£lmLton Church Sharing the Love of Christ Annual report for 2023 www.elmdonchurch.org www.facebook.com/elmdonchurch @elmdonchurch Produced by the Parochial Church Council for the Annual Parochial Churth Meeting. to be held on Tuesday 21" May 2024, 7.30pm at Elmdon Church.
Church Information Address Elmdon churc Church Lan¢ Elmdon ParK Solihull B92 9EJ Rector Revd Bekah Clark (from March 2023) Licensed Readers Robert Dean. Rkhard Huss Karen Matthews Churchwarden Carol Janes The business of the Church is carried out through the Parochial Church Council (PCQ. This met eight times in person during 2023: six regular meetings, one PCC vlsion day, and one meeting immediately after the APCM to appotnt PCC officers. Further decisions were taken by email, in accordance with the provisions of the Church Representation Rules. The role of the PCC remains one of cOperating with the Rector in promoting the mission of the church: pastoral. evangelistic. social and ecumenical. PCC members Revd 8ekah Clark {from March 2023) Chalr Carol Janes Churthwarden, ex offlclo member Karen Matthews Reader, appointed by the 2022 APCM Christine Arnsby Cheryl Doyle Jamie Oldham Deanery Synod, ex offlclo member Deanery Synod, ex offlcio member Deanery Synod. ex officlo member Elected Members to serve untll APCM in: 2024 Lesley Huss Graham Smye Sue Kimber 2025 Alan Doyle Martin Hewings Arbne Milne 2026 Sarah Leckie David Maguire Vacancy Officers appolnted by ihe PCQ 2023 - 2024 Safeguarding PCC Treasurer PCC Secretary Lay Vice-chair Parlsh Identify Verifier Elecroral Roll Officer Lesley Huss Alan Doyle Christine Arns Graham Smye Lesley Huss Jamie Oldham
PCC and Diocese Rector's Introduction At the joyful occasion of my licensing as Rector of Elmdon (& Vicar of St Mary's, Hobs Moat. held in plurality) in March 2023. 1 spoke of h(M I was looking fonvard to pannering and also 'partying' with the PCCS and congregations of both churches In the work of the Gospel. It 15 .good news that will cause great joy for all the people... (Luke 2.1 O. NIV) that is the heart of the Christian faith. What folli)ws is an oveNlew of some of the ways in which Elmdon Church has been seeking to live out that 'good news, over the last year. made possible our partnership in the Gospel all the volunteers who so geneTOU51y enable ministry and mission and the encouragement of sustaining rhythms of prayer, worship and fellowship - reminding us that in the joys and the challenges, 'the joy of the Lord is lourl strength, (Nehemiah 8.101. Sunday sermons usualty foll(Y•V a series, with sernions in 2023 on 'The Chlldhood of Christ.. 'Giving It Up,, 'A Life of Jry. (Philippians). 'Journeying withjesus,, 'True Friendship.. 'Inside the Christmas Story. and 'Saying Yes to God. (Family Services). Average Sunday attendance is around 50. with all generations represented most weeks. We have begun exploring ways in which we can be more truty intergenerational, enabling all ages to be able to fully participate in worship. The Tuesday Service welcomed newcomers and vlsitors throughout 2023 and its gentle and relaxed forniat makes it especially accessible for those for who would prefer a quieter. less busy setting in which to connect with God and others. In Ottober, the first joint monthly prayer with St Mary's, Hobs Moat was held. Open to everyone, lasting for an hour. and beginning and ending with a song. we pray for the needs of the world, our local communities and our wio churches as we seek to work in complementary ways to be as effecrive as possible in ministry and mission. Attendance is usually around 12-15 and those who join this meeting are blessed by the opportunity to take tirne out together with God in the middle of our weeks. A new addition to the Elmdon Church calendar was our first 'Light Party. on 31" October. inviting primary-school age children and their parents or carers to celebrate All Hallows. Eve (Halloween) by focusing on Jesus the Light of the World. The teatime event induded crafts, activities, a Bible talk, outdoor light trail and party tea. Lots of fun was had by all who attended and by the team. This is set to be a fimi flxiure In the Elmdon calendar. Elmdon Church has a particular ministry in caring for the bereaved with regular burials and burials of ashes taking place in the churchyard. The relntroductlon of an Annual Memorial Serrfice in November was well received, with the loved ones of those for whom we've taken a seNlce Sn the prevlous 12 month5 recelvlng a letter of invitation. Attended by over 50 people and followed by refreshments, the serrfice was an opportunity for reflection, comfort and to hear the hope of the Gospel. Much of 2023 was. for me. spent making connections and getting to know the local community, including our local schools. Half-iernily a55emblies took place at Damson Wood Infant and Nursery school and we a150 accepted an invitatlon to have a stall at their Summer Fair, where we provided a craft aaivity. Members of Elmdon Church and friends at St Mary's, Hobs Moat crocheted and knitted an impressive
200 angels and SLVS to be given to each chlld at Damson Wood Infant and Nursery School to share the joy of Christmas. December also saw us welcome to church Receptlon and Year 2 from Valley Primary School. to participate In our 'Encounter Christmas, trail beautifully prepared lry members of Elmdon Church and givtng the children and thelr teachers the opportunity to experience the Christmas story as a journey. We also opened the church to the community as part of the 'Oaks and Shires, event in Elmdon Park and the PCC approved the use of the church building for English Classes, as we seek to be a place of vlCome for newly arrlved communities. Alongside the 'events' highllghted here. much of our ministry and mlssion happens in Individual conversations and unseen acts of kindness, as church members care infomially for one another. Connect Groups are an especially valuable place of support and encouragement. Vthether gathered together for seThices. events and activitles. or 'scattered', at home, at work and out and about in our community, there is much to give thanks for and celebrate in the life and witness of Elmdon Church. There are, of course. challenges too, in particular the maintenance of buildings and the pressure on our resources, both our finances and our volunteers. In all things we seek first to be led byjesus and in September the PCC spent a morning together to begin the process of disceming direction and renewing our vision. asking what God is calling us to as a church community at this time. in the 'up' {worship), 'in' (fellowship and discipleship) and 'out' (mission and evangelism) dimensions of the life of Elmdon Church. A SeY sought the vlews of the wider congregation and the PCC have Since agreed new mlssion. vision and values statements to incfease our unity in the Gospel and set priorities as we look to the future. Rooted in the Bible and fenewed by the Holy Spirit. our vlslon is to be a thriving Jesus-centered community playing our part in giving every person the opportunity to encounter. belong and grow in the love of Chri5L We want to be all about Sharin9 the Love of Chrlst (our mission statement) and to do thls in ways that are real, generous and joyful (OUT values). Beknh Clark
Wardens, Report My thanks go to everyone for all their help over the past year. It would have been harder without people stepping in where needed. Sadly, the church was broken Into one evening with a small amount of damage and mess. This was repaired and ne•V security measures put in place, with additional locks on all three entrances. Anne Milne did a great job with the Insurance claim so that things got ba(* to nomial very qulckly. The flat roof over the modem extension to the church is in a very poor condltlon, and it is time for it to be replaced. Preliminary work is being carried out to decide how this is to be done. It will take time as it is not just a question of appointing a builder, but there are mary procedures to be followed. The churchyard maintenance team have contlnued to keep the churchyard looking very attractlve and get much appreciation from those who vlsit and who enjoy the peaceful surroundings. All regular maintenance was carried out during the year. and the cleaning teams make sure that the building Is clean and tidy each week. CaroIJan, Churchwarden PCC Secretary's Report Under the Church Representation Rules. we are entitled to nlne eleaed PCC members. In addition. our Rector, Churchwardens. three Deanery Synod members, any Readers appointed by the APCM. and any COpted members seNe on the PCC. On 20th March 2023 Revd. Rebekah 'Bekah' Clark was instituted as Rector of Elmdon and Vicar of St. Mary'5 Church, Hobs Moat at St. Mary's Church. She led her first service at Elmdon on the follthving Sunday. In May 2024, three elected members come to the end of thelr term and we carried over one vacancy. At the APCM we therefore intend to elect up to four members to pcc. Every year the PCC appoints a Standing Committee. which meets as necessary and repons to the next meeting of the PCC. Its membership since the 2022 APCM were Graham Smye (Lay Vice Chair), Carol Janes (Churchwarden). Sarah Leckie (Churchwarden), Christine Arnslry (Secretary). Alan Doyle ffreasurer) and Revd. Bekah Clark (Rector, from April 2023). The member5 of the PCC are aware of the Charfty Commission guidance on public benefits in 'the Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit. and have had regard to it in their admlnistration of the PCC. The PCC believes that by promotlng the work of the Church of England in the parish of Elmdon it provides a benefit to the public by: providing a faclllty for publlc WrshIp and pastoral care both for Its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit frorn what the Church Gin offer" and
promoting Christian values and seNices by members of the Church and to their communities. to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole Electoral Roll The Electoral Roll stands at 66, which is a sllght decrease on last year. Jamie Oldham. Electoral Roll Officer Safe uardin The PCC has adopted and complie5 with the House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy. Promoting a Safer Church 12017), and the practice guidance issued by the Church of England and Birmingham Diocese. Elmdon Church Is committed t¢x Promoting a saftr envlronmerrt and culture Safety recruiting and supporting those with any responsibility for the under 185 and vulnerable adults within the church Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegatlon Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons Caring pastoralty for those who are the subjett of concerns or allegations of abuse and other afferted persons Respondlng to those that may pose a present rlsk to others Policles During 2023 we revised our Ralsing Concern5 (Yhistleblowingl Pollcy to make it clearer what the procedure is here in Elmdon, as well as carrying out the annual review of our Safeguarding Policy. These are available on the church website and on the notlceboard in the church corridor. Training All volunteers now complete the appropriate mandatory safeguarding training on taking up their role, and refresh their training every three years. Thls is normally done through the Church of England's website. Those unable to do the trainlng online are instead supponed to complete it by the Safeguardlng C(kordinator. DomestSc Abuse Contact The PCC has appointed Sarah Leckle as our Domestic Abuse Contact, a role which invofves signposting to relevant services. receiving any concerns, and helplng the church to be informed around dofflestic abuse issues. Natlonal Safeguarding Standards The Church of England has launched five safeguardlng standards. showing how our safeguarding activities fit into the bigger picture and helping parishes to identify their safeguarding strengths and weaknesses. They cover creating healthy cultures and leadership, prevention of abuse, recognising and managing risk, respondlng well to victims/survivors, and ensuring all volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding tralnlng and supporL
For more information. see htt www.churchofen land.or safe uar national-safe uardin -stand Lesley Huss. Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator 5a uardin @elmdonchurch.or Fabric & Buildings We currently have responsibillty for Iwo properties, one of which is now c105ed. Our maln church building is in the middle of Elmdon Park. and is the venue for our Sunday service, as well as all baptisms. weddings, and funerals. As mentioned elsewhere, the Gaydon Road hall site was 501d during the year. The site of the Coppice Road hall remains vested in the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Trustees who hold property on behalf of (and actlng in the interests ofj Parochial Church Councils in the diocese. The Elmdon Parochial Church Council owns the building itself, and are the Managing Trustees. A small finance team. comprislng Bekah Clark. Alan Doyle. Martln Hewlngs and Richard Huss, has included in Its work progressing potential projects on the fabric of the church bulldlng. of whith the most important and urgent is the roof of the 1970$ church extension. The PCC has now commissioned Derek Bate MRICS to progress plans for a replacement roof. following a feasibillty report giving a variety of options. Deanery Synod Elmdon Lay Representatives: Christine Arnsby, Cheryl Doyle, Jamie Oldham. Our electoral roll total qualifies us for 3 seats until Spring 2026. 6a June 2023 - Christ churc Sparkbrook We met as a newly elected Deanery for the first time 50 we eletted officers, including Lay Chair. Secretary and Treasurer. Barston put forward a proposal which was held over to the next meeting due to its obvious need for wider dlscusslon. The meeting topic that day was Yell: To pr(Klaim the Good News of the Kingdom.. one of the marks of mission for the Diocese based on a quote by Jesus from John 20:21 "As the Father ha5 sent me, l am sending you." Suzette Maguire, Ploneer Minlster for Solihull Parish and a Church Army Officer. told how she started meeting as a group of 2 people in a cafe in the parish. to what had become 24 members meeting twice weekly in a pub for friendship and chatting over meals. walks, board games and more. Some came from local churches, but many came with no regular church background. It was drawing people into Bible study and events in the church. She sald, This type of event should not be seen as church. but by building relationships it can feed into thurch life. The ministry is for the long term. for God to use as He sees fit." Caroline Mara, Deanery Chlldren and Family Mission Enabler, said her alm was to help the church family. leaders and volunteers faith amongst families, children and young people. Two questions she asked were does it matter to me personally that the church grow5 youngery and 3Vhat Possibilities have we to do sof Her main point was to emphasise the imponance of creating a bridge bemieen Church, home and school for 'telllng' about Jesus and growing faith amongst
children. youth and families: In the last 6 months she had been training four teenagers to lead worship and provided taktraway discipleship questions. Matt Vaughan. Interserrfe Mission Partner. said "Don't forget Musllms!" Having worked in Pakistan he moved about before taking up hi5 present job in Ward End - part of the Diocese with the most Muslims. so probably having a parity in number5 with Christians. Matt said ministers had a remit of cure of the souls for the whole parish, not just the Christians. Outreach was more awkward as people want to engage but do not know how, despite most Muslims being open. friendly and chatty. No.one has refused him the offer to pray for them. Muslims being in Britain was no accident for God - He had a purpose In it all but we should ask for wlsdom in what It was and what our response should be. Revd. Steve Johnson (Assoc. Vicar. Knwle) conduded the talks ty speaking of his experience using CPAS resources to create a Leaming Hub. He said it was all about culture, not courses. Some of the initiatives were- Praying for 5- Evangelism prayer- Sharing faith stories and Resetting expectations. 20th July 2023 - SL Swlthln's Hous< Barston Nlck Parkerfs time as Area Dean was celebrated as he had become Priest in Charge (Rector Designate) of Sollhull Parish and after a 'brlng and share, supper together he was presented with a cake and gift before more mobile members went walking and chatting together, leaving the others in the garden sunshine. I P October 2023 - SL Alphege Junlor School Hall. Solihull The Ven. Gordon Steele, a retired archdeacon assisting Archdeacon Jenny as Auxiliary Archdeacon" until a new Archdeacon of Aston was appointed, introduced himself and indicated that Archdeacon Jenny had asked him to convene Deanery Chapter and share with the Lay Chair in chairing Deanery Synod until a new Area Dean was appointed. The Ven. Gordon Steele explained that as It was the first meettng of the new triennium, and that Deanery Officers and Standing Committee needed to be elected. Mark Johnson proposed adopting those lay members eletted too early at the last meeting 'as a slate.. whlch was seconded lyrf Jamie Oldham and approved unanimously. The meetlng continued with discussion on the proposal by Barston for "urgent discussion with the bishop and diocesan synod and other stakeholders as to how parochial wor}hip may be adequately spiritually and sacramentally enriched and resourced and by whom these services may be led.. The proposal was brought about as a result of how they perceived parishes were struggling to cope with limited Clergy and insufficient people licensed to give Holy Communion. Tlme was allowed for everyone to share their viewpoint before a secret vote resulted in the proposal being forwarded to the Bishop for discussion. Bishop Anne ha5 since requested more clarity which 15 being drawn up between the Auxiliary Archdeacon. Barston PCC. Deanery staff and their minister, Re¥d. Stuart Dimes. 6th February 2023 - SL Margaret's Church. Olton ransform - the 4th Mark of Mission". Fred Rattley. Community Regeneration, said that too often churches talk about social action and di5mi55 IL although it is at the hearr of the gospel. There is only one gospel and its message is about helping the poor, oppressed and marginallsed. Thrive Together Birmingham. was a movement of people rather than organisation5 and a call to people in churches to come alongside those in p(werty in their local nelghbourtM)ods' not employing
organisation to do it for us but supporting Christian activities that alleviate poverty and disadvantage. In Bimiingham. 300.000 out of l M people and 50% of ch+ldren lived in poverty. Solihull was no exception with a poverty profile that exactly matched England as a whole. according to research. The simplest way to engage the local community and take the ftrst step in alleviating suffering was to host local community coffee mornings as isolation was recognized as a major social problem. It was not only those with mobility problems who felt isolated, but also immigrants and refugees. Nlhen they arrive in a busy city, where do they start to make friends and fit in? How are churches you know responding to the challenges of poverry? New Area (>ean. Sunday. 3rt March. an announcement was made that Revd. Tony Rindl had been appointed vicar of St Leonard's, Marston Green and Area Dean of Yardley and Solihull. Our Deanery boundaries are also being redrawn to include Marston Green. He will take up his role in July and we await news of his collation and induction before he takes up the mantle as our Area Dean.
Life at Elmdon Church Kids in Christ Kids in Christ is our Sunday morning group for children under I l. meeting on the I" and 3td Sundays of each month. Kids in Christ is an invaluable part of our Sunday worship, giving children the opportunity to learn about being a follower of Jesus and to explore the Bible and pray in an age-approprlate way, often involving craft! Sessions usually follthv a similar theme to the Sunday sermon series and the group runs from after the first song untll the end of the intercessions. when we come back together as all ages for Communion. At Elmdon Church we are passionate about every person having the opportunity to encounter, belong and grow in the love of Christ. Recent researchl suggests around 75% of practicing Christians come to follow Jesus for themselves under the age of 18. Please do be praying for Klds in Christ. and for the wonderful team of helper5 and leaders, and please do speak to Bekah if you would like to flnd out more about how you might be able to support our children's ministry. Music We were pleased in 2023 to be able to use lfve music in church most Sundays, and to use our band on a monthly basis. A huge "thank you" to all involved in this ministry. Under the new church mission and vision. Joyful" is one of our values. and we are keen to play our part in enabling this Within our church life. We are keen to use songs that are con9regationally slngable and that help us all to expre55 our faith and our praise musically and joyfully. We have continued to introduce nL4ver songs periodically. aiming to select 50ng5 that have biblicalty-faithful lyrics and slngable melodies. Music is chosen, on a rota, by rnembers of the band. aiming to pick hymns and songs that fit with the theme of the service and Bible reading, whilst keeping the church familiar with a core repertoire of music in a variety of styles. On Sundays when we are stlll slnging along to recorded muslc. this is norrnally because our muslclans are requlred to be servlng elsewhere Instead: everyone involved with the music also serrfes on other teams within the church. To help us out. you don't acrually need to be able to sing, or play an instrument - volunteering n another area would really help too, by easlng pressure on other rotas. t)0 get in touch if you'd be interested in finding out more about h(w you can help and what would be tnvofved in joining us. Richard Huss ' 2022 Talki Jews Report io
Connect Groups Connect Groups are Small groups which meet during the week for fellowship. prayer and Bible study. Currentty there are 3 Connect Groups and 17 church members belong to a group. The groups all meet on different days. with 2 meeting in the evening and I during the daytime. and 2 meeting via Zoom and I In person. Connect Groups are a place to share life's ups and downs wlth other Chrlstians In a deeper way than is possible on a Sunday. and to be supported and encouraged as a disciple of Jesus. Being a member of a Connert Group is one of the best ways to feel part of the church family and current members would highly recommend being in a Connect Group to all church members. Each group foll(Ms its own programme and in 2023 groups studied the 'Fruits of the Spirit.. Luke's Gospel. 'Meeting the Spirit., the Pastoral Epistles, Ruth, Jonah, Colossians and the Psalms. In 202 3, Graham Smye stepped back from cOrdInatIng Connert Group5. We are thankful for Graham's oversight of this area of ministry durfng the Vacanc¥ and for the energy he brought to the role. l am delighted to be able to share in this report that Sue Kimber has agreed to take on the role of Connect Group Co-ordinator. Please do speak to Sue or Bekah if you would like to try out a Connect Group. Tuesday Service The Tuesday aftemoon service started at the church In Coppice Road for people unable to attend the main Elmdon Sunday worship service. After Covid and the closure of the fornier Coppice building. Tuesday afternoon moved to Elmdon church to enable worship for those unable or uneasy to worship in the main Sunday serrfice. th the absence of Covid restrlctlons and falling aendance the service 15 n1 under review. Open Church We have continued to open the church every Sunday afternoon. from 2 till 3.30pm in the winter and 2 till 4pm in the summer, to welcome people in and to have some refreshment. This is offered free of charge as an example of the church'5 hospitality. although donations freely offered are welcome. Many have come in at different time5; families out walking in the park, rambling groups, those visiting graves. church members and friends. We have got to know some regulars too. Some come and like to sit quietly and th5nk, some ask questions about the history, some just want some company. There is also an opportunity to increase the use of the building for other things at the same time and take advantage of a drink and a cake; such as help with required training, conversations with bereaved families following interment of ashes, wedding couples and baptism enquiries with Bekah. li
small meetings and setting up equipment or putting up decorations. Some have a game of draughts and sometimes the piano is played. All are welcome. Cheryl Doyle Churchyard The Churchyard team were hard at it from April to the end of October 202 3. They spllt the days befyveen Tuesdays and Wednesdays and made sure there was a minimum of two people at all times. They have access to the Church for the facllities. which wlll need to continue. Lots of interaction was made betsveen the team and people visiting the Churthyard,. everyone, without exceptlon, was thrilled with h(¥w the Churchyard was looked after. This will continue throughout Summer 2024 and into the Autumn. Sarah Leckie Mission Support Group Crossllnks - Marla "Emi" Fernandez Crosslinks is an Anglican mlsslonary society which enables partnershlps wlth all churches. denominations and networks which share its convictions. Crosslinks also supports and enables the training of pastor/teachers and evangelists in less well-off countrie5, through thelr BEST (Bursaries Enabling Strateglc Training) programme. Under thls programme we support Maria-Emi" Fernandez. who is studying at The Centre for Pastoral Studies (CEP), Santiago. Chlle. Our commitment is to 5UPPOrt Emi in her studies, through prayer and financial giving, in the amount of £600 per annum, for three year5. We continue to receive updates and prayer requests from Crosslinks and Emi. Wycliffe 8ible Trnnslators - Glft and Kathryn Asiku We also partner with Gift and Kathryn Aslku. working for Wycliffe Bible translators In Uganda. Gift serve5 as Language Programme5 Coordinator and Kathryn as Literary Coordlnator. sUPPOrting Wicliffe's vision through overseeing and facilltating Bible translation and literacy activities In local languages. The family send us regular prayer and news updates which are handed out with our church prayer sheeL and in turn they pray for us as a church here in Elmdon. Highlights of 2023 Include: Gift attended the joyful celebraiion io launch nine portions of the Old Testament in Aringa Gift and James travelled with colleagues to westem Uganda for the Ilvely launch of four Old Testament books in Lutmisi. With all churth denominations collaborating to organise the event.
Kathryn organised story-writing workshops for the Lunyole and Lugwere speaking communities, as part of the literacy project "Let's Read Together!. The stories have been turned into colourful illustrated books for the new children's reading groups at churches. promoting and teaching literacy to young primary school children. Ripple Effect Rlpple Effect works with farniing families in six Afrlcan countries SO that they can learn more. grow more and sell more. Rural Africa is rich with opportunity: Wlth resourceful communities and land from which food and future5 can grow. But families face poverty that is extreme, unjust. and worst of all, unnecessary. The charity is creatlng a ripple effect of positive change in rural Africa. It starts with bringing farmers together to learn new skills and share knowledge. so they can improve their livelihoods and thrive. Each famier who works with Ripple Effect promises to share what they and what they hfe wlth their families and communities. which enables thousands to experience the benefits. As a church we have raised many thousands of pounds over the years we have been invotved with the charliy. by collecting small change and from occasional donations. Thank you to all who harfe given so faithfully and continue to do so. For those new to Elmdon Church, there Is a basket in the %Iberforce Hall where you can deposit your small change. Please also visit w.rippIeeffect.Org for further inforniation and uplifting stories about farmers who have benefited from their association with Ripple Effect. Helping Hands We have been able to transport a significant amount of foodstuffs and other required items to the Helping Hands food bank at the Renertal Church on Lode Lane, Solihull. Of course we do not record the amounts of goods we give to them but they seem very grateful for the regular giving we are able to give. We are told by the volunteers that last year they supplied 2.000 boxes of food regularly to around 35 families who rety on these supplies to enable them to be fed. All the clients of the Food Bank are supplied, vetted and recommended by local agencies. We would like to thank all contributors to our basket in the Church and whole heartedly encourage them to carry on this work, with God's encouragement and Grace. We continue to keep the Helping Hands and its clients in our Prayers and pray for a day when thls scheme will no longer be required. Richard & Lesley Huss. Eli Malkin and Rob Dean
Hatchford Brook Churches Together Member churches Include: Lyndon Methodist. Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Si. Giles. Sheldon. SL Thomas Moore; Sheldon Community Church (SCQ and St. Mary's Hobs Moat besldes ourselves. Other churches meet in the area but do not participate in HBcf activities. The aim of H8cf is to be a visibly united witness of faith in Christjesus to dlspel myths and confusion among members and outsiders caused by our separateness and differences in worship style. We seek to fulfil ChrisCs command In John 13-35 'By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.. We support each other in prayer and other way5 in order to win people for ChrisL With HB still in 'limbo', there were no volunteers to chair the group and therefore no annual meeting but that didn't stop us witnessing to Christ together. Roger Hancock continued to act as Secretary, Christine Arn5 as Treasurer paid our annual subscription to Churches Together from H8 funds, while Brian Atkins and Roger liaised with minister5 and members to organise activities. Carol singing by a group of about 20 Inslde the entrance to Tesco's on Lyndon Road was well recelved a9ain last year. Although we were set off to one side of the entrance this time, which proved more difficult to connect with the shoppers, some not only stopped to enjoy our singing but also jolned in. AfteThvards we enjoyed fellowship. sharing what each church was dolng. During the Week of Prayer for Chrlstian Unlty we prayed for the other Churches In the H8 are& The Walk of Witness on Good Friday enabled us to join with congregation members of St. Mary's Hobs Moat. to join believers in celebrating God's work In Jesus on our behalf, meeting up outside Savers on the Coventry Road opposite the Wheatsheaf. It was also a good opportunity for Bekah to meet other ministers in the Churches Together are& Rob Dean organised the SonRise SeNice by the beacon in Elmdon Park again this year with help from HBCT members for musical accompanimenL readings etc.. from a later start of 6.30 am due to clocks going forward that moming. Fellowshlp was enjoyed over refreshments served in the Vtilberforce Hall afterwards, to warm us up. representstlves for the year were Chrlstine Amsby and Elaine Malkin. 14
Finance Treasurer's Report The PCC is responslble for the church's finances, though it delegates management of these to the PCC Treasurer. Alan Doyle who, also oversees a separate fabric fund account. Income M05t of our income usually comes through stewardship, primarfly the Parlsh Giving Scheme but also standing orders and donations. Other sources of income have typically been wedding and funeral fees plus occasional legacies, social events and hire fees for use of the Church hall. Two unusual events occurred during 2023, we were very fortunate to receive a legacy a little In excess of £32.000 and we cornpleted the project of obtaining planning permission and the sale of our site in Gaydon Road. The site was sold for £500,000 which resulted in a net figure of £420.000 when all fee5 and expenses were accounted for. Although our finances are now much healthier there are a number of maintenance and improvement projects that need to be undertaken and we must therefore plan and budget for a continued increase in giving in the years ahead. This will ensure, not only our own financial viability. but also that we can bless other churches In more straightened situation5 and places. We pray for even more generosity from existing church members and for many new people to join us as well. that they might become sacrificial givers in their tum. A "Gfving Station" devlce Is Installed in the Church allowlng donations to be made by card and information about all the methods of supportlng the church are available at church and on our website. Fees paid for church work In 202 3 the church paid an organisvs fee for weddings and funerals at which the organ wa5 played. lsfvere required a verger received a fee for duties carried out at these servlces. A sexton was also paid a fee for digging plots for the interment of ashes and occasionally appropriate visiting clergy fees were also paid. Financial Reserves Policy The Charfty endeavours to maintsin finances at an appropriate level to facilitate day-t(kday activities and also to finance upkeep of our buildings.
Pape 16 Annual Report of the Elmdon Parochlal Church Councll for 2023 INDEPENDEKf EXAWNER'S REPORT TO reWYerrn of Chw*s k 2011 (Ihe W. urmyer seraion 145(51{b) of 1 H(Nner Roxl Solihull 8913aG OlQ6.2Q24...............
Pag8 17 Volunftary Planrth Givi 5 46242 .791 7.216 Investrnent Total rec•lXs 56.010 7 97.049 16, 1.113 TepaKs 8 2.777 Churth Churthyard 9 14.889 11037 1.167 10 5,684 7.710 154.403 51.870 Told payments 156.413 Translars to l {¢xrt ofj fund {18.IKM))
Page 18 6.107 Churth InN¥j eyFen8es VCC FAannirKJ fees TO1 paymenls IT35
Page 19 .1 Voluntary Transfer Fur 1,015 Fund wl¥J fe85 0)8ts Totsl payments
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MINUTES OF THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETINGS Held 23rd May 2023 Attendance at the annual meetings of Parishioners and Church (24) Revd. Bekah Clark. Rector Christine Arnsby Sarah Baldwin Linda Bird Ann Davis Alan Doyle Cheryl Doyle Joan Hewings Martin Hewings Lesley Huss Carol Janes Rod Janes Sue Kimber Sarah Leckie Elaine Malkin Karen Matthews Anne Milne Jamie Oldham James Rusher Elizabeth Smye Joyce Taylor Margaret Thomas John Tsipouras Jean Wooding MEEfiNG OF PARISHIONERS Bekah welcomed everyone to the meeting and Invited all to join in a hymn of celebration and thanks to God. Apologles (5) Graharn Smye (Lay Chairnianl, Val and Tony Shaw. Rob and Joy Dean. Minutes of prevlous meeting of parishloners, Tuesday 24th May 2022 Sarah Leckie and Lesley Huss proposed the minutes be adopted. Motion approved unanimously. Election of Church Warden Carol Janes was proposed by Christine Arnsby, seconded by Cheryl Doyle. There were no other nominations. Carol agreed to Stand as Church Warden for the coming year and TNas accepted unanimously. Thanks were expressed to Carol and Sarah Leckie for their service as Wardens, especially during an Interregnum p05t-lockd(wn. ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM) Blble reflection. Bekah spoke from John 15.1-17, before opening the meeting in prayer. Apologies (5) Graham Smye, Lay Chairman. Val and Tony Shaw, Rob and Joy Dean. Minutes of the previous APCM held 24th May 2022 Carol Janes and Jean Wooding proposed the minutes be adopted. Motion approved unanimously. 26
Accounts and Financial Statements Alan Doyle, Treasurer. reported that Planned Giving had dropped slightly but most other income had increased slightly. resulting in a 3% rise in income overall. He then explained some of the challenges for the parish during the past year as it pursued the sale of propenies on Gaydon Road involving substantial expenditure and the proposed broad plan for resolving the issues once the imminent sale wa5 complete. There were no questions. Bekah expressed thanks to Alan, whose work often went unnoticed. Report on the revised Electoral Roll Jamie Oldham reported that the revised roll. published 14" May 2023, contained 67 names which wa5 up from 65 names last year. PCC Reports Comments We made regarding the foll(w4ing reports: 6.1 Wardens, report Sarah said that Open Church was continuing to be fruitful in unexpected ways, including donations rising over previou5 years. Carol reported that the Tuesday afternoon Service was also continuing to bear fruit with occasional visitors 'dropping in,. 6.2 Safeguarding Coordinator Thanks were expressed to Lesley for keeping the parish up to date with best practice and working to maintain a safe environment for its members in line with Church of England guidelines. 6.3 Klds In Chrlst Thanks were expressed to Elizabeth Smye for the joyful work being done in which Church members could join in and which was enabling the whole church family to grow together. 6.4 Connect Groups Several Members said they found their group encouraging and enjoyable. Bekah thanked Graham for co-ordinating the groups and for people to contact him if they wished to be a member. 6.5 Music Group Thanks were expressed to the musicians but particularly to Richard Huss for his contributions both to the worship music and technical SUPPOrt of the group. 6.6 Mission Support Group Eli explained that the parish only supported Emi Fernandez. Crosslinks, as her husband was supported by other churches. 6.7 Fabric Report Carol reported that there were jobs to be done and a priority list was 27
being followed. The flat roofs were currently being cleared and repaired. Sarah said the churchyard needed continual maintenance but was very enjoyable work. meeting many people who want to talk about the church. and volunteers were always welcome. 6.8 Hatchford Brook Churches Together Christine said the group was continuing in its present format, without a Chairman. for the time being as one member had expressed a strong preference for it to do so. The Secretary and Treasurer were happy to continue in post but a new Chairman who could liaise with church leaders and organise events, was needed. Appointment of such Readers as wish to become PCC members Members approved the motion that Karen Matthews, Parish Reader. be accepted as member of the PCC. Election of lay representatives to the PCC Three vacancies were available for election to the PCC: Sarah Leckie was proposed by Graham Smye. seconded by Carol Janes and David Maguire was proposed by Martin Hewings. seconded by Eli Malkin. There were no further nominations and Sarah and David were duly elected for three years. leaving one vacancy. Election of representatives to Deanery Synod The parish was eligible for three representatives to Deanery Synod. Cheryl Doyle was proposed by Carol Janes. seconded by Sue Kimber, Christine Arnsby was proposed by Carol Janes. seconded by Cheryl Doyle, and Jamie Oldham was proposed by Carol Janes, seconded by Elaine Malkin. There were no further nominations and Cheryl, Christine and Jamie were duly elected for three years. l O Appointment of independent examiner Alan Doyle proposed using the same accountants (Prime Chartered Accountants) for the coming year. Martin Hewings seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously with one abstention. I l. Rectorfs Address Bekah spoke of her inteNiew process saying how she had explained it to a friend as a 'really fun day. as she felt part of a community of Jesus, followers, and that the warmth of welcome, help and fellowship had continued since her arrival. She viewed Elmdon as an authentic community of Jesus with a big heart and felt very much at home. Bekah then named various members of the many teams in the life of the 28
church and thanked them all for their contributions, along with those fulfilling unofficial tasks. like being a listening ear. helping with lifts. shopping, welcoming and much more. Bekah encouraged us to." Abide in Jesus and remain in Him: to know Him and be known by Him and His deep care for each of us; to Grow and bear fruit that comes not from what we've done but from knowing who we are and whose we are. She concluded with a short prayer for the Church family in Elmdon. Bekah presented a gift and card expressing our thanks to Sarah for her 2 years of devoted work to the Church family. Sarah thanked everyone and said that after lockdown she had wanted to help people come together again and was glad we were there for bigger and better things. 12. There was no other business. After a hymn of celebration, Bekah closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their time before non-members left the meeting, leaving the PCC to continue.
Agenda for the Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) Tuesday 21° May 2024, 7.30pm at Elmdon Churth Refreshments available from 7pm Meeting of Parishioners Apologies for absence Minutes of the prevlous Meeting of l>arishioners. Tuesday 23" May 2023 Election of Churchwardens Annual Parochlal Church Meetlng (APCM) Bible reflection and opening prayer Apologies for absence Minutes of the previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Tuesday 2314 May 2023 Report on the revlsed Electoral Roll Appointment of PCC Members PCC Members (up to 4) Reader represeniatlve Receive APCM reports Appointment of Independent examiner Rector's Address Any other buslness l O. Closing prayer First meeting of the new Parochial Church Council (PCQ Eleaion of: Lay Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Elettoral Roll Officer Safeguarding Co-ordinator & Parish Identity Verifier Domestlc Abuse Contact