Sandbach Methodist Church
General Church Meeting Reports ~ April 10th 2011
Minister’s Report
This year has seen the launch of the new Cheshire South Circuit – a pioneering Super-Circuit in our District. After a memorable launch at Nantwich attended by over 500 people, the Circuit with its structure by Mission Areas is feeling its way forward, already providing great encouragement among staff, preachers and officers as we benefit from one another’s experience and passion in the larger group (including that of our ebullient new Superintendent, Malcolm Lorimer). Meetings and events have been held across the Sandbach Mission Area as we have been building a stronger sense of working together to improve the effectiveness of our outreach. The leadership of the Mission Area is to be strengthened in September as a new Probationer, Rebecca Ingrouille arrives to take pastoral charge of Wheelock Methodist Church.
For Wesley Avenue (a name by which I call Sandbach Methodist Church more frequently, as a means of distinguishing this church from the Sandbach Mission Area) one of the great highlights of the year has been the welcoming of 11 new members at a service in early February. To see so many who are ready to seal in public their belonging to the family of God in this place was a blessing to us all. Please continue to pray for, encourage and support them as they grow in their discipleship. It is appropriate here to express our thanks to all who keep a watchful eye on members, new and old, in their work as Pastoral Visitors.
Our recent initiatives in outreach – Messy Church and Zone &ndash continue to bear fruit, and we have enjoyed the artefacts produced, adorning the Wesley Centre with a reminder of faces that use our premises that we seldom meet. At the time of writing, a new, comfortable and relaxing space is being provided for Chillout Church and other less formal meetings and conversations. Thus far we haven’t been as successful with outreach to the adjacent Chapel St estate, but this isn’t for lack of trying, and remains under prayerful consideration.
Property-wise, a group comprising stewards and others have begun considering what options there might be for making the inside of the Chapel more comfortable, modern and flexible, whilst maintaining a dignity and appropriateness for worship. This is an extremely sensitive area and will only be progressed if options are available which meet our aims, and enjoy widespread support, within the confines of the requirements for a Grade 2 listed building. Work is ongoing toward obtaining the necessary consents and submitting grant applications for installing a toilet for the disabled in the Chapel. Regrettably this is taking longer than had been hoped.
Financially this has been a year requiring great faith as the building costs and Youth Worker costs have necessitated major outgoings at a time when the level of income from lettings and the rate of increase of the Circuit Assessment has been uncertain. This places more demands on each of us and I would very respectfully encourage us all to remember to prayerfully review our giving.
Similarly we seem to be depending on fewer people able and willing to give practical help with so many tasks required to fulfil God’s mission. Specifically, we are short of those willing to assist in overseeing the Youth Drop-In, we have had to take steps to employ a part-time caretaker for the Wesley Centre, we are in need of more Advisors for our Debt Advice service and we have had to close Junior Church for lack of a Superintendent. We are very grateful to all who give so much time already – Treasurer, Caretakers, Kitchen Organisers and helpers, Organists, Flowers, Property Stewards, Events Organisers, Preachers, Readers, Communion Stewards, Publicity and Notices and all other willing workers.
Finally, throughout the year I have been supported, blessed, encouraged and challenged by a strong team of stewards to whom I am especially grateful. But we are all grateful also to those who over the years through their own faith, discipline and generosity have entrusted us with such wonderful resources for the benefit of God’s kingdom. May we continue to grow as we faithfully use and develop those gifts to God’s glory.
Rev'd Kim Stilwell
Action for Children
The group, which includes members from our Wheelock and Ettiley Heath churches as well as Wesley Avenue, continues to raise £2,000 every year with a range of fund-raising activities although this year we have been unable to have as many events as we would have liked for various reasons beyond our control.
Andrew Stolworthy
Website and Weekly News Sheet
The church website continues to be updated every week with the church notices and other information. The site has been visited on average about 100 times per week. This year, there have been a number of new pages on the site, covering Messy Church, Chill-Out Church, Sandbach Mission Area and a page for any posters which I have received to put on the notice board in the Wesley Centre (therefore, if you have a poster for the notice board, please let me have a copy of it so that I can put it on the website).
The weekly news sheet continues to be available every week, in either an A5 format or a folded A4 format, depending on the amount of information given to me. The amount of information for the news sheet has increased recently, which must be a good sign that more is happening!
Andrew Stolworthy
Zone
It is amazing to think that Zone has now been running for nearly three years. Over that time we have seen many high points as well as low ones. During the past year especially the group has seen a lot of changes, with many of our young people entering a new age group and the challenges this brings. The intricacies of the sub-culture they live within their peer groups plays an important role in the way the club grows and develops and the dynamics of it.
A large number of the young people attending do so on an ad-hoc basis and although we don’t necessarily see them every week they show enthusiasm when they attend and feel comfortable to simply walk straight in from the streets to join us at Zone. We are thrilled to welcome these young people who join us despite having no other connection with the church. They often prefer to stay together as a group but we have worked hard to develop relationships with them and find that their needs are best met with flexibility, informal teaching and active learning in which they can become involved. The work is challenging but holds immense rewards for the leaders who work with the young people at Zone.
Those young people attending who have more regular contact with the church and who attend church we tend to see at Zone more regularly. This group prefers to stick together, wanting more structured teaching and to become involved in discussion.
All who attend enjoy Zone – they have a good time, form relationships with our leaders and we see them building on these constantly. It is a slow process, particularly with those who are less keen to listen to what we have to say, but the work is well worth it nevertheless. It is fantastic to be a part of it all and to see new bridges being built with some of the young people with whom we would never have contact without Zone. Some of those attending have learning or social difficulties – we are able to meet the needs of these young people through the supportive environment we build with them.
With the increasing age of the young people attending has also come a new cohort comprising a younger generation again as attendees’ younger siblings join us along with others. These young people are keen to attend and to join in with the activities we offer. We hope to build on this in the coming year and to develop our growing relationships with these younger people as we have with the older ones.
It is particularly rewarding to see some of the older members of the group move into learning to become young leaders with us themselves as we facilitate their training and they run the tuck shop, chat with the young people, help to set up for the group, etc. In working at the group with the leaders these older group members are able to realize their potential and grow, sharing their own learning with those who look up to them within the group.
We are very grateful to Anne Garthwaite for her faithful support over the past three years and her commitment to Zone. Anne will shortly be moving out of the area and we need more helpers with a heart for young people – those with communication skills and openness towards young people.
Thanks also go to Nicola and Martin for their fortnightly help with Zone. Please pray that we will see new helpers volunteering who are able to support our young people effectively as they grow and develop in their time with us.
Johnny Milton ~ Youth and Family Development Worker
Youth Cell
For those young people who have shown a need/wish for more discussion-based learning has been born a new group, known as Youth Cell. This group addresses different contemporary youth issues, including spiritual issues/needs and we believe that Youth Cell has always been a good input for those who attend. We look forward to seeing the members of this group grow emotionally and spiritually and to see them becoming more considered contributors to society in the future. Thanks to Rob and Glenys for their valuable help and support in developing and sustaining Youth Cell.
Johnny Milton ~ Youth and Family Development Worker
Messy Church
Something very beautiful can often be born out of chaos and mess. That’s Messy Church!
Messy Church has been a surprise to all of us and it continues to surprise us regularly. It is stunning to see God so much at the Centre of this work – in the planning as well as in carrying out those plans for Him. People have been responding really well to the format and love being at Messy Church through which we have come into contact with approximately 60 young families over the past year.
The layout of messy church is very informal – we keep it relaxed and friendly for the whole family so that both young and old can join in and have fun. We have a different theme every month, which encompasses a craft activity, short message, game, song and snack, all related to the month–s theme. Children love being there with their parents, getting stuck into messy crafts and activities and parents enjoy getting involved in the activities with their children – it is definitely fun for the whole family. People do appreciate Messy Church being run in our Church every month and they are grateful to have this.
We are grateful for all the help from the Church and Rebecca, Kim, Stella and myself work really well together as the Messy church team. We also have a tremendous team of volunteers who help in the kitchen providing culinary delights, including fabulous cakes! We are truly grateful for their warm presence and smiles, without which Messy Church just wouldn–t be the same!
We thank God for everything He has done through us and Messy Church so far and we pray that He will open doors for more of these sessions to run, for growth and that people will continue to benefit from Messy Church and come to know the love of God even though we are imperfect, messy beings. Please continue to join us in our prayers for this group.
Thank you,
Johnny Milton ~ Youth and Family Development Worker
Lifeline Debt Advice
With members from St Winefride’s, St Peter’s, Sandbach and Nantwich Baptist we are now in our third year. Over 120 local people and their families have been helped to cope with the burden of debt.
Our thanks to the Churches and Plus Dane who contribute to funding.
Your local MP Fiona Bruce was genuinely absorbed with Lifeline, when we displayed, along with 30 other volunteer groups at ‘Sandbach Today’ in September at the Town Hall.
We continue to be members of Community Money Advice, a Christian based organisation set up in 1996, which now has a membership of over 90 centres throughout the Country.
Thank you to all who helped to make our open evening in November to be a success. We maintained and created links with local churches, Community Money Advice and Cheshire East Council.
Thank you for your continuing prayers, over the year we have been able to work through a number of challenges.
We give our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Advisers and Admin team, who give many hours of dedication and commitment, week on week throughout the year. We ask each receives God’s blessings.
We continue to ask that that you let people know of the service we offer.
We are at present in great need of additional volunteers to share the growing work load, including people who may be interested in becoming trained Advisors and Admin support team members. Please let us know of anyone you think might be interested in helping.
Peter Mason
Chillout Church
What is Chillout Church exactly? Well that’s a good question!
It’s really a response to our Minister’s desire to attract people, perhaps in their 20s and 30s, with younger families, who might not otherwise be involved in a Church family. So, about 18 months ago we conducted a survey of people’s views from outside the Church family. And then about a year ago we decided to just get on with something.
So where are you now?
We have a had a busy and fun year meeting generally every other Friday with a whole range of activities to see what works, and here’s a list of just some of the things we have been up to:
And what’s the LATEST NEWS
Well we have just fitted out, with thanks for funds released by the Church Council, a comfortably furnished dedicated room upstairs in the Wesley Centre to meet relax, chat and share information. It’s got a wide screen facility to view DVDs and space to store books and other resources.
So when do you meet?
Generally every second Friday
How do I get to know more about Chillout Church?
Just Speak to
Johnny Milton on 766585 or 07850234842 or
Kim Stilwell on 762074 or
Peter Mason on 07917 333835 or 764368
And of course, thanks to Andrew, keep a look out on the Sandbach Methodist Church website and weekly news sheets.
So what support do you need?
Well just tell one person who you know that might be interested in getting together for an hour or two every second Friday and see if you can get them to come along, on their own, with their children or with friends. Your prayers are appreciated and will be a great help. By the way it’s for anybody and everyone, just get someone to give it a try!
And is it a success?
We know it works, we know its fun, let’s just see if we are going down the right path and see if the Holy Spirit will increase our numbers.
Peter Mason
Door Stewards
I would like to thank all the Door Stewards for coming along at 10am on Sunday Mornings to welcome everybody to Worship. They hand out the Weekly News Sheets, Service Books when required and Offertory Bags, and very importantly assist any newcomers and visitors to a seat in the Church. After the Service they tidy up the Hymn Books etc. in the Pews in Church. We are all grateful for the warm welcome we receive, and if anyone would like to be a Door Steward please see me.
Jean Eaton
Bible Sharing Group
It seemed to take our group a long time last year to study The Acts of the Apostles but I am pleased to report that we completed chapter 28 before Alan and Jean left us for Sheffield. We have been indebted to them for their leadership and commitment to our group and naturally have been sorry that they have left us. However, we are determined to continue and although we meet as usual on a fortnightly basis – Monday evenings – we visit each other’s houses when one of us takes over the evening’s leadership.
We have recently been pleased to welcome Leona and Janice from Sandbach Heath and already having Susan from Elworth we feel that we are more a Mission area group now, Norma has also joined us bringing our membership to fourteen. The group seems large for a house group but if any-one else would like to join us we would be happy to split into smaller groups.
At present we are studying Philip Yancey’s book “What’s so amazing about Grace” and Philip writes in his introduction that he believes that the future of the church depends on how we master the art of “dispensing” grace. Jesus taught us one great distinctive, that of grace, which has its own but steady power to change the world.
We have Philip’s book and his guide notes and we start the evening with a ten minute video. After a suggested bible reading we are left in open discussion which sometimes we find quite difficult. However the atmosphere is always very friendly and it isn’t imperative that we must join in. We learn from each other.
Our second session concentrated on “Forgiveness” and the story of the Prodigal Son. Jesus said “Your Father will forgive you as you forgive others”. When you forgive do you surrender your right to get even? Do you give your enemy’s humanity back? Do you get the freedom to wish that person well? Forgiveness has supernatural power. It works in the forgiving party, and in an extraordinary act of linkage, it brings the two together.
In closing I must thank Alan and Jean for starting our group and for being so enthusiastic in getting us to study the bible. At one time we didn’t know whether we would continue, but as you have read we are alive and growing and most of all enjoy reading and studying the scriptures.
We ask for your prayers for our continued progress.
Tim Walmsley
Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle continues to meet monthly and we have enjoyed the varied programme. All the car drivers amongst us benefited by taking part in a visual programme on speed awareness. We thought that some men would have benefited too!
Rob’s “for the Beauty of the Earth” was very moving as we saw, through technology, the beauty of the world around us viewed from outer space, and down to the details of plants and insects. We saw more beautiful things as we enjoyed a floral demonstration.
A Christmas journey in words and music, a flight round the world, and the not to be missed Beetle Drive brought us once again to the open evening.
About 90 people enjoyed an illustrated talk by Rodger Burgess on “Hidden Treasures of Cheshire”. This was followed by a wonderful supper, and as a result of the evening, we shall be sending a substantial donation to the Salvation Army in Bootle, Liverpool – Rodger’s chosen charity.
We welcome all ladies to join in these evenings of fellowship.
Marian Brain
Wesley Guild
The Guild has had an enjoyable session and has seen as increase in membership to 35 which is encouraging.
Thanks to the sectional secretaries, we have had a good programme, some serious evenings and some light-hearted. We started off with a trip to Oberammergau, then an up to date report on the Schools for Gambia project, the Church’s charity.
At home, we heard of the work Crewe Christian Concern is doing in the local community, and also talks by a Solicitor and a Police Inspector.
On the lighter side, the Christmas Party, a supper and entertainment by a magician were enjoyed by all, as were the favourite Hymns and Readings.
Unfortunately, the evening on John Wesley’s sisters had to be cancelled because of the winter weather, but we look forward to hearing about them in the next session.
All are welcome at the Guild meetings.
Marian Brain
Music
The Choir continues to contribute music to special services, including Easter, the Harvest services, the Carol service etc. and I am very grateful for their very competent and enthusiastic support when they perform.
I am especially indebted to Rob for standing in for me as 2 services when I was confined to hospital following my holiday in Spain, and also for his contribution to the music generally including the services in the Wesley Centre.
Derek Jennings
Bowling
The Indoor Bowling Club continues to meet and has a membership of 30 enthusiasts who meet for a very enjoyable time in the Wesley Centre each Tuesday afternoon.
The Outdoor Bowling Club meets in the season on Monday mornings at the Marriott House bowling green in Sandbach Park, weather permitting.
Derek Jennings
Flower Report
Flowers give us much pleasure when they decorate the church on Sundays.
Flowers can say many things: thinking of you at this sad time; congratulations on special occasions; sorry you are ill or sorry you are lonely.
On Mondays I usually distribute the flowers to, people in our church and community who I think would appreciate them.
I thank the ladies, and a few men, who are part of the flower rota and arrange for the flowers each week. Harvest, Easter and Christmas are special times for decorating the church and I thank those of you who help me at these times.
If anyone would like to go on the rota please let me know, also if you know any-one would like flowers after the week-end then also let me know.
Many thanks go to Barbara and Joan Moss for the lovely troughs in front of the church which give the entrance so much colour.
I enjoy these duties and regard them as an important part of our church’s pastoral care.
Kath Walmsley
Pastoral Committee Report
The Pastoral Committee has met twice during the last year to review and update the pastoral lists. We were sad to lose Carol Currie when she moved away in April but were pleased to welcome Christine and Gordon Wright in her place.
The commissioning of Pastoral Visitors and distribution of membership tickets took place on the 3rd October right at the beginning of the Methodist year.
At our November meeting we discussed a set of guidelines for Pastoral Visitors which will apply across the mission area. A request was made for the minutes of the Church Council to be made available for everyone to read and you can now find them on the Church notice board in the Wesley Centre.
It was a joy to welcome 11 new members (4 by transfer) on the 6th of February – a joy tinged with sadness at the death of Terry Hodson just five weeks later. At the time of writing our membership stands at 172.
My sincere thanks go to Kim and all the Pastoral Visitors for the countless hours spent visiting and supporting our members and friends over another year.
Joy Wade
Cell Group
We have continued to meet during the winter, studying “Women of the New Testament”. We shall break at Easter and restart in September / October to follow a course (yet to be chosen by the members). We meet fortnightly on evenings, alternating between Monday to Thursday for open informal study and discussion, and would warmly welcome new members.
Pat Norcross
On behalf of the Stewards
This year sees me complete my role as a church steward. I have had 6 wonderful years of service and have (for the most part) really enjoyed my role.
Last year we anticipate a year ahead of adjustments, when the new circuit began in September. There are still so many unanswered questions at the moment, but so many opportunities for Sandbach Methodist Church, and The Wesley Centre to play an integral role in the foundation of the new circuit and its activities. Of course there is a limit to what the stewards are able to do and we rely on so many other people whose ministries make worship in our church such a pleasurable experience.
Last year I thanked a number of people who carry out different roles within the church for their help and support. Although that sentiment still stands, this year I would like to say a special thank-you to the team of stewards. Linda, Keith, Ann, Karen and Peter have all been an integral part of my team over the past year. I can safely say that as a group we have all learnt that there is no “I” in “team”, as the saying goes. We have grown stronger and more effective as a result I believe.
I would like to once again single out my Mum and Dad for special thanks. They recognise that I am unable to contribute towards the physical demands of stewarding in the same way as some of my other colleagues are. They both, on many occasions during the past year have both stood up to be counted when it came to helping me set rooms out for worship, prepare the church on Sunday mornings and also packing away the hymn boards, numbers, books, etc at the end of the services. Without their help I really would not be able to do half as effective a job myself.
Finally, I would like to thank Kim. He is a very busy person, but has always had time to be there for me when I have needed his help in resolving an issue, whatever it may be. I believe that the personal relationship we have built over my time as a steward, and then senior steward helps towards the apparent smooth running of our church even if at times, it can surely be said that appearances can be deceptive! I would like to sign off by asking you all to continue to pray for Kim, and the mission of Sandbach Methodist Church in the coming year.
Tim Cooke ~ Senior Steward
Stepping Stones
Stepping stones has had yet another successful year, with over 20 toddlers, their mothers and carers attending most weeks. The children play with a variety of toys during the afternoon with the refreshments playing an enjoyable part! Unfortunately the Bible singing session which was enjoyed by all has been unable to take place in the recent weeks due to the lack of singing leaders. I would like to take this opportunity however, to thank all of the helpers and duty caretakers who provide support each week.
Melanie Parsons
Disciple
It was not without some foreboding that 16 ’disciples‘ arrived with thick study guides and even thicker Study Bibles to begin the Disciple course in January 2010. We were not unaware that there was a required commitment of 34 weeks’ reading, typically half an hour a day – although some gave considerably more than this.
Suffice to say that God is faithful and we were amply rewarded as we learnt, grew and discovered so much of Him and of one another in sessions that seemed each to go deeper and became more inspiring than any of us anticipated. The materials (written and DVD) were excellent – authoritative and challenging.
Only one person didn’t complete the course here – but she’s gone on to do that near Sheffield (you’ll probably know who I mean!) This alone is powerful testimony. Well done everyone and special thanks to Pat Norcross for leading some of the sessions. I think all of us would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone who has an opportunity to participate. I do not think it is an overstatement to say that it represents a major step in each of our spiritual journeys. Please contact me if you would like to find out more.
Kim Stilwell
Social Committee
As a separate “Events Committee” is now in operation, the original Social Committee is just responsible for Sunday Lunches and the four Good Items sale which we hold on Saturday mornings during the year.
The Chapel Lunches have continued to be enjoyed and well supported although we now restrict the numbers which means that one has to get the tickets quickly to ensure a place at the meal. We are sorry about this but there is a limit to how many we can cater for. Thanks is expressed to everyone (whether it is preparing – cooking – washing up – laundry – tidying away etc.) for the help and support given to make these meals run smoothly.
During the year ending 31 Aug 2010 the lunches (we had two less meals than usual) accrued a surplus of £1875 the Sales realized £1717.
The Saturday morning coffee mornings continue to be very worthwhile and form a valuable form of outreach to the town with many visitors and regulars. £2924 was raised in the last financial year.
I just want to give a big thank you to everyone for all these activities. Keep up the good work.
Barbara Glassonbury
Church Cleaning Report
We currently have 23 members on the Church Cleaning Rota and they divide into 7 teams of between 3 to 4 people in each team.
Each team cleans between 3 to 4 times per year and this enables the church to be cleaned approximately every 2 weeks. We also try to have 2 further days per year when more extensive cleaning is done by as many of the congregation as possible.
We have recently purchased a few items to assist with the cleaning, mainly an extension lead, new mop and bucket and long handled soft brush. If anyone has any suggestions for further equipment which would help, please let me know.
As the congregation generally leave the pews tidy after each Church service this certainly helps when the teams come in to clean.
Many thanks to all of the teams for the brilliant job they do in the giving of their time and energy.
If any members wish to join us we can always accommodate you.
Glenys Fitzpatrick
Worship Planning Group
The group has continued to meet each quarter.
One of its jobs is to assist our minister in making the quarterly Circuit Plan, as far as our Mission Area is concerned. The four churches in the Area are served by Rev Doug Savill, and five Local Preachers, in addition to our minister, who has first call on their time. This change in the way the Plan is put together, since the forming of the new Cheshire South Circuit, means you are likely to see ‘our’ preachers more frequently, rather than preachers from elsewhere. The thinking behind this change is that the preachers will visit the churches in the Mission Area more often, and build up a better working relationship with their members, thus supporting the minister’s work in providing outreach from the churches, and pastoral care within them.
We do, however, still invite preachers from elsewhere to lead our worship, and this is also done by the Group – both for regular services, and for Church Anniversary, and Harvest Thanksgiving. So far as Harvest is concerned, it has coincided with Back to church Sunday in recent years and Kim has led worship with that in mind. However, this year, the two events don’t coincide, so we will have Kim to lead us on Back to Church Sunday (18 Sept), and we have invited Rev Alan and Mrs Jean Sproson to return to lead Harvest on 25 Sept.
The Group’s other responsibility is to review arrangements for our worship on Sunday mornings and evenings, and on Thursdays, in the hope of making it the best we can. Whilst we are sure that things work well generally, we must not be complacent, and will always welcome your views about the way our worship is planned and led – bearing in mind the variety in experience and ‘taste’ within our relatively large congregation.
Bryan Glassonbury
Music Group
The Music Group plays each week during worship. On Sunday mornings in the chapel, we usually play in the “second hymn” slot, basing the song from Sing God’s Praise on the lectionary readings. In the Wesley Centre, the group plays in the monthly morning family services, and the informal ‘team’ evening services. I am thankful to ‘the regulars’; Tim Cooke on clarinet, Karen Foster on guitar and Derek Jennings for giving us some ‘oomph’ from the organ. It has also been good to have extra musicians at some of the family services.
Rob Glassonbury
Treasurer’s Report
This report covers the financial year from September 2009 to 31 August 2010. You will see from the table below that we made a surplus due to lower than budgeted property expenses. Collections remained almost exactly the same is in 2008/2009 but income from hiring out the Wesley Centre was significantly lower due to the departure of the preschool playgroup. The budget was revised half way through the year when we committed to an increased level of youth and family initiatives and financial support for a trained worker.
As I reported last year, any surplus from larger external events (concerts etc) has been used to top up our General Charity Fund whilst profits from our more regular activities go into the general funds. Saturday coffee mornings, church lunches and sales have continued to be well supported.
Support for the mission worker in Central Asia has now been concluded and our communion collections are now going towards support for a local teacher through the ‘Schools for Gambia’ charity. 10% of our regular receipts from offerings were given to Methodist Funds for Home and World Mission and the Property Fund, and a donation of £500 made to the Methodist Relief & Development Fund.
| Money received | 2009/2010 | 2008/2009 |
| Sunday offerings (cash & envelopes) | £14231 | £14978 |
| Offerings direct to bank | £19685 | £19095 |
| Donations | £6667 | £8417 |
| Donations/grants for Building fund | — | £798 |
| Donations & fund raising for Charity Funds | £3812 | £3681 |
| Events | £8068 | £11449 |
| Hire of rooms | £8792 | £13729 |
| Tax refund | £8187 | £6073 |
| Other | £3021 | £6132 |
| Total: | £72463 | £84352 |
| Money paid out | ||
| Circuit assessment | £31623 | £31113 |
| Gas, electricity, water, insurance | £9117 | £7014 |
| Maintenance & repairs | £6991 | £10326 |
| Loan repayment | — | £7071 |
| Youth & Family work | £9126 | — |
| Donations | £4320 | £4462 |
| Sundries | £6131 | £9121 |
| Total: | £67308 | £69107 |
The general reserves held on 31 August 2010 were approximately £31581.
The above review excludes the finances of our internal organisations but the latter are included in our official financial statement which has been submitted to the Circuit & District.
We are currently half way through the current financial year in which the Church Council had agreed to continue to support our youth & family worker and to meet the full costs of the disabled toilet/vestry improvements in the event that we are unable to secure all grants. This could result in a projected deficit of around £17000 which will be taken from our reserves although we are hopeful that unbudgeted donations and additional fund raising could reduce this figure!
Income from Gift Aid has reduced from 28% to 25% of each donation from the beginning of the new tax year. The Circuit assessment is expected to increase by around 3% next year.
David Priaulx
Church Council
The Church Council is the managing body of the church and its members act as trustees for legal purposes. We meet several times a year to hear reports from sub committees, and discuss various aspects of the Church’s life, including worship, pastoral matters, mission, property, finance and so on. At the request of the Pastoral Committee, a copy of the minutes of the meetings are now pinned to the notice board in the Wesley Centre for anyone who wishes to read them. Please make any views known, via the Church Stewards, Kim or myself.
Rob Glassonbury
Communion Stewards Report
The church holds the sacrament of Holy Communion on a monthly basis in the church services on a Sunday morning. One of these services is the Covenant service and sometimes these also involve the children joining us. The Christmas Eve midnight communion and quarterly Thursday morning communion services held in the Henshall Room also see the team of stewards called into action.
It is the responsibility of Godfrey, Glenys and myself to ensure that these services run smoothly.
Margaret Cooke on behalf of the Communion steward team: Godfrey Williams, Glenys Fitzpatrick and Margaret Cooke
