Reg. Charity No 1135824
Annual Meeting 2015
St John‟s Church,
Locks Heath
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
th
19 April 2015
Statutory Reports including Agenda & Treasurer’s
statement ( Accounts for 2014 published separately)
Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Locks Heath
2015 APCM 19th April 2014 10:45am
Agenda
Opening Prayer
1. Meeting of Parishioners
1.1 Minutes of Parishioners‟ Meeting 24th March 2014
1.2 Election of Church Wardens
2. Annual Church Meeting
2.1 Apologies for absence
2.2 Minutes of Annual Church Meeting of 24th March 2014.
Proposal that these minutes be accepted as a true record.
2.3 Elections
2.3.1 Vote on the motion carried by PCC on 9.3.15, requiring ratification at APCM:
“It is proposed that the length of consecutive tenure on the PCC in whatever capacity be
limited to 6 years after which a break of at least one year is enforced (with the exception of
ex officio members) before standing for re-election.”
Proposed: Claire Bayliss
Seconded: Jill Rattle
Vote: Unanimous (excluding Deanne Coombs who left at 9:05pm)
2.3.2 Deanery Synodelections:1 vacancy/2 vacancies?
2.3. 3 Parochial Church Council: 4 vacancies. Those retiring are Claire Bayliss, Bob Swain
Adrian Head and Jane Weager.
2.3.3 Sidespeople / Welcome stewards/Stewards
Stewards & Sidespeople 2015/16
Angela Bassam
Julie & Phil Openshaw
Roger Pickard
Angie Tickner
David and Margaret Curtis
Sharon Whitcombe
Brian & Sue Gray
Margaret Hart
Sheila Shoobridge
Christine Blaylock
Mark Tucker
Sue Morgan
David Weaver
Mick Thwaites
Tom Ladd
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Ian & Christine Fletcher
Pat Bangs
Claire Edwards
Jackie Clark
Pauline Wilson
Teresa Rule
Sue Wilton
Robin Webb
Ken French
2.4 Any questions? Opportunity for questions on the Statutory ReportsIncluded in booklet
2.4.1 Fabric Report
2.4.2 Deanery Synod Report
2.4.3 Electoral Roll
2.4.4 PCC Year
2.4.5 Treasurer‟s report & appointment of Auditors.
Detailed questions before meeting if possible please.
2.4.6 Other printed reports
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 Pastoral Forum
Home Groups
Youth Forum
Outreach
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3. Any other business should be notified 48 hours before meeting
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Stewardship Forum
Worship Forum
Joyful Giving Team
St John’s Church, Locks Heath
Minutes of AnnualChurch Meeting
Sunday 23rd March 2014 at 11am
Those Present:
Charles Sugden
Incumbent
Cliff Allen
Church Warden
Julie Pritchard
Church Warden
David Weaver
Treasurer
Elaine Dowland
Acting PCC Secretary for
this meeting
Total:
81 Parishioners
Apologies:
39 Parishioners
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Charles Sugden
1. Meeting of Parishioners
1.1 Minutes of Parishioners Meeting 21st April 2013
Proposed that these Minutes be accepted as a true record.
Proposed: Linda Miatt
Seconded: Trevor Pritchard
Vote: Majority
1.2 Election of Church Wardens
Charles thanked Julie Pritchard and Cliff Allen for their work over the past 3 years and 1 year
respectively. Gift tokens were given to both. We have 1 candidate for election – Karen
Deacon. Deanne Coombs is prepared to take on the role for 1 year at least but is currently not
on the Electoral Roll. Charles asked those present if they would kindly attend a short meeting
at 11 am on 6th April to elect Deanne giving the required time for her to have been on the
Electoral Roll. Karen Deacon elected as churchwarden.
Proposed: Julie Pritchard Seconded: Liz Morgan
Vote: majority of hands in favour
2. Annual Parochial Church Meeting
2.1 Apologies for absence
There were 39 apologies for absence received.
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2.2 Minutes of Annual Parochial Church Meeting 21st April 2013
Proposal that these Minutes be accepted as a true record
Proposed: Pauline Atkins
Seconded: Carolyn Mowbray
Vote: Majority
Thanks given to Sue Lee, who is not here today, for all her hard work through the year, also
to Elaine Dowland for taking these Minutes.
2.3 Elections
2.3.1 PCC Elections – Those retiring: Jane Bristowe, David Adams, Alex Thompson – thanks
were given to all retiring members for their work whilst on the PCC. Ann Lewis, who had
been on the Deanery Synod, called Charles last evening to say she was standing down
– letter received confirming so. There are therefore 2 places for Deanery Synod
members and 3 PCC places.
David Adams standing for Deanery Synod. We have 4 people willing to be on the PCC
Bob Joughin
Proposed: Marion Robinson
Jim Dodd
Seconded: Julie Pritchard
Proposed: David Forsyth
Seconded: Margaret Hart
Elaine Dowland Proposed: Julie Pritchard
Jenny Coundley
Seconded: Sue Lee
Proposed: Elaine Dowland
Seconded: Jackie Forsyth
Charles suggested 1 person could transfer to take second Deanery Synod place. Bob Joughin
was willing to transfer to Deanery Synod.
All 3 remaining candidates for PCC were approved by the majority present.
3 new PCC members welcomed. Commissioning is on Sunday 6 th April, 2014
Bob Joughin was elected as a member of Deanery Synod. Proposed: Jim Wood
Seconded: Julie Pritchard Vote: Majority
Ann Lewis remains a PCC Member
Stewards & Sidespeople list read out for confirmation and agreed by those present with the
following change:
Jim Wood should not be on the list.
Amended list:
Proposed: Nims Fisher
Seconded: Pauline Atkins
Statutory Reports
Julie Pritchard updated those present on the kitchen installation.
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Vote: Majority
Fabric Report
Thanks given to Robin Webb and his team. No questions
Deanery Synod Report no questions
Electoral Roll Report 2014 Karen Deacon has served in this role for 5 years. We are looking for
someone to take over this role. Charles asked those present to give consideration. Bob Marchant
offered to stand. Thanks given to Karen Deacon
Bob Marchant elected as Electoral Roll Officer
Proposed: Rae King
Seconded: Jenny Coundley
Vote: Majority
PCC Year 2013/14 from Sue Lee – no questions. Thanks given to everyone on the PCC for all
the work carried out during the year.
Treasurer’s Report David Weaver gave huge thanks for the 81% of our income to General Fund
that comes from the congregation. Our Parish share has been paid in full to the Diocese and we
are left with £63000 to spend on everything else. Not surprisingly this year we have overspent.
Church Fabric – electrical improvements required to pass the quinquennial report / maintenance to
trees in the ground / lift repairs / the new photocopier / cold weather in the earlier part of the year.
There is however good news in that many fabric projects providing significant improvements in a
number of areas are underway funded by donations. The forecast for this coming year is that we
are facing a deficit. Much of our spend is on essential goods and services. We have taken £6000
from Reserves to pay for the lift repairs as we continue to struggle to balance the books. Thanks
given to the Stewardship team in all their help to David Weaver. Charles gave much appreciation
to David Weaver for the patience and clarity he gives to the role.
David Wilson asked why the estimate and costs for the photocopier were so wildly out. The
meeting was advised that there were a few reasons as to how this had come about – new contract
/ too optimistic. Ken Tout advised with the new copier having the ability to colour copy and we are
using this for the Monthly Big Brieflet, it is costing more but it is more appealing to our advertisers
so we are hoping to reap the benefit of this in the future. We do a lot of printing and the budget
had been reduced too much – there is a quarterly charge from the lessor plus a cost per page of
print.
Carolyn Mowbray asked if there was a policy for taking money from the Reserve account?
DW replied that we were not sure where the Reserve income comes from and that it had been
reducing over the past 10 years. There is currently £17000 in the Reserve Account. DW has
scrutinised accounts and established that 8 out of the past 10 years there has been a deficit. A
working party has been set up to look into this over the next 6 months to report back their findings
to the PCC.
Our Independent Examiner, Mr C Bielckus was found to be very thorough and it was proposed
that he continue.
Proposed: Julie Pritchard
Seconded: Cliff Allen
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Vote: Majority
Other Reports
Discipleship Forum Apology from Jon Bunyan for not being able to fulfil role due to work and
family commitments. Jon has given notice that he intends to step down from this role at the end of
June.
Outreach Forum Carolynne Pyne – draft job description now complete and ready to go to PCC
Youth Forum Jim Dodd asked if we were having a Holiday Club this summer? Charles replied
that two years ago Adrian Head had asked if there were sufficient people who could offer to help in
a Holiday Club but there had been insufficient people coming forward to do so. Those potential
leaders from previous Xpress/Activ8 had paid jobs that meant they could not be available. Adrian
is this year having a period without youth ministry commitments. However, we would hope to have
a Holiday Club in the future.
Mick Thwaites felt there was little information in the reports about the numbers of children in the
Groups. He asked if next year the report could note the numbers of children in each of the groups.
Messy Church – 30-35 – huge increase in the past couple of months
Carol Quint advised that we continue to offer a crèche facility but it was rarely required.
Scramblers: 3-6 children
Explorers: 6 – 8 “
Youth Church: 4 – 6
Numbers are not high but it is felt that each child is well known and there is good quality work
going on among them.
Suzanne Pendleton said that looking at the financial statement and the number of children – had
we given up on children? There is little spend on Youth work. Charles replied that in times of
austerity, we have to release funds as needs arise, so he would like to see more money spent as
numbers of children in groups increase, or activities increase. Julie Pritchard advised that the
separate Youth Fund currently had approx. £35000 and that money was not taken out of this fund
for any other project. This is excepting CCTV £1000 and Visual system £3,000 as these have
important implications for youth and children.
Pastoral Care Forum thanks given to the Pastoral care team – no questions
Stewardship Forum – no questions
Worship Forum – no questions
Joyful Giving Team – no questions
Craft Café - no questions
AOB – None
Introduction to prayers – Charles Sugden – notes of his introduction were made available at the
back of church.
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Jill Rattle led prayers bringing the meeting to a close at 12.15
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St John’s Church, Locks Heath
Minutes of election of Warden
St Johns Church 6th April 2014
10:45 am
Those present
Sue Lee – PCC Secretary
Charles Sugden - incumbent
Karen Deacon - Warden
35 Members of St Johns Electoral Roll
It was proposed that Deanne Coombes should be elected Church Warden
Proposed:Jim Wood
Seconded: Ian Coombs
Vote: Unanimous.
Charles prayed for the 2 new wardens Deanne Coombes & Karen Deacon who will be
commissioned on 11th June 2014.
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REPORTS FROM THE YEAR 2014 -15
Fabric Forum Report
The fabric forum includes the Building Maintenance Committee (BMC), the brass cleaners
(Catherine Coombs) and the flower team (Joyce Wren) the grass cutters (Roger Pickard) and the
gardening team. SheilaStephens contributed to life of St John‟s in so many ways, one of which,
perhaps closest to her heart, being her care for the church gardens. A garden fund has been
established in her memory.
Leaving aside the £5700 (hopefully) one-off cost of getting the lift back into operation, last year we
kept well within the assigned building maintenance budget. (Our reward has been a reduced
budget this year!)
As ever, keeping our maintenance costs in check has been achieved by drawing on the good will
and skills of parishioners to do maintenance tasks in the church buildings and church grounds.
Two examples (among many) of this good will and helpfulness have been the completion of the
prayer corner and the church office move – significant projects carried out at very little cost to
church funds.
Two other major fabric enhancements this year have been the new hall kitchen and the church
Visual Presentation System, the costs of which were largely met by enthusiastic fund-raising
coupled with the generosity of parishioners.
The BMC is aware of the need to improve lighting levels in the chancel to enable the choir to see
their music. An initial proposal to achieve this has been obtained and forwarded for the vicar and
church wardens for consideration. Other lower cost options will also be looked at.
A hearing loop cable was placed under the carpet in the Grove Room when it was replaced last
year. We have yet to install the loop amplifier and to cost the provision of a radio microphone for
use with this loop system
There is a BMC call out list (phone numbers or e-mail addresses) of those who are prepared to
help with DIY and grounds maintenance tasks. Some of those on this list have been supporting
the church in this way for decades and are not as nimble on ladders or adept at lifting heavy
weights as they once were. Additional volunteers of any age would be most welcome.
Within the church, thanks are due to those who clean, polish and undertake other jobs to keep the
church looking good week by week.
For the flower team, Joyce Wren says:
„Thanks again to those who contribute to the flower fund (St John‟s Church Flowers) as obviously
this helps us make our Lord‟s House look beautiful. We do urgently need people, male or female,
who enjoy putting flowers in a vase, whatever size (vases, not people!!).
It is great fun, we are a good group, but getting older. All ideas are discussed and the final
outcome usually brings us lots of compliments.
Do give me a ring if you would like to join us (phone numbers are in the brieflet). Come on now,
we‟ll manage the rush!! „
Robin Webb
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Deanery Synod Report 2014/15
The Deanery Ministry Plan continues to exercise the thoughts of the Synod and, in particular, how
the Diocese will address the projected figure of 19,000 additional populations in North Whiteley
and Wellbourne by 2030 and the proposed doubling of the Whiteley population given that some
parishes already have an allocation of less than 1 for their stipendiary clergy.
The newsletter now has been discontinued and Deanery news can now be found on a Facebook
page. However, Deanery decisions are still be the responsibility of Deanery Synod members to
pass on to PCC and the church.
In October the Synod held a question and answer session at St Peter and St Paul Fareham where
Bishop Christopher answered questions from the floor.
In January the Cross Deanery Education group held a special meeting at St Mary‟s Church
Alverstoke called Growing the Vision. led by the RevCharlie Peer, the Diocese‟s Mission
Development Officer.
He gave the meeting some thought provoking facts:
The average age of an Anglican worshipper is 61, whereas the average age of the general
population is 40.
Church subculture takes root very quickly, for example
- in the introduction of the peace, loved by many Christians as a movement of intimacy,
breaking down barriers, but considered by outsiders as a weird thing to doculturally.
- in the band that plays songs for 25 minutes – a release of worship for Christians but not
great for outsiders
Belief is no longer linked with church attendance. Many people say “I believe it but don‟t go to
church”.
- Statistics show that 85% of people who believe never go to church
- Outsiders don‟t make the connection.
He offered five suggestions:
• Identifying the way forward: identifying strengths and weaknesses – what we‟re good at and
where we struggle; a useful PCC task
• Building a shared vision: getting as many as possible on board and helping them understand
what the vision is; talking to one another
• Planning for mission: strategy and planning; setting targets and making plans, deep PCC
involvement; who to involve; costing
• Growing new leaders: forming the people to make it happen (not just filling the rota); helping
them to see their vocation as Christians; perhaps using the CPAS Growing Leaders course;
identify them and test them out
• Taking responsibility and doing it! Being brave and taking the deep breath; the sequence of
stages
As a result the PCC is considering revising St John‟s Vision and with the help of RevCharlie Peer
looking at what opportunities may be open to us.
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In February, with the departure of the RevStephen Girling to a new post in Bath, it was decided
„that the formal allocation of clusters in the Fareham Deanery Ministry Plan had served its term‟.
Finally Stuart Foster the Deanery Treasurer expressed the Diocese‟s thanks for the 100%
payment of Parish Share – although it was known to be a close call for several parishes. Currently
consideration is being given to a new method of allocating Parish share.
DA
Electoral Roll Report 2015
The Electoral Roll at the APCM of 2014 stood at 252.
During 2014/2015 two names have been removed from the Roll and six new names have been
added.
The Electoral Roll therefore stands at 256 members.
Bob Marchant – Electoral Roll Officer
PCC Year 2014/15
Members
Charles Sugden incumbent
Sue Lee Secretary
Mick Thwaites Deanery Synod
David Weaver Treasurer
David Adams Deanery Synod
Jill Rattle Deanery Synod
Deanne Coombs - Warden
Bob Swain
Ann Lewis
Karen Deacon -Warden
Claire Bayliss
Elaine Dowland
Shantie Reed
Adrian Head
Jane Weager
Robert Joughin – co-opted
Jennie Coundley
Office staff
The PCC Year
The PCC Year kicked off with an inspiring Awayday at St Paul‟s Church Centre Bursledon. The
morning session involved considering Vision statements for St John‟s led by Henry Rattle and a
musical interlude instigated by Carolynne Pyne which was great fun and showed that 2 teams can
start with the same song,„Hosanna‟, but treat it very differently. During the business meeting the
Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary & the convenors were ratified. David Weaver was co-opted onto
the PCC so that he could continue as PCC Treasurer. The morning session had thrown upmany
ideas which the PCC wished to pursue so it was agreed that the PCC would meet monthly to
avoid having an overloaded agenda.
At the May meeting the PCC remembered Sheila Stephens who had recently died. The main
theme for the meeting was Children‟s and Youth work at St John‟s.and what St John‟s can offer
which isn‟t available elsewhere in the parish. Our strengths are the Orchestra, Notelets and Messy
Church. The Family worker working party reported back that the questionnaire responses had
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shown that Church community is split 50/50 on the value of having a Family worker. It was felt that
the issues involved in Youth work had not been fully discussed so the PCC agreed to return to this
topic in November.
The June PCC meeting agreed that a dedicated Youth Notice Board to be established in Church
and the investigation into and construction if possible of a Youth Board in the old Church reception
area. (Hall area) There was also some discussion about a suitable memorial for Sheila Stephens.
July saw the PCC delighted that the Kitchen project was completed. St John‟s was now benefitting
from a super new kitchen in the Hall. The magnificent Prayer corner had also been completed
turning a former „glory hole‟ into a beautiful addition to St John‟s. David Weaver reported the
shortfall in income meant that St John‟s would end the year with a deficit of £7- £8000 in the
budget. David Adams was thanked for the work he and his team had put into the World War One
Commemoration arrangements.
In September, the PCC was pleased to hear that after a few hiccups and some hard work
especially on Bob Swain‟s part, the VPS was up and running. A thoughtful discussion led to the
conclusion that although the PCC wanted Sheila Stephens to have a memorial, Sheila herself had
expressed the view that she was not a fan of memorial plaques. Sheila loved the grounds at St
John‟s and therefore it was thought appropriate to set up a fund to be used for St John‟s gardens.
Charles reported back about the Teddy Bears Picnic which had been organised superbly by
Brenda Taylor and attended by over 30 children who had been baptised at St John‟s over the past
3 years and their parents and carers.
The PCC invited Carolynne Pyne to the October meeting to tell them about the excellent work
with Young Life which a small team from St John‟s had participated in in Bulgaria over the
summer. Smile Bulgaria and especially Pink Foundation are avenues for future possible
involvement by St John‟s members.ThePCC agreed to give their blessing and prayerful support for
the team to continue working in this area.
Laura Scothorn from the Family Worker exploration group also attended the October meeting. She
and Jenny Coundley gave a review of the Family Worker questionnaire responses. Alex
Thompson gave the results of the Stewardship campaign and the Financial Review. It was agreed
that there was a need for the Stewardship team to communicate with clarity St John‟s financial
situation. The PCC agreed to the Office move.
In November, members of the Youth Council, Carol Quint, Margaret Hart and Kath Sugden joined
the PCC to tell them about the work which is happening at St John‟s with Children and young
people. There followed a serious and heart-felt discussion about whether St John‟s should appoint
a Family Worker. It was decided that „The PCC is not ready at this present time to employ a
Family Worker but is happy to keep the conversation going „
Charles introduced the idea of the Growing leaders course to the PCC at the December meeting.
David Weaver had prepared the draft budget for 2015 which contained the stark message that St
John‟s has a financial problem.The PCC approved the 2015 deficit budget, while expressing its
concern about this deficit, on condition that a team was set up to look at raising St John‟s income
and reducing expenditure. The Parish Share could only be paid by taking the shortfall from the
Reserves, leaving St John‟s with a reserve fund of about £6K. Following on from the talks by
Youth Council members at the November meeting, Charles said he would ask for more helpers for
youth work at the Nativity services and Jane Weager said she would write an article for the Big
Brieflet about the need for more helpers.
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The New Year saw the PCC looking at the Youth Budget. It was agreed that this year‟s
subscription to Street Space would not be paid and that Local Rovers should cease as a church
project. Ann Lewis told the PCC that after 9 years of sterling work she would be stepping down as
Safeguarding Officer for St John‟s at the end of August. Carolynne Pyne attended the meeting to
answer any questions the PCC might have about this year‟s Bulgaria mission group‟s decision to
work with the Pink Foundation. She had also sent PCC members a report about her role as
Outreach Convenor and was happy to answer any questions the PCC might have on this. It was
announced that Adrian Head would take on the role of Adult Discipleship convenor.
In February Deanne led the discussion based on „Growing the Vision‟ from the Deanery Synod
about St John‟s vision statement. It was generally agreed that St John‟s PCC needs to rethink this
at their Awayday with help from Charlie Peer. Charles showed a DVD about the „Growing Leaders‟
course. Karen produced a paper on the work of the Finance sub-committee to date.
The PCC‟s year finished in March with a decision that the length of consecutive tenure on the PCC
in whatever capacity be limited to 6 years after which a break of at least one year is enforced (with
the exception of ex officio members) before standing for re-election. The Finance sub-committee
reported back that the number of people attending the 9:30 service and Happening had remained
reasonably static over the last three years.The recent initiatives of Messy Church and Happening
2 are not providing any income. Income has dropped by £7K and there has been a subsequent
reduction in the tax relief claimed. The largest item of expenditure is the Parish Share. Karen
Deacon and Julie Pritchard as the Communications officers of the Finance team intend to keep the
congregation aware of St John‟s finances. The PCC gave their thanks to Adrian Head, Jane
Weager, Bob Swain and Claire Bayliss who are stepping down as PCC lay representatives. They
also thanked Jill Rattle and Mick Thwaites who are stepping down from the Deanery Synod.
I think we should thank all the PCC members and the Wardens for all the time,prayers and effort
they devote to St John‟s over the year.
SL
Treasurer’s Report for Financial Year 1st January -31st December 2014
1. This report summarises the detail of these full church accounts that are subject to the annual
Independent Examination. The accounts comprised 16 active funds – each fund has a designated
purpose and is separately maintained. The principle fund for the day to day business of the church
is the General Fund (GF) All regular management meetings (the Parochial Church council (PCC)
who are the Charities Trustees and the Standing Committee) reviewed financial matters as
necessary to ensure that the church funds were managed as allowed within the existing
constraints. See note 1.
2. Total income for the year (all funds) was £227,004, up on last year (£215,509) due to a £15,000
donation for the AV system and a £10,000 legacy. GF income totalled £177,962 – a significant
decrease compared to last year (£185,680) and well down on the budget predicted figure
(£186,400).This was due to a drop in regular giving and corresponding gift aid refunds. £10,000
had to be transferred to the GF from the Reserves to enable the Parish share to be paid in full.
The main sources of GF income continue to be (a) regular giving by the congregation, (b) gift aid
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refunds and (c) lettings which totalled £164,216. This was down compared to last year (£171,893).
See note 2
3. Total expenditure for the year (all funds) was £254,955 (note 3) much higher than last year
(£214,201) because the funds for the kitchen (£21K) and AV (£31K) were spent to implement the
projects. £5.8K also had to be spent from the Reserves on essential repairs to the Centre lift as
the GF could not finance the work. GF expenditure was £182,989. This was down compared to
last year (£193,255) and below the predicted budget figure (£189,078). Although well below our
budget figure further savings had to be found, due to the significant drop in our income, so no
money could be put aside towards future fabric renewal. £173,542 was spent on charitable
activities (£181,052) and £9,447 on governance costs (£12,203) Payment of the Parish Share this
year (£122,067) represented 66.8% of the total GF expenditure. (Last year 63.41%) Excluding the
Parish Share from GF expenditure, it meant the church spent £60,922 (£70,708) on all other
items.
4. Funds created to manage the refurbishment of areas of the church building (Kitchen, Audio
Visual and Fabric) in need of renewal have been very successful. Our gratitude is due to the
individuals, groups and users who made such generous donations and to those involved in various
fundraising activities. The management and completion of the Kitchen, AV and Prayer Corner
projects would not have been possible without the many such valued contributions of time and
money.
5. Grants from the GF are constrained by the need to manage our estimated expenditure within
the limits of our estimated income, as we cannot give money away that we do not have. This
year‟s external giving from the church totalled £4459.22 (£7644.19) and is detailed on page 3 of
the accounts. Support is also given by the congregation to many various undocumented projects –
both financial (e.g. annual Christian Aid appeal) and non-financial (e.g. regularly donating food to
Fareham Basics Bank)
Summary
Trying to control our expenditure within the limits of our income, and the budgets we have set,
remains an annual challenge. At the start of the year our GF budget predicted a deficit of £2,678.
However at the end of the year because of a significant drop in our GF income a deficit of £5,027
resulted. This year £15.8K of Reserves had to be used which is a real concern.
David Weaver
15th January 2015
Notes to the Treasurer’s report:
1. The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance and requirements on public
benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had due regard to it
in their administration of the PCC. As a part of its general promotion of the whole mission of
the Church, the PCC provides a benefit to the public by (a) providing facilities for the public
worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its
members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers: and (b)
promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church in and to their
communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
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2. In Accordance with financial guidelines any money collected but designated for a charity or
other specific use (i.e. wedding or funeral collection) was treated as agency income and not
as church income. Agency incomes appear in accounts for audit purposes, but not on the
balance sheet.
3. Including £25,007.40 Fixed asset.
Adult Discipleship
Home Groups
Home Groups are a very important source of spiritual information, growth and support, they are
treasured by those that attend and allow for the making of very good relationships. These in depth
studies of the scriptures, sometimes verse by verse of a particular passage, allow people to gain a
greater appreciation of the meaning. Sometimes a passage we have read many times and
perhaps take for granted, once studied, has a whole new meaning we had missed before.
Since Jon Bunyan ceased looking after Home Groups and until Adrian Head is ratified to take up
this duty I have worked in a “caretaker” role, so I think I should start this report by thanking Jon for
all the energy and enthusiasm he brought to the role during his tenure and also wishing God‟s
blessing on Adrian for the future.
We have a very active variety of ten Home Groups comprising around eighty members. Some
meet weekly, others fortnightly and still others monthly all on various days and at various times.
Each Group decides for themselves the material for their study. Some of the subjects covered in
the Groups include; The Alpha Course, Fruit of the Spirit, Seasons of Giving, The film Chocolat
(Yes this is a bible study by Hillary Brand based on the film), The Book of „Revelation‟, The “I Am”
Sayings of Jesus, Stewardship, The 23rd Psalm and Self Esteem.
As a study for Lent this year it was decided to suggest “Meeting Jesus” by Leighton Ford. This was
well received and nine existing Groups have participated and one Group was newly formed to do
this study for the Lent period.
If you are not part of a Home group I would encourage you to please talk to people who are,
discover what they personally get from it and maybe you will be moved to join a Group or even
better help to form a new one.
I conclude by thanking everyone for their support during my brief spell in tenure.
May God Bless Home Groups to continue to grow and prosper.
Ian Fletcher.
Children’s and Youth Report 2014 – 15
Children’s Sunday School Groups (0 – 11yrs)
Over the last year we have continued to provide activities for children from 9.30-10.30am on
Sundays (excluding Family service). Games, craft, activities and bible readings are used, to
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provide opportunities for the children to learn about the bible and Christian principles. The topics
are linked to the readings used in the main service; so parents and children will be looking at the
same bible readings. Our aim is to provide


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opportunities for the Kingdom of God to be made known,
enable children to discover God – through bible, prayer , church
children feel they belong
children are listened to, can ask questions
happy, safe , fun
Encouragement to families.
In 2014 we held another fantastic Light Party - (a healthy option to Halloween) with over 40
children attending. Many of the Children‟s leaders and others were involved with organising and
running the party, grateful thanks to Claire Bayliss who again organised us all!
We offered activities for Locks Heath beavers, Cubs and Scouts for Remembrance Sunday – and
received fantastic feedback from the children Cub Scout leaders.
Under Margaret Hart‟s amazing direction, a nativity puppet shoe was performed by the children
attending Sunday groups in a Sunday 9.30 service. The children really enjoyed taking part and
from the lovely feedback we received, the congregation also enjoyed seeing the children taking
part in a service.
Crèche - 0 -3 yrs.
We have been able to provide crèche facilities for some of the 9.30 Sunday services (excluding All
Age Worship Services), enabling parents and carers to worship without having to attend to the
needs of their young children.However, there has been very little demand for this facility, with
parents choosing to bring their young children into church. We endeavour to continue to provide a
crèche for any families that wish to use it.
Climbers and Scramblers - 3 - 7 yrs. (preschool - Yr. 2)
Climbers and Scramblers group continue to be run as one, as the numbers of children coming to
each group remain small (2 – 9 children per session); it was felt that activities would be more fun
for the children within a larger group. We have a regular group of children attending most weeks,
although there is always room for more children to come along!
Explorers - 7 - 11 yrs. (Yr. 3 - Yr. 6)
This group continues to be well attended. The children are invited to explore the bible in more
depth, relating bible truths to everyday life, with lots of activities and games to keep the sessions
exciting and fun!
Over the next year we will be continuing to look at finding new and interactive ways to enable
children to be engaged within the sessions.
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Thank-you to all the children‟s leaders and those on the crèche rota for continuing to provide really
exciting and interesting sessions for the children. Our leaders include Claire Bayliss, Sarah and
Nick McCartney, Amanda Bevan, Helen Jackson, Chris Fox, Paula Grady, Jackie Forsyth and
Margaret Hart. Our crèche team includes Hayley Abraham, Charmaine Chester, Laura Scottorn
and Jackie Forsyth.
A massive THANK- YOU to Jackie Forsyth who has for many years been helping out at
least once / twice a month to support the Children’s Groups. Jackie has decided to step back
from these groups, but will still be involved up until the summer. Jackie has been a huge
inspiration (to the children and grown-ups!); Jackie continues to actively support many aspects of
the Children‟s work within St John‟s. Thank you so much.
Carol Quint
Godly Play Activities (3 – 11yrs)
Godly Play takes place on the 4th and 5th Sundays in the Evens Room. Please parents, can we
remind you that Godly Play does take place on the 5th Sunday.
Godly Play numbers vary depending on when school holidays take place. For the last three Godly
Play sessions the average number was eleven.
Our Godly Play Team is now down to three (Margaret Hart, Helen Jackson, Sue Lee, plus Jane
Weager in an emergency), so we desperately need to find new members. There are one or two
parents who have stayed with the children during sessions, and possibly could beencouraged to
join us. In the meantime other members of the Sunday School Team have offered to step in to
support us, which is greatly appreciated.
We have produced a plan for 2015. It includes three sessions in the Summer Holiday period (on
July 26th, August 23rd and August 30th), which we are happy to do if required.
Where possible Godly Play sessions are linked to the Church Calendar, with special focus on the
main festivals. We continue to borrow teaching kits from the Winchester Cathedral Resources
Centre and much appreciate the help received from William Cole their organiser.
There is a Godly Play One-Day Training Course scheduled for Saturday 25th April at Ottershaw
near Guildford, so if we can attract some new members we may possibly be able to link up with
the Team from Holy Trinity Fareham, who would use their minibus.
The 8th Godly Play UK Conference will be held on 10th April in London, to be attended by Jerome
Berryman the Founder. I hope to attend. There has been two major Godly Play and Messy Church
Conversation Days led by Lucy Moore and Martyn Payne from the BRF Messy Church team and
by Cerys Hughes, Mary Hawes and Peter Privett who are National or Diocesan Godly Play
advisers. The focus was on similarities and differences in these two approaches. Reports of these
discussions are available by searching “Godly Play/Messy Church”.
Margaret Hart
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Messy Church report 2015
We have been very busy this last year in addition to our usual Wednesday Messy Church we have
been to several school's Summer Fêtes and encouraged children and parents to take part in
some of the crafts. This resulted in several new families coming regularly to Messy Church..
We also had a schools visit when over 50 children as well as helpers came to the church to look at
why the church was a special place. After a short talk we did three crafts, decorated crosses, a
candle book mark and decorated a plastic wine glass (goblet)
We then repeated the crosses craft on another occasion when Margaret Hart did a small school
visit.
We are trying now to encourage our older children into helping with the crafts and worship session
by making them young leaders. We have at present three, Harvey, Mia and Siobhan please pray
for them.
Our numbers fluctuate between 50 and 70 parents and children. On a Wednesday afternoon the
hall buzzes with excited children enjoying the crafts. It is sometimes difficult to quieten them for the
worship session but having Kath on board for the music and starting a small singing group has
improved our worship time.
Messy Church would not exist without the willing band of helpers to whom many thanks. We can
never have too many helpers so if any of you are free for an hour or two once a month on a
Wednesday, you do not have to be clever at crafts (they are aimed at young children) just friendly
and have a desire to see young children learning more about God.
God has been good to us in this outreach, please continue to pray for this work.
Jackie Forsyth
Notelets Report (4 – 11yrs)
At 2014's APCM, Notelets was still under the very capable leadership of Sarah Anderson who
started the group a few years ago. Sadly, because of ill health, Sarah decided to relinquish the
leadership and Linda Miatt agreed to take over in October 2014. Assisted by a team of very
capable and enthusiastic helpers, Notelets continue to flourish. There are now 15 members, with
12 regularly attending. Since their concert last year, they have visited Avon Park residential home
to the delight of residents there and sang at the Family Carol Service. There are plans for further
visits this year and a summer afternoon concert is planned for Saturday 6th June. Although our
main focus is on singing for enjoyment and offering praise to God, we also have a time of prayer
and a bible story each practice. Notelets meet every Tuesday in term time and any young person
aged 5-15 is welcome. We are all grateful for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Linda Miatt and the Notelets Team (Jane Bristowe, Becky Coombs, Terry Tizard, Hannah
Bristowe, Christine Collins and Angela McClean).
Linda Miatt
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Youth (‘Yoof’) (11 – 18yrs)
This last year has seen big changes in the work with teens at St John‟s. In the past we have rather
struggled to hold together various groups with different names, different leaders and different
aims. This year God has helped us organise ourselves so that the work of winning young people
for Christ and nurturing them in their discipleship is now joined up under the overall name of
YOOF.
We meet together on 3 Sundays in a month (twice in the evening and once during the morning
service). We are blessed with some super leaders – Laura Scottorn, Katrina Wood, Claire
Edwards and Charles and Kath Sugden. In an ideal world, we would be able to offer more
sessions in the month, but we are satisfied that we are able to serve the young people that God
has given us and grow slowly but surely both in numerical as well as spiritual ways.
The aims of YOOF are:
1. To help young people who are on the edge to explore questions of faith and to help them
move forward in their understanding of who Jesus is, what he has done for them and what it
means to follow him.
2. To teach and encourage those young people who already follow Christ so that they are
equipped to feed themselves spiritually and stand firm in a world often hostile to those who
stand up for Jesus.
3. To come alongside each young person and help them to identify their God-given gifts. To
give them opportunities to grow in their use of them and in their trust in God.
In order to achieve these aims, we use several approaches.
Firstly, in our official YOOF meetings, we have been looking last term at „Heroes of the Old
Testament and what they have to teach us‟ (it‟s amazingly relevant!) and this term „God‟s call and
Questions of our identity‟.
Secondly, Kath has been going to Messy church in order to build relationships with the young
people on the edge. Also we have started incorporating at least one social event in each term to
which regular YOOF members can invite their friends.
Thirdly, some of the YOOF members have been helping in various areas of church life including
baptism preparation, technical support and music at church services.
We greatly value your support and prayers, and as the Parable of the Talents illustrates, we
believe that, as we are faithful with small things, the Lord will entrust us with more. What a
privilege we have to be useful in building God‟s Kingdom in this way!
Kath Sugden.
Local Rovers APCM Report 2015
This year the Local Rovers project has gone forward with two new members of the group joining 5
other regulars for prayer and training sessions. There have been 2 prayer walks around the
locality, on one occasion joined by members of WWCN (Western Wards Church Network)
churches. Richard Passmore of Streetspace (national director) came and helped us consider
options for how to go forward as a group.
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We have, however, suffered from lack of time available for the leadership. The „street team‟ was
not growing in numbers and those few people involved felt less and less convinced it was their
calling at this time.
At the time of drawing up the Youth Budget, PCC decided that some pruning would be a good
idea, on the grounds that not many of the congregation were directly involved in the project, even
though it normally received considerable funding to sustain membership of FYT/Streetspace.
The current situation is therefore that since February 2015 Local Rovers and Streetspace
partnership has gone into abeyance. From its 3 year experiment as a project, it can be said to
have achieved a number of things:
20 – 30 members of the congregation have participated in meetings or taken an active part in
identifying locations where local youth gather.
The whole congregation have been made aware of the church‟s mission direction in terms of
relationship with youth in the community. I.e. when unchurched youth are found on our premises,
the first reaction is one of warmth and welcome, interaction and relationship-building in a safe way
– rather than feeling threatened, or telling them to leave when they have been no trouble.
Most unchurched youth for their part have behaved decently and complied when asked to move
bikes, etc from entrance ways.
CCTV has been in operation in the last 2 years, and this has led to fewer instances of youth
gathering on our premises recently. Nonetheless, it seems that the message of strong church
security, combined with a personal friendly approach is a good balance for the church community
to maintain. Local Rovers has played an important part in establishing this for everybody‟s sake.
We have been able to support members of the church who are encountering unchurched youth in
their homes or in the neighbourhood.
Charles Sugden.
Youth Council and Summary Report
The first important thing to say is, „We have a great God‟. Thank you, Jesus, for the privilege of
serving you through this ministry.
Next, we have a super lot of children and youth to work among. Some of our regular Sunday
groups‟ children and Sunday youth help at Messy Church, and have been involved in other parts
of our weekday ministries (incl. Notelets, and Orchestra). Singers and musicians among our
children and youth have been active upfront in the AAW band.
Third, we are blessed with a super team of leaders. These are represented at Youth Council by
Carol Quint, Margaret Hart, Linda Miatt, Jackie Forsyth, Charles and Kath Sugden. Laura
Scottorn is a member of Youth Council by proxy.
Youth Council this year have had good consultation to and from PCC. A member of PCC
attended a Youth Council Meeting; Youth Council Presented to PCC as a team in November.
PCC Minutes have been copied to Youth Council, and PCC always receive Youth Council Notes.
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Several things flow from this: Youth Council has drawn up measurable success criteria at the
request of PCC; a Youth Noticeboard has been installed in the Hall foyer; Children‟s displays have
been encouraged in the church and church Centre.
Part of the agenda this year has been the possibility of a Families Worker being employed by St
John‟s in the future. The feedback is positive from Children‟s Leaders, though they would like to
be clearer as to the exact role description of such an appointee. Youth leaders across the
Deanery cluster (Whiteley, Warsash and Sarisbury) were asked if they would like to consider
some joint ministry events for youth. They are all declined, stating that they felt the unique
relationship they had with their youth (though few in number) would be compromised by
amalgamating.
In addition to the reports given above, it would be possible to include separate reports on
„Children‟s and Youth Friday 9am Prayer Group‟, „Children‟s School visits to St John‟s Church‟,
„School End of Term and Carol Services‟, „School Assemblies‟, „St John‟s School Governors and
children‟s readers‟, „St John‟s Orchestra and School Choir‟.
It is important to see Children and Youth as integral to virtually every part of our church life,
therefore in some sense the whole set of reports given in this booklet includes them in it.
I thank those among whom I work closely in my role as (temporary) Youth Convener (since Dec
2008). Those who serve do so with a willing spirit, and we all appreciate your prayers.
Charles Sugden.
Pastoral Forum
Pastoral Care Report – Leader Nims Fisher
I have been chairing this group since September '09. The team now consists of 14 and continues
to grow in strength. I am most grateful for the hard work and dedication exhibited by all members
of the team. Much, but not all of what we do, is naturally concerned with illness and support for
those that are frail, house bound or elderly. In this respect we visit, write letters, make phone calls,
offer lifts and make contact when needed. We try hard to include those people who have been
members of St. John's who for various reasons are no longer able to get to the church.
Speaking of difficulties in getting to church reminds me to mention the mini-bus rota. We are now
down to 4 drivers and are desperately seeking new people to take on this role....could it be you?
Georgina Thompson who co-ordinates this also manages the prayer list. This quiet, thoughtful
service is appreciated by many.
Newcomers to the church are overseen by Dorothy Woods. There have been two newcomers
welcome teas since the last APCM which were attended by 12 adults and some of their children.
Grateful thanks to Evelyn Bennett and Dorothy for providing the necessary refreshments.
Newcomers who fill in forms but are not able to attend the meetings are contacted by Dorothy
either by phone or by visiting them in their homes. Her sterling work in this area is much valued.
Ann Lewis has been our Safeguarding officer for more than 14 years and we are currently looking
for someone to take over from her as she wishes to step down. What amazing service she has so
willing given.
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The Fellowship continues to thrive under the auspices of Shantie Reed and her team. With
attendances of well over 60, the group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 2.30 until
4.00pm. The group has a variety of speakers, day trips and an annual Christmas luncheon.
We too meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 9a.m. The room is always set up by Roger
Pickard for which I am most grateful as it means I don't have to get up quite so early! Our
meetings always begin and end with prayer. Our closing prayers are provided by Lorna Harvey
and it is very clear that she considers these very carefully and they have proved to be most
helpful. After this we share fellowship over coffee and it is amazing how much more work is done
in this time!
Plans for the future include a Permanent Pastoral Board in the Hall Foyer, training in mental health
issues and more formalised contact with those involved in Messy Church so that we are
connected with the younger members of our community too when necessary.
I would like to thank all members of the team for pulling together and being so willing to give up
their time. Particular thanks to Dick Richards for chairing in my absence and for Eveline Bennett's
loyal service as secretary. It is my privilege to work with you all in this way.
Nims Fisher
Lunch Club - Leader Elaine Dowland
Lunch club has been in existence for 23 years. It meets on the third Tuesday of each month at
12.40pm. After a prayer and/or Bible reading, a light lunch is shared which includes yummy puds!
Average attendance is between 30 and 40.
Sunday Cafe - Leader Carol Willoughby
Sunday Cafe was 4 years old recently. It meets every second month. It is a lovely social occasion
for all ages. It is often sold out with as many as 50 people attending. It is much appreciated by
everyone who attends and tickets (which can be obtained from the church office) are £5 for a
delicious two course meal.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT BACK 2014
Responses as follows:
5 forms received restating their current levels of giving.
6 forms received pledging to increase current giving, total increase of £110 monthly.
1 form setting up a monthly standing order of £20, not gift aid as they don't pay enough tax, (has
previously been putting cash in the plate).
1 person wrote a letter to explain they would have to reduce their giving by approx. £26 monthly.
Dave sent letters of thanks to those who responded.
Overall a known increase of £284 monthly, which makes £355 monthly once we get the tax back.
The campaign and Pete's talk was well received. It was a very slick & professional presentation. It
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was unfortunate that it clashed with the church weekend away and was missed by a significant
number of people.
Compared to last year:
26 responses were received in 2013, fewer this year in number and amount pledged.
It may be because we made letters available to pick-up after the presentation and not posted as
we have done previously. Also members of the congregation donated money to various projects
throughout the year. These are just my thoughts and I was not told by any individual as such. I
personally had more response from the congregation after the “little talk” Dave and I gave with
reference the “Seasons of Giving” introduction in Church. So my personal view on next year‟s
Stewardship campaign would be to invite someone from outside the Church to speak to the
congregation about the importance of Stewardship focussing on the biblical side of stewardship.
Moira Saunders, assisted by Dave White.
Worship Report.
“We are all unique, and that means we have different world views, different tastes – and different
ways of worshipping the Creator. Over the years we at St. John’s have come to understand that
one size doesn’t fit all, and we have introduced some refreshing new ways of worship while
holding onto our traditional best.”
There are no fewer than fourteen distinct and different opportunities for worship and teaching
during every month – not counting our (very) special services for festivals. Thank you to everyone
who is involved in planning, preparing and offering these services!
St. John‟s has always been known for the quality of its music, and this tradition continues through
the sterling work of the Choir, who provide the musical foundations of our Sunday services at 9:30
and on many other special occasions. We would love to find a new dedicated choir leader
following the retirement of John Curtis and Carolyn Mowbray, but meanwhile our organists Mike
Coker and David Wilson provide excellent leadership. Choir membership is holding up well, but
there‟s plenty of room for new members - might that be you? On the third Sunday of each month
the choir is less formal, and anyone who sings will be welcome to join in! Wedding and funeral
choirs have also been strong this year.
As usual, St John‟s Family Orchestra has played for the Festivals of Easter, Harvest and
Christmas over the past year. SFO normally fields about 50-70 players each time; two-thirds of
the orchestra are still in education and a third of those are from primary schools. It is always a
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pleasure to combine with the Notelets for these occasions – we were very sorry when the founder
of Notelets, Sarah Anderson, had to step down through ill-health, but very grateful to Linda Miatt
for filling that considerable gap. Last Christmas, it was heartening to see just over 300 people at
the Festival of Carols. The next event will be the Eastertide Festival on April 26th.
Messy Church continues from strength to strength. There‟s a lot of work involved, and more
helpers would always be welcome! Have a word with Jackie Forsyth if you can spare a couple of
hours on a Wednesday afternoon once a month. Our second Happening, on the second Sunday of
each month, is also maturing – a simple worship time using recorded music, to go alongside our
fourth-Sunday Happening with a worship band. Again, singers and musicians welcome – Paul
Barrow would be glad to hear from you.
Meanwhile our major Eucharistic services on the first, second and fourth Sundays of every month
continue to inspire with their liturgy and music. These services rely on the support of our team of
robed Servers and unrobed Lay Assistants, but numbers are few and the teams really need some
new members to share the load – if you would like to help once a month or so, please let Charles
know!
So - whether you arranged the flowers, or read the Scripture, or chaired a committee, or folded
Brieflets, or made PowerPoint slides, or played an instrument, or carried the processional cross, or
ironed the linen, or washed up the silverware, or led the prayers, or sang in the choir, or planned a
rota, or set up the audio, or welcomed the congregation, or acted as sidesperson, or lay assistant,
or any of the hundred other tasks, seen and unseen, that make up our worship life together – you
know who you are – Thank You!
Henry Rattle
‘JOYFUL GIVING TEAM’ REPORT - 2014/2015
The congregation at St John‟s generously supported twenty one different charities and causes
during the year. These covered a wide range of areas, both at home and overseas. A total
£10,662.31 was raised for external organisations, together with £1,201.00 for internal church
funds. These figures either represent money generated from collections or activities within the
Church itself or refer to external events made possible with the assistance of St John‟s members.
They substantially exceed the figure of £4,459.22 stated for „Joyful Giving‟ in the Church‟s 2014
Financial Statement, since some of the money collected was sent directly to the charities
concerned without passing through the Church‟s accounts – a case in point being the donations
made during „Christian Aid Week‟. It should also be pointed out that the accounting periods do not
coincide, since the Church‟s Financial Statement refers to the calendar year, while this report
covers the period since the last APCM held in March 2014. A spreadsheet giving a list of the
charities and causes supported, together with the funds raised, is attached to this report. The
Team would like to thank everyone who has helped to provide information for its compilation and
the many people who have organised events and collections throughout the year to help achieve
such an impressive financial result, especially now that tithing support from the Church‟s own
funds is no longer available. In order to ensure that an accurate record is kept of „Joyful Giving‟ at
St John‟s, it is requested that any individuals or groups involved in raising money for external
charities should continue to supply this information to Bob Joughin ([email protected]). In
addition to making financial donations, members of the congregation have contributed to charities
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in other ways, such as regularly donating food and toiletries to the Fareham and Gosport Basics
Bank.
The current membership of the „Joyful Giving Team‟ is as follows: Angela Bassam, Jane Bristowe,
John Britton, Christine Chapman, Bob Joughin, Ann Lewis and Howard Mowbray, with Carolynne
Pyne attending meetings in her role as Outreach Convenor. In May 2014, Howard Mowbray, who
had led the team successfully for a number of years, handed over its leadership to Bob Joughin. A
„Terms of Reference and Working Methods‟ document for the Team was produced during the
Summer and this was amended and approved by the Leadership Ministry Team (LMT) in July
before being presented to the PCC as an information document in September. As part of its work,
the Team set itself the task of identifying and helping to co-ordinate charitable giving activities at
St John‟s, which has led to the production of the attached spreadsheet of annual donations and
the implementation, from September 2014, of a „prayer and external giving focus of the month‟
scheme. The latter has sought to focus on a single charity at a time, in order to avoid a
proliferation of literature competing for funds. To this end, a list of charities, wherever possible with
a Christian connection, was put forward by JGT and agreed by the LMT. A display board is now
permanently positioned at the back of the church, containing information about the charity
concerned and donation and gift aid envelopes are positioned on a small table in front of it. Jeff
and Vronni Hunter and Margaret and Hugh Elphick have kindly provided a collection plate, given in
memory of Eileen and Will Hunter, and this is placed in position every Sunday so that donations
can be made. The Team would like to thank Bob Marchant and the sidespersons for dealing with
the money collected and David Weaver for sending off cheques on request to the various
charities. Liz Morgan and Rae King have kindly inserted the name of the current „charity of the
month‟ in the weekly brieflets and have ensured that this information has also been included in the
notices to be read out at services. On a number of occasions issues connected with these
charities have acted as a focus for prayer – the work being carried out by the St George
Foundation in Sierra Leone during the current Ebola outbreak being one recent example. During
the year, the Church has hosted speakers for three of its nominated charities:
On 29 September 2014 Nick Thomas and Neil Harknett, Centre Managers for „Christians against
Poverty‟ (CAP) spoke about its work in helping people to cope with their debt problems. The
possibility of St John‟s doing further work with this charity is currently being investigated.
On 16 November 2014 Faith Gordon came to speak to us about her forthcoming work in Recife,
Brazil for the Church Mission Society in helping young people, especially young mothers, to gain
skills that would assist them in earning a living.
On 15 March 2015 Veronica Brown, a curate from the Isle of Wight, gave a presentation on the
recent Holy Land pilgrimage, led by the Bishop. This included information about the Bethlehem
Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR), one of the charities in this year‟s Lent Appeal, which
provides surgery and rehabilitation to victims of violence.
In addition to the „charity of the month‟ scheme, provision has been made for urgent charity
appeals, dealing with either natural or man-made disasters, to be dealt with – one such was
Christian Aid‟s Gaza Crisis Appeal which raised £360.00 in a special church collection during
August.
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Although church groups have been encouraged to focus on the Church‟s designated list of
charities, there has been no intention to preclude them from supporting other charities of their
choice and this is borne out by the wide range of organisations included in this year‟s spreadsheet.
Finally, the Team would like to thank everyone in the congregation who has given a donation to
any of this year‟s charities for their support.
To quote from our „Terms of Reference‟:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive”
‘Our giving is an expression of our thanks to Him who has given us life and also as a means of
reaching out to those around us with His love. It is our desire as a ‘Joyful Giving Team’ to help the
St. John’s family give both wisely and generously.’
Bob Joughin – for the „Joyful Giving Team‟
Contributions received 1st April 2014 -22nd March 2015
Charity
Notes
Amount
Barnabas Fund
December joint Charity of month
£640.00
Bishop‟s Lent Appeal
Christians against Poverty & local food banks
£1003.00
Breast Cancer Care
Organiser – Val Langton
£530.00
Bulgaria
Speranza concert
£213.97
Cancer Drop-in centre
Lunch club 2014
£50.00
Children‟s Society
December joint Charity of month
£855.84
Christingle Service
Sunday Cafe
Christians against
Poverty
October „Charity of the month‟
Christian Aid
Christian Aid week
£2724.77
Christian Aid –Gaza
Crisis appeal
Special Church collection
£360.00
Church Mission
Society
November Charity of the Month
£380.00
£100.00
Additional to Lent appeal
Meon voices concert
Lunch Club 2014
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Communicare Bus
Lunch club 2014
£100.00
Crisis at Christmas
Office staff
£64.86
Farm Africa
Sunday Cafe
£100.00
Gosport & Fareham
Basics bank
January Charity of the Month
£15.00
MacMillan Cancer
Care
Alec Davidson – 90th birthday
£470.00
Portsmouth Hospital
Rocky Appeal
Fine Dine event
£320.00
Royal British Legion
Poppy appeal
Poppy Collection
£80.31
St George‟s
Foundation, Sierra
Leone
September Charity of the month
£198.64
St Matthew
Awaso,Ghana
Grow for Ghana
£1710.88
Plus weekly food & household product donations
Happy Child donations
Happy Child –Fine Dine event
Scout JamboreeJapan
Church appeal
£473.04
VPS
Speranza concerts
£271.40
Total External Giving
Church Funds
£10,662.31
Additional donations
£1202.00
Lunch club 2014
Sunday Café
Fine Dine event
Outreach Convenor
The role of „Outreach Convenor‟ is a new one and designed to support those whose ministry is
reflected outside the church, rather than internally. These groups include the Ghana team; the
Joyful Giving group; Local Rovers and a number of groups whose members are from both the
church and the community and fall under the group heading of Communications and Community.
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There is some overlap within this last group who are chiefly under the care of the Pastoral
Convenor. They include Fellowship, Lunch Club, Easter services, the Lockswood Daycare Centre
and the Western Wards network as well as those who use the church facilities.
The main responsibility of the convenor is to help raise the profile of these groups, so that both the
congregation and the church leadership have a wider understanding of their activities and their
needs for prayer. In addition, it is hoped that the role of convenor can assist the church
congregation in developing new links between the church and the community as well as
strengthening existing relationships.
During this first year each group has been visited and all are thriving, with the exception of the
Rovers. Rovers was first established in response to the number of young people gathering outside
the church porch and it was felt that the church should be proactive in their response and plan for
the future. It was agreed that a group should train and prepare to provide a group that would go
out of the church to engage with young people in the area. This group sought the experience and
membership of Streetspace who were able to ensure that all they did was appropriate and well
supported. The group continued and began to actively explore this means of outreach to young
people. Rovers had their last meeting in November with Richard Passmore of Streetspace to
guide them through some ideas, particularly concerning locations and safeguarding. The group,
however, had become very small in number and the PCC felt they could not support Rovers with
the £500 annual subscription cost for Streetspace and concluded that it was important to support
activities where more could benefit from the limited funds available. Rovers is no longer operating
but we are thankful to all those whose effort, time and prayer made it possible to work with this
idea, knowing „…labour in the Lord is not in vain‟, 1 Cor 15: 58.
Pauline Atkins is the Ghana Link Coordinator. This link has been well supported throughout the
year by individuals and church groups including Sunday Café, Craft Café, Lunch Club, and the
Ladies‟ Prayer Breakfast. The Ghana Link team are grateful for this support as it provides very
important elements in both raising funds and keeping our St John‟s partnership strong through
prayer. This year, St John‟s has not only been able to meet its regular commitment to St
Matthew‟s Awaso by providing the funding for the Happy Child project but have also been able to
increase the funding to £200 a term to enable the team to make grants to assist Senior High
School children. Happy Child is helping Jacob Amofa, one of these children, with a grant towards
the fees, travel and boarding costs of Senior High School. The Ghana Link sends their annual gift
to St Matthew‟s of £800, half at Easter and half in September (around St Matthew‟s Day). In May,
Ghana Link are planning the annual „Grow for Ghana‟ sale, together with an Open Garden on
Sunday 17th. Various other small fundraising events are planned throughout the year. Support at
any of these or other events would be most welcome through Pauline Atkins or one of the team.
The Joyful Giving Team continues to ensure that income is allocated to many worthy causes. Last
April, Bob Joughin became Chairperson for the Joyful Giving Team when Howard Mowbray retired
from leading the group. Happily, Howard has continued to serve as a member of the Joyful Giving
Team and in particular being a representative for the Ghana Link. The team are grateful to Bob to
agreeing to take on the role of chairperson following Howard‟s retirement from the position. The
team have regular and good communication and views are shared about where funds should go,
how they can be raised and if appropriate, what speakers could be invited. Bob presented a very
good synopsis of the group for the Big Brieflet earlier this year to explain how they work and a
monthly focus has now been established, which is working well.
The Lunch Club and Fellowship groups continue to meet regularly and the teams provide a very
welcome and supportive place for the members who attend. Everyone in known and cared for and
a recent celebration for John and Beverley Maybury‟s 60th wedding anniversary was a real treat for
everyone.
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Bob and Beryl Swain have continued to represent St John‟s as the link for Western Wards. This
group meet regularly and provide an open forum for all members of churches in the Western
Wards area to meet, share information about events and concerns, enjoy fellowship together and
pray for one another‟s churches. The venue for these meetings is advertised on each occasion
and the host church provides refreshments and leads the programme. Although generally
attended by only a small number of people it provides an opportunity to learn about, encourage
and support other churches within our region and all are welcome.
In the last year St John‟s has been able to provide outreach further afield when they accepted an
invitation to assist Bulgarian Christians in providing a Summer Camp for Bulgarian teenagers
where they were presented with the Good News of Jesus. The Bulgarian team, supported by
American missionaries living in Bulgaria, have invited us to join with them again to help support
young people in the community where work is difficult to find and many of the youngsters are from
underprivileged homes, often Roma backgrounds. It is the aim to provide these youngsters with
skills that will support them in finding work, cooking/waiting/computers/gardening (planting
vegetables)/English language skills etc. We have been invited to support a week's cooking
programme and plans for this are currently being considered.
A morning to come and to hear about the Christian faith is being offered to people at St John‟s on
April 18th. Many people lead busy lives and cannot commit to a course of several weeks and so a
morning has been provided to answer some of those questions. It will be an opportunity for people
to come and hear what it means to 'be a Christian'. What do we believe? What does being a
Christian in real life look like? Pete Benton will present the main talk.
Carolynne Pyne
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