The Parish of St Patrick's Barking Annual Report For 2023 Annual Parochial Church Meeting | 12th May 2024 After the Sunday Service
St Patrick's Barking Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 12th May 2024 After the Sunday Service Opening Prayer Apologies for Absence Minutes of the last APCM on Wednesday 24th May 2023 Matters arising from those Minutes Presentstion of the Annual Audited Accounts Questions on the Accounts Acceptance of the Accounts Appointrnent of Extemal Auditor Church Council Elections PCC Representatives Questions for Clarification on Annual Reports Any Other Business Closing Prayer
st Patrick's Church Barkin Annual Parochial Church Meetin 24th Ma 2023 held at St Patrick's Church Minutes Present Rev. Chris Bolster (Chair), Marion Hull (Secretary), Matthew Harding (Lay Minister) Catherine Harding, Pat Durant. Pat Edmunds, Linda Needham, Robert Lawrence. Marion Ledger, Wendy Boenke, Ben Boenke, Amos Ginanasingh. Tricia Wilkins enin Rev. Chris Bolster opened the meeting in prayer olo Aileen Arfott. Naomi Bolster and Lorraine Allen Mlnutes of last APCM on Sunda 25th Ma 2022 The minutes was deemed correct. Proposed by Mathew Harding and seconded by Wendy B(nke that they are accepted as a correct record of the meetiro. Matters Arisin from those Minutes There were none Presentation of the Annual Audited Accounts. - Questions on the Accounts - no questior - Acceptance of the Accounts - Proposed by Tricia Wilkins and seconded by Robert - Appointrnent of Extemal Auditor- Daniel Ke propwl to continue as Extemal Auditor. - Proposed by MattrEw Harding and seconded by Pat Durant.
Church Council Elections Deanery Synod Representatives - Marion Hull and Matthew Harding proposed by Amos Ginanasingh and Catherine Harding. - PCC representatives - Amos Ginanasingh - proposed by Linda Needham and seconded by Tricia Wilkins The next PCC meeting is on 12th June, 7:30pm at St Patrick's Church. uestions for Clarification of Re There were not any questions about the reports Other Business. Marion Ledger infonned Matthew about an easy way to raise funds for the church called easyfundraising. If we can up to this we will be able to raise funds for church through doing online shopping. Matthw Harding said that he would look to get us set up. Everyone was in favour. Closin Pra er Matthew Harding closed the meeting in prayer.
Vicafs Re for2 This report covers the period frrxn January to December 2023. 2023 was another busy year in the life of St Patrick's with lots happening within church life and the wider communty. Et was with great sadness that in February we heard of the sad (x)nceming the death of the Revd Maro Lopes. This vms both sudden and unexp. It was lovety that so many from St Patri('s Ere th to attend his funeral in March. In March we also said goodbye to Paul Vtheaton who after not being well for some time. It was good that St Patsick's was full for his fura1. with many people that knew him. During Lent we had Mt)rship Wedne%lays' at St Patrides. This then continued on month right through to the summer. Gratefvl thanks to W Boenke who prepared all the music and to those who helped to lead each evening. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me. Our services for Hoty Week arKI Easter all went well. In May we gathered together for nine days from Ascension to Pentecost to take part in Thy Kingdom Come whith 15 a NatKxwl Prayer Initiattve. We met in the moming to reflect and pray tther. I continue to have links with our two local schools and have hosted a nwnber of school visits. Children always enjoy visibng the chutch and learning abcxrt Christianty. Eaty in the year I was asked to be on the Exe(tiVe Crniitee of ts 8th Barking Scout Group where both our sons attend. We hosknl t) meetings at st Patrick'g where I led Beavers through their Faith Badge. Sunday Servi8 continue to go well. In September we reknmed to receiving communion at the High Akar for ts first ttine Sin the start of the pandemic. It was deemed much safer to do so. DuriNJ the sThMer arKI autumn worked our way through the book of Ads which people see1rd to enjoy. Thank yw to Matlhew Harding for sharing in ts minBty of leading and preaching. and for overseeing prayer ministry arKI the music group. Thank you also lo those who lead IntersSIonS and read from the bible. Thank you to Gladys Coleman who prepares ali the music and liturgy week by wwk. Communty erKJagemwrt continues to be str. In March we had a special St Patrick's Day Presentation and Supper with bts of interesting history. In May we lebrated the Coronation of King Chath with a speaal lunch. In September St Patrick's took part in Open House with a steady fooffall throughout the day. Grateful thanks to MatA)n Hull for her 0janiZI1vj of ltrpse events. along with all those who helped. The Craft & Natter Group Contin to go 11. On a personal level, I continue to take an active part at the Barking PhotCgTaphic S• which I very much see as an important part of my ministy. l also u)ntinue to attend the Eastbury Ward Panel Meetings.
In June l finshed as Pt in Charge of St Elisabeth's in Becontree and started work as the County Eujmenical Offi(x for Churches Together in Ess8x and East London. It was great to be able to r&um to a 10am service. I have enjoyed not having to rush off and be around to Ghat to people over [efreShnts. I cutTendy work 4 days for the parish and 2 for CTEEL. and replaced due to leaking cistems whith also needed to be replaced. The whole cost was covered under our buikliTV insuran, and Matthew Hardl1 was able to feclaim the VAT bad( too. Thank you to Naomi Botstsr for faithfulty l&iding our Sunday Sthool. and to Pat Edmunds and Lorraine Alkn for trwvJ. A register is kept for safeguardi purposes. There is nothirvJ to report on the Safeguarding arNJ C1nl to thanks to WerKIy Boenke for all that she does in this area. In January we got registered wilh the Charity Commission which rrans that now have a Charity Number. After a suc(wsfvl grant applicalm. ts Barking Debt Advi Centre reoiv&J £9000. Unfortunately. we had lo suspend Debt Advi Centre in September due to Wendy Boenke going in the back surgery. sin then we had to tske the painfvl decision to dose it pennandY due to lad( of grant funding going fonvard. Grateful thanks to both Catherine Harding and Wendy Boenke for all that they have dcTh since the start ofthis proje( in 2017. Our Chlthas SeTVi¢XS went ll. It was also gmt to gthr in unity from Barking Churches at ts United Carol Service at ts Jo Richardson Sd)ool. The year ended with my peTsonal Walk for Home to raise mow for Shelter. Thank you to all who (xJnllr to make our (wrth garden and grout¥Js kx)k nice and thank you to those who h out at ts Saturday gatden momings. Thank you to Mattkn Harthng. Pat DuTTant and to all those who Unt our collection, and for all that they do with ardS to tsking (are of wr finan. We are a150 very gratefvl to Petei and Enid Chandler from the Parish Accounts Service for looking after our Aca)unts. Thank you to Robert Lace for looking after our rent from the Ghanian Church. We now have an electronic gNing devi which people are using more of. Many people have now signed up to easyfundraisirKJ which ts proving a goLxJ way of raising extra fvnds. Thank you to Linda Needh*n arKI Marion Hul. for serving churth arKI parish as wardens. I want to take this oppinity to thank everyfft for 1r (xjnlinued servi within the life of the church. Your service is very muth appreciated. Please consider ways in which you can help particularly by joining the PCC of which there are vacancies.
l also want to lake this opportunity to thank everyfft for tsir financial giving in 2023. The runniry ¢x>sts of our parish in(xease year year. It is inrnbent upon everybody to gNe generously to the church and to incr&gse their gMNJ on annual basis where possible. Our giving is suppleffEnted from the Ghanian Church. Rent, the Barking Photographic SOCW and the Pakistani FeIkh1p. Wilh every blessing Chris Bolster Vicar of St PatTKk's Church Licensed Lay Mlnistsrfs Report 2023 Last year seems such a loNJ trne ago nlyw tmrt a lot happed in 2023 that sticks in the memory. Starting with the end of the year firs( it was good to have an undisrupted Christmas season compared to the previous year as %%eather arKI health re kinder, and The Longest Night service on tkntw 21 was particulaty moviNJ when remembered those who would not be ioiniT¥J us for our ChTislmas lebrations. Earlier in the year I was fortunate to go to Israel on a pikJrimage in February which was the fvlfilment of a long-hekl ambition. This has gNen me a lot of inspiration for semions (apobgies to those who do not share my enthusiasml). It is so sad to see the current situation in the Hoty LarKI and I krnw as a church we c(rtinue to pray for pea in that troubled region. The coronation of King Cha111 in May also starS out. which we lebrated with a volunteer litter-pick and a Big Lunch. Thanks to Marion Hull for organising such a successfvl event, and our other now regular social events. Open HOU for example last SeptemtEr was a great suc(xs. The Worship group continues to sing at our AIIAge Servi On a month. Thanks to all membets of the group for their dedicalion and enthusiasm and making our rehearsals so enioyable. We have a new meth¢xl whereby each member picks a song for the upcoming service and that seems to be working well. Thanks especially to Wendy and Gladys who operated the AV desk at our practices &st year- it makes a big difference arKI thanks to them both for their time. And of course thanks to all who have manned the AV system over the past 12 months at our services. Thanks to everyone on the Prayer Ministy team for tt1r support in 2023. Although prayer requests after a service are not as regular as they once were (which might be a good thing1>, whenever the need is there the Prayer teams wond and I know this is much applated.
Catherine afKI I st a lot of time ternjing to the thurch garden in 2023, aThJ during the summer months struggled with the dry conditions. Thanks to the people who tum out on gardening Saturdays for their assIstan- the garden does look good and is often remarked upon. Part of our gardening dutEs indJeS picking up the litter from the d)urch and surrounding area. For yeats our neighbours have studiously avoided eye contat when they see us out litter picknrYJ, but in recent weeks have even received a few ertcouraging smilesl Thanks as always to all of yiju for your contin1 support of my work as an LLM. The Ilttle vrdS of encoUragent I regularty receive are more encouraging than you coukl possibly know. Mat Harding - Lay Minister Treasurnrfs Report 2023 The good news was that the finanw of St Patrick's in 2023 We in a healthy position with a surplus on the general furKI in the year of just ovei £8.000. This was driven by a redu(d Parish Share at arourKI £10,OIKJ whith paid in full, and increased in(xJme at just ur¥Jer £40.000. This &bled us to maintain our Mission GNing at around £4,000 for the year. Based on 2023 inc(xne the PCC made the decision to Trthe 10% of our in(x)me to Balking Foodbank (£1.350), the Bishop of Chelmsford's appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem's healthcare ministry (£1,000). Rescue and Care Ghana (£500) Ongoi support for Compaswn children's chatity (supportirvJ three children in Bangladesh. Ghana. arKI NKaragua). However the current of 2024 kx)ks as though it will be more challenging as Parish Share has increased to arournl £17.000 and pre&8ure conlinues regarding increased utility bills. We continue to explore ne Vdys of raisirvJ fvr#ts for St PatrKs. In Apitl 2023 purchased a Contac1 card readw and collectsd just under £800 at our services via this method in the Temaining part of ts year. Please note that Gfft Aid can still be Glaimed for conlactless donations of £30 or less. Donations via the rd reader greater than this amount will require a Gift Aid ft)m to be signed in order for us to daim the tax bad(. In addition launcfrd EasyfvndraisiThJ vthich helps St Patric¥s raise fvnds when members do online shoppirKJ. Wth one extra did( St Patrick's can re1ve additional donations from the onl1r vendors. We have had 18 members sn up with Eassrfundraising but only 8 members have activety used IL so there is a litde way to go. However those 8 active members have managed to generate donations of over £200 for our church so far which puts us in the top 20% for our size category. If you are interested in parbapating please let knchy. Looking ah&gd, one negative devekjnt is that Ihe Barr4ays branch in Barking will be dosing down in May 2024. We jIrenty pay-in cash and cheques at this branth and so will need to do this at the Post offi in future. whi(* will not be as convenient to nurrerous rules the PcA8t OffKe impose on bankiT¥J serrfices.
Now it must be said that we will acwt any money you wish to give to the churth in any form! But it would make life a little easier rf more people switthed to gÉving money to the church via standing order, or via our contactless card reader on Sundays, rf at all possible. Also rf anyone would like to register for Gift Aid Joy Williams-Barrow can give details on how to maximize your giving. Also looking ahead, the PCC have decided to dose our Famity Support Fund and transfer the remaining funds to the general account which will happen in 2024. As usual we must pass our thanks on to the dedicated CountinglBanking team of Pat Durant, Marion Ledger, Catherine Harding. Aileen Arfotte. Linda Needham and Pat Edwards. Being Treasurer at St Patrick's is really a tearn effort and many thanks to the team for all they do. And additional thanks to Linda for makir¥J sure everything runs smoothly. Thanks also to Peter arKI Enid Chandler continue to provide an excellent accounting service to Sl Patrick's. As usual our annual accounts sailed through the audrt process thanks to their hard work. Full accounts for 2023 are available to any member on the Electoral Roll. please let me know rf you wish to have a copy. The accounts will be presented for approval at the APCM. And finally thanks to all of you who continue to give regularty and generously towards the work of the church. Also, whenever we hold a special appeal for the Children's Society or the Barking Foodbank (or whomever it may be) l am always staggered by the generosity you show. With grateful thanks. Matthew Harding - Treasurer WARDENS. REPORT 2023 Another year has passed by in the life of St Patrick's. Thank you to everyone for their support during 2023 and for helping to kP our church looking go(yJ inside and out. The preachers, PCC members, gardeners, cleaners, brass poltshers, tea- makers, Counters. audio-visual operatot5, litter-picket5. Sunday Servi helpers- our Team spirit continues to thrive! Statutory checks were carried out on electrics and boilers during the year; Music Licenses vRre renewed. Insurance premiums were paid; annual subrnissions were made to the Dioc&se" formal reix>rds were inspected and adhered to regulatlons" and the Accounts were audited. The fabric of our church building remains in reasonable order but attention is planfjpd to remedy faulty brthvork at the Hall doorway Porch area and the approgching paving stones. A Quinquennial inspection will take pla in May 2024 when every aspect of the building's structure will be examined. Remedial action will be taken where neSSary and rnay prove to be expensive. The inefficient heating system remains a priority for replacemenL
Hire agreemerts cc)tinue wilh TACCI and the BafkifKJ Plthgraphic Socw, arKI brings in much-needed revenue. We should not forgeL though, that hirings present wear and tear on our facilitses. are pleased that Craft and Natter group. and the Pakistan Prayer Gtoup. continue to use the Halt and both groups make donations towards our (x>sts. Continuing thanks to Robert Lawren for hig faidffijl overseeing of lettIn. Thank you to Marion L kn doing warious floral arraeM throughout the year and for organizing the Motherfs Day trthutes. MaTh)n's afTarvJnts aKvays help to enhance the aknIan of the thurch buihJir¥J. The Local Authrity continue to refu8e to sell us ParkiT¥J Pem)its. tHnIng we are a 'business' _ so should anyone have infiuence with Councilors please make the case for our obtaining Visitor Pemiits. We currenty have a supply through a local residenl but this situation would severdy inhibit a new regular . Marion Hull conlinues to mastemiind Eventsl Pkne See her separate ReporL Your Wardens remain dedic*ed efforts to ensure the Church is run well and in accordano with all legal requirements. Please pray for God's continuing guidance and blessings upon our life at St Patridt's. Marfon Hull and Unda Need Wardens Electornl Roll R There are 51 names ¢Trenty on roll. with several beiNJ &lded over the courJe of the last year. Please ask kn a fomi ifyou are t alrty on ts roll but would like to Catherine Harding Chlldren's Mln The children's group at St Patrvjc's has (xjnlinued to meet every Sunday this year, except for Alkage servKes or durirKJ sdKJoI hc4#Jays. The number of chIldn on the register has gradually incSed this yEar arKI there are now 14 chikjren on the register, 13 of whom have attended tr group at ast twice and a number of children o attend at least once a month. We have 5 chiklren who are guaranteed to attend weekly. We have contin1 to our way through the Bible SnatiCally, telling the main stories of the Bible using versions of the Bible that have been written in child-friendly language. l occasimally use my '(xrt of story box alkyMrKJ those listening lo wonderat the stories of the Bible in a more general way. Chiklren explore and wonder more about the Bible stories through related crafts and other aclivitbes. We have occasionally paused in the progTamme to focus on the Church seasons. e.g. Christmas, Lent and Easter.
I lèad the group most kS wilh ChrE stepping in occasicThlly to lead the group. We continue to be very grateful forts volurtsw who enle ts group to kp runniro; for their enthusiasm and SUPPDrt. Naomi Bolster Crnft and Natter Grou The Craft and Natter group has continued to meet tw a month on a Tuesday aftemoon. usualty bettsveen 1-2.30pm. Thwe are 10 regular attendees, of whom 7 are rnembers of St Pat$. We have met in the ba( section of the Church to tha( have refreshments (tea. coffee, cakes. bisojits and savoury sna¢s) and those who (wse to bring a craft of their choosing to do while are at the group. We have who knit, crochet, create diamorKI cards and do otlw paper uafts. We met for a social party at the erKI ofthe swnffr autumn temts. A voluntary contribution is made eath Eek by those who attend. Scffie of this money has paid for the refreshments and the remairthr has t1 given to the general runniro cosls of St Patrick's Churth. St Patrlck'• Church Soclal Events 202>2024. There have been several scKial events durirvJ 202>24. vthKh have seen doors of St PatrIS opened to ts C(Ynmunty. 8th May was ts lfjng's Coronation. We got the INJntirKJ Out again and decorated the Church to mark the event. The the from King Charles was 'helping our. st Patrick's Church congregation rall to the call. Teaming up with Roding Rubbish there was a o)mmunty liiter pick starting from the Ripple Ro1 fyover, over the rail way and finishing at St PatrtcKs Church. Joining in the community litter pick was Cllr Alison CoTmad(, CIIT Jack Shaw and Cllr Kashif Hanx, also the 13th Barking Scout Troop. We coltected over 50 bags of tubbish arKI vaTiOUS eitrw iterns such as mattresses, shopping trollies etc. After the litter pid(. we retumed to St Patrick's for the Communty Big Coronation Lunch. The Church was filled up with people from the whole community. There were lo* of gcxjdies brought in by the Church family for the bring.n-share lunch. ft was a lovety time of felkAvship arKI friendshry). In July we hosted Deanery Syrn)d. thank Y( to everyone who helped with refreshments.
Open House in September was anotlEr opportunty to reach out to the Ccrnunty and beyond. There were representkn from various communty groups. Including. Roding Rubbish, Kevin frorn Ripple Nabjre ReseNe arKI FcWath 47. John Blake and Colin Green from the Barking HistorKal Society. Barking Photographic Society. Talking Therapies. Matt Scott from Thames-Life, Dawn who SUPFXJrtS kwile with grief counselling and representatives from Safer Neighbourhood Ward poli team. There was a slow and St&Y Ilow of visitots. Some stsyed to enjoy St Patrick's Chufch hospitality. Open House 2024 is on 21st Septwnber and this time there will be collaboratK)n with Easlbury Manor H(Atse. In Dernber there was the Barf(ing & Dagenham ChurCtr bJether Christmas Carol ServicE. St Patrick's Day March 2024, ¥ had the first Gospel Karaoke and supper. It was well supported and everyone enjoyed findiThJ and singing those modem pop songs which had that hidden spiriknal meaning. The everrt was so much fun and popular that another event is planned in Odober as Harvest Supper, Gospel Karaoke. The date is yet to be confimed. Also in March St PatrtS )ngregation was invit1 by Chtist Church to a pancake paty. tt was a lovely lime of feN(Av. Other events in the pipeline are the. Barking ChurcPEs Pent Service on q 9th May, Big Help Out and Big C(Mnmunty Lunch with R(xling Rubbish on Saturday 8th June, Deanery Synod 25th June and the first st Patrick's Church outing in a very long time to Bradk(TrSea Saturday 6th Juty. During the year St Patrxxs also hosts Eastbury Watd Safer NevJlthurhood meetings, which 0¢xr at 10 • intervals. None of the* events would be made possible without the support and I1p of everyone. who helps Ixrt with the preparatiorE and the dearing up afterwards. Thank you all very muth. Marion Hull Church Warden St Patrick's Secretary Social Secretary
[ependtTht e r's pOrt to tbe PCC of BArkiRR St Pxlriek I r¢)rt thc acco attached. 15 ofthe P(( for )'eareftded 311)ecemir 2023. wthich are Re5pee¢ive res41b11•1[e5 of the PCC •nd iht ex4Thintr The charii}' % tr&'(Ls cofLsideT thai an aj71 Is noi Irquir for this %Lar under S¢CUvn 14417) of th¢ l-hari e5 Aci ?01 I lthe ?01 l Acl) and an 1thndeNt ¥xamination li is my TC5EX)nsibili Ex1[ th acLIMmls under scction 145 o[the_I l Acl: FvIl0 pnx¢duTCS laid doHiJ in ¥enernl directii)ns giiren . the Charity c'ommissio[5 110 14515Mhi of th¢ ?01 l Ad: aThJ Se B%i4 of Ind¢ptndt F.x•min¢rs Sttea¢•L My examiTWiOn ried sn 0rda[e with (K'nLYal DiTeclirffi8 gii'¢n by the C"lJdrit!. C nmmiion. An examinln includes a ra'le ijf the accountin¥ records kw by th¢ chaTiti' a ri5mpart)ti ol.the oUnts prthented '11h recfrrds. It dlso includes considLrdtion of ani un1 item5 or disclosure8 in ac¢ounLS. aTKI 5tekingi ¢.Kplanaiii)ns fTDTn mawiernenl committLY concerning ani. such matleT5. Th¢ proceduru Und¢rtaK' do 1 proi'ide d]1 ei'ldee lh Hould requircd in full audil. and cunfepucntl%' l kn not ¢xpress an opinion on the accotsnts. IBdeptAdenl eAm r's sltffli¢nt In connecliun with %' ¢xamitwtIo IK) malleT h&$ con tt) mv allenlion: hiLh gil'es re4uircm¢nis tv k¢ep acco tn prepare a¢ m. or Eo 14th1¢ in tersndIn¥ of ih Irayyle trtliei'e any merial res[1 the lin¥ ldS in &Cordae Mith &130 ofthe ?01 l or thich w'ith th¢ accottsbling record5 hai¥e l)een y ry)in10 attention should drdthm in order ts) ¢nable a pro 8ccounLS to k reh. Daniel Keech 38 Shepard Close -cigh on Sv S95YR
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