2022-12-31-accounts - Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary Magdalene & St Denis (Midhurst)

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Trustees Annual Report and

Financial Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

of The Parochial Church Council of

St. Mary Magdalene & St. Denys Church Church Hill, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9PB Registered Charity No.1194217

OUR AIMS AND PURPOSES AS A CHARITY

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in:

The promotion of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.
Promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic and, ecumenical.
Knowing Jesus better and making Him better known.
Practical support and care for people in the parish, from the youngest to the oldest, irrespective of level of need or, ability to pay.
Providing support to those in need and by giving financial support to other organisations with similar objectives.

The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of St Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Church Hill, Midhurst as well as the interior of St Ann’s Hall, the parish room which is rented from the Cowdray Estate.

WHAT WE PLANNED TO DO TO ACHIEVE OUR CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

For this year we discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

Enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church.
Enabling as many people as possible to become part of our parish community.
Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers.
Diversifying our programme of worship to enable more people to attend services in the parish.

Putting faith into practice, through prayer and worship, and by acts of kindness in our community.
Offering prayer, learning about scripture, and fellowship in small group situations.
Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of Christianity and their trust in Jesus.
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
Raising money and food for other charities.
Reaching out to young people and families through groups and regular services and clubs aimed at them.
Maintaining the fabric of the church building as a historic centre and focus of life in the town.
Keeping the church building open to receive those who come in to find quiet and prayer and provide resources for them.

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

A time of Interregnum

The vicar of Midhurst Parish Church, the Revd. Dave Willis, left at the end of July 2022, to take up a new post in the Diocese of Chelmsford. This meant that for the last six months of 2022, and continuing into 2023, the church has been without an incumbent. The traditional term for this is interregnum - which, in effect, means that there is a “vacancy between leaders”. In the Church of England, there is always a planned gap – a time for reflection – before a new appointment. While there are good reasons for this, it can be a difficult time for any parish.

The Churchwardens at Midhurst, have been responsible for the overall running of the parish during this time, and the Assistant Curate has taken a lead in worship, assisted by the Reader. We have also been fortunate in having some help from other clergy in the Diocese, including on one occasion Bishop Martin, our Diocesan Bishop.

Visit from our Diocesan Bishop

Attendance at worship

Even though we are in an interregnum, the church family at Midhurst Parish Church continues to actively seek growth and it is our pleasure to welcome anyone from all walks of life to take part in the life of the church.

As the Covid-19 restrictions had ended, we were able to be back in church for all our worship in 2022, although understandable caution meant that it took some time for the number of people attending to build back up. We continued to stream the services via Zoom until the end of July. The average regular weekly attendance in 2022 (Sundays and Wednesdays) was 61, with the number increasing at Harvest and over the Christmas period. We have continued to welcome new people to the church in the New Year, and in April 2023 held a small social evening for them, to enable us to get to know them a little better, and they us.

We have now been able to embed the greater variety of services which were introduced last year, with the aim of appealing to different groups in the wider community. The first Sunday of the month is a morning service of Holy Communion, using the high altar, vestments and with a robed choir. The second Sunday is a Service of the Word in the morning, and an evening service of Holy Communion, which is a quiet, less formal service, without hymns, but with a selection of music (often Taizé in style) to aid reflection and meditation. The third and fourth Sunday mornings both have a service of Holy Communion which is less formal than the first Sunday, sometimes

“Love Midhurst” activities

with less traditional hymns, and making use of a Nave altar.

If there is a fifth Sunday in a month, we have sought to make our church more visible in the community by designating it a “Love Midhurst” Sunday. The church family gathers together for a 15-minute service before going out in different directions to do things that bless our

community. These have included litter picking, the preparation of Christmas gifts for the businesses in Midhurst, beautifying our churchyard

and the surrounding area, work on painting the fencing at our local primary school, and a prayer walk.

On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, the Sparks group (primary school age and under) met for a programme of activities. Older children and teenagers are a part of the ignite youth groups, led by our Youth and Children’s Minister. These groups are open to all young people regardless of their family’s involvement in other church activities. A team of helpers provide a monthly Messy Church service, which helps families to engage with church in a relaxed and fun way.

Christmas is a very special time of celebration where many sections of the community come together to join in the services. This year we were delighted to welcome Little Laura’s Midhurst Primary School Carol Service

Nursery and Midhurst Primary School for their carol services, and the students from Midhurst Rother College to five carol services, one for each year group. After the restrictions of last year it was wonderful to have everyone back in church for these occasions! We were also delighted at the return of Rusty and Ollie, the two donkeys, who delighted old and young alike at our Relaxed Carol Service!

Relaxed Carol Service

Baptisms, weddings, and funerals

It was with great delight that we celebrated the baptisms of two children during 2022, and that two couples were married in the church.

We were able to extend pastoral ministry to families at 5 church funerals with 3 other funerals conducted for parishioners. There were also two memorial services held during the year.

Evangelism and outreach

Several events during the year helped us to connect with larger numbers of our community.

Prayer Vigil for Ukraine

In March, in the Market Square, we held a prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine, and for those taking donated items by road to the borders of that country, at the start of the invasion by Russia.

Another opportunity for outreach was the annual All Souls Service. This event was advertised to the whole

community, and families we have met through funeral ministry were specially invited to this special service. Prayer cards and holding crosses were well received by those attending and candles were lit in memory of the departed.

A big part of our outreach is through Midhurst Primary School where the vicar and the Youth and Children’s Minister share the responsibility for leading a weekly act of collective worship. We again held the prayer activities event at the school with every class taking the opportunity to spend time quietly moving between ten different prayer activities. It was an enjoyable and moving time for all.

We see our youth work, and our pastoral work as important aspects of our outreach along with projects such as the Friendship Teas. These monthly events are open to all - providing cake, tea, entertainment, and most importantly friendship. Whilst held in the church, it is not an explicitly Christian event, but more about tackling loneliness and building relationships. Relationship building and expressing thankfulness is also at the heart of our gift giving at Christmas. This year we gave a small box of biscuits to over 140 shops and businesses in our town as a gesture of our support and gratitude.

It is important to us that the church is available for private prayer not just to the church family but to the wider visiting community. The votive candle stand provides a focus for prayers and prayer booklets are available for those who would like written prayers to use. The prayer board in the chapel area provides an opportunity for people to leave a written prayer request for others to see and to be included in our prayers at our Wednesday morning service. Many remark not only how refreshing it is to find an open church, but also on the sense of peacefulness and spirituality that the church provides.

In September, we held a special service of Holy Communion during the period of mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the church displayed the town’s Book of Condolence, with a large number of people coming in to sign this.

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish

Pastoral Care in the parish is led by the vicar, the assistant curate, Revd. Jane Roberts, and the Authorised Lay Minister for Pastoral Care, Jenny Dennett. Visits to home or hospital and phone calls are made to anyone within the parish (whether a church attender or not) as requested. Several people who are not able to attend church receive Holy Communion in their homes.

Other charitable giving

During the year collections and appeals were made for certain other charities. These included our Mothering Sunday collection supporting the Mothers’ Union, the Remembrance Service collection supporting the Royal British Legion and the collection from the Christingle Service going to help with our Youth Ministry. Both the monetary collection and also many gifts of food donated at the Harvest Festival Service were given to support Midhurst Food Bank.

Since its inception in 2014, Midhurst Parish Church has provided facilities and volunteers for the Midhurst Foodbank Centre (part of Chichester District Foodbank). This continues to be the case as does our year-round collecting of food.

Learning together and growing in faith

House groups and other small groups provide opportunities for growing in our understanding of Jesus as well as providing opportunities for fellowship and support. We have two house groups who have met regularly during 2022. Members of these groups enjoy times of Bible study and prayer as well as much needed fellowship and support.

We also ran a five-week Lent Course, led by our authorised Lay Minister, Jenny Dennett. This was based on Andrew Ollerton’s book “The Bible – A story that makes sense of life”. This opportunity for discussion and fellowship was much appreciated by all those who came along.

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

In 2022, Midhurst Parish Church had three representatives on the Deanery Synod, who by virtue of this role are also members of the PCC. Synod acts as an intermediary between the parishes and Chichester Diocese. Its priorities include Mission Action Planning and consideration of the Diocesan Budget, including its recommended allocation to individual parishes by means of the Parish Share.

The Synod is chaired by the Rural Dean. After 13 years in this post, the Revd. Canon Derek Welsman retired from this position and has been succeeded by Revd. Trish Bancroft.

A significant achievement for the Deanery is its support of a trained social worker, Kirsty Hewitt, as Family Support Worker in our area. Kirsty is fully occupied with a waiting list of families who need all sorts of help. She also runs a number of courses, including one on parenting. Our parish has contributed to this effort both financially and through gifts of toys by individual parishioners at Christmas for distribution to children.

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH WORK REPORT

MESSY CHURCH

Messy Church has continued to grow well. It is usually held at the church and run by a team of volunteers from Midhurst Parish Church and other churches in the area. It is an informal service, with a

time of teaching, worship, and craft, followed by a tea kindly provided by a team of volunteers. Messy Church is mainly aimed at children of primary school age, and children from Midhurst and the surrounding areas attend with their parents and carers. Towards the end of 2021, due to the popularity of these activities, it was decided that Messy Church events would increase from five events a year to one event every month. 2022 was our first full year of running monthly Messy Church

Messy Church Light Party

events during term time. Across 2022 we ran nine different Messy Church events which were well attended by both our regular families and lots of new families.

In 2022 the following Messy Churches took place:

January: Epiphany February: Daniel in the Lion’s Den March: Nature/ Creation April: Messy Easter May: Pentecost June: Summer BBQ September: Harvest October: Light Party December: Messy Christmas

SPARKS

Our Sparks Children’s group took place on the 2[nd] and 4[th] Sundays during 2022 during our Church services at 10:30am. The children would start in the service with their families and then the children's leaders would take them out of church and walk round to the old library for lots of games,

stories and crafts. Whilst out with the leaders the children would look at the same stories and bible verses as the adults in church. The children were then brought back to the Church ready for the end of the service refreshments at 11:30am. Although this group had been slow to start, in 2022 it was attended regularly by the same families and also welcomed those children visiting the church.

IGNITE

Our ignite youth group has seen lots of changes in the last year. The biggest change was moving Junior ignite group, for children in years 6, 7 and 8 to a weekday straight after school on Tuesdays. This change from a Sunday afternoon to a weekday has meant this group saw a lot of growth in 2022. The group on average is attended by 10-12 young people with new people regularly joining . This group runs alongside our Older ignite group on Wednesday afternoons for young people in Year 9 and upwards.

Alongside the weekly groups we ran many different socials and trips including:

A pizza and movie night for Junior ignite in May.
A bowling trip for all the young people in April.
A trip for older ignite to Mini May Camp, a Diocesan evening event with
games, worship, bible teaching and more.
A summer BBQ for children in school years 5 and upwards attended by
over 25 children and young people.

As well as these day trips , in July we were finally able to take the youth groups away to a weekend residential. We decided to take them to Spree in Northamptonshire. Spree is a Christian event put on by the charity Urban Saints. They take place throughout the

summer and across the UK. Our event was held at a Christian outdoor centre called Rock UK. The children and young people were able to take part in all sorts of outdoor activities including abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, zip wires, waterslides, football matches, archery, inflatables

Fun and games at the summer BBQ

and so much more. Every morning and evening there would be ageappropriate faith-based session with teaching, stories and worship. We were able to take away 17 children and young people from school year 5 all the way up to year 11. Eight of the children we took away were brand new to our youth group and we have since been able to see them regularly at our ignite groups.

We are grateful to the congregation who continue to pray for and support this important ministry.

WORK WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS

Midhurst Primary School

Beth and Dave continued to engage with Midhurst Primary school throughout 2022. As well as attending MPS weekly to lead assemblies they were also able to run prayer activity days for the whole school to engage with. These spaces were themed around the school values of kindness, peace, friendship, respect, creativity, and forgiveness.

Midhurst Rother College

With the Covid Restrictions finally eased in 2022 Beth was able to regularly visit Midhurst Rother College twice weekly on Monday and Thursday lunch times. The Monday session was a drop in for young people to visit and play some games on their break. The Thursday session a Christian Union open to all young people at MRC, providing them with the opportunity to question and discuss faith and God in a comfortable space whilst at school.

Thanks to an influx of new Year 7s in September 2022 these groups saw a huge growth with some sessions attracting close to fifteen young people. These school groups have also allowed us to attract new young people to our after school ignite groups.

Beth Pinder Youth & Children’s Minister

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

The principal responsibility of a churchwarden is to support the parish priest and his or her ministry team especially

By helping to ensure that services are conducted in a welcoming and safe environment, and
By ensuring that the church building and its contents are adequately maintained and protected

When a parish enters a period of Vacancy, as was our case on the departure of Rev. Dave Willis on 31[st] July 2022, the wardens have the additional responsibility of ensuring that the pattern of worship carries on as near normally as possible. Although this involved inviting visiting preachers to our church on a few occasions, our task was made easier by the fact that Revd. Jane Roberts and Mike Abbott voluntarily led the great majority of our services, Eucharistic and Service of the Word respectively. Our whole congregation is hugely grateful to them.

With regard to our services, the churchwardens are helped enormously by the assistant churchwardens, the sidespeople, the verger and many other willing volunteers and we wish to thank them all.

As a result of the retirement of Judith (Jude) Gleave, and in the absence of a vicar, the churchwardens, assisted by Lorraine Graham, led the process of recruiting a new, part-time, Parish Administrator. From a strong field, we were delighted to be able to appoint Lucy Quail. Lucy will report to our new incumbent, when appointed. We are grateful to Lorraine for all her work to enable the parish office to continue to function smoothly, especially leading up to and during the handover period.

The care of our beautiful listed building and of its contents encompasses recurring tasks and maintenance, responding to one-off events and addressing over time those major issues which are identified by our inspecting architect at formal inspections which must be carried out on a five-year basis and/or by our insurers.

As the Quinquennial Inspection of our church building fell due in 2022, the churchwardens decided to conduct a tender to appoint an inspecting architect and in this process we were aided by Mike Abbott and Jenny Dennett. Mr. Andy Burrell, BSc, RIBA was duly appointed and the Inspection was carried out in August 2022. The report set out a prioritised schedule of works recommended to be carried out over the ensuing five years. It confirmed that the most urgent (and potentially expensive) priority was to re-roof and re-tile significant areas of the building as well as to repair and re-point stonework which posed a danger to the public in the event of falling masonry. A tender process to contract for this work was therefore launched in 2022 with the aim that a builder with appropriate expertise be appointed to carry out the work in 2023. Diocesan approval for the work had also to be requested and this was obtained in January 2023.

Among recurring tasks, the church gutters were cleaned, fire extinguishers tested and boilers serviced (all annual events). The most important one-off project was the refurbishment of our small kitchen/utility room (at a cost of over £5,000) with the principal aim of making it a safer environment in which our many helpers, who kindly provide us with refreshments after services and on other occasions, can work.

In the absence of a vicar, we have arranged (and helped) to keep the vicarage garden maintained, the driveway kept clear of leaves and the gutters cleaned. More significant works, mostly to be led and paid for by the diocese, are needed before a new incumbent can take up residence.

The churchwardens are ex-officio members of the Parochial Church Council and all significant projects recommended by the churchwardens are subject to the approval of the PCC. Through membership of the PCC, the churchwardens seek to support the ministry team and their colleagues on that body by contributing to the wider life of the church beyond their specific areas of responsibility.

While the office of churchwarden requires the exercise of responsibility, care and no little time, it is also a privilege to serve in this way and we again thank you for the confidence and trust that you have placed in us.

Gerry Randall Barry Semark

PASTORAL CARE REPORT

During the year it has been a joy to resume home visits and home communion alongside other forms of communication with people no longer able to get to church or going through particularly challenging times.

Services with a particular pastoral element

Sunday March 20[th] 10.30am the service had a Pastoral focus throughout. This was an opportunity for us all to revisit our call to be as Christ to others. It was a time to reflect on our individual actions and the opportunities we have as a church family and through the Pastoral Care Team.

Sunday October 30[th] 3.30pm All Souls with a special invitation to those whose loved ones have died during the year.

Sunday 4[th] December 10.30am – Kirsty Hewitt, the Deanery Family Support Practitioner, spoke about her work. Christmas gifts of toys and gift cards were given to support Kirsty’s work.

Tuesday 13[th ] December Relaxed Carol Service 2.30pm a short daytime service with children from Midhurst Primary School involved, also Rusty and Ollie the donkeys from The Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary.

Christmas cards were sent to those unable to get to church and Love Midhurst Christmas gifts distributed to the businesses in the town.

The church has continued to be open for private prayer providing a place to sit, pray, and/or light a candle. This is greatly appreciated by visitors to the town and people in the community.

With many thanks to the Pastoral Team and all who care for and support our church family and community.

Jenny Dennett Pastoral Care Co-ordinator

FRIENDSHIP TEAS

We were pleased to be able to resume the Friendship Teas in 2022. They were publicised through advertisements in Midhurst Local and through the church and Town Council websites. Local organisations such as Sussex Carers, Mind, the Family Support Worker, Rother Valley Together are also all advised of forthcoming dates.

The Teas are quite “resource intensive” particularly for the bakers, for whom the brief is to bake scones/cakes sufficient for 36 guests, but each occasion is staffed by about 10 volunteers in total including our pianist.

The numbers attending comprise typically: 10 volunteers, 7 children and accompanying teacher from Midhurst Primary School, and then an average of 14 guests. In addition we always invite our friends from the sheltered housing at Magdalene Court but towards the end of the year they struggled to attend with staff shortages and poor weather. The final Tea in December was a jolly occasion enlivened by the Midhurst Ukulele players.

Numbers dropped off at the end of the year and in discussion with volunteers we concluded we would in future postpone the start in 2023 until the end of March. We all still think it is important outreach into the community.

Friendship Teas

Finally, we should note with sadness and yet joy at the life and witness of Tea members who have recently passed away, notably Elsie (“life and soul of the party”) and Gordon (welcome and registration).

Mike Abbott

MIDHURST COMMUNITY HUB

The Hub is not a church project but a separate registered charity (no.1199385). It is a one stop shop advice centre based in the Library at the Grange Centre on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Its role is to help local people with often complex problems about debt and finances,

energy costs, housing (damp and mould), benefits etc. Like a bicycle the Hub has many “spokes” linking to other partner organisations that are experts in their field. The Hub was launched in November 2022 by Gillian Keegan MP. Its website is: midhurstcommunityhub.co.uk

The Hub is mentioned in this report as three of the six trustees, including the founder, are active members of this church, and it operates with Christian values and ethos.

Mike Abbott

SOCIAL EVENTS REPORT

In June, the church organised an event in the Market Square as part of the nationwide ‘Big Lunch’ to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. People from the church and local community joined together with their picnic lunches, and we provided suitably iced jubilee cupcakes for everyone! In September, we enjoyed a ploughman’s Harvest Supper, and had fun answering Martin’s quiz questions. In November, a small group of people from the church arranged a wonderful Craft Fayre at Liz’s home. Lots of people came along, and some great Christmas presents and cards were bought. The refreshments and time to socialise were also enjoyed, and the event made a considerable boost to our church funds.

Sunday mornings sees us enjoying coffee, tea and fellowship after our main service, and sometimes fizz and cake, if there is an occasion to justify it! We also enjoy refreshments and a time to meet together after our weekly Wednesday morning service.

Revd. Jane Roberts

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The safety and protection of children (aged under 18) and vulnerable adults is a core concern and responsibility for the PCC, and is a topic on the agenda of every PCC meeting. The Safeguarding Officer, currently Kirstin Bosley, assisted by a deputy, Lillian Zwartz, compiles a report of safeguarding updates and actions needed for each PCC meeting.

The principal tasks are firstly to keep the PCC up to date with new policies and practices relating to safeguarding nationally and within the diocese. Secondly, to ensure that the PCC members and all those working with children, particularly in the various youth groups including Sparks, Ignite and Messy Church, have a DBS clearance, and are trained as necessary. Finally, to ensure a culture of awareness and vigilance, which is based around the right policies and procedures being in place, and is not based on assumptions. All this is in place to a considerable degree where vigilance is key and with the support from all the members of the church.

Kirstin Bosley Parish Safeguarding Officer

CHURCH MUSIC REPORT

The choir continues to support the musical offering at the church, and also sings at occasional evensongs at Woolbeding in the summer months. The Christmas Carol Service remains a highlight of the year. Two new members have joined the choir during the year. We were saddened by the death of John Dier in December. John had a great appreciation and extensive knowledge of church music and had been a faithful member of the choir for many years.

The music team looks forward to supporting the new incumbent in developing the worship in the coming months.

Paul Legrave Director of Music

HOUSE GROUP REPORTS

RUSSELL COURT GROUP

This group meets on Monday afternoons, fortnightly in term time, starting at 2.00 p.m. We aim to finish the discussion by 3.15, but stay on for tea and cake/biscuits afterwards. The topics for discussion are usually Bible based by request, and this year spent much of the time discussing our way through the lovely letter of Paul to the Ephesians, with a short study of the Prophet Amos. We plan to discuss next the Big Church Read on the Kingdom of God as portrayed in Matthew’s Gospel. If you would like to

come and join the group you would be very welcome. As Gordon is no longer with us we will have to find a new home to meet away from Russell Court. We are looking for someone to host the group (a room to seat 6 to 8 of us). Contact Jonathan or Alison Watson for further information (Tel 01730 816145).

TUESDAY EVENING GROUP

This group meets on Zoom on Tuesday evenings around 8.00 pm, also fortnightly during term time. If you would like to join the group you would be very welcome. Contact Lillian (Tel 07950 230110) for further information.

Jonathan Watson

BELL RINGERS’ REPORT

For much of the last year we have been able to maintain the pattern of ringing that has been established for a number of years, albeit with fewer ringers than we would have liked. The interruption of ringing due to Covid restrictions has gone, but as was to be expected several of our older ringers have not returned to regular ringing. Luckily however we have several new recruits and have accordingly been able to ring all six bells on a regular basis. We normally alternate both our practices and our Sunday ringing with Easebourne since we have insufficient ringers to ring both towers simultaneously. Of late we have been holding additional practices on Tuesday evenings to allow intensive training of new ringers.

Maintenance of the bells has been attended to as necessary. No major problems have arisen so maintenance has been largely limited to periodically checking over the fittings for soundness and adjusting the ropes when required.

We did however re-grease the bearings when ringing re-started after the relaxing of Covid restrictions, and we have recently repaired some of the wire netting in the tower which is intended to exclude birds, and we have removed eight sacksful of twigs and other bird debris from the bell chamber.

Nigel Goodenough

MOTHERS’ UNION REPORT

2022 was a very successful year for the group. During the year there were some very interesting speakers:-Julie Budge founder of ‘My Sisters’ House’ spoke about the abuse of women within the home, Martin Roberts on ‘The History of Rupert Bear’ and the Revd. Sue Foster on ‘Modern Day Slavery’.

Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion was celebrated in February and September followed by coffee and Bring and Buy Stalls which raised money for Mothers’ Union projects in this country and worldwide.

Several social events were held - tea at Lorraine’s house, a Garden Party in Chrissie and Mike’s beautiful garden and a coffee morning in Jane’s garden to celebrate Mary Sumner Day (our Founder). The annual outing was a visit to Denman’s Gardens at Fontwell. Chris Wight organised a Picture Quiz in November and in December an enjoyable Christmas lunch was held at The Unicorn, Heyshott.

Members made posies for the Mothering Sunday Service and the collection was very kindly donated to the Mothers’ Union project for AFIA (Away from it all Holidays). They also served teas for the Relaxed Carol Service. Many members serve the church in numerous other roles.

The group plays an active part in the District and Diocesan Meetings. Two members sit on the Chichester District Committee. Members take an active part in M.U. Diocesan Prayer Chain. The group hosted the Annual District Eucharist Festival at Midhurst Church led by our vicar Dave. The group would like to thank Dave for all the support he gave us during his time at Midhurst and he was presented with a painting of Midhurst when we said farewell to him.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the year so rewarding and may our prayers help us to journey forward into 2023 and for the group to grow in commitment and service to the work of the Mothers’ Union and its 4 million members worldwide.

Jane Simpson

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

At Midhurst Parish Church the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (the vicar), the assistant curate, churchwardens, the reader and members elected by those of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met seven times during the year, with an average level of attendance of 77%. This included two special meetings to discuss the Parish Profile document to advertise the incumbent vacancy. Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has a number of committees (teams) each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life.

During 2022 these teams were:

Finance, Fabric and Fundraising
Pastoral
Friends of Midhurst Parish Church
Health and Safety

Teams meet as necessary and report back to the PCC with minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Midhurst Parish Church is situated in Church Hill, Midhurst. It is part of the Diocese of Chichester within the Church of England.

The correspondence address is:

The Parish Office, St Ann’s Hall, St Ann’s Hill, Midhurst, GU29 9NN.

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and has the charity number 1194217.

PCC members who have served at any time from 1st January 2022:

Ex Officio members:

Incumbent The Revd. David Willis (Chair until July 2022)
• Assistant Curate The Revd. Jane Roberts
Reader Mr Mike Abbott (Deanery Synod Rep.)
Churchwardens Mr Gerry Randall (Vice Chair)
Mr Barry Semark

Elected members:

Mrs Lorraine Graham
Mrs Kirstin Bosley (Safeguarding Officer)
Mrs Jenny Dennett (Deanery Synod Rep.)
Mr Kevin Jones
Mrs Barbara Moss
Mr Martin Roberts (PCC Secretary & Deanery Synod Rep.)
Mr Dominic Singleton
Mr Edward Symonds (Treasurer)
Mrs Margaret Langridge
Mrs Geraldine Thomson
Mr James Yeates
Ms Lillian Zwarts
Mrs Alison Windle
Mrs Susan Widdup

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ACCOUNTS

The Financial Review and Accounts are provided in a separate document available alongside this report.

Approved by the PCC on 9[th] March 2023, and signed on their behalf by Mr Gerry Randall (PCC Acting Chair).

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 CONTENTS Page General (Unrestrl¢ted) Fund Receipts and Payments Account 213 Other (Restricted and Designated) Funds 415 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Financial Ststements Report of the Independent Examiner Financlal Review st. Mary Magdalene & St Denys Church, Church Hill, Midhurst Incumbent= Vacant Hon Treasurer: Assistant Treasurer.. Mr E J Symonds Mrs L Graham Independent Examiner: Mr A Mardle, Goodale Mardle Ltd Midhurst GU29 9NQ Bankers.. National Westminster Bank PIC 4 High Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3JF Lloyds Bank PIC 7 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8HD Lloyds Bank PIC 33 Old Broad Stree( London, EC2N 1HZ

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST General {Unrestrictedl Fund Receipts and Payments Account Year Ended 31 December 2022 2021 Note Receipts Voluntary Receipts Planned Giving Collections and Other Giving Total Giving Gift Aid Received Job Retention Scheme Envoy Legacies & Large Donations 40,603 10,724 51,327 12,574 44,188 12,579 56,767 8,867 417 3,310 10,386 77,596 110.000 176,050 Receipts from activities for generating funds Fundraising Income (Gross} Less.. Fundraising Expenses 950 272 950 950 272 272 Receipts from church activities Fees Receipts from investments Interest & Dividends 1,198 1,181 1,351 1,057 TOTAL INCOME 81,095 178.559

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST General (Unrestricted} Fund Receipts & Payments Account Icontd.) Year Ended 31 Dember 2022 2021 Note Payments Church Activities Di0san Contribution I"Parish Share") Honoraria Utilities Clergy Costs Service Expenses Maintenance Quinquennial Inspection Broadband Installation IT Equipment Printing and Stationery Office Equipment Telephone & Broadband Website Insurances Professional Fees All other expenses 59,549 7,197 2,492 3,793 2,375 3,537 1,793 55,051 6,416 2,183 2,278 2,689 2,862 1,600 540 3,258 594 727 577 2,711 360 2,822 3.543 640 320 2,254 2,794 372 2,455 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 93,114 84,669 Surplusl{Deficit) of Income over Expendlture (12,0191 93,890 Fund brought forward Transfers to Reserves Fund carried forward 173,054 (40,000) 121,035 79,164 173,054

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Restricted and Deslgnated Fund Receipts and Payments Accounts Year Ended 31 December 2022 2021 Note Building Fund Designated Bank Account at 1 January Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve VAT Grant Major Expenditure Designated Bank Account 31 December 30,265 5.000 30,265 (5,000) 30,265 30.265 Youth Worker Fund RestrictedlDesignated Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Receipts Transfer from Unrestricted Reserve Expenses - per Schedule attached RestrictedlDesignated Bank Account 31 December 17,868 15,217 30,000 (32,322) 30,762 40,079 7,902 30,114) 17,868 Bell Tower Fund Restricted Bank Account at 1 January Restricted Donations Expenditure Restricted Bank Account 31 December 1,609 200 (215) 1,594 4,321 (2.712) 1.609 Sunday School Fund Restricted Bank Account 1 January Expenditure Restricted Bank Account 31 December 206 426 220) 206 206 Friends of Midhurst Parish Church Restricted Bank Account 1 January Restricted Donations Gift Aid Received Interest Received Contributions towards major repairs Restricted Bank Account 31 December 11,992 2,825 634 36 10,022 3,130 600 (1,762} 11,992 15,486

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST Restricted and Designated Fund Receipts and Payments Accounts - continued 2022 2021 Note Youth Work Restricted Bank Account 1 January Income Payments Restricted Bank Account 31 December Charitable Giving Restricted Bank Account 1 January Receipts - Appeals and collections Payments- Appeals and Collections Restricted Bank Account 31 December Parish Hall Fund Designated Bank Account 1 January Income 786 1,466 200 {880} 786 (147) 640 1,616 5,033 (6,649) 20 4.945 13,349} 1,616 6,128 886 7,014 <645) {158) 11021 {1,6631 4,446 8,414 20 8,434 1563) (119) Expenses Utilities Insurance Repairs Rent and Rates Designated Bank Account 31 December {1.623) 6.128 Youth Worker Fund Expenses for tho Year ended 31 December Salary Pension Contributions Telephone & Broadband Laptop Summer Camp General Expenses 27,313 812 731 26,614 799 1.001 990 1.516 1,950 32,322 710 30,114 Restrlcted Energy Grant Fund Income Designated Bank Account 31 December 9,550 9,550 Designated Equipment Funds Income Donation towards Altar Table Transfer from Undesignated fund for AV Equipment Designated Bank Account 31 December 1,500 5,000 6,500

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH. MIDHURST Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 December 2022 2021 Bank Balances Natsonal Westminster (Ac. No. 69055378) National Westminster (Ac. No. 55011403) Lloyds Bank {Ac. No. 17819460) Lloyds Bank {Ac. MIPSCCMGB) Sundry Debtors Current Assets Current Liabilities - Creditors Net Current Assets Relating to.- Unrestricted General Fund Restricted Building Fund Restricted Energy Grant Designated Equipment Funds Restricted Youth Worker Fund Restricted Bell Tower Fund Designated Parish Hall Fund Restricted Sunday School Fund Restricted Friends of Midhurst Church Restricted Youth Work Restricted Appeal Funds 61,796 16,986 42,028 101,988 92,137 11,992 40,977 101,656 28 246,789 3,267 243.523 222,798 2,315 220,484 121,035 30,265 9,550 6,500 30,762 1,594 173.054 30.265 17.868 1.609 6,128 206 11,992 786 1,616 243,523 206 15,486 640 220,484

Notes to the Financial Statements 1. The Finanaal Ststements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Acl 2011 and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Income and Expenditure basis. 2. No payments to members of the PCC or connected persons have been made, other than honorariums to the Director of Music and part-time administrators. There were no other disclosable transactions in respect of PCC members or persons dosely connected to them. 3.Restricted and Designated Reserves as at 31 Dember 2022 are detailed on pages 4 and 5. During the year end, the PCC revoked part of tts resolution to transfer funds from unrestricted to designated res&rves. They did resolve to transfer £30,000 for Youth Ministry VA)rk, £5,000 for the installation of the new kitchen and £5,000 to improve audi(>visual systems in the church. The PCC believes it necessary to hold this level of unrestricted reserves in order to Cover expected deficits on income and expenditure account over the next two years. 4. Certain restricted (legacy) funds are held by Chichester Diocese on beh8lf of Midhurst parish but (as the capital is not available to the PCC except for the restricted purposes) these have been excluded from these accounts. They are (i) CBF Investment Fund shares with a market value of £26,818 at 31 December 2022 for the housing of a curate and (li) CBF Fixed Income Security shares with a market value of £7,675 for the provision of a new parish room. 5. Legacy and exceptional income in 2022 was from the estate of the late Mrs JOY Smith. the residue of the Sheila Steele Legacy and other generous donations 6. This is the net cost to the PCC. The sum of £727.90 was re¢overed from Woolbeding after the year end. 7. During the year Charitable appeals raised £5,033, including Gift Aid where applic8ble. These were disbursed, together with balance brought forward, as follows: Cancer Research 78.00 Chichester District Food Bank 194.00 Family Support Work 3000.00 Mothers, Union 417.98 RNLI 202.50 Royal British Legion 503.00 RNIB 202.50 British Red Cross Society 286.50 Save the Children 286.50 £5,170.98 Approved by the Parochial chUh Council and signed on its behalf Acting Chainnan, Date

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH. MIDHURST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT To the Paro¢hial Church Council of St Mary Magdalene & St Dgnys Church, Midhurst. I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022. which are set out on pages 1-7 Respective responsibilities of the Parochial Church Council and the Independent Examiner As members of the Parochial Church Council, you 8re responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider thal an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 {the 2011 Act) and that an independent examinalion 15 needed. 11 is my responsibility to.. . examine Ihe accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Acl follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commlssioners in section 14515}{b) of the 2011 Act., and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance wrth Ihe General Directions given by the Charity Commission (CC32 updaled 4 September 2018). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Parochial Church Council and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in Ihe accounts, and seeking explanations from the Parochial Church Council concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requiTed in an audit.. consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair" view and the report is limited lo those mallers set out in the statement below. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination, no material mallers have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect". accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Acl the accounts do nol accord with the accountsng records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. This report is made solely to the members of the PCC. as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of ihe Charities {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might slate to the members of the PCC those matters l am required to slate to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest exlenl permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone olher than the PCC and the members of the PCC, as a body, for my work for this report. Signed Date

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE & ST DENYS CHURCH, MIDHURST FINANCIAL REVIEW l am please(J to present the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022. Total reiptS on unrestricted lunds were £81,095, of which £12,574 was from Gift Aid. Restricted donations were also received and are detailed in the Financial Statements. The CBF investments yielded £1,018 and £333 wa5 received in Interest on the deposits with Lloyd5 Bank. The planned giving through envelope5 and banker's orders decreased by 8%. Irregular giving also reduced considerably. Total income, induding tax recovered but excluding the legacies and other one off receipts decreased over 3% compared with last year. The contribution to the diocesan parish share was pal(J in full, as calculated by the Deanery Treasurer and largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergv. The sum that the churche5 in the deanery have to find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is based mainly on the dutles and stipends of each ¢lerEy person employed in the individual parishes. Our everyday expenditure continues to outstrip income and the Unrestricted fund wlll contlnue to be depleted. Major costs to maintain the Church Building are experted now the Quinquennial inspection has been completed. Further grants have been received towards the Youth Worker projett. Our commitments to that prolett contlntse. A list of the expenditure Is attached to the accounts. We have already applied to Diocese for help meeting the "Parish Share". The statement of assets and liabilities detai15 the cash balances and where they are allocated to the various unrestricted and restrlcte(J funds. Finally, I would like to add my thanks to Lorraine Graham for her continuing unstinting 3ss15tance in running the day to day management of the PCC finances. Ted Symond5-Treasurer to the Parochial Church Council