THE PARISH OF TORRISHOLME, THE ASCENSION INCLUDING WESTGATE, ST MARTIN ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022 Illlli VICAR: CHURCHWARDENS: Fr Damian Porter ASCFNSION Alan Forshaw Janet Diamond The Alm5 and purposes of the Parothial Churth Coundl The Parochial Church Council IPCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Damian Porter, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mi55ion of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also 5peclfically responsible for the maintenance of the Church of the Ascension and St Martln's Westgate Community Centre complex. ObJectlve5 and Artlvltle5 The PCC Is commttted to enabling as many people as possible of all ages to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into prartice through Word and Sacrament. Being rooted in the Catholic Tradition of the Church of England, our worship is centred on the Eucharist. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: Worship and prayer," learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus. Promsion of pastoral care for people living in the parish. Misslonary and outreach work. To facilltate thi5 work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church buildings and Communty Centres. The Church of St Martin at Westgate is usÈd for worship by the Greek Orthodox Communlty at the weekends, and we hold some midweek worship and artivities there.
Since the previous Annual Parlsh Meetin& the Parochial Church Council has met on 4 occasions. The average attendance being 12. The following reports were given at each meeting.. Chairman/Warden's report Elertoral Roll report Christian Stewardship report Treasurer's report Church Hall report St Martin's report Deanery Synod report Children and Youth Ministry report Safeguardin8 Officer's report. A safeguarding audit was carrled out in the autumn. Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report The followlng people have Served on the Parothial Church Councll duringthe year: In addition to the Vicar and Churchwarden5 Ms Y Barrett {Secretary) Mrs K Thompson rrreasurer} Mr G Arkwri8ht {Stewardship recordÈr} Mr D Wilde {Deanery Synod) Mr5 H Higgens (Safeguarding Officer) Mrs J Hall , Mrs C Hammond {Deanery Synod) Mrs M Parkin Mrs K Anderton Mrs V Pearson Ms J Phillip Mr C Barnes The Revd Matteo Zambon Mrs Janet Daimond Ichurchwardenl is a150 a Deanerysynod Rep) Athlevements and Performance Worshlp and Prayer This year has again seen good numbers of people attending our services and activlties. We have now settled into the services schedule which we agreed afterthe Covid Pandemic, and we believe it is meeting the needs of the people of the parish family. The PCC is keen to offer a range of services during the week and overthe course of the year that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. We welcome into our Church people of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds. All are welcome to attend our regular services. At presenl there are 185 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 52 of whom are not resldent within the parish. 6 names were added
during the year and I was removed either throueh death or because they moved away from the parish. The average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 106 adults and 45 chlldren, but this number increased at festivals and especially at Christmas. As well as our regularservices, we enabled ourcommunityto celebrate and thank God at the mllestones of the journeythrough life. Through baptism we thank God forthe gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God's blessing and through funeral servlces friends and family express thelr grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and to commend the person into God's keepin& Over the past year we have celebrated 29 baptisms and 3 weddings and held 10 funerals in our church this year, and conducted a further 30 at the local Cemetries and Crematoriums. The Churth Buil¢fin8 and Chwch Hall Complex Our buildings are generally in a good condition. and we try to invest resources each year into improvements and maintenance. In the year ahead we shall be spending a significant sum of money replacing the roof over the vestry area. ambulatory and some of the back of the church. Duringthe week the halls are regularly used by a wide varietyof hirers, all of which add to the provision for our local community, and the rental income is very useful for our parish finances. This year, the pandemic has led to a reduction in the number of hirers. sothe use of the buildings and subsequent income has been significantly reduced. Pastoral Care Some members of our parish have been unable to attend church due to sickness or age. The clergy and pastoral visitors have visited church members who have requested it. and together with our informal pastoral care team has ensured that those who request it receive Holy Communion at home on a regular basis. Ourfortnightly"Breakin8 Bread" Mass and Lunch Club are instrumental in our mission to the elderly and housebound. Mission and Evangelism WE produce regular weekly sheets with news and information, and we make good use of the website and facebook page. The church is a member of ChurchesTogether in Bare and Torrisholme. The Churches together group has met, and the Cler have met together regularly.
The Financlal Re Flnancial Revlew Total receipts of unrestrlcted funds were £224.629 and restrirted funds of mlssion5 received were £618.73. Income this year was up on 2021 by over £20,(MX). but was increased further by a generous bequest of just over £93.000. Rental income also increased by over £18,IX)O. partly as bookings continue to improve post Covld. £114,663 wa5 spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry and fundraising from The Parish of Torrisholme. Once again the Parish Share request has been paid in full and as we pay by monthly standing order, we have already made payment towards 2023,5 request. Expenditure increased by over £20,(MX). mostly due to repairs works on the Church and buildings. The net result was an excess of receipts over payments of £109,965 on unrestrirted funds. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year. the balances carried forward at 31° December 2022 on unrestrirted funds totalled £308.514. Reserves Poli We have in recent years always been able to meet all our expenditure and our parfsh share request. In the light of the Covid pandemic we recognise the need to try to keep the equivalent of one year turnover as a reasonable reserve rinancial acti*ities 2022.doc bal¥nce sheet 2022.doc notes to the ccouTrts 202Zdoc This report wa5 approved bythe PCC and signed on their behalf by the Rèverend Damlan Porter
PAROCNIAL CTrIURCH COUNai PARISH OF TORRISHOLME BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022 Note Unrestricted Restricted Fund5 £ Funds £ Total Funds Total Funds 2022 2021 Cash in Hand Bank Accounts RRENT I 41a} 41bl ENTS 213428.83 213428S3 104538.76 Church Dep Fund - Legacy 4lc 55789.98 56789.98 56789.98 PERMANEifr NVESTME Sugden Le8acy-Security Fund 4Tr).82 41CQ.82 40).82 other Investments Church Deposit Fund Church Hall Investment Account 15287.65 23442.86 X*514.(KJ 15287.65 23442.86 1508933 23440.52 Hon Treasurer Independent EX0ner Marth 2023 Approved by the Par¢xhlal Church Courbdl •nd on its beh•lf by. Rev. D Porter I Chalrmanl
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRSHOLME STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACfNmES 15f JANUARY- 31 DECEMBER 2022 Note Unre5trirted Restricted Totsl Funds Total Fvnds Fund5 £ Funds £ 2022 £ 2021 £ INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income 21al ArtiVit5 for Generating Fund$ 2lbl In¢ome from Investments 21cl Church Activitiès 21dl Missions Received 21el Other Income 21fj TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Parish Share Missions 31al Fund Raising Costs 31bl 265.42 Church Actfvities 31cl 38C63.14 Church & Church Hall Runnin8 Costs3ldl 26111.49 Church & Church Hall Repairs 31el 8223.60 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 114663.65 NET INCOMINGI IOUTGOING) 109965.63 RESOURCES 1SIW9.05 55215.36 4337.43 1136.53 589.67 235.64 62531.QJ 47249.CQ 618.73 1468.50 6362.13 6362.13 5761.00 22462928 61&73 225248.01 111066.03 4337.43 589.67 62531.(X) 618.73 42LKKI.CKI 42C(L).00 I2945 265.42 38063.14 26111.49 8223.60 115958 109289.51 42C(4J.(KI 745. 28.16 35834.13 16817.13 252. 95676.69 15389.yl 94.85 129445 1676A21 Balances brought forward at 111121 Balances carried forward at 31112122 21M)625.31 309914.82
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNaL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME NOTES TO THE AccouKrs YEAR ENDED 31" DECEMBER 2022 l. Accountin Policies The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the Church Accountin8 Regulations 2006 together wlth applicable accounting Standard5 and The Charities SORP 2(hJ5. The financial statements have been prepared under the hlstorfcal cost convention. The accounts include all transattion, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church 8roupsthat owe thelr main affiliation to another body. nor those that are infomial gatherings of church members. Funds Unrestricted Funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. Restritted Funds represent income from trusts or endovnments which may be expended only on those restritted objects provlded in the terms of the trust or bequest and donations or 8rants received for a specific object or invtted by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specifjc object for which they were 8iven. Incomin Resources Planned givin& collections, donations and Tax refunds are recognlsed when received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC receives the amounts due. All other income is recognised when it is received. Funds raised from social events, magazlnes and Fund raising is shown gross and expenses shown separately as resources used. Rental income and interest Is accounted for when received. Resources Ex ended Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. The Diocesan Parish Share Is accounted for when due, any parish share unpaid at 31st December is provided for in the financial statements as an operational Ilability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet. Amounts received specifically for mlsslon are deatt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is recognized when it is incurred and 15 accounted for gross. Assets Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the account in accordance with s.9612llal of the Charities Act 1993. Expenditure on maintenance or improvement of the church, halls and vicara8e is written off In the year it is incurred. The full accounts are available for inspertlon throuBh consuftation wtth the Treasurer.
The Churchwarden's Re Includl on Fabrf Good nd Ornaments Once again, thankfully it has not been necessary to undertake any major works on our churth bullding in 2022. Fabric remains for the most part in good order. wtth the exception of the bell tower which will require work in the comin8 year. As has been noted pViOUSlY. we are fortunate as a parish to have such an economical and easity maintsined building. Following our recent redecoration and IEhting upgrade, it has been 8ood to add a new set of Stations of the Cross to our church interior. The set is unique as it was handcrafted for us in the Hoty Land. We acknowledge the generosty of several donor5 in making this possible. We would like as always to thank most 5incerety all those who continue to keep our church looking Its best by cleanin& polishing brass and sifver. by arranging and watering flowers. and by preparin8 for services- each job is really important and much appreciated. Thank you. Alan Forshaw & Janet Dlamond- Parish Wardens The Church Hall R A year a80 I reported on the loss of groups from our Halls following the effects of covid, at the tlme course of considerable concern. l am pleased to say that during 2022 nine new groups have taken up regular slots in both the Vestry and Lounge. a very encouraging tum around. Energy costs and other expenses affected by inflatton have imparted our Halls greatty. A considerable increase in hire charges was applied from the I" September. Thi5 was readity accepted and understood by our hirers Iwlth just one minor grumble). I believe that this fleCt5 on the good working relatwjnship we have with all who come through our doors. Again I have tried to keep costs to a minlmum. An essential job vrns a replacement of the Main Hall zone vaEve (sad# only 6 months out of warranty) a very expensive part. Also essential was the replacement of the Loun8e main doors. a huge improvement and now matching the Hall entrance, good to look at and easy to operate. As always. I remind everyone that the Halls complex is absolutely vital to the financial stability of our parish. It is important that all our groups feel welcome and I wish to thank all who help me in this. My thanks are also due to all who take pride in keeping all our buildings and grounds in good order. Alan Forshaw- Parlsh Warden & Halls Manager St Martin's Fabric Re Energy costs and effects of inflation have impacted St Martin's considerably. For this reason hire charges were increased substantially from the isl September. The increased rent was understood and accepted wlthout compLiint by our hirers, we lIeve that thls reflects the good working relationship we have with all who come through the doors. We have for the most part continued our recent policy of essential maintenance only. thus avoiding prohibitive costs. One exception to this ha5 been the up8rading of lighting in the hall. The existing lights had become increasingly dim, these have been replaced by LED units. Not only is the difference in light amazing but our electricty c05t will be lower, a win-win situation!
Overall the centre and its site are in reasonably good order and have a cared for appearnnce. This is much helped by the sterling work of Geoff and Janet Diamond in grass cuttin& weeding and general tidying, a hLee commitment for which we are very grateful. Alan Forshaw and Janet Diamond- Parish Warden St Martln's Church Plant Re Amual report from si Martln of Tours West8*e In January 2022 weekly Angli¢an worshlp restsrted here In St Mart1rf5 Church WertEats. The last Angli¢an seThice held here was on Feast of Pentecost (May 2015). However worship and prnyer contlnued In the ChUh bullding through our Orthodox brother5 and si5tÈrs In Christ WIM) rerrt our buildivd every weekend. I would just Ilke recorded our thanks to all the falthfvl people who founded, bullt and established th15 thurch In the West84te area ol our parish. Their work continues. Yhanks be to Godl. The wt is of course important, our aim now Is to bulld upon the sure foundations laid bxk In the late elzhtles Iwt what is now more important Is the future. our plan5 to r build the Churth. not talking about brlcks and mortar Ixrt people. Numbw5 don't rank hlgh In my mlnd but they are an irltatIon of the success (or faHure} of a task or project. 8ut l am pleased to report that ¥ttendance at our Wednesday evening servke Slowly risen from 10 to the mid-twentles. many of whom are new worshipers to the parlsh. We have also held special services Ilke Chri5tln8le and Carol ser¥wces attractlng coatIonS of 50+. This wlll only contlnue wlth YOUR support and prayers. Our work and witness Contlnues in the Wesw area in a number of ways- our outreach through West£ate School, both running assernblies in the school and school to St Martin'5. our weekly 'Story Tlmd visits Into the prfrsth00l and nuvsery Meeti In our building and we a150 have our 'Open Doorf every Thursday aftem¢)on where a number of people pop In for fellowshlp over tÈa and coffee and LOTS of cake. This too is growln8 slowly In numbers. Thanks to the bakers and all who help in any way. Levs pray that our Inltlal 5CeSS cont1rn and more people from the Westyate Community wlll make St Martln's their Spirltual Home. Fr Kelth The Secreta sRe Since the previous Annual Parish Meetire, the Parochial Church Council has met on 4 occasions. The average attendance being 12. The followin8 Statutory reports were given at each meeti.
Chairman/Warden's report Electoral Roll report Christian Stewardshlp report Treasurer's report Church Hall report St Martin's report Deanery Synod pOrt Children and young people report Safeguarding Officer's pOrt. Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report I would like to thank Fr Damian Porter. Mr A Forshaw, Mrs J Diamond and all members ofthe Parochial Church Council for their help and sUPPOrt throughout the year. Yvonne Barrett. Secretary The Chrlstlan Stewardshl Re I find myself compiling this Stewardship Report for 2022 as a sort of "ca5hierf rather than just the Stewardship Recorder. I can therefore offer a selertion of income streams for your consideration. If these figures are not identical to those in the Treasurerfs accounts (read onl, I hope we can explain the differences (but remember that my report comes earlier in the PCC Agenda). With only 30 parishioners now using the numbered Stewardship Scheme envek)pes and a further 54 paying by standing order from their bank accounts. we realised a total of £32087.70 during 2022. That is E9655.70 and £22432.LX) respectNely. Since the covid pandemic (remember that?) not all regular givers are members of our Stewardship Scheme (maybe they are trying to avoid the Recorderfs twice years letters? and who can blame them?) but all of those who use the oran8e envelopes for occasional u5e- Inote the new size and format. by the wayl-there are o dozen or so who use them on a regular week by week basis. and there a eight parishioners using standing orders for their occasional giving each month. The totsl for all the occasional gNing in 2022 amounted to £6869.41. Collections- loose change in the baskets provided amounted to £3019.70 and use of the Sumup machlne at the back of the church added another £940 to thss total. You might think thot. after so many years practice. compiling these figures week by week to arrive at a year end total that agree5 Wtth the Treasurerfs accounts should be straight forward. however even as late a5 March 2023 Iwhen I prepared this report} I found a discrepancy of £11.40 in June that I cannot now explain, and then with the Gift Aid claims and GASDS calculations to Conslder, I realise It is not just a policeman's lot that's not a happy one! l Here's to getting it right la83inl in 2023. Gordon Arkwrfght. Stewaydshlp Scheme io
The Motherf Unlon Re rt Mothers Unlon Annual Rei)0rt 2022-2023 We began the year with hope and optimism. as we had been able to continue with our face-to-face meetings and produ a full programme of events. We began on March 8 2022 with a member of the RNU. Alan 8iving us an enlightenlng talk and video presentation on their artNities nationally and localty. The next meeting would have been in Holy Week so we did not meet agaln until May when members enjoyed tea and cakes and a video surprise by Bernard Hough and Gordon Arkwright. In June we had a double bill with Julie Muckle demonstrating and allowlng u5 to ioln in with chair based Pilates. This was followed by a talk by Diane Dewar on the Chri5tvan community on the Isle of lona. where she had spent the summer as a volunteer, and members enjoyed both these activities. On July 26th the Deanery mid summer party was held at our brdnch, Whe members were treated to an aftemoon teo with the Garstang Ukulele band. It was a fun afternoon and realty 8ood to see people dancing and enjoying themselve5. On August 6th we travelled to St Peters, Burnley by coach for the diocese Mary Sumner day service. which was led by the Burnley Mothers Union and was lovely. On August 18th we held a summer fair at Westgate with our friends at St Martins Westgate. It proved a very popular event and made £3W to help towards Mothers Union expenses. During September our Deanery festiwdl was held at Dolphinholme where we were able to support members attending by providing transport. At the Deanery festival Rev Susan Seed and Rev Cindy Rigby gave joint sem)ons and the theme was the environment. Kath 8111 and Pam Gardner receNed long service certificates at the fellival. Kath has 40 yr and Pam 50 yearfs service and I know members will want to congratulate them on this achievement and recognise their significant contributions to Mother5 union overthe yeats. We began our autumn programme in *tember with Father Keith givin8 Us an interesting and varied talk on hls life and time5. Our prayers on this day were for our late Queen Elizabeth who was our patron and for King Charle5. tlufing October Lois Kirtley and Jean Simpson gave us a lovety presentstion of 7 decades of embroidery in a parish church. with sample5 and slides of the beautrful work. In November Kath Bill gave an informatNe presentation outlining to members the central role of Marysumner in the history and development of Mothers Union. We had some general infomiation on transforniatn. whith is this years theme, particularly how we mi8ht grow and develop and lW to encourage new members and there followed a lively range of qvestions from the audience. li
On December 13 we had an advent seThice led by Father Matteo, we had an opening prayer and blessing for the food bank donation5. We sang carols and Father Matteo explained the significance of advent and there were readin85 and reflertions. We cortluded with final prayers for our sick and poorly members. On January we had our carol seThKe led by Father Tom Bill. we had carols and readings and during the three king5 Father Tom explained the significance of the 3 kings and of their gift5 Gold, Frankincense èrKI Myrrh. Thanks to Eileen Winn who continues to play the piano at our meetings. Our branch has continued to support the Morecambe Food bank throughout the year. and we have had two very well supported collections of children's underwear to supplement school uniforms. Angela and Bryony. volunteers at the food bank were on hand to help with these Collections. We have continued with corporate communion on the 4 Wednesday every month. We lebrate mothering Sunday as a seryice in church with our members doing the readings and the prayers. At our corporate commun)n in October we condurted a wave of prayer with members takin8 an active part in the Ser¥e. I continue to be well supported by the commtttee and would like to thank them all for their generosity, kind contributions and hard work. We are also well supported by our Clergy, Father Damlan. Father Matteo, Father Keith and Father Tom, thanks you all for your help and guidance. nlor Churth Re Structure: Junior Church structure benefits from the breadth of skills brought by its volunteers: utilising a co- operntive approach we aim to draw on personal strengths to enhance sessions. Carolyn Wallace and Michala Parkin continued a5 Junior Church figurehead5 until July 2022. sUPPOrted by Loulse Potter. Joanna Dent and a team of parents. Carolyn and Michala resigned from their posts in July 2022 after 15 and 12 years re5pertNety of running Junior Church due to personal commitments. From September 2023 the structure has been made up of three teams of three parent helpers (nine In totall who although not all from teaching background, take turns to run the Junlor Church Sessions in line with the Church of England Lectionory or as directed by the Parish Priest, Father Damian Porter. Pre-school, Foundion, Keystage l & Keystage 2: Weekly numbers can vary from 25 to 35 chlldren. Year 6, Key5tage 3 & Keysta8e 4- 2 or 3 children often attend with their siblings and help out. This age group now attend the Ignite group once o month. New pre-school ¢hildren have been welcomed into our sessions this year. These younger children attend regularty and their numbers continue to 8row. It was noted that there is a marked departure of children at year 6. In September, we altered the format of the sessions to entourage parental attendance at church and also to shorten the session to be delivered in the hall. This was at the request of the new team. who feel less confident in delNering 'cIrC time.. The children start the session in church, where the priest introduces the theme of the week. the children withdraw to the hall then return for the Eucharist I blessing. 12
It should be mentioned that although many new families have been welcomed across the age groups this isn't refiected in the numbers on roll. For a variety of reasons. often due to sportin8 commitments. Pre-school. Foundation, Key5ts8e l & Keystage 2: Sessions start with time in church before returning to the hall where we recap on what has been mentioned in church. The children then split into key stage groups to explore a related creative artivity. The themes this year have Included gospel themes from that week's Eucharist. elements of the church seThice. Old Testament Stories and events in the thurch calendar i.e Mothers Day. At Easter 2022, a workshop was run to explore the Easter story and the children created Easter gardens. This event was attended by arourKI 40 people. The children enjoyed the annual sports day event in July. The children were presented with o book commemorating Queen Elizabeth Il's life. at the Gift Day in July. The children did not perforni a nativity this year, however they practiced and perfom)ed Christmas theme songs and prepared and read prayers. Junlor Church Leadership Team nlte Youth Re 2022.2023 Ignite began meeting in the later quarter of 2022 and has been well attended ever since, in no small part due to the outstanding efforts of our volunteer leadership team who work alongside the clergy: Lesley Gee. Becki Richardson, and Diane Cock5. whose outstanding work has allowed the Eroup to shine. Each meetin8 take5 the form of explorirg a theme from scripture. an actNity. food. some games In our hall, and a closing prayer session. Our actNities have included.. ndle makin& Bible joumalirE Inow a stsple of our Session a5 we explore themes). film nights. and festlve meals. We have a list of attivities planned, and outside speakets how have volunteered their time and expertlse to come in and run aftemoons. or evenings. A hlghlight for our young adutts has been the use of their journalling Bibles which were purchased through the generous donations collerted through out congregations. A recent visit from the diocesan youth team left our visitor" . blown away.." by the 8reat work that the team has been conductlng in the seNice of our church's young adults. Fr Matteo looks forward to taking our youths to the Waddow Hall Youth Pilgrlmage in the Moy half- term, which promises to be an exciting outing. The Breakln Bread Lunch Grou Re Breakin8 Bread was set up by Fr Chris Holden in September 2015, as part of the outreach from the Friends of St Francls Group. It met the first and third Thursdays. initially, then on alternate Thursdays, with a shortened Eucharist in church at 12 noon. followed by soup. sandwiches and cokes In the Vestry Meeting Room. This pattern continued until Covid closed us down in March 2020. Since we re-opened in September 2021, we now meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month. We had a temporary break from March to April 2022. due to increased Covid in the area. During 2022. our numbers have increased as people gained Confiden in meeting up. We now have forty people on register and regularly set up four long tsbles. with an average attendance of thirty- plus. 13
We had several celebration parties In 2022. A blg Platlnum Jubilee Party was held in the Church Hall on 2 June, with flags and buntin& oll in patriotic colours, and community 5in8in8. Thanks are due to the Church of the ASnsIOn PCC for spon50ring the refreshments for the occasion. A Summer Partv was held on iith August, with one member celebrating her 90 Birthday, and a Christmas Party on 15, December, with carol-singin8 by children from Torrisholme Low Lane School. Many thanks are due to Father Damian for his help, support and guidance. and for his very meaningful services. along with Father Keith, Father Matteo and Father Tom. who also take some servlces. and who join us for food and chat. Thanks also to Father Tom and David Hammond, who co-ordinate and provide transport on a regular basis. and to Jeremy Suter, who joined the transport team before Christmas. We have two teams of helpers who make the sandwiche5 and bake cakes. and help with the preparation and serving of soup. clear everything away and do all the washing up. A very big thank you to everyone for all their willing and generous help and support. Thank you also to Yvonne. who prepaw all the Easter. Christmas and Blrthday cards, which are well appreciated. Finally, any extra help on the coterirE team5 ortransport would be gratefully appreciated. Koth Blll Deane The Synod meets 3 times a year in February. June and October. It Is an opportunity to meet with other Churches in the Deanery to discuss variou5 topics and share experiences of things happening in our own Parishes. The meetin8 in June was at St Thomags Lancaster and discussed what Parishe5 a doing to help housebound people and those with dementia. We were able to tell tke other Churches about our Breaking Bread Group for the elderty and houSetVnd. St Chad's and St Johns Sandylands have Lyrics and Lunch Groups for people with dementia and their familie5. This meeting was followed by a Jacob's Join. In Ortober we met at our Church. This began with an Eutharlst then our Speaker Richard Carter whose presentation was on discipleship C4111ed "Everyday Faith. This included Growing Faith, Faith at Home and Faith at Work Last February the meeting vffis at St John's Ellel and the theme was"Growing Leaders. . Our new Area Dean Revd Crdig Abbot hosted the meetin8. The Speaker was Steve Haskett, Parish Renewal lead for the Diocese. This was a joint meeting with Tunstall Deanery. Steve led an interactive session in which people spoke about parish renewal and lay leadership particularty in PCC'S. These meetiny are able to give us an insight In what is happening in the Church of England today Janet Dlamond, Carole Hammond and Davld Wilde. Deanery Synod Representailves 14
TheMI rn Grou Re our word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.. Psolm 119, v 105 Slnce our group's study of the Beatitudes In the sprlng of 2022. the Pilgrim Group has continued to meet both afternoons11.30pm} and evenings17pmJ on many Monday5 over the past twelve months. Our aim is to study the word of the Lord and to see how we can best put into practice In our daily live5. Last Autumn. at the suggestion of two church members. we looked at the Epistles of Jarnes and Titus, and some Ir4ely discussions accompanied our Bibk studies. As I write (March 20231 the group is now engaged on a course entitled the "Bread of Lrfe" which is described a5 the "Christian faith through the lens of Eucharist." Ably led by Fr Matteo and assisted by myself, the Pilgrim Group has welcomed between 20 and 30 members on any given Monday when we have met (please see the weekty pew sheet for detsils of when the group is meeting). It has been wonderful to welcome severdl new church members, and our StlieS and di5¢ussions have been both profound and light hearted. A sense of humour is often "a must." If you are interested in joinirvg a future group, please have a word with Fr Matteo or myself. You will be very welcome. David Wllde- Pllgrfm Group Pastoral Care Grou Re The Pastoral Care Group meets monthly to feed bk and plan for visits to those who a in any kind of pastoral need, and especially those who are ill. and those unable to come to church and who wish to receNe Holy Communion at home. We alx* visit some care homes with both regular and occayonal services and to offer Holy Communion to sIdents. We ensure that everyone has at least a monthly visit. and for some the need is more. "Craft and Chatter. Knlt and Natterf meets on the second and fourth Monday evening5 in the Vestry Room. Approximate 20 ladie5 share their knittin& sewing. uochetin& skills. etc. on individual and joint projects, some personal and some for church. Evidence of our time and talents is seen on various Stalls throughout our churches and buildin85 on different occasions. Any profits made go to church and charity. We also all enjoy lovely fellowship tO8ether with a brew and a bCll. This group reaches ladies from beyond our congregation. All are welcomel 15
Our infomal Men's Group has met roughty bi-monthly. We have been out for meals together, been ten pin bowling 1(e, and enjoyed a late Christmas Meal and Quiz prepared byjoe Wllklnson. The grovp is made up of up to about 25 men. all of whom have some connection with our parish. Keep an eye on the notice boards and weekly sheets for detsils of future meeting5/events. All men are very wefcomel Churches r In Bare and Torrlshdme Thls Is an Ecumenical group consisting of representattves from our Church, Torrtsholme and Bare Methodists and St Christopherfs. We meet twice a year to disCUS5 joint ventures between our Parishes. We welcomed Roy Burley the Methodist Minister to his first meeting in February. A notice board has been erected in Torrisholme to publicise events at our Church and Torrisholme Methodists. There was a united selv1 on Palm Sunday at 3pm at Torrisholme Methodist Church then a small Cross was carried on to the Barrow and left the for Hoty Week. A Sunrlse Service was then held on the Barrow at 6am on Easter Sunday. The Service for the Week of Christian Unity in Janry was held at our Church to which member5 of Torrrisholme attended. For Christlan Aid week each Church delivered envekjpes to all the houses in the Parish and we asked to return them to various collection wints in the Parish. An Ecumenical Harvest evening service at Torrrisholme Methodist Church was held on the 2nd October and a Harvest lunch at St Martin's Church for the first time on the 27th October. On the Ilth tkcember we held a Community Carol Seryice ot our Church and invrted the local schools. Carols in Torrisholme squa vras held agoin on Christmas Eve. All these events 8Ne us a chance to share services and fellowship wlth our local Churches and the community. Carole Hammond- Churches Togetlw THE SAFEGUARDING AND VULNERABLE ADULTS OFRCERS REPORT There have been no incidents reported to the Safeguarding Officets this year. During the past year all cle, Janet and Hazel have completed and pa$5ed °Leadefship Safeguarding Training" a course organised and run by Blackburn Diocese. AII PCC member5 have completed an on-linelin house safeguarding course. DBS checks are currently bein8 updated. Hazel Hi8gens a1 Janet Diamond 16
THE LASTWORDI THE CHAIRMAWS REPORT Our life together in the Parish of Torrisholme and West8ate alwoys seems to be busy. lively, and I believe whole50me! The past year has been no exception. Reflecting on the past year. we have seen several areas of new life. We have welcomed new leadership in ourjunior Church. and a new vmy of wort(in8. Our two long standlng and faithful leaders Mlchala and CarOn laid down the mantle of teadership and a new team is developing. We have tried to ensure that our children's ministry is seen as inte8ral to the worshippirbg comm unity on a Sunday. and not Seen as somethin8 separate. We have also seen, alongside this. the reintrodurtion of a monthly All Age Mass. and the return of representation from our unrfornied groups which is indeed very welcome. We have also seen. this year. the fomiation of our new Youth Group, Ignite. A fabulous group of young people now meet monthly for varied attivities around faith. fun and nurture with lay and clergy leadership. Some of the youngsters are a150 now Snvofved wsth the annual Di(Kesan Youth Camp whKh isgood. Our seTving team has continued to grow, again engaging young people in the life of our perish. All of this is very healthy, and our work with children and young people must continue to be seen as a priority. We've also seen, during the past year, the establishment of a regulat Men's Group which attract5 men both from within and beyond our usual Sunday con8regatN)n. The Craft Group, Breaking Bread Lunch Club, Mothers Union. and the Pilgrim Groups have all flourished in the past year too. and all of them have also been a means by whh new people have entered into the Ilfe and worshlp of our Church family and others have been led to deeper involvement and commitment. Last year I said how much we were missing Peter Blackwell and his work in the Sacrlsty.... We stlll miss Peter... but we now rejoice in a team of 5 people who a sharing much of that work. We've seen sustained 8rowth in our coreregations too, with new people joining us. which is always a wonderful thing. The reestablishment of regular worship and fellowship at St Martin's Westgote has continued to be a real blessing, and ivs so good to see that work and ministry developing. There has been over the past year. and there continues to be a focus on building works. maintenance and improvement. We are richly blessed in this parish in that compared to many parishes we have buildings whith don't generalty present us with too many challerEes in terms of maintenance. but the past year has seen rather more than is usual, and the work is ongoing. We are spending consideroble capitsl ensuring that our church and community buildings are fit for purpose and well maintained. Well kept and well used premises a actually essential to a healthy church which makes a difference to the community around it. And I believe we do that here. Gerra1ty the seems to have been so much erosion of cornmunity lrfe in our nation In recent years. but here in Torrisholme and Westgate we are helping communty life to flourlsh is many and varied ways. That is a wonderful aThl indeed it is a Godly work. Our Diocesan Vision is ft>r Heahhy Churches which transform communities. I believe we are makin8 a p051tNe difference, and long may it last. None of this can happen, of course, without committed people who work, individually and together, and often tirelessly. to ensure the work and ministry lives ond flourishes. l am grateful beyond words for the work and ministry of my clergy colleagues. our fabulous Churchwardens and PCC, and all those who work aFKI mlnister with such faithfulness and commitment to enable all that you see in this report and so much more besides to happen here. Our musicians. sacristans. seNer5, our wekomers, readers, leaders and facilitstors of groups and artlvlties, those who visit and stay in touch with folk. those who brew up and bake. and share in the important work of hospitaltty. the those who help with flowers and decorations, adding so much beauty to our worship and all who help io keep our church buildirEs and grounds clean. tidy and welcoming for all the Seasons of the year. and all the worship and activities they hold. 17
There15 always a danger of missing somebody out.-.... there are so many peop inVoed in the Ilfe and worship of this parish...PfdCtically. prayerfully and financially too. And it all continues when the VKar isn't here for a while.... Which a8ain is very healthyl So to eoch and every one. my heartfelt thanks. Finallyi I must record my gratFtude to wife Yvonne. without w1$e constant love and sUPPOrt I know my ministry would be very much the rM)orer. Much has happened, much has changed, and there have many new areas of growth and development in the past year. The year ahead must, I believe. be a year of consolidation as we continue to strive to be a living church at the heart of community to the prnise and glory of Almighty God. 18