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2021-12-31-accounts

The Parish of Holy Trinity Heath Town Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting 27[th] April 2022 at 7.30pm (Preceded by the Meeting of Parishioners)

CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
General Information 2
Standing Orders 6
Agenda 7
Minutes of the APCM 2021 8
Electoral roll report 9
PCC Report 10
Financial Report 11
Vicars Report 13
Lichfield Diocesan Synod Report 15
Wolverhampton Deanery Synod Report 15
Buildings and Grounds (Wardens’ Report) 16
Children, Youth and Families 17
Growing Disciples 18
Justice and Community Outreach 19
Pastoral Care and Ministry to the Third Age 19
Worship and Prayer 20
Appendix - Statement of Accounts Appendix - Statement of Accounts
Independent Examiners Report 1
Statement of Financial Activities 2
Balance Sheet 3
Notes to the Financial Statements) 4-12

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity Heath Town Wolverhampton Registered Charity No: 1191259

Praying – Serving – Sharing Jesus

The vision of the church is for the whole fellowship to express our love for God, for God’s world and for the community through;

Praying earnestly; Serving others wholeheartedly; Sharing our faith relevantly; Using our buildings appropriately In order to bring Christian hope and the love of Jesus to all.

Information for year ending December 2021

Reference & Administrative.

Church & Location: Holy Trinity Church Bushbury Road, Heath Town Wolverhampton WV10 0LY Diocese : Lichfield Incumbent: Revd Richard Merrick Holy Trinity Vicarage Bushbury Road Wolverhampton WV10 0LY Assistant Curate Revd. Kate Tingle Associate Minister Revd Pippa Goldring (until January 2022) Youth and Community Worker Emma Hammond The Licensed Lay Ministers Gill Brackett (Reader) David Hunter (Reader) William Nicholls (Reader) Anne Abbiss (LLM until May 21) Marcia Hamilton (LLM)

Members of Covenanted Leadership Team

The team has the authority of the Bishop to work with the clergy to ensure the ministry & mission of the church is carried out.

Areas of Ministry

Buildings & Grounds Robert Booth & Sylvia Gilbert Children, Youth & Families Emma Hammond Evangelism Revd Richard Merrick Growing Disciples Bill Nicholls (until December 2021) Justice & Community Outreach Mark Smith (until September 2021) Pastoral Care & ministry to the 3[rd] Age Pippa Goldring (Until January 2022) Worship & Prayer Liz Cope

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The members of the PCC from April 2021 were as follows;

Name Basis of appointment Revd Richard Merrick (Incumbent/Chair) Ex Officio Revd. Kate Tingle (Assistant Curate) Ex Officio (appointed June 2021) Revd Pippa Goldring (Associate Minister) Ex Officio Sylvia Gilbert-Reiter (Church Warden) Ex Officio (Deanery Synod Rep) Robert Booth (Church Warden) Ex officio Nigel Clark (Treasurer) Co-opted Margaret Nicholls (Secretary, Deputy Treasurer) Elected Gill Brackett Ex Officio (Reader) David Hunter Co-opted (Reader) William (Bill) Nicholls Ex officio (Reader) Anne Abbiss Co-opted (Safeguarding Officer; Local Lay Minister until May 2021) Marcia Hamilton Co-opted (Local Lay Minister) David Cope Ex Officio (Diocesan Synod Rep until November 2021 co-opted after November 2021) Elizabeth (Liz) Cope Ex Officio (Diocesan Synod Rep until November 2021 co-opted after November 2021) Sam Duru Ex Officio (Diocesan Synod Rep) Sarah Weston Ex officio (Deanery Synod Rep) Donna C A Booth Elected Stephen Brackett Elected (Deputy Warden) Joshua Charles Elected Graham Charles Elected Tracey Charles Elected Rita Duru Elected Kathleen Hawtin Elected Anne Hunter Elected

John Jones Elected (Deputy Warden until August 2021)

Principal advisers; Bankers; Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 250, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT Architect; Bryan Martin, 36 Banbury Lane, Byfield, Northants, NN11 6UX

Independent Examiner; Bytheway & Co, Heame House, 23 Bilston Street Sedgley DY3 1JA

Structure, Governance & Management

The PCC is a registered charity having been first registered on the 17[th] September 2020. Its governing documents are the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and APCM the Church Representation Rules.

P.C.C. members are appointed in a number of ways:

Clergy and Churchwardens are members by virtue of office.

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Deanery Synod representatives are ex officio and are elected by the Annual Parochial Meeting (APCM) and hold office for 3 years.

Diocesan Synod Representatives are ex officio and are elected by Deanery Synod and hold office for 3 years.

General Synod representatives are ex officio and are elected by Diocesan Synod and hold office for 5 years.

All Readers are ex-officio and all Local Lay Ministers are co-opted annually. Other members of the PCC are elected annually for a three-year term, or co-opted.

New PCC members are given induction training as necessary to enable them to carry out their role effectively.

The PCC makes all decisions corporately except that the standing committee (see below) has delegated powers to make decisions between PCC meetings subject to keeping the PCC informed as fully as necessary.

The PCC is responsible for all the parish finance. Members of the PCC give delegated responsibility to the Treasurer for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the PCC and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the PCC and to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice’ Accounting by Charities’ 2015. The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The PCC is also required to ensure that the financial statements are examined by an independent examiner or auditor prior to the presentation to the Annual Parochial Meeting.

In addition, there is:

A Gift Aid Secretary, appointed by the PCC to manage Gift Aid Systems.

Standing Committee –this committee consists of Clergy, 2 Churchwardens, and Treasurer and up to 3 representatives of the PCC. This group has power to transact the business of the PCC between PCC meetings, reporting to the full PCC as appropriate.

The PCC and Leadership Team meet at an annual Away Day and at appropriate times throughout the year.

The Parish is part of the Deanery of Wolverhampton , which is part of the Diocese of Lichfield.

Activities, Achievements & Public Benefit

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Usual Sunday attendance: Adults 111 110 116 114 100 101 * *
Children 35 32 26 27 28 27 * *
Christmas Eve/Day attendance : 470 429 464 563 451 403 69 329
Easter Day attendance: 192 182 173 173 181 187 * 115
Baptisms 25 20 16 4 12 13 1 10
Weddings 7 2 4 4 4 2 0 1
Confirmations 8 4 8 0 3 0 0 0
Funerals (church service) 12 15 14 14 14 16 18 16
Funerals (Crematorium) 9 17 22 17 18 14 18 16
Burials 9 11 8 5 4 5 11 7
Burials of Cremated Remains 9 4 10 7 9 9 8 10
Electoral Roll 154 158 171 173 173 137 140 142

The Mission Action Plan is reviewed annually. This provides the structure for mission and ministry.

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pandemic restrictions in 2021 and services were live streamed at 10.30am on Sundays and 6.45pm on Wednesdays. Services were re introduced as and when regulations allowed.

Plans.

Throughout all activities, the PCC is mindful of the importance of Risk Assessment taking place.

The members of the PCC are aware of the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit in the Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit. Members believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity Heath Town, it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively within the Ecclesiastical Parish. In doing so it provides a benefit to the public by;

Throughout all activities, we aim to implement our Vision Statement by caring, supporting and serving each other, caring for God’s world and sharing the love of Jesus with all.

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Standing Orders 2022

NB It is recommended that deputies be appointed to the Key positions in (v)

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Holy Trinity Church Heath Town APCM Agenda 27[th] April 2022

Meeting of Parishioners (the Vestry Meeting). 7.15pm

1. Welcome and Opening Worship.

2. Standing Orders for year 2023 elections

3. Election of Church Wardens.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting. 7.30pm

1. Opening Prayers

2. Apologies

3. Minutes of the A.P.C.M held on 29[th] April 2021

4. Matters Arising

5. Vicar’s report

6. Electoral Roll – Changes in Membership from previous year

7. Annual PCC Report

8. Treasurer’s Finance Report & Appointment of Independent Examiner

9. Fabric Report Buildings and Grounds [Wardens]

10. Deanery Synod Report

11. PCC Elections & Appointment of Stewards

12. Appointment of Sides-persons

13. Closing Prayers

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Minutes of Annual Parochial Meeting of Holy Trinity Heath Town on 29[th] April 2021

Meeting of Parishioners (Vestry Meeting) took place in chancel at 7.00pm.

The meeting was chaired by Revd. Richard Merrick who welcomed 21 people present. The Chair opened the meeting with prayer

There had been no proposal to renew Standing Orders.

Election of Churchwardens & Deputy Wardens;

The Chair proposed a vote of thanks to Rita Duru and Graham Charles who had completed their term of office as Churchwardens.

.

Elections took place for Churchwardens

Sylvia Gilbert Proposed by Rita Duru Seconded by Gill Brackett Robert Booth Proposed by Steve Brackett Seconded by Bill Nicholls

Election for Deputy Wardens

Stephen Brackett and John Jones Proposed by Revd R. Merrick and Seconded by David Cope As there were no further nominations the above were duly elected. . The meeting concluded with prayer at 7.10pm

The Annual Meeting followed and took place in the main body of the church.

Everyone present was socially distanced and wearing a mask according to Covid - 19 Regulations.

. Revd. Richard Merrick welcomed 30 adults to the meeting in church and 11 others joining us by Zoom. Apologies were received from Sarah Weston.

The meeting began with Prayer followed with a Bible reading. The Vicar said that many people were experiencing anxiety at the present time. but God tells us not to worry & not to be afraid. As people of faith God will be with us in all circumstances. We need to be cautious but trust in the presence of God.

The meeting then followed the following format;

The APCM Booklet for 2021 was presented to the front of church. The Booklet represented the activities of 2021.

The reports were accepted unanimously by all present and by those on-line. There were no matters arising.

The Chair invited any questions to any of the Reports.

Steve Brackett reminded the meeting that the Lych gate was technically a community resource and not a church resource and was due to be refurbished under Wolverhampton City Council, The War Memorials Trust and other donations.

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Everyone unreservedly accepted the reports.

Then followed the Financial Report by Nigel Clark (Treasurer) who directed the meeting to the printed accounts. The Treasurer emphasized the Financial Statement, the meaning of the terms Unrestricted, Restricted and Designated funds He also summarised the conditions for the loan from Lichfield Diocese. He went on to speak through our Income and Expenditure and the importance of seeking external funding for such things as Heating, Drains, Car Park Re-surfacing, Youth Worker.

In conclusion the Treasurer mentioned the challenges we have to face in 2022 and the ongoing generosity of the church family. Nigel gave thanks for the many volunteers who enable mission and ministry to continue, but most of all to God for His generosity to us all. In conclusion The Treasurer proposed the Financial Report for 2021 – this was accepted by everyone.

The Treasurer proposed the PCC continue to engage Bytheway Accountants, Sedgley This was seconded by Margaret Nicholls and agreed by all.

In conclusion the Chair thanked Nigel for his contribution to the life and ministry of the Church. Thanks were also extended to Margaret Nicholls (Assistant Treasurer) Tony Charles (Gift Aid Secretary) and Sam Duru (Pensions).

Fabric Report

The meeting was told that the Quinquennial Inspection ( 5 yearly Cycle) had not taken place because of Covid restrictions.

Bill Nicholls expressed thanks to Nigel Clark and his helpers as well as John Goldring and team for all the work that had been undertaken in the churchyard. The valiant work of all involved was rewarded by a presentation of a Silver Award by Diocese of Lichfield –this being the only one in an urban area. Thanks were also expressed on behalf of the local community by Kath Hawtin.

As there were no further questions to any of the Reports we moved on to other items on the agenda

Elections to PCC

John Jones Proposed by Stephen Brackett Seconded by Liz Cope Emma Bland Proposed by Gill Brackett Seconded by Bill Nicholls Revd R. Merrick Vicar Revd P. Goldring Assistant Minister S. Gilbert, R. Booth, N. Clark, M. Nicholls, G. Brackett, D. Hunter, W. Nicholls, M. Hamilton, D. Cope, E. Cope, R. Duru, S. Duru, A. Hunter, K. Hawtin. D. Booth, T. Charles, S. Brackett,

See Introductory pages for the status of all members.

Appointment of Sides-persons

The Chair thanked those involved, however we do not have sufficient team members to be effective. Agreed to appoint all existing members and endeavour to recruit others,

In conclusion

Bill Nicholls offered a vote of thanks to Richard and Pippa for leading us through some difficult times The meeting ended with prayer at 8.30pm

Electoral Roll Report

Number of people on the Electoral Roll were as follows 2020 - 140, 2021 -142. For 2022 143.

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PCC Report

2020 and 2021 were difficult and very different years for all of us and the PCC had to adapt to changes in how it operates. Meetings were held on Zoom and in person when restrictions permitted. Despite difficulties the PCC did manage to get through a lot of business during the year. We received regular updates regarding finance, as well as the work of the Ministry Teams, Deanery and Diocesan Synods (meeting by Zoom). Please refer to more detailed Reports in this booklet.

A Stewardship Campaign, planned for September 2020 was deferred to a later date. Likewise a planned Weekend Away to Cefn Lea in 2021 was moved to July 2022.

The PCC approved the purchase of picnic benches in the churchyard, closure of Lunch Club and launch of Coffee + Chat, Evacuation of Building Policy, Post Covid protocols and Risk Assessment. The Quinquennial report identified electrical work that needed attention. This work was completed in Autumn 2021

The PCC discussed our involvement in House into Action and it was agreed that due to changing circumstances we would not renew the contract. We are indebted to Nigel and the band of willing volunteers who were involved with this initiative over many years. It is good to see that the work with the homeless is evident in the city through Good Shepherd Centre and Food Banks, such as The Well and Harvest Temple. The PCC continue to support Rob Vassell as he trains to be a Reader and were thrilled when Emma Bland secured a place on the Reader Ministry Course. We are pleased that Emma Hammond is ‘exploring various options in full time ministry’. In the Autumn we welcomed Craig Pickering from the parish of Codsall on placement here in Heath Town and wish him well in his future ministry.

The pandemic meant that ever-changing guidelines had to be adhered to, none more so than how we meet for worship. The PCC are indebted to the Clergy and Worship and Prayer Team for acquiring new skills to ensure that we could all be involved in regular worship.

The PCC are grateful to so many people who work behind the scenes to secure funding, to ensure the Church and grounds are kept in good condition, and to those who keep communications up to date.

Other topics covered throughout the year included Lychgate refurbishment, Black History Month, Electoral Roll Officer, Readers permission to officiate, Health and Safety, Approval of Parochial Fees 2021, the work in Trinity and Heath Park Schools, Shaping for Mission in Wolverhampton and the way forward as an Eco Church.

In all dealings with people the PCC of Holy Trinity Heath Town recognises that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives. As such, the PCC undertakes to adopt the following policy documents and implement them as a parish policy for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults; Diocese of Lichfield Safeguarding Policy (2017); Protecting All God’s Children, Promoting Safe Church, Safeguarding Social Media and On-Line Activities. (Note; Mrs Anne Abbiss is the Safeguarding Office at Holy Trinity)

The PCC thank God for all involved in the many facets of Church life. We give special thanks to Pippa and John Goldring for the contribution they have made to the life and ministry of the Church in Heath Town.

We pray that God will continue to bless His work in Heath Town, as we seek to serve the local community during a time of many changes.

Margaret Nicholls PCC Secretary

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Financial Report

This report relates to the financial activities of the Holy Trinity Heath Town Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the year ending 31[st] December 2021 and is to be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements (FS).

Statements (FS). Statements (FS). Statements (FS).
The Balance Sheet from the FS is supported by an attached chart which includes a breakdown of the
Restricted Funds at year end. The following table summarises funds:-
Unrestricted Funds
£21,065
Designated Funds
£3,000
Restricted Funds
£40,868
Excluding Kitchen capital of £107,795
Total Funds
£64,933
Unrestricted Funds £21,065
Designated Funds £3,000
Restricted Funds £40,868 Excluding Kitchen capital of £107,795
Total Funds £64,933

Income and Expenditure at notes 2 and 3 in the FS are supported by two pie charts to show the relative values. The Expenditure Pie Chart also includes a Summary of Financial Activities which shows a total of £172,728, which includes the capital of £107,795 for the Kitchen Servery, carried forward into 2022. All bills for the Kitchen Servery Project are now paid. However, the Diocesan loan of £23,150 taken out to support the project, will start to be repaid in 2022 over a 7-year period.

Voluntary Income from Church members has held up reasonably well, considering the recent difficult years. For several years, a normal weekly regular voluntary income has been about £1000. By comparison, 2021 recovered slightly to £968 following a noticeable drop in 2020 to £937.

Gift Aid Income Tax reclamation has also noticeably reduced to £8,820 for the financial year 2020/2021. For comparison, 2017/8 was £11,735, 2018/9 was £12,178 and 2019/20 was £11,151. We must pay attention to these trends over the next few years. We had planned to hold a Stewardship Campaign in 2020 but due to Covid restrictions and risk, this was postponed. This year, 2022, would seem a good year to hold this campaign to uphold Giving and Gift Aid returns. Expenditure did reduce in 2020 to approximately £7,000 less than that in 2019 and 2021.

Missionary Giving: The PCC strives to donate 10% of voluntary giving to organisations involved in various aspects of mission, relief and development work in the UK and Overseas. This was again maintained in 2021.

The PCC always attempts to act responsibly with the resources they are given to achieve our mission as focused in our Mission Statement, while supplying the needs and avoiding waste.

Nigel Clark, Treasurer

----- Start of picture text -----
2021 Balance Sheet
Fund Movements
Unrestricted Funds £21,065
Designated Funds £3,000
£140,000 Restricted Funds £148,663
Tangible Assets, £119,835
Total Funds £172,728
£120,000 Total excl Capital= £64,933
£100,000
Breakdown of Restricted Funds
£80,000 Building Fund £0
+-Capital Kitchen Fund £107,795
£60,000 Bank/Cash, £50,863 Job Club £0
Churchyard £0
£40,000 Coffee & Chat £1,422
Investment, £25,166
Youth Fund £36,798
£20,000 Debtors, £14,820 Youth Events £2,472
Trinity Toddlers -£159
£0 Lichgate £585
Cefn Lea -£250
-£20,000 (Creditors), -£14,806 Total excl Capital = £40,868
(Creditor Loan), -£23,150
-£40,000
----- End of picture text -----

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----- Start of picture text -----
2021 Total Expenditure Analysis SOFA Summary
Total Income £143,445
Total Expenditure £130,858
Mission Other, £250
Mission Community, Investment Gain £3,164
2020 CFWD £156,977
£1,190
Cost of Generating 2021 CFWD £172,728
Mission Home,
Voluntary Income,
£3,325
£146
Mission Overseas,
£2,074
Diocesan Parish
Share, £33,935
Salaries & Honoraria
PR, £32,482
Fees to Diocese,
£5,940
Other Church Costs
PR, £9,708 Other Ministry Costs,
£4,594
Hall Running &
Maintenance, £5,361
Church Running &
Maintenance,
£31,853
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Insurance claim, 2021 Total Income Analysis Coffee & Chat,
£250 £1,422
Sundry, £155
Shares Interest, £639
Building Fund, £421
Kitchen VAT Reclaim,
Hall Lettings, £1,430
£583
Fees, £14,285
Lichgate Fund R,
£5,075
Contribution to
Mission Activities R,
£0 Stewardship GA,
£40,677
Churchyard & War
Graves R, £678
School Managers
Fund, £1,200
Youth Events R, £0 Stewardship NGA,
£5,383
Income Tax
Recovered, £8,820
YW Grants &
Donations R, £39,001
Open Plate, £4,277
Churchyard
Donations R, £0
Donations, £19,115
Occasional Open
Plate, £34
----- End of picture text -----

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Vicar’s Report

As I write this reflection on the year to end 31st December 2021, we are approaching the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally Lent is a time in the Church’s calendar for Christians to focus on repentance and sacrifice; a period for fasting and abstinence, so as to help us fix our gaze on Jesus and to focus on God. We are living through a momentous time in history, and before I reflect on the impact that the pandemic has had on the Church. I feel it is necessary to comment the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting devastation of life and property that has caused. This pseudoreligious war, perpetrated by the Russian national leadership of both state and church that promotes an ideology of “Russki Mir – Holy Rus”: That is the idea that there is such a thing as a Russian World influence or Holy Russia, is a contradiction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the Lord’s desire for unity in His Church. Such ‘Orthodox’ ideology has been condemned by prominent leaders and theologians from the Orthodox Church internationally, as well as from local Orthodox priests inside Russia. We would do well to remember that this war is not owned universally by the Russian people. Christians today, as the disciples of Jesus Christ in this age, and every age, are before all else citizens of the Kingdom of God. As sojourners in this world our primary purpose is to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and in so doing to be “Good News”. That is where our allegiance must lie. And to pray actively and not passively for peace, that is for truth, mercy and justice to prevail. Jesus said, “Blessed are the ‘peacemakers’ [not the peacekeepers] for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9.

2021 for Holy Trinity Church was another year affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our activities have been restricted and our average Sunday attendance has reduced. We are not unique in experiencing such changes. This has been the story for churches everywhere, as well as for all denominations and traditions, from larger gathered Pentecostal churches to local parish churches. This is true internationally. The pattern of church attendance has changed. A recent study from York St John’s University confirmed that some people have concluded that they no longer want to attend church. Others have changed their pattern and regularity of church attendance; and yet others are still to return. We have yet to see the full effect of this locally at Holy Trinity. However, regardless of how we measure ‘bums on seats’ the one indisputable fact is that the sacrificial giving that you, our church members regularly make, has been maintained throughout these difficult times. For the most part our finances have held up, and I take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all who generously contribute your tithing and giving to the work of our church, which enables us to meet our obligations and to further the mission and the ministry to which we are called as the Body of Christ in this community. Thanks be to you and grateful thanks to our generous God for such provision. Restrictions on church attendance meant that we were not able to gather back in church for communal in person worship until Palm Sunday, and since then we have met regularly to worship God together, notwithstanding my previous comments. This is our primary calling to worship the living God. However, worship is not just about singing songs and gathering in the church building. To worship in spirit and in truth requires a whole attitude of life; acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God, loving God with all heart, soul and mind, and loving our neighbour. The practical outworking of this is through the ministry and mission that we undertake beyond the confines of the church building as well as within it. And it is good that we have been eventually able to restart or to expand initiatives such as Place of Welcome, Trinity Toddlers, the ministry of our Youth & Community Worker and our ministry in our schools, Friendship Group, Coffee + Chat, (which has replaced Lunch Club), support for the food banks and the commitment of individuals to organisations such as NPVAN and Heathfield Park CAN; and not least in our relationships and our witness to the love of God with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. This is all part of the whole of what it means to worship God in spirit and in truth.

During the year we lost several significant members of our church family who died: Muriel Charles, Philip Bacchus, Sylvia Kendall, Mary Evans and Mervis Liston. Their various faithful contributions and commitment to life and the fellowship of our church family cannot be underestimated. They are sadly missed and as we prayed at the time of their deaths, we entrust them to the Lord. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. On a happier note, in June we welcomed the Revd Kate Tingle as Assistant Curate, along with her husband Will into the family of the church. We have enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to Kate’s ordination as priest in June 2022 and the birth of their first child this summer.

One of the great joys of Holy Trinity Heath Town is the diverse nature of our church family. Our ethnic, social and cultural mix brings many blessings and it’s great that we are able to celebrate this in our life

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and worship together. I’m pleased to report that our Marathi speaking brothers and sisters have restarted their in-person worship. I encourage everyone to pray for Bishop Pankaj Devnoor as he undergoes medical treatment at this time. We have been able to mark Racial Justice Sunday and intend to include this as a regular feature in our diary, and also Black History Month, which we celebrated for the first time at church in the Autumn. I trust that these initiatives will bear fruit towards the intention in our prayer strategy in seeking God to call out the next generation of leaders, and that our church leadership and ministry team will truly reflect our church family in all its diversity. To that end I further celebrate the fact that we have two Readers-in-Training. Rob Vassell and Emma Bland, who began their two-year course in September. Please continue to pray for them as they work towards being licensed in September 2023.

I cannot close without acknowledging Pippa and John Goldring, giving thanks to God for their ministry among us and for the friendship and the love they have shared with us. In September Pippa announced that she would be retiring in January and that she and John would be moving to South Wales to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Pippa joined Holy Trinity Church as Stipendiary Assistant Curate in 2010. Her curacy was scheduled to end at around the time of my appointment as vicar in 2014 and Pippa asked if she could remain at Holy Trinity in a self-supporting capacity as she felt called to stay. In doing so she turned down a paid position elsewhere. That selfless commitment is typical of Pippa and John’s faithfulness towards the Lord and His church; two people who are very much loved by all and who will be greatly missed. We trust and pray that the Lord will bless them as they move to Cardiff and that they in turn will be a blessing to the community with whom they will be living.

Looking Forward: – 2022 and beyond, the structure of PCC and Ministry Team. A conversation that began within the ministry team and PCC during 2021 has culminated in a new structure that will be implemented from May 2022, as we restructure the way we do things in terms of leadership and administration. Based on the Five Marks of Mission devised by the Anglican Consultative Council and adopted by the Church of England, which are: - • To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom • To teach, baptise and nurture new believers • To respond to human need by loving service • To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation • To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. From May 2022 each PCC member will be included in at least one of the five Areas of Mission Teams as sub-committees of the PCC: “Proclaim”, “Nurture”, “Pastoral Care”, “Transformation” and “Sustain and Renew”, each with an Area of Mission leader. These ‘teams’ will be open to membership and support to and from all members of the church. Please do look out for more information about this. Within the brief of the “Proclaim” team will be “Evangelism” an area of mission that I have been taking the team lead on. Our activities in this regard have been rather muted, in part because of the restrictions that have been placed on us. Events that we had planned to be a part city-wide events had to be cancelled. We did manage to produce and distribute Christmas Cards to the community; and plans were made to begin an Alpha Course, which is now running. Bringing this vital area of ministry into the remit of the new Area of Mission Team should improve our focus on how we proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom in the future. We trust and pray that the Lord will guide and direct us by His Holy Spirit as we look to the future with confidence and hope.

Prayers and blessings to all

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Lichfield Diocesan Synod Report

Synod is made up of Clergy & Laity members who have been elected by Deaneries to represent them at this level. Amongst the representatives for Wolverhampton Deanery are Revd. Richard Merrick (Clergy); Sam Duru and David & Liz Cope (Laity). David & Liz’s term of office ended before the November Synod. The Synod usually meets 3 times a year (2 on Saturdays & 1 evening) at various venues throughout the diocese - each having to be large enough to accommodate up to 360 members. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all meetings during 2021 took place online via Zoom.

Meetings always begin with worship, followed by any welcomes and farewells among the Diocesan team and approval of minutes of the previous meeting. There is then a presidential address by Bishop Mike, centring on the topics to be discussed. Presentations and discussions on a wide range of topics then follow, with some papers being received and others voted upon. Synod ends with a closing prayer.

At Diocesan Synod on March 13[th] , the following were received/discussed: -

At Diocesan Synod on July 28[th] , the following were received/discussed: -

For further information on the work of Lichfield Diocesan Synod see the diocesan website www.lichfield.anglican.org.

Liz Cope, Diocesan Synod rep until November 2021

Wolverhampton Deanery Synod Report

Synod met once during 2021, the meeting took place via Zoom on the 4th March.

The meeting was opened in prayer by Revd Robertson from St Jude’s Church, Tettenhall, we then moved on and followed the agenda. We firstly looked at the election of Lay Chair, Vice Lay Chair and Deanery Secretary, Mr Robin Whitehouse, Mr Stephen Robinson and Mrs Sarah Weston were duly elected.

We then discussed how the parishes were coping during lockdown, and what things had been working for them. Most parishes were streaming their services via Zoom, they were also doing youth groups, youth clubs, Bible groups, Alpha and school assemblies on Zoom and at Wolverhampton University they held a webinar Women of Faith in the Workplace.

Many churches felt that their Congregation were lower on Zoom, and that there was some anxiety among parishioners about returning to the church building. All were working towards opening for Easter Sunday services.

At St Martin’s Church, Coats for Kids - The Lifeboat Project was still being well used. This is a community project to ensure that children have a warm coat for Winter, with Gill Fenner being the life force behind it. During last year over 300 coats, had been given to children, they also gave out clothes, shoes and school uniform. Deliveries were being made by Gill in full PPE; this also provided her with a chance to pray with families if they wanted her to. The service normally stopped in March, but this year it would carry on throughout the year as demand was great.

We next moved on to Parish Finances, with many church finances suffering during lockdown. We looked at Just Giving and how this worked and if it would be beneficial to have this option on churches

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web pages. The meeting concluded in prayer.

Once again this has been a difficult year for many, but the parishes within Wolverhampton Deanery, have again done as much as they could to stay in communication with their congregations. We pray that as we all return to some normality, parishes will once more grow and flourish and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

All Synod meetings are interesting and informative, they give us an opportunity to hear from other parishes within Wolverhampton Deanery about their church life.

Sarah Weston

Hon.Sec Wolverhampton Deanery Synod

Wardens’ Report

The PCC is indebted to the wardens and deputy wardens for the work undertaken to ensure the buildings and grounds are generally in a very good condition. A summary of the work undertaken is listed below:

Buildings

A final jet cleaning of all the drain-runs for the church was done in September 21. The ‘lost’ drain run from the chancel has now been located and repaired.

External jet washing of the north, west and south sides of the church has been completed. The east end is planned to be cleaned before 170[th] anniversary of the church (July 2022). A new fence was fitted in Toddlers Garden.

Testing was done on all portable appliances (PAT).

We failed the Electrical Safety Report in March 2021. All faults have been rectified and some faulty wiring replaced. A new Safety Certificate has now been issued.

Historic damage to the oak Rood Screen has been repaired.

The postponed 5 yearly Quinquennial inspection took place in October 2021. The major items are:

a) North aisle roof needs attention to prevent water getting into the timbers and causing rot.

b) The carpark is becoming dangerous, particularly for those with limited mobility.

c) The condition of the high up windows need attention.

The above items will be expensive to fix. The roof leaks above the internal South porch continues to be monitored.

Two picnic tables have been fixed outside North porch.

The underground burial vault in churchyard was inspected by camera insertion. There had been no change since the last inspection. This needs to be monitored on a 5 yearly cycle.

Following the completion of the new servery at the back of church a new Evacuation Procedure was drawn up. Handrails were fitted at the twin steps at both doors in the Vicar’s Vestry.

The church heating continues to be monitored, with a view to improving it. The Hall boiler recently had improvements and the radiators flushed through.

Challenges for the future are: Removal of vegetation from church roof. Hall ceiling to be insulated. Lych Gate - the War Memorials Trust and City Council are in charge of renovation. Minor mortar repair work.

Investigation of North porch to prevent draughts.

Grounds.

2021 saw the retirement of Ray Roskam who had faithfully looked after the churchyard in a voluntary capacity since the l990’s.

Nigel, Glenn and Ray continued with the mowing and strimming and kept the churchyard looking smart despite Covid-19. This included hedge/ tree trimming, litter picking and bin emptying. This was complemented by the Churchyard Gardening team, led by John Goldring, who looked after the Community Garden and some other areas. The Churchyard Award Scheme judges were impressed with the work undertaken and a Silver Award was achieved.

The PCC and the local community appreciate the dedication of all who work in the churchyard to ensure it reflects God’s Glory

Sylvia Gilbert and Robert Booth Churchwardens

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Children, Youth and Families Report

The start of the year had the new CY&F’s team looking at how we move forward, as we emerge from the lockdowns and identify how we connect and engage afresh in this area of ministry.

There were still some areas of CY&F work that, because of the pandemic, could not go ahead or started later in the year.

Children's Work

We were blessed during lockdown to welcome new families to Church and Wild Worship enabled us to continue to connect with our existing Church families during the lockdown months. Led by Emma Hammond and Donna Booth Wild Worship welcomes everyone to discover God outdoors in our Community Garden. Our time together has followed themes where we engage in different activities and discover God outdoors.

In September we launched “Kingdom Builders”, our new Sunday club, taking place at the 11.15 service, every 3rd and 5th Sunday in the month. Tracey Charles leads this with her team of volunteers. They have looked at communion, prayer, creation and Bible facts, and Christmas saw them celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Youth Work

Because of the pandemic, Emma in her role as Church Youth and Community Worker, continued to be creative in her approach. The main focus was ensuring that relationships and connections with the young people and their families were maintained. Whether it was through doorstep visits, walks around the park or meeting in coffee shops, supporting the young people in their personal lives and in their faith has been essential.

September saw the start of the new weekly church youth group ‘Rooted’ based on Colossians 2 v 7. We welcomed back familiar faces as well as some new ones and have learnt about faith and life together in a safe space. The ‘Discover the Wonder of Christmas’ was an event that the youth coordinated and led. It was open to the community and journeyed us through the Christmas story. Our Christmas Celebrations had us joining up with Excel Church for a silent disco and our youngsters bravely led the singing at our Christingle services.

Work with Trinity Primary Academy had previously been paused, but with lockdowns easing Emma was able to assist with the new Year 6 after-school youth group. This ran weekly during the school summer term and re-ignited connections with the pupils and staff.

The mentoring of the young people at Heath Park Senior School has continued. The youngsters are equipped with a toolbox of strategies for navigating everyday life and Emma has delivered programmes on anger, joy, loss and self esteem. The transition programme for youngsters moving up from Year 6 to 7. Emma was able to be part of, as well as leading the Easter and Advent assemblies.

As part of the ‘Relentless’ team, collaborative working enabled the delivery of live video events that brought together young people of faith (and none) across Wolverhampton. Emma also worked with the team to produce a short Lent video which was used in other Churches and a local senior school.

Work with the charity Simple Acts of Kindness continued throughout 2021. Clothes, white goods, furniture, food parcels and school supplies were provided to those in the WV10 area and to some of our local young people and their families.

Family Work

For the remainder of lockdown we stayed in contact with the parents and carers of Trinity Toddlers. One of our young people built an Easter scene out of Lego and a short Easter Story video was produced for the Toddlers to enjoy during lockdown. Fran and her team welcomed everyone back when Toddlers started in September. The children have enjoyed their weekly sessions of play, fun and arts and crafts. They have had a photographer come to make memories, Christmas celebrations, their own nativity books and of course a visit from Santa!

Our crèche area had a spruce up and sort out and we were able to welcome parents, carers and their babies when it opened up in September.

Reaching out into the community, we continue to support the work of New Park Village Activities Network. A 4-week summer activity programme ran at Heath Park, the local senior school. The activities

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have continued throughout the year with an October half term club and Christmas holiday club, providing games, arts and crafts, drumming and fitness events.

A mother and baby group started in April with funding that was obtained by Fran Oliver, to support mums who had babies during lockdown. The primary focus was to build new friendships and support each other during a period of much isolation. The group continues to thrive.

Our church and community families came together for The Easter Egg Hunt and the Light Party and we thank Fran and her team for providing these programmes that are needed and beneficial to many.

Thank-you to all the team and volunteers who continue to support and uphold this essential area of ministry.

Thank-you to all of you for your prayers, support and encouragement in the ministry of Children, Youth and Families.

As we continue to plant seeds and nurture the next generation together at Holy Trinity, may God guide us and bless us.

Emma Hammond

Children, Youth and Families Team Leader.

Growing Disciples 2021 Report

Growing Disciples is an important arm of the Ministry Team. The Growing Disciples team was led by Bill Nicholls until December ‘21 when he ‘retired’. The team included Annetta Cummings, Marcia Hamilton and Emma Hammond. Thanks are also due to many others who have contributed to our work in various ways.

The aim of Growing Disciples is:

To ensure all existing and new members of the Fellowship have access to appropriate nurture and training that will enable them to grow and develop as Christ’s disciples.

Many will know that their upbringing within the Church focussed on what they were taught in Sunday School and Children’s Church and proved key in providing the foundation for our faith as we grew as a Disciple of Christ. The work that the Children’s Youth and Families Team provide for the current fellowship is far reaching and sets the foundation of discipleship, and for this we must all be thankful to Gill Brackett, Emma Hammond and team. We would urge all readers who know young families to encourage their youngsters to get involved!

Members of our Fellowship are encouraged to grow by joining house groups and small Bible Study groups (supported by appropriate materials). They are also encouraged as individuals, to attend specific study, in order to grow as Christ’s disciples.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid 19 pandemic many of our planned programmes could not proceed. However, the following programmes did:

As plans emerge, post Covid, the Fellowship will be kept up-to-date through our church communication channels, including Jottings, Face Book pages and Web Site. If you believe you have a discipleship need, please do make contact with one of the team and we will do our best to make provision.

Bill Nicholls Team Leader for Growing Disciples

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Justice and Community Outreach Report

Covid – 19 has affected so many activities throughout the year. Some initiatives have been curtailed as detailed in other reports. The involvement with Missionary Giving, Plug into the Future, Hope into Action House and the Foodbanks at The Well and at Harvest Temple as well as Heathfield Park Community Action Network, New Park Village Activities Network continued.

The generous donations to Leprosy Mission, Christian Aid, Baby Basics are much appreciated and reflect the outpouring of God’s love for all.

Margaret Nicholls PCC Secretary

Pastoral Care and Ministry to the Third Age Report

This is our prayer for Holy Trinity - “And may the Lord make (our) love for one another and for all people grow and overflow…” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 The Pastoral Care Team, with the help of many others, seek to enable and provide appropriate support for all who call Holy Trinity their church, walking alongside one another as Christ walks alongside us. 2021 was a strange year again with Covid causing many of the activities and group meetings to remain on hold until September when slowly things began to open up again, although still wearing masks and keeping socially distanced.

The monthly Community Friendship Group started back in the Autumn and have enjoyed meeting together once again. However, at the time of writing this report, John Barratt and Steve Hopley who have led this group from the beginning, have decided that the time is right for them to step down and on behalf of the whole church, I want to say thank-you to them for their commitment to this group,for all their ideas and enthusiasm, and for their love and concern for those who attend. Some of the members will be taking on the leadership to ensure that the Friendship Group continues its valuable work. The Lunch Club which didn’t re start after the pandemic, has been replaced by a monthly ‘Coffee + Chat’ group where anyone, of any age is welcome to come along and have a drink and something to eat, and have a chat with others.

Place of Welcome opened up again in the early Summer on every Saturday morning, with the option of refreshments served outside - which worked so well that funding was sought and two wooden picnic tables and parasols were purchased and permanently placed on the grass area outside the North porch. Thanks go to the Asda Foundation and Near Neighbours for their grants towards these, along with individual donations. Place of Welcome provides a place for people from church and the community where they can find a welcome, hospitality, friendship and space, and in so doing, in some way modelling God’s hospitality to us.

The Connect Groups have been re launched as Connect Circles . These are our informal groupings to enable us to look out for one another, build friendship and offer support and the aim is for everyone to be in one of these Circles

The Pastoral Care teams seeks to encourage individuals, coming alongside people in times of need; providing Home Communions for those unable to attend church, long or short term, and visiting those who are sick. It’s been good to return to New Cross Care Home and once again deliver a monthly communion service, and although, as yet, we haven’t returned to Verona Court we are hoping that in the near future we may be able to renew the links with the residents there. The PrayerLine enables urgent or immediate prayer requests to be sent round via email, text and phone. This is on-going and open to anyone who needs such prayer, by contacting the clergy or one of the Pastoral Team. Thank-you to the Pastoral Care Team – to Anne Abbiss, Alison Vassell, Sue Booth and Marjorie Tibbitts – and to all those who lead the Connect Circles, those who run different groups, and those who quietly get on with supporting one another. But this report can’t end without mentioning Pippa Goldring who retired at the beginning of 2022, after being with us for many years. Throughout most of that time Pippa has headed up the Church’s Pastoral Care Ministry and has shown such love and care for those who see Holy Trinity as their church. Many, many people have been touched by her compassion and she will be greatly missed.

Gill Brackett Team Leader for Pastoral Care and Ministry to the Third Age

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Worship and Prayer Report

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Following a difficult 2020, 2021 saw further interruption of our normal pattern of worship. Due to rising Covid-19 infection rates and the increasing risk to public health in our local community, we suspended public worship in church from mid-January until 28[th] March. Many thanks go to Richard and Pippa for continuing to live-stream worship on You Tube at 10.30 on Sunday mornings and 6.45 on Wednesday evenings and streaming Morning prayer via Zoom on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday at 9.00am. Thanks also to Josh & Tony Charles for their technical support. I’m sure many of us spent extra time in private worship & prayer during this time too.

Many of our congregation joyfully returned to worship in church on Palm Sunday and we resumed our normal pattern of services then. However, congregational singing did not recommence until late July, when we were once again able to sing all together in praise and worship. Both morning services and Wednesday evening services continued to be streamed live via You Tube, to enable those who didn’t feel able to worship in church to join worship online. Morning prayer on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday were via Zoom until March 29[th] and continued to be accessible via Zoom for a few more months. During the remainder of 2021 folk gradually returned to our church services in person, but at the end of the year we still hadn’t returned to pre-pandemic numbers, so we pray more will feel able to return soon. It was good to see good attendance at our 2 Christingle Services on Christmas Eve, when the same service was repeated at 3.00pm & 4.30pm, to enable more distancing than if we had the usual single service.

Prayer for Life continued Tuesday afternoons at 2pm and the 1[st] Saturday of each month (via Zoom from Jan - March). Thanks to all who have continued to pray for our church and for the world either at these meetings or privately.

The Worship & Prayer Team, consisting of our Clergy, Readers, Tony Charles, Doreen Quammie and myself normally meet termly to discuss W&P issues and to plan ahead. In 2021 we didn’t meet for the first few months but met in May, July and September. Anne Hunter joined the team in July, along with our new curate, Kate.

Teams also met to plan some of our 11.15am services and to plan “Wild Worship” which took place monthly from May – July and quarterly from November.

Thanks to all who helped to keep worship and prayer going during all the difficulties 2021 brought, particularly those who took part in services by reading, leading intercessions or as stewards, more often than usual due to less people being available. We still need someone to lead our music ministry longterm, following the retirement of David Cope as Musical Director in 2019. Thanks to Ian, David and Barbara for sharing keyboard playing, also to all the singers and musicians, who enabled there to be live music most weeks, and thanks to Richard for sourcing songs from Ising for the services when we didn’t have enough musicians.

We pray that 2022 does not see any further interruption to us being able to meet for worship and prayer.

Liz Cope

Team Leader for Worship and Prayer

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