St Edmund’s
Taverham
Minutes and Officers’ Reports
to the 2023
Annual Parishioner’s Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting
St. Edmund’s Church, Taverham
Registered Charity Number: 1185420
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the year ended 31st December 2022
For more information about St Edmund’s Taverham visit:
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our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/St.EdmundsChurch or
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our website at https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/2640/ or
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our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/churchstedmunds/ or
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@steds9567 on YouTube
Since 1st October 2008, PCCs with gross income over £100,000 have been required to register with the Charity Commission. St Edmund’s PCC therefore registered with the Charity Commission on 20[th] September 2019. Our registration number is 1185420.
To meet the Charities Commission requirements the trustees for the financial period of this annual report (January to December 2022) are listed below :
Ex officio Trustees
Rev Paul Seabrook Incumbent Rev Philip Charlesworth Assistant Priest Rev Val Hooker Curate Susan Beevor (to May 2022) Susan Charnock Jinette (Nettie) Arthurs (from May 2022)
Elected Trustees
Susan Beevor (from May 2022) Paul Beverley Ann Coker (from Sept 2022) Sue Elmes Dan Gentle Maggie Goodchild David Howard Jenny Merrin Granville Routledge: Treasurer (from July 2022) Pat Routledge Frances Sanderson-Bates Keith Stanton (to May 2022)
Co-opted members:
Granville Routledge: Treasurer (to July 2022) Rachel Seabrook
Representatives on the Deanery Synod
Stella Noons, Deidre Porter Judy Tyler
Incumbent: from June 2007 Bank: The Rev. Paul Seabrook, Barclays Bank plc The Rectory, Taverham Road, Leicester LE87 2BB Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6SY
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 2
St. Edmund’s Church, Taverham Parochial Church Council (PCC) Annual Report for 2022
Background to PCC
St. Edmund’s PCC accepts the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, ecclesiastical, social and ecumenical.
The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the St Edmund’s Church building and facilities.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of the parish community at St Edmund’s. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:
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Worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel, and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus
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Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish
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Community and outreach work.
To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church.
Structure, governance and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.
At St Edmund’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, assistant priest(s), churchwardens, and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are spent.
The PCC, in accordance with the Churchwarden’s Handbook, delegates some activities to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee handles urgent matters between main meetings, and is accountable to the PCC.
As part of considering arrangements for the Standing Committee to deal with church business whilst PCC meetings could not be held due to covid restrictions, on 14[th] July 2020, the PCC, (re-) confirmed membership of the Standing Committee. That is, the Standing Committee is limited to the following roles: the Incumbent, Church Wardens and assistant (if there is one), PCC Secretary, Treasurer, PCC Lay Chair.
At that time all monthly Standing Committee meetings were minuted and the minutes circulated to the full PCC for comment, together with the finance report and accounts for that month. Any proposals requiring PCC approval being addressed within this process,
As the Covid restrictions were relaxed, in July 2021 we resumed our normal cycle of PCC meetings. Since then the Standing Committee has met as and when there have been specific matters to address between PCC meetings, rather than meeting monthly..
Membership of PCC for 2022
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 (Chairman) Rev. Paul Seabrook Assistant Priest Rev Philip Charlesworth Curate Rev Val Hooker Church Wardens Susan Beevor (to May 2022) Susan Charnock Jinette (Nettie) Arthurs (from May 2022)
Elected members:
| Elected members: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dan Gentle Lay Chair of PCC | ||
| Sue Beevor (from May 2022) | ||
| Paul Beverley | ||
| Ann Coker (from Sept 2022) | ||
| Sue Elmes | ||
| Maggie Goodchild | ||
| David Howard | ||
| Jenny Merrin | ||
| Granville Routledge: Treasurer (from July 2022) | ||
| Pat Routledge Frances Sanderson-Bates |
Standing committee (SC) 2022 | |
| Keith Stanton (to May 2022) | • | the Incumbent: Rev Paul Seabrook |
| • | Church Wardens : Sue Beevor (to May | |
| Co-opted members: | 2022), Nettie Arthurs (from May 2022), | |
| Granville Routledge: Treasurer (to July 2022) | Sue Charnock | |
| Rachel Seabrook | • | Treasurer: Granville Routledge |
| Representatives on the Deanery Synod | • | PCC Lay Chair: Dan Gentle |
| Stella Noons Deidre Porter Judy Tyler |
• PCC Secretary: Sue Beevor (from Sept 2022) Note, other people may be invited to attend |
|
| SC meetings to provide expertise so issues | ||
| Methodist Observer John Morgan | under consideration can be addressed in a | |
| timely manner. |
Notes
Note 1, At the PCC meeting on 30th April 2019 the PCC agreed to operate with no designated secretary. The church administrator, Sophie Thomson, took the PCC minutes until she left the role in May 2022.
Note 2, At the September 2022 PCC meeting Sue Beevor accepted the role of PPC secretary.
Note 3. From February 2023 David Osbourne has been acting as Assistant Church Warden.
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 4
Agenda
St Edmund’s Taverham 2023 Parishioner’s meeting to be held Monday 22[nd ] May 2023 7pm in St Edmund’s Church
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Prayer and Welcome
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Apologies for absence
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Minutes of the previous meeting (2022)
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Election of Church Wardens
Minutes of the 2022 Parishioner’s Meeting of St Edmund’s Taverham was held on Monday 23[rd] May 2022 at St Edmund’s Church Taverham
Apologies
Judy Tyler, Rev Val Hooker, Richard Hooker, Maggie Goodchild, Sue Elmes, Granville Routledge, Graham Harris, Jenny Merrin
Present
Rev Paul and Rachel Seabrook, Anne Taylor, Brian and Gina Clapson, Alex Durrant, Margaret Miller, Keith Denny, Paul and Sue Beverley, John and Connie Harris, Sondra Cummings, Deidre Porter, Janet Colbert, Stella Noons, Ann Coker, Dan and Pat Gentle, Jane Dryden, Frances Sanderson Bates, David and Rev Gill Osborne, David and Linda Johnson, Sue and Robert Beevor, Pat Routledge, Catherine Marchionne, Gwendolyn Horn, Gill Whitehead, John Baker, Nick Moore, Nettie Arthurs, David Howard, Margaret and Brian Smith, Rev Phil Charlesworth, Sue Charnock, Keith and Beryl Stanton, Peter and Gill Duffield. (A lovely turn out. )
Rev Paul Seabrook thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting in prayer..
The minutes of the 2021 Vestry Meeting were approved as being correct.
Election of churchwardens
There were 2 nominations- Sue Charnock and Jinette (Nettie) Arthurs. They were both unanimously elected. Rev Paul thanked them for their willingness to stand.
Rev Paul thanked Sue Beevor for all she has done in her years as churchwarden. She was presented with a card, flowers and gift vouchers for John Lewis. She gave a little speech thanking Sue C plus previous churchwardens (Bob Tyler and Dan Gentle) plus Tony Goodchild, Val Hooker, Graham Harris and Nettie.
Sue Charnock spoke about the importance of the CWs working as a team and that she had enjoyed working with Sue B and was looking forward to working with Nettie.
Nettie joined Rev Paul and Sue C at the front.
That concludes the Vestry Meeting.
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 5
Agenda
St Edmund’s Taverham 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) The 2023 APCM to be held on Monday 22[nd] May 2023 at 7.30pm in St Edmund’s Taverham
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Apologies for absence
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Minutes of previous meeting—see pages 6 and 7
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Matters arising from 2022 APCM
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Update from 2023 Parishioners’ meeting (if held on different date to APCM) 5. Rector’s Report—see pages 8 to 9
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Finance / Treasurer’s Report—starts on page 10 7. Reports - see page 22 onwards
7.1 confirm current Electoral Roll figures—see page 23
7.2 answer any questions raised on the Annual Report for 2022 (this document)
8. Elections to Deanery Synod ( appointment for 2023 to 2026) 9. Election to PCC
Minutes of St Edmund’s Taverham 2022 Annual Parochial Church
Meeting (2022 APCM)
The 2022 APCM was held on Monday 23[rd] May 2022 at 7.30pm in St Edmund’s Taverham
Prayers and welcome – Rev. Paul Seabrook
Apologies for absence – Judy Tyler, Rev Val Hooker, Richard Hooker, Maggie Goodchild, Sue Elmes, Granville Routledge, Graham Harris, Jenny Merrin
Attendance— Rev Paul and Rachel Seabrook, Anne Taylor, Brian and Gina Clapson, Alex Durrant, Margaret Miller, Keith Denny, Paul and Sue Beverley, John and Connie Harris, Sondra Cummings, Deidre Porter, Janet Colbert, Stella Noons, Ann Coker, Dan and Pat Gentle, Jane Dryden, Frances Sanderson Bates, David and Rev Gill Osborne, David and Linda Johnson, Sue and Robert Beevor, Pat Routledge, Catherine Marchionne, Gwendolyn Horn, Gill Whitehead, John Baker, Nick Moore, Netti Arthurs, David Howard, Margaret and Brian Smith, Rev Phil Charlesworth, Sue Charnock, Keith and Beryl Stanton Peter and Gill Duffield.
Everyone was happy with the minutes from 2021.
Matters arising - None.
Rev Paul thanked everyone for their continued hard work and support over the last twelve months.
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Minutes of 2022 APCM continue on page 7
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Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 6
Minutes of 2022 APCM continued from page 6
Rev Paul said that it had been a year of two halves as we continue to come out of covid. We are now in a period of healing and reconnection within the church and wider community. God is leading us in new things in worship and relationships with each other and our community. There is a lot to look forward to but, inevitably there are things that are difficult and this is also a hard time. Paul spoke of spiritual attacks and asked people to pray for our protection.
Rev Paul read from John 5. He reminded us about the outpouring of God’s grace but also a challenge calling us out of our safe places to share the good news of Jesus.
Stella Noons is standing down as safeguarding officer. She was thanked for the many years of service she has given to this role and presented with flowers and a card.
Rev Paul thanked Ann Coker who has taken on the safeguarding role.
Reports
Jane Dryden - electoral roll. Jane spoke of the need to update the roll and get in touch with people to see whether or not they wish to remain on the roll.
Elections to PCC
Frances Sanderson Bates, Paul Beverley and Keith Stanton up for re election. Keith doesn’t want to stand. Sue Beevor standing. Frances, Paul and Sue are now on PCC. Sophie Thompson is now not on PCC as she has stood down.
Stella raised concern about DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks that have slipped through the net because of Covid.
Sue Beevor expressed thanks to Fran Scarff for putting the annual report together.
The annual meeting closed.
We had tea and coffee. We paused for refreshments.
We then had various presentations to give a wider view of what is happening in the life of the church.
Jane Dryden - Art Group Paul Beverley - Tuesday Mornings Nick Moore - Livestreams Rachel Seabrook - Prayer and Spirituality Sue Beevor - Gardening and Cleaning Rev Paul Seabrook - Other areas of Ministry Video presentations from Mustard Tree Church and Rspace.
The evening concluded with a prayer from Rev Paul and we said the Grace together.
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 7
Reports for 2022-2023
Rector’s Report
Each year at sunrise on Easter morning we make our way out to the wooden cross that stands on the corner of the churchyard, and pray for the world, our community, and faith as Jesus’ disciples. The Cross faces outwards, towards the road, and into the streets and buildings that we know, into the lives of those the Lord has called to live and witness amongst. It is a sign of the Lord’s love for everyone who speeds past in cars throughout the day (it is an incredibly busy road!). It is also a sign of the direction Jesus calls us to be facing in our life, ministry and witness to Him, and in His strength and humility.
This past year has been a coming back together. It has been about praying and supporting one another. Yet we are a church, probably like every church in the UK, that has been undoubtedly wounded by the pandemic, and changed. I believe we go on in hope and the Lord’s strength. I believe the Holy Spirit directs us and leads us. I also believe we are being called back into those streets and buildings where the Lord first led us to listen, come alongside, speak the Lord’s love into so many people’s lives who have also been wounded, who are searching, who are looking for the hope Jesus alone can bring.
We prayed for Ukraine in our services and every morning during Lent
This year we have been witnesses to big world events, all of which have had an impact on our life as Christians, including St Ed’s. The war in Ukraine has sent shock waves through all our lives, not least through energy prices and the supermarket shelves.
The death of HM Queen Elizabeth II was an event on a scale that few of us witness in our lifetimes.
There have been catastrophic effects of climate change with disastrous weather extremes around the world.
There has been a crisis in the NHS none of us have known before. So much is now changing in our society and in the world.
I believe the result of all of this is that our ministry and calling as a church has shifted. We are now ministering in a world full of uncertainty, anxiety and need. There are immediate physical and other needs on our doorstep. There is also a hunger and searching in many people’s lives, that as the people of Jesus we are called to meet through faith, grace, acceptance, and truth.
Jesus’ own cross was outside the gates of the city. In Hebrews 13 : 12 – 14, we hear: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”
As so much has changed, I believe we are being called to reconnect with our society, and move out to what feels like the outside. Certainly the outside as far as what we know church to be. In our relationship with society, we do well to remember Jesus’ cross was outside the gates of the city. We have made some progress and have seen a beginning, yet I believe there is so much more. So many questions we need to hear. So many ways in which life is different now.
Rector’s report continues on page 9
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 8
Rector’s Report continued from page 8
All of this has characterised this year at St Ed’s. As Jesus disciples, we are standing with the woman at the well, needing to drink deeply of the life – giving streams Jesus offers us, and the life – changing love Jesus brings. Through all the challenges we are still facing, we have so much to give thanks for, and so much evidence of the Lord’s indwelling Holy Spirit at St Ed’s. We continue to have a strong leadership team, with many different gifts and callings. I am so grateful to all those who exercise their gifts and ministries at St Ed’s, including those who are ordained, and those who are commissioned and called in other ways. A huge thank you to Revs Phil, Val, Stella, Gill and Fiaz for all they do in carrying forward the ministry at St Ed’s and St Peter’s. We also continue to benefit from the much valued ministries of Rachel, Stella Noons and Jane Dryden. We have been so fortunate in our Churchwardens Sue and Netti. I particularly value all their support, especially in some of the challenges we have been facing. We have also seen the role of the Authorised Worship Assistants (AWAs) growing, and they have also increased in number. A huge thanks to Granville, Catherine, Andrew, Ben, Ben, Frances and Ingrid. We continue to give thanks for the sheer dedication and enthusiasm of so many, including Granville our Treasurer, Graham Harris managing our online output, Fran Scarff managing our Annual Reports, and deadlines, Sue Beevor now in the role of PCC Secretary, and all our musicians, gardeners, church cleaners, flower arrangers, activity organisers, and so many more. I would like to give a special mention to Ann Coker who has done an outstanding job at bringing us further into compliance with Safeguarding. We have been delighted to welcome Rev Gill and David Osborne to St Ed’s. Rev Gill was licenced 8[th] September, and has been exercising her ministry in worship and particularly with the Primary Schools. David Osborne has now come on board as Deputy Churchwarden, and we are so grateful for his experience and wisdom. There are so many more people of course who contribute in so many ways. Thank you to everyone who so faithfully carries out their ministry. We have such a diverse range of gifts. It is truly inspiring to know we are the body of Christ, as Paul tells us in I Corinthians 12, and to see that in action.
There has been sadness this year as always, with the deaths of Jean and Jimmy Jones, Mary Tate, Joyce Ashmore, Eric Jones, Bill Porter, Celia and Harold Underwood, Henry Richards. They are all missed beyond measure by their families and remembered with great fondness by us all.
Amidst so many challenges we have the clear, certain and life – giving hope of Jesus’ love, and Resurrection.
Jesus’ defeat of sin and death and His rising again is about beginning again, new things, lives being touched and changed by Jesus in new ways.
As long as we are looking towards all that the Lord is doing and calling us into, and trusting in Him alone, we will be bringing glory and praise to Him.
Rev Paul Seabrook
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 9
Treasurer’s report for 2022
Introduction
The main purpose of Taverham PCC and St Edmund’s Church is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and the role of finance is to support and facilitate this objective.
This is the third full financial year of our operation as a separate registered charity. During 2022 we saw a return to a full programme of services and events.
Thanks to the continuing faithful giving of our congregation, most of whom now give by standing order, the 2022 Financial year ended with adequate funds available to meet the needs of the ministry. Particularly our Parish Share was met in full. Our part time administrator resigned and ended her employment with us at the end of May.
The increase of electricity costs did not affect us in 2022 as our three year fixed price contract runs until the end of October 2023.
In January 2023 the Diocese have granted us £1,500 to help keep the church warm and available for our regular outreach and informal events that use the church building (our only building).
We pay all our suppliers and volunteers expenses promptly as part of our witness to the goodness of God to St Edmund’s.
Overview of the 2022 Accounts.
Income
Most of our income comes from the regular and planned giving of our congregations. It is supplemented by Gift Aid Tax refunds and other cash giving, donations and legacies, as well as Fees for Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms.
Our Christmas Fair returned in 2022 and the net proceeds £2,151.93 were added to the Projects and Improvements Fund. The Round Tower Churches Trust donated £100 after a guided visit to St Edmund’s. The Taverham Band donated £342 from the Carol Concert proceeds.
Total income for 2022 was higher than the last two years, which given the economic climate was a real blessing.
Total Income: 2020 £108,503.42 2021 £ 99,145.92 2022 £108,650.05
Expenditure
During 2022 we lived within our means finishing the year with a surplus of income over expenditure of £1,125.42. As well as donating over £5000 to charitable concerns, Christian and others, we were able to spend a similar amount on Projects. These were for installing pew heaters in the Chancel and other essential electrical upgrades.
Over £4,000 was spent in keeping the churchyard in good order and upgrading and installing pathway lighting.
Treasurer’s report for 2022 continues on page 11
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 10
Treasurer’s report for 2022 continued from page 10
Concluding remarks
Our net Funds Total at the end of 2022 were £58,887.32 an increase over 2021 by £1,125.42.
We act as an Agency for The Diocese and the Fees collected on their behalf in 2022 were £8,128 (LY £9,579), which are paid to them every quarter.
There are similar arrangements for the Children's Society and Christian Aid.
Funds held as an Agency are shown each month below the individual Funds shown in the “Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) Report. At the end of 2022 we held £1,701.81 in Agency Funds, mainly for the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance. The General Fund, which is where all of our running costs are met ended 2022 at £5,423.05. At last year's end the general Fund was £12,922.53 .
Considering the difficulties that everyone has faced again in 2022 we are grateful to God and to all who continue to support St. Edmund’s, enabling the ancient building to continue to be a place of prayer, peace and proclaiming the Good News about Jesus.
Granville Routledge, Treasurer
The detailed finance information is provided as follows:
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Independent Examiners Report pages 12 and 13
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Income and expenditure charts pages 14 and 15
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Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) page 16
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Analysis of income and expenditure pages 17 and 18
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund) page 19
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Balance Sheet (summary) page 20
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Return of Parish Finance page 21
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 11
Independent Examiner’s Report - page 1
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 12
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Independent Examiner’s Report - page 2
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Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 13
Finance table 1: Income charts
Income in Thousands
| Gif Aid Giving | 46.102 |
|---|---|
| Non Gif Aid | 17.784 |
| Tax & VAT Refunds | 14.070 |
| Fees | 11.115 |
| Legacies and donatons | 16.330 |
| Fund Raising | 3.112 |
| Interest,cash & sundry | 0.137 |
| Total Income | 108.650 |
Income in Thousands £108.650
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0.137 3.112
16.330
46.102 11.115 Gift Aid Giving
Non Gift Aid
Tax & VAT Refunds
Fees
Legacies and donations
Fund Raising
Interest, cash & sundry
14.070
17.784
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Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 14
Finance table 2: Expenditure charts
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Expenditure in Thousands
Parish Share 62.637
Salaries 8.332
Utilities 3.923
Insurance 2.756
Charitable Giving 5.830
Projects 5.312
Church Services 8.132
Churchyard 4.119
Sundry other costs 6.484
Total expenditure 107.525
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Expenditure in Thousands £107,525
Parish Share Salaries Utilities Insurance
Charitable Giving Projects Church Services Churchyard
Sundry other costs
6.484
4.119
8.132
5.312
5.830
62.637 2.756
3.923
8.332
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Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 15
Finance table 3: Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total |
Prior year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds |
total funds | |||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||||
| Donations and legacies | 63,615.51 | - | - | 63,615.51 |
61,529.21 | ||
| Income from charitable activities | 11,248.84 | 330.00 | - | 11,578.84 |
9,156.96 | ||
| Other trading activities | 3,111.93 | - | - | 3,111.93 |
1,252.54 | ||
| Investments | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Other income | 30,343.77 | - | - | 30,343.77 |
27,207.21 | ||
| Total income | 108,320.05 | 330.00 | - | 108,650.05 |
99,145.92 | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||
| Raising funds | 930.00 | - | - | 930.00 |
538.55 | ||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 100,449.93 | 833.18 | - | 101,283.11 |
92,774.86 | ||
| Other expenditure | 5,311.52 | - | - | 5,311.52 |
809.77 | ||
| Total expenditure | 106,691.45 | 833.18 | - | 107,524.63 |
94,123.18 | ||
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer | 1,628.60 | (503.18) | - | 1,125.42 | 5,022.74 | ||
| Transfers | |||||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 12,244.00 | - | - | 12,244.00 | 1,779.50 | ||
| Gross transfers between funds - out | (12,244.00) | - | - | (12,244.00) | (1,779.50) | ||
| Other recognised gains / losses | |||||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Net movement in funds | |||||||
| 1,628.60 | (503.18) | - | 1,125.42 |
5,022.74 | |||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 52,748.76 | 5,013.14 | - | 57,761.90 |
52,739.16 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 54,377.36 | 4,509.96 | - | 58,887.32 | 57,761.90 | ||
| Represented by | |||||||
| Unrestricted | |||||||
| General fund | 5,423.05 | - | - | 5,423.05 |
12,922.53 | ||
| Designated | |||||||
| Avril Grapes Heating Project Donation | - | - | - | - |
2,000.00 | ||
| Bibles for Junior School | 78.50 | - | - | 78.50 |
350.00 | ||
| Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving) | 664.00 | - | - | 664.00 |
320.00 | ||
| Children's Society | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Colin and Dorothy Wood Donation | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Deposit Fund | 29,541.65 | - | - | 29,541.65 |
29,413.98 | ||
| Energy Grant | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k) | 4,920.05 | - | - | 4,920.05 |
- | ||
| Projects | 3,523.92 | - | - | 3,523.92 |
4,842.06 | ||
| RSpace | 75.75 | - | - | 75.75 |
75.75 | ||
| St.Edmunds Church Art Group | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| St.Edmunds Training | 1,000.00 | - | - | 1,000.00 |
1,000.00 | ||
| Verger Fund | 1,365.06 | - | - | 1,365.06 |
1,239.06 | ||
| Youthworker Fund | 7,785.38 | - | - | 7,785.38 |
585.38 | ||
| Restricted | |||||||
| Agency collection | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Alpha Fund | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Choir Fund | - | 243.83 | - | 243.83 |
243.83 | ||
| Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund | - | 17.12 | - | 17.12 |
154.72 | ||
| David Shiret Memorial Fund | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Growing in Faith Bursary Fund | - | 369.00 | - | 369.00 |
369.00 | ||
| Kitchen Area Improvement Fund | - | - | - | - |
- | ||
| Open the Book | - | 41.31 | - | 41.31 |
89.81 | ||
| The Graham Porter Legacy | - | 3,838.70 | - | 3,838.70 |
4,155.78 | ||
| Total funds | 54,377.36 | 4,509.96 | - | 58,887.32 |
57,761.90 |
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 16
Finance table 4: Analysis of income and expenditure— page 1 For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022
| Total | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Thisyear Lastyear |
|
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 0102 - Standing Order Giving - Gift Aid 0103 - Envelope Giving - planned and Gift Aid 0104 - Envelope giving - Gift Aid - Occasional 0110 - Envelope Giving non Gift Aid 0120 - Loose Cash Offering - Sunday 8 am 0121 - Loose Cash Offering - All Services 0122 - Loose Cash Offering - Wednesday 0123 - Giving direct to Barclays Bank -non Gift Aid 0125 - Easy Fund Raising 0138 - Christmas Afternoon Tea donations 0140 - Donations - General 0142 - Donations - Funerals 0144 - Junior School Bible Donations 0700 - Organist Fees given from offerings Donations and legacies Totals Income from charitable activities 0143 - Donations - Baptisms 0300 - Fees - Wedding 0310 - Fees - Funerals in Church 0314 - Fees - Ashes 0320 - Fees - Funeral at Crematorium 0330 - Fees - Churchyard - Burial 0340 - Fees - Churchyard - Memorials 0350 - Fees - vergers Income from charitable activities Totals Other trading activities 0147 - Christmas Fair 0149 - Fund raising Expenses 0160 - Taverham Fair Income Other trading activities Totals Other income 0101 - Standing Order - Non Gift Aid 0139 - Donations - Tuesday Hospitality 0150 - Outreach contributions/income 0200 - Gift Aid Tax Refunds 0210 - VAT Refunds 0230 - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 0400 - Interest received 0600 - Churchyard Maintenance Other income Totals Income and endowments Grand totals |
36,815.96 - - - 36,815.96 39,056.96 4,066.00 - - - 4,066.00 4,643.00 465.00 - - - 465.00 160.00 898.00 - - - 898.00 2,796.50 - - - - - 25.00 4,524.72 - - - 4,524.72 4,042.82 30.00 - - - 30.00 - 843.01 - - - 843.01 700.00 96.14 - - - 96.14 85.84 - - - - - 39.50 7,239.18 8,000.00 - - 15,239.18 10,048.59 200.00 - - - 200.00 - - 537.50 - - 537.50 - (100.00) - - - (100.00) (69.00) |
55,078.01 8,537.50 - - 63,615.51 61,529.21 353.84 - - - 353.84 441.96 2,829.00 - - - 2,829.00 2,028.00 3,947.00 - - - 3,947.00 2,623.00 1,155.00 - - - 1,155.00 807.00 351.00 - 330.00 - 681.00 780.00 10.00 - - - 10.00 853.00 1,473.00 - - - 1,473.00 820.00 10.00 1,120.00 - - 1,130.00 804.00 |
|
10,128.84 1,120.00 330.00 - 11,578.84 9,156.96 - 2,696.93 - - 2,696.93 1,252.54 385.00 - - - 385.00 - - 30.00 - - 30.00 - |
|
385.00 2,726.93 - - 3,111.93 1,252.54 15,847.03 - - - 15,847.03 13,927.00 - 10.00 - - 10.00 - 289.00 - - - 289.00 100.00 13,091.62 - - - 13,091.62 12,040.78 - 978.45 - - 978.45 - - - - - - 895.68 - 127.67 - - 127.67 21.05 - - - - - 222.70 |
|
| 29,227.65 1,116.12 - - 30,343.77 27,207.21 |
|
| 94,819.50 13,500.55 330.00 - 108,650.05 99,145.92 |
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 17
Finance table 5: Analysis of income and expenditure page 2 For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022
| Payments Raising funds 1114 - Christmas Fair Expenditure 1410 - Fund Raising Expenses Raising funds Totals Expenditure on charitable activities 1000 - Parish Share 1010 - Clergy Expenses - Rectors 1011 - Clergy Expenses - Non Stipendiary- Phil Charlesworth 1012 - Clergy Expenses - Non Stipendiary - Val Hooker 1013 - Clergy Expenses - other 1014 - Rector's Mileage claim 1015 - Clergy Expenses Stella Green 1025 - Verger's Fund Expenditure 1100 - Electricity 1101 - Water 1102 - Insurance 1110 - Church Maintenance 1120 - Churchyard Maintenance 1125 - Bins 1130 - Photocopier - Lease 1131 - Photocopier - Copies 1132 - Electricity costs payable to Stella 1140 - Printing & Stationery 1151 - Payroll and Accounts Software 1152 - Administrator Salary 1154 - Parish Evangelist Salary 1160 - Church Services - including hospitality 1162 - BT Broadband wifi 1165 - Tuesday Hospitality Costs 1200 - Outreach 1210 - Junior School Bibles 1300 - Children and Young People 1400 - Sundry expenses 1500 - Charitable Giving 1900 - Due Diligence fees 3100 - Audit Fee Expenditure on charitable activities Totals Other expenditure 1115 - Projects and improvements Other expenditure Totals Payments Grand totals |
- 545.00 - - 545.00 538.55 385.00 - - - 385.00 - |
|---|---|
385.00 545.00 - - 930.00 538.55 62,307.12 - 330.00 - 62,637.12 62,166.24 1,351.40 - - - 1,351.40 780.81 871.70 - - - 871.70 395.92 603.99 - - - 603.99 359.76 - - - - - 200.00 - - - - - 209.90 11.20 - - - 11.20 - - 1,004.00 - - 1,004.00 160.00 2,972.36 - - - 2,972.36 1,667.76 310.89 - - - 310.89 159.34 2,756.08 - - - 2,756.08 2,664.98 411.17 90.00 - - 501.17 327.95 2,042.48 2,077.00 - - 4,119.48 230.17 - - - - - 413.00 624.00 - - - 624.00 624.00 883.09 - - - 883.09 375.14 100.00 - - - 100.00 - 160.37 - - - 160.37 - 240.00 - - - 240.00 225.00 1,312.90 - - - 1,312.90 3,150.62 7,018.68 - - - 7,018.68 6,814.19 3,440.87 - 115.11 - 3,555.98 2,212.77 540.73 - - - 540.73 526.37 71.00 - - - 71.00 - 885.67 - 137.60 - 1,023.27 1,050.49 - 1,309.00 - - 1,309.00 654.50 383.71 79.95 250.47 - 714.13 185.95 681.64 - - - 681.64 1,340.00 330.93 5,500.00 - - 5,830.93 5,850.00 48.00 - - - 48.00 - 30.00 - - - 30.00 30.00 |
|
90,389.98 10,059.95 833.18 - 101,283.11 92,774.86 - 5,311.52 - - 5,311.52 809.77 |
|
| - 5,311.52 - - 5,311.52 809.77 |
|
| 90,774.98 15,916.47 833.18- 107,524.63 94,123.18 |
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 18
Finance table 6: Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund)
As at 31st December 2022
----- Start of picture text -----
Previous
Balance
balance
Cash At Bank And In Hand
2000: Current Account
Avril Grapes Heating Project Donation Designated - 2,000.00
Bibles for Junior School Designated 78.50 350.00
Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund Restricted 17.12 154.72
Choir Fund Restricted 243.83 243.83
Deposit Fund Designated 10,000.00 10,000.00
Growing in Faith Bursary Fund Restricted 369.00 369.00
Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k) Designated 4,920.05 -
Open the Book Restricted 41.31 89.81
RSpace Designated 75.75 75.75
St.Edmunds Training Designated 1,000.00 1,000.00
The Graham Porter Legacy Restricted 3,838.70 4,155.78
Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving) Designated 664.00 320.00
Verger Fund Designated 1,365.06 1,239.06
Youthworker Fund Designated 7,785.38 585.38
General fund Unrestricted 5,423.05 12,922.53
Projects Designated 3,523.92 4,842.06
Agency collection Restricted 1,701.81 2,246.28
41,047.48 40,594.20
2040: Deposit Fund
Deposit Fund Designated 19,541.65 19,413.98
19,541.65 19,413.98
Cash At Bank And In Hand 60,589.13 60,008.18
Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections
Agency collection Restricted 1,701.81 2,246.28
1,701.81 2,246.28
Agency Accounts 1,701.81 2,246.28
Grand Total 58,887.32 57,761.90
----- End of picture text -----
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 19
| Finance table 7: Balance sheet (summary) As at 31/12/2022 As at 31/12/2021 Fixed assets - - Current assets Cash At Bank And In Hand 60,589.13 60,008.18 60,589.13 60,008.18 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year 1,701.81 2,246.28 1,701.81 2,246.28 Net current assets less current liabilities 58,887.32 57,761.90 Total assets less current liabilities 58,887.32 57,761.90 Liabilities - - Total net assets less liabilities 58,887.32 57,761.90 Represented by Unrestricted Unrestricted - General Funds 5,423.05 12,922.53 Designated Designated - Avril Grapes Heating Project Donation - 2,000.00 Designated - Bibles for Junior School 78.50 350.00 Designated - Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving) 664.00 320.00 Designated - Deposit Fund 29,541.65 29,413.98 Designated - Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k) 4,920.05 - Designated - Projects 3,523.92 4,842.06 Designated - RSpace 75.75 75.75 Designated - St.Edmunds Training 1,000.00 1,000.00 Designated - Verger Fund 1,365.06 1,239.06 Designated - Youthworker Fund 7,785.38 585.38 Restricted Restricted - Choir Fund 243.83 243.83 Restricted - Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund 17.12 154.72 Restricted - Growing in Faith Bursary Fund 369.00 369.00 Restricted - Open the Book 41.31 89.81 Restricted-The Graham Porter Legacy 3,838.70 4,155.78 Fund Totals 58,887.32 57,761.90 |
|
|---|---|
| Fixed assets Current assets Cash At Bank And In Hand Liabilities Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Liabilities Total net assets less liabilities Represented by Unrestricted Unrestricted - General Funds Designated Designated - Avril Grapes Heating Project Donation Designated - Bibles for Junior School Designated - Charitable Giving Fund (10% Of Ordinary Giving) Designated - Deposit Fund Designated - Outreach Fund (Donation Of £5k) Designated - Projects Designated - RSpace Designated - St.Edmunds Training Designated - Verger Fund Designated - Youthworker Fund Restricted Restricted - Choir Fund Restricted - Christmas Afternoon Tea Fund Restricted - Growing in Faith Bursary Fund Restricted - Open the Book Restricted-The Graham Porter Legacy |
|
| Fund Totals | |
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 20
Finance table 8: Return of Parish Finance
For the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 21
Churchwardens’ Report for 2022
Church life and ministry
We have become accustomed to the ‘new’ Service pattern and a new rota instigated for the various helpers for those services. The services have regular attendance and we have also had new members joining the congregation for all of the different services.
There is an Alpha course planned for 2023 and this also had brought growth in the past.
Our other events such as fetes have also returned in full this year and have been well attended and appreciated by the wider community as well as the congregation.
Church fabric and churchyard
There are various issues to be tackled next year and the enquiries and research required for these works have started. There are issues with the main East window, the organ and the thatch on the roof over the East part of the church.
This year however has been a continuation of the work to maintain the building, with the wooden doors being oiled against the weather by the gardening and maintenance team.
The Terrier was updated and the Quinquennial from 2018 checked to see if there was anything reported which could reasonably be done before the next one - which is obviously due in 2023.
Maintenance
There continues to be issues with the trees and a routine survey had to be commissioned. This showed some issues with the large pine trees on the North side (on the edge of ‘The Glebe’) and another of the Limes on the driveway was clearly diseased. Target Trees came and did this work, supporting the limbs of the pines by cables and removing the lime. They also cleared the stumps of the previously removed limes and reduced all the stumps to allow for an environmentally friendly reuse of the area which will be complete in about a year or so.
The gardening team is now needing some help with the yearly trimming of the yews in the churchyard and efforts are being made to find someone qualified and able to do this for us.
We continue to have vacancies for helpers in both the cleaning, maintenance and flower arranging teams, but despite this those involved have been hard at work in the last year and continued to give such wonderful service to us all with high standards.
And finally
As Churchwardens we are extremely grateful and thankful for the continued help and support of Rev Paul and the Ministry Team, as well as the various groups and individuals who help us to continue our work with the Church family and wider community.
We look to the future with hope and excitement for all God is doing in our community as it continues to grow.
Sue Charnock and Nettie Arthurs Church wardens
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 22
St Edmund’s Electoral Roll update March 2023
Following 2 years of Covid restrictions I now have a chance to catch up on the members of the Electoral Roll. Rules have changed a little to include those persons who are unable to attend church in person because of age, illness or shielding but are still livestreaming or zooming.
I have consulted my Subwarden on this matter and he has consulted the Archdeacon.
The general opinion from these two is that those persons who are not able to attend in person but are still joining in the life of the church should be included, but at the moment there is no official thoughts on this. In other words “everybody will pass the buck to everybody else”
The current number on the Electoral roll is 112
Jane Dryden, Electoral Roll Officer
Deanery Synod Report 2022-3
There have been significant changes of clergy in the Deanery this year and an update is given at each meeting. In particular, the resignation of Rev Simon Stokes as Rural Dean, but also the resignation of Stella Noons as Lay Chair after many years of service. Both received grateful thanks for all their work for the Deanery Synod. Most of our members have been able to attend all four meetings this year, including the Ascension Day Service open to all in the Deanery and held at St Edmund’s last May. This was well attended by our congregation and was a chance to meet our new Rural Dean, Rev Margaret McPhee, who was the preacher.
The summer party was held in July in the Secretary’s garden and it has since been agreed that this event needs to include a quiz or other social activity, so that members get to know each other better.
Bishop Graham attended the November meeting of the Synod at Mile Cross and spoke on Pastoral Vision “Transformed by Christ.”
At the last meeting in February, there were interesting talks from Diocesan Generous Giving Advisors on the subject of Legacies and the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). Each parish is encouraged to approve a Legacy Policy and to appoint a Legacy Ambassador. Two members spoke of significant legacies given at a crucial time to each of their parishes. As St Edmund’s is investigating costs to repair the organ, the thatched roof and stained glass window, there will be a need for extra funds as well as grants. There was a brief video from Bishop Graham in support of the PGS and we also heard how some parishes are taking part in a pilot using digital giving machines in their Churches. We encourage St Edmund’s PCC to consider both issues.
: Judy Tyler, Stella Noons, Deidre Porter Lay Members
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 23
Safeguarding Report
I was appointed as Safeguarding Officer at the APCM in May 2022 following the resignation of Stella Noons. On behalf of the PCC, I would like to thank her for all her endeavours in this role over many years.
The PCC of any church is responsible for the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults and at St Edmunds Church we take this very seriously and seek to encourage good practice amongst the whole congregation, church officers and volunteer workers. The House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy “Promoting a Safer Church” was adopted by the PCC in November 2022 and we will renew this annually. This policy, together with guidance for anyone with safeguarding concerns, is displayed in church. My contact details are given every week on the newssheet.
We have continued to ensure that all church officers including PCC members keep up to date with their safeguarding training and have current Disclosure & Barring (DBS) checks. DBS checks are up to date and the Basic and Foundation Training Courses have been completed. Most of the PCC have taken the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse Course. Those leading groups and taking services are required to attend the Leadership Course which consists of two sessions via Zoom. Four members of the clergy have booked to attend or have valid certificates.
We are also in the process of updating the Risk Assessments for all church groups and have devised a pack to issue with the risk assessments to ensure that all church officers are aware of their responsibilities and also know what to do if they have a safeguarding concern.
All volunteers will now be recruited following the Church of England Safer Recruitment Guidance and will be asked to attend a short interview and also to provide a reference before commencing duties.
Safeguarding is a standing item on the agenda at all PCC meetings.
In October 2022 I attended a Safeguarding Officers Induction Course run by the Diocese via Zoom and in February 2023 I attended their first Networking Meeting for Parish Safeguarding Officers held at Diocesan House. Both of these were extremely helpful and thought provoking. The Networking Meetings will be held four times a year.
There have been no safeguarding incidents or expressions of concern in the last year. However, we must remain vigilant and strive to create an environment, which is welcoming and respectful and enables safeguarding concerns to be raised and responded to openly and promptly.
Ann Coker Parish Safeguarding Officer
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 24
Sunday Worship
The pattern of services we trialled during 2021 has now become embedded during 2022. My searching questions would be:
-
Is our worship becoming deeper?
-
Are we growing as Jesus’ disciples through our worship and the power of the Holy Spirit?
-
Are we encountering a greater depth of worship and sense of the Lord’s calling on each of our lives?
-
Does our worship on Sundays, and at other times, enable us to meet with the Lord, as well as meeting with one another?
I feel we have more to do, but the pattern we now have is working for the majority of people, particularly anyone new who is joining us. I now feel we have worship we can invite people to, as well as a breadth involving different kinds of preaching, praying, singing and testimony.
Among the highlights for 2022 has been how Mustard Tree Church has grown, bringing new families into our fellowship, and hopefully affirming children along with adults in praising the Lord and hearing His word.
The worship is still developing, but has revealed the scope in giving children freedom to become involved and to contribute in their various different ways. There has been a wonderful creativity, including:
-
Rev Val’s leading of Wild Church
-
a number of baptisms within the service
-
being able to worship outside on some days
-
discussion times with adults, and
-
allowing the children to speak to the group when they feel they have something to say.
----- Start of picture text -----
Mustard Tree Activity
----- End of picture text -----
Future developments may include Rev Gill leading Godly Play, developing some elements of liturgy, and the possibility of sharing Holy Communion together.
----- Start of picture text -----
Sunday Worship continues on page 26
Wild Church Hedgehog houses
----- End of picture text -----
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 25
Sunday Worship continued from page 25
Our 11.15am service has become more varied, with the livestream once a month and the prospect of visiting speakers. There is now the anticipation of some baptisms in the service, including adults, and a greater variety of intercession styles and of preaching. People are slowly returning, and newcomers have been very welcome. The occasions when people have spoken personally of how the Lord has met with them and helped them have been moving.
The 8.00am congregation has re-established and we’re now able to advertise the dates of the services which has helped.
As always with our worship I would challenge us to a greater depth of expectation when we meet together. As well as meeting together:
-
Are we focussed on meeting with Jesus?
-
Can we link our worship more closely with our wider vision and mission?
-
Can we also reconnect between the life and energy of our small groups and Bible studies and our Sunday worship?
-
Can we make space for more testimony of all the Lord is doing in our lives?
-
Can we connect between the many opportunities we now have to pray together and our worship on Sundays?
These are all questions I need to address as the Parish Priest with our leadership team and PCC. I believe it is also life – enriching and fulfilling for each of us to examine these questions and to encourage one another. I would appreciate any comments you may have.
From Hebrews 10 : 24 – 25 : “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching”.
Rev Paul Seabrook
The Parable of the Good Samaritan from Sunday Club
Congratulations
Huge congratulations to Rev Val who was Ordained Priest on 25th June 2022 at Norwich Cathedral. Rev Paul supported Rev Val at this event.
Rev Julian Bryant was Ordained Deacon the following day.
We give thanks for their continuing service to God.
Please pray for Rev Val and Rev Julian, and their families, as they move forward into the next, exciting, phase of their ministry.
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 26
Livestreaming report
As I am writing this, we have just passed the date that we first Livestreamed a service three years ago. Back then it was an essential way to keep us all connected with our faith, where as three years on, it has become a part of Church life.
We have seen a consistent following and engagement with our Online services and content over this past year, with peaks around the Christmas and Easter periods. Some of our Informal Worship Livestreams have had up to 700 views, which to put that into context is more than Norwich Cathedral gets.
The average reach on our Facebook page each week is around 1500 accounts, mainly from the local area, but we have active viewers in the US, Holland, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Jordan, Canada and India - so quite a global reach from our humble beginnings.
Our Instagram page is still growing, so whilst the reach is considerably less than Facebook, it is reaching a much younger age range which is encouraging.
Facebook Instagram
Each week we have a regular Prayer and Reflection on a Thursday evening, Informal Worship every Sunday, along with daily Bitesize Prayers, as well as some Christian song videos featuring the Live-Stream Team. We have recently taken the decision to no longer stream Sunday club, allowing the time saved to be used for our ‘in church’ Mustard Tree Church each Sunday.
We have recently added a YouTube channel to our online content, using this as a way to upload some of our Christian worship songs that we have recorded over the past year. This is very much a work in process you can find the channel @steds9567 on YouTube.
Graham Harris
We also are planning an evening concert of Christian songs on Sunday 3rd September - this will be for people to come and watch as well as streamed online to our YouTube page.
On behalf of the online congregation of St Edmund’s, I would like to thank Rachel, Nick, Andy, Ingrid, Sophie, Jacob and our newest member Steve for the time they all spend each week helping to spread the Christian message that we all share.
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 27
Contemplative/Prayer Stream
We have continued to build on our contemplative prayer particularly with Thursday evening prayer and reflection. The AWAs are now involved in leading this which is great and their input very much valued and benefitted from.
We use various interactive ways of praying at Mustard Tree Church which we hope is engaging and will encourage people to pray in many different ways.
Intercessory prayer remains high on our agenda and there are opportunities for praying together during the week on both Monday and Wednesday evenings which is open to all as we pray for the world and for the life and ministry of our church.
During Lent we have begun a Sunday evening time of prayer for anyone who would like to come. We are waiting to see how this grows but hope that now the lighter evenings are here more people will feel able to come.
Our hope and prayer is that people will feel an ever deepening call to prayer in its many and varied forms and that it may be at the heart of who we are and all that we do.
Rachel Seabrook
Rspace
Rspace continues to meet each Tuesday evening in term time, with games, food, chat and a Bible thought and time for prayer at the end.
During the summer months it was great to be able to go onto the grass at the front of church for football, badminton, cricket and even archery (thank you Graham).
The group continues to provide such a valuable space for support, welcome, listening and for prayers. Two of the group turned 18 and continue to come along as leaders.
We are so fortunate that Keeley Hilton continues to co – lead the group, and that Matt Vaughan has become established as a co – leader, even though both have demanding work commitments.
Some of the original members are now in their late teens and early 20’s. They still keep in touch and we see them from time to time.
I have no doubt this group is sowing valuable seeds for the future. Young people today have immense pressures on them. Our prayers for them and time spent with them hopefully will assure them of Jesus’ love for them and that He is with them. We will continue to offer them a space to come and a listening ear, and prayers.
We have connected with Nick Blanch of Norwich Youth for Christ who has started a Christian Union in Taverhan High School. This is a breakthrough I have been praying for years to happen!
Please pray for the group. For all the Lord longs to do in the lives of these young people. Above all that they will know how precious they are in His sight, and of the amazing plans He has for their lives and the people He has made them to be.
Rev Paul Seabrook
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 28
Bible Groups and Home groups
I want to thank all those who lead Bible studies and home groups at St Ed’s, and everyone who contributes in this way. The groups are a vital part of our discipleship and growing together in the life and ministry Jesus has called us into.
Some groups have been established for many years, and continue to provide a much needed source of support and encouragement as we live out our faith. Other groups have developed as the need has arisen and when believers choose to meet for a time. It is great to be able to provide consistency as well as flexibility. New groups and gatherings are developing all the time. If you would like to join a group, please let me know. If you have yet to experience being part of a group, I can guide you to speaking to someone in a group to find out more. I am so grateful to those who commit to this ministry. We all depend so much on the Lord speaking to us through His Word.
Rev Paul Seabrook
Rev Phil Study Groups
Several Bible study groups have re-emerged from the isolation of the pandemic. Rev Phil’s Monday afternoon group meets fortnightly at 2.30pm at a member’s home. We have wrestled with Prayer, The Letters of John and are currently engaging with the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Rev Phil’s weekly Wednesday evening group moved to an afternoon slot postpandemic and continue to debate difficult theological themes including those in Exodus and Acts. We meet at 2.30pm at a member’s home. These groups, and others, engage with scripture in depth and breadth and explore how it impacts upon our everyday lives in the here and now; much of scripture’s message is as relevant today as it was two-or three-thousand years ago. Rev Phil Charlesworth Monday lunchtime Study Group The Monday lunchtime bible study has continued to meet over this last year. We meet at 1.30pm at a member’s home. We have studied the gospel of Mark together and the Letter to the Galatians. Sometimes it has been difficult to get together due to other commitments but we remain committed to each other and to sharing and learning together and praying with and for each other. We would love some new members if anyone would like to join us. Rachel Seabrook Bible Groups and Home groups continue on page 30
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 29
Bible Groups and Home groups continued from page 29
2022 Bible Study Group—Wednesday/Tuesday
We have 9 regular members of our group that meets every two weeks.
We weaned ourself off Zoom and started to meet at a member’s house from April 2022. We meet at 7pm. We normally meet on Wednesday evenings. Currently, due to a clash with the Alpha group, we meet on Tuesdays. Once Alpha is finished we will revert to Wednesdays.
Books studied in 2022: 2 Samuel. The challenges to our view of the OT God compared to the NT Jesus prompted a lot of discussion and encouraged us to start a study of a Book called “Cross Vision” in 2023
Topical and scriptural questions also considered at appropriate intervals to help understand our faith in everyday situations.
We share Communion at every other meeting and share and pray each time we meet.
Granville & Pat Routledge
Wednesday Evening Study Group
We have met fortnightly during the year with 10 members attending regularly. We meet at 8pm in a member’s house.
We looked at the life of David over a series of weeks. We are now studying St John’s Gospel which is led by Ann Scarff. During Lent we have met weekly for a devotional time on The Stations of the Cross.
Stella Noons
Thursday Study Group
We are a lively group of 10 people enjoying plenty of relevant (usually!) discussion. We meet on Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at a member’s home.
The meetings begin with coffee and a chat, followed by prayer and the study.
Our studies this year have been :
-
A modern version of Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’
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‘Transformed by the Holy Spirit’ by Liz Babbs
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We have just started Tom Wright’s ‘Acts for Everyone’ study guide’
-
We have room for one or two more people
Sue Beevor
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 30
Schools work
Our involvement with the local schools continues to be a very important part of our life and ministry as a church.
We were delighted that all our local Primary schools asked to come into church from Harvest onwards. The weeks leading up to Christmas were busy, with both Nightingale and Ghost Hill holding Carol and Nativity events in church to which parents were invited. Langley Prep held their Remembrance service in church, and the Pre – Prep came for a Carol Service. We also had each year group in from the Junior School for RE days leading up to Christmas. It was wonderful to be able to reconnect with the schools in this way and to re-establish our links with them.
In addition I led regular assemblies I have only recently started working with Nightingale Infant in Langley Prep School, and at the School and so have little to report this time. Junior School, and I am so grateful • I have been going into Nightingale Infant School to Rev Gill for coming on board since January 2023 to lead Collective Worship on almost immediately after she was the first Monday of each month. licenced in September, taking assemblies at Nightingale and Ghost • At the end of the Spring Term I went into school to Hill. present the Easter Story to YR3 and three classes of Y1/Y2 children came into church for Easter Activities. We also led a team into Ghost Hill for Christingle making sessions Rev Gill Osborne together with worship.
During the year Deidre Porter came onto the Governing body of the Junior School. It is wonderful to have Deidre’s experience, passion for education and also another person of faith on the Governing body. In 2023 so far Josie Rayner – Wells has stepped down as Foundation Governor, and I personally want to thank her for her enormous contribution to the school. As I write I am delighted to say the Lord has called someone of faith who will be dedicated in this role. I believe we can truly give thanks to the Lord for this.
Earlier this year Bishop Graham opened the Garden of Hope at the Junior School. We also continue to provide Bibles from the generosity of our congregation (thank you!), and support the Junior School in the annual Carol Service at St Peter Mancroft.
I hope and pray our schools work will be sustainable for the future and will continue to be, and grow to be, ever more inspiring and Holy Spirit – led as we have the privilege of engaging with so many children.
Bishop Graham opening the Garden of Hope My huge thanks to Rev Gill, my fellow Governors from St Ed’s, and our wider team at St Ed’s in all they give to this ministry. Bishop Graham said . Rev Paul Seabrook “Every child has painted a stone and each one is fabulous. I thought they needed a bee! What a fabulous church school.”
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 31
Pastoral Visiting
Post-pandemic, our interaction with the local care homes has recovered well within new boundaries: Eastlands Care Home has now closed down and we have not reinitiated links with Sunnycroft as there is not the resource withing the pastoral team to achieve this.
Links with Two Acres, however, continue to develop, grow and strengthen: Rev Phil and Molly Mason regularly visit residents in all four units and some of these are also regular, and muchvalued, members of the Wednesday morning communion service. Rev Phil has developed and maintained a relationship of trust and mutual support with staff at Two Acres, particularly with Keith, the events organiser. Sadly, we have lost two of our visited residents in the past year but another two have been added to the flock.
Discreet and compassionate individual home visiting continues to be an important feature in our church-life. By its nature this embraces regular and ad-hoc visiting but always allows us to bring the Light of Christ into the lives of those in difficulties.
Rev Phil Charlesworth
Taverham Day Centre
This provides a place to meet, enjoy a hot meal and a varied programme of entertainment, activities and outings for elderly people in our community. I have been going in at least once a month and have built some valuable relationships with both volunteers and guests, leading to a number of prayer requests. I led an informal time of carols and reflections at Christmas, assisted by folk from St Edmund’s, which was well received.
Home Communions
Members of St Edmund’s clergy team continue to provide regular Holy Communion and visits to those at home, in hospital or our nursing homes. This is a much valued ministry and keeps people in touch with church.
St Peter’s Ringland
Rev Val, has since last December, taken on pastoral responsibility for Ringland, this includes pastoral visiting. She is building some valuable relationships with people there and is developing some useful collaboration between church and community in activities and events.
Rev Val Hooker
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 32
Outreach
Outreach is a vital part of our ministry at St Ed’s, and the key focus of our mission and evangelism as we fulfil our part of the calling as the church of Jesus Christ in our community.
In particular, our ‘Tuesdays at St Ed’s’ continues to flourish with our weekly drop in for pre – school children and their carers and people who are looking for a coffee and a chat. Again huge thanks to Paul and Sue Beverley, and to Marlene, for their faithful ministry each week.
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1-2
To reiterate, our outreach is a hugely important part of who we are called to be as believers and followers of Jesus in our community. Please pray for new opportunities as we journey into the new shape of being church in our world, nation and community that so desperately needs to hear the Good News of Jesus and needs His healing and hope.
Revd Paul Seabrook
Tuesday Cafe and Tiny Tunes
The Tuesday morning Cafe plus Toddler Tunes continues to be a place where people feel loved and welcome. And they bring their friends, whether they are churchgoers or not. Numbers continue to grow steadily, but we can still cope because people are more than willing to help when the 'kitchen' gets overbusy.
One major addition is Marlene Spalding who is a stalwart in the kitchen. Great to work together.
Paul Beverley
St Edmund’s Arts and Crafts Group
This group meets on a Friday at Trinity Church from 9.30am to midday but people come along at any time throughout the morning! We pay £3 each week to cover the cost of the hall rental and drinks. 12 people are currently on the list and it would be great to have some new people join us.
We each ‘do our own thing’ with a variety of arts and crafts going on – including pastels, oil paint, watercolors, acrylic paint, crocheting, knitting, quilting, dressmaking and card making. We try to help and advise one another, learning new techniques and skills. The morning includes a great deal of tea and coffee drinking and chatting!!
Jane Dryden and Sue Beevor
Outreach continues on page 34
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 33
Outreach continued from page 33
May Fair, Plant stall and Christmas Fair
May Fair 2nd May 2022
At the PCC meeting prior to the Fair it was agreed the proceeds of the Fair would be donated to The Ukrainian Appeal.
The Fair saw a return to the pre Covid format. The Craft contributors were members of St Edmund’s with many items having been made in lockdown with new skills discovered by some along with the regular crafters Daphne and David. The most amazing total of £2,467 was raised for the Ukrainian Appeal. The Taverham Drayton and Thorpe Marriott Food Bank ran their own Tombola, also very successful.
Jubilee Plant Sale 2nd June - 18th June 2022
The start of the Plant sale coincided with the Queen's Jubilee weekend which provided customers from all attending Jubilee Celebrations. This year a small gazebo was up for the duration of the sale which gave protection from wind, rain and sun, and once again proved very popular. £200.72 was donated to Christian Aid.
Christmas Fair 26th November 2022
With a gloomy economic forecast and rising energy costs the Christmas Fair was kept low key. On the day there were a number of other large Christmas Fairs (including Taverham Garden Centre & Shops) however, our regulars supported us and even though it was run for a shorter period over the lunchtime £1,676.43 was raised.
Carols were played, the BBQ food sold out and a merry time was had by all who attended. Sue Elmes
Wider community
As a worshipping community it is so important we grow in faith and love in Jesus. It is also important we engage with our community and listen to the needs of those around us with Jesus’ love. We have a number of areas where we engage with the needs of those around us in practical ways.
We continue to receive surplus perishable food each Monday evening from Tescos which is greatly appreciated. My huge thanks to Paul Beverley for managing the pick – ups each week. We distribute this food to a number of people within 24 hours, and the left over food is available for those who come into church on Tuesdays, including our youth group in the evening.
We also seek to support our local Foodbank when we can with food collected at the back of church. We often speak with the organisers, Gerry Munday and Sarah – Jane Douglas, hearing where their work is leading them, and on occasions liaising with them to help individuals further. We have also been able to support a number of other individuals in the community in various ways.
Wider community continues on page 35
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 34
Wider community continued from page 34
Rev Val continues a regular visitor at the Day Centre and her visits are greatly valued by both the clients and the staff. Val was able to lead a time of reflection at Christmas with readings, Carols and prayers.
Other Christmas projects at St Ed’s included our Christingle service raising money for The Children’s Society, which many families engaged with. Also we joined with the Blythswood Shoebox appeal again in 2022 and collected a large number of shoeboxes, including from the Junior School.
Our engagement with Two Acres Care Home has developed and been a source of inspiration and joy, largely through the ministry of Rev Phil, and through the efforts of one of the Carers Keith Snell. Our livestream team are now regular visitors, leading worship which the residents can join in with and participate in.
It is also important to recognise that members of our congregation take an active part in WI, Parish Council, Litter Pickers, TJS, and other areas of the community.
We continue to pray for opportunities to respond to need in our wider community and to serve Jesus by engaging with our community in a wide variety of ways.
Rev Paul Seabrook
Christian Aid
Despite 2022 being a challenging year with everyone feeling the impact of increasing costs everywhere, St Edmund’s and St Peter’s have continued to be strong supporters of Christian Aid.
This was much in evidence in the response to the Ukraine War appeal, with the profits from the May fair, individual donations and collections raising an incredible £3,100.
During Christian Aid Week, over £300 was raised, by individual donations, church collections, and online giving. Also, 13 volunteers managed to deliver envelopes to over 1,650 households in Taverham, which raised a further £900.
Huge thanks to all involved.
In the summer the Domino singers held an excellent concert at St Peter’s Ringland, enjoyed by a full audience! This raised £500, shared equally between Christian Aid and St Peter’s.
A collection was also held at the carol service which went to the Christian Aid Christmas Appeal.
Again, thank-you to everyone who supported Christian Aid by their donations of money or their time – it is hugely appreciated, and supports people throughout the world who live in desperate conditions, either through poverty, war, or inequality.
If you are interested in helping to deliver envelopes in the future, or helping with other Christian Aid events, please contact Rev. Paul or Paul Scarff for more information.
Paul Scarff
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 35
Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
In many ways the Life Events (as they are now known in the C of E) are telling indicators of all that is happening in the society around us.
Baptisms have changed. We now have far fewer families bringing their children to be baptised than just a few years ago. For those that do, we offer the greatest welcome we can, do all we can to make their life event really special, and speak to them of the Lord’s love for them and His promises to them. It is such a privilege to welcome them and be part of all the Lord is doing in their lives.
We ask to visit them in their homes, invite them to Mustard Tree and Tuesday mornings, and try to build a connection and ongoing relationship that is a beginning in terms of our part as a church in all that the Lord longs to do in their lives.
For families that do bring their children in this way, they often have a clear perception of what this means in opening the door to all that the Lord longs to bring them in His blessing and Word, and these are very special times.
We also have an increasing number of older children and adults wanting to be baptised. It is such a privilege to be involved in their journey of faith, and receiving His love and salvation. It is noticeable how increasingly parents choosing Godparents struggle to find those who have been baptised themselves. Yet the fact is many older children and adults now have the opportunity to choose to be baptised, which is the most wonderful privilege for us as ministers and as the church to be involved in. Similarly we now have far fewer weddings than say ten years ago. Those couples that do choose to be married in church have an expectation and sense of the Lord’s presence in their lives. Again these are the most wonderful times we are privileged to be involved with. The pandemic had an immense impact on weddings, especially as they were not permitted for an extended time. Now, couples face a crisis in managing their lives and providing for their families. Planning a wedding for many couples is a delayed decision or just not possible financially. For 2023 we have three weddings at St Peter’s Ringland, and, for the first time I have ever known, no weddings booked at all at St Ed’s! Sadly we are currently being asked to be involved in many funerals. Again this is such an indicator of all that is happening today. Post – pandemic and with the crisis in the NHS, there are many people facing health situations in very difficult circumstances. Tragically many families are being faced with bereavements, often unexpectedly. I am so grateful to Rev Phil, Rev Val and our LLM Jane in all they do to, so willingly, be involved in each of these ministries, and especially in this vital ministry. We are also so fortunate in our relationships with some truly exceptional undertakers. We continue to hold the annual bereavement service just before Christmas, and we try and support families throughout the year in their grief and often shock and loneliness. At St Ed’s we continue to give these ministries top priority. Please pray for all those involved. Each of these ministries are amongst the most uplifting, but also among the hardest things we are called to do. Rev Paul Seabrook
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 36
Churches together
The Churches Together Good Friday service took place in 2022 at St Margaret’s Drayton and a service is being planned in 2023. The service involved a number of Christians from the different churches. Whilst the ‘walk of witness’ no longer happens, many people appreciated the conclusion of the service when we gathered outside with the Cross to pray and celebrate Jesus’ love through our fellowship at the Cross. It was moving to be able to witness to Jesus’ victory over sin and death publicly in this way.
Rev Stella Green led the anniversary service at Trinity Church in December, and Rev Stella and Rev Phil have now become regular visiting ministers at Trinity.
I organised the Churches Together pages for Just Drayton and Taverham at Easter and at Christmas. We also had the front page of the Taverham Newsletter at Christmas to wish everyone in our community the blessing and peace of Jesus’ birth.
Our churches continue to share and interact at an individual level. Members of different churches attend Bible studies and prayer meetings, sharing in our witness and fellowship as the churches in this area.
Matt Vaughan from TEC continues to co – lead Rspace at St Ed’s and we greatly value his input.
I am also exploring a joint presence at Taverham Fair as the Churches Together.
Further afield we continue to have connections with other churches across the city.
Whilst the church generally is very much in transition from what has gone before, the Holy Spirit is leading us into a new era of life and witness, including our relationships and fellowship as the Christians in our community. I believe these will bear fruit in the years to come.
Rev Paul Seabrook
2022 a Year of Celebration and Sadness
2022 saw both HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and then, a few weeks later, the mourning for her death.
For the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee we planted a tree, ate cake and celebrated together in recognition of this special achievement.
A few weeks later, we gave thanks for the life and faith of HM Queen.
At the Queen’s funeral, The Archbishop ended his address with “Service in life, hope in death. All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: “We will meet again.” Jubilee cake
Flowers for the Queen
Final Version St Edmund’s Taverham Parochial Church Council Annual Report for 2022 page 37