APCM FOR YEAR END EASTER 2023 _MEETING HELD 26TH MAY 2024_
_VICAR_ Mthr Sally Jones
_WARDENS_ Debra Bienek Karen Healy
## CONTENTS
**Safeguarding Electoral Roll Camden Deanery Synod Priest’s Report**
**Staff and Services**
**PCC**
Bank Accounts held with:
Nat West Bank
Marylebone and Harley St Branch PO BOX 2021
10 Marylebone High St London W1A 1PH
Metro Bank
One Southampton Row London WC1B 5HA
## **Safeguarding**
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and vulnerable adults to worship and spiritually grow in safety. We also have duty to ensure that all who use the church and its offices for whatever reason have appropriate safeguarding measures in place. There have been no incidents that have required referral and no concerns that have been reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
IRayna has been working with the PCC to ensure that the PCC and church are compliant to Diocesan and National Safeguarding standards and those who require DBS checks, and training will receive them.
## **Electoral Roll**
The electoral roll of the parish was renewed in 2019 and will be fully renewed next in 2025.
In the last year, adjusting for those who have requested to be removed from the roll, and those who have died, the electoral roll fell from 50 to 44.
**Camden Deanery Synod** A new Deanery Synod was inaugurated on 8 November 2023:
The Standing Committee now consists of the Area Dean (Carol Barrett Ford), Lay Chair (Michael Royalton-Kisch), Secretary (Harmen van den Hondel), Treasurer (Angela Gardner). Additionally the elected members of the Standing Committee are: Clergy: Michael Thomas (St Michael’s, Camden Town), Jamie Haith (St George’s, Holborn).
Laity: Dorothy Connell from St George’s Bloomsbury. The total Standing Committee thus consists of 3 clergy and 4 laity, preserving the convention of the laity outnumbering the clergy 7pm for 7.30pm Tuesday 7 February 2023 at St John-at-Hampstead, NW3 7pm for 7.30pm Wednesday 17 May 2023 at St Marks’ Church, Regent Park, NW1 7pm for 7.30pm Wednesday 9 November 2023 at St Martin’s Church, NW5
Tuesday 7 February 2023 at St John-at-Hampstead, NW3 - Keynote presentation: Ageing Gracefully by Kevin Rogers, Diocese of London Kevin explained how he and his team aim to provide pragmatic advice about church buildings, including support on how to establish efficient fundraising and optimizing the use of church buildings in general. For the South Camden area, there are 18 buildings, 2 of which are closed and 15 listed – most Grade II. There is a major need for investment, with a staggering 25M repair bill coming up. All parishes were reminded to take great care with fire safety and their electrical systems and make sure that the mandatory 5-yr electrical test was properly conducted. Parishes that could not afford this should contact Kevin and his team for advice and support.
## **Camden Deanery Synod continued**
Wednesday 17 May 2023 at St Marks’ Church, Regent Park, NW1 - Summer drinks party: Fr William Gulliford kindly hosted our summer drinks party at St Mark’s Regents Park on a delightful warm evening. As well as time to socialise both inside the beautiful church and in its garden, there was a short act of worship in thanksgiving for the life of the Deanery, and all those who serve it— both lay and ordained. There was also an opportunity to give thanks for the ministry of Fr David Houlding who was with us on the evening.
Wednesday 8 November 2023 at St Martin’s Church, NW5 - Inauguration of the new Deanery Synod. Meeting of the House of Laity: As Acting Chair, Angela Gardner confirmed that Michael Royalton-Kisch indicated that he was happy to serve another term as Lay Chair. No other candidates had come forward, and Michael was elected.
Full meeting of both Houses of the Synod (Laity and Clergy): Mthr Carol confirmed that Angela Gardner and Harmen van den Hondel had indicated that they were happy to serve another term as Deanery Synod Officers and Standing Committee lay-members. No other candidates had come forward. Mthr Carol confirmed that Jamie Haith and Michael Thomas had indicated that they were willing to serve for another term in their current roles as clergy member of the Standing Committee. Joyce Florell did not stand for re-election and will resign from the Standing Committee as lay-member. Dorothy Connell from St George’s Bloomsbury indicated that she was willing to join the Standing Committee as a new lay member. After being proposed and seconded by members of the Deanery, Dorothy Connell was elected by acclamation as a new lay member of the Standing Committee.
_Mthr Carol Barrett Ford, Area Dean March 2024_
## In addition from Sally Price
It is worth mentioning that the first meeting of 2024, on 20th January, the main item was a proposal for a declaration of closure for regular public worship for the church of St Mary Eversholt Street. After intense debate, it was decided to allow the congregation longer to see if they could form a viable way forward, given the state of the building.
## **Priest's Report**
If Mary Magdalene wasn’t our patron, I think Nicodemus would be a good choice for you.
There aren’t many churches named after him. The Anglican Church doesn’t even keep him as a saint, although our Roman Catholic and Orthodox siblings do, and his day is kept on 31st August.
And I think Nicodemus would be good for us because he demonstrates the importance of asking good questions, which is something we encourage and celebrate here at Mary Mags.
Each question we ask and wrestle with brings us to a deeper understanding of our faith, of who God is and where we fit into the world God has created.
Nicodemus asked good questions. He asked questions which brought him closer to understanding more about God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And through these questions he came to faith and came to believe in Jesus and became one of Jesus’ secret disciples.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, one of the Jewish leaders. He is a big deal in the Jewish circles of Jerusalem; Nicodemus has been well educated in the faith and is a smart man.
Like most religious people, Nicodemus believes, to some extent, that God is love. But he believes that God’s love is measured and sensible, and follows a set of rules.
I think that many Christians today still what to believe that this is true. They have reasoned that God’s love is reserved for really ‘good’ people, those who are nice or do good things or turn up to church on Sundays.
This is true and untrue, as God’s love is for everyone despite our perceived and actual goodness and badness.
Nicodemus is confused about Jesus and where he fits; Jesus is not playing by the conventional Jewish rules that Nicodemus and his fellow Pharisees are expecting. This could be why Nicodemus pays him a visit – to get Jesus to fill in the proper forms, tick the right boxes.
Nicodemus starts by telling Jesus that he, and others, know that there is something special about Jesus – only someone with a special relationship with God could do the things Jesus was doing.
He is basically saying ‘I’m someone who can recognize what God is doing – and you, Jesus, are doing a pretty good job’.
## **Priest's Report continued**
But its not until Nicodemus gets his head around rebirth that he starts to truly understand that Jesus has come to give us life in all its fullness
And he moves from questioning “how can these things be” to being a disciple. And within this conversation we get one of the most well known and well loved verses of scripture.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.”
These words are so familiar, that I think they get overlooked with over familiarization.
In these words of Jesus is the essence of what Christianity is, its an invitation to join God Father, Son and Spirit in Gods unbounded and over flowing love. An invitation for us to join in the being and doing of God. That’s the invitation that Nicodemus responded to, and it’s the invitation that is given to each of us, to respond to as individuals and as a worshipping congregation, here at Mary Mags. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.”
We do not need to meet any set of requirements, we don’t need to become more loveable, or even more likeable, it doesn’t matter what our background is or what our abilities are on any given day.
God just loves. Loves us, loves you, loves me, every day, every second. And if we say yes to God’s love, then it becomes our turn to share that love with others.
Trinity Sunday gives us the chance to think about the nature of God. And the relationship of God Father, Son and Spirit is love.
Its this love we try to express here.
When we gather together, around the altar, and around the refreshment table. It’s the love we try to express when new people come to join us, for a one off visit, or for an extended stay.
It’s the love to show in our work together with Christ Church Primary, with Esther Randall Court, with Old Diorama, with Fitzrovia Youth in Action.
It’s the love we show when people enter our doors looking for food, shelter or someone to listen to them.
## **Priest's Report continued**
It the love we show when we ask questions of the church and our faith. The love which brings people to baptism, confirmation, lay ministry and ordained ministry. It the love of God which makes us strive to become a Hub of Grace for all those who come here, no matter their motive or condition.
In these ways we live out the love of the trinity.
Its been a blessed and difficult year, which our church wardens will talk more about in their report during or Annual Parochial Church Meeting after the service.
Scaffold and paint have been major features of the past year.
But the physical works that have happened here never stopped the spiritual works.
We have continued to worship and serve our community throughout upheaval and ciaos.
Some of my highlights include
Our ability to continue to make Christmas a blessed time of year through our giving to Esther Randell Court, families at Christ Church and to some local people in need.
We were able to beat our previous records through your generosity and the generosity of St Marylebone Church who gave us thousands of pounds of gift vouchers to supermarkets and other shops to take the pressure off finding food and gifts to celebrate with.
We continue to offer more space for new support groups in the crypt, our most recent being Cocaine Anonymous. Having affordable, welcoming spaces are incredibly important for groups like these, and to support the work of healing and bring lives back to fullness is a privilege we have to give.
And we have invested in those spaces by installing new carpet and lighting, and we have plans to continue to improve the space over the year ahead.
We bade farewell to Bishop Rob who stepped down as our area bishop to become CEO of the Church Urban Fund. And we look forward to meeting and welcoming to this space our new Bishop Anderson Jeremiah.
We studied together the Book of Revelation and CS Lewis’ writings on the Four Loves, which delighted, confused and amazed, us, and brought us to new understands.
## **Priest's Report continued**
Over the course of the past year we have been able to train up a new serving team, and have a strong team of 10 people (with room available for more if anyone wants to join), we’ve had Alaric continue his formation with us, who we look forward to seeing ordained next month, and another 5 ordinands on short placements. And we’ve had 2 congregation members explore their vocations, and Debra who will be licenced in September.
It's been wonderful to have Debra, Karen and Luna serving as our wardens over this last year. Each bringing their own gifts into these roles and I want to thank each of them for their passion, support, advice, opinions, guidance, energy and prayers.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.”
When I look around our congregation and community, I see the love of God at work, made visible. And I want to thank you for your response to Gods call. Thank you for your love and faithfulness which is shown so clearly here. And my prayer for this coming year is that this will continue to grow and bear fruit.
That we will continue on this path that God has given us, and find even more ways to bring the love of the Holy and Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit to each other, our local community and ever area we inhabit and have influence.
That we will continue to ask questions, and be inspired by Nicodemus and be drawn deeper into faith and love.
## STAFF & SERVICES
## **Staff**
Vicar: Mthr Sally Jones
Warden: Karen Healy Warden: Debra Bienek
Safeguarding Officer: Rayna Healy Sacristan: Debra Bienek
Organist: Simon Haynes
## **Regular Services**
Sunday 11am Wednesday 6.30pm Thursday 1pm
## **Regular Church Users**
Camden Philharmonia Orchestra
## **Crypt Centre**
Tuesday: 5.30-7pm Narcotics Anonymous Wednesday: 7-8.30pm Adult Children of Alcoholics Thursday: 7-10pm Chamber Academy Orchestra Friday: 6.30-9pm Marijuana Anonymous Saturday: 10.45am-12.15pm Co-Dependants Anonymous Sunday: 4-7.30pm Co-Dependants Anonymous
PCC
## **Structure, Governance & Management**
The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under Parochial Church Council Powers Measures.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At Christ Church and St Mary Magdalene’s the membership of the PCC consists of the vicar, churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who are part of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll. We comply with policies governing Safeguarding, the PCC Policy being displayed on the Church Notice Board and is reviewed annually by the PCC. Safeguarding training is undertaken by appropriate officers. A Safeguarding Officer are appointed annually by the PCC and we comply with the DBS Regulations and also require other bodies that use the church premises to also comply with our Safeguarding Policy. Health and Safety procedures are under constant review.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how funds of the PCC are to be spent.
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PCC
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## **Membership of the PCC.**
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting ("APCM") in accordance with the Church Representation Rules (Synodical Government Measure 1969). During the year 2021 the following served as members.
## **Ex-officio Members**
Vicar: Mthr Sally Jones Churchwardens: Karen Healy, Debra Beinek Deanery Synod Representatives: Prof Sally Price
## **Elected Officers & Members**
Ms Lande Kunrunmi (Vice Chair) Ms Julie Nicholls (Secretary) Ms Rayna Healy (Safeguarding Officer) Ms Joanne Brewer Mrs Carol Millard Ms Geraldine Priddie Mark Omorogbe
## **Standing Committee**
Mthr Sally Jones Ms Karen Healy Ms Debra Beinek
# **Christ Church and St Mary Magdalene Munster Square**
**End of Year Financial Statement**
**Year ending 31stDecember 2023**
_Page 1_
## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Christ Church and St Mary Munster Square**
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on finance pages of the Annual Report.
## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act **2011** (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
- To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
- To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner's report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
_Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualification is as shown below._
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- 1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
- 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Kevin Ogilvie
Charity Bookkeeping and Examination Services
13 Evelyns Close, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB8 3LR Date 30[th] September 2024
_Page 2_
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
||**Unrestricted Designated**
**Restricted Endowment**
**Total**
**Prior year**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**total funds**|
|---|---|
|**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
**Total expenditure**
Gains / losses on investment assets
**Net income / (expenditure) resources before**
**transfer**
**Transfers**
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
**Other recognised gains / losses**
**Net movement in funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|13,706
—
22,000
—
35,706
432,456
857
—
—
—
857
412
19,305
—
—
—
19,305
604
3,982
—
—
—
3,982
18,313|
||**37,850**
**—**
**22,000**
**—**
**59,850**
**451,784**
473
—
—
—
473
—
74,537
—
88,238
—
162,775
104,900
652
—
—
—
652
—|
||**75,662**
**—**
**88,238**
**—**
**163,900**
**104,900**
—
10,709
289
—
10,999
(16,464)|
||**(37,812)**
**10,709**
**(65,949)**
**—**
**(93,051)**
**330,421**
—
—
7,476
—
7,476
—
(7,476)
—
—
—
(7,476)
—|
||**(45,288)**
**10,709**
**(58,473)**
**—**
**(93,051)**
**330,421**|
||**386,667**
**401,341**
**139,526**
**—**
**927,535**
**597,114**|
||**341,380**
**412,051**
**81,053**
**—**
**834,483**
**927,535**|
_Page 3_
## **Balance sheet**
|**Class and code**
**Description**|**This year**
**Last year**|
|---|---|
|**Fixed assets**
6430
COIF Jervois
6431
CBF Parish Trust
6432
CBF WFH Glover
6433
CBF Miss Glovers
6434
CBF CC School
6435
Loan Stock St Pamcras
6436
Consolidated Stock
6437
Treasury Stock WFH Glover
6438
Black Rock Glover
6439
Black Rock CC School
6440
St Bede's Hall
**Total Fixed assets**
**Current assets**
6501
Nat West Current A/C
6502
Metro Current A/C
6505
Nat West Reserve Account
6520
Gift Aid Recoverable
6521
Prepayments
Z05
Accounts Receivable
**Total Current assets**
**Liabilities**
6601
Loans received
6602
Uncleared Cheques 2018
6699
Agency collections
Z04
Accounts Payable
**Total Liabilities**
**Net Asset surplus(deficit)**
**Reserves**
Excess / (deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Z02
Other gains/(losses)
**Total Reserves**
**Represented by funds**
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
**Total**|913
836
65,962
60,290
50,229
45,910
14,015
12,810
2,735
2,500
500
500
6,884
6,884
2,898
2,898
1,562
2,050
525
548
270,000
270,000|
||**416,224**
**405,225**
12,211
25,474
372,639
465,505
27,918
25,838
5,816
5,816
—
—
—
—|
||**418,584**
**522,634**
—
—
—
—
324
324
—
—|
||**324**
**324**|
||**834,483**
**927,535**|
||(104,050)
346,885
927,535
597,114
10,999
(16,464)|
||**834,483**
**927,535**
341,380
386,667
412,051
401,341
81,053
139,526
—
—|
||**834,483**
**927,535**|
_Page 4_
## **Fund movement by type**
||**Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing**|
|---|---|
|**Building - Building Fund**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Building**
**Donations - Restricted Donations**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Donations**
**Glover - WFH Glover**
Designated
**Sub-total for Glover**
**Hall - St Bede's Hall**
Designated
**Sub-total for Hall**
**Jervois - Jervois Trust**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Jervois**
**Lynch - Merrill Lynch**
Designated
**Sub-total for Lynch**
**MGlover - Miss Glover**
Designated
**Sub-total for MGlover**
**Organ - Organ Fund**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Organ**
**Pancras - St Pancras**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Pancras**
**PancrasD - St Pancras & Humanis**
Designated
**Sub-total for PancrasD**
**Parish - Parish Trust**
Designated
**Sub-total for Parish**
**School - CC School**
Restricted
**Sub-total for School**
**Stock - Consoildated Stock**
Designated
**Sub-total for Stock**
**General - General fund**
Unrestricted
**Sub-total for General**
**Grand total**|90,000
10,000
66,121
—
—
—
33,879|
||**90,000**
**10,000**
**66,121**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**33,879**
24,585
—
—
—
—
—
24,585|
||**24,585**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**24,585**
51,522
—
—
—
5,525
—
57,046|
||**51,522**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**5,525**
**—**
**57,046**
270,000
—
—
—
—
—
270,000|
||**270,000**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**270,000**
2,627
—
—
—
77
—
2,704|
||**2,627**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**77**
**—**
**2,704**
2,050
—
—
—
(488)
—
1,562|
||**2,050**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**(488)**
**—**
**1,562**
10,096
—
—
—
—
—
10,096|
||**10,096**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**10,096**
16,625
—
—
—
—
—
16,625|
||**16,625**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**16,625**
2,641
12,000
22,117
7,476
—
—
—|
||**2,641**
**12,000**
**22,117**
**7,476**
**—**
**—**
**—**
500
—
—
—
—
—
500|
||**500**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**500**
60,290
—
—
—
5,672
—
65,962|
||**60,290**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**5,672**
**—**
**65,962**
3,048
—
—
—
213
—
3,260|
||**3,048**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**213**
**—**
**3,260**
6,884
—
—
—
—
—
6,884|
||**6,884**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**6,884**
386,667
37,850
75,662
(7,476)
—
—
341,380|
||**386,667**
**37,850**
**75,662**
**(7,476)**
**—**
**—**
**341,380**|
||**927,535**
**59,850**
**163,900**
**—**
**10,999**
**—**
**834,483**|
_Page 5_
## **Analysis of income and expenditure**
|**Total**
**Unrestricted Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**This year**
**Last year**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Gift Aid - Bank
—
—
—
—
—
1,743
PGS Giving
8,065
—
—
—
8,065
8,896
Loose plate collections
1,026
—
—
—
1,026
1,668
Donations appeals etc
2,598
—
—
—
2,598
1,090
Tax Recovered on PGS Giving
2,017
—
—
—
2,017
1,990
Legacies
—
—
—
—
—
401,168
Recurring grants
—
—
—
—
—
1,260
St Pancras Lands Trust
—
—
12,000
—
12,000
12,000
Non-recurring one-off grants
—
—
10,000
—
10,000
2,641
Total
13,706
—
22,000
—
35,706
432,456
**Income from charitable activities**
Fees for weddings and funerals
857
—
—
—
857
412
Total
857
—
—
—
857
412
**Other trading activities**
Church hall lettings - fund raising
15,000
—
—
—
15,000
—
Crypt Lets
1,074
—
—
—
1,074
364
Church Lets
3,231
—
—
—
3,231
240
Total
19,305
—
—
—
19,305
604
**Investments**
Dividends
3,659
—
—
—
3,659
2,988
Bank and building society interest
323
—
—
—
323
55
CBF Interest
—
—
—
—
—
645
Rent from lands or buildings
—
—
—
—
—
14,625
Total
3,982
—
—
—
3,982
18,313|**Total**
**Unrestricted Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**This year**
**Last year**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Gift Aid - Bank
—
—
—
—
—
1,743
PGS Giving
8,065
—
—
—
8,065
8,896
Loose plate collections
1,026
—
—
—
1,026
1,668
Donations appeals etc
2,598
—
—
—
2,598
1,090
Tax Recovered on PGS Giving
2,017
—
—
—
2,017
1,990
Legacies
—
—
—
—
—
401,168
Recurring grants
—
—
—
—
—
1,260
St Pancras Lands Trust
—
—
12,000
—
12,000
12,000
Non-recurring one-off grants
—
—
10,000
—
10,000
2,641
Total
13,706
—
22,000
—
35,706
432,456
**Income from charitable activities**
Fees for weddings and funerals
857
—
—
—
857
412
Total
857
—
—
—
857
412
**Other trading activities**
Church hall lettings - fund raising
15,000
—
—
—
15,000
—
Crypt Lets
1,074
—
—
—
1,074
364
Church Lets
3,231
—
—
—
3,231
240
Total
19,305
—
—
—
19,305
604
**Investments**
Dividends
3,659
—
—
—
3,659
2,988
Bank and building society interest
323
—
—
—
323
55
CBF Interest
—
—
—
—
—
645
Rent from lands or buildings
—
—
—
—
—
14,625
Total
3,982
—
—
—
3,982
18,313|
|---|---|
||13,706
—
22,000
—
35,706
432,456
857
—
—
—
857
412|
||857
—
—
—
857
412
15,000
—
—
—
15,000
—
1,074
—
—
—
1,074
364
3,231
—
—
—
3,231
240|
||19,305
—
—
—
19,305
604
3,659
—
—
—
3,659
2,988
323
—
—
—
323
55
—
—
—
—
—
645
—
—
—
—
—
14,625|
||3,982
—
—
—
3,982
18,313|
|**INCOME TOTAL**|37,850
—
22,000
—
59,850
451,784|
|**EXPENDITURE**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Raising funds**|||||||
|Costs of fetes & other events|473|—|—|—|473|—|
|Total|473|—|—|—|473|—|
|**Expenditure on charitable activities**|||||||
|Secular charities|—|—|—|—|—|1,073|
|Common Fund|22,500|—|—|—|22,500|15,050|
|Working expenses of incumbent|899|—|—|—|899|1,795|
|Vicar's discretionary|(10)|—|—|—|(10)|54|
|Water rates - vicarage|2,483|—|—|—|2,483|—|
|Vicar's telephone|29|—|—|—|29|—|
|Education|105|—|—|—|105|417|
_Page 6_
|Parish training and mission
Church running - insurance
Church office - telephone
Organist Fees
Church maintenance
Cleaning
Upkeep of services
Hospitality
Administration
Bank Charges
Bookkeeping
Visiting speakers / locums
Church running - electric
Church running - gas
Church running - water
Church major repairs - Fees
Church major repairs - installation
Hall + major repairs - installation
Total
**Other expenditure**
Unidentified Expense
Total|834
—
—
—
834
—
9,734
—
—
—
9,734
8,969
733
—
—
—
733
647
2,821
—
—
—
2,821
3,701
2,079
—
8,969
—
11,048
26,266
2,609
—
—
—
2,609
3,707
2,126
—
—
—
2,126
1,751
(5)
—
—
—
(5)
800
(152)
—
—
—
(152)
1,907
84
—
—
—
84
150
6,250
—
—
—
6,250
3,000
—
—
—
—
—
(47)
—
—
17,256
—
17,256
11,049
—
—
4,566
—
4,566
2,502
—
—
294
—
294
524
15,419
—
—
—
15,419
—
3,000
—
52,452
—
55,452
21,586
3,000
—
4,700
—
7,700
—|
|---|---|
||74,537
—
88,238
—
162,775
104,900
652
—
—
—
652
—|
||652
—
—
—
652
—|
|**EXPENDITURE TOTAL**|75,662
—
88,238
—
163,900
104,900|
|||
|**GRAND TOTAL**|(37,812)
—
(66,238)
—
(104,050)
346,885|
_Page 7_
APCM FOR YEAR END EASTER 2023 _MEETING HELD 26TH MAY 2024_
_VICAR_ Mthr Sally Jones
_WARDENS_ Debra Bienek Karen Healy
## CONTENTS
**Safeguarding Electoral Roll Camden Deanery Synod Priest’s Report**
**Staff and Services**
**PCC**
Bank Accounts held with:
Nat West Bank
Marylebone and Harley St Branch PO BOX 2021
10 Marylebone High St London W1A 1PH
Metro Bank
One Southampton Row London WC1B 5HA
## **Safeguarding**
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and vulnerable adults to worship and spiritually grow in safety. We also have duty to ensure that all who use the church and its offices for whatever reason have appropriate safeguarding measures in place. There have been no incidents that have required referral and no concerns that have been reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
IRayna has been working with the PCC to ensure that the PCC and church are compliant to Diocesan and National Safeguarding standards and those who require DBS checks, and training will receive them.
## **Electoral Roll**
The electoral roll of the parish was renewed in 2019 and will be fully renewed next in 2025.
In the last year, adjusting for those who have requested to be removed from the roll, and those who have died, the electoral roll fell from 50 to 44.
**Camden Deanery Synod** A new Deanery Synod was inaugurated on 8 November 2023:
The Standing Committee now consists of the Area Dean (Carol Barrett Ford), Lay Chair (Michael Royalton-Kisch), Secretary (Harmen van den Hondel), Treasurer (Angela Gardner). Additionally the elected members of the Standing Committee are: Clergy: Michael Thomas (St Michael’s, Camden Town), Jamie Haith (St George’s, Holborn).
Laity: Dorothy Connell from St George’s Bloomsbury. The total Standing Committee thus consists of 3 clergy and 4 laity, preserving the convention of the laity outnumbering the clergy 7pm for 7.30pm Tuesday 7 February 2023 at St John-at-Hampstead, NW3 7pm for 7.30pm Wednesday 17 May 2023 at St Marks’ Church, Regent Park, NW1 7pm for 7.30pm Wednesday 9 November 2023 at St Martin’s Church, NW5
Tuesday 7 February 2023 at St John-at-Hampstead, NW3 - Keynote presentation: Ageing Gracefully by Kevin Rogers, Diocese of London Kevin explained how he and his team aim to provide pragmatic advice about church buildings, including support on how to establish efficient fundraising and optimizing the use of church buildings in general. For the South Camden area, there are 18 buildings, 2 of which are closed and 15 listed – most Grade II. There is a major need for investment, with a staggering 25M repair bill coming up. All parishes were reminded to take great care with fire safety and their electrical systems and make sure that the mandatory 5-yr electrical test was properly conducted. Parishes that could not afford this should contact Kevin and his team for advice and support.
## **Camden Deanery Synod continued**
Wednesday 17 May 2023 at St Marks’ Church, Regent Park, NW1 - Summer drinks party: Fr William Gulliford kindly hosted our summer drinks party at St Mark’s Regents Park on a delightful warm evening. As well as time to socialise both inside the beautiful church and in its garden, there was a short act of worship in thanksgiving for the life of the Deanery, and all those who serve it— both lay and ordained. There was also an opportunity to give thanks for the ministry of Fr David Houlding who was with us on the evening.
Wednesday 8 November 2023 at St Martin’s Church, NW5 - Inauguration of the new Deanery Synod. Meeting of the House of Laity: As Acting Chair, Angela Gardner confirmed that Michael Royalton-Kisch indicated that he was happy to serve another term as Lay Chair. No other candidates had come forward, and Michael was elected.
Full meeting of both Houses of the Synod (Laity and Clergy): Mthr Carol confirmed that Angela Gardner and Harmen van den Hondel had indicated that they were happy to serve another term as Deanery Synod Officers and Standing Committee lay-members. No other candidates had come forward. Mthr Carol confirmed that Jamie Haith and Michael Thomas had indicated that they were willing to serve for another term in their current roles as clergy member of the Standing Committee. Joyce Florell did not stand for re-election and will resign from the Standing Committee as lay-member. Dorothy Connell from St George’s Bloomsbury indicated that she was willing to join the Standing Committee as a new lay member. After being proposed and seconded by members of the Deanery, Dorothy Connell was elected by acclamation as a new lay member of the Standing Committee.
_Mthr Carol Barrett Ford, Area Dean March 2024_
## In addition from Sally Price
It is worth mentioning that the first meeting of 2024, on 20th January, the main item was a proposal for a declaration of closure for regular public worship for the church of St Mary Eversholt Street. After intense debate, it was decided to allow the congregation longer to see if they could form a viable way forward, given the state of the building.
## **Priest's Report**
If Mary Magdalene wasn’t our patron, I think Nicodemus would be a good choice for you.
There aren’t many churches named after him. The Anglican Church doesn’t even keep him as a saint, although our Roman Catholic and Orthodox siblings do, and his day is kept on 31st August.
And I think Nicodemus would be good for us because he demonstrates the importance of asking good questions, which is something we encourage and celebrate here at Mary Mags.
Each question we ask and wrestle with brings us to a deeper understanding of our faith, of who God is and where we fit into the world God has created.
Nicodemus asked good questions. He asked questions which brought him closer to understanding more about God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And through these questions he came to faith and came to believe in Jesus and became one of Jesus’ secret disciples.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, one of the Jewish leaders. He is a big deal in the Jewish circles of Jerusalem; Nicodemus has been well educated in the faith and is a smart man.
Like most religious people, Nicodemus believes, to some extent, that God is love. But he believes that God’s love is measured and sensible, and follows a set of rules.
I think that many Christians today still what to believe that this is true. They have reasoned that God’s love is reserved for really ‘good’ people, those who are nice or do good things or turn up to church on Sundays.
This is true and untrue, as God’s love is for everyone despite our perceived and actual goodness and badness.
Nicodemus is confused about Jesus and where he fits; Jesus is not playing by the conventional Jewish rules that Nicodemus and his fellow Pharisees are expecting. This could be why Nicodemus pays him a visit – to get Jesus to fill in the proper forms, tick the right boxes.
Nicodemus starts by telling Jesus that he, and others, know that there is something special about Jesus – only someone with a special relationship with God could do the things Jesus was doing.
He is basically saying ‘I’m someone who can recognize what God is doing – and you, Jesus, are doing a pretty good job’.
## **Priest's Report continued**
But its not until Nicodemus gets his head around rebirth that he starts to truly understand that Jesus has come to give us life in all its fullness
And he moves from questioning “how can these things be” to being a disciple. And within this conversation we get one of the most well known and well loved verses of scripture.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.”
These words are so familiar, that I think they get overlooked with over familiarization.
In these words of Jesus is the essence of what Christianity is, its an invitation to join God Father, Son and Spirit in Gods unbounded and over flowing love. An invitation for us to join in the being and doing of God. That’s the invitation that Nicodemus responded to, and it’s the invitation that is given to each of us, to respond to as individuals and as a worshipping congregation, here at Mary Mags. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.”
We do not need to meet any set of requirements, we don’t need to become more loveable, or even more likeable, it doesn’t matter what our background is or what our abilities are on any given day.
God just loves. Loves us, loves you, loves me, every day, every second. And if we say yes to God’s love, then it becomes our turn to share that love with others.
Trinity Sunday gives us the chance to think about the nature of God. And the relationship of God Father, Son and Spirit is love.
Its this love we try to express here.
When we gather together, around the altar, and around the refreshment table. It’s the love we try to express when new people come to join us, for a one off visit, or for an extended stay.
It’s the love to show in our work together with Christ Church Primary, with Esther Randall Court, with Old Diorama, with Fitzrovia Youth in Action.
It’s the love we show when people enter our doors looking for food, shelter or someone to listen to them.
## **Priest's Report continued**
It the love we show when we ask questions of the church and our faith. The love which brings people to baptism, confirmation, lay ministry and ordained ministry. It the love of God which makes us strive to become a Hub of Grace for all those who come here, no matter their motive or condition.
In these ways we live out the love of the trinity.
Its been a blessed and difficult year, which our church wardens will talk more about in their report during or Annual Parochial Church Meeting after the service.
Scaffold and paint have been major features of the past year.
But the physical works that have happened here never stopped the spiritual works.
We have continued to worship and serve our community throughout upheaval and ciaos.
Some of my highlights include
Our ability to continue to make Christmas a blessed time of year through our giving to Esther Randell Court, families at Christ Church and to some local people in need.
We were able to beat our previous records through your generosity and the generosity of St Marylebone Church who gave us thousands of pounds of gift vouchers to supermarkets and other shops to take the pressure off finding food and gifts to celebrate with.
We continue to offer more space for new support groups in the crypt, our most recent being Cocaine Anonymous. Having affordable, welcoming spaces are incredibly important for groups like these, and to support the work of healing and bring lives back to fullness is a privilege we have to give.
And we have invested in those spaces by installing new carpet and lighting, and we have plans to continue to improve the space over the year ahead.
We bade farewell to Bishop Rob who stepped down as our area bishop to become CEO of the Church Urban Fund. And we look forward to meeting and welcoming to this space our new Bishop Anderson Jeremiah.
We studied together the Book of Revelation and CS Lewis’ writings on the Four Loves, which delighted, confused and amazed, us, and brought us to new understands.
## **Priest's Report continued**
Over the course of the past year we have been able to train up a new serving team, and have a strong team of 10 people (with room available for more if anyone wants to join), we’ve had Alaric continue his formation with us, who we look forward to seeing ordained next month, and another 5 ordinands on short placements. And we’ve had 2 congregation members explore their vocations, and Debra who will be licenced in September.
It's been wonderful to have Debra, Karen and Luna serving as our wardens over this last year. Each bringing their own gifts into these roles and I want to thank each of them for their passion, support, advice, opinions, guidance, energy and prayers.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.”
When I look around our congregation and community, I see the love of God at work, made visible. And I want to thank you for your response to Gods call. Thank you for your love and faithfulness which is shown so clearly here. And my prayer for this coming year is that this will continue to grow and bear fruit.
That we will continue on this path that God has given us, and find even more ways to bring the love of the Holy and Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit to each other, our local community and ever area we inhabit and have influence.
That we will continue to ask questions, and be inspired by Nicodemus and be drawn deeper into faith and love.
## STAFF & SERVICES
## **Staff**
Vicar: Mthr Sally Jones
Warden: Karen Healy Warden: Debra Bienek
Safeguarding Officer: Rayna Healy Sacristan: Debra Bienek
Organist: Simon Haynes
## **Regular Services**
Sunday 11am Wednesday 6.30pm Thursday 1pm
## **Regular Church Users**
Camden Philharmonia Orchestra
## **Crypt Centre**
Tuesday: 5.30-7pm Narcotics Anonymous Wednesday: 7-8.30pm Adult Children of Alcoholics Thursday: 7-10pm Chamber Academy Orchestra Friday: 6.30-9pm Marijuana Anonymous Saturday: 10.45am-12.15pm Co-Dependants Anonymous Sunday: 4-7.30pm Co-Dependants Anonymous
PCC
## **Structure, Governance & Management**
The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under Parochial Church Council Powers Measures.
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At Christ Church and St Mary Magdalene’s the membership of the PCC consists of the vicar, churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who are part of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll. We comply with policies governing Safeguarding, the PCC Policy being displayed on the Church Notice Board and is reviewed annually by the PCC. Safeguarding training is undertaken by appropriate officers. A Safeguarding Officer are appointed annually by the PCC and we comply with the DBS Regulations and also require other bodies that use the church premises to also comply with our Safeguarding Policy. Health and Safety procedures are under constant review.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how funds of the PCC are to be spent.
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PCC
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## **Membership of the PCC.**
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting ("APCM") in accordance with the Church Representation Rules (Synodical Government Measure 1969). During the year 2021 the following served as members.
## **Ex-officio Members**
Vicar: Mthr Sally Jones Churchwardens: Karen Healy, Debra Beinek Deanery Synod Representatives: Prof Sally Price
## **Elected Officers & Members**
Ms Lande Kunrunmi (Vice Chair) Ms Julie Nicholls (Secretary) Ms Rayna Healy (Safeguarding Officer) Ms Joanne Brewer Mrs Carol Millard Ms Geraldine Priddie Mark Omorogbe
## **Standing Committee**
Mthr Sally Jones Ms Karen Healy Ms Debra Beinek