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2022-12-31-accounts

APM / APCM Agenda

Sunday 21[st] May 2023, 4pm St. Helen’s Church

Annual Parishioner’s Meeting (APM)

  1. Welcome and opening prayer

  2. Elections of church wardens

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

  1. Apologies

  2. Minutes of last APCM – Appendix 1

  3. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives

  4. Election of PCC members

  5. Appointment of independent auditor of the PCC financial accounts

  6. Fabric Report – Appendix 2

  7. Electoral Roll Officer’s Report

  8. Financial Report

  9. PCC Resolution – length of service for elected members on PCC

  10. Deanery Synod Report – Appendix 3

  11. Safeguarding Review

  12. Vicar’s Report – verbally delivered

  13. AOB

  14. Closing Prayer

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST HELEN’S AND ST EDMUND’S CHURCHES

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2022

Registered charity number 1186476

St Helen’s and St Edmund’s Churches

Contents

Page
Annual report of the PCC 1 - 7
Legal and administrative information 8
Independent examiner’s report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10 - 16

Annual report of the PCC

For the year ended 31 December 2022

Aims and Purposes

The Parish Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent Revd James Pinto (Vicar) in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St Edmund’s and St Helen’s Church.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC’s objective is promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church. In addition to Sunday services, our regular activities include:

In September ‘22, Tuesday Connect divided, as the group was growing. This created 2 smaller groups (Tuesday Connect and Thursday Connect). From being 6 meeting together in September, numbers have grown to 11. As well as group meetings, we also have regular socials. A new Connect Group launched in April and there are hopes for at least 1 more group to launch later this year. In recent months the groups have moved to discussing questions from the passage looked at in our Sunday services. The sermons are available to watch on the church website with questions attached. These groups aim to help people in their walk with God, spend time in prayer together and enjoy socialising together.

Once a fortnight Music Connect meets for about an hour with between 6 and 15 people attending each session. We have learnt new songs and sung some ‘old favourites’. The aims of the group are to learn new songs, practice voices and instruments together regardless of ability, to encourage people to join the music group that plays on Sunday and to have fellowship with others.

1

Annual report of the PCC

For the year ended 31 December 2022 - continued

The St. Helens Stay & Play toddler group (formerly Play+SHED) has now been operating for just over a year. In that time, it has welcomed many new parents and carers with over 80 carers (with their children) attending since September last year. A wonderful team of regular volunteers helps to give the group the friendly and warm atmosphere that many parents and carers have noted. The group aims to provide a service to parents and carers who need support and friendship during their time looking after their children. Those running Stay + Play look to introduce carers and parents to the wider life of the church. At Christmas a toddler nativity service was held in the church – no-one was forced to attend but everyone did! The hope is to welcome these families to other events in the coming year, with the aim of breaking down barriers so that church, and St. Helens in particular, is seen to be relevant and a fun and welcoming place to be.

Since September we have launched a monthly church family prayer meeting. These have been well attended and are an important part of our life together as we grow together and look to God to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Eddie Jones leads our monthly walks on a Sunday afternoon. As well as providing an opportunity to enjoy time together it is an easy first invite to those outside or on the fringe of the church community. The walks have proved popular with a growing number joining us month by month. A particular highlight was dragon hunting in Longdell Hills Woods.

Review of the Year

There are 81 people on the electoral roll of whom 58 live in the parish (compared to 67 people in 2022). During the year 18 were added and 4 were removed (3 deaths and 1 requesting to be removed).

The average weekly attendance counted during October 2022, was:

St Helen’s Church 52 (compared to 22 in October 2021)

St Edmund’s Church 18 (compared to 16 in October 2021)

2

Annual report of the PCC

For the year ended 31 December 2022 - continued

Church Graft

2022 was a year of significant change for the parish. Edward and the family left in March moving to a new post in Bungay. There was a relatively short interregnum. In April James was appointed as Priest-in-Charge for an initial 3 year period. This is standard procedure in Norwich Diocese. James, supported by the Diocese and Bishop Graham, are committed to remaining in post far behind the initial 3 years.

James was licensed at the end of September 2022 with 30 joining them mainly, but not solely, from Holy Trinity Church. The church graft has been a great boost to the church family – there has been immediate growth, new people serving, a ‘critical mass’ of families and children at St Helen’s Church, increase in giving and a general sense of excitement about a new season of ministry in the parish.

Corporate Worship

During 2022 we have been able to enjoy corporate worship with only minimal ongoing disturbance from the COVID- 19 pandemic. At both St Edmund’s and St Helen’s Churches it has been encouraging to see members of the parish who were not previously regular churchgoers or had not been attending for some time finding a home and becoming integrated within the life of the churches.

The church graft saw 4 families with 9 children joining the church family. In September we relaunched children’s groups running 3 out of 4 Sundays a month. 2 groups run in the hall and in the church office. At the end of 2022 we went through a consultation period considering our church service times. The PCC agreed to make a minor tweak to service times:

Church Staff

Through a grant from the Church Planting & Regeneration (CPR) fund the Parish was able to employ a Youth & Family worker, Andrew Bruce. His role enabled a focus on young people in church and in the Summer he was able to obtain the help of a team of young people through the Princes Trust. Sadly, Andrew’s health has prevented him from continuing in this capacity and he left the employ of the Diocese in October.

3

Annual report of the PCC

For the year ended 31 December 2022 - continued

Hilary Jarrett has been working voluntarily in a part-time capacity as Church Administrator. This has been a great help to James in relieving some of the administrative work of the parish. A weekly team meeting is held with Hilary Jarrett, Bill Salmon and David Thompson attending.

Outreach & Events

As we look to be ‘family on mission’ we have put on a variety of events to raise our visibility and build ongoing connections with people living locally. We have seen encouraging numbers at these events which include:

Brass Band Concert at St Edmund’s Church organised by the Friends of St Edmund’s (FOSE)

Heritage Open Day in September at St Edmund’s Church

Christmas Craft Evening with short talk by Libby

Carol & Christingle Services

Carol Singing outside the Co-Op

Operation Christmas Child – thanks to Andrée and her helpers 119 boxes were produced

Remembrance Sunday Service supported by the Royal British Legion & youth organisations

Quiz evenings at St Helen’s Church

Lynda Jones has relaunched Costessey News. This has been hugely popular with local residents. Each month on page 2 there is a short devotional thought. It provides the opportunity to let people know of events taking place in the church and in other churches in Costessey.

Building for the Future, St Helen’s Church Refurbishment

St Helen’s Church building has been a great blessing over the last 50 years helping us to reach the parish with the good news of Jesus. We are currently considering how the building may continue to serve us and the parish for the next 50 years. As a church family we want to help people meet Jesus. We want our buildings to be good servants to do that - facilities that serve us to help people to meet Jesus.

4

Annual report of the PCC

For the year ended 31 December 2022 - continued

Concept drawings by Amy Tyrrell were presented in September. Since then we have undertaken a wide consultation with both the church family, wider community and the Diocese to ascertain the needs and priorities of the work. David Thompson will be chairing a newly formed ‘Building for the Future’ group as this project moves forward. Further details can be found in appendix 2.

Safeguarding

Throughout the year, the PCC believe they have complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

With the growth experienced in 2022, Safer Recruitment has continued with many more volunteers, including the relaunched Children’s Groups at St Helen’s Church.

Andrée Taylor continues in the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). We have ensured that our Safeguarding Policy is accessible on the front page of the new website and on boards in both churches.

The PSO continues to present a safeguarding report to the PCC each month and is pleased to report full support from the Incumbent, Wardens and PCC. We continue to be committed to creating and maintaining a safe, caring, open and transparent environment in which survivors and the vulnerable can hear and experience for themselves the love offered to them by their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Financial Review

Overview

The easing of the lockdown restrictions enabled both churches to return to some normality. However, this was disrupted somewhat when the Rev. Edward Land left in March. Following a relatively short interregnum Rev. James Pinto joined in September, bringing with him several people. This had the effect of not only boosting numbers in the congregation but also increasing giving, although this only had an impact in the final 3 months of the year. Income was also boosted by re-instating the Costessey News (see below).

5

For the year ended 31 December 2022 – continued

Annual report of the PCC

Receipts

The General Fund Receipts for 2022 showed a significant increase in comparison to 2021. Up to £80,209 from £42,904 in 2021. This included various gifts from FOSE and members of the congregation (£23820) to cover some of the expenditure. £1125 was transferred from the Deposit Account to cover the purchase of the "Hobbit House" and to pay for the organ maintenance. £3098 was claimed from the Church Planting and Revitalisation funding and there is a claim currently being processed for £1846.36. The Gift Aid rebate was £4801. St Helen's Hall Hire increased significantly (£1583). The PCC agreed to increase the hourly hire rate for 2022. It is still used regularly by the Brownies and Zumba (2 Classes per week). There is potential to increase the usage but it will require some significant refurbishment. A gift of £441 was received and is set aside for Community/Outreach Projects. We have also received a very generous gift of £800 per month, over the next 3 years to be used for mission. This is also Gift Aided and the total amount should be in the region of £30,000. There was no Gift Day during 2022.

Payments

The parish share request for 2022 was £36497. £28500 was paid towards it during the year, leaving a shortfall of £7997. The parish share request for 2023 is set at £37956 as per Diocesan email 17/01/23. The direct debit for the Parish Share has been increased to £2500 pcm for 2023. Gross Payments from the General Fund were £86,814. £21,692 of this were covered by gifts received from FOSE and members of the congregation and £4902 was claimed from the CPR Grant. The "Hobbit House" was purchased from the pre-school at a cost of £800 and payment for this was taken from the Deposit Fund. A piano was purchased for £2183 and payment for this was covered by a gift from a member of the congregation.

St Edmund’s Church

Heat, light and water costs have increased significantly from £1446 (2021) to £2491. Insurance costs increased by 7.5% from October and the total for the year was £1801.

St Helen’s Church

Maintenance costs were £2079 of which £1063 related to repairs/servicing of the boiler. Heat, light and water increased significantly from £1451 (2021) to £4549. The cleaner costs are £1413 which also includes cleaning the church as well as the hall. The weekly cost is £34. As with St Edmunds, insurance costs increased by 7.5% in October and the total for the year is £817.

6

For the year ended 31 December 2022 – continued

Annual report of the PCC

Magazine

Lynda Jones restarted Costessey News in April 2022 at a cost of 50p. Sales are in the region of 300 per month, with some issues printed in colour. Total income for the year is £4368 (Advertising £3313, sales £1055). Total expenditure was £2920 making a profit of £1448. However, due to the cost of printing it was agreed at the last PCC to increase the cost to £1 per copy from Jan 2023. Thanks must be given to Lynda for all her hard work this year in making the Costessey News a success.

Gifts to Missions & Agencies

The following collections were made in the year:

Childrens Society £27

East Anglia Children’s Hospice £56 Christian Aid £100. British Legion £113

A leaving gift of £301 (from a church collection) was given to Rev Edward Land

7

Legal and administrative information

For the year ended 31 December 2022

Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the church representation rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the electoral role.

Administrative information

PCC members who have served at any time from 1 January 2022 until the date this report was approved are:

Ex Officio members:

Incumbent Rev James Pinto (Chair) – since September 2022 Incumbent Rev Edward Land (Chair) – resigned March 2022 Warden Denis Collen Warden Libby Glover Treasurer Michael Gill

Elected Members:

Irene Hill

Mark Lusher

Margaret Chamberlain

Michael Gill

Janet Betts (resigned April 2023)

8

Independent Examiners Certificate

Report to the trustees/ members of: Costessey PCC

On accounts for the year ended: December 2022

Charity no (if any): 1186476

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 12 / 2022

Responsibilities 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 Trust’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:

• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or • the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Signed:

Name: Marie-Anne Edwards

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): AATQB

Address: 156 Fakenham road, Briston, Norfolk, NR24 2DH

Date: 26 March 2023

Approved by the PCC on 17 April 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Rev James Pinto, Incumbent and PCC Chair

9

Costessey PCC

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022

Receipts and Payments Accounts

Receipts and Payments Accounts
Unrestricted
General
Designated		 Restricted
Funds		 Total
2022		 Total
2021		 General Fund
Total
Total
2020
2019		 Totals
2018
Receipts £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Planned Giving 24050 24050 19405 18959 18752 11342
Good Box 229 229 476
Plate Collections 6538 6538 4490 5775 6140 3340
Donations 375 375 857 9054 6741 336
Gift Aid Rebate 4801 4801 4901 4526 3540 3961
Fees(Gross) 8070 8070 7726 6936 6364 5446
Admin & Organ Fees 510 510
Fund RaisingActivities
Magazine Adverts 3313 3313 1415 4553 3515
Magazine Sales/Misc 1055 1055 741 1684 1576
Hall Lettings 1583 1583 755 169 6041 8866
Other Fund Raising 2986
Social Functions 426 426 138 100 1454 1475
Youth Events 477 477 120
Flowers 130 130
SundayCoffee 243 243 31 65 370 295

10

Endowment Dividends 518 518 20 152 282
Bank Interest 123 187 310 300 290 366
Legacies/Bequests 2841 2841 2250 20913
Grants - CPR 3098 3098 1000 19487
Insurance Claims
Gifts towards Gen Fund Exp 23820 23820
Transfer of Funds 1125 1125 13788
Sundry 366 366 19 505 1853 1082
Totals 80209 2964 705 83878 45474 48687 112328 41234

Mission/Charities 2021

Mission/Charities 2021
Collected £
Forwarded
£
Jan-22
Jan-22
Mar-22
Apr-22
Nov-22		 Childrens Society 27.00 Mar-22 27.00
EACH 56.25 Mar-22 56.25
E Land Gift 301.00 Apr-22 301.00
Christian Aid 100.00 Apr-22 100.00
British Legion 113.00 Dec-22 113.00
Totals 597.25
597.25

11

Costessey PCC

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022

Receipts and Payments Accounts
Payments		 Unrestricted
General
Designate
d
£
£		 Unrestricted
General
Designate
d
£
£		 Unrestricted
General
Designate
d
£
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Total
2022
£		 General Fund
Total
Total
Total
2021
2020
2019
£
£
£		 General Fund
Total
Total
Total
2021
2020
2019
£
£
£		 General Fund
Total
Total
Total
2021
2020
2019
£
£
£		 Totals
2018
£
Parish Share 31500 31500 18000 24000 25000 20000
Altar Requisites 0 0 0 28 180 75
Admin/Accounts 775 775 254 1295 1514 1572
ClergyExpenses 241 241 569 2173 856 145
Worship 3 3 247
Fees to Diocese 4494 4494 5023 5152 2112 3730
Fees to Verger etc. 0 0 0 0 0 286
Services & Events 1070 1070 773
Flowers 149 149 50 0 0 51
Resources & Education 434 434
Organists 620 620 790 240 1241
Organ/Piano Maint 520 520 439 0 1416 1216
Subs/Licences 673 673 296 516 446 322
Youth Events 309 309 468
CPR Expenses 4902 4902
Expcovered by gifts 21692 21692
Fund RaisingExpenses
Magazine Expenses 2920 2920 0 541 1479 1771
Social Functions 245 245 0 0 545 5

12

Hall Management 0 0 0 0 100
Church RunningCosts
St Edmund's
Heat,Light & Water 2491 2491 1446 1647 1721 653
Maintenance 20 20 172 1215 289 579
Car Park Rent 0 10 10 10
Supplies 0 0 273 118 194 15
Insurance 1801 1801 1729 1549 1647 1976
St Helen's
Heat,Light & Water 4549 4549 1451 1276 3777 3737
Maintenance 2079 2079 5871 665 369 3177
Caretaker 1413 1413 216 300 1216 1173
Supplies 114 114 209 484 84 131
Insurance 817 817 781 697 742 724
St Edmund's Bell Project 0 0 0 18945
St Edmund's HLF Project 0 0 0 0
St Edmund's Chancel Wall Project 0 0 0 3401
St Edmund's HeatingProject 0 0 0 2469
St Edmund's Oak Cupboard Project 0 0 0 3539
St Helen's Hall Roof/Refurb Project 0 0 0 36319
Michael Richardson/Alpha 2020 0 0 0 900
Transfer of Funds 2964 187 3151 0 0 13788
Sundry 2983 2983 315 1373 4297 1157
Totals
86814
2964
0
187 0
89965
39382
43279
128496
42595

13

Movement within Funds & Balance

Movement within Funds & Balance Movement within Funds & Balance
Opening
Balance
01/01/22		 Receipts Payments Closing
Balance
31/12/22		 Closing
Balance
31/12/21		 Closing
Balance
31/12/20		 Closing
Balance
31/12/19
Endowment Funds
Chancel 913 71 984 913 856 798
Churchyard 3011 265 3276 3011 2793 2572
Clive James 403 33 436 403 375 349
St Helen's Fabric 3664 47 3711 3664 3662 3648
Sub-Total 7991 417 8408 7991 7686 7367
Restricted Funds
Bells 1429 18 1447 1429 1428 1422
Choir(St E) 213 3 216 213 213 213
Choir(St H) 368 5 373 368 368 365
Curson Legacy 1283 17 1300 1283 1282 1276
Fabric(St E) 1148 15 1163 1148 148 148
Organ Maintenance 359 1 325 35 359 359 358
M H Richardson Family 8647 112 8759 8647 8642 8606
M H Richardson St H Roof & Boiler 8265 107 8372 8265 8261 8226
Curson Bequest re G & M Munday 1008 13 1021 1008 1008 1004
Unrestricted Funds
Designated		 Sub-Total
22720 289 325 22684 22720 21709 21618
Bell Fund 27 0 27 27 57 57
Church Linen(St E) 182 2 184 182 182 181
Education 286 4 290 286 285 285
Equipment(St E) 490 6 496 490 490 487

14

Equipment(St H) 79 1 80 79 79 79
Fabric(St E) 3760 48 3808 3760 3758 3741
Fabric(St H) 700 9 709 700 700 697
N.Chamberlain(St H) 263 3 266 263 263 263
Printer/Copier 649 8 657 649 649 647
Muriel Webb(St H) 1007 13 1020 1007 1006 1002
N&J Vitkovich re Youth and Children 1250 7 800 457 1250
R Rouse Community/Outreach/Projects 446 446
M Hulme - Gift re Mission 2415 2415
Sub-Total
General Fund
Total All Funds
Total Funds Represented By		 8693
2964
800
10857
19607
80209
87064
12752		 8693
7469
7439
19607
16085
11119
59011
83879
88189
54701		 59011
52949
47543
£
Natwest Current
Account
CCLA Deposit Account
Clergy Expenses Float		 12702
41949
50
54701
0

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Cash Funds:

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Total Total Total General Designated Funds 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 50 50 300 250 250

15

Bank Current Account
 12,702 - 12,702 19307 15809 11,732 12,087
Bank Deposit Account 10,858
 31,091 41,949 39404 36864 35,561 51,624
12,752 10,858 31,091 54,701 59011 52923 47,543 63,711
Other Monetary
Assets
Liabilities
Charity Donation to - - 20 -
be forwarded.
Investment Funds Market Value 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
at 31st December
2022 £ £ £ £ £
Chancel Fund - 126001310S
94.92 income shares in the CBF of the Cof E Investment Fund 1961 2223 1945 1,820 1,533
Churchyard Fund - 126001195S
365 income shares in the CBF of the Cof E Investment Fund 7541 8548 7478 6,997 5,894
Clive James Memorial Fund - 126001304S
45.37 income shares in the CBF of the Cof E Investment Fund 937 1062 930 870 733

16

Appendix 1 – APM & APCM Minutes

Monday 25[th] April 2022

Annual Parishioner’s Meeting

  1. Apologies. There were no apologies.

  2. Minutes of Annual Vestry Meeting 2021 . These were approved by all present as a true and accurate record.

  3. Automatic Disqualification of existing churchwardens shall not apply. The secretary of the PCC, Irene Hill stated that she had received two nominations for churchwarden. These were from :

  4.  Libby Glover

  5.  Denis Collen

She then explained that under the Churchwarden Measure 2001 both nominees are actually disqualified from holding the Office of Churchwarden for the coming year as they have individually served as Churchwarden in this Parish for six consecutive periods of office. They should therefore stand down from office for at least a year. However, there is provision under the Measure for the meeting to resolve that this section shall not apply this year. Irene therefore proposed that the automatic disqualification after 6 years does not apply in the Parish of Costessey for this year. The proposal was seconded by Margaret Chamberlain. The proposal was unanimously agreed by all present.

  1. Election of Churchwardens. Irene proposed that: Libby Glover & Denis Collen be elected as Churchwardens in the Parish of Costessey for the coming year. This proposal was seconded by Jon Hill. The proposal was unanimously agreed by all present.

17

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  1. Vacancy update. Edward Land, the previous Priest In Charge has left the Parish of Costessey to take up a new appointment in Bungay. The Bishop of Norwich has agreed to appoint a Priest in Charge of the Parish for another three years but this is the last time he will be allowed to do so. A candidate has been found and interviewed by the Chair of the Deanery Synod, the Archdeacon, Denis and Libby but the name of this person cannot be announced until the Bishop has given his approval.

  2. Minutes of APCM 2021. These were read and approved by all present as a true and accurate record of the APGM held in 2021 and signed by the Chair, Denis Collen.

3. Matters arising. None.

  1. Electoral Roll. There are at present 67 names on the Electoral Roll which is updated every six years. The last update was 2019. However, any of the congregation can add their name to the Roll during this six years should they wish to do so. Kate Reeve oversees the register and Denis thanked her for her input.

  2. Annual Financial Report and Accounts. All present were given a copy of the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Receipts and Payments Account. A copy of this is in the file. The Treasurer Michael Gill, gave an overview of a very difficult year due mainly to the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic. The parish share request for 2021 was £36,000 but it was only possible to pay £21,390. Even though the Diocese have kept the parish share to £36,000 for 2022/2003. Mike also warned of a difficult year ahead with the massive rise in utility bills. However, it wasn't all doom and gloom with two years of the CPR (Church Planting and Resuscitation) money remaining with which to carry ut church growth and the publishing of a new Costessey News thanks to Lynda Jones. Mike asked people to consider giving to the church by Standing Order which would give a more accurate picture of money coming in each month. Reg Harvey proposed that the accounts be accepted and the proposal was seconded by Sandra Gill. This proposal was unanimously agreed by all present.

6. Reports from Parish Organisations.

18

He outlined the work done to promote Height, Width and Depth within SH+ED Church.

Height

Width

Depth

The report ended with a verse from 1 Corinthians 3

St Edmunds:

A report was read by all present and a copy is in the file.

St Helens:

19

The merits of three architects are being assessed so that when money is available the project to turn St Helen's church and hall into a community hub can begin. The group is mindful that the new vicar will want some input on this large project and also smaller projects such as signage to both churches and kitchen improvements at St Helen's.

Bill thanked Libby and Denis and the PCC for their work during the past year.

The meeting ended with a prayer led by Bill.

20

Appendix 2 – Building Working Group (BWG)

On Revd Edward Land’s departure the BWG decided to carry on with overseeing the fabric of St Edmunds and St Helens, together with expanding the initiative of a major overhaul of St Helens.

At St Edmunds the installation of the vestry doors was completed and Ruth Blackman, Architect, was appointed to oversee a scheme to upgrade the rest of the vestry.

At St Helens; Amy Tyrrell was appointed as architect for Phase 1 which would include concept drawings and an outline specification, CCD Ltd were asked to make a services assessment of the property. With this information, Andrew Morton and Associates were to provide costings. There were informal talks with Saul Penfold, grant specialist.

Costs came in at £1.6million, reduced to £1million by the group. The high sums gave rise to a lot of soul searching, it was agreed that the costs represented our wishes, we needed to find out our needs through wider consultation. This was to be in the form of presentations to the church family and to outside interested groups and through a poll circulated by Rev James. This would bring an end to Phase 1 and, due to a generous donation and through the ProHelp initiative, there was no cost to the church.

The heating at St Helens was so unreliable that the PCC agreed to the installation of infrared quartz heaters in the church and hall.

New signage was installed at both churches thanks to a generous donation.

Update since January

St Helens Church:

The presentations have taken place. A new committee ‘Building for the Future’, chaired by David Thompson is to be chosen. The new heating is about to be fitted.

Thanks to all – particularly to David for the presentations and to Kevin Payne for the heating.

St Edmunds:

The vestry upgrade is being tendered.

Mark Lusher

Chair

21

Appendix 3 – Deanery Synod Report for 2022

There were two meetings this year, the first in June, here St Helens, Costessey and the second in November at St Elizabeth’s, Earlham.

In June 2022 there was still concern supporting the churches after covid with congregations and clergy not back to full strength. Part of the aim of the meeting continued to be coming alongside each other, facing our difficulties together. We also had a presentation from Robert Culver, from the Diocese team, about the Parish Giving Scheme. This is part funded by the Diocese and aims to make things easier for PCC treasurers, and cut bank charges for individual parishes.

By November 2022 there was increasing attempted focus on discussions around the Living in Love and Faith material; Patrick Richmond, Clergy Chair, produced an excellent summary to help us. However, it was impossible to have any meaningful discussion, as fear of being called ‘homophobic’ as opposed to ‘progressive’ were too readily in people’s minds.

In January, as a response to the Living in Love and Faith material, the House of Bishops produced a book of draft worship resources – Prayers of Love and Faith . It is a range of prayers and readings which could be used in a church service, such as a Service of the Word or a Service within a Celebration of Holy Communion. There are many concerns about the introduction of these prayers however the discussions are more measured and realistic with quieter voices being heard. Please continue to pray for our Bishop, +Graham.

Sandra Isaac

Lay Chair

Norwich South Deanery Synod

22