community connections. It feels like more people know about us now than ever before.

Questions raised.

Pat Lole asked about MS comments about wanting to release SG from Hillmorton, but does SG actually want to be released from St John’s more? SG responded by saying it is more about how he can spend as much time as he can to grow the church community at Houlton and not a case of being released from Hillmorton as he has no intention of not being involved at St John’s.

AT asked where Anne-Marie will be based? SG responded that there are different opportunities in both church families, they complement each other really well as a training ground for Anne Marie. Margaret Harris asked where will she live? SG confirmed that she will move into St Georges vicarage in St Johns Road, just outside the parish.

Chris Addison asked if there is a plan for a St G’s church building? Steve agreed that a church building in Houlton would be wonderful (either as a dedicated building or some form of joint enterprise with community facilities) and indicated this is something we will continue to seek to discuss with Urban & Civic. However, there are no current plans, and we are very grateful for the facilities offered by St Gabriel’s school.

  1. Any other business. Pat Lole raised concerns about the number of young people hanging around the memorial garden, playing football on the garden itself. MS can identify with the dismay. She has explained to the young people what the garden means and is developing a relationship with these young people and has asked them what support they would like from us as a church. They wanted somewhere to gather, even just a shed type of shelter, with a bench. Police are aware of their presence and visit when they can to discourage them from continuing the disrespect. MS would like to think the more that she engages with them, the more they are likely to respect the churchyard. PW added that he has experienced the group too, and he is having to clear up a lot of rubbish, including beer cans. If they are drinking or smoking drugs, PW is concerned for the safety of the people visiting the church. Ted Lyons asked how long this has been going on – MS confirmed around 3 months. PW found them climbing over the fence to the derelict building. MS commented that there has been no physical damage either inside or outside of the church despite the church being open. DB suggested that appropriate memorial garden music be played, and the children would not then hang around as it would not be to their taste! MS would like to continue to establish a relationship with them. Still waiting on Urban and Civic to see if they are going to develop the car park area. Phil Clucas suggested that we could perhaps try and achieve their request for a bench and a shelter. MS asked for us to pray for them.

  2. Closing Prayers. Led by MS

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

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2022 APCM

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Approval of the minutes of the 2021 APCM

REPORTS

3. Electoral Roll Report – Margaret Harris

4. PCC Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Vicar (Priest-in-charge) Rev Steve Gold, Houlton Vicarage, 2 Maxwell Road, Houlton CV23 1AH Associate Vicar Rev Margaret Simmons, Hillmorton Vicarage, 18, Hoskyn Close, Hillmorton, CV21 4LA Curate Rev Anne-Marie Marsh, St George’s Vicarage, St John’s Avenue, Hillmorton, CV22 5HR Independent examiner Mr Roger Watson, Wharf Farm, Kilsby Lane, Rugby Due to ill health Mr Watson was unable to fulfil the examination which was instead carried out by Mr Malcolm Harrison of 14a Percival Road, Rugby which had been approved by the PCC at a meeting held on 1[st] March 2022 Bank HSBC, Church Street, Rugby

St. John the Baptist PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Vicar in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church buildings and churchyard.

Membership of the Parochial Church Council from April 2021

PCC members are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The PCC has the power to co-opt if necessary. During the year, the following served as members of the PCC

Ex-officio members Vicar/Chairperson Reverend Steve Gold
Associate Vicar Reverend Margaret Simmons
Curate (from 4thJuly 2021) Reverend Anne-Marie Marsh
Churchwardens Claire Hughes (also PCC secretary)
Peter Webb
Deanery Synod Representatives: Claire Hughes, Judith Clucas
(4 due to size of Electoral Roll) Anne Tippett, Pat Lole
(all in their second year of office)
Elected members: Louise Bradshaw (3rdyear)
Helen Merrigan (3rdyear)
Jo Isley (3rdyear)
David Bradford (2ndyear)
Linda Webb (2ndyear)
John Merrigan (1styear)

The PCC met 9 times in 2021, with “focus” meetings on 2 of those occasions, 6 business meetings with the Annual Parochial Church Meeting being held on 13[th] April 2021. January to May meetings were held using Zoom Video Conferencing due to the Coronavirus pandemic but the remainder of the year were back to being face to face meetings in the Rogers Hall.

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In 2021 there were 119 names on the Electoral Roll. The Electoral Roll Officer was Margaret Harris.

Committees and Administration :

The PCC is required by law to appoint a Standing Committee that is responsible, subject to any rulings by the PCC, for dealing with urgent matters of PCC business that may arise between regular meetings of the Council. The Standing Committee consists of the Vicar, Associate Vicar, the two Churchwardens, the Treasurer, and one other member of the PCC elected by the Council (elected member: Judith Clucas) The PCC provides for sub-committees to deal with particular areas of activity or concern. The subcommittees at present are: Buildings team incorporating both the Rogers Hall and the Fabric and Churchyard teams, and Development project team.

5. Vicar’s joint review of 2021.

After the huge disruption of church life in 2020, we were delighted to see a gradual return and restoration of many parts of the life, mission and ministry of our churches in 2021. However, that does not mean that we have merely returned completely to pre-2020 ways. We hope instead that we have taken some of our new habits learned during lockdown and integrated them enduringly into our church life.

We continue to be hugely grateful for the way in which ministry and mission in our churches is shared so widely across our parish. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our churchwardens Claire Hughes (also our PCC secretary) and Peter Webb, deputy churchwarden Judith Clucas, our Gift Aid secretary David Bradford, and our Parish Safeguarding Officer Jo Isley for all their contributions to the life of our church community. It has also been a joy to work with Paula Mayfield in her first year as parish administrator. However, we would like to give particular thanks for David Simmons and his contribution as treasurer in recent years. David stood down at the end of 2021 and we will miss his typically understated contribution and his attention to detail.

It has also been a joy to welcome Reverend Anne-Marie Marsh to Hillmorton after her licensing as curate in our parish in July 2021. We have already come to appreciate her ministry among us – and we give thanks for her and for the presence and support of Craig, Cherish and Tom. We look forward to sharing the next part of Anne-Marie’s ministerial journey together over the coming few years.

We also wish to thank everyone who contributed to preaching and leading our services in 2021; in particular our licensed readers Paul Thomas and Helen Merrigan, as well as Lindsay Hughes, Ted Lyons, John Merrigan, Rosemary Lowdon, April Gold, Linda Wainscot and Funmi Ikuomola – in addition of course to our musical worship team.

However, it has also been a year of loss. In particular, we continue to feel the loss caused by the death of Reverend Lindsay Hughes who was such an important part of our life together over the last few years. We give thanks for all she meant to us. We are certainly much the poorer in her absence.

We give thanks that despite all the difficulties brought about by COVID-19 God continues to grow his church in Hillmorton. St John’s and St Gabriel’s grew in 2021 – both in number and planned financial giving. We give thanks to all who have so generously and sacrificially continued to give to the work here despite the impacts of Covid.

As we reflect on 2021 and look forward to 2022, we give thanks for each of you. Above all we give thanks to God as he continues, by his grace and love, to bring signs of his Kingdom to this place.

In the words of St Paul we ‘keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.’

St John’s report – Reverend Margaret Simmons

I have been amazed at all the things that have happened, and been achieved & experienced together:

Pre-recorded Sunday services; Snowdrop season; Lent course (Worship in the Wilderness), reflections and displays in and outside church; Holy week, with wonderful new ways of reflecting on-line; Easter and our amazing outdoor services; re-starting Playhouse; starting the new church heating project; Pentecost

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outdoor service; Summer outdoor service with family fun day; welcoming Anne Marie; Summer Playhouse events; Family film morning in church; our special ‘Sanctuary’ away-day; and all our Christmas events!

All achieved within covid regulations and guidelines!

We continued contact with our Hillmorton schools by zoom and pre-recorded assemblies, as well as some class visits to church for Experience Christmas.

In addition, we have new doors & new acoustic management at Rogers Hall, and improvements to the memorial garden, with a lovely new central stone.

As well as so many pastoral encounters in the community.

As well as knowing God’s precious leading and presence in our Sunday worship.

As well as deep loss in the death of Lindsay, and other significant losses.

As well as many joys in ministry.

All these are thanks to working as a team, and I thank all who have helped make these things come to fruition.

St Gabriel’s report – Reverend Steve Gold

Worship.

In the first half of 2021 we had a very varied pattern of worship as we sought to find ways to meet together. We focussed on worshipping in the school grounds in the Summer, which led to some memorable services; not least worshipping in the middle of a huge rainstorm. During the last part of 2021 we were delighted to be able to return to a weekly pattern of worship.

It has been a very frustrating 15-18 months, as we’ve tried to nurture our fledgling worshipping community at St Gabriel’s. However, we have appreciated the commitment of our families to support our worshipping life, and we look forward to 2022 with a real hope that we will be able to continue to grow our community.

We were delighted to mark a number of ‘firsts’ in the sacramental life of St Gabriel’s in 2021 – firsts that demonstrate spiritual growth in our community. We celebrated the confirmation of 2 of our church family as well as the thanksgiving for baptism with immersion for 1 of our church family. We also shared our first service of holy communion.

We’re grateful for our wonderful team who enable weekly worship to happen – and want to give thanks to in particular to Phil & Judith Clucas, Claire and Bruno Hughes, Funmi and David Ikuomola, April Gold and Anne-Marie Marsh.

Ministry at St Gabriel’s C of E Academy.

We’ve been delighted to recommence whole school collective worship (a weekly opportunity to worship with 240 children) as well as lead a whole school Christingle service and participate in the school ‘incarnation day’. We’ve also enjoyed offering our after-school discipleship group Rooted. Rooted is led by Funmi Ikuomola, with support from Abi Shotade and we’re thankful for their passionate and gifted contribution.

Steve continued to be deeply involved in the life and ministry of the school and in his capacity as foundation governor and vice-chair of the trust. We are deeply thankful for our ongoing relationship with St Gabriel’s headteacher Andy Taylor – as we oversee the worshipping community at St Gabriel’s together.

The parish/PCC have also continued to provide 4 foundation governors at St Gabriel’s. In 2021 Gareth Davies and Tony O’Brien stepped down as foundation governors, but we were delighted to welcome Funmi Ikuomola as a new foundation governor. Our foundation governors (Steve, Funmi, Rex Pogson and Georgina Newton) are primarily responsible for helping the school to establish & maintain its Christian (and Anglican) identity.

Other mission.

2021 saw the re-start of Dollman Dots, our baby & toddler group. The group continues to be oversubscribed and very popular with Houlton families. We hope to be able to recruit new members of the team in 2022 so that the sessions can be run weekly once again.

We are seeing about 25-30 new house occupations each month; and at the end of 2021 there were more than 800 occupied homes; nearly doubling the size of Houlton compared to last year. As a minimum each

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new arrival receives a welcome card from St Gabriel’s church – as well as a letter of welcome from the parish and information about our activities….and an invitation to join in.

In 2021 events were very limited. However, we once again organised our Christmas decoration hunt (this year our theme was hearts of peace) and the community advent windows – which have both become hugely popular community traditions enabling us to build relationships with the growing community.

Community Engagement – Reverend Anne-Marie Marsh

We have been so blessed to have still had rich Community Engagement since the regulations eased in July 2021, here is an update on some of our regular groups and events …

Hillmorton Hub - Since its launch in September the HH, it has become a somewhere where the community can gather to meet, chat, craft or just be. It has been a privilege for us all, in the team, to connect with many people from different situations and backgrounds within the community, some of whom have struggled during the pandemic and who are now trying to get back to normality. We have had the Community Police attending regularly as well as representatives from HEaRT and our local councillor. As a team we are praying that more people will come to know us and that it will grow from strength to strength.

Playhouse - This group has continued to grow each week and it is so lovely to meet and connect with new families, some of whom are new to Hillmorton or Houlton. Although we don’t openly do religious things during sessions, it has been lovely to see how God is still at work within this group. It has been lovely to offer pray to those who have felt able to discuss problems and issues they are struggling with and make connections with some who have then attended St. John’s on a Sunday. But irrespective of this it is wonderful that we provide a much-needed community group which is well used and much appreciated by those who attend.

Dollman Dots - Now running once a fortnight, DD is still a popular group attracting many parents, who have made strong connections through the group. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with families on the Houlton Estate and the team have been able to build good relationships with some of the families there. As the estate continues to grow, we pray that we can continue to welcome them and help in community cohesion and building relationships.

Quiz night- This was an event which was one of the first opportunities we had to come together as a church family and involve the community. It was a night of fun, facts and friendship-as well as fish and chips. This evening was well appreciated by those who attended, and we look forward to welcoming more people at future events to come.

Coffee morning – As people are feeling more able to attend, CM, following the pandemic, it is lovely to see that this morning, each month, is well attended and very much anticipated. The day’s I have attended, I have seen not only church family, but also people visiting the area, thinking of moving to the area, or people who have put off coming many times and have plucked up the courage to come. The feedback from those people and everyone who attends, is that it is an important event in the calendar, that is appreciated and promotes community engagement.

Children’s Sunday groups – It has been a wonderful blessing for me to work with a team that is so passionate about our children and wanting to help them know our Lord. Each week is varied depending on how many children attend St. John’s, however even when there are a few, those children, can speak about what they have learned and really enjoy attending the group. We pray that more children will come and that we can connect with more families at St. John’s.

That is just a snippet of our Community Engagement, which shows how we have been connecting with all people, offering outlets for them to come and be with others, or just be, helping and encouraging them to feel welcomed, valued and included. God is at work in our Communities of Hillmorton and Houlton and through our faith and belief in him, we have been able to be a beacon of light in what has been a few years in the wilderness for many. As part of Christ’s body, being in community is what we are called to do, participating in His life and mission and more than this simply, ‘Loving one another, as we are loved by Him’.

Looking forward to this next year

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6. Presentation of the Financial Report and Accounts – David Simmons and Claire Hughes

Treasurer’s Report to the APCM for the Year ended 31[st] December 2021.

At the beginning of 2021 it was not clear when, if ever during the year, it would be possible to hold services in Church again, so there was some uncertainty as to what income and expenditure might happen throughout the year. However, a budget still needed to be set and was agreed as being an income of £80,000 and an expenditure of £90,000, so a deficit of £10,000

However, by the end of 2021 we had a net surplus of £1,352 in relation to general fund and Rogers Hall income, and a £692 increase in the restricted funds – God is Good.

Giving by our church family way exceeded expectations (£6,966) and having had some exceptional and generous donations throughout the year (£6,174) as well grant and other funding (£13,956), our income was significantly boosted this year.

Rogers Hall was in need of new doors and finally there has been an improvement with the sound issues in the hall by the installation of some sound absorption boards at both ends of the hall (£4,000). Neither of these items had been budgeted for but the increase in hall hire fees and generous donations has made this all possible. We made increased donations for mission during the year (£1,300) and upgraded the footpath lighting (£700) as well purchased a new piano (paid for by a generous donation) and organ. The AV system also needed to be replaced unexpectedly (£1,450). The utilities bills were not as high as expected as the church remained only partially used during the year, but of course these will be expected to significantly increase over the coming years.

2022 will continue to offer some uncertainty in the current climate but one thing is guaranteed, that God continues to provide for which we remain ever thankful.

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Income Statement for the year ending 31st December 2021

GENERAL FUND INCOME
Income from Donors
Planned Giving
Collections
Gift Aid Claimed
Income from Children and Family
Wedding and Funerals
Fees (net)
Donations at services
Other
Newsletter Advertising
Donations
Other
Bank Interest and Dividends
Deposit account at CCLA
COIF Dividends
Grants received
Diocesan grant re Parish Share
Gov grant re Administrators Salary
TOTAL ST JOHNS AND ST GABRIELS
INCOME
ROGERS HALL
TOTAL GENERAL FUND INCOME
RESTRICTED FUND INCOME
Redevelopment
Other
TOTAL INCOME		 2021
46,674
3,415
13,952
64,041
1,313
1,313
6,090
1,448
7,538
1,121
8,982
3,291
13,394
26
467
493
7,000
0
7,000
93,779
12,780
12,780
106,559
3,022
2,461
5,483
112,042		 2021
46,674
3,415
13,952
64,041
1,313
1,313
6,090
1,448
7,538
1,121
8,982
3,291
13,394
26
467
493
7,000
0
7,000
93,779
12,780
12,780
106,559
3,022
2,461
5,483
112,042		 2021
46,674
3,415
13,952
64,041
1,313
1,313
6,090
1,448
7,538
1,121
8,982
3,291
13,394
26
467
493
7,000
0
7,000
93,779
12,780
12,780
106,559
3,022
2,461
5,483
112,042		 2020 2020 2020
46,674
3,415
13,952		 46,248
2,852
11,895
60,995
1,313 829
829
6,090
1,448		 3,583
477
4,060
1,121
8,982
3,291		 2,056
3,845
136
6,037
26
467		 197
454
651
7,000
0		 10,000
805
10,805
7,633
83,377
12,780 93,779
12,780 7,633
106,559 91,010
3,022
2,461
5,483 23,747
114,757

page 12

Expenditure Statement for the year ending 31st December 2021

Activities directly connected to the church
Parish Share
Clergy expenses
Lighting, heating and water
Insurance
Upkeep of services
Media
Licences
Newsletter printing
Mission
Church Maintenance
Children and Family
Salary
Materials etc
Administration
Salary
Stationery, postage etc
Donations
Other
St Gabriel's
Organ and Piano
TOTAL ST JOHNS AND ST GABRIELS
EXPENDITURE
ROGERS HALL
TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE
FUND EXPENDITURE
Redevelopment
Other
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		 2021
62,000
870
1,189
3,550
761
488
636
1,682
1,926
6,669
79,771
0
262
262
4,142
699
4,841
4,600
3,539
8,139
57
57
2,240
2,240		 2021
62,000
870
1,189
3,550
761
488
636
1,682
1,926
6,669
79,771
0
262
262
4,142
699
4,841
4,600
3,539
8,139
57
57
2,240
2,240		 2020 2020 2020
62,000
870
1,189
3,550
761
488
636
1,682
1,926
6,669		 58,000
134
2,260
3,530
956
739
714
1,278
724
3,722
72,057
0
262		 2,211
369
2,580
4,142
699		 3,944
417
4,361
4,600
3,539		 4,265
288
4,553
57
2,240		 41
41
9,897 95,310
9,897
105,207
4,791		 23,644 83,592
23,644
4,200
591		 32,677
5,555
107,236
38,232
109,998 145,468

page 13

Statement of A55ets and Liabilities as at 31st December 2021 2021 2020 Cash and bank HSBC CCLA Cash 18,205 50,226 140 68.571 92,910 Funds General Redevelopment Roger5 Hall Other 51,413 5,541 8,104 3,513 68.571 Connected Charltle5- Lan8ton Bequest Balance brough forward 1st Jan 2021 Interèst received Balance carrsed forward 31st December 2021 1,922 46 1,968 Money held as follows CCLA Deposlt account CCLA Investment fund 668 1,3CMJ 1.968 Connected Charlt5es- Hlllmorton Church Lands Balance brough forward 1st Jan 2021 Dividends received Transferred to PCC general income Balance carried forward 31st De￿rnber 2021 10,675 467 -467 10,675 The investment is held with CCLA and valued on 31st December 2021 at £17.967.93 The Accounts were presented to and approved by the Parochlal Church Councll of St John the Baptlst. Hillmorton Reverend Steve Gold, ChaSrperson David Simmons, Honarary TreaSu￿r Date page 14

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Reportto th• trusteosl memb8rs of Parochial Church Counal of Sl John the Bapb'st Church, Hillmrton On accounts forthe year onded 311t De¢ember 2021 Charity no Ilf any) 1180245 Set out on pages I report lo the Iruslees on my examination of the accounts of the aixive charityllhe Trust'} for the year ended 3111212021 Responsibllltles and basls of report As the charity's trustee9, you are ￿Sponsible for the preparation of the accounts in a￿OrdanCe with the requirements of the Charities Ad 2011 {Ihe ACV). I report in respect of my ex8mination of the Trust's accy)unts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Diiections given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ib) of the Acl. Independent I have enmpleted my examination. I confiTh that no material matters have examiner's statement come lo my attention in connection wilh the exarninallon lother than ihal disdosed below ') which give$ me cause lo believe that in, any material the accounting records were not kept in a¢¢ordance with section 130 of the Charttie$ Aci,. or the accounts did not accord with the acxounting records.. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and ojntenl of ￿0)Unts sel out in the Charitses IAc¢ounts and Reports) Regulation$ 2008 other than any requ1￿Ment that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf Mew which is not a matter considered a$ part of an independent examination. I have no Con￿MS and have cornE across no other matters in connection th the ex8mination lo which attention should be drawn in this ￿POrt in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be re￿￿ed. ' Please delet8 the wonls in the brnd(ets ifthey do not apply. Date: Slgned: Name: Relevant professional quallfication{sl or body Ilf any): .T. A. f4Jt Address: IwA I)4￿6y rJ5 IER Oct 2018 page 15

7. Report on our involvement with Mission Partners – Margaret Simmons

We are pleased to support a variety of mission partners, at home and abroad.

At home, we support:

  1. Foodbank – financially, as well as providing a collection point at St John’s and at Rogers Hall. Two of our church members work with the central Foodbank team in Rugby.

  2. Christians against Poverty – financially

  3. Gift of Years – financially, as well as a church member serving on the local Steering Group

  4. Hope 4 – financially, as well as a church member serving as a Director.

  5. Rugby Revive – financially. St John’s & St Gabriel’s church leaders enjoy the fellowship and support of involvement with Rugby Revive leaders’ events, and the whole church benefits from many of the town-wide activities supported and led by members of Rugby Revive.

We continue to support our overseas mission partners, Brenda Sheil and the Shin family.

We would be very pleased to encourage more contact especially with our overseas partners.

We had a speaker from Christians against Poverty, a visit from Brenda Sheil, and a video message from the Shin family at services during 2021.

Giving to Mission Partners 2021

The proposed budget for 2021 included a sum of £4,600 to give away for mission at home and overseas, and the following amounts were donated:

Home: 2021 2020
Foodbank 500.00 500.00
Christians against Poverty (Rugby branch) 600.00 550.00
Gift of Years 600.00 550.00
Rugby Revive 100.00 100.00
Coventry Cathedral 365.00 365.00
Overseas:
Brenda Sheil, Fashion with Heart Creations 1,200.00 1,100.00
CMS for Beom-Jin & Marie Shin 1,235.00 1,100.00
Total: 4,600.00 4,265.00

Note: £4,600 is 10% of the amount of regular giving in 2020

8. Presentation of the Building and Fabric Report – Peter Webb

As we begin to come out of the mandatory restrictions due to the Covid pandemic, we thank God that our Church building has been able, once again, to be back in full use for worship and community events. The fact that we can now leave the building unlocked during daylight hours, every day of the week, has been warmly welcomed by many people, some of whom are just casual walkers through the churchyard.

It is also good that the Rogers Hall is now back to full use. We have experienced requests to hire the premises, as many of the other venues in the town have been slower to relax their restrictions leading to unavailability. Although the extra income is welcome as well as the mission and witness opportunities this provides, we need to be careful that the hall does not become too busy, that planning Church activities becomes difficult.

Church Building

The main event during the past twelve months has been the preparing of the Quinquennial Inspection by our architect. In addition to minor repairs, most of which can be completed by willing volunteers within our church family (!), a few major issues came to light which will need attention within the next five-year period. These include:

page 16

One of the areas requiring prompt attention was concerning electrical safety. We needed to produce a Safety Certificate. Although some remedial work had been completed prior to the inspection, (including new light fittings in the tower room and bell chamber, an improved light fitting to the exterior of the south aisle corner and repairs to the circuit controlling the chancel lights), more work was required before the certificate could be issued. This has now been completed and the certificate has been received.

The stone plaque for the Memorial Garden is now in place and regular treatment to the grass surface has been organised.

The new organ is now commissioned and we often enjoy the wonderful music produced in our praise, worship and concerts.

Unfortunately, the Free Will Offering box was broken into yet again and was beyond repair. A new metal box has been installed and a card reader has been ordered. The total cost of these has was met from a kind donation from the Constable Neighbourhood Watch team organised by the Canal Chef Café. A letter of thanks has been sent.

The main doors have been re-oiled.

At the time of writing the footpath through the churchyard is giving concern. The frosts have broken the surface and when it becomes wet, dirt is being trodden into church potentially damaging the floor. Enquiries and investigations are taking place to see if this can be rectified at the lowest possible cost.

We have also finally been given permission to install electric radiator central heating, which is more environmentally friendly than a gas system. This will be explained more fully at the meeting.

Rogers Hall

New external lights have been installed, including PIR sensors, eliminating the possibility of them being left on all night.

Both end walls have been covered with sound suppressant which has greatly reduced the noise factor and improved the insulation.

As part of this work, the old redundant ceiling cupboard has been removed.

The boiler decided to break down during a cold snap. A new circuit board is now installed and we are warm again! Unfortunately, during this period someone broke the Perspex cover for the thermostat programmer and had to be replaced.

A new external kitchen door has been installed as well as the two inner entrance doors. Again, there is evidence that some people prefer to kick these open resulting in dirty marks at the base.

As the hall is in use most days of the week on a regular basis, we need to continually monitor the condition in our role as stewards of this valuable building God has given to us.

I would encourage church leaders to continue to check that the building is left in an acceptable state when each session is completed, including removing rubbish (checking the nappy bin!), stacking furniture correctly and checking that all lights (including those in the cupboards) are switched off.

Thanks are due to the many people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain the buildings in a clean, tidy and safe state. Although we are grateful to everyone, special thanks should be given to Mick Vousden, Tony Pittam, Chris Addison and David Simmons for their hard work and care of the buildings

9. Deanery Synod Report - Anne Tippett, Judith Clucas, Pat Lole and Claire Hughes

The Deanery Synod met 3 times during the year

February 2021 – Claire Hughes . Our very own April Gold, Diocesan Director of Education was the guest speaker who delivered a talk on Growing Faith, a national initiative to improve religious education in all schools, but particularly church schools. The initiative centred on the intersection of church, school and home, with the emphasis being on the children. Experience has shown that children are deeply interested in matters of spirituality and seek answers to difficult questions that parents were unable to answer. April pointed the Synod to an online resource Faith in the Nexus and to a website that the Diocesan team have created www.adventureswithgod.life which aims to help parents and children alike.

page 17

Reverend Edmund Newey introduced the Synod to the Living in Love and Faith initiative with encouragement that all Parishes engage in the programme.

The synod members were reminded that elections would take place in the summer for Diocesan Synod and delegates were asked to consider if this was something they could be involved in

September 2021 – Judith Clucas. After a time of worship, we split into small mixed groups, each of which discussed an aspect of the new Deanery Plan format. Looking at Mission, Organisation and People.

Tim thanked everyone for all their hard work under difficult circumstances over the last year, talking of the things we may consider to ‘leave behind’. He spoke of new incumbents’ within the deanery and how things were beginning to move forward and wished everyone well.

Steve presented the ‘Parish Share Scheme’, which as yet no one had used. He explained the challenges Covid had brought but encouraged people to discuss their situations.

The COP Pilgrimage from Grandborough to Wolston was taking place on the 15[th] September.

Churches were encouraged to register for the up and coming ‘Living in Love and Faith’ Course in September.

November 2021 – Anne Tippett. The Autumn event included a very interesting and thought-provoking session on how we care for those who minister to us. This might be very practical support by providing meals or undertaking household tasks or taking the initiative to undertake a church related activity, releasing the time for other activities. It encouraged us to enable our ministers to take proper breaks and prioritise family time. As this was the first physical meeting I had been able to attend I was very struck by the commitment of those attending, many of whom were playing significant roles in their churches. But most of us were past retirement age and whilst I appreciate that we are the ones who have the time, it would be good to have the views of younger church members at these infrequent meetings. Meanwhile, Steve, Margaret and Anne-Marie should be anticipating ready meals on their doorsteps regularly!

10. Safeguarding – Jo Isley, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Safeguarding continues to be included as a standing item on the agenda at every PCC business meeting. Meetings between the Parish Safeguarding Officer and clergy are held regularly in the interim to review the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and thus to identify any required actions. I am well supported in my role as PSO, and responsibility is shared between us to comply with the increasing demands of this important area of ministry. I feel that support from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team has been more limited than prepandemic, however I have attended a few “Zoom” virtual meetings which were of some value.

The Church of England has recently revised its Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework . This revised framework came into force on 4 January 2022 and some of the main changes include the requirement for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to be repeated every 3 years rather than every 5 years. The core safeguarding learning pathways (Basic Awareness, Foundation, Leadership and Senior Leadership) are to be completed in consecutive order until an individual has reached the required highest level of learning for their role, with all roles within the church now requiring a minimum of Basic Awareness training. Refresher learning should be completed at three-yearly intervals at the highest required level to keep knowledge and skills up to date.

Restrictions, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have meant that all training over the last 2 years has been moved online with individuals accessing the National Safeguarding Training Portal via their own home computers. It is hoped that gradually it may be possible for in-person training events to recommence at the Rogers Hall.

The PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

11. Worship Team – Helen Merrigan

As I write this I am watching the sun rise over the fields I can see from my brother’s back garden, on the edge of the Yorkshire coast. The sky is clear, the sun is blindingly bright, a new day is beginning.

Two years ago we entered into the first of a series of disruptive lockdowns, in effect a time of exile from how we experienced ‘church’. How hard it was not to meet together and not to be able to physically join together in singing praises to God. But what a time too, despite all the pain and suffering, of knowing and experiencing God’s faithfulness and provision.

page 18

And here we are now, at what seems to be a new beginning. Appropriately we are liturgically about to move into Lent, traditionally a time of self-examination and reflection, leading into Holy week and ultimately the desolation of the Cross and then the joy of Easter Sunday.

As I look back over this time in reference to the worship team the thing that obviously stands out above all else is the loss of our dear Lindsay. Lindsay was a joy to know and was loved by many, within St John’s, St Gabriel’s and of course much more widely. She was first and foremost a worshipper and out of that flowed her worship leading, her preaching and her pastoral heart for people. She is deeply missed by many and has certainly left a large Lindsay-shaped hole in the worship team.

We are also very blessed that before she died, Lindsay bought St John’s a new high quality piano that is real delight to all of us.

We are a small team and we would ask that you join us in praying for more musicians and singers so that we can share the load a little more as well as potentially have more God given variety.

In the past year we have welcomed Tassy into the team and are thankful for her voice and hope to hear more of her saxophone playing at some point � . Hilary is currently taking a break and Charlie helps out when he is able. We are also grateful to Linda Wainscot, a true friend of St John’s, who graciously steps in to support us when we need it, and she is available.

As a team we would also like to express our gratitude to those who faithfully turn up early, set up and operate the amplification system and keep the words flowing on the screens.

We do aim as a team to lead the sung worship in a way that is honouring to God, sensitive to the Holy Spirit and accessible to the whole family of the church. We try to include a mix of both traditional and more recent songs/tunes and we hope that you are able to express your praise and worship of God through both.

Sung worship is of course but a small part of what true worship is. A.W. Tozer once said, “ If you’re not worshiping God on Monday the way you did the day before, perhaps you’re not worshiping him at all”. Our prayer is that we can play a small part in facilitating us all to do this for God’s glory and his Kingdom.

12. Prayer Ministry Team – Reverend Margaret Simmons

Our wonderful prayer ministry team has not met as a team throughout 2021, because of the pandemic. We have also deeply missed the shared leadership of Lindsay, who with Heather and Ted led the team with wisdom, encouragement and teaching.

However, we have often received and shared prayer requests by email and have been privileged to walk alongside many in need ‘remotely’.

We hope to re-launch our ‘official’ team very soon and would welcome new members. Training and support are given

Having said that it has been lovely to see people spontaneously asking for and receiving prayer after our morning services at St John’s. Long may that continue.

13. Cathedral Parish Partner

The activities of the CPP team continue to be suspended

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

14. Elections to the Parochial Church Council

15. Appointment of Independent Examiner

16. Appointment of Cathedral Parish Partner

LOOKING FORWARD

17. Any Other Business

18. Closing Prayer

page 19