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2022-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST HILLMORTON

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

To be held in Rogers Hall Tuesday 4[th] April 2023 at 6.30pm

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Agenda

WELCOME, WORSHIP AND PRAYER

2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

  1. Election of Church Wardens

2023 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

  1. Apologies for absence

  2. Approval of the minutes of the 2022 APCM

  3. Electoral Roll Report

  4. PCC Report

  5. Vicar’s report – with opportunity for questions

  6. Financial Report and Accounts

  7. Building and Fabric Report

  8. Deanery Synod Report

  9. Safeguarding Report

  10. Worship Team Report

  11. Prayer Ministry Team Report

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

  1. Elections to Deanery Synod

  2. Elections to the Parochial Church Council

  3. Appointment of Independent Examiner

  4. Any other business

  5. Closing prayers

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  1. Welcome, worship and prayer.

2022 Minutes

  1. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Wednesday 6[th] April 2022 in person and by Zoom Video Conference

Present: Steve Gold (Vicar), Anne-Marie Marsh, Claire Hughes, Peter Webb, Anne Tippett, Louise Bradshaw, Jane Pogson, Val Aspeling, Linda Webb, Paula Mayfield, Judith Clucas, Chris Addison, Ted Lyons, Paul Thomas, Don Thorneycroft, Eleanor Thorneycroft, David Bradford, Tina Davies, Bruno Hughes, Ray Lenton, Georgina Lenton, Phil Clucas, John Merrigan, Pat Lole (24 attendees), virtual Attendees via Zoom: Margaret Simmons, David Simmons, Margaret Harris (27 attendees in total)

Opening Prayers & reflection

The meeting started with evening prayer. John 12, 1-11 the lectionary reading from today. Great reminder that Jesus’ ministry was a ministry of welcome and hospitality and building relationships. He invites us into his powerful way of building community, to invite others to join in the life of the community through hospitality and building relationships. Steve identified 3 things from the passage. 1) We are continued to be called to do this today, to join in friendship and to open that friendship out to those in the wider community – come and share a meal/relationship with us. 2). We see Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume (more than a year’s salary worth). This is an act of incredible love and worship for Jesus; for her the value of the perfume is not relevant, she wants to demonstrate her love for Jesus which is out of her response to what Jesus has done for her. What is our response to what God has done for us? Is our response out of a sense of love, an act of worship? 3). When the great crowd learns that Jesus was there, they came to see not only Jesus, but also to see Lazarus. The things that Jesus has done in our lives, is itself deeply attractive to people. The fact the Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead encouraged people to go and see Lazarus. We have all been raised to life by J and what he did on the cross. Our story can be incredibly attractive to people. Jesus does not attract people on his own but through what he done in his people. There is real power in our stories and testimonies that we should not forget, and in telling our story, others could see the attraction and be drawn in too. This passage and its message of welcome, hospitality, love and worship, from a community that is attractive to outside world in the way we live and speak to those around us is as relevant today as it was back in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. SG closed the reflection in prayer.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

1. Election of Church Wardens. Since DS stepped down from the role of Treasurer at the end of 2021, CH has been looking after the role, and is happy to continue to do so. She has therefore taken the decision to step down as CW. PW has also clarified that this year will be his final year in post. There are 2 nominations, Peter Webb, proposed by Helen Merrigan, seconded by John Merrigan, and Judith Clucas proposed by Peter Webb and seconded by David Simmons. The nominations were carried unanimously. John Merrigan has offered to take on the vacancy of Deputy Church Warden. SG offered his thanks to CH for the work undertaken over the last number of years and presented her with a gift.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

  1. Apologies: Hilary Mitchell, Jo Isley, Helen Merrigan, April Gold, Janet Addison, Ruth Merrigan, Hazel Setchell, Jack Hardy, Maureen Thompson, Craig Marsh, Pauline Smout, Heather Lyons

  2. The minutes of the meeting held on 15[th] April 2021 were accepted and signed as a true record.

  3. Electoral Roll Report – prepared by Margaret Harris for the last time as she is standing down this year. There were 3 deaths this year, Gary Price who was a sidesman for many years until his onset of Parkinson’s. Gary and his wife Kareen had only just moved to Dunchurch to be nearer their daughter when Gary died. Dorothy Fell was 101 when she died this year, who until recently had been a regular at the Thursday morning communion. We also remember Roy Herbert, the husband of Anne who attended the 8 o’clock service when her family could bring her. Carol Head, another regular at the 8am

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service has moved away and Jo Jones and her 2 boys have moved to another church. Whilst not on the electoral roll, as clergy do not join, MH paid tribute to Lindsay Hughes who will be greatly missed by so many as she touched all of our lives in so many different ways.

We have 4 new members this year Jack Hardy, John Atkins and Craig and Cherish Marsh. This brings our total to 117 on the electoral roll this year. SG echoed his sentiments about Lindsay and offered his thanks to MH for being electoral roll officer and taking the role above and beyond, by building important relationships with those on the role and spending time getting to know people. The PCC will be looking to appoint new electoral roll officer as soon as possible. One person has expressed an interest, but if anyone would like to know more, please talk to Steve.

  1. PCC Annual Report. Nothing to add and no questions raised.

  2. Vicar’s reports with opportunities for questions. SG added – last time we met for an APCM we were online and we reflected a lot on the effects of COVID, the impact it had on the life of the church, the worshipping and the wider life of the church, with a sense of lament. There was a great deal of sadness about where we were at, but a real hope that we would see things improve and get back to something like the way things were and we would return to all the things we wanted to do. That had largely happened by the end of 2021. Worshipping life was back to normal mostly, the regular community activities we offered and took part in were largely back to normal and our work in schools was back. So, a lot that we were hoping for has largely come to pass and we give thanks for that. The life of the church has recovered well, and new things have come out of that time.

It was also a year of loss for all of us with the death of Lindsay Hughes, a major loss to many not only on a personal level but also for her ministry in the church and the community. She will be sadly missed.

We can be positive about the things that have been going on in the year and encouraged by new things like the Hillmorton Hub that AMM takes the lead on. We welcomed Anne-Marie and Craig and their family, Tom and Cherish to the Parish and are blessed by their involvement. AMM is passionate about the community and being alongside people, both church family and the wider community. AMM thanked everyone for the support she has received and to the wonderful teams that are involved. Future: SG confirmed that MS is moving onto a new role soon and took the opportunity to wish MS a very happy and fruitful move and that it could be a smooth transition. This will be a time of adjustment for all within the parish; we do not lose someone with Margaret’s gifts and capacity without it making a difference to us. We will need to settle into new ways of doing things and consider what the shape of the ministry that we look to recruit into Hillmorton looks like. Long term there is an ongoing commitment to 1 stipendiary and 1 house of duty post.

Paul Thomas will be leaving too in the next few weeks; we will miss his ministry too. Not only on a personal friendship level but also the reader ministry level too.

We have fantastic opportunities ahead – the parish has grown by 20% in last 4 years and in the next 2 years will go up to 50%. In a short space of time, that is a huge change in this size of the community that we are trying to minister to. It is a huge opportunity to ask how we best connect to the new 2,000 homes and ask ourselves whether we are doing the right things for these new families. A new heating system will hopefully be installed at St John’s this year as well as planned changes for the new car park – watch this space. Times of transition are challenging but bring an opportunity for people to offer the right gifts in different ways. Bruno Hughes asked how a new Associate Minister is to be recruited? SG advised that the Parish decides is who involved in the recruitment process and also what the role looks like, ultimately making the decision as to who is recruited. BH asked about the Hillmorton Vicarage. SG confirmed that it is our responsibility to look after it until someone else moves into it.

  1. Financial Report and Accounts. SG added that we should be very encouraged by the numbers as much of last year was still spent in a not normal environment. We should be thankful that we have kept our head above water – thanks to all the community who continue to give on a regular basis, despite testing times. We are in a solid financial position after 2 trying years. SG offered thanks to DS for his stewardship of the finances over the last few years, keeping us on the straight and narrow and thanks to CH for taking on the role. Thanks also to Malcolm Harrison who acted as Independent Examiner this year, at the very last minute. BH asked what happened if we fail to meet our Parish Share. SG advised that the Parish Share is always the first thing to be paid, so we should never not meet our Parish Share – it is our contribution to the cost of ministry in the Diocese. If we can’t afford the Parish Share, we would have to look at different pattern of ministry that is more affordable. That is why we

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see some parishes merging as they are unable to sustain the ministry they have, resulting in the merging of parishes, thus sharing resources. SG there is no reason to think we might have any problems meeting share. Our hope should be that we continue, and anticipate that this will continue, to be a Parish that continues to grow, which should equate to an increase in giving. BH asked if the heating fund donations ring-fenced – SG confirmed that it is restricted funds which will only be spent on the heating.

  1. Mission Partners Report. Financial support is provided to our mission partners, but also time and ministry. 2022 has increased in line with our increased giving from 2021. If there is a view that someone else can be supported, then please let SG know. MS keen to encourage other church family members to be engaged with the mission partners. MS would particularly like someone to take responsibility for the links with Beon-Jim and Marie

  2. Building and Fabric Report. Update from PW

Rogers Hall could be hired 7 days a week for 8 hours a day which would be great from an income point of view, but it would prevent church groups from using it. We should not allow it to be so booked up that church groups are unable to make use of the meeting space. Costs are increasing so the income is very welcome. The management of the hall is under review – meeting in a few weeks. The team who open and close after private bookings has halved, Paul Thomas and David Simmons are leaving, and Tony Pittam can no longer commit. DS and MS are also regularly in RH doing bits and bobs, so we will miss their input. Craig Marsh and Trevor Benjamin have offered their support. Ted Lyons commented that the acoustics in the hall are so much better due to the sound suppressants installed. Thanks to Rob Cunningham from the local Scout Group who measured what we needed for the work. Jane Pogson advised that RC had recently suffered a heart attack and PW offered a prayer for his recovery.

Church - roof has another leak, but only when wind is in a particular direction, to be investigated.

  1. Deanery Synod Report. CH reminded everyone that they were welcome to attend the first half of the Deanery Synod meetings – listening to guest speakers. Good to understand what is happening around the Deanery. New Area Dean to be appointed as Tim Cockell’s 5 years ended on 31[st] March 2022.

  2. Safeguarding Report. Bruno Hughes asked if there was only one Safeguarding officer, and if so what happened if something arose in their absence? SG advised that if the Parish Safeguarding Office was not available it is clergy that take responsibility, or the Diocesan Safeguarding officer, details on the website. Ted Lyons added that the CofE have stepped up the requirements for those involved in church ministry. SG added that JI does a great job of keeping safeguarding requirements up to date, ensuring everyone is DBS checked and up to date with the relevant training.

  3. Worship Team Report. SG added that our sung music and worship through music such a hugely important part of connecting with God in different ways, so we do give thanks for those brave enough for being at the front. PW commented that having microphones above the congregation would offer a richer sound when streaming the services, rather than hearing only the worship group.

  4. Prayer Ministry Team Report. The team gathered for the first time a few weeks ago, and a plan has been laid out for possible prayer ministries during services. Spontaneous prayer ministry has been offered recently - but the team is significantly depleted currently. New members to the team are to be encouraged. Great that we can offer prayer in church and that people are receptive to it. Next prayer ministry team meeting is in May. Those interested should contact Ted or Heather. MS added that the team would like to start offering prayer ministry during communion services, after taking the sacrament, rather than try and find a team every week while the team is so small.

  5. Cathedral Parish Partner Report. PT unlikely that this will be revived due to lack of interest.

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ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

  1. Elections to Parochial Church Council . There are 9 elected members to the PCC each of whom serves 3 years. Ex officio members are Deanery Synod representatives, clergy and church wardens. 3 existing members are at the end of the 3 year term, Helen Merrigan, Louise Bradshaw and Jo Isley. All 3 are happy to be re-elected – thanks to those. Jo and Louise were both proposed by Pete Webb, seconded by John Merrigan and Helen Merrigan was proposed by Judith Clucas and seconded by Phil Clucas. New nominations – Bruno Hughes, proposed by Phil Clucas and seconded by Judith Clucas and Hilary Mitchell, proposed by Pat Lole, seconded by Anne Tippett. Nominations carried unanimously. Ex officio – SG, MS, AMM Church Wardens PW JC Deanery Synod CH, AT, PL, DB, LW JM HM LB JI HM BH.

  2. Appointment of Independent Examiner. Claire Hughes confirmed that Malcolm Harrison is happy to continue as independent examiner.

  3. Appointment of Cathedral Parish Partner . PT until there is a decision as to the future of the scheme.

LOOKING FORWARD

  1. Any other business. Chris Addison – vote of thanks to Margaret and David Simmons for their service to the church, which has flourished under their care, it is much more vibrant, bubbly and they are leaving the church in a very different state to how it was when they arrived. Thank you to both of them. SG added that we are all looking forward to giving our thanks to Margaret and David personally in the next few weeks when the time comes for them to leave.

  2. The meeting closed with the second half of evening prayer followed by the Grace.

The meeting closed at 9.35pm

2023 APCM

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Approval of the minutes of the 2022 APCM

REPORTS

3. Electoral Roll Report – Val Aspeling

4. PCC Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

Vicar (Priest-in-charge) Rev Steve Gold, Houlton Vicarage, 2 Maxwell Road, Houlton CV23 1AH Associate Vicar (in post Rev Margaret Simmons, Hillmorton Vicarage, 18, Hoskyn Close, until 30[th] June 2022) Hillmorton, CV21 4LA Curate Rev Anne-Marie Marsh, St George’s Vicarage, St John’s Avenue, Hillmorton, CV22 5HR

Independent examiner Mr Malcolm Harrison of 14a Percival Road, Rugby, CV22 5JS

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.

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Membership of the Parochial Church Council from April 2022

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(up to 30thJune 2022) Reverend Margaret Simmons
Curate Reverend Anne-Marie Marsh
Churchwardens Peter Webb
Judith Clucas
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: David Bradford (3rd year)
Linda Webb (3rd year)
John Merrigan (2ndyear)
Louise Bradshaw (1styear)
Helen Merrigan (1styear)
Jo Isley (1styear)
Bruno Hughes (1stYear)
Hilary Mitchell (1stYear)

The PCC met 11 times in 2022, with focus meetings on 3 of those occasions, 6 business meetings, 1 social meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 6[th] April 2022.

In 2022 there were 117 names on the Electoral Roll. The Electoral Roll Officer was Val Aspeling.

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 (when in post), Curate, Churchwardens, Treasurer and one other member of the PCC elected by the Council (elected member for 2022 John Merrigan)

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.

5. Vicar’s review of 2022. Reverend Steve Gold

It feels appropriate to begin by recognising that 2022 was a difficult and painful year for the St John’s part of our community. We have lost, for a variety of reasons, the presence of Margaret and David Simmons, Rita Atkins and Paul Thomas – all of whom were such a central part of the life of St John’s over recent years. The death of David and Rita on the same day came as a particular shock to us, and we mourn their loss. We also give thanks for all that each of them brought to our shared life together, and to their varied contribution to the recovery of the St John’s community over the last decade. In particular it is vital to recognise and give thanks for Margaret’s fruitful ministry at St John’s over that time. I pray that 2023 will be time of healing and peace for her.

I continue to be hugely grateful for the way in which ministry and mission in our churches is shared so widely across our parish. In particular I would like to take the opportunity to thank our churchwardens Judith Clucas, Pete Webb & John Merrigan; our PCC secretary and treasurer Claire Hughes, our Parish Safeguarding Officer Jo Isley, the headteacher of St Gabriel’s Andy Taylor (and his staff) and our administrator, Paula Mayfield – for all their contributions to the life of our church communities. Of course, I’d like to record my thanks for the energetic and fruitful presence and ministry of Anne-Marie as she

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continues her curacy among us. We have a fantastic team to work amongst, bringing positivity and collaboration to all aspects of church and school life.

Neither St John’s nor St Gabriel’s are large church communities, but I am constantly amazed at the way we are so focussed on blessing our wider community in many different ways. I know there are many of you who are deeply involved in all of these parts of our churches’ life, and I hope that reading all that we’re involved in with our community will encourage you.

Can I also thank everyone who contributed to preaching and leading our services in 2022; in particular our licensed readers Paul Thomas and Helen Merrigan, as well as Reverend Ted Lyons, Reverend Alan Scrivener, Claire Hughes, John Merrigan, Peter Webb, April Gold (3[rd] year ordinand) and Linda Wainscot. We look forward to encouraging our community to continue growing in their gifts in preaching and leading worship.

I’d also like to thank our PCC-appointed foundation governors at St Gabriel’s; Steve, Anne-Marie, Funmi Ikuomola, Rex Pogson and Georgina Newton. Our foundation governors are primarily responsible for helping the school to establish & maintain its Christian (and Anglican) identity and supporting the life of the school community, which is now around 300 people.

Finally, thank you for your enduring love for each other. Thank you for your enduring patience with my many weaknesses. Thank you for your love of God and the parish he’s called us to serve and bless together. I look forward to what God will do among us on the year ahead.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Community Engagement – Reverend Anne-Marie Marsh

We have had such a rich tapestry of Community Engagement in Hillmorton and Houlton over the last twelve months, which have enabled us to welcome and interact with many people in our community through regular groups and different community events. Here is an update....

Hillmorton Hub HH has continued to grow over the last year, we have had many new people come and join us, who have either been signposted to us through other people or an organisation, or they have seen us advertised. We have made many connections with many people from different situations and backgrounds within the community, some of whom are lonely, or need support in some way and others who enjoy coming to socialise with new and old friends. We have had the Community Police attending regularly as well as representatives from HEaRT and our local councillor. We are praying that we can be a beacon to others most in need in our community and we have extended the HH session to provide soup and a roll and a Warm Space for people to come, which has been very popular. We have borne much fruit from this group, with some attending now coming regularly to church and being involved in other church events, God never stops working! As a team we are praying that more people will come to know us and that it will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Playhouse This continues to be a popular and expanding group, where we are able to connect with young families not just from Hillmorton and Houlton, but also from other areas in Rugby. It is amazing to see how God is at work in this group which other than those attending knowing it is run by the church has no religious teaching. We have had many Baptisms and people attending other church events. As a team we have been able to build good relationships with many of the families. It is wonderful to offer this valued community group, which is well used and for those who attend is part of their weekly pattern and much appreciated.

Dollman Dots Under the leadership of Judith and her team, Dolmans continues to grow from strength to strength and many strong relationships have been built with many families that have led to Baptisms and families attending other church events. It has been a valuable way of connecting with new families that have moved to Houlton and it is crucial in helping to create community as the development continues to grow.

Judith adds: We took a considered and slow by-weekly return after lockdown up until the end of the summer term. This proved quite difficult, because if a family missed one session it was then a month before you met them again. Also there seemed to be no continuity between session so in September we returned to our weekly sessions which was a great relief to us all. Relationships began to become more established and themed sessions held more meaning. Our numbers are restricted due to the size of the Barn, but we are always at capacity with at least twenty children per session, which is wonderful. The parents and carers are always great in welcoming new families and we all look forward to a happy snack time followed by our

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weekly singing and rhyme time. We welcomed a visit from Debbie from Barnados in the Autumn term. She was welcomed by parents and carers and managed to get around and chat to all who were present that session. She left an informative sheet on which we can refer parents to, with all sorts of courses on offer or professionals they can contact should they need support. We are greatly blessed with our reliable team of volunteers, but it would be amazing to have more people on the team, allowing others to have a break. We were sorry Pat had to leave us before Christmas and thank her for all the sessions she has supported within this ministry.

I look forward with anticipation, at what Father God has in store for us over the next twelve months.

Teddy Bears Picnic and Movie Days It was wonderful to be able to welcome people to St John’s for various summer events which were extremely popular and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The Teddy Bears picnic, saw us abseiling teddy bears from our church tower, sharing in a picnic and doing other craft activities. It was an event we will repeat this year and we pray that others will join us from our community. The Movie days in church were also very popular and it was so lovely to see so many families attending and sharing in a picnic afterwards, it is something we will also do this summer. Coffee morning We have continued to welcome many people to CM. We have had some months where we have had stalls with cakes and crafts etc for sale, which has been very popular, and we are hoping to incorporate this more often and think about how we can encourage others from the community to join us. For those that do attend it is an event that is firmly in the calendar and appreciated and promotes community engagement.

Meet the Nativity This year saw the first time we held our live action walk through the Christmas story at St John’s and St Gabriel’s. We had people from our church congregations and community taking part in the event and we had live animals! It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with people we hadn’t met before in our churches and to tell the true story of Christmas. We pray this year will see even more people attending.

Indian Community Carol Service This was another ‘first’ event that was suggested and led by those in the Indian Community in Houlton. Steve and I worked in collaboration with those leading the community group involved and we had approx. 100 people attend. The service was a lovely occasion of singing, worship and eating lovely food a wonderful chance to engage with people in our community. It will be wonderful to be able to collaborate for future events.

Children’s Sunday groups We have continued to provide Sunday school teaching for the children who attend our Sunday services. 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 and St Gabriel’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.

Queen Platinum Jubilee We welcomed many people into Rogers Hall for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration. It was a really popular event; we had the community choir attending and offered activities and refreshments. It was a wonderful time of community engagement, and we had lovely feedback from this event. This year we will celebrate the King’s Coronation and we hope to do something similar.

Community Engagement is something that is crucial to church life and growth and being able to work and engage with people in community truly is a blessing and a privilege. Many people have personally testified as to how engagement with us as a church in community has helped them to feel valued, encouraged and included and this has had a positive affect in their lives.

God is very much at work in our Communities of Hillmorton and Houlton, we are called to be salt and light to all those around us and to spread the good news through our actions, to be flavour and a beacon. 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’.

What a wonderful year, what an exciting next year ahead, Thank you Lord .

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

With the first full year as Treasurer under my belt I am pleased to share that God’s provision continues to be above and beyond our expectations – why should I be surprised?

With the introduction of a new accounting system, Expense Plus, in January 2022, the time spent analysing income and expenditure has been greatly reduced and offers us a much quicker and more efficient way of monitoring and reporting on our finances. It is also used for sending invoices to our hall hirers and thanks go to Paula Mayfield for her work behind the scenes in running a tight ship, chasing money when it is due

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but overwhelmingly being a welcoming voice at the end of the phone when people call to make bookings. My job is made so much easier with Paula’s input as our Church Administrator (and much more). Expense Plus also has the facility to link directly to HMRC so all Gift Aid declarations can now be done electronically by the click of a button via the software rather than having to produce manual calculations to then be input to the HMRC website. Sincere thanks are offered to David Bradford who has faithfully continued to submit the Gift Aid declarations up until the end of the tax year 2022, at which point Expense Plus was ready and able to pick up the submissions allowing David a well-earned retirement.

Having submitted an £11,000 deficit budget to the PCC at the end of 2021, I am thankful to be able to report a surplus for the year of £40,819. We received a wonderful gift of a large legacy during the year which has made such a difference to us and the work we will be able to offer in the future. Enormous thanks go to the family for such a generous gift.

Planned giving decreased in 2022 as people struggled with the cost of living increases, but loose plate collections increased and with the introduction of a contactless giving station in church, our overall giving saw a 2.5% increase on 2021 figures.

Rogers Hall continues to provide us with a steady income and makes a good profit. These profits are used to maintain the building and we are now in a position to be able to undertake a much-needed refurbishment of the toilet facilities which is planned for the summer of 2023. We were able to secure 2 grants during the year from Warwickshire County Council towards the work the Hillmorton Hub were doing and also an Additional Restrictions Grant from Rugby Borough Council supporting us for the ongoing affects of COVID restrictions affecting our ability to hire out the hall. These grants totalled £2,293 and are included in the Rogers Hall income figures shown in the accounts.

We continue to support mission partners both at home and abroad, and the following donations were made during the year.

the year.
2022 2021
Home Rugby Foodbank 500 500
Christians against Poverty Rugby 600 600
Gift of years 600 600
Rugby Revive 100 100
Coventry Cathedral 365 365
Oversea Missions Brenda Sheil 1,200 1,200
CMS for Beom-Jin & Marie Shin 1,335 1,235
4,700 4,600

We also supported the Ukranian appeal with donations collected at services as the war broke out which were gratefully received.

Thanks go to Malcolm Harrison for continuing as our Independent Examiner for which he makes no charge. The PCC make a donation to a charity of Malcolm’s choice in lieu of that fee.

As we look towards 2023, we continue to prepare ourselves for a tough year of escalating costs as we have several challenges that face us, particularly but not exclusively utilities charges. We are currently benefitting from the Government’s scheme of price capping but this will not run indefinitely and we have some church building maintenance to undertake in 2023 as required in the Quinquennial inspection. The PCC have approved our 2023 budget which identifies a projected deficit of £30,000 but we remain steadfast in the knowledge that God remains faithful to us and our work in the Parish we are called to serve, and we pray for His continued provision.

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Income Statement for the year ending 31st December 2022

GENERAL FUND INCOME
Income from Donors
Planned Giving
Collections
Contactless giving - church
Gift Aid Claimed
Income from Children and Family
Wedding and Funerals
Fees (net)
Donations at services
Other
Newsletter Advertising
Donations
Legacies
Other
Bank Interest and Dividends
Deposit account at CCLA
COIF Dividends
Grants received
Parish Share Grant
Grant for Jubilee Bench
TOTAL ST JOHNS AND ST GABRIELS
INCOME
ROGERS HALL
TOTAL GENERAL FUND INCOME
RESTRICTED FUND INCOME
Redevelopment/heating
Other
TOTAL INCOME		 2022
44,162
4,856
2,087
14,701
65,806
2,761
2,761
5,689
5,689
2,810
4,427
40,000
1,199
48,436
661
491
1,152
1,000
0
1,000
124,844
17,663
17,663
142,507
8,785
575
9,360
151,867		 2022
44,162
4,856
2,087
14,701
65,806
2,761
2,761
5,689
5,689
2,810
4,427
40,000
1,199
48,436
661
491
1,152
1,000
0
1,000
124,844
17,663
17,663
142,507
8,785
575
9,360
151,867		 2021 2021 2021
44,162
4,856
2,087
14,701		 46,674
3,415
13,952
64,041
2,761 1,313
1,313
5,689 6,090
1,448
7,538
2,810
4,427
40,000
1,199		 1,121
8,982
3,291
13,394
661
491		 26
467
493
1,000
0		 7,000
0
7,000
17,663 12,780
93,779
12,780
106,559
8,785
575		 3,022
2,461
5,483
112,042

page 12

Expenditure Statement for the year ending 31st December 2022

Activities directly connected to the church
Parish Share
Clergy expenses
Lighting, heating and water
Insurance
Upkeep of services (incl licences)
Media
Newsletter printing
Mission
Church Maintenance
Children and Family
Salary
Materials etc
Administration
Salaries
Stationery, postage etc
Donations
Other
St Gabriel's
Organ and Piano
TOTAL ST JOHNS AND ST GABRIELS EXPENDITURE
ROGERS HALL
TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE
RESTRICTED FUND EXPENDITURE
Redevelopment
Other
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		 2022
64,999
1,785
4,027
4,794
3,738
2,381
2,954
2,336
87,014
0
9,172
2,136
11,308
4,743
2,378
7,121
0
0
105,443
4,334
4,334
109,777
764
507
1,271
111,048		 2022
64,999
1,785
4,027
4,794
3,738
2,381
2,954
2,336
87,014
0
9,172
2,136
11,308
4,743
2,378
7,121
0
0
105,443
4,334
4,334
109,777
764
507
1,271
111,048		 2021 2021 2021
64,999
1,785
4,027
4,794
3,738
2,381
2,954
2,336		 62,000
870
1,189
3,550
1,397
488
1,682
1,926
6,669
79,771
0
262
262
9,172
2,136		 4,142
699
4,841
4,743
2,378		 4,600
3,539
8,139
4,334 57
2,240
9,897
57
2,240
95,310
9,897
764
507		 4,200
591
105,207
4,791
109,998

page 13

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st December 2022

Cash and bank
HSBC
CCLA
Cash
Funds
General
Redevelopment
Rogers Hall
Other
Connected Charities - Langton Bequest
Balance brough forward 1st Jan 2022
Interest received
Balance carried forward 31st December 2022
Money held as follows
CCLA Deposit account
CCLA Investment fund
Connected Charities - Hillmorton Church Lands
Balance brough forward 1st Jan 2022
Dividends received
Transferred to PCC general income
Balance carried forward 31st December 2022		 2022
58,355
50,886
149		 109,38
9
109,38
9
1,968
57
2,025
725
1,300
2,025
10,675
491
-491
10,675		 2021
18,20
5
50,22
6
140		 68,571
68,571
1,922
46
70,813
13,562
21,433
3,581		 51,41
3
5,541
8,104
3,513
1,968
668
1,300
1,968
10,675
467
-467
10,675

The investment is held with CCLA and valued on 31st December 2022 at £15,736.82

The Accounts were presented to and approved by the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Hillmorton

Reverend Steve Gold, Chairperson

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Claire Hughes, Honorary Treasurer

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

Church Building

Maintaining an ageing and historical church building presents us with some significant challenges and as we are somewhat limited in financial terms it is necessary to prioritise the work that needs attention.

The outstanding major areas identified in the Quinquennial Report are:

Recent works which have been identified and for which we have budgeted include

The wall heaters in the South aisle have been removed as they were not providing heat to the congregation and were using a significant amount of electricity to heat nothing but the air above. The savings made on running costs will hopefully allow us to use the under-pew heaters for a longer period of time when necessary.

Two of the remaining upright gravestones in the churchyard which were deemed unsafe and at risk of toppling over have been laid flat until advice is received from the stonemason.

A large tree in the corner of the churchyard blew down and has since been made safe.

One of the benches by the footpath became rotten and unsafe so this has been removed and disposed of. This has been replaced with a memorial bench for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Half of the cost of this has been funded by Hillmorton Charities by way of a grant.

A kind individual has donated two flower planters and has undertaken to maintain these. They have been placed on the Memorial Garden site. Thanks are due to Pat and Keith Lole who are keeping the Memorial Garden tidy and looking wonderful.

Unfortunately, we are still experiencing minor irritations including someone fiddling with the front door lock which needs regular monitoring to ensure the building is secured at night.

All necessary checks have been completed and certificates of safety issued.

Again, at the time of writing we are awaiting a visit from our insurance company to update the details of the building following the recent alterations at the West end.

Rogers Hall

Dog training, Keep Fit, Women’s Institute, Youth Club, Brownies and Guides, Radio Controlled cars, Coffee mornings, Church Worship, private bookings for children’s parties etc, and of course our own Church events are just some of the activities that take place in our God given facility at the Rogers Hall. It is important that we remain good stewards of this facility, not only looking after it, but ensuring that all guidance and regulations in place for a building open for public use. As I write an electrical safety check has been carried out and the necessary remedial work has been scheduled

As such we have recently increased our lettings fees to cover, amongst other things, the vast increase in energy costs and I would encourage people to ensure that outer doors are kept shut in the winter months and lights and equipment are all switched off when not in use.

As the building is in use most days of the week throughout the year it goes without saying that there will be the usual incidents of wear and tear which need to be paid for on a priority basis. However, parts of the building are looking old and need refurbishment.

On this basis the long-awaited upgrading of the toilets has now been commissioned and new flooring for the kitchen has been agreed. We will be applying for grants where possible towards the costs but the Rogers Hall side of our balance sheet indicates that there is cash available to finance at least part of the bill.

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Partly due to investigations where it was evident that locks on the outer doors had been interfered with making them unusable, it has been identified that all external doors are in need of replacement.

At the time of writing we are awaiting the installation of a new internal door which was damaged beyond repair.

Thanks are due to the small group of individuals who help care for the fabric of the hall on a regular basis. If anyone else feels that they would like to help in this way, please talk to any member of the clergy or PCC.

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

Meetings are held quarterly across the Deanery.

March 2022 . We were pleased to welcome Deanery Synod to St John’s where Reverend Edmund Newey shared the vision for the Rugby Mission Hub, based at St Andrews i.e. worshipping God, making new disciples and transforming communities

As Christians we are bearers, bringers and agents of life, to restore health, new growth and renew relationships. Hub churches will work with other nearby churches to facilitate growth within their context. To share gifts and experiences, identifying needs and opportunities and to respond on the areas needing support.

This will be funded from strategic funding from central resources, not Parish Share. An associate minister will be recruited for a 5-year term with the anticipation of them spending 25% of their time working in their host church and 75% of their time resourcing other churches in the area.

New growth can take many forms.

  1. Church Plants, replanting mini replicas.

  2. Muddy/messy/café Church providing new ways of evangelising.

  3. Fresh Expression eg to take a seed and plant, find out how it will grow, breaking life into it and watching what comes up.

Tim Cockell announced at this meeting that he was finishing his 5-year term as Area Dean – the Synod wished him well as he was able then to return full time to his Parish of St Marks, Bilton.

June 2022 . Hosted by All Saints Church, Leamington Hastings where newly installed Reverend Phil Price introduced the Synod to Hollywood Style Bible study. Newly appointed Area Dean Reverend Steve Gold chaired the meeting which included reports from Diocesan Synod and Bishops Council as well as a Finance update identifying a 7% increase in Deanery ministry costs which would be included in the budget to be proposed at the November meeting. Dick Withington spoke about Creation Care and as Creation Care Champion he encouraged delegates to share news or planned events about creation care/green issues with him

November 2022 . St Andrew’s Church hosted synod where, Steve, as Area Dean, welcomed everyone.

Reverend Mary Gregory, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation at the Cathedral, spoke about aspects of her work. There was interactive discussion on how artefacts and different art forms can enhance teaching and learning about our faith as well as that of children.

The proposed budget and Parish Share figures were presented by Reverend Steve Gold on behalf of the Diocesan Board of Finance, and Dick Withington spoke briefly about ‘Creation Care’, explaining there would be opportunities to learn more on how, as churches, we may consider new approaches that are more ecofriendly than perhaps we have considered in the past.

February 2023 . Hosted by St Georges Church, Rugby. The Reverend Rob Harrison, Diocesan Director of Ministry and Leadership spoke to the Synod about the proposed changes to Lay Ministry training for 2023 using a cheese triangle as a prop. The vision is to equip and empower more lay ministers in our parishes to invert the usual triangle which has the clergy at the top point of the triangle and lay ministers forming the layers beneath. Lay people will be encouraged to minister and be commissioned via a series of courses but mostly through experience in their parishes in whatever ministry they feel called to.

9. Safeguarding – Jo Isley, Parish Safeguarding Officer

I am pleased to note that the profile of safeguarding within our parish, the Coventry diocese, the Church of England, and indeed society generally, continues to increase. However, every single one of us is on a learning journey regarding safeguarding. Indeed, even the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, apologised at the time of his confirmation as Archbishop of York, for failing to follow correct reporting and documenting procedures

page 17

in a domestic abuse case that he became aware of, whilst serving as Area Bishop of Reading. He acknowledged that a lack of training and understanding, which he has since addressed, along with time constraints, compromised his ability to fully recognise and respond to concerns raised with him. He chose to go public with the story, as he wanted to help change the narrative for the C of E on safeguarding, by being open and transparent so that failures may be investigated and lessons learned.

As Parish Safeguarding Officer, I am due to renew my own Safeguarding Leadership Pathway training in March. Since my initial training when new to the role three years ago, the Pathway has evolved significantly. Previously, it simply required me to attend an in-person presentation, with some audience participation, and answer a sheet of multiple-choice questions. It now includes pre-course preparation - extensive reading and written reflection on questions to be discussed during the two 90-minute virtual seminars held via Zoom a week apart – and a post-course written reflection, upon what I have learned and changes I have implemented, to be submitted within six weeks of the course for my training certificate to be issued.

Within our parish, as throughout the world, safeguarding issues need to be identified and addressed. This means that every member of our church community has a duty to be alert to any concerns and report them, however insignificant they might seem. It is better to pass on an individual piece of information, than withhold it and later regret doing so. The onus is simply on passing on information, which may contribute to a larger picture, rather than launching an investigation. Concerns will be addressed with discretion, and on a strictly need-to-know basis. The diocesan safeguarding team are always consulted about actions required, and they have links with multiple other agencies.

Training is available to anyone who would like to learn more about how to spot concerns and who to raise them with. Certain roles require three-yearly refresher training at the relevant level required for that role. I am very grateful to those who undertake the training when requested, and I am happy to provide any support needed to complete the training.

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.

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

10. Worship Team – Helen Merrigan

John Piper summarises the inner essence of worship as: to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.

In St John’s our desire and prayer is that we as a small, inclusive team can play our part in facilitating us all in this offering of praise from our lips.

We are always open to new musicians and singers joining us – please do speak to me if you or anyone you know is interested in finding out more. God loves variety and it would also be good to share the load a little more.

As a team we really appreciate those who faithfully turn up early, set up and operate the sound system and also ensure the right words appear on the screens at the right time – especially Phil & Matt.

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.

At Christmas our Carols and Lessons service was supported and enhanced by the Circle Singers which was really appreciated and they have gladly accepted the invitation to come again this year.

A couple of the team recently attended a ‘Worship Breakfast’ organised by the diocese which they found encouraging and inspiring.

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 include a mix of both traditional and more recent

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songs/tunes and we hope that you are able to express your praise and worship of God through both. We are grateful for the encouraging feedback we have had from the congregation.

11. Prayer Ministry Team – Heather Lyons.

Our team this year is much smaller since we have lost Paul, Lindsay, Lillian, Margaret and of course Rita. We are now six. We have met together termly for fellowship, prayer and to review how it's working remembering that our prayer ministry is kept strictly confidential. Recently we have been offering prayer during the service itself after communion, which, as it is twice a month now, means the team is spread a bit more thinly. This of course has advantages and disadvantages. After the service we know some have to leave quickly and many want to chat with friends and enjoy the cakes on offer. Whereas after communion, prayer seems the natural response to the offering of Jesus Himself for us. It has been a joy and privilege to pray with those who come and to see people responding positively to the opportunity. We believe that the Lord is present and longs to touch each one personally with His love and healing reviving power. Our BELIEF as a team and our only validation to do this ministry is that it is not through any ABILITY of our own but only through our AVAILABILITY as channels for Him to work. Ephesian's Ch 1 18-22....

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

12. Elections to Deanery Synod

13. Elections to the Parochial Church Council

14. Appointment of Independent Examiner

15. Any Other Business

16. Closing Prayer

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