Diocese of Liverpool archdeacons visitation news Spring 2013 - issue 11 No change please, we re Christians The Church is founded on strong historical roots and rightly takes pride in an orthodoxy that affirms our strong traditions. This can sometimes make us feel like a Church that is reluctant and resistant to change. No change please comes the cry from many pews and a collective groan offered up to the latest initiative. This will regularly get countered by a learn to love change because change is here to stay argument. It is easy for Church life to get bogged down in these disputes where God and his mission seem remote and worldly concerns dominate. That is not what we want when we bring ideas to the parishes. Our desire is to improve, support and help the development of your ministry. To challenge where things are not working as they should. To help you as you continue to respond to the Bishop s Growth Agenda. To help as we continue to proclaim afresh the Gospel to each generation in every community. Change happens all around us. It happens in a way we don t fully understand, with ideas becoming engrained in society. The twentieth century saw the largest changes to our patterns of behaviour in any century, with the pace and impact of that change increasing in recent years. Who d have thought that a century that began with very few telephones would end with powerful mobiles? A century starting without computers would end with the internet? A century starting without many basics for society would end with a free education system and the NHS? The list is endless. The Church, your Church, has changed too. Mid-twentieth-century churchgoers would barely recognise the services you hold or often the buildings you occupy. However, we have often forgotten the changes we have experienced. Some of these will have been the result of struggle and conflict. Some of these will have been welcomed with rejoicing. All have shaped the way you worship God today. During this year s Visitation Services we will be reflecting on the change in our lives. How do we experience change in our daily lives and our church experience? What do we feel about that change? How does it affect us spiritually? To help we have put together a short questionnaire in the centre of this issue of Archdeacons Visitation News to help you consider how you feel about change. Our God is a God of change. His spirit moves and changes us. When we are touched by Him we are transformed. This can be invigorating; it can be unsettling, but we are called to respond. So instead of saying no change please, can we be Christians who say I am your servant, I am listening? Peter Bradley and Ricky Panter We are very grateful to Ecclesiastical for its help in producing this newsletter at no cost to the diocese. The Venerable Peter Bradley Archdeacon of Warrington Telephone: 0151 705 2154 Email: peter.bradley@liverpool.anglican.org The Venerable Ricky Panter Archdeacon of Liverpool Telephone: 0151 705 2154 Email: ricky.panter@liverpool.anglican.org Dates for the diary Archdeaconry training days for churchwardens Your archdeacon hosts the annual churchwarden training day. It offers an opportunity for you to get the latest information with a chance to meet fellow wardens. Liverpool Archdeaconry 22 June Warrington Archdeaconry 29 June Making it Easier training days Get the latest information about ideas, initiatives and policies that will make it easier for your church to fulfil its mission and ministry. Liverpool Archdeaconry 9 November Warrington Archdeaconry 30 November And don t forget... We say farewell to Bishop James at a special service on 3 July. Further details are available on the website: www.liverpool.anglican.org/events www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
No change please, we re Christians... Twenty questions to help think about our approach to change Churchwarden s checklist 1. At the last annual meeting, was a report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church presented? 2. (i) Are any essential works for the church building, as indicated on the last quinquennial report, in hand or planned? (ii) Are arrangements in hand for regular clearance of blocked gutters, down-pipes and other routine maintenance? (iii) Are arrangements in hand for proper maintenance of the churchyard? 3. (i) Are your burials/baptisms/ marriage registers and service book records up to date? (ii) Are you satisfied that all church registers, records and books are in satisfactory condition and properly stored or deposited with the archives? 4. (i) Are you satisfied that external and internal noticeboards are in good order and up to date? (ii) Is the current Table of Parochial Fees clearly displayed in the church? (iii) Is the Churchyard Directive prominently and publicly displayed? 5. Are you satisfied with arrangements for the care and cleaning of the church interior, church linen and other ornaments and vessels? 6. Do you have up-to-date church guidebooks available and, if appropriate, are they available in other languages? 7. Is there a logbook for your church and is it up to date? 8. Is there a plan of your churchyard and is it up to date? 9. Did you pay your clergy expenses in full last year? 10. Is all your church insurance up to date and does it give you appropriate cover? 11. (i) Has your PCC discussed the Equality Act and Health & Safety issues, and has an audit been carried out? (ii) Do you have a policy and a person(s) with responsibility for the issues? If there are matters you wish to raise with your Archdeacon directly, please do not hesitate to contact them. We re taking the opportunity during these visitations to think about what our views on change are. The questions are for you to answer on your own and are just to give you a sense of your attitude and view to change. Please answer honestly and prayerfully reflect on what you have discovered about yourself. 1. I prefer the familiar to the unknown 2. I am unlikely to change plans when they are agreed 3. I don t believe in getting your hopes too high 4. I am impatient if answers aren t clear 5. I like established routines 6. I find that if something can go wrong, it will 7. I like to improvise solutions to problems 8. I prefer to stay within my comfort zone 9. Once my mind is made up, that s it 10. I worry about what might go wrong 11. I like to stay with the tried and tested 12. I like to find ways round obstacles 13. I have great faith in my abilities 14. I don t like to leave things unfinished 15. I like to see opportunities not difficulties 16. People call me for solutions to problems 17. I can handle anything that comes along 18. I like to clarify uncertain issues 19. I don t like it when things are vague 20. If something s broken then I fix it How you answer will hopefully reveal something to you about yourself. It should show whether you are the type of person who embraces and looks for change or whether you find the idea of change uncomfortable. Neither is better than the other. We re all made in the image of God and we should recognise and embrace who we are and the differences between us. But we hope that by understanding our own tolerances and motivations, we can find ways to avoid saying No change please, we re Christians.
Big drop in metal theft but the fight goes on... Thefts of lead and other metals from Anglican churches dropped dramatically last year, but experts at insurer Ecclesiastical are warning that it s too early for trustees and faith communities to let their guard drop. New figures published by Ecclesiastical show that lead theft fell by 65%, the biggest year-onyear reduction seen since the crime became a major issue in 2007. Over 930 insurance claims were received from Anglican churches in 2012 for theft of lead and other metals from the exterior of the building, compared with over 2,600 in 2011, the worst year on record. Reasons behind the steep drop in metal theft are a matter of debate, but the decline follows concerted efforts to deter criminals by the Government and a range of affected industries, including the utilities and transport sector. Ecclesiastical also launched its own national campaign, Hands Off Our Church Roofs, in February 2012 to fit sophisticated electronic alarm systems to the roofs of Anglican churches across England, Scotland and Wales, and believes the campaign has had an impact on claims. Ecclesiastical s campaign provided 500,000 to install alarms free of charge on some of the UK s churches most badly affected by metal theft. John Coates, Ecclesiastical s director of church insurance, said: These figures are hugely encouraging but it would be premature to predict the end of the epidemic of metal theft; 930 claims is still 930 claims too many. Metal theft incidents are still running well above levels seen in the 1990s and early 2000s. Even though the numbers are pointing in the right direction, it s going to take a concerted effort for years to come from businesses, politicians and law enforcement agencies to ensure our heritage is safe from these heartless, predatory criminals. Forensic marker liquids such as SmartWater remain a vital aid in the fight against the lead thieves. Painting external metals with the liquid and displaying the SmartWater signage so that potential thieves can readily see that the church has taken action has been shown to be a key deterrent. John Coates added: There s no doubt in our minds that the use of SmartWater has a big impact on the criminal fraternity and makes them think twice about targeting a church that they can see has been security marked. Government moves to ban the payment of cash for scrap metal have been welcomed by Ecclesiastical and the Church of England and the recent successful passing of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill through Parliament is expected to have a further positive impact on tackling the crime. For the latest advice on theft of metal, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/ tom or call 0845 777 3322 for tailored advice for your church. If you would like to find out more about installing a roof alarm on your church, call 0845 600 9659 to arrange a free*, no obligation survey for your church. *UK mainland only travel expenses may be applicable offshore. Using SmartWater effectively A forensic marking system, such as SmartWater, is one of the most effective ways to deter metal thieves from attacking your church but, in order to comply with the conditions of your insurance policy, it must be applied correctly to your external metal. Step one ensure your kit is registered with the company. If you re using SmartWater, call them on 01952 204102 to check. Step two apply the liquid. Every church is different, but you should apply the liquid to external metals using a paintbrush. Step three display the signage prominently so that would-be thieves will see it. The church gates would be one good place. Following these three steps maximises the deterrent value of your forensic marking system and ensures you re not invalidating your insurance protection. For SmartWater supplies (at a 40% discount), please call the company on 01952 204102. Other forensic marking systems are available, but must be approved by Ecclesiastical. Lead theft gang jailed The toughest jail sentence for church metal theft has been handed down to six men who comprised Britain s most prolific gang of metal thieves. The gang of Lithuanians were given a combined jail term of 20 years for causing damage estimated at 1million to 20 churches during a nine-month crime spree across the East Midlands. Lincolnshire police arrested the men when they stopped two suspicious vehicles during a day of action targeting metal theft. Lead found in the men s cars was marked with SmartWater. The gang is believed to have stolen a total of 70 tonnes of lead, which they sold to scrap metal dealers for an estimated 70,000.
PULL OUT Health and safety How safe are your church, church hall and grounds? Ecclesiastical has seen several recent cases result in prosecution by the enforcement authorities. Essential guide to protecting your church... As experts in church insurance, Ecclesiastical has put together this handy guide with essential advice on keeping your church safe and secure, as well as protecting staff, volunteers and visitors. Support for you and your church Whether you re new to Ecclesiastical or an old friend, here are just a few things that Ecclesiastical offer you and your church: Expert advice the Insurance Consultant & Surveyor team work within each diocese to offer essential insurance and risk management advice, while the church customer services team offer a central point of contact. Protection Ecclesiastical s Parishguard and Hallguard policies provide cover for your church and church hall and are specifically designed for Anglican Church customers. Many features, for which some insurers charge an additional premium, are included as standard. Other services discounted home insurance rates for clergy and church community are available and independent advice and mortgages are offered through Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services. Claims service you can trust expert claims handlers offer a personal service and provide expertise, empathy and flexibility. Stay safe and operate within the law with this essential advice: Carry out regular risk assessments of each activity and part of the church. Write a health and safety policy it is important to show you have adequate arrangements in place. Record all incidents under the 1995 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, you must complete the statutory accident book and report incidents to the Local Environmental Health Department. Write everything down including statements from witnesses, where possible. Assign responsibility for health and safety to someone who will ensure that risk assessments and procedures are followed. Make health and safety a regular agenda item at your PCC meetings. How safe is your church? Take the self-assessment at www.ecclesiastical.com/ churchmatters/safety. If you answer no to any of the questions, you could be at risk of an accident and problems could occur if a claim is made against you. You can access full health and safety guidance, as well as downloadable forms to help draw up your health and safety policy, carry out risk assessments and record incidents. For more information visit www.ecclesiastica
Storms and bad weather Whilst we can t control the weather, a few simple steps can help protect your church against storms, snow and adverse weather. General maintenance: Keep an eye on your roof check regularly and replace cracked, slipped or loose tiles or slates. Check your valleys, gutters, hoppers and downpipes ensure they can carry water away efficiently. If blockages occur, these will eventually cause damage or crack or shatter the pipe if it freezes. Check external door and window locks and ensure that windows and frames are firmly fixed. Close and fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the building. Keep pathways clear and apply grit to prevent slipping. Secure loose objects in the churchyard such as ladders, benches or anything that could be blown into windows. Beware of damage don t touch cables that have blown down or are hanging, or walk too close to walls, buildings and trees which could have been weakened. Call us on 0845 777 3322 as soon as possible in the event of any damage. Full information is provided in guidance notes, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/weather Preventing theft and damage Every year, one in four churches suffers from theft, vandalism or arson. Insurance provides monetary compensation, but can t compensate for the loss of a church s history. Keep your church safe: Lock the church after dark unless there is a service or someone present. Keep keys safe with an official or in a secure place away from the church. Maintain a current list of keyholders. Protect high-value items chain items to the floor or wall or replace items with cheaper alternatives, when services are not taking place. Lock away valuables/money keep money, silver, brass and pewter items in a modern safe or somewhere secure such as the vestry or a church officer s home. Keep and monitor all receipts for deposits investigate any discrepancies immediately. Divide responsibility for money appoint different officials for collecting, counting and banking. Ensure no one is left alone to count money. Theft is a crime. Individuals who steal from the church should be reported to the police. Theft of metal: Since 2007, we ve received 12,000 claims, at a cost of around 30 million. Wherever there is metal, there is an increased risk of theft. Apply SmartWater (or an alternative approved by Ecclesiastical) Register with the supplier and display deterrent signage (in line with policy requirements) Ecclesiastical-approved roof alarms can be purchased for large external areas. Full information is provided in guidance notes, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/security l.com/churchmatters or call 0845 777 3322
Home insurance It is widely accepted that endorsement from Which?, the UK s leading consumer rights group, recognises companies that offer the best products and services. That is why Ecclesiastical is particularly proud to have been named again as a Which? Recommended Provider for home insurance. For church workers and volunteers, there is even more good news because you can save over 30% on Ecclesiastical s home insurance when buying a combined building and contents policy online (subject to minimum premium terms and conditions). For your free no-obligation quote, please call 0800 917 3345 and quote AV NEWS (8pm to 6pm weekdays) or visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchworker If your renewal date is not due yet, simply complete the renewal form online and Ecclesiastical will be in touch with a quote nearer the time. Ecclesiastical supporting the Church Ecclesiastical has been insuring churches for 125 years, but the company s support for the Anglican community does not end there. Churches urged to review safety for working at height Two recent prosecutions have reinforced the need for churches to review their health and safety procedures for work conducted high up within the building. St Paul s in Onslow Square, Kensington, was fined 5,000 and 4,400 costs by Westminster Magistrate Court when a self-employed joiner fell from a balcony, sustaining serious permanent injuries. Dartford Magistrate s Court also handed out a 3,000 fine and 685 in costs to St Botolph s in Northfleet, Kent, after a volunteer injured his spine in a fall from a bell tower. Kevin Thomas, Head of Field Operations at Ecclesiastical said: These two cases highlight the need for churches and PCC members to review their arrangements to ensure that anyone working at height is as safe as possible. This review needs to be documented so that, if necessary, it can be used to defend a claim. Ecclesiastical advises that ladders are checked regularly, are positioned on stable surfaces and are suitable for the type of work being carried out. The insurer also stresses that ladders should not be used as platforms from which to work. For more information, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/ churchmatters/safety Each year since 1987, Ecclesiastical has given financial support through the Ministry Bursary Awards a scheme launched in its centenary year to help members of the clergy who wish to take sabbaticals and get involved in special projects. More than 800 clergy over the last 26 years have benefited from the awards and this year, 72 grants totalling over 50,000 have been distributed. Information on the awards, which are open to all clergy in Anglican Christian faiths, is available at www.ecclesiastical.com/mba Figures released last year by the UK s Fraud Prevention Service showed a 52% increase in employee fraud during the first half of the year and experts in law enforcement and the insurance industry stress that this is a risk that also needs to be addressed in churches. The prospect of having money stolen by an official or volunteer is never an easy one for a church to contemplate, but the good news is that Ecclesiastical does offer protection The redesign and relaunch of the Archbishops Council Cathedral and Church Buildings Division website www.churchcare.co.uk was also supported by Ecclesiastical last year. The site contains a wide range of resources to help parishes in England care for their church. John Coates, Ecclesiastical s Director of Church Insurance, said: For us, our work is all about playing a positive, active role in the faith community, which means we go beyond insurance and risk advice. Ensure your church doesn t fall victim to internal fraud against the risk of embezzlement. In order to meet the conditions of your policy and ensure that Ecclesiastical is able to defend a claim, the church needs to provide specific information and ensure that important checks are carried out. Broadly speaking, the key steps a church should take are: Bank accounts and cash should be reconciled at least monthly by someone not usually responsible for handling them. Any large cheques or cash payments need to be signed or checked by two people. Checks should be made on goods ordered and stock, with one person responsible for ordering and a second for receiving the goods and paying. Full information is provided in guidance notes, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/ churchmatters/security
Plaudits for the Growth Planning Framework and Parish Dashboard Last year we introduced two new tools to help parishes as they responded to the challenges of the Bishop s Growth Agenda. The Growth Planning Framework, a simple self-help pamphlet, has seen many churches in our diocese renew their efforts on a number of important areas of mission through using its tick list. The Parish Dashboard collates vital financial and attendance information in a userfriendly document that helps parishes get a balanced picture of the health of their church. Ricky Panter said, What we have got is two well-designed, thought-through documents that help wardens and PCCs get a proper assessment of the health of their church. Parish after parish have told us that they have benefited from having robust discussions based on impartial information. The simplicity of the Growth Planning Framework has led many parishes to set up small groups to work through the key questions establishing plans of action. These have led to a reinvigoration of their mission and ministry. It s about having an impartial assessment of our strengths and weaknesses, explained Peter Bradley. It is too easy to look at church life and not know where to turn. The Framework does what it says on the tin and offers a framework for positive discussions about growth. Likewise, the Parish Dashboard provides a great deal of discussion on the financial health of a parish. Based on information supplied by parishes through their statistical returns, it gives a firm footing to conversations about the stewardship of churches. What parishes have found really positive is that these tools come with the promise of support from St James House staff, commented Ricky. Many churches will just be able to identify the challenges and then move forward themselves, but for those who need the support, it is there. Both initiatives will continue and parishes will be reminded of them in the months and years to come. Ultimately it s about growth, health and vitality, says Peter. Moving the conversation away from anecdote to a proper assessment of the facts enables churches to tackle issues and build on successes. Those that embrace this will place themselves in a strong position to grow and thrive. For more information, visit our website www.liverpool.anglican.org Child Friendly Church shows a welcoming church We re re-launching our Child Friendly Church award with a brand-new look and feel for 2013. The award, which is designed to help churches address how they welcome children and families, is currently undergoing a review. Sue Mitchell, Children and Families Missioner, said: Since the Child Friendly Church award was conceived in 2004, it has proved incredibly popular, not just in our diocese but across the country and indeed the globe. We are not looking to reinvent it, but simply to ensure it is still relevant and helpful for today s Church. The Child Friendly Church award is a way of enabling churches to focus on how welcoming they are and how they integrate children and their families into the full worshipping life of the church. Importantly, it helps provide the church with the tools and ideas to do this. It ensures churches get the basics right, such as having a robust safeguarding policy and well-trained leaders. The process also enables churches to look at how they can improve in areas. Most churches want to offer a good welcome, but many simply don t know how to go about it, explains Sue. By using the Child Friendly Church award as a tool to identify gaps in your ministry with children and families, it then enables the church to access support from the team at St James house. We want to support you and journey with you to achieve the very best you can for the children and families in your church. That journey is open to all. It s about encouraging our churches to realise that it s not about the numbers of children in your church but, more importantly, whether your church has an attitude that says We welcome children and families. Many churches do this instinctively, but the award helps us focus on this ministry, identify where we may have developed bad habits and enable us to learn from best practice, says Sue. Ultimately, this is about growth and discipleship, if we can provide a warm, friendly welcome to children and their families, then we can continue to show the love of Jesus who welcomed children with open arms. To find out more about how your church could achieve the Child Friendly Church award, contact Sue Mitchell at sue.mitchell@liverpool.anglican.org or call her on 0151 705 2167.
Archdeacons launch archdeaconry review meetings... Over the next couple of years, every church will be visited by its archdeacon as Peter and Ricky embark on a series of meetings to help churchwardens reflect on vital aspects of their work. The meetings with churchwardens will reflect on a number of areas surrounding the good management of parishes and the wardens role in leading the parish in its mission and ministry. Since making the archdeacon role a full-time role, both Ricky and I have been focusing on more meaningful ways in which we can support parishes in their day-to-day ministries, explained Peter Bradley. We ve been looking to reduce the administrative burden of the formal visitations and make it easier for wardens and parishes to run themselves, express God s love and support their ministries to their communities. The archdeacon s review meetings are based on the idea that by having ongoing regular conversations with wardens, more time and energy can be put into looking forward in mission. Inevitably there will be practical considerations, but as time progresses we hope that these will have been made easier to deal with. The practical considerations are discussed in a form that wardens will receive ahead of their meeting. This looks at areas such as the Growth Planning Framework and Parish Dashboard, as well as the Quinquennial. It also provides a checklist for making sure wardens know where everything is that comes under their areas of responsibility, such as registers, policy documents and insurance documents. This is all important, commented Ricky Panter. Under Canon Law, churchwardens have a duty to look after the practical management of church affairs. We recognise that in the modern era this management has increased and feel that it is our duty to help and support wardens in whatever way we can. Both archdeacons believe that the practical side of the conversation will get easier as time moves on. It s about keeping on top of these matters, said Peter. If we are regularly keeping a check on the day-to-day items, then that part of the role becomes easier and quicker to deal with. Taking a couple of hours to consider these matters will inevitably reap much reward. But both are equally convinced that this conversation is as much about mission. Peter explains: There should be regular occasions when time can be given to reviewing strategic longer-term issues around buildings and finance, as well as the spiritual life and growth of the church. Wardens are leaders in mission in the church, and whatever releases mission and growth has to be high on our agendas. We aim to have challenging conversations as it is only through these conversations that we can discern God s will and move forward in his strength. For the archdeacons this is a massive commitment to parishes. They aim to carry out about 40 meetings a year, with area deans covering those parishes the archdeacons can t get to. In practice this means every parish will be given a supportive visit by someone, says Ricky, and every two to three years that person will be an Archdeacon. But it is a commitment they are glad to fulfil. Both archdeacons value the special relationship they have with churchwardens. This is seen in their approach to the annual visitations and the ongoing and popular churchwarden training days. The review meetings are another positive aspect of that relationship and one that both feel will grow in importance and usefulness over the years. Whilst Ecclesiastical has used reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct at the time of publication, please note: (a) the information is not intended to constitute a definitive or complete statement of the law on any subject, (b) the information may over the course of time become incorrect or out of date; and (c) neither Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. nor its subsidiaries can accept any responsibility or liability for action taken or losses suffered as a result of reliance placed on the information provided in this newsletter. For more information call 0845 777 3322 email information@ecclesiastical.com visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Ecclesiastical Insurance Group plc (EIG) Reg. No. 1718196. Ecclesiastical Life Ltd (ELL) Reg. No. 243111. Ecclesiastical Investment Management Ltd (EIM) Reg. No. 2519319. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services Ltd (EFAS) Reg. No. 2046087. Ecclesiastical Services Ltd (ES) Reg. No. 1811698. E.I.O. Trustee Ltd Reg. No. 941199. All companies are registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ, UK. EIO, ELL, EIM & EFAS are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are members of the Financial Ombudsman Service. EIO & ELL are members of the Association of British Insurers and EIM is a member of the Investment Management Association. Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc 2013 4/13