2024-12-31-accounts - St Patrick's Church Barking

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The Parish of St Patrick’s Barking

Annual Report for 2024

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 11[th] May 2024 at 11.30am

St Patrick’s Church Barking Annual Parochial Church Meeting 11[th] May 2025 at 11.30am

AGENDA

Opening Prayer

Apologies for Absence
Minutes of the last APCM on Sunday 12[th] May 2024
Matters arising from those Minutes
Presentation of the Annual Audited Accounts
Questions on the Accounts
Acceptance of the Accounts
Appointment of External Auditor

5. Church Council Elections

Wardens
Deanery Synod Representatives
PCC Representatives
Questions for Clarification on Annual Reports
Any Other Business

8. Closing Prayer

St Patrick’s Church, Barking

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 12[th] May 2024 at 11.30am Held at St Patrick’s Church

Minutes of the meeting

1. Present:- Chris Bolster (Chair), Marion Hull (Secretary), Robert Lawrence, Lucy Gilbert, Pat Durant, Pat Edmund, Catherine Harding, Emmanuel Akintunde, Funky Jaiyeola, Linda Needham, Bernard Williams-Barrow, Aileen Arlotte, Gladys Coleman, Mary Coleman, Naomi Bolster, Monica Kessie, Joanne Wason, Jean Cousins, Matthew Harding.

2. Apologies:- Lorraine Allen, Tricia Wilkens, Wendy Boenke

3. Opening Prayer:- Chris Bolster

4. Minutes from APCM 2023:- Proposed by Matthew Harding, Seconded Catherine Harding, unanimously accepted.

5. Matters Arising from those minutes: - There were no matters arising.

6. Annual Accounts:- There were no questions about the accounts. If there are any questions, please see Matthew or Chris.

7. Church Elections: - Robert Lawrence stood down from PCC. Emmanuel Akintunde and Lucy Gilbert were elected onto the PCC.

8. Next PCC meeting: - The next PCC meeting is on 20[th] May 2024 at St Patrick’s Church.

LICENSED LAY MINISTER’S REPORT 2024

This report covers the period from January to December 2024 which was quite eventful for St Patrick’s. In October we said goodbye to Chris, Naomi, Joshua and Samuel Bolster as they moved to their new church in Enfield. It was sad to see them go at the end of five years that had largely been disrupted by the Covid pandemic and all that entailed, and further impacted by Chris sharing his time with, firstly, St Elisabeth’s in Becontree and then, secondly, his ecumenical work in Essex and East London.

This of course meant we were placed once again into interregnum and the PCC continue to work through the various processes that have to be gone through to appoint a new Vicar. Our aim is to return to having a Vicar 100% dedicated to St Patrick’s and that is what we are working towards.

Most weeks since October I have been able to arrange for a visiting member of clergy to come and lead our Family Communion services, and a big thank you to Archdeacon Chris Burke, Sam Pollard, Liz Brown, Ray Descombes and, of course, Lydia and Tony Hurle for doing that, and for their continued assistance through into 2025. It has been good to hear new voices leading and preaching – and it has also been good to hear new voices of those from the congregation who have come forward in recent months to do Bible readings and lead intercessions, so thank you to you.

As usual, a time of vacancy has meant that a lot of people have had to step up and take on additional responsibilities and as a church we are very grateful to those who have got more involved. With Naomi leaving we had to cover the gap in the leading of our Sunday School, so grateful thanks to Lorraine Allen and Pat Edmund for their continuing service, and also to Linda Needham and Gladys Coleman for joining the team. Also, some new volunteers have come forward and will be added to the team once we have completed the Safer Recruitment process and we are grateful to them.

I took on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer towards the end of 2024, and grateful thanks to Wendy Boenke who previously held this role. When I took over I was astonished at the sheer scale of the work that being PSO involves, and it has taken a great deal of effort to get our DBS checks and training up to date, so thank you to those who have been involved in making sure our church remains safe.

I extend my thanks to the PCC who have been involved in putting together the Parish Profile which is needed for the recruitment process. Also during a vacancy the PCC tends to meet more regularly so thank you to the members for doing that, and also to Gladys Coleman and Lorraine Allen who we have co-opted on to the PCC during this period. As we look to strengthen our PCC during the interregnum we do have some vacancies to be filled so do please consider if you are able to serve in this capacity.

In 2024 we received our Quinquennial Inspection report regarding the condition of our church building, and this has revealed much maintenance work that needs to be undertaken and which will necessitate fundraising. More on that in other reports. Also the cold winter reiterated that we need to do something about our church heating sooner rather than later.

Last year we forged a link with Community Payback who now come in regularly to work on our church garden and perform some small maintenance jobs in the church. This is something we will look to maximise in the coming year. Thank you to all who came out on the various gardening Saturdays last year to help keep the gardens looking good.

Thank you to the members of the Worship Group who sing at our All-Age services once a month, and also give up their time to do midweek rehearsals. And a big thank you to Gladys Coleman for all she does on our AV, and also to Bernard Williams-Barrow who has stepped up to help with the AV each week.

We had another undisrupted and joyful Christmas period due to favourable weather and health conditions, and it was a particular joy to hear Timmy play the piano at our Nine Lessons and Carols service. Also, it was good to welcome the children from Eastbury Primary School into our church during the lead up to Christmas and to have the opportunity to talk about what Christmas means to us as Christians.

Thanks to everyone on the Prayer Ministry team for their support in 2024. Although prayer requests after a service are not as regular as they once were, whenever the need is there the Prayer teams respond and I know this is much appreciated.

Special thanks to Marion Hull for the sterling work she does on our social and community outreach work (more of which in her report), and also for her work as PCC Secretary.

And the last thank you must go to our Churchwardens Linda Needham and Marion Hull for their tireless efforts and their continued dedicated and valuable service to the life of our church.

Matthew Harding Licensed Lay Minister

TREASURER’S REPORT

It was a tough year financially for St Patrick’s in 2024 as funds reduced overall by just over £8,100. Almost half of this loss was due to costs associated with the Barking Debt Centre as that was wound up, but the other half of the loss was in general funds which is not a sustainable position. Therefore, efforts will be made in the coming year to reduce costs and increase income. Our Parish Share commitment which is money we pay to the Diocese of Chelmsford will decrease by £4,175 in 2025 which will help, and the PCC is in the process of reviewing our Mission Giving this year. Also, the Quinquennial Inspection of our church building which took place in 2024 has identified a number of maintenance issues that need to be addressed and this will require fundraising.

In brighter news, we collected about £2,300 via our contactless card reader in its first full year of use (please note that Gift Aid can still be claimed for contactless donations of £30 or less. Donations via the card reader greater than this amount will require a Gift Aid form to be signed in order for us to claim the tax back. (Please see Matthew or Linda for a form.) Also, Easyfundraising generated over £200 in its first full year of operation which is an easy

way to generate funds for the church via your online shopping – please contact Matthew for details.

Thanks once again to all the people involved making sure our banking and accounting processes run smoothly. Thanks especially to Aileen Arlotte, Pat Durant, Pat Edmund, Catherine Harding, Marion Ledger and Linda Needham.

Thanks also to Peter and Enid Chandler who continue to provide an excellent accounting service to St Patrick’s. The audited 2024 accounts are attached and will be presented for approval at the APCM.

And, finally, thanks to all of you who continue to give regularly towards the work of the church, and also those who give to our partners at the Barking Foodbank through Harvest donations etc. Whenever called upon, your generosity is demonstrable and we will have to call upon that generosity again in 2025.

Matthew Harding Treasurer

ST PATRICK’S CHURCH SECRETARY’S REPORT 2024/2025

As secretary, I ensure that our PCC meetings, held every six weeks, are fully recorded and signed by the Chair. The Chair is usually the Vicar, but since October, Matthew, our Lay Minister, has excellently taken on this role.

I have served as the secretary for over 10 years, and this is the second time St Patrick’s has undergone an interregnum during my tenure. We have been in an interregnum since 31[st] October. My responsibility as the secretary involves ensuring all necessary documentation is correctly submitted to the Bishop and the Diocese's barrister, as well as coordinating with the Archdeacon to initiate the process of selecting a suitable candidate for St Patrick’s.

We pray that God’s Holy Spirit will guide and direct us during this time so that the right person of God’s choosing comes to join the St Patrick’s Church Family.

The PCC is responsible for managing and administering the church building and discussing all policies and procedures. PCC members will participate in appointing a new incumbent. At the APCM in May 2025, elections will be held for new PCC members.

Marion Hull Secretary to St Patrick’s Church.

WARDEN’S REPORT

Thank you to everyone who has helped to keep the church looking and running well during the past year, your support is much appreciated. We have also benefitted from the help given in the garden by the Community Pay-Back team.

Legal and statutory checks and inspections have been completed and licences obtained where necessary. The Accounts were audited for 2024 and are being presented for your approval at the APCM.

A Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in May 2024 and the Report confirms that our building is structurally safe and conforms to all legal requirements. The Surveyor’s recommendations for action have mostly been made in respect of the roofs and tower. The need for a replacement heating system is well known. Estimates for the costs involved are being sought and a substantial amount of fundraising will be necessary, along with grant applications to Funders. Our priorities are: eradicating pigeons from the Tower, reapplying solar paint to all roofs and seeking advice on the most suitable heating replacement system.

Hire agreements with TACCI and the Barking Photographic Society continue to generate formal income. The Craft and Natter Group, and the Pakistan Prayer Group, continue to run and contribute to church funds.

Marion Hull continues to mastermind social and outreach Events! Please see her separate Report.

Please pray for God’s continuing guidance and blessings upon our church life at St Patrick’s, especially during this time of Interregnum.

Marion Hull and Linda Needham Wardens

ELECTORAL ROLL

This is the year when the Electoral Roll is completely re-done. We have 40 forms so far. The deadline for this year’s APCM was Sunday 13 April but forms can be submitted at any time.

Catherine Harding Electoral Roll Officer

AUDIO VISUAL REPORT

The St. Patrick’s AV sound desk system is currently functioning well, providing clear audio for events and services. It has three working microphones, ensuring reliable sound coverage. The connected laptop is also performing efficiently, supporting seamless audio management. Additionally, plans are underway to create a backup for the system to enhance reliability and prevent disruptions in the future. I should like to thank William Coleman, Bernard Williams-Barrow and Timmy Coleman for their faithful assistance at the AV desk, your help is much appreciated.

Gladys Coleman

AV Team Leader

SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT

We would like to record our thanks to Naomi Bolster for leading children’s ministry during her time at St Patrick’s. Following her departure, we were blessed with a number of volunteers willing to continue with this vital work and who have undergone Safeguarding training – namely, Gladys, Anna, Ashi, Pat E, Linda and myself. Others may yet join the team. Throughout the year the number of children regularly attending Sunday School sessions ranged from 3 to 10, aged from 2-9 years old. Leaders often base sessions on scripture which is being read on that day and it always involves some form of craft work appropriate for their ages. Sessions are held twice a month in the Lady Chapel and activity folders are available on all other Sundays. May God continue to equip the leaders and bless our children on their journey of faith.

Lorraine Allen

CRAFT & NATTER GROUP REPORT

Marion and myself took over responsibility for running the Craft and Natter group when Naomi and Chris Bolster moved to Enfield. We thank them for establishing and running the group in those early times. Members meet twice a month in the Hall on Tuesdays, between 1.00pm and 2.30pm. We have 10 people who regularly attend and we always enjoy talking over a hot drink and biscuits. Some members bring crafts such as Knitting, Cross-Stitch and Crystal Art, and others just come to Natter. We had a Christmas Party for members and guests, and that was a great time of fun and fellowship. We would welcome new members joining us, so please spread the word that our group exists! May God continue to bless all who come to our sessions.

Aileen Arlotte and Marion Ledger

ST PATRICK’S SOCIAL EVENTS AND COMMUNITY OUT REACH FOR 2024/2025

Over the past year, we have hosted several remarkable and well-attended events. The success of these events would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of everyone in the Church.

Eleanor Shoultz, a community psychologist from Northeast London Foundation Health Trust (NEFLT), and Izzy Wolf from Creative Arts have contacted us to assist St Patrick’s in reaching out to the larger community. Additionally, Sarah Robertson at John Smith House was contacted to share and advertise events at John Smith House.

I contacted James, the manager at Eastbury Manor, to collaborate during the Open House Festival in September 2024. This collaboration proved to be highly successful, creating a strong partnership between St Patrick’s and Eastbury Manor, making this festival the most outstanding event we have hosted to date. Reaching out to James has provided another valuable opportunity to promote events and services at St Patrick’s.

In September, St Patrick's hosted the inaugural GP Drop-In clinic in the Eastbury Ward, facilitated by the doctors from Ripple Road Surgery and supported by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD). Lucy Lee, then affiliated with Thames-Life, provided valuable guidance for the event. The clinic was well received and featured representatives from various organisations who offered insights into well-being, mental health support, and financial assistance.

Here are the highlights of 24/25:

Mother’s Day Refreshments – Men were on duty and served with dignity and grace!

St Patrick’s Day – Supper and Karaoke was a huge success. Never before have we seen certain members come alive to music!

Easter Egg Hunt – our children found all the hidden eggs! Even the Easter Bunny paid a visit.

Pentecost Service and Family Day in May in the Abbey Grounds. This was a warm and joyous day of coming together with other Christians in the Borough in an open-air setting. The event was organised by a team of people including myself and Rev. Chris Bolster from St Patrick’s, Rev. Mark Adams, Cecilia and Carol from St Margarets, Rev. Unesu from Christ Church, Rev. Sam Pollard from the Church at Barking Riverside and Rev. Urbain from St Erkenwald’s

The Big Help Out and Big Community Lunch in June – with the support of Roding Rubbish, Litter pickers successfully worked their way from the Flyover to the Church and then enjoyed a scrumptious lunch in Church. Roding Rubbish also won the Community Impact Aware which recognised all their endeavours at keeping our Borough clean.

Bradwell Pilgrimage in early July– our first major outing for some time was made to this historic and holy site. Despite almost hurricane type weather, morning Services were enjoyed, a great lunch was shared – and sun came out in the afternoon for the final Service of the day. Our thanks go to Naomi Bolster for driving the mini-bus, which was provided by the Barking & Dagenham Deanery.

Drop-in Clinic in September was greatly appreciated by residents. Free medical and general advice services were busy and many church members enjoyed a massage.

London Open House in September saw 72 visitors to St Patrick’s. We had co-ordinated with Eastbury House in advertising this event and it was good to see the church so busy. The 13[th] Barking Scouts troop participated, along with the Photographic Society, the Historical Society, Thames Life and Thames 21 and other community groups.

Farewell Lunch in October – a fond farewell and expressions of thanks were said to the Bolster Family after being with us for five years.

I am looking forward to promoting other events. Especially fund raising events to help with the massive task of raising money to do essential repairs to the Church.

Marion Hull Events Organiser

RESCUE AND CARE IN GHANA

In May 2024 the team visited the prison and had fellowship and lunch with the inmates and staff. In Ghana the budget to inmates is less than £1 per prisoner per day reason the prisons community depends on agencies and faming tendered by inmates to provide meals for them.

With the help of SPB we donated 10 student mattress, standard first aid medication and 250 packs of breakfast for inmates and staff in October 2024. Also, Lorraine Allen donated clothing which was then donated to Central Female Prisons in December 2024.

We are in collaboration with The Ashanti Region Prison Ministries to champion Prison Associates (PA's) resettlement programme. The Church of Pentecost has now recognised the challenge of offenders journey that without proper resettlement programme most prison associates re-offend.

Rescue and care has receive invitations from Manyhia and Akuse Female Prisons following the work we are doing with our adopted Ahinsan Prisons.

We visited both Manyhia, Central Prisons in Kumasi and Akuse Famale Prisons in Somanya districts in December 2024 and February 2025.

In 2024 we planned to developed our website with a goal to launch the website in October 2024 but the developer disappointed us without completing the project. By God's grace we managed to get refund.

We made application for permit for Rescue and Care Team which was so frustrating and discouraging are some of the challenges we came across last year.

We are exploring to find a new web developer to create the website this year and focus more on the resettlement programme in collaboration with the church of Pentecost.

Akuse Female prisons are looking for sponsors for individual inmates and the chaplain has a passion for the prison work.

There was work with agencies to campaign for extension of probation service for adult prison associates. Currently social services facilitate this for young offenders.

We currently have 2 prison associates. 1 accepted Christ and is baptised into his local Pentecost Assembly. The other one we have lost contact but the team is trying to reach out to him.

Please do pray for strength and guidance to help Rescue and Care navigate the best path ways.

Monica Kessie

Women of Purpose

( Equiping Women for Good Works )

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