THE PARISH OF ST. MARGARET OF ANTIOCH, IVER HEATH

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 23 THE PARISH OF ST. MARGARET OF ANTIOCH, IVER HEATH ANNUAL REPORT 2013 A Growing, Worshipping, Celebrating, Proclaiming, Christian Presence at the Heart of the Community.

2 Page 2 of 23 ST, MARGARET'S //////////////////////Iver Heath Contents: /////////////////////////// Aim and Purposes. 3 /////////////////////////// Rector's Report. 4 ////////////////////////////The Parochial Church Council 6 ////////////////////////// The Christian Community. 7 / /////////////////////////// PCC Structure /. 8 /////////////////////////// PCC Secretary's Report /. 9 / /// ////////////////////////// The Standing Committee. 9 /////////////////////////// Churchwardens' Report. 9 /////////////////////////// Building Report. 11 ////////////////////////////Deanery Synod Report. 12 ////////////////////////////Living Stones' Report. 13 ////////////////////////////Contact Magazine Report. 13 ////////////////////////////Hon. Treasurer's Report. 16 /////////////////////////// Financial Statement for the /////////////////////////////Year ended 31st Dec

3 Page 3 of 23 Aim and Purposes To promote the spreading of the Faith of Jesus Christ according to the formularies of the Church of England in co-operation with the Incumbent of the parish. We are committed to being a: GROWING By fostering the faith in each person, wherever they may be, through education, nurture, and prayer WORSHIPPING By developing accessible, meaningful, worship for all members of our community, young and old, devout and hesitant CELEBRATING With the local community and collaborating with other organisations and churches PROCLAIMING By giving account of the faith within each committed Christian, not just b what we say but what we do CARING By caring deeply about all aspects of our community and taking seriously the command to love your neighbour as yourself CHRISTIAN B trying to be "Christ-like" Christians COMMUNITY By taking the local community seriously, but at the same time being open to the wider issues of our environment, society and world. The Parish of St. Margaret's exists to: Proclaim and witness to the Christian Faith as it has been revealed to us; To build up the spiritual life of the worshipping community; To reflect God's love in serving the local community. This report is about: The life of our Church; The mission undertaken to help people grow in faith and reflect God's love in practical ways; The use of the resources at our disposal to carry out our objectives during 2013; Our plans for 2014.

4 Page 4 of 23 Rector's Report 2014 Annual Church Meeting The year since the last Annual Meeting has been one in which there has been encouragement and also challenge. It has been encouraging to see seven people Confirmed recently and to record that in 2013 both at Easter and Christmas, the number of communicants was higher than in It has been encouraging to see Living Stones, under Mary Mitchell's leadership, arrest the decline in numbers and see the small group of families at St. Margaret's more committed and engaged. It has been encouraging to see that in 2013 we rose to the challenge to meet our financial obligations, but only just! We have seen the repair of the churchyard wall which should outlast most of our lifetimes, and the installation of the new church doors, given in memory of Dr Joseph Montgomery, which are, I suggest, beautiful as well as practical and should help to make our church warmer next winter. For these latter two developments we are very grateful for all the work put in by Rob Grayson and Keith Pask. It was also encouraging, last summer that a good number of people participated in the four-week Lectio Divina, `praying with scripture' programme, so much so that we are planning to repeat it this summer. It is also always encouraging to recall the number of people who give so much of their time and energy to St. Margaret's. But this last year has also been one of challenge. In the PCC since September, we have been challenged to think about what is necessary for mission in the future. A series of presentations and discussions have made it clear, I think to all of us, that the traditional patterns of mission have broken down, and are now increasingly irrelevant in the light of the great changes which have happened in society in the last quarter century. These discussions have been, as I see it, the most important in our church this last year, and the new PCC members elected today will be joining a body which is moving mission to the centre of its concerns. This is both challenging and exciting, but as I hope we are realising, without a sound faith and a life of prayer, those that labour in mission here are likely to labour but in vain. It is the development of faith and prayer, combined with a realistic appraisal of the context of our mission, which I suggest should concern us most in the coming year. At this meeting Martin Sands steps down at the end of a second long term as Churchwarden. His conscientiousness and dedication as Warden have been wonderful. His attention to detail has enabled us to avoid pitfalls we might have fallen into and I highly value his support and friendship. We all have cause to be immensely grateful to Martin. I am delighted that Julia Dutton has agreed to serve as Churchwarden for the coming year. I have no doubt as to her wisdom and capabilities, but she will need all our encouragement and support as she begins her new role.

5 Page 5 of 23 This time last year, Sam Jephcote stood down as PCC Secretary and Sue Boon has taken on that position, has been to a training course in Oxford and has been invaluable to us in the last year. This coming year, Sue's job should be a little easier, and we are grateful to her for continuing in this role. This year we have lost two long servants of this parish, Rey L'Angellier and George Knight. We miss them very much, and pray that they may know the light and peace of our risen Lord. Finally, may I thank you on behalf of Mary and myself for all your love and support in the last year. Fr Andrew Montgomerie April 2014

6 Page 6 of 23 The Parochial Church Council The Trustees of the Church of St. Margaret's are the Parochial Church Council (PCC) which has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, in the ecclesiastical parish. The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is accepted from registering with the Charity Commission. PCC Membership : Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following served as members: Incumbent: Fr. Andrew Council Sue Boon Montgomerie Members: Nick Davies Reader: John Mitchell Rob Grayson Churchwardens: John Mitchell Eileen Hemsworth Martin Sands George Jeffers Deputy Jean Pearson- Sam Jephcote Wardens/Verger: Hall George Knight PCC Lay Rob Penn John Lane Chairman: Madeleine Mayling Treasurer: John Lane John Mitchell Secretary: Sue Boon (from Jean Pearson-Hall June 2013) Rob Penn Deanery Synod John Mitchell Sharon Pollard Representatives: Rob Penn Rosemary Read (ex officio) Martin Sands Martin Sands Chris Woolley Banks: National Westminster Bank, Langley, Berkshire The Central Board of Finance of the Church of England, St. Alphege House, Fore Street, London. Independent Examiner: Mrs. K. Willcox

7 Page 7 of 23 The Christian Community Electoral Roll Normal Adult Attendance * 55 Normal under Attendance Weekly Attendance * 158 * Denotes no recorded figures for the year Christian Initiation: Baptism Adult Children Total: Confirmations Adult Children (U 16) Total:

8 Page 8 of 23 Marriage: We maintain that it is suspected that the decline in couples wishing to be married in church is due predominantly to the current recession and an overall decline in couples getting married. Marriages Total: Worship: Average attendance figures: Sunday Communicants Easter Communicants Christmas Communicants Weekly Communicants PCC Structure The PCC operates through a number of committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC to discuss various topics that are then brought back to the PCC. The following committees were in operation during 2013: The Standing Committee Junior Church (Living Stones) Building and Churchyard Committee.

9 Page 9 of 23 PCC Secretary's Report As this is my first report, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the members of the PCC for providing much appreciated help and support during my inauguration period. As always, fundraising provides much needed church funds and a number of events took place during 2013 which together raised a net amount of 4,900. These events included the selling of delicious homemade cakes, income from our scrap metal day, our amazing Apple Day (what an interesting event this is!), our `Bring and Buy' sales and lots more. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the volunteers who have helped to make these events successful and for giving up their precious time heralded the start of the `Knitwits' club and thanks must go to Mary Montgomerie for organising the enjoyable knitting meetings that have produced many lovely blankets and outfits for the comfort and protection of new born babies. The PCC met five times during the year, as did the Standing Committee. All of the subcommittees have met and reported to the PCC during the year. A summary is detailed of the continued sterling work of the sub-committees and various groups that operate within the church are detailed in the following pages. Susan Boon The Standing Committee This is the only committee required by law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings. The normal composition is the Incumbent, Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice Chairman. Churchwardens' Report The Churchwardens in 2013 were John Mitchell (JM) and Martin Sands (MS) with Jean Pearson-Hall (JP) as a Deputy Churchwarden. A second Deputy will be appointed in 2014.

10 Page 10 of 23 Aims and objectives of the Churchwardens: The Churchwardens are officers of the Bishop, ex-officio members of the Parochial Church Council and support and advise the Rector. In co-operation with the Rector, we are responsible for the day-to-day running of the parish. Along with a wide range of duties, our aims and objectives include: Responsibility for ensuring that the fabric is kept in good repair. This includes overseeing the maintenance of the church building and churchyard and any work necessary to implement Quinquennial Review recommendations. Where appropriate, we aim to ensure that a faculty is raised. We are also entrusted with the movable property within the building, including the safekeeping of valuables used during the services. Accordingly, with the continuing help of careful and detailed work undertaken by Mary Mitchell, we keep up-to-date records and inventories and complete the annual Deanery inspection. Service related responsibilities include ensuring that the church is unlocked/locked, that regular duties such as those of sidespersons, readers and offertory teams are covered on each occasion and that newcomers to the congregation, visiting clergy/preachers and the Bishop or Archdeacon when they visit are made welcome. Churchwardens must also ensure that pledges and plate donations are counted and recorded and, if necessary, officiate at Morning and Evening Prayer if the Rector or licensed lay reader is not available. Ensuring that, as far as possible, all necessary action is taken to comply with Health and Safety requirements. Overseeing and supporting the work of any committees responsible to the PCC, such as the Building and Churchyard Committee and the Fund Raising Committee. Our task as Churchwardens is dependent in part on good teamwork, involving many members of the congregation and, for their help, we extend our sincere thanks. We are particularly grateful to our Deputy Churchwarden, Jean PearsonHall, for her continuing reliable and steadfast help at all times. We have supported the Rector in his leadership, and carried out our work for the church during 2013 both at St Margaret's and as members of the Deanery Synod, to the best of our abilities. No church can be perfect, but at St Margaret's, Iver Heath, there are many good things happening and we are optimistic for the future. John Mitchell and Martin Sands

11 Page 11 of 23 Building Report At the instruction of the PCC the Building Committee have overseen two projects in the year : The Front Boundary Wall The wall has been in a state of serious dis-repair for several years and the deterioration has been gathering momentum. The cumulative effect of frost and water was causing serious damage to all three constituents of the structure - red brick, Portland stone and lime mortar. As a first step a detailed survey (kindly paid for by the Friends of St. Margaret's) of the wall was undertaken and a report produced by a specialist stone working company. This company also produced a quotation to carry out the restoration works but the price proposed was significantly greater than the PCC felt able to agree. After interviewing several alternative contractors a local builder with suitably qualified tradesmen undertook the work for an agreed price and it has been completed to everyone's satisfaction. The contractor concerned has also agreed to renovate the remainder of the front wall, the section to the other side of the gate, in the early summer. The Main Inner Doors The Montgomery family gifted a sum of money to St. Margaret's in memory of Dr. Joe Montgomery and it was decided by the PCC to use the funds to replace the inner main doors. A design was approved by the PCC and contractors selected in early 2013 but the complexities of the Faculty process meant some considerable delays were experienced. The doors were finally installed and finished in February and Caroline Montgomery attended the service to consecrate them in March. Other smaller projects are ongoing and changes are planned for the entrance to the Church room and WC area. Rob Grayson

12 Page 12 of 23 Deanery Synod Report St Margaret's Church continues to be an active member of the Deanery Synod through its elected representatives: Father Andrew Montgomerie (Rector), John Mitchell, Martin Sands and Rob Penn (Laity). Synod usually meets four times a year but in 2013 it met only on three occasions due to the licensing of the new Area Dean, Revd Rod Cosh on 11' n February. The three meetings were held at the following venues: Christ the Worker, Langley (Saturday 20th April) St Mary's Church, Farnham Royal (Wednesday 3rd July) St Peter's Church, Burnham (Tuesday 12th November) It was at the April meeting that Synod welcomed its new Area Dean and in September Rod held an informal summer gathering and barbeque to get to know everyone better and for synod members to have the opportunity to meet on a social basis. The aim of each Synod meeting is to: Facilitate a positive interface between all the churches of the deanery, enabling interaction and debate, regarding matters of mutual interest and concern, between the clergy and lay deanery synod member. Provide informative news of the progress and activities of the host parishes at each meeting Discuss financial and pastoral reports as well as occasionally providing useful reports on diocesan and general synod activities. During 2013 the following topics were covered: Deanery Accounts and 2014 Budget Mission Action Plans Presentations on: Growing a Healthy Church, Leading Your Church into Growth Vocations. Rob Penn

13 Page 13 of 23 Living Stones' Report The Living Stones have continued to meet regularly over the past year. They are a small, but enthusiastic, group with a wide age range. On three Sundays in the month they leave the service for their own Bible reading and prayers. After the explanation and questions on the reading they move to an activity which is based on the Bible reading. On the first Sunday in the month they join the congregation for `All Age' Worship. In this they are responsible for reading The Old Testament, Epistle, and leading the said Responsorial Psalm. At Christmas they learnt about the Christingle and then made their own under the guidance of Mrs. Jean Chaston and Mrs. Elma Shepherd - our thanks to them for this activity which the children enjoyed. Mary Mitchell Contact Magazine Report TITLE `Contact' is the name given to the Parish Magazine of St Margaret's Church, Iver Heath. AIMS The aims of the magazine remain the same and are: * To be an outreach tool to the inhabitants of Iver Heath. To communicate local information and news of St Margaret's Church. its mission and activities to all those living in Iver Heath. To be self-funding. To be a record for the church of its history, people and activities throughout the year. To be an enjoyable read. SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES A magazine has been published in various forms, for more than a hundred years. For the last 20+ years it has been entitled `Contact'. The Editor for the last 12 years has been Jill Sands.

14 Page 14 of 23 The current objectives for the magazine are in line with its aims by: Being delivered to all people living in Iver Heath by a group of committed deliverers via a planned distribution network which involves several people delivering individually to a set number of houses. This is co-ordinated by Nichola Grayson. Being in touch with local organisations, keen to promote their activities and by keeping abreast with what is happening in and around the local community, or elsewhere of interest. By having enough advertisements to cover the cost of producing the magazine and to keep links with Pinewood Studios who act as a sponsor. John Lane, our treasurer, deals with this side of the production. By including relevant events telling the story of St Margaret's Church and archiving copies of each magazine in bound editions every year. By having a variety of topics of interest to a diverse population. SUCCESSES THROUGHOUT 2013/14 The magazine has continued to be produced on time each month, ie 10 months as there are two double issues July/August and December/January. It has been delivered faithfully month by month except when problems arise. Favourable comments are received about the magazine and it is sent far and wide to interested people. The series profiling long standing members of the congregation has continued. Articles reflecting the lives of members of the congregation who have died, in recent months, have been printed. A series about Past Priests was produced and now a series about the past magazines is almost complete. New contacts have been made.

15 Page 15 of 23 CHALLENGES AND HOW THESE ARE BEING ADDRESSED Getting the balance of adverts and text. There need to be enough adverts to cover costs. John Lane works very hard to find people to advertise. The early deadline continues to be a problem but by much effort it has always been met. However sometimes events are not recorded until a while after they have happened eg Christmas activities in February. Proof reading is delegated to John Lane and Martin Sands as this is a problem for the Editor who sees what she wants to see! It is not an easy task. Maintaining enough people to distribute the magazine. This is a big problem and highlighted in the magazine from time to time to recruit more people. The photographs do not always come out as well as hoped, once in print, but there doesn't seem to be an answer to this at the moment. More letters for the Letters Page would be appreciated and more articles submitted. OBJECTIVES FOR THE COMING YEAR To continue to produce the magazine with the same Aims and Objectives but be open to new suggestions. To complete the series on Past Magazines which did not happen last year and continue profiling members of the congregation. It has been a challenging but very rewarding year producing the magazine and I look forward to continuing in this role for the forthcoming year. Thank you, Nichola, for your help in distributing the magazine. Thank you, John, for finding the adverts and all that that entails and thank you John and Martin for Proof reading my work. Thanks to Sadlers for their role in printing Contact. Jill Sands

16 Page 16 of 23 Hon. Treasurer's Report Year to 31 s t December Income on General Account increased by only compared with the previous year. Athough the amount of Income Tax Recovered was less than in the previous year the total received from Donors was 1, higher. The net receipt from Apple Day was 1,537.57, and from the sales of scrap metal Both of these sums were needed to enable all expenses to be met. The deficit on the production of "Contact" was which was covered by sponsorship from Pinewood Studios in the sum of 1,000. There was a small increase in the amount of Fees retained, but the rebate received from the Deanery last year was not repeated this year. General Account Payments were lower this year by 2,324.55, mainly due to a saving in Administration Expenses and no further interregnum expenses becoming payable following the Rector's appointment.the increased amount of Diocesan Share was paid in full, as were all utility expenses. A slightly lower sum was paid away to Missions and Charities. The Churchyard Fund bore the cost of the repair to the boundary wall and also covered the costs of servicing and repairing the mowers together with other minor outgoings. Income on this account consisted of Parish Council Grant, Fees relating to interments and memorials together with deposit interest and donations. On the Organ Fund no payments were made, the only activity being usage of the instrument at weddings and funerals together with a small amount of deposit interest. Various electrical repairs were paid for from the Building Maintenance and Improvement Fund. Other items related to repairs of the central heating boiler and the floor at the entrance to the church. Income consisted of a donation of 1, and a small amount of deposit interest. During the year a Legacy of 5, was received, and anonymous donors gave gifts of 4,500 and 18,000.00, this latter item being by way of shares..'lane. A C I B. 20 t h January 2014.

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