Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2011

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1 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Paul, Harlow Town Centre with St. Mary, Little Parndon Charity PUTTING FAI H IN HARLOW Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2011 Team Rector : Bank : Independent Examiner : The Reverend Martin Harris 43 Upper Park Harlow, Essex CM20 1TW NatWest The Rows, Harlow Essex CM20 1DA Christine Mitchell 8 Howfield Green Hoddesdon Herts EN11 9AL

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3 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity ). The address of the church office is St. Paul s Church, College Square, Harlow, Essex CM20 1LP. The trustees, members of the PCC, who served in the period to which this report relates were as follows: Basis of appointment The Revd Martin Harris, Team Rector Ex officio The Revd Sue Knight, Curate Ex officio Robert Brock (churchwarden, Lay chairman) Ex officio Carol Squires (churchwarden) Ex officio Richard Amissah Elected 2010 Pat Balkwill Deanery Synod rep 2011 Margaret Carter Deanery Synod rep 2011 Tony Colley Elected in 2010, until March 2011 Inbaraj Jashua Durairaj Asir Elected in 2009 Mandy Harris, Secretary Elected in 2011 Carole Henderson, Standing Committee Elected in 2009 Geoffrey Henderson, Electoral Roll Officer Elected in 2011 Ann Hynd Elected in 2011 Victor Knight, Treasurer, Standing Committee Deanery Synod rep 2011 Tracy Norford Elected in 2011 Chinwe Onyema Co-opted 2010, until March 2011 Muriel Robinson Elected in 2011 Christine Scanlan Elected in 2011 Peter Smith, Treasurer Elected in 2009 Kingsley Yeboah, Standing Committee Co-opted in 2011 Electoral roll There were 137 members on the electoral roll at the time of the 2011 Annual Parochial Church Meeting, of whom 43 lived outside the parish. Page 3

4 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The PCC has been formed under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure PCC members are recruited in a number of ways. The clergy and the churchwardens are members by virtue of their office. Deanery Synod representatives are elected by the annual parochial church meeting (APCM) and hold office for three years. Other members of the PCC are elected for a three-year term at the APCM (i.e. for a third of the elected positions each year). The PCC makes all decisions corporately except that the Standing Committee has delegated powers to make decisions between PCC meetings subject to keeping the PCC informed as fully as necessary. The PCC is responsible for all parish finance, its management and control, including the appointment of a treasurer. Members of the PCC are responsible for keeping accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the PCC and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the PCC and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2001, the Charities Act 1993 and the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting by Charities' The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding their assets and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The PCC is also required to ensure that the financial statements are examined by an independent examiner or auditor prior to presentation to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. In preparing the financial statements, the PCC is required to - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent - Follow applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will remain in operation. There are the following committees: The Standing Committee consists of the ex officio members of the PCC and two other PCC members, appointed by the PCC. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between PCC meetings, reporting to the full PCC as appropriate. St Mary s Committee organises the care and maintenance of St. Mary s church and churchyard. The Pastoral & Social Task Group organises social events and works with the clergy in pastoral care. The Development Action Team was formed later in 2008 to take forward the renewal of the town centre site. Page 4

5 The parish also has a Ministry Leadership Team, a partnership of the clergy and lay members, appointed by the PCC, to further the mission and ministry of the Parish. The church is part of the Harlow Deanery, which is part of the Barking Area of the Diocese of Chelmsford. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of the PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. Its objectives are defined by the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as 'to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical'. ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The Parish We Serve With a population of 16,000 the parish makes up the north west (including the town centre) of the town of Harlow (population 83,000) and encompasses three areas of high density housing as part of the new town development: Little Parndon, Hare Street, and Netteswell. The railway station and extensive Town Park make up the fourth segment of the parish. There are industrial areas, particularly at the western end of the parish. The hospital, Civic Centre and Theatre are near St Paul's church building. Hence the parish as a whole includes a wide range of opportunities and challenges for parish mission and ministry. The wider context includes the proposed regeneration of Harlow, some aspects of which are underway. The New Town development is now just over 60 years old. Proposed regeneration includes New housing, a significant proportion of which could be in 'North Harlow' and hence adjoining St Mary's, though in the next Diocese. Adjusting Diocesan boundaries may be a long-term possibility; The regeneration of the town centre; Lowering levels of deprivation; Improved infrastructure including transport. Growth of local major businesses, the attraction of new companies and an increased range of employment opportunities. A new Enterprise Zone has recently been announced within the town. An increase in the range of further and higher education provision with the new Anglia Ruskin University in the town centre Most, if not all, of these are long term with more immediate implications. This context means that opportunities for mission include not only those normally associated with such a parish but also the opportunity to be engaging with the town as it plans for and develops into the future. The partnering of St Mary s and St Paul s enable us to offer a breadth of ministry, for example, in the styles and locations of buildings. Thus for instance, most of the baptisms take place at St Mary s. Page 5

6 Our Facilities St Mary's The Grade II listed building is towards the north border of the parish, near the Rugby Club, Parndon Mill art studios; ( the River Stort, a few industrial units and the railway. Elizabeth Way is nearby to the south, and the Herts border to the north. It is a well-maintained and beautiful Victorian building, incorporating, very unusually, the grave stone of a slave. There is a graveyard (closed for adults) and Garden of Remembrance (with few spaces left). The 12 th century church was rebuilt in the 1860s. A former nearby landowner, William Smith, was closely involved with the leadership of the movement for the abolition of slavery. Although on the edge of Harlow and adjoining countryside, St Mary's may well find itself well-positioned if the development of North Harlow and / or that of the adjoining Rugby pitch (strongly anticipated) go ahead. Pardon Mill and the River Stort At present St Mary s does not have a supply of running water, sewage facilities or toilets. This is a significant hindrance to mission. Just before Christmas, Barrett's laid the pipes for these facilities to be brought on site, We await their connection, hopefully soon. We are also seeking to build an additional room with kitchen to facilitate children's / young people s work, and mission generally both for the present and with a view to the possibility of nearby housing development The most recent Quinquennial inspection took place in St Paul's St Paul's (also Grade II listed) is next door to the Playhouse Theatre and close to the Leisure Centre, Civic Centre and Water Gardens. Immediately behind Page 6

7 St Paul s is the Harvey Shopping Centre. St Paul's incorporates a major work of art, a mosaic by John Piper based on the Emmaus story (immediately behind the Communion Table see the photograph of the inside of St Paul s). We have a close relationship with the Church of Pentecost who share our building for a significant portion of the week. There is a church hall for various church and other groups. We have been developing partnerships with the Maybury Open Door (Drop-In) Centre, Harlow Foodbank, and Street Pastors as we seek under God to develop the building as a vibrant community-hub of witness in the town centre. We have begun Phase 1 of a major refurbishment of the site to facilitate its use as a home and resource for the church community and as a vibrant focus of mission in the town centre through the week. The Church in 2011 Our clergy team is: Team Rector Martin Harris Assistant Curate Sue Knight Workplace Chaplain Robert Findlay Team Vicar (Vacancy) - much of the year has seen us underway in the process towards appointing a Team Vicar. The PCC prepared a Parish Profile and advertised in the Autumn. We are delighted that following interview an appointment was made at the close of the year. Readers Barbara Aylett and Peter Smith The pattern of Sunday services was Week of the Month St Mary s St Paul s Week 1 *8 am Holy Communion (Order 2) Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week All Age Worship 9.30 am Morning Prayer 9.30 Morning Prayer 9.30 Holy Communion 9.30 Informal Worship 11 am All Age Worship 11 am Parish Holy Communion *8 am Holy Communion (Order 2) 11 am Morning Prayer 11 am Holy Communion *8 am Holy Communion (Order 2) 11 am Informal Worship Page 7

8 * Due to the decline in the congregation we planned altering the time of the 8am Service to 9.30 am on an experimental basis from the new year (- subsequently done). Prayer ministry is offered at the 9.30 St Mary's and the St Paul's services. Other services We have occasional afternoon / evening Sunday services. On the 4 th Sunday there is Prayer Service for the town at St Mary's, Churchgate Street at Normal parish-wide Sunday attendance for 2011 was 95 adults. Weekday Services: 9 am Tuesday - Prayers at St Mary's. Usual attendance: 4/5 9 am Wednesday Midweek Communion (monthly) at St Paul's; other weeks: midweek prayer. Usual attendance: c.10 9 am Saturdays. Usual attendance: 2/3 Occasional Offices: approximate numbers p.a. of baptisms, weddings and funerals Around 25 funerals per year (most at the crematorium) Around 7 weddings Baptisms: around 12 Pattern of daily offices: Daily Staff Prayers including 9 am prayers as above (excepting Sundays and days off). The staff team also share in Staff Prayers as part of Monday morning Staff Meetings. Lay involvement: In the summer we rejoiced with Margaret Carter as she received her Certificate at Chelmsford Cathedral on the completion of her training as Pastoral Assistant. She was commissioned in the parish in early October. More generally, lay ministry is central to our church life and we seek to recognise the importance of proper training and support (for example, through the Bereavement Training' Course and the preparation for the Shape Course planned for 2012.) We have two Readers, Peter Smith and Barbara Aylett. They take an active part in preaching and leading at services. Barbara also leads Crafty Ladies and Peter the Music Group that helps lead worship at both churches around once a month at each. Other lay involvement includes The Ministry Leadership Team ( MLT ) The purpose of the MLT is to support the church s mission statement. It has annual aims, Page 8

9 which are agreed by the PCC. The team is made up of the Rector, Team Vicar and up to eight members of the congregation that may include readers, churchwardens and the curate. Readers and Churchwardens also have a standing invitation. These eight are nominated by the congregations then elected and appointed by the PCC to a particular section of the team. Each pair within the team is responsible for one of the following areas of mission and ministry Worship Spiritual Growth Equipping for Service Mission Pastoral Care Appointment to the MLT is for a period of 3 years on a rolling system. MLT elections were held in the Autumn. We now have a full team. Following some revision of the constitution by the PCC, members may now be re-elected for a further three year period (making a maximum of six years in all) with the aim of helping build up continuity and experience. There must then be a break of at least a year before standing again. During the past year we were especially seeking to develop mentoring and vocation, though our sermon and house group series (especially that based around John Stott s, The Radical Disciple), preparations for the SHAPE course and the formation of a small Discernment and Vocation Group, to help discern and foster vocation (in the widest sense). This group was closely involved in the discernment process for the elections to the MLT. The aim is to help foster a sense of God's calling in the congregation. It is planned that the group meet on an occasional basis with individuals to help them find God's calling, be it in the wider world or in the church. The PCC completed its development of a Vulnerable Adults policy (we are grateful to the pastoral & Social Care task Group for their input) and training of all involved in any forms of pastoral are or one-to-one contact with adults on behalf of the church is now underway. Lis Scott, a trainee reader from Church Langley church, was on placement with us in the early part of the year. A potential ordinand was with us during the Autumn. House, study and prayer groups: There are 5 regular house groups, a monthly group; plus an annual nurture group and Alpha around twice a year. We have begun regular sermon classes, available for those who preach regularly or from time to time at St Paul's and St Mary's. Parochial organisations in the past year: - Creche - Sunday School at both churches (except first Sunday of month, major festivals and August see further below) Page 9

10 - Teddy Bear Club (for accompanied babies and toddlers) - Alpha - Nurture Group (se further below) - Prayer Ministry Team - Baptism Preparation Team - Alexandra House Communion team (a monthly service at the Care Home) - Home Communion Team - Drop-in evening for the homeless - The Maybury Open Door Drop-In Centre (in partnership with Michael Roberts Charitable Trust 'MRCT') - Harlow Foodbank Satellite Centre (in partnership with the MRCT) - Crafty Ladies regular meetings for friendship, fellowship, and to contribute to the life of the church through arts and crafts. The two congregations maintain close links including a varied diary of social events, including regular parish lunches and breakfasts. Other examples include a recent 'Sculpture Walk'; and Hidden Harlow' as well as the Indian Feast, as part of the two-deaneries Mission Week. Flowers Galore In addition to the wonderful ministry of our flower teams week by week, who so enrich our worship, we are especially grateful to all who contributed to the splendid Flower Festival at St Mary's in the summer, and the flowers at Praise in the Park. Evangelism Pentecost saw the completing of the two years during which our aim was to contact in some way every home in the parish. There are 8,210 homes in the Parish of St Paul's with St Mary's Little Parndon. Actual contact was made by a small group of visitors with 442 households (knocking on 685 doors). This represents 5.38% of the homes in the parish and includes pastoral visits. In his book Door to Door Calling Martin Robinson writes, "What can one expect from door to door evangelism? Clearly results do vary from area to area...a very basic expectation would be that at least 1% of calls will lead to someone coming to Christ." At least one person made a commitment following a visit, representing 0.2%. We must hope that seeds were sown among the remaining 0.8% or more. In September we were joined by two students and a lecturer from Ridley Hall Cambridge as part of a Deaneries Mission (Harlow and Ongar) involving 30 or so students. In the parish activities they were involved in included: pastoral visiting the Arts Day with Bishop David (see below) planning a frieze for the St Paul's temporary 'display area' beneath the high windows visiting The Golden Swift Public House in preparation for an Alpha Course a joint event with the Church of Pentecost seeking to learn together about mission in the UK an evangelistic Indian Feast. Page 10

11 Early in the year we ran an Alpha Course based at St Paul's; in October we began one based at the Golden Swift Public House, following on from the September Mission. There was strong encouragement and practical help from the landlord and landlady. Regrettably there was little support and it finished after 3 weeks. However, several from the leaders have continued to visit the Golden Swift regularly; friendships formed have provided many opportunities to share our faith. Vital to our mission are our Parish Magazine, The New Herald, which encourages communication and fellowship and also acts as a door for outsiders to get to know us and hopefully join the church community. A dedicated team work to prayer this month by month. We are grateful to Daniel Robinson for their support, enabling every other month s edition to be in colour. We increasingly distribute the magazine through an electronic copy. Our website is at Sunday School and SPYK SPYK, St Paul s Youth and Kids have followed the Scripture Union books which include a range of Bible stories and activities. After each session a film has been shown to illustrate the subject. These have included Joseph, David and Saul, Jonah and the Nativity. A Light Party was arranged for All Saints Eve, and our young people attended one of the SOLID youth events at Chelmsford Cathedral. A sale of cakes and Tea at the Savoy were held in support of Anna and Sarah Chingwaba (see 'Overseas Mission' below) St Mary s Sunday School have followed Roots Sunday School material on Abraham and are about to start a Lent course. Many people enjoyed the Advent tree and the Christmas Nativity play. The young people went bowling during the summer and enjoyed various events in support of Sarah and Anna, including sales of cakes and biscuits, and a car wash event with refreshments. Leaders were delighted with the success of the joint-led Youth Family Worship service on 26 June both at St Mary s and St Paul s where young people lead all the elements of the service including the music, on the theme of 'Our Father'. Five children were admitted to Holy Communion in September following a specially designed five week course. So many thanks must be expressed to the leaders and teachers of our young people who do amazing and vital work week after week in our Sunday Schools. Overseas Mission We support six Christian missions and aid organisations ('6 of the Best') abroad and at home through prayer in our Sunday Services, informative missionary suppers and financial giving: Bible Society CPAS CMJ Page 11

12 Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (Harlow foodbank and Maybury Open Door) Tear Fund Crosslinks (on hold awaiting a new link missionary) Plus Anna & Sarah Chingwaba in Tanzania (sponsorship of two children through school, an especial focus for our children's groups) Renewing Buildings We were delighted that just before Christmas, Barrett's began the work towards bringing water to St Mary's. This is due to be completed in early At St Paul's, we mourned the passing of our Architect, Martin Heijne. We give thanks to God for the wonderful work he has done in helping develop the proposals for renewing the St Paul's site, the first part of which (the heating) has been completed. The year end saw interviews with a view to the appointment of a new architect, to build on the work done so far, early in We had hoped to be underway with the creation of a toilet for the disabled at St Paul's (near the Vestry) by the end of the year. However, we were not successful in our funding application and will be seeking to take this forward in The warmer church enabled us to hold an Arts Day with Bishop David, in partnership with Commission4Mission. This also gave us an opportunity to open St Paul's and St Mary's on the Saturday. We have begun to open St Paul's on the occasional Saturday and are seeking to As well as the joys there has been the frustration of what is now two thefts of copper etc from the roofs of both churches. We will seek to replace with less valuable material (alternatives are now being approved for Listed Buildings). We are indebted to those who have worked on the renewals of the gas piping at St Paul's. Renewing Vision The PCC met for a very enjoyable and useful Awayday in the summer, when we sought to listen to God together and begin developing a 5 Year Vision. The main thrust of the day, we sensed was to 'Clean the Windows' so that people may see 'in' to see Christ in us, and we might look out with compassion and the love of God into the wider world. We have sought to build on this over the year and hope to complete the work early in the new year. Martin Harris, Chair Page 12

13 FINANCIAL REVIEW During the year the net incoming resources of the PCC were 13,039. The deficit on the Heritage Fund, incurred in 2010 on the purchase of a new boiler and heating system for St Paul s church, reduced by 10,170 and the general fund of the PCC improved by a modest 1,432. The parish share was paid in full as it has been for the last seven years. A reduction in the share of 6,210 was received relating the period from August to December 2011 because the vacancy in the Team Vicar role had exceeded 12 months. Twelve monthly instalments were paid on time to reduce the diocesan loan and the pledges from individuals supporting the repayments have been well maintained despite the general economic climate. The parish paid over some 4,391 to missionary and relief organisations, including a grant from the PCC of 1,276. Incoming resources on the general fund were 5% lower than in 2010 but expenditure reduced by 11% so that budget balance could be maintained. Regular income from donors by bank transfer reduced slightly while open plate and envelope giving improved slightly. The main improvement in income has been the resumption of income from letting the church flat at St Paul s after its refurbishment. The PCC does not hold any reserves on its general fund. The parish continues to plan for the next stages of development at both its churches to keep them in good condition to serve the communities around them. Page 13

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16 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. Funds General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. Restricted funds are those funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions are provided in note 7. Endowment funds, where the capital must be retained, are explained in note 7. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members. Incoming resources Voluntary income and capital sources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donation is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. The income of the PCC is accounted for gross Page 16

17 Other income Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Resources used Grants Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Activities directly relating to the work of the Church The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Any parish share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these financial statements as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet. Fixed assets Consecrated property and movable church furnishings Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the Incumbents and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under ( 2,500) or on the repair of movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities and separately disclosed. (In particular no value has been placed on the heating installation in St. Paul's or the refurbishment of St. Paul's flat which took place during 2010.) Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of 3,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments Investments are valued at market value at 31 December Current assets Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December 2011 in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors. Page 17

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20 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2011 (continued) 4. PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS As Parish administrator, Miss Pat Balkwill who is a member of the PCC, was paid 3,328 during the year. 5. DEBTORS Prepaid Insurance 1,432 1,355 Prepaid Fuel - - Tax recoverable under Gift Aid 2,536 8,938 Sunday School Float Other Debtors 6,421 1,910 10,439 12,253 Other Debtors includes a credit due on the parish share of 6,210 in respect of the vacancy in the Team Vicar post once it exceeded a year. 6. LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Letting Deposits Deferred Income 7,025 7,025 Current portion of Diocesan loan 15,000 15,000 Accrued charges 15,693 23,893 38,543 46,743 Deferred income is insurance money for repair to St. Paul's West end paving, plus hall rent deposits. Significant accrued charges include Mission Grants 1,650, accrued interest on the Diocesan loan (Note 7) and the balance due for the heating installation of 10,500. Page 20

21 7. CREDITORS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFER ONE YEAR The PCC drew a loan of 82,000 during 2010 under a 100,000 facility arranged with the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance to cover the cost of boiler replacement at St Paul s church. The unsecured loan is repayable over 5 years commencing in January 2011 and carries interest at a variable rate set by the Diocese, currently 2.5%. At 31 December 2011 the PCC had repaid twelve monthly instalments of principal leaving a balance of 64, ,000 of this total is shown as a short term liability (Note 6). Repayment of the loan is backed by written pledges by individual donors to make regular restricted donations over the life of the loan. This loan, together with outstanding payments for the heating and accrued interest accounts for the Heritage Fund liability. 8. FUND DETAILS The restricted funds at 31st December 2011 comprise : Mission Fund for donation collected on behalf of missionary and relief agencies; Heritage Fund for major repair work on the two churches; St. Mary's General Fund for income raised specifically to support the running of St. Mary's church; St. Mary's Development Fund for improvement and extension of St. Mary's church; Teddy Bear Club fund, for running the preschool group run at St. Paul's. The endowment fund is the Deedes Grave Trust, which is dedicated to the upkeep of a grave in St. Mary's churchyard. The market value of the endowment at 31st December 2010 was 44. Page 21

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