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2024-12-31-accounts

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

Agenda

  1. Prayers

  2. Apologies for absence

3. Minutes

4 . Reports

5 . Elections

6 . Any other business

(for which notice has been given and to which the meeting agrees)

7 . The Grace

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

Prayers

Draw us into your love, Christ Jesus : and deliver us from fear.

God of our Strength, May You Grow Your Church In our Presence, Empower Us To Love Your World And all People, Lead Us To Worship You in Truth and Faith, And Make Us Into Your Body Here on Earth We Ask This in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

A Poem

Journeying With You, Creator God, It Is to Journey in Your World, Full of Marvels and Such Beauty. To Glimpse Eternity, To Feel the Earth and Rock Beneath my Feet. Journeying With You, brotherJesus, It Is to Journey With Your Friends. To Meet and Travel While Together, The Crossroads, Knowing You Are With Us all. Journeying With You, Holy Spirit, It Is to Journey With the Wind. To Move to Your Wild Music Then Try To Sing Your Song So Others May Hear.

Chris Polhill

Colossians 3

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

God, grant me courage : that I may plant seeds of peace.

Silent pray for ourselves, the ministry area, our churches and those we love.

Our Father

Through our lives and by our prayers : may your kingdom come! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

MINISTRY AREA VESTRY MEETING HELD AT St. DAVID’S CHURCH @ 7 PM.

The meeting opened with welcome and prayers.

Voting papers were distributed. All nominees for the Church Council and the Ministry Area Council were elected.

Rev. Matt Davis gave a Report for 2023 – bounced back since Covid. Good thing has happened within the Ministry Area. An appreciation was expressed for all the volunteers who carried out various tasks within the churches and the Ministry Area in 2023. With thankful dedication the MA are growing and doing things together. There was a team Building Day – Vision Statement, 2 Confirmation Services, there are new people in our congregations, celebrated 180[th] birthday of St. David’s. MA registered as a charity in 2023. Continued efforts with lunch clubs, children’s services, etc.

There were periods of Transition and tensions, The departure of Rev. Lisa Taylor left a gap this year. Steady decline in weddings, funerals and baptisms. Very successful fundraising events. Finance continues to be a concern. Buildings, maintenance, repairs and services all need to be paid for. It is essential for all churches to work in collaboration with each other and spur each other on. We must continue to build on 2023. Mission – to love God and our neighbours – not to lose sight of this.

£11,000. Maintenance of Churches and other property - £88,000. It is essential to continue with our fundraising efforts. Accounts still not returned from Auditors – Auditors have not liked reports generated from the My Fund Accounting system. Accountants – Lewis & Co, Risca. It was agreed to remain with them for this financial year.

No other Business.

The meeting closed with Grace.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

MINISTRY AREA LEADERS COVERING LETTER

Dear Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area,

dedication shown across the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area throughout 2024. From concerts to craft fairs, from reflection days to the gathered worship of the ministry area, from the energy of our children’s events to the reverence of our times of remembrance – thank you. Every act of service, every cake baked, event organised, or prayer lifted has contributed to a beautiful last year.

We have seen so much vitality this past year:

Amid all this, we’ve also taken on practical challenges. Most notably, we undertook extensive graveyard maintenance at St Sannan’s to ensure safety and access. This, alongside ongoing building repairs, contributed to a significant deficit of around £60,000 in 2024. While much of this was one-off expenditure, we must remain mindful that we still face an ongoing shortfall of several thousand pounds.

Looking ahead, we must consider how we can better generate funds and pursue activities that help us become more financially stable. But let me be clear: financial stability is not our mission, it is a tool, not our aim. If we allow the need to sustain buildings or balance budgets to eclipse our calling, then we have already lost sight of our purpose.

We are here, above all, to be God’s people in this place ; called to love, serve, worship, and proclaim Christ. That is what gives life to our churches. That is what makes people want to be part of our communities. That is what 2024 has shown us again and again.

We’ve seen signs of of church growth and faith growth. People coming through our doors wanting to know Jesus, asking for baptism and confirmation. This is wonderful, and it’s only possible because we are here, faithfully present in these valleys.

Let’s be honest: we are based in one of the least Christian and poorest parts of Wales. But this is not a reason to be defeated it’s a calling. A sign of the work God is doing and still wants to do. It won’t always be easy. But if we stand firm in faith and hope, and look to Him, we will see fruit and have done too.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

God calling me to do? Where is God calling us to be? Not just how do we keep going, but how do we faithfully respond to the Spirit's movement in our towns and valleys.

maps of activities, and ideas for events that build both community and sustainability. I urge you to read, reflect, and engage.

Thank you again for the past year – for all the ways you’ve given of your time, talents, and resources. I pray that we would continue to act in love and kindness, seeking first the Kingdom of God, and trusting that all else will follow.

With every blessing,

Rev’d Matthew Davis

Ministry Area Leader Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

Nominees For Church and Ministry Area Councils

Thank you to everyone who has offered to stand for the Church Council this year—we are deeply grateful for your willingness to serve and support the life of our church.

If you would like to see who is standing for election, please take a look at the voting sheet with this pack.

The names of those elected to the Church Council will be published on the church website and displayed at the back of our churches over the coming week.

Thank you again to all who are taking part.

There’s a level of trust involved when it comes to nominating and voting for Church Council members. We may not all know each person standing, but we trust that each church in our Ministry Area has put forward people who will represent them well and work for the good of us all.

important responsibility of serving on the Ministry Area Council—the body that holds legal and charitable oversight for our churches. We've included short descriptions to help you get to know a bit about each person before you vote.

If any of them are here today, please do take a moment to introduce yourself, say hello, and feel free to ask any questions.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

Ministry Area Candidate Profiles

KATHY RIST

I grew up in Rhymney when it was a Brewery town and was christened in St Davids, where my parents were married. My finest hour was being a bridesmaid for my cousin there ~ I’m shallow! Essentially, I have an affinity for the place and I’m pleased to represent the church on the MAC.

who have disabled children, in terms of local delivery and national policy making. I have lived across the UK, working in London, Oxford, Newcastle upon Tyne and latterly in Powys where I was the CEO for a County wide charity. I retired early to care for both my parents and since their passing I’ve spent quite a lot of time travelling ~ I come from a family who travelled a lot and its in my DNA. I remain curious about when we can positively achieve.

STEPHEN HOLDROYD

I retired three years ago after spending nearly 40 years in the coal and renewable energy industries. During my career, I worked my way up to operational and project management at the Board level. This experience has given me a good understanding of people; health and safety requirements and budgetary control. Since retirement, I have been an active volunteer at the Rhymney Valley food bank, .and have served on the Ministry Area Council for last few years.

DAVID MAYNE

I have been a long-standing member of St Dingat’s Church, where I also had the joy of marrying my wife, Marian.

In terms of education, I hold a BA Honours degree in Purchasing and Supply, as well as an HND in Business and Finance.

Scouting has been a lifelong passion of mine, beginning in my youth. I served as District Commissioner for Scouting until my retirement ten years ago.

I am currently a churchwarden at St Dingat’s, where I also help lead services.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

ANDREA THOMAS

I have one son, Cameron, who is married and currently living in Eastbourne . I live in Ebbw Vale with my loyal companion Hamish - a black and white Springer Spaniel who helps to keep me fit!

I retired at the end of 2022 but, prior to that I worked in various senior roles in Financial Services leading large teams of people. I worked for my employer for 37 years.

St George’s church has been an important part of my life since the age of 9 – I was in the choir there, confirmed and married there. My son was christened there, and my church family have been by my side during the challenging times in my life and supported me throughout. I am the Vicar’s warden and a member of the Mothers Union. I have been on the Church Council for many years and involved with numerous youth groups within the church. I represent the MA on the Diocesan Board of Finance and the Diocesan Standing Committee.

I believe I have much to offer the Ministry Area Council as we work together to shape our future.

ALWYN ROBERTSON

grandchildren. I am degree educated and a retired teacher of Physical Education and Geography with 40 years educational experience.

I was born and raised in Tredegar. Attended Tredegar Grammar School and Cardiff College of Physical Education. During my younger days, I played rugby for Tredegar Ironsides. I also played football for a local pub team in the Sunday morning league. I spent many years working evenings in the Gwent Youth Service. I was involved with Schoolboy County Football for many years.

I have organised trips to London for World Championship Gymnastics, Harlem Globetrotters, theatre, etc. as well as visits abroad, for pupils and adults outside of the school setting. I have also dealt with the finance for these trips. My main hobby is allotment gardening.

CORINNE ROBERTSON

grandchildren. I am a retired School Business Manager with 42 years administrative experience. I am A.A.T. qualified. During my time as a School Business Manager I was responsible for the management and supervision of all non-teaching staff, Personnel and Payroll – teaching and non-teaching staff, Budget Management and forecasts, all Finance including cheque book management, Health and Safety, Repairs and Maintenance of School Buildings, and actively involved in school building projects, reports to the Governing Body, providing staff absence cover and Clerk to the Governing Body.

During past years, I have been involved with the Girl Guides, assisted in running Sunday School and for the last year, I have been Warden of St. Sannan’s Church, Bedwellty.

My hobbies are baking and cake decorating, reading – especially anything historical, puzzles - all kinds and travelling (love cruising).

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

SARAH JONES

I’m Sarah. I’m a 50 something married woman with 2 daughters and 2 beautiful granddaughters.

I’m a social worker but only working part time as I’m winding down to retirement. My

passion in work is safeguarding those who are vulnerable in society.

I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoy holidaying.

I love animals of all shapes and sizes and will incorporate animal spotting into my holidays.

I was brought up in a church family and music and worship have always been really important to me.

GERALD HALES

My name is Gerald Hales, and I am 83 years old.

I have been a Vicar's Warden

Or Sub Warden since 1988 that is in New Tredegar Parish, Rhymney Parish, and now in the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area.

In 1999 I was licenced to Chalice also licenced to do Communion by extension. I have also held the positions of Secretary and Treasurer, at various times.

GERALD GARDNER

My name is Gerald Gardner. I was born in 1949 in Tredegar. In 1969.= I met Jean who grew up in Bristol in 1972 we where married and made a home in Tredegar. We have two sons David and Stephen and two grandsons Jack and Ben. I left school at 15 years old and had the apprenticeship in becoming a fitter and Turner with British steel when the blast furnace close in 1976 I became a fitter with Grundy auto products which made exhaust pipes when that closed I found employment with Northern automatics in Gilwern where I worked until my retirement in 2015. I was confirmed at Saint Georges Church with my two son Christen and confirmed there as well. in 1978. I joined the Loyal Order Of Moose which is a charity organisation where I'm very involved. I am a committed member of St George's church and served on the church Council there for many years.

Gaynor Williams

I'm a long-standing member of St Davids congregation in Rhymney and have been the treasurer there for many years. I've also in the last couple of years taken on the ministry area treasurer role. I've served on the church council in Rumney and also in the ministry area Council.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

FINANCE REPORTS

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area Annual Vestry Meeting

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independenl Examiner's Report Report to the trustees On aGcounts for the year ended Charlty no (rf any) 1203311 Set out on pages 'r￿n￿ J ie P<t ft.irtibttrs oledrjitsooal 5heetE'. I reFYt to the ITUStees on my examinati)n of the accwnts of the aLK)ve chartty T￿￿} fcff the year erthj DL. , Responsibilities and basls of report the chty's tnBtees. yw are reS￿r￿ble for the prepardtion of lh8 cwnts in accordance with the r4Uirem￿ts of the Ch￿tieS Act 2011 (Yie Act"). I repcrt n resFCt of my examinali)n of the Trust's ￿OUnts carri￿ under ￿tIOn 145 of the 2011 Act and in caryng out my examinati￿. I have folloW￿j al the Dreclmms g￿￿ by Ihe Charity Comml&4on der 145(51(b) ACL Independent tThe charity's gross I￿orne exceeded £250,000 and l am qualrfwl to examlnerfs ststement undertake the examinati￿ by being a qUaIrfi￿ memlm of linsert name of )plut4e list8J tthyll. D&Ète [] if ap￿Kab￿. I have completed my examinat￿. I confimi that rK) material matters have cixne to my att￿t￿￿ in ¢c4v)ecti￿ wrf(h the examinalion {olther than that ¢fEckJsed ") whrh gives me cause to telieve that in. any material the accwnting reccKts were not kept n acci￿dance wtth section 130 of the Chartties ACL c the a¢cThJnts dKI not acC(￿d with the ￿oUnting records,. ¢Y the accounts dBJ rh)t ccfft￿ wilh the applicable ￿]uIrements conceming the l(m atvj content of accounts set out in the Chartbes (Accounts Re￿￿ts1 Regulali(xts 2008 other than any r￿UireM￿nt that ￿ ￿CIjnts gve a Mrue and fairf view which not a matter ccThlered a8 Part of an wKJyThYent examination. I have no c￿cernS have come acro￿ no ott￿r matters in connection wilh Ihe examinalTh to which attenti￿ should drawn in Ihis report in order to enat4e a pw)er ￿NI￿sta￿J1ng of the accounts to be reached. . Pkne Le the words IYI the l)rackets rfthey () not apKty. Signed: Name: r@r tH￿¥s Relevant professlonal qualification{s) or body lif any}: IER Oct 2018

Address: )P14 Section 8 Dis¢losure Onty complete rf the examiner needs to highlwJht mateii21 matters of ¢oncem (see CC32, Indeper￿ent examinati(x) of charity accoun&. directions and Jidance for examii)ers). Give here brief details of any Items that the examiner wishes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018

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