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2020-12-31-accounts

St Barbara’s Church Earlsdon The annual report of the PCC APCM meeting 18[th] May, 7.30 pm 2021

St Barbara’s EarlsdonAgenda

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING 2021

PRAYER

Annual Meeting of Parishioners to be held on 18[th] May 2021 at 7.30 pm

Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held on 18[th] May 2021

  1. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Church Meeting held on the 20[th] October 2020.

  2. Matters Arising not on the Agenda

  3. Reports:

  4. (I) Revised Church Electoral Roll

  5. (II) Proceedings of Deanery Synod

  6. (III) Church Wardens Fabric, goods and ornaments of the Church (IV) Report on PCC activities

  7. (V) To receive the audited Statement of Accounts 2020.

  8. Elections:

  9. (a) Deanery synod members- Not required this year

  10. (b) PCC Members

  11. Appointments:

  12. (c) Sidespersons

  13. (d) Appointment of Independent Examiner

  14. Vicar’s Address

  15. Any Other Business

  16. Proposed Date of Next Annual Meeting TBA

  17. Closing Prayer

St Barbara’s Church Annual Report for 2020

Background

St Barbara’s PCC has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Registered Charity Number: 1185293.

Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent: The Revd Tulo Raistrick Wardens: Keith Wright (Since March 2018) - ex-officio on PCC Rachael Moorley (Since October 2020) - ex-officio on PCC Representatives on the Deanery Synod – ex-officio on PCC Andrea French Elected 2020 Ian Leitch Elected 2020 Phil Weare Elected 2020 Keith Wright Elected 2020

Elected Members:

David Butler (Until July 2020) Andrea Driver (Elected October 2020) Michael Fabunmi (Elected October 2020) Suzanne Frey- Kupper (Elected October 2020) Alison Manning (Elected October 2020) Victoria Mason (Elected April 2019) Steve Matthews (Elected April 2019) Kate McGrory (Elected October 2020) Jessica Moore (Elected October 2020) Mary Owen (Elected March 2018) Mark Owen (Elected March 2018) Christine O’Brien (Elected October 2020) Anna Stevens (Elected October 2020)

Organist and Music Co-ordinator Mr Norman Owen

Choir Leader Mrs Katherine Owen

Committees

The PCC operates through a number of sub- committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC:

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.

Property Committee

Attends to matters relating to church buildings, fabric and content.

Social Committee

Organise & run church social events

Mission Committee- As part of the Standing committee

Attends to matters relating to ministry of the local church to the community and the world, such as ecumenical links, evangelism and the support of mission and relief agencies.

Worship Committee

Attends to matters relating to all aspects of worship.

Communications team

Oversee communications (eg, newsletter; website; social media; ECHO)

Discipleship team

Plan and organise library, displays, Bible reading notes, book recommendations

Hive and Older Hive

Attends to the provision of Christian teaching for children 3-18 years old.

Finance Team

Support treasurer in oversight of investments, stewardship campaigns & annual accounts.

Stewardship Committee

Looks into the funding of our Church and the giving of its congregation

Eco Committee

Whose purpose is to consider the steps the church should take towards becoming net carbon zero by 2030.

CTEC(Churches Together in Earlsdon & Chapelfields)

St. Barbara’s Church is one of 5 Churches in the Earlsdon & Chapelfields Area made up as a result of a covenanting of the churches listed:

The five Churches work together wherever possible and come together for Worship 4 times a year. Each Church will send members to the Churches Together committee meetings, and in addition the Ministers undertake to meet regularly. We also support each other’s work in the local Community.

Andrea Driver (Treasurer) and The Revd Tulo Raistrick are our CTEC representatives.

Average attendance at regular services in 2020

Due to the COVID pandemic and national lockdown the attendance is calculated differently this year.

St Barbara’s Earlsdon  Minutes

Annual Meeting of Parishioners held on Tuesday 20[th] October 2020 at 7.30 pm on ZOOM.

Tulo opened the Meeting in Prayer at 7.35pm.

Present: (26)
First name
Janet
Jessica
Steve
Mary
Mark
Elaine
Alison
Ed
Anna
Caroline
Dan
Helen
Ian		 Present: (26)
First name
Janet
Jessica
Steve
Mary
Mark
Elaine
Alison
Ed
Anna
Caroline
Dan
Helen
Ian
First name Second name First name Second name
Janet Bacon Jim Griffiths
Jessica Moore Linda Griffiths
Steve Matthews Michael Fabunmi
Mary Owen Rachael Moorley
Mark Owen Simon Harper
Elaine Settle Andrea French
Alison Manning Tulo Raistrick
Ed Manning Andrea Driver
Anna Stevens Marjorie Leitch
Caroline Hammond Jan Butler
Dan Rathbone John McCuthchion
Helen Cawley Kate McGrory
Ian Leitch Keith Wright

1. Apologies for absence were received from:

First Name Second Name First Name Second Name
Elaine Parnell Christine O’Brien
Phil Weare Wena Hughes
Rosie Owen Joseph Owen
Victoria Mason

2. Appointment of Churchwardens

Rachael
Moorley		 Proposed: Keith Wright Seconded: Andrea French
Keith Wright Proposed: Andrea
French		 Seconded: Richard French

Agreed by a show of hands. The meeting closed at 7.39pm

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Meeting opened 7.39pm

  1. Approval of the minutes of the Annual Parochial Meeting Sunday 6[th] April 2019 The minutes were agreed with these changes:

  2. Delete the line in the PCC report to the APCM, the membership indicates that Ian Leitch was elected in 2019 which is incorrect as Ian was elected to the Deanery synod in 2018.

  3. Alison Manning was present in the meeting.

Minutes approved and signed by Tulo Raistrick

Proposed: Simon Harper Seconded: Marjorie Leitch

2. Matters Arising not on the Agenda

None

3. Reports

The Electoral roll has 105 members, 1 addition and 2 people removed in 2019 and 16 up to this meeting.

(ii) Report of the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod Tulo referred us to the report of 2019. There was nothing to add to the report. Keith reminds us that the meetings are open and anyone can attend and hear about the workings of the deanery.

(iii) Churchwarden’s Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church

Approval has been given for the moving of the British Legion board and for the fitting of another screen in church. Keith would also like to thank the people who gave up their time to help and finance small jobs in the church 2019. Keith would also like us to help clear up the leaves on the pavement on Beechwood Avenue from the horse chestnut trees. Tulo reiterated these thanks.

(iv) Annual Report for 2019-

Reports have been circulated, questions were requested and there were none.

Proposed: Mark Owen Seconded: Alison Manning

Agreed by a show of hands

(v) Consideration and Adoption of the Audited Statement of Accounts for 2019

The accounts were published very late as the staff preparing them in the auditors were furloughing and then self-isolating.

Mark brings to our attention that there was a very small surplus. 2019 figures for gift aid reclaim are missing and will be in 2020, around £11500

Questions

  1. There is an error with the charitable donations given, not all organisations are reported and Mark will rectify this.

  2. P9 The giving value looks incorrect due to the previous recording of the tithed giving.

  3. The investments have increased by about 13% and this is correct by the statements

  4. The 2/3 to 1/3 split was agreed by the mission committee and PCC according to need and there is flexibility during the year according to changes of donations.

  5. Tulo reminds that the parish share has a built in giving to churches in Coventry.

  6. Rachael asked about moving forward plans to use the restricted funds for community projects, such as the playground at the back of church and asked if there were plans to move that forward. Mark summarises the uses of funds for screens etc. and not for day to day needs. The item will be brought forward to PCC.

As an APCM we are in agreement to accept the reports subject to PCC approval:

Proposed Marjorie Leitch Seconded Steve Matthews

Agreed by a show of hands

1. Mark Owen recommends- Harrison, Beale and Owen Limited.

Proposed
Mark
Agreed by a show of hands
4
Elections		 Proposed Mark Owen Seconded Andrea Driver

a) Deanery Synod Representative

Term is 3 years starting this year.

Keith Wright Proposed: Andrea French Seconded: Richard French
Phil Weare Proposed: Ian Leitch Seconded: Marjorie Leitch
Ian Leitch Proposed Alison Manning Seconded Keith Wright
Andrea
French		 Proposed Alison Manning Seconded Ian Leitch

Agreed by a show of hands

b) PCC members

Results of elections:

Andrea Driver Proposed: Andrea French Seconded: Alison Manning
Alison
Manning		 Proposed Ian Leitch Seconded Andrea French
Suzanne Frey-
Kupper		 Proposed: Anna Stevens Seconded: Norman Owen
Christine
O’Brien		 Proposed: Sarah Owen Seconded: Stuart Maries
Anna Stevens Proposed Christine O’Brien Seconded Richard French
Kate McGrory Proposed: Keith Wright Seconded: Alison Manning
Jessica Moore Proposed Gill Nottingham Seconded Marjorie Leitch
Michael
Fabunmi		 Proposed Andrea French Seconded Richard French

An opportunity to join the PCC as a co-opted member was given. No one wished too. Agreed by show of hands

All members were welcomed to the PCC by Tulo to older members with their wisdom and newer members with their enthusiasm. Tulo celebrated the fact that all PCC, DS and warden posts were filled with people willing to make an impact on the local community.

  1. Appointments.

a) Duty Churchwardens The following were appointed as Duty Churchwardens

Simon Harper Keith Wright
Mark Owen Ian Leitch

Keith asked about the technology input with this role, Simon reports that there are volunteers to help carry this out and share duties on a Sunday.

Elected by a show of hands.

Tulo prayed for all members elected into office this year.

(i) Vicars Address-

Tulo spoke about the alterations in the report after the changes we have been through and an uncertain future.

In the next 6 months there is apprehension and despondency. There is a fear that these months could be harder than the lock down time with the poorer weather and a lack of energy to respond to the changes again. Mental health will be an issue for many people in the church and community due to uncertainty and fear. As a church, how can we respond to this? The church focus will be used:

Growing in love for God

On Sunday morning we have moved from all worship being in church to April being on screen only and July a merger of both of them. To achieve these changes Simon has carried out an amazing job to move us

forward, using his gifts. We could have gifts that may also be used to forward church life. There are approximately 40-45 members in church and approximately the same number on line, with an additional 20-30 people participating in the service later in the day or during the week. Positively, this is an increase in the number of people involved in our church.

Tulo acknowledged that the experience is not as enriching as previously. This is often linked to music and the return of the choir has been a positive step forward. Hopefully congregational singing will return in time. The interviews have helped us share in faith with other members. If there are any other suggestions, then please let Tulo know.

The compline sessions on line were low in number and have been discontinued.

Over 100 emails are sent for the daily devotional series.

Home groups have carried on and have expanded on line. It is a good opportunity to join a group at home on these dark evenings, please think of joining.

Busy Bees have been meeting in a social distanced manner and has been a positive experience for those people.

What else could we do?

Prayers and Bears are still on hold; the Methodist church has just reopened on a Sunday.

Buzz at St B’s has had two services and numbers are about 50% to the normal service. This service is difficult in its nature to socially distance.

Care home services with Ian, John and Jan have been on hold as we are not able to go to care homes.

The youth group has restarted on line.

So, there have been many positives in the last few months, but also there are areas where we will need to rebuild our ministry.

Questions:

Jan B- Asked about the pastoral care for the people in the congregation who could not access the service. They were given paper and telephone opportunities for the 8/9 people who could not attend on-line. Many of the people who were not on-line are attending church in the morning.

Growing in love for each other

This is very difficult with social distancing.

Phone links have been made early on in lockdown and that has been extremely appreciated by those involved. This may need reviving over the next few months, where it has lapsed.

Ian, Ed and Alison have been holding quiz and/or chat nights. Although it is reliant on technology this has been enjoyed by all. Ian, Ed and Alison were thanked for their work in this area.

Growing in love for the community

Tulo sends a weekly email to as many people as possible during the week.

Parish newsletter- these have not gone out due to the delivery by hand and COVID risks. Victoria and Alison are going to send the newsletter digitally every three months.

Good Neighbours - keep praying for, and consider volunteering for, this important work.

Unemployment- there have been redundancies in our church and the wider community, how will we respond to this as a church? We are committed to CAP to work on debt.

Bereavement- There has been pain in families who were unable to visit loved ones in hospital or attend their funerals. How do we respond to those needs? The annual service of bereavement is fully booked.

The Cairn of remembering- a rock or stone is placed on the lawn in church during November and people are encouraged to pray and meditate at this time. This is open to the whole community and helps to remind people that they are not alone. We need to advertise this and think if there is anything else we can do.

Christmas- we normally welcome a number of people during Advent. How can we make Christmas relevant for the community and the congregation? How can we advertise this?

Linking with others is difficult, schools are not allowing assemblies

Growing in love for the world

We have an eco group set up to look at the challenges

Mission giving contributes to the wider world, and does that need to change in proportion to our church income? Given loss of income from reduced hall rentals and church plate collections in recent months, it may be a good time for people to review their own giving to church.

Elaine Parnell was thanked for her amazing work and Kate McGrory is welcomed into her new role as hall co-ordinator.

QUESTIONS

Jan questioned the inability to deliver a leaflet and signpost upcoming events. She adds a suggestion of paying a distributor if necessary. Tulo adds that the guidelines are changing and will be revisited. 72 hours is advised on any paperwork received in schools and there are perceived dangers to the deliverers.

The work God has begun in us will be brought to completion. Tulo encourages us to be inspired that we are working in God’s plan.

(ii) Any Other Business Date of Next Annual Meeting

The next Annual Church Meeting was arranged for 25[th] April 2021 at 11.30 am.

Tulo closed the meeting in prayer 8.52pm (subsequently changed in the standing committee 9[th] Jan 21)

Review of the year 2021

Full PCC meetings were held during January; March; May; July; September and November with an average attendance of 14.

The standing Committee met during February; April (cancelled); June; Oct and Dec with an average attendance of 6.

We began the year approving the budget for 2020 and approving the accounts for 2019 we also began planning the VE day celebrations.

In February’s standing committee we agreed the mission allocation for 2020 and the increase of screens to be used during the service.

By the March PCC we were beginning to work through COVID expectations and understandably these issues were discussed throughout the rest of the year. We have worked hard in our meetings to review and critically analyse the support for parishioners and community and the provision of services and opportunities for prayer. Once the ‘new normal’ was established in lockdown the PCC and standing committee met by ZOOM to consider the arrangements for on-line and face to face worship and support Tulo and the Church Wardens.

Notably, in July we welcomed Kate into her role as Hall coordinator and we would all like to thank Elaine Parnell for her outstanding service to the church during her time as hall coordinator.

From September we have altered the structure of our meetings to focus on the core areas of our church: Growing in Love… for God

Growing in Love… for each other Growing in Love… for our community Growing in love… for our world

In October we held our delayed 2020 APCM and welcomed the new members to the PCC. They were also registered with the charity commission.

In November we initiated a plan to distribute Advent crosses to our parishioners, which hopefully you were pleased with.

Throughout the year we have also considered safeguarding and its regulations.

If you would like to help input into the direction and well-being of the church, please do consider joining the PCC.

Thank you and God Bless Andrea French, PCC Secretary

Vicar’s Report for Year Ending 2020

Vicar’s Report 2020

2020 saw some of the biggest upheavals to our daily lives that we have perhaps experienced in a generation. The effects of the coronavirus and the resulting lockdowns had a significant impact on all our lives, including on our church life.

In September, we introduced a new focus to our church life: “Growing in love for God, each other, our community and the world”, and we will use this focus to help us reflect on 2020.

Growing in love for God

Sunday Morning Services

Our church services went on-line in mid-March when the first lockdown began, and we have continued to stream live services every Sunday since. This is due to the incredible hard work and skill of Simon Harper, to whom we are very grateful. Feedback from these on-line services suggest that the majority of our church members have found them a helpful way of continuing in some form of communal worship.

Estimating on-line attendance is always difficult as a “view “ may represent two or more people sharing the same screen, but it may also represent one person clicking on the service for less than a minute before leaving. However my best estimates would be that we averaged the following attendances per Sunday:

Before Lockdown (Jan-Feb) (in person only): 98 people

1st Lockdown (April – June) (online only): 150 people

Summer (July – Aug) (in person and online): 115 people

Autumn (Sept-Oct) (in person and on-line): 127 people

2[nd] Lockdown (Nov) (online only): 122

December (in person and on-line): 125

The sense from this is that going online has increased the number of people participating in our Sunday morning worship. Numbers during the first lockdown were particularly high, with people joining us from other churches and other parts of the country where their churches hadn’t yet gone online themselves. Despite the “novelty” of online services wearing off, the number of people continuing to participate has remained very encouraging. Most people acknowledge that the depth of experience provided by online worship does not compare with in-person worship, but that it has been “much better than nothing”.

Where on-line provision struggled was in terms of meeting the needs of children. Online Hive was provided for most of 2020 but there was low take-up, with a common experience being that children found it difficult to engage with screen-based activity.

Those amongst the congregation not online were provided with weekly service sheets, readings, prayers and sermons, so that they could feel part of the service, and a number participated by listening in to the service by phone.

Other Services

Buzz at St B’s, as with Hive, struggled as an online service, but we were able to hold in-person services in September, October and December. The Buzz weekend away in September had to be postponed until a later date.

Prayers and Bears has not re-started since the first lockdown, as the Methodist Church did not feel able to open during the autumn for mid-week groups.

Our mid-week communion service has also not re-started since the first lockdown, in part because the majority of the small number of people attending this service are in vulnerable groups. Our care home services have not been able to re-start either, but an encouraging development at the end of the year was that Herald Lodge Care Home began to stream our Sunday morning services to residents.

Choral Evensongs also did not re-start after the first lockdown, as we wanted to keep choir involvement to one service a Sunday to reduce infection risks.

Homegroups

Our homegroups have managed to continue to meet online throughout the year, and have indeed managed to attract new members during this time.

Growing in love for each other

2020 was clearly a challenging year for nurturing fellowship, but members of the church responded in some very positive ways. Many people have received regular phone calls from other church members throughout this year. Others have received practical assistance, such as shopping deliveries. And 2020 saw the beginning of a regular fortnightly online quiz and chat evenings.

Growing in love for our community and the world

The church responded to the needs of the wider community during 2020 by promoting Good Neighbours and encouraging more church members to volunteer with this initiative. The church also began financially supporting the work of CAP in the local area.

Other community outreach had to be put on hold in 2020. School assemblies and services were not able to happen, and we were only able to deliver one edition of the parish newsletter.

Finances and Committees

As with all other churches, and with most other organisations and businesses, our finances were badly impacted by the events of 2020. Our church cash donations were significantly down as there were far fewer church services; we were not able to hold our annual May Day fete; and most significantly, our hall income decreased by over 50%. This amounted to a 25-30% fall in our overall income. We are fortunate that we have reserves to be able to draw on, but this is not a sustainable situation and we will aim to grow our giving and hall income over the coming year.

Our church committees were able to continue online, and we held our Annual Parochial Church Meeting online in October 2020.

Conclusion

2020 was a challenging year for the church, as it was for all of us as individuals and households. However, we are able to look back on the year with real thankfulness for God’s faithfulness and love towards us , and for enabling us to find new ways of expressing our love for Him, each other and our community and world. We can look forward to the future with hope and confidence, knowing that the good work that God has begun in us, he will continue and bring to completion.

Tulo Raistrick

Churchwarden Report on the Fabric, Fittings, Furniture and Furnishing of the Church 2020

We have inspected the church property register, the log book of alterations and the inventory, and each is in order and up to date.

This year the church was closed after the services on March 15[th] for all it’s normal activities and this of course has meant limited progress on most outstanding issues.

Emergency repairs were made to the lady chapel roof when the wind ripped off a number of edging tiles. The shed and bicycle shelter roofing felt was replaced when this too was ripped off by the wind. Both of these repairs were completed in February.

A faculty application to mount the Royal British Legion honours board in the church was approved and this will be completed in the next couple of months.

After a physically distanced site visit to St. Barbara’s by a member of the DAC we were given approval to mount a TV screen in church on the pillar at the front of the chancel adjacent to the Lady Chapel and this was done soon after the approval in October. During the year we have also purchased a camera and ancillary equipment which has allowed us to broadcast our services both from the vicarage and from church.

We have acquired two pieces of new furniture as a result of the generosity of the families of former members of the congregation viz. an oak altar table which has been used in the nave since September and in October a new bench was put in the garden to the north side of the church. We have also been gifted a new A3 printer which is in use in the office.

There are many outstanding works that need to be completed but thankfully nothing too urgent although some painting to the outside of the church – guttering and downpipes and the two plain west windows will hopefully be tackled sooner rather than later.

There is also an outstanding requirement to specify and get approved an overall plan to complete the provision of TV screens in the nave and chancel and to provide permanent cabling and to make it look tidy and as unobtrusive as possible.

Keith Wright and Rachael Moorley (Churchwardens)

CTEC Report for the Year Ending December 2020

Because of the Corona 19 pandemic CTEC have not yet had their Annual General Meeting since 2019. Anne Thompson (Secretary) has now arranged an AGM meeting for 10[th] May 2021 and asked whether I was willing to stand again as Treasurer, which I said I would. Rev Tulo Raistrick took over as Chair in 2019 and Lorna Warrener became Deputy Chair.

Because of lockdowns since March 2020 only 2 actual prayer breakfasts took place last year, St Mary Magdalen held theirs on 4[th] Jan 2020 and Earlsdon Methodist held theirs on 7[th] March 2020. Since then any prayer breakfast meetings have taken place through Zoom and have been well supported even by newcomers who never attended Prayer Breakfasts previously.

In January, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we enjoyed a Fellowship Evening Meal at Hearsall Baptist Church. The usual Pulpit Exchange took place among all five CTEC partner churches and a United Service of worship was held at St Mary Magdalen.

During Lent we only had 2 Lent lunches, All Souls on 3[rd] March and at Hearsall Baptist the following week, on 10[th] March, where we met for a simple lunch of soup and bread each week, the proceeds of which are shared between CAFOD and Christian Aid. Because of Covid we couldn’t interact with the public as we usually do on Maundy Thursday giving out free hot-cross buns, or have a table at May Day festival or go carol singing at Christmas.

The only donations CTEC paid out was £273.00 to Batthula Care Trust in February which was raised from the Fellowship Meal and the United Service. The sum of £90 was paid out to Berkswell Church in February for the annual CTEC Awayday but because we would not have been able to hold this a refund for £90 was made to the CTEC’s Building Society Account. The proceeds of the Lent Lunches each year are split equally between Christian Aid and CAFOD but as there were only 2 Lent Lunches held a Giving Page was set up to pay monies for these 2 charities, as well as the Batthula Care Trust if anyone wanted to donate. There was also an opportunity to take cash or cheques to Hearsall Baptist one Saturday in March when the Church was open especially to collect such money and also to donate food for the Food Bank.

There have been no CTEC Joint services or social activities since March 2020 to date. Andrea Driver CTEC Treasurer

Children and Youth Report 2020

As with most other areas of church life, our children and youth work was significantly impacted by the Covid pandemic.

Our Hive groups had to stop during lockdown, and throughout the first lockdown, online Hive sessions were provided for younger Hive. In between lockdowns, Hive continued in the church hall during Sunday services in a socially-distanced and Covid-safe environment, and on-line diocesan resources were offered to those children who could not attend in person.

Prayers and Bears closed with the first lock-down in March and has not yet been able to re-open.

In 2020, there were three Buzz services before mid-March, and then three more in September, October and December. These latter three took place amidst the need for social distancing, with each family sat round their own table to do the craft and drama activities. The December Buzz service also involved an exciting range of Christmas craft activities.

Provision for secondary school aged young people proved difficult during the lockdown, though we know that most of them engaged positively with the online church services. In 2021 the youth group has now restarted again via zoom, and three of our young people are preparing for confirmation in June. We look forward to being able to do more in-person work with our children and young people in the months ahead, and encouraging them in their love for God, each other, our community and the world. Sarah Raistrick Hive leader

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT 2020

St Barbara’s Church are represented in the Coventry South Deanery Synod by Rev’d Tulo Raistrick (exofficio) and four elected members: Ian Leitch, Phil Weare, Keith Wright and, since our last APCM in October, Andrea French. Members serve for a term of three years. The Synod meets three times each year - always jointly with Kenilworth Synod, and, after an opening act of worship, the meeting moves to the main business – usually on a topic of interest to the churches in both Synods. The Synod always hears a report from General Synod, and sometimes deals with business referred by Diocesan or General Synod, for church representatives to express the views of their PCC.

Our first meeting in February was held at St Barnabas’ Church, Kenilworth. The Archdeacon, Ven Barry Dugmore outlined Missional Vision of the diocese. It has the aim of forming 150 new worshipping communities in the diocese and of establishing 6 resource churches to assist in this process. Church plants would be encouraged in poor urban areas where the church has retreated. Some might be in schools. The Area Deans of Coventry South and Kenilworth (Rev’d Greg Smith and Rev’d Stella Bailey) spoke about their respective deanery plans, that are in development.

At the September meeting held over Zoom it was announced that the Archdeacon’s presentation in February had been superseded! The main business was a talk by Rev’d Stella Bailey on Collective Trauma. Her talk recognised that the impact of a major traumatic event (like the pandemic) can cause an adrenaline rush, giving rise to lots of activity, planning, helping people. This phase can last days, weeks or, even, months. When the adrenaline wears off, people sleep more, emotions rise to the surface, disillusionment sets in until a turning point is reached. Rebuilding acknowledges the loss, shapes the future; it is creative and focuses on the interests of many people. But rebuilding is not continuous – times of remembering what has been lost are like steps back. Such gradual rebuilding after collective trauma can lead to better decisions about a way of life and the creation of a new "normal". Healing happens, as a community discovers what it wants to be. Some try to rebuild too soon, but proper rebuilding takes time and cannot be rushed.

At the final meeting of the year (also held over Zoom) Rev’d Jim Perryman gave a brief outline of the Synodical structure of the Church of England. The meeting concluded with representative dividing into breakout groups to discuss the positives they have experienced during the pandemic. All meetings are open to all members of the church, and anyone wishing to attend a meeting should contact one of your representatives.

Andrea French Ian Leitch Phil Weare Keith Wright Deanery Synod Representatives March 2021

Safeguarding report 2020

We are working through the action points from the traffic light system on level 2 of the Parish Dashboards safeguarding system, but that progress has been slow this year due to lockdown. The PCC has reviewed any policies that needed reviewing and safeguarding remains a standing item on the agenda of each PCC meeting. We continue to assess DBS and training requirements and will review risk assessments as restrictions ease and more activities return to meeting.

Alison Manning

Parish Safeguarding Officer (Designated lead)

The Choir and Music during 2020.

Well, what a year this has been musically. It was a very sad day when COVID took hold and we had to stop singing in the services. There were no specific activities for the choir for 6 months from the March lockdown. Initially, the Owen family tried recording the music from home but this didn’t work so the Raistrick family took over and played live from Tulo’s study. After a couple of months Norman decided to sign up to Zoom and since then has played and sung the hymns from his study when the music has had to be done remotely.

In September the choir was allowed back into church and about half the choir opted to come back. We rehearsed socially distanced in the nave so that everyone who wanted to sing could and then the services were done on a rota as we had limited spaces in the choir stalls. The first rehearsal was an amazing experience as it all came together so quickly after the long break and everyone was so pleased to be singing again.

Although we started rehearsing in September, our first service back was Dedication Sunday. We had a good month singing the services and just squeezed in the annual Commemoration Service before we were locked down again. We were allowed back in December and the choir worked really hard to have a socially distanced Carol service with candles. We were also able to support the children with their Nativity Service – a first for the choir and I hope that we will be able to support them again in the years to come.

Then a very sad moment in January when all singing in church was stopped once again. We await the progress of the country opening back up and hope to be able to sing with you all again soon. Let’s hope that we will soon be filling the church with music from the choir and congregation.

Thank you to everyone for your support and patience as we work our way through legislation and making sure we have a COVID secure environment for the church.

Katherine Owen

Choir leader

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Harrison Beale and Owen Limited Chartered Accountants 15 Queens Road Coventry CV1 3DE

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

CONTENTS
PAGE
Annual Report of the PCC 1 - 3
Independent Examiners Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6
Notes to the Financial Statements 7 - 12

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

2020 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Barbara’s Church, Earlsdon, Coventry

Aim and Purposes

The PCC operates through a number of sub-committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC and report back to it regularly with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary. The sub-committees found within St Barbara’s are: Standing Committee; Property Committee; Mission Committee; Worship Committee; Children’s and Young People; and CTEC (Churches Together in Earlsdon and Chapelfields.

St Barbara’s is situated on Rochester Road, Coventry. It is part of the Diocese of Coventry within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, Rochester Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6AG.

The full PCC meets six times a year and the standing committee meets five times a year.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St Barbara’s. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within the parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the St Barbara’s Church and Church Hall.

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

The PCC is keen to offer a range of services during the course of the year that our community find beneficial and spiritually uplifting. With this in mind, we now provide a range of services including an afternoon family service (Buzz at St B’s), a service of music and prayer led by the choir (choral evensong), and a service for the under 5s and their parents and carers ( Prayers and Bears ), and a church prayer meeting, all in addition to our regular morning services and mid-week communion service.

Page 1

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

Pastoral Care

During 2020, due to the Covid pandemic, significant attention has been given to pastoral care, with members of the church supporting one another, and particularly the isolated and vulnerable, through regular phone calls and food drop-offs. All members were kept in touch during lock-down through our on-line services.

In 2020, St Barbara’s has continued to support the work of the Good Neighbours Project in the Earlsdon and Chapelfields area, with a number of church members volunteering to visit and befriend isolated and lonely older people, a work of particular importance in 2020.

Mission and Evangelism

Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith. In addition to contributing financially to a number of UK and overseas charities, many in the church give sacrificially of their time to support a number of important causes including Carriers of Hope and the Children’s Society.

Our parish magazine is distributed quarterly to everyone in Earlsdon and is available at the Church Hall. The magazine keeps our parishioners informed of the important matters affecting our Church and articles that help develop our knowledge and trust in Jesus.

Ecumenical Relationships

The church is a member of Churches Together in Earlsdon and Chapelfields. We hold joint services throughout the year at the different churches and there are Lent and Advent courses run for anyone to attend.

Financial Review

Total receipts of unrestricted funds were £86,707 (2019: £90,024) in the year. This includes £24,725 (2019: £nil) of gift aid claims, and so is much reduced on 2019.

The planned giving through envelopes and standing orders has decreased in the year due to Covid, but has remained steady thanks to the large number of people now giving by standing order.

£89,902 (2019: £87,967) was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from St Barbara’s Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share of £66,396 (2019: £65,736) which provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.

The net result for the year was an excess of expenditure over income of £3,195 (2019: income over expenditure of £2,057) on unrestricted funds. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31 December 2020 on unrestricted funds totalled £26,114.

Volunteers

We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is.

Page 2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Barbara’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar), churchwardens, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

Approved by the PCC on 17 May 2021 and signed on their behalf by the Revd Tulo Raistrick

Page 3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 December 2020 which are set out on pages 5 to 12.

Responsibilties and Basis of Report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Philip Ewing FCA Harrison Beale and Owen Limited Chartered Accountants 15 Queens Road Coventry CV1 3DE

17 May 2021

Page 4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary income from donors
2[a]
Other voluntary income
2[b]
Church activities
2[c]
Income from investments
2[d]
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Church activities
3[a]
Fund- raising costs
3[b]
Governance costs
3[c]
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET INCOMING
RESOURCES BEFORE
TRANSFERS
Transfers between funds
NET INCOMING RESOURCES
BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS
GAINS ON INVESTMENT
- realised
- unrealised
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
BALANCES BROUGHT
FORWARD AS AT
1 JANUARY
BALANCES CARRIED
FORWARD AS AT
31 DECEMBER		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
69,774
200
-
69,974
56,870
3,487
-
-
3,487
4,638
13,446
-
-
13,446
28,516
-
7,469
-
7,469
7,438
Total funds
86,707
7,669
-
94,376
97,462
89,542
3,168
-
92,710
92,236
-
-
-
-
-
360
360
-
720
900
89,902
3,528
-
93,430
93,136
(3,195)
4,141
-
946
4,326
-
-
-
-
-
(3,195)
4,141
-
946
4,326
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,632
-
16,632
37,997
(3,195)
20,773
-
17,578
42,323
29,309
287,297
31,580
348,186
305,863
26,114
308,070
31,580
365,764
348,186

Page 5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Investment assets
4
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
5
Cash at bank and in hand
6
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS
FALLING DUE WITHIN
ONE YEAR
7
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
8
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment		 £
£
313,468
12,596
44,420
57,016
4,720
52,296
365,764
26,114
308,070
31,580
365,764
2020		 £
£
313,468
12,596
44,420
57,016
4,720
52,296
365,764
26,114
308,070
31,580
365,764
2020		 £
£
296,600
-
52,506
52,506
920
51,586
348,186
29,309
287,297
31,580
348,186
2019		 £
£
296,600
-
52,506
52,506
920
51,586
348,186
29,309
287,297
31,580
348,186
2019
57,016
4,720		 52,506
920
365,764 348,186
26,114
308,070
31,580		 29,309
287,297
31,580
365,764 348,186

The financial statements were approved on behalf of the Parochial Church Council on 17 May 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

……………………………………….. Revd Tulo Raistrick (Vicar)

……………………………………….. Mr Mark Owen (Treasurer)

Page 6

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a. Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

b. Funds

The general fund represents the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application for the general purposes of the PCC. Restricted and endowment funds and their purpose are explained within note 8 to the accounts.

c. Incoming Resources

Collections are recognised when made.

Amounts receivable under covenant are recognised when honoured by the covenantor. Income Tax recoverable on covenanted or gift aid donations is recognised when received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for when received.

d. Fixed Assets

No value is placed on the moveable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a facility for disposal since the PCC considers this to be an inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during this year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as resources expended.

e. Investments

Investments are stated at bid market value at the Balance Sheet date.

f. Investment Income

Dividends, including tax credits, are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when they are received.

Interest and rental income are credited when the interest or rents fall due for payment.

g. Commitments and Liabilities

There are no commitments as all pensions and payments for relief in need are at the discretion of the Trustees.

Liabilities are recognised when there is a clear obligation as at the balance sheet date that can be quantified.

Grants payable are recognised when they have been approved by the PCC.

h. Cash Flow Statement

A cash flow statement is not included in the financial statement as it is the opinion of the Trustees that it would not add to the information given elsewhere.

Page 7

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2.
INCOMING RESOURCES
2[a] Voluntary income from donors
Planned giving:
Covenants
Income Tax recoverable on
Covenants
Collections (open plate) at all
services
Sundry donations
Grants - Community Improvements
2[b] Other voluntary income
Donations, appeals etc.
Legacies
Fetes, bazaars, other fund-raising
events
2[c] Church activities
Magazines and newsletters
Church hall lettings etc.
Diocese fees
Fees
Sundry Income
2[d] Income from investments
Dividends and interest
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES		 Unrestricted Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
44,145
200
-
44,345
51,170
24,725
-
-
24,725
-
889
-
-
889
4,158
15
-
-
15
1,542
-
-
-
-
-
Total funds
69,774
200
-
69,974
56,870
1,967
-
-
1,967
1,387
1,500
-
-
1,500
-
20
-
-
20
3,251
3,487
-
-
3,487
4,638
357
-
-
357
29
10,173
-
-
10,173
24,523
1,785
-
-
1,785
2,024
600
-
-
600
966
531
-
-
531
974
13,446
-
-
13,446
28,516
-
7,469
-
7,469
7,438
86,707
7,669
-
94,376
97,462

Page 8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

3.
RESOURCES EXPENDED
3[a] Church activities
Grants
Missionary and charitable giving:
Home missions and other Church
Societies
Overseas missionary societies
Activities directly relating to the
work of the Church
Ministry : diocesan quota
clergy expenses
other clergy cost
Church - running expenses
Church maintenance and garden
Church Hall running costs
Parish magazine and books
Choir, organist and music
Diocese fees
Sundry expenses
Church management and
administration
Printing and stationery (including
Stew'ship envelopes)
Photocopier charges
Total church activities
3[b] Fund-raising costs
Costs of fetes, bazaars, other fund-
raising events
3[c] Governance costs
Accountants fees
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
1,200
825
-
2,025
1,515
3,000
-
-
3,000
(3,112)
Total funds
4,200
825
-
5,025
(1,597)
66,396
-
-
66,396
65,736
298
-
-
298
355
-
-
-
-
162
10,192
1,418
11,610
11,563
318
925
-
1,243
2,138
4,597
-
-
4,597
5,100
714
-
-
714
1,459
2,356
-
-
2,356
4,462
-
-
-
-
1,942
387
-
-
387
541
85,258
2,343
-
87,601
93,458
-
-
-
-
-
84
-
-
84
375
84
-
-
84
375
89,542
3,168
-
92,710
92,236
-
-
-
-
-
360
360
-
720
900
89,902
3,528
-
93,430
93,136

Page 9

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

4.
INVESTMENT ASSETS
10,320 Shares - Central Board of Finance Investment Fund (cost £110,000)
1,377 Shares - Central Board of Finance Investment Fund (cost £1,450)
788 Shares - Central Board of Finance Investment Fund (cost £506)
132 Shares - COIF Charities Investment Fund (cost £231)
Central Board of Finance Deposit Fund Account
5.
DEBTORS
Accrued income
6.
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Cash in bank
Cash in hand
7.
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Grants and donations approved but not yet paid
Accrued costs		 2020
2019
£
£
211,000
197,372
28,155
26,337
16,112
15,071
2,373
2,230
257,640
241,010
55,826
55,590
313,466
296,600
12,596
-
44,406
52,487
14
19
44,420
52,506
3,800
-
920
920
4,720
920

Page 10

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

8. FUND DETAILS
Unrestricted Funds:
General Fund
Restricted Funds:
Sir Alfred Herbert Lady
Chapel Fund
Odell House Fund
Geoffrey Pierson Music Fund
Constance Elliott Property
Community Improvements
Endowment Funds:
Sir Alfred Herbert Lady
Chapel Fund
Odell House Fund
Geoffrey Pierson Music Fund		 Balance as
Incoming
Expenditure
Gains on
Balance as
at 31.12.19
resources
and transfers investments
at 31.12.20
£
£
£
£
£
29,309
86,707
89,902
-
26,114
22,515
452
-
1,041
24,008
59,852
1,295
945
1,962
62,164
7,611
-
120
-
7,491
192,719
5,922
1,045
13,629
211,225
4,600
-
1,418
-
3,182
287,297
7,669
3,528
16,632
308,070
500
-
-
-
500
30,580
-
-
-
30,580
500
-
-
-
500
31,580
-
-
-
31,580

Restricted and Endowment Funds

The Sir Alfred Herbert Lady Chapel Fund was created by a permanent endowment from Sir Alfred Herbert of £500, the income from which is to be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the interior of the Lady Chapel.

The Odell House Fund was formed by amalgamating three funds for the same purpose, being to further the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England in the parish. The endowment element is made up of the proceeds of the sale of curate's house, although it is an expendable endowment subject to Charity Commission consent.

The Geoffrey Pierson Music Fund was created by a permanent endowment of £500, the income from which is used for the maintenance of the organ, for the salaries of the organist and choir, and the provision of Church music scores.

The Constance Elliott Property Fund represents the net proceeds from the sale of a house formally owned by a deceased parishioner, which are to be used for the general upkeep of the Church property.

The Community Improvements fund represent grants received in order to provide facilities to the community, such as a playground area at the back of the church.

Page 11

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST BARBARA'S, EARLSDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

9.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
Investment Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
FUND BALANCE		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
Total
£
£
£
£
-
269,200
44,268
313,468
30,374
39,330
(12,688)
57,016
30,374
308,530
31,580
370,484
4,260
460
-
4,720
26,114
308,070
31,580
365,764

10. AMOUNTS PAID TO MEMBERS OF THE PCC

Expenses totalling £298 (2019: £815) were paid to the vicar during the year, to reimburse expenses incurred.

11. GRANTS PAYABLE

Grants paid during the year are shown in note 3[a].

St Barbara's Church raise money through covenants, open plate collections and the tax relief on covenanted income. It is the policy of the PCC to give those funds allocated to Mission in the following proportions: 35% to home charities and 65% to overseas charities.

The Charities supported this year were:

Overseas Charities

African Pastors Fellowship Tearfund WEC International

Home Charities

Hope Coventry St Chads Coventry City Mission

Page 12