£lm6(on Church Sharing the Love of Christ Annual report for 2024 www.elmdonchurch.org www.facebook.com/elmdonchurch @elmdonchurch Produced by the Parochial Church Council for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, to be held on Tuesday 20° May 2025. 7.30pm at Elmdon Church.
Church Information Addres5 Elmdon ChuKh. Cthur(h Lan& Elrndon ParK Solihull B92 9EJ Rettor Revd Bekah aark Llcensed Readers Robert Dean. Richard Huss Karen Matthews Churchwarden Sue Kimber The business of the Church is carried out through the Parochial Church Council (PCCI. This met seven tlmes in person during 2024.. six regular meetings. and one meeting Immediately after the APCM to appoint PCC 01(er5. Further decisions were taken by email. in accordance with the provisions of the Church Representation Rules. The role of the PCC remains one of co-operating with the Recior in promoting Ihe mission of the church-. pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecurnenical. PCC members Revd Bekah Clark Chalr Carol Janes luntil May 2024) Sue Kimber Ifrom May 2024) Churchwarden, ex officio member Churchwarden. ex officio member Karen Matthews Reader. appointed by the 2024 APCM Christine Amsby Cheryl Doyle Jamle Oldham {resignedJanuary 2025) Deanery synod, ex officlo member Deanery Synod, ex officio member Deanery Synod, ex officio member Elected Members: To serve until APCM in 2025: Alan Doyle Martin Hewings Anne Milne To serve until APCM in 2026: Sarah Leckie David Maguire (resigned March 202 5) Vacancy To serve until APCM in 2027.. Lesley Huss Graham Smye (resigned December 20241 Lynda Bird Offlcers appointed by the PCC. 2024- 2025 Safeguardlng PCC Treasurer PCC Secretary Lay Vice-chair Lesley Huss Alan Doyle Christine Am5by Graham Smye (until December 2024) Sue Kimber (from January 2025) Lesley Huss Jamie Oldham luntil January 20251 Richard Huss Ifrom January 2025) Parish Identify Verifier Electoral Roll Officer
PCC and Diocese Rector's Introduction As I reflect on 2024 in the life of Elmdon Church, there is much to give thanks for. One of the things that brings me enormous joy is seeing others exercise and grow in their God-given gifts. and 2024 saw a number of people step into new roles and take on new responsibilities. Whilst it often feels as though 'the haThest is plentiful. but the workers are few. Imatthew 9.37), as we've asked the Lord of the haNest ¢0 provide (verse 38). the Lord has indeed provided for us a new churchwarden, a new Kids-in-chrisr ream leader. new occasional vergers and new people on many of our teams. I wholeheanedly believe that we are all ministers of the Gospel and daily delight in the gifts and skills we have amongst us at Elmdon Church, and the blessing and prlvilege of sharing in ministry and leadership. Sunday sermons usually follow a series, with sermons in 2024 on 'God's Grace in the Wllderness, INumbers). 'Luke: God News for Everyone., '1 believe... IThe Apostles. Creed) and 'lnstructions to Cod's People from the Epistles, (Family Services). Average Sunday attendance was around 50, with all generarions represented most weeks. After Easter, we reordered our time together. beglnning wirh refreshments at l 0.30 am, with our servlce at I l am. to enable service leader5 and preachers to be ai both St Mary's Hobs Moat and Elrndon on the same Sunday. The transition has been smooth and thanks is due to the whole church family and all the Sunday teams for adjusting so graciously. The introduction of Churchsuite is helping us to keep in touch wirh people and in the autumn term we saw slightly higher numbers of children attending Kids-In-Chri5t. Both our Sunday seNice and 'Tuesdays at 2. welcomed newcomers and visitors throughout the year. We once again held an Annual Memorial SeNice. invltlng all the loved ones of those for whom we've taken a funeral or burial of ashes ro the service. The seNice was again well.attended by over 50 people. We know that apart from God, we can do nothing Uohn 15.5) and our joint monthly prayer meeting, with St Mary's. Hobs Moat, continued throughout 2024. The PCC agreed prayer as one of our misslonal priorities, and progress has already been made with a new'prayer tree, in the Wilberforce Hall. We had a very encouraging retreat day led by Roger Jones, of Resource. in Ottober. which wa5 attended by around 25 people and focused on just being in Cod's presence. Developlng our Children's. Youth and Families Ministry was also agreed as a missional priority. and following on from the success of our first 'Light Party., which we repeated in 2024, we introduced an Easter family event. which was very well attended, and a new Advent family event. 2024 saw the strengthening of our team of volunteers and we are praying for numerical growth in the number of familles and chlldren within our church family. The PCC also agreed to explore starting something new for young people. Assemblies took place In Damson Wood and Valley schools. and it was wonderful to be able to welcome Year 2 from both schools to church for our 'Encounter
Christmas, trail. It was Damson Wood's first visit to church and we were delighted that they were keen to come back at Easter. As I look back. more was accomplished In 2024 than I realisedl Although I have highlighted some specific event5 here, muth of our ministry and mission happens in individual conversations and unseen acts of kindness. as church members live out their calling as disciples of Jesus Christ amongst the people and in the places they Spend their time. Equipping people to INe for Jesus on their 'frontlines' is another of our missional priorities. People often come to a service or event. or come back to another service or an event, through a personal invitation. And so the greatest thanks of all is due io our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. who has extended to us the greatest invitation of all, that we in turn might extend this invitation to others. 8ekah Clark Warden's Report My first year as Warden has been quite an eye opener to the Ilfe of Elrndon church and the number of things whith take each week to enable things to run smooihly. My thanks go oui io all the teams and especially to Richard. Lesloi. Cheryl and Alan who have offered invaluable help and advice during the year. especlally during the Rector's absence. During November we produced an updated inventory of the church fabric and contents. This, along with the logbook are now aIlable In a digital format. The quinquennial inspection which was completed In November. and the Fabric team are currently absorbing in order io take appropriate action. We contlnue to progress with plans for a new roof over the extension and to replace and upgrade the paving in the church courtyard. The churchyard maintenance team have continued to keep the churchyard looklng attractive which is much appreciated by those who visit and enjoy the quiet surroundings. All regular maintenance was carried out durlng the year and my thanks go to the cleaning teams who ensure the building is dean and tidy each week. Sue Kimber, Churchwarden PCC Secretary's Report Under the Church Representation Rules. we are entitled to nine elected PCC members. In addition, our Rector. Churchwardens, three Deanery Synod member5, any Readers appointed by the APCM. and any co-opted members seNe on the PCC. In May 202 5, three elected rnembers come to the end of their term. Last year we carried over one vacancy. and during the year one Deanery Synod member and two elected PCC members resigned. At the APCM we therefore intend to elect one Deanery Synod member and up to six PCC members.
Every year the PCC appoints a Standing Committee. which meet5 as necessary and reports to the next meeting of the PCC. Its membership since the 2024 APCM were Graham Smye (Lay Vice Chair, until December 20241, Sue Kimber (Churchwarden). Christine Arnsby (Secretary). Alan Doyle (Treasurer) and Revd. Bekah Clark (Rector). The members of the PCC are aware of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefits in 'the Advancement of Religlon for the Public Benefit, and have had regard to it in their administration of the PCC. The PCC believes that by promoting the work of the Church of England in the parish of Elmdon it provides a benefit to the public by- providing a facility for public worship and pastoral care both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefii from what the Church can offer- and promoting Christlan values and services by members of rhe Church and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole Christine Arnsby. PCC Secrerary Electoral Roll Every sixth year, an entirely new elecroral roll must be prepared, and with this process completed there are ncw 58 names on the ne•V roll. Of these, 26 live within and 32 outside the parish boundary. This compares to 66 names on the roll this time last year. During the year we mourned the loss of Allan Jones. Val Willlams andjoy Hoban. Nine of those on the new roll have joined this year for the first lime. or have rejoined after a gap. Richard Huss, Electoral Roll Officer Safe uardin The PCC has adopted and complies wlth the House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy, Promoting a Safer Church 12017>. and the practice guidance issued by the Church of England and Birrningham Di(Kese. Elmdon Church Is commlited t Promotlng a safer environment and culture Safely recruiting and supporting those with any responsibility for the under 185 and vulnerable adults within the church Responding prompily to every safeguarding concern or allegation Caring pastorally for victims/survlvors of abuse and other affected person5 Caring pasiorally for those who are ihe subjett of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affecred persons Respondlng to those that may pose a present rlsk to others Policies During 2024 we updated the contact details in our Parish Statement on Domestic Abuse. and reviewed our Safeguarding Policy and Procedure. These are available on the church website and on the noticeboard in the church corridor.
Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders Policy Statement has been updated in line with changes to the periods when convictions. cautions and other penalties become 'spent', which affects what we are entitled to know aboui when recruiting ex- offenders. We are in the process of creating a Lone Working Policy. The aim of this will be to minlmise instances of lone working by Rector and volunteers. and also to outline arrangements for helping ro keep everyone safe in situations where lone working is necessary and unavoidable. Trainlng Those in the church who work regularly with children or vulnerable adults are now trained in awareness of dornestic abuse. In our context this means the Klds in Christ team, who have all now completed this training. All our training is currently upto-date. induding the baslc safeguarding trainlng which all our volunteers are requlred to do. Thanks are extended to all for engaging with the tralnlng, helping to make the church a safer place for everyone. Respondlng to concerns Any safeguarding concerns raised during the course of the year have been responded to in accordance with our policles and guidance from the Dlocesan safeguarding team. Finally.-. Safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church famlly. Therefore. if you have a concern about anything you are encouraged to contact the Parish Safeguarding Co-ordin0. even if you are unsure whether or not it is a safeguardlng issue. Lesley Huss, Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator uordin @elmdonchurch.or Fabric & Buildings We currently have responsibility for tyio properties, one of v4hich is no longer used. Our main churdi building is in the middle of Elrndon Park and is the venue for our Sunday serlice as well as all baptisms. weddlngs and funerals. Our finance and fabric group, consistlng of Bekah Clark. Alan Doyle, Richard Huss and Martln Hewings. has been working on fabric matters during the year. The roof of the 19705 extension to rhe church building now requires replacement and after consldering options we are progressing a faculty application for this. as well as to lift and relay the paving in the courtyard at the entrance to the church building. Also during the year the church inventory was checked and revised. a major exercise over several days, and the log book brought up to date. Our church inspector Derek Bate carried out the Quinquennial Inspection of the church building in late 2024, and with the report recentw recelved the group will need to review the recommended repairs and works to be carried out over the next few years. The site In Coppice Road remalns vested in the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Trustees who hold property on behalf of (and acting in the intere5t5 ofl Parochlal Church Councils in the di(Kese. The Elmdon ParcKhial Church Council owns the
building itself, and are the managing trustees. Unfortunately, the building was broken into on a number of occasions during the year and has been secured in line with insurance requirements. We are exploring options on its long-term future. Deanery Synod Elmdon Lay RepresentIves. Christine Arnsby. Cheryl Doyle, Jamie Oldham (who retired from the role in January 20251. Our electoral roll total qualifies us for three sears until Spring 2026. 4" June 2024 - SL Marfs Church. Acocks Green. The Ven. Gordon Steele led the meeting where we heard from Pathway5 Development Manager, Jerome Tumer, Caroline Egan Assistant Dlocesan Environmental officer and Ben Smith. Nei Zero Carbon Manager. Anyone in parlshes with an interest in environmental issues. was also invited, regardless of whether they were elected deanery synod mernbers. We heard how Pathways could offer help to subscribers. both Clergy and Laity. interested in developing their life of service in the Anglican Church. He could recommend modules to church members if we noticed anything of interest to us and could forward 5uggestior15 of any tOPiC5 we felt were missing. Ben Smlth, Net Zero Carbon Manager, gave an overviLW4 of the climate crisis. the Church of England's commitment to Net Carbon Zero by 2030 (NZC 2030) and why Christians should act now as the solution was still available to us. He said the current focus for the Diocesan team was on identifying issues across the Diocese and starting to make steps towards the goal of NZC 2030. The start. he sald, was for every parish to sign up to Eco Church and try to improve its green credentials. registering their carbon footprint on the Diocesan web site (Elmdon has a bronze award and registers every year), planning our journey to NZC 2030. Grant funding of up to £5,000 on a sliding scale for 'Quick Wins.. including Improvements to heating, lighting. insulation. electricity supply upgrades and temporary heating in ertain circumstances may be available and the team were willing and able to advise parishes on their Joumey. 8ih October 2024 - SL Edburgha's Church. Yardley We were introduced to our new Area Dean. Revd. Tony Rindl. who spoke about his past and present life. from his early years in Marston Green, worshipping with his parents In Si. Edburgha's. his many years of ministry in various locatlons until his recent return to Marston Green wiih his rwo step.daughiers. His wife sot)n relocated once her work was transferred to the Midlands, and together they enjov being closer to hi5 brother who lives in Bourneville. We then heard from Karen Preece. Birmingham Diocese Board of Finance IBDBF) Director of Finance, explaining the challenging state of finances for the Diocese and how our Common Funds were invested into supporting the life and ministry of the Church across the Diocese. Birmingham is one of the poorest Diocese in the country and although donations and support have been given in the past by the Church of England. outgoings continue to exceed income and funds kept in reserve for mission have needed to be used to cover the shortfall. Karen and her colleague, Sonia Hudson. announced a new and less complicated method for calculating the Common Fund which has. for Elmdon, resulted in a slight reduction in our contributions for 202S. That said. with 50 much pressure on parishe5 across the
Ditxese, the Common Fund is most likely to increase again next year. Karen and Sonia then answered all our questions. I lth February- Knowle Parish Church Hall Carollne Merry. Director of Place for Hope (PfH) gave a brief oveNiewi of what had led to her becoming part of PfH initiative. including empathising with people in forelgn countries traurnatised by war and its dreadful after-effects. sharing in tears and feelings of devastation and grief in silence before Gi)d. We may not live in a war zone. she said, bur we do all live in conflict areas in our communiiies or churches. Wiolence was embedded in our sociery. When the idea that someone has less value than others is coupled with power. horrendou5 Ihings happen. If we don't want to live a violent life, we have to be counter-cultural. Non- violence can be seen as pa55ive, weak, ineffective. We don't have to agree with someone before are able to accept and love them, yet ler them know that what they are doing is wrong. As Christians we have been shown a better way by Jesus and can leam his better way through 8ible reading and prayer. Sllence before God had enabled her to pick herself up and start again. living better than before. PfH works with the Church across the UK. If we encounter confrontation. we should ask what was behind our differences when we notice them. Walking away only delays the inevitable conflitt. Ask to talk over any differences. Jesus brought non-violence to change us through situations. We may not come out of it in full agreement but we can remain in a good. healihv relationship after considerate open discussion. Where we step in to prevent harm It doesn't change anything. It stops the situation escalating but only prevents further harm. Conflicr Resolution gets people together to understand one another and find a way through. Power dynamics needed io be recognised and a better way found to prevent another situation. Transformation looks at what was behind the issue, putting things in place to resolve it. PfH conducts faith-based conflict transformation in a spiritual place although recognises that some confllcts are unable to be resolved by any method or tool. Steph Hayne5. Bishop's SafeguardiTrg Adviser and Sarah Rose. Asslstant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser srarted by Saying they spend most of their day dealing with conflict resolution so please contact them if we needed help wSth It. They were able to form a safety plan- to take over if a person came into our church with known history as they also needed a place to worship. Sarah sald Dashboard. a systern designed to help parishes deal wlth Safeguarding had proved helpful to rnany parishes. Lesley Hus5 looks after ours. As a result Elmdon is well on top of things, compared to other parlshes which proved invaluable early in 2025. The'HUB'. a new extension to Dashboard, was belng designed to deal wirh DBS checks and Safeguarding training. whith should aOmatIcallY update our parish's records for Lesley. Nate Glover, Children and Families Missloner (CFM), introduced himself. saying anyone could contaci him via Tammy Tearoe if they needed his help. The Ven. lthÈlim O'Hare. Archdeacon of AstoTr. introduced hlmself and said his aim was to be visible and available and was trylng to hold onto space if we needed his help.
Our next meeting will be held on 3rdJune 2025 in Burney Lane, hearing how the Diocese will have. by then. submitted a bid to rhe Church of England Central 8oard of Finance for additional funding for ministry and mission. Life at Elmdon Church Kids in Christ We have eight children on the Kids in Chrisi regisrer. We have 3 leaders and S helpers. We recently welcomed Maisy and June to the team and it is good to have them both on board. The children who attend, enjoy learning about Jesus and have the opportunity to pray, read the bible and make crafts which they can take home. We are very grateful to Ann Davis andjean Davis for their help with the crafts when we hold Sunday aftern¢)on sessions around Christmas and Easter. I would Ilke to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their supporr since accepting the role of Kids In Christ Leader. We all pray that this small and friendly group will grow and that more children will begln to kn the love of Christ in their lives. L ynda Bird. Kids in Christ Leader Family Service The monthly Famlly Servlce provides an opportunity for the whole church family, from the youngest to the oldest to all be able to worship God and learn together. We aim in each service to provide for a variety of learning styles, to help us all to respond to God's word. including more creative/craft aaiviries. During 2024 our theme was -Instructions to God's People from ihe Epistles.. Richard Hu55 Music Music is central to 50 much that we do as a church. In Co10$51an5 3=16 we're instructed to -Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. and as you sing psalms. hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." We aim to pick songs that are singable by our congregation and thai will help us all to express our falth and our praise of God joyfully and musically. As we introduce newer songs. we are aiming to 5elecr those with biblically.faithful lyrlcs and singable melodies that will work in our context and with our resources. Our hope is alway5 to pick hymns and songs that fit with the theme of the service and Bible reading, whilst keeplng the church familiar with a core repertoire of music in a variery of sryles. An innovation in 2024 was reintroducing the singing of the Psalms in our setvices - agaln. see Colossians 3:16 - primarily using well-known hymn tunes and metrical versions of the words. Finding good re50urce5 for this is sometimes a challenge as we work through the Psalter, but well worthwhile. I commend to you the upcoming 'Psalm Roar. eveni in Shrewsbury.
We were pleased In 2024 to be able to use live music in church almost every Sunday, and to use our band on a monthty basi5. On Sundays when we are still singing along to recorded music, this is normally because our rnusician5 are required to be servlng elsewhere instead. Everyone involved with the music also serves on other teams within the thurch. My heartfelt thank5 to all Involved in thls ministry. Oo get in touch if you'd be interested in finding out more about h(1 you can help and whal would be invofved in joining us. Richard Huss Connect Groups Connect groups are small group5 which meet during the week for fellowship, prayer and Bible stu(ty. Currently there are 3 Connect groups with 20 members drawn from Elmdon and St Mary's Hobs Moat. Two meet on Zoom and one in person and there is opportunity to meet both in the evening and the daytime. Connea groups are a place to share life's ups and downs wlth other Christian5 in a deeper way than is possible on a Sunday and to be supported and encouraged as a disciple of Jesus. Being a mernber is one of the best ways to feel part of the church family and current members recommend it as an opportunity to share news, ask hard questions and pray in a safe space. Each group follow5 its tMn programme and in 202415 Bible studies covered included Ecclesiastes. Habakkuk. the .1 am, sayings ofjohn, Old Testament characters, The Apostles Creed. Luke and Colossians. We have been encouraged this year by a number of new members jolning so, please speak to Sue or Bekah If you would like to try out a group. Tuesdays at Two During 2024 the Tuesday afternoon service continued with varlable attendance untll, after discussion with Bekah our rector. this new narne was chosen and the format reorganised slightly for its restart after the August break. The 'service' is actually a group discussion around the Bible reading and sermon from the previous Sunday and is appreciated by the 5-6 people who attend each week. We usually start with a welcome followed by a hymn chosen someone present. an opening prayer and reading of the scrlpture to be discussed. Our discussions lead into a time of prayer when members can bring their concerns for thern5elves, family. friend5 or any other issues they may have. We also include requests on the Prayer Tree, designed and developed by two members over the past year. Gathering our prayers together with the Lord's Prayer, we conclude with a final hyrnn and the words of The Grace. followed by refreshmenis. Music accompaniment to the hymns is provided by two members who play clarinet or guitar. io
We offer hospitality to anyone who may come into the church hall where we meet. In the pasi we have had a couple of visits from two Park Rangers, two parents seeking baptism for a child and occasionally. family and friends following the Internment of ashes in the churchyard. Margaret Thomas. Leader of Tuesdays ot Two Open Church We have coniinued to open the church every Sunday, from 2 till 3.30 pm in the winter and 2 till 4 pm in the summer to welcome people in and to have some refreshment. This is offered free of charge as an example of the church's hospitality, although donations freely offered are welcome. Many have come in at different times: families out walking in the park, rambling groups, those visiting graves, church member5 and friends. We have come to know some regulars too. Some come and like to sit quietly and think, some ask questions about the history of the church, others just want some company. We have been able to offer refreshments to helpers and visitors to our new programme of occasional family social events held in the worship area, such as the Light Party and Easter Crafts. Opportunity is often taken 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, small meetings and setting up equipment or putting up decorations. Some have a game of draughts and sometimes the piano is played. In summary, all are welcome. Cheryl Doyle Joint Monthly Prayer Meeting First Wednesday of the month, 7.30 pm in St. Mary's Chapel. Revd. Bekah Clark mostly led the united prayer meetings for members of both churches, wlth occaslonal leadership from members of St. Mary's and Elmdon, especially since January 2025. Meetings usually start and end with a song but vary considerably according to who is leading. On average about l O people attend each month with the breadth and depih of prayer knowin9 no limit, from praying for each other to praying for worldwide disasters as members feel led by the Lord. We continue io encourage more people to come along and join In, whether speaklng out their prayers or silently joining in as others lead them in prayer. Rob Dea li
Churchyard The Churchyard team continued their valuable contributlon to the up-keep of the grounds. Unfortunately, the ream has been smaller in the last year due to a change in people's circumstances but we wlll continue doing what we can We keep an eye on the grass in the older part of the churchyard. In 2024 the PCC agreed to Peter Hobson cutting it back annually although I believe he ha5 moved out of the are4 so we will have to see how things progress. Sarah Leckie, Churchyard Team Leader Mission Support Group Crosslinks . Marla"Em• Fernandez Crosslinks is an Anglican missionary society which enables partnershlps with all churche5, denofflinations and networks which share its conviaions. Cr0551inks also supports and enables the training of pastor/teachers and evangelists in less well-off countries. through their BEST IBursaries Enabling Strategic Training) programme. Under this programrne we have been supporting Emi Fernandez in her studies at The Centre for Pastoral Studies ICEP). Santiago, Chile. Our commitment was to support Emi through prayer and finandal giving, in the amount of £600 per annum. for three years. Sadly, we were advised by Crosslirks eatlier this year that Emi had suffered a miscarriage. losing the twln babies that were expected in February, and she had made the decision not to carry on with her studies. At the suggesrion of Crosslinks. we transferred our financial support to Erni's husband. Tore, who is expectlng to complete his studies with CEP by the end of 2025. We continue to uplift both Emi and Tore in prayer. Wycliffe Blble Translators - Glft and Kathryn Aslku We also partner with Gift and Kathryn Asiku. working for Wdiffe Bible translators in Uganda. Gift serves as Language Programmes Coordinator and Kathryn as Literacv Coordinator, supportlng Wrfcliffe's vision through overseelng and facilitating Blble translation and literacy activities in local languages. They send u5 regular prayer and news updates. and in tum they pr for us as a church here in Elmdon. We were blessed to have them vlsit us in January 2025. taking part in the service and spendlng tlme chatting with us over lunch. Hlghlights of 2024 Include: Kaihryn continued implementing the l•teracy project"Let's Read Together. in the Lunyole and Lugwere speaking communliles. Children's reading skills have improved, adults have been challenged io read their own language, enjoyment of reading has been fostered. and children are attending school and church more regularly. Kathryn continued overseeing the produttion of literacy materials, including animal picture dialonaries. calendars and children's reading apps.
Gift continued overseeing and supporting Old Testament translation in six languages, which have made tremendous progress over the year. Gift trained and supported the translation team leaders in using rewrring softsvare to help them track progress. As a member of Wrfcliffe's leadership ream in Ugand4 Gift coniributed towards the 'localisation' of their partner organisation in Uganda, with Ugandans now responsible for overseeing the work there. Ripple Effe Rlpple Effect works wlih farming families In six African countries so they can leam more, grow more and sell more. Rural Africa is rich with opportuniry= with resourceful cornmunities and land from which food and futures can grow. But families face poverty that is extreme. unjust, and wor51 of all, unnecessary. The charlty Is creating a ripple effect of posltive change in rural Africa. It starts wlth bringing farmers together to learn new skills and share knowledge. so they can improve their livelihoods and thrive. Each farmer who works with Ripple Effect promises to share vthat they know and what they have wirh 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 involved with the charity. by colletting small change and from occasional donations. Thank you to all who have given so faithfully and who continue to do so. For those new to Elmdon Church. there Is a basket in ihe Wilberforce Hall where you can deposit your small change. For further inforniaiion. please speak io Eli Malkin. We have also joined Elmdon Church with ihe Ripple Effect Community Garden Twinning scheme for a donation of £120. which is based on the cost of providing three years, training in sustainable agriculture to DATO famllies who are part of one of rheir projects in rural Africa. Please also visit www.rippleeffect.org where you can find some uplifting stories about the farniers who have benefited from thelr association with Ripple Effect. Helping Hands Renewal Helping Hands. based at Renewal Church Centre, has a minlstry of givlng food. toiletries and other essentials to the most vulnerable in Solihull and neighbouring Birmingham areas. Their ethos is ro facilitate needy families and individuals to live independent and fulfilling lives through donations of food and finance during difficult times. For many people just receiving food will not address the various complex and interlinked issues in rheir lives. For that reason, ir works with other agencies to provide a full package of supporr as just one step in the process of meeting the need5 of those in crisi5. Since COV17 9 hundreds of food parcels have been delivered but demand is still increasing. They also partner with Age UK to deliver to the elderly in need across Solihull. Elmdon's Church members regularly supply long life and canned foods. personal hygiene items and seasonal treats at Christmas. Easter and Harvest. All donations are delivered weekly to the team at Renewal Helping Hands who gratefully receive and distribute them. Anyone in need is invited to apply for aid and any recipients are monitored by the Charity. Occasional donations On the recommendation of the Mission Support Group. the PCC have also made some one-off donations through the year in support of God's work elsewhere:
Dan and Mirlam, who were part of our church family for a couple of years in the early 2020's, have been studying at All Nations Christian College in preparatSon for being sent overseas as missionaries with People International. £3000 was given twards the c05t of their initial trainlng. Resource - supporting local churches in spiritual renewal. Thelr Alongslde Scheme supports church leaders with a trained companion who meets with them regularly in a mentoring type relatlonship. We made a donation of £250 in support of Resource's mission, and plan for this to be an annual recurring donation. Manchester Christian Unions Carol Service- Connor Huss, former member of Elmdon Church and currently Christian Union president ai the Royal Northern College of Music. had invited a donatlon towards ihe running costs of the annual carol service. to enable students to attend free of charge. A £500 donation was given. Richard & Lesley Huss, Eli Molkin and Rob l*an, Mission Support Group Hatchford Brook Churches Together Member churches include= Lyndon Methodist,. Redeemed Christian Church of God IRCCGI; 5t. Giles. Sheldon; St. Thomas Moore- Sheldon Community Church ISCCI and St. Mary's Hobs Moai besides ourselves. Other churches meet in the area but do not participate in HBCT activities. Little has changed over the past year. either in membership or the activitles we enjoy seasonally each year. desplte the fact that we have ceased to be a member of Churches Together UK. We no longer need a fomial committee or funds to continue sharing the love of Jesus as a visible united witness of faith in Jesus to dispel the myths and confusion among members and outsiders caused by our separareness and differences in worship style. We contlnue seeking to fulfil Christ'5 command in John 13-35 "By thls everyone will know that you are my disciples. if you love one another.. We continue to SUPPOrt each other in prayer and other ways in order to wln people for Christ. Carol singing by a group of about 12 inside the enlrance to Tesco's on Lyndon Road was well recelved again in 2024. Although the group sounds small. as the space allocated is limited the group was al)out the righr size. Set off to one side of the exit. the location ha5 proved more difficult to connett wlth the shoppers. some of whom stop to enjoy our singing while others also joined in. AfreThiards we enjoy fellowship, news from our churches and any prayer needs. The Walk of Witne55 on Good Friday enabled us to join wlth members of all the other churches in celebrating G¢)d's work in Jesus on our behalf. A group of over 70 met outside Savers on the Coventry Road opposite the Wheatsheaf, wlth help from all the member churche5. including Revd. Karen Webber, Lyndon Methodist, giving the ialk and leading worship aided by Revd. Brian Atkins, Solihull Christian Church, Rob Dean reading the scripture and RCCCG leading us in a g05pel-type hymn singing session. 14
Rob Dean organised the SonRise Service by rhe beacon in Elmdon Park again thi5 vear with help from HBCT members for musical accompaniment, readings etc. With a later start of 6.30 am due to clocks going forward overnight. our choru5 was joined by creation on a beautiful. mild Spring morning. Fellowship was enjoyed over refreshments served in the Wlberforce Hall after4Yards. HBCT representatives for the year were Christine Arn5by and Elaine Malkin. Finance Treasurer's Report The PCC is responsible for the church's finances, though it delegates management of these to the PCC Treasurer. Alan Doyle who. also oversees a separate fabric fund accounl. Income Most of our income usually comes through steardship. pnmarily the Parish Giving Scheme but also standing orders and donations. Other sources of income have typically been wedding and funeral fees plus occasional legacies, sixial events and hire fees for use of ihe Church Hall. Although our bank balance is now qulte healthy largely owing to the sale of our Gaydon Road site there are a number of mainienance and improvement projects at our parish church that need to be undertaken and we must therefore plan and budget for a continued increase in giving in the years ahead. The 2024 accounts show only a minor deficit for the year owing largely to the interest received on our cash reserves. this will of course reduce as the required improvement work is carried out and paid for. To ensure our ongoing financial viability we need to be cognisant of the need to increase giving from our exisiing generous members but perhaps more importantly look for ways to increase membership numbers. Our long.term aim is io keep our current Church up to date and fully functioning to attract new members whose generosity and prayers will help us to malniain our presence in the cornmunity and help other5 who may be in need. A "Giving Station" device is installed in the Church allowing donations to be made by card and information about all the methods of supporting the church are available at church and on our website. Fees pald for church work In 2024 the church paid an organist's fee for weddings and funerals at whlch the organ was played. Where required a verger received a fee for dutie5 carried out at these seNices. A sexton was also paid a fee for digging plots for the interment of ashes and occasionally appropriate visiting clergy fees were aiso paid. Financial Reserves Policy The Charity endeavours to maintain finances at an appropriate level to facilitate day-io-day actlvities and also to finance upkeep of our buildings. Alan Doyle 15
Page 16 Annual Report of the Elmdon Parochlal Church Councll for 2024 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO ÉLMIKVI PAROCfrIAL CHURCH COUNCL fTrlE PCC) I rep)rt to Ihe charity Iruslees my ex4Thnat d ihe c4 ts charity for the yw ded 31# DeGbe1 2024 are sei on p>3es 17 10 25. Re¥0MlI110$ arKI bAgls ol report As the charity's IrLtstees you are reStSte ILV the of the &XOLMts in wdarK Imlh th8 r8qLrirements of Ihe CawDes Act 2011 I'lhe .). I report in rewl of myexamInati ol Ihe dlS acLYAlS cth urJer seciw 145 ol Ihe A¢1 and In carryir¥J out my examinati I have Ied all the Dweclions wen by ts Charity Commissljn under section 14Sl5llb} 01 the ACL Ind•pendent examkn•rf• slalgmont I have cc¥nrAeted my examinath. I that ro rnalerial mattershave cm lo rny attention in with Ihe examinatK)n givir¥J me cause to bekve that n any mwerial respect: acGounting Tecordswere keo li fe$pt tharity as re(pwed ty sectir 130 of the Acl: or 2. acuunls do not &cord wth those reoyds. I have no COnS aThJ trwve ecthe acrctss no its That15 in nneCtIon wilh the examination lo attenlion shoLAd be in tINs report in (th lo enAe a Kyoper iJThJorst**JiNJ ol the accwnts to be rèathed. Jeremy Kitson FCA Prlme Chartered Accourtants Comer Oak 1 Homer Road Solihull B91 3QG Dale.. 29:05..2Ql5.,...........
Page 17 ELMDON PAROCHIAL CHLIICH COUNCIL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT. GENERAL FIThID YEAR ENDED 31 DECEIIBER 2024 Recelpts Voluntary Reipts anned GiTriTh3 Loan receiv&J cdlecb.ons and Donations 5 41.982 46,242 9).116 9),791 Income 120 120 524,035 Receipls Irom Church Activit Grants WgSJvb3 Funwd Fees 14,278 6,879 Recetyits from Investrtts Inv8s1menl IncrAne Total receipts 88.100 587.054 Payfflnl¥ Clpurch Actiwti&s AFV)rtionment BuildirrfJ repairs Charities Church rLrniThJ exper Church aiKI Churchyard Loan repayThents Printing. F#)siage aNJ slali(Mvy Large DisaY Screen Sundry ExFens9S VCC plamiro fees 7 52,584 6,848 8 S.846 105 9 13208 97.049 4.043 2,777 14,889 1257 1.167 10 s.5 86.479 154.403 AccoLmlancy Toial paymenis 88,579 156,413 Transf8rs lo l {oul ofj generd fu1 118,orJ)I lDèfklt)Burps ol Recelptsthwp Bart( Bdarw 1 Jwuary Bank Bala¢$ 31 t)e¢emt¢r
Page 18 ELMDOM PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNC REIp7s AND PAYMEMTS ACCOUNT. RESTRICTED FUND YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Recelpts Voluntary Rewts CollectiS aml Donations 1.171 sdry InLx>rne W&SJlng and Furwal Fe95 Total receirAs 6.774 6,107 Payments Church Adivibes Ghurch runniry gXF4iises Englsh Class Grant Total payTrents 9.410 Transfgr from general IWKIS 18,0 {DefIcItSlpIUj ol R•celpl)¥•tp* Bala 31 Dwntr
PwJe 19 ELMDON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL RECBPTS AND PAYMEp¥fs ACCOUNT- DESIGNATED ACCOUNT - FABRIC FIJND YEAR ENDED DEcEeR 2024 Re¢elpts Voluntary Alpts Translw Ir¢ FuThJ5 $45 2200 rxty inc(yme Inleresl on CBF APpeS Fuj T¢xal re¢eipls 612 2,239 Paynnts Church Acvilies Tran81er Imts Jsi Fund Bank charge Weddino fees cosls TO payTh8nts 27 (Dell¢lt)I&W ol Ye¢elpWoverpayrnnts Bank BalaeS 1 January Bank Balances 31 DecemfAr
Page 20 ELMtX)N PAROCHIAL CHURCH COiINCIL CONSOLIDATED RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS Accouiir YEAR ENDED 31 OECEIABER 2024 Totsl Alp Planned GMNJ Coll•¢t$ & Donatior Tgas Sunthy kKome Wedrfry & Fees Invesim•nt lrtom• VAT refundpjlnsurm dwms Interest and DidNIS Jfshdè Bothngs Miscelanw Rants Functiry 41 8.134 41.982 46242 SA52 585 522.034 12.SS1 12,0&3 1.114 1.047 67 3.4 22540 22.540 313 80 7J30 Tota FIelp1S orlKsnment Chariti88 Churth Running EXr6e$ Church & Cmffchyard Prinlwd. Poskgts & Slationwy Sundry Experws Accountar Bulding & Repws Bank charg¢s Loan repahThen LKJhl & Heat Walgr Insuran T•l##ion• Mwi¢ Large DrfaY ErvJlish CLass Grant VCC pnTrla I9 S2.$84 5.846 2.655 3.B58 1.257 97.049 3.9)6 8.326 1,167 1257 S5 2.IC#J 2.100 2.010 4.CK)O 1,348 3.6S7 673 3.367 673 1367 3.139 1.483 265 7.iW1 7,081 24,688 Tolal pats
Page 21 ELMDON PARCtHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL COI4SOLll)ATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND UABILITIES AT 31 DECEEA 21)24 G•nwwl fleIl¢t•d D•¥lgn•tsd Fund Fund Funds Totsl CBF deposit ILTr Bank currenl a¢¢wnts Bank derK¢siI 438,142 7.7LN) 436.815 1,140 1.326 2,999 446.5 438.919 4,325 Investhents lat valuali¢)n yw C8F Share Porttolio CBF Fixed Interest (Xlw Assets Propertles vested In the Blrmlngham Dloe•sw Bowd ol Tru on hhllf ol ilKI PCC: St Slephens ChLKch Cenlre arKI Clwrth ctre Valley Church Sl St•phws Centrn Hall Users F•lNIc Fund CBF deposit I Bank curreni trtount Bank dery)sil xcounl These Financ Slalemwrts were apwov&l by Pam¢trMal Church CwKil on Lr .. and sh3nl cffl behall of Ihe by:" Cha
Page 22 ELMDON PAROCHIAL CMiThICH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1. ACCOITrrnNG POLICIES The linala1 slatements ol PGC have Fryar1 in wilh the thrch Ac£ounliNJ RegUlaInS issued in usirKJ the Recepts arnl PaJTneNs basis. Statgmwl of R#thnmded Prthe {SORP) arbj Ihe 8111# 2011. Funds General luThJs rewesent the ILwKts cl PCC that we lo any sw?al reStr110nS regard their use aNI are avalatrje lor 4ykation to lh8 eTaI FMNFaises ot PCC. r9spor6it4e. They do not ithje ihe crts of other CtKKch gY¢xys that an alliliation lo anDr tM)ty, nor Ihal are loal gattll.S of CIMCh men Jbject to the atove. receipts and wnents i4je as received arnl expeNJiure when l1revabty paKI. IoMe Tax rerth li res of the yew lo 31 Decemtw is iluded in Ihe receipts and payments WAJnts. N¢ypmonelary donalwjns to the PCC are not iri Ihg r¥5 and payments accounts. because they are incapatle of being record ai <fmite arnnts. Where malerial. sl rtems are referred lo Tri Ihe Annl RekKrt Smernni ol Asei$ and UabMItI•s The lollcthj assets are recoJnrAd as Ilw of Ihe PCC tArt are not ' Sm¢ml ol Assets arKI LAtqllM. Movable church lumishrys tkJ by the Ward M 9)e¢I tntst lor the PCC aThJ wh reqLwre a ImY lty (sposal. Land ar#J buildings hdd on LW CA the PCC. Olher Ibxlwes. lilbrys olke 8(rt the PCC is free b) thspose of sh assets withwl Any other anounts to PCC hal * aTrJ Insuranceclas. LegleS tsre lormal no11alK ol en1irTh1 aThJ amcwrt has Tecer¥ed at 31 December by Ihe PCC. Incrxne Tax recover&le Irtyn HM Reve & C(1S of Grfl Adonat)n5 receNed after 31 Decwnber in the year.
Page 23 ELPK)N PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEME1s (COKtINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 I DESIC44ATED FUNDS The Fabr FLRXI is deSIale(l {i.e. to I 1 sow) for the of mntalg aThJ imwovlng the PlSh ChurclL & REMLIIERATION No person ¢onrrtted Parcthial Clxr¢h Ctyrril has teen paKJ ry is ¢kn to be paKI any remuneration or other tlIts Irryn the FUts of the PCC. 4. TRANSACTIOP&S WITh COIINECTED PERSONS There have been no rnaterid IrsaCkn urxjertkn in the name of or on behalf of the Council in whkh any pers( clnted with the has a material interest. 5. PLANNED GIVING 2024 aid r¢¢¢ipts Ir8 lax rerJ)¥ered otr GiwrwJ 27.770 6,943 25.882 12,902
Pa98 24 ELMDON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL IIOTES TO THE FINAIICIAL StATEhwifs {CONTINVED} YEAR ENDED 31 DECEIIBER 2024 CBF Deposit aLxxxml CBF DivideIS Interest on Resm Iw 1.047 1.030 2024 IPA PaKJ Direct CHARMES Chrisllan Rellef, Devekyiwl arKI AgwThs Churches overseas Home Missons 473 4.8n 721
Page 25 ELMDON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE F114ANCIAL STATEMENTS IC014TINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEIIiBER >)24 9. CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD EXPENSES 2023 Main1wa and ryrs Waler rates Telephone Lit and heal InSUrae Sundries Curate's House Rent Consumer unit lest & cwfylicali Christian LiteralLwe Reade, Boa WisiliThJ Clergy 673 1.434 3.657 3,367 3.792 3.139 7,420 10. SUNDRY EXPENSES Fele Iloats othgr Sundry Expens8S
MINUTES OF THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETINGS Held 21- May 2024 Attendance at the annual meetings of Parishioners and Church1231". Revd. Bekah Clath. Rector Chrlstine Arnsby Sarah Baldwin Lynda Bird Joy Dean Rob Dean Alan Doyle Cheryl Doyle Mar¢ln Hewings Lesley Huss Carol Janes Sue Kimber Sarah Leckie David Maguire Elaine Malkin Karen Matthews Anne Mllne Jamie Oldham Elizabeth Smye Joyce Taylor Margaret Thoma5 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. Apologies (l ) Graham Smye. Minutes of prevlous meeting of parishioners Tuesday 2ar4 May 2023 Martin Hewings and Sarah Leckie proposed the minutes be adopted. Motlon approved unanimously. Eleclion of thurch Warden Susan Klmber was proposed by Christine Arnsby seconded by Lesley Huss. There were no other nominations. Sue agreed to stand as Church Warden for the coming year and was accepted unanimously. Thanks were expressed to Carol Janes for her four years, seThice a5 Warden. ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEEnNG (APCM) Bible reflectlon Bekah spoke from Acts 4.. 1-31 on the ouiworking of abiding in Jesus before opening the meeting in prayer. Apologles (l ) Graham Smye ILay Chairman). Minutes of the previous APCM held 23" May 2023 Lesley Huss and Carol Janes proposed the minutes be adopted. Motion approved unanimously. Report on the revised Electoral Roll Jamie Oldham reported that the revised roll, published 121h May 2024, contained 66 names. down one from last year, which was encouraging a5 there had been about 5 nvwcomers to offset some deaths. 26
Eleclion of PCC members Four vacancies were available for election to the PCC: Lynda Bird was proposed by Margaret Thornas seconded by Karen Matthews Lesley Huss was proposed by Tony Shaw seconded by Richard Huss Graham Smye was proposed by Carol Janes seconded by Joyce Taylor There were no further nominations. Lynda, Lesley and Graham were duly elected for three years. leaving one vacancy. Appoinrment of such Readers as wish ro become PCC members Members approved the motion that Karen Matthews. Parish Lay Reader. be accepted as a member of rhe PCC. APCM Reports Bekah went through each report, thanking each member by name for their contributions to the life of the church and inviting comments Indivldually. Commenis were made regarding the follwing reports". 7.1 Warden's report Carol Janes thanked everyone for their help and support over the four years. espeCIty Sarah Leckie and other ex-church Wardens. 7.2 Kids In Christ Rob Dean said they were open to recNiting volunteers. 7.3 Connect Group5 Bekah said that belng In a group was the best way to Ilnk church members together in order to care for each other and that if anyone wished to be a member to contart Sue Kimber. who had taken leading. 7.4 Tuesday Service Bekah thanked Karen Matthews. who had offered to lead once a month and ended up leading li every week. 7.5 Open Church On 2" June the Birmingham Concerr Band, of which Karen Matthews was a member, would give a concert and everyone was invited. Accounts and Financial Statements As the accounts had been complicated by the delayed Sale of property at Gaydon Road incurrlng high expenditure. short temi loans and delayed payments to the Diocesan Common Fund, Alan Doyle, Treasurer, read out the notes he had fOvarded to members at the last PCC meeting explaining some of the unusual and high sums of money moving in and out of the accounts. There were no questions and Alan was thanked for his thorough preparation. good explanation of Ihe figures and detailed keeping of the records. The accounts were unanirnously accepted by those present. 27
Appolntment of independent examiner Alan Doyle proposed using the same accountants (Prime Chartered Accountants) for rhe coming year. Jamie Oldham seconded the motion. which was approved unanimously. IQ PrÈseniatlon to Carol Janes Bekah thanked Carol for her time as Church Warden during the pandemic and Interregnum, presenting her with a pot plant and card, before invlting members to say a few words of personal thanks to Carol. I l. Rectovs Address. Bekah said thai much had been achleved although there were still plenry of things to do. She then named and thanked individual contributors to the life of the church who had not been otherwise mentioned.. Readerslservice leaders, PCC and various team members.. Dury Wardens. Kids In Chrlst, Sound & Visuals, Welcome. Readlngs. Leadin9 intercessions. Music, Bell ringers, Refreshment5. Open Churth, Church Maintenance, Cleaning. Visual Displays, Mission Support, Fabric. Finance. Sunday worshipper counters and Eco Issues contributors. Bekah continued her trlk based on the earlier scrlpture reading from Acts 4:1- 31 saying thar, like Peter and John after being imprisoned and threatened by the authorities, we needed to pray for boldness and courage. People were Spiritually hungry but the workers were few. A priority for the coming year wlll need to be rhinking creatively about how we can best use our resources to best be the loving family of Christ and share the love of Christ across the parishe5 of MdOn and Hobs Moat. 12. Any Other Business There was no other business. 13. Closing Prayer After a hymn of thanksgiving, Bekah closed the Meeting in prayer, thanked everyone for iheir tlme and invited non-members to leave rhe meeting. The new PCC then held its first meeting.
Agenda for the Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) Tuesday 20" May 2025. 7.30pm at Elmdon Church Refreshments available from 7pm Meeting of Parlshloners Apologies for absence Minutes of the previous Meeting of Parishioners. Tuesday 21SI May 2024 Election of Churchwardens Annual Parochial Church Meetlng IAPCM) Bible reflection and opening prayer Apologies for absence Minutes of the previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Tuesday 21 ¥ May 2024 Report on the revised Electoral Roll Appointment of PCC Members Deanery Synod Members11 place, for l year) PCC Member5 lup to 6= 3 places for 3 years. I for 2 years. 2 for l yearl Reader representative Receive APCM reports Appolntment of independent examiner Rector's Address Any other business l O. Closing prayer First meeting of the new Parochial Church Counal IPCQ Election of: Lay Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Electoral Roll Officer Safeguarding Co-ordinator & Parish Identity Verifier Domestic Abuse Contact