ANNUAL REPORT 2022 V.Iil•l.I I SYNC CfytsRCH Ir4 ## **TABLE OF CONTENTS** 01 INTRODUCTION 02 SNAPSHOT 03 THE IMPACT 04 STORIES & TESTIMONIES 05 ACCOUNTS 06 LOOKING FORWARD ## It’s hard to believe that it’s been 9 years since I first became the vicar of St Thomas Church, and as I reflect there have been so many moments that have surprised and shaped us to become the church we are today. Yet, the vision remained the same. We seek to be a church that reaches beyond the boundaries of our congregation, sharing and demonstrating the good news of Jesus – loving and serving our community and city in Jesus’ name! With the appointment of a new church warden, the recruitment of our social outreach co-ordinator, the ongoing support from our passionate volunteers, along with the increased work of Love Your Neighbour, we have seen a profound impact on the work of the church. A special mention must be made to those members of the church and community that give of their time and finances to assist in the work that we do here. I will always remain grateful to each of them. It is also essential that as we seek to grow in 2023, we commit to going deeper into our relationship with Jesus through gathering, through prayer, through reading scripture and serving the church family. This is our church, and we are loving and serving the city in Jesus’ name. ## With love and prayers ## Steve We want to continue to be the church that boldly proclaims the good news of Jesus through its words and actions and I hope that you feel encouraged by this publication that celebrates all that God is doing and all that is to come as we become the Diocesan Resource Church. 01 ## **SNAPSHOT** HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT’S HAPPENING ## **The Spire Café:** A community not-for-profit cafe, serving fairtrade drinks and delicious food and any profits go directly back into the local community. ## **Tiny Toms:** A welcoming, loving and safe place for parents, carers and children 0-4 years, to enjoy play, crafts and music. ## **Community Hub:** A hub that offers a safe space, with a guaranteed warm welcome, hot cuppa, sweet treats and a comfy sofa. ## **Boys Brigade and Girls Association:** A weekly hangout to play games, eat food and chat about life and faith with our amazing young people. ## **Foodbank and Surplus Food:** Providing emergency food and toiletries for those in need. ## **Alpha:** An opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly and informal environment. ## **Baby Basics:** Supporting vulnerable mothers and new born babies with a 3-month starter pack and more. ## **Services:** Gathering for 2 services each week for worship, prayer and inspiring talks. ## **Community Lunch:** Sharing a free two course hot lunch each week with our church family and community. 02 ## **THE IMPACT 2022** **3500** **1750** VOLUNTEER FREE HOURS BREAKFASTS **162 2500** **162** BABY BASIC CHRISTMAS REFERRALS BLESSING BOXES **1300** **117** ## **2000** COMMUNITY LUNCHES **50,000** FOODBANK MEALS **60** HOURS OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES WORK WORSHIP SERVICES FUNERALS 03 ## **STORIES & TESTIMONIES** ## **‘A LIFELINE’** Anthony Attending the community hub has been a lifeline for me. I have had so much support from people that I have met here. I am now involved in volunteering every week and I love meeting new people from the community. ## **‘A SAFE PLACE’** Amber, Grace and Lily We love boys brigade because it’s a safe space to ask questions about life and God. We love our friends here and its where we can be ourselves. ## **‘A CHURCH FAMILY’** Michael I first visited the church to find a wedding venue. Instead i found a church family ready to welcome me, a place where i can change peoples lives and have my own changed. A place where i can find my faith and be baptised. ## **‘CHANGED MY LIFE’** Linsay and Jan Being a part of the volunteer team at Tiny Toms has changed our lives. Its given us so much, especially a church community who accept us as we are and who we can share life with. 04 ## **ACCOUNTS** Below is a snapshot of the finances of St Thomas Church Swansea for 2023; As always, we are so grateful to all who support the church through generous giving and through the many grants who support our social outreach. In 2023 we seek to increase the giving from our congregation to equip us for the next part of our journey as we seek to consolidate and plant and revitalise more churches. 05 ## **LOOKING FORWARD: 2023** We are excited and expectant for all that God has in store for us as we continue to love and serve the community of St Thomas and the City of Swansea and support the mission of the Diocese in our role as its resource church. We are seeking to recruit additional members of staff, including an associate vicar, children’s pastor and a young adult & student pastor. We are working to develop our food ministry through a partnership with the Message Trust. We are also planning to deliver more than 4000 Christmas blessing bags around our community and city. Above all, we continue to pray for God’s direction and blessing in all that He has in store for us in 2023. Thank you for journeying with us! With special thanks to our supporters 06