Reporting the Life of St Mary's 2014-2015
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REPORTS FOR 2015 APCM
Agenda Page 2 Minutes of Previous APCM Pages 3 - 7
THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, MONKSEATON
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING SUNDAY 19th April 2015 The Meeting will begin at 11.15 am in Church
A G E N D A
Appointment of Secretary for the Meeting of Parishioners for the election of Churchwardens and the Annual Parochial Meeting:-
MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS
For the election of Churchwardens (legal)
Nominations: Proposer: Seconder: Judy Ross Grace Morgan Jane Walker Bryan Morgan Jane Walker William Walker
For the elction of Churchwardens (pastoral)
Nominations: Proposer Seconder: Marion Oakes Kate Stobart Grace Morgan Richard Hart Grace Morgan Kate Stobart
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
Nominations to date: Ruth Blake, Dorothy Daniels, Craig Pemblington,
(b) Investment Strategy.
Worship and Spirituality Welcoming, Integrating and Caring Learning, Living and Sharing. Making Connections. Building Resources
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, MONKSEATON
ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS 23rd MARCH 2014
The meeting commenced at 11.25 a.m. with a welcome from Kate Stobart, Vice Chair.
No. of Parishioners present: 64
MEETING OF PARISHIONERS
As there was no election for Legal Churchwardens to be undertaken this year, proceedings continued straight into the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, with tacit consent to Grace Morgan being appointed Secretary.
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
Rick Channing, Dot Clarke, Ann Otter, Tom and Cheryl Savage, Helen Matthews and Heather Rivers.
As there were no amendments, the Minutes were signed as a true and accurate copy.
Proposer: Nicola Denyer Seconder: Margaret Campbell.
None.
None.
Richard Hart and Sue Johnson.
NOMINEE: PROPOSER: SECONDER:
Clare Connors Katy Bell Grace Morgan Bryan Morgan Katy Bell David Tompkins Neill Porter Katy Bell Grace Morgan Ann Dodgson Kate Stobart David Tompkins Dorothy Pickering Bryan Morgan David Tompkins Patrick Pratt David Tompkin Grace Morgan Joanna Porter Katy Bell Jane Walker.
There being no further nominations, the above-named were duly elected. All in favour.
There is still 1 casual vacancy for 1 year.
NB. ELECTED PCC MEMEBERS CAN ONLY SERVE FOR MAXIMUM OF TWO TERMS, I.E. 6 YEARS, WITHOUT A BREAK.
7. The Quad Report
Questions and observations invited. Accepted as read.
Proposer: Judy Ross Seconder: Alison Stroud.
8. Electoral Roll Report 2013/2014:
Rosie Tate gave details of eligibility for entry onto Electoral Roll. A new Electoral Roll was undertaken last year showing a total of 208 members. 5 members have since joined and 10 have been removed, having either passed away or moved to worship elsewhere, leaving a current total of 203.
Report accepted: Proposer: Canon Sue Hart Seconder: Jane Walker.
9. (a) Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts:
Neill Porter specifically expressed gratitude to Jeff Pickering, Rosie Tate, Alan Wolf, Ron Noble and Mike Stoker, (who sadly passed away last year), for their support in the administration of Church finances over the past 12 months. Referring to St Mary’s as a “Church of Achievement”, he thanked the congregation for their brilliance over the last year, enabling the Parish Share to be paid in full, Alms Giving to be donated in full, alongside meeting the operational expenses of the Church and continuation of the redevelopment programme, with the installation of a new ramp, refurbishment of the Church Bell and Lady Chapel. The financial challenges continue, with the increased cost of energy (the electricity contract is due for renewal in 2014), photocopying, maintenance etc. The excellent Stewardship campaign by Katy Bell and David Tompkins (Legal Churchwardens), in 2013, resulted in extra income, which will go some way to offset the increase in the Parish Share this year.
If and when the Curate’s house in Queens Road is sold, the Church will lose rental income of £2,000 p.a. In line with Church policy, the responsibility for the housing of future Curates sits with the Diocese, at which time Church House will enter into a rental tenancy agreement with a local landlord.
With the approval of the PCC, the proceeds of the 2013 Autumn Fayre, (as advertised), were classified as “unrestricted”, and placed in Church funds, to assist with essential operating costs. This policy will continue for the foreseeable future. In response to questions raised, Neill qualified the classification of unrestricted/restricted funds, confirming that donations given for specific purposes, would only be used as designated.
(b) Investment Strategy.
Neill Porter advised that following a visit to St Mary’s by The Venerable Prue O’Donovan, Archdeacon and Ministry Development Officer in Willochra, Australia, who reported that her Diocese was largely funded from investments, the PCC decided that, in order to meet our forthcoming challenges and any shortfall in Stewardship, alternative ways of generating income should be investigated. After consulting, Trevor Hogg (Auditor), who is also a Church and Charities Financial Advisor, to ascertain whether as a registered charity we were lawfully permitted to use our assets in this way, the PCC approved an initial investment of £6,000 in ethical unit trusts. Acknowledging that investments can rise as well as fall, controls were put in place to ensure that should any investment fall by 10%, it would be exited immediately and moved accordingly. At the end of 2013, a 20% return on our original investment, was evident. It was decided to increase our holdings to £18,000, and in order to balance this with our Mission, a similar amount was invested in a local Credit Union, to assist them in their important work. The Assistant Treasurer has put in place daily monitoring procedures to track the performance of the investments, with findings being reported to the Treasurer on a weekly basis. The PCC is updated at its monthly meetings.
Neill Porter and the Finance Team were warmly applauded for their commitment and dedication in the administration of the Church finances.
Proposer: Ruth Wolf Seconder: Derek Hayes.
10. Appointment of Independent Examiner for Accounts:
Trevor Hogg of TPA Accountancy Services, South Shields.
Proposer: Neill Porter Seconder: Nicola Denyer.
11. Churchwardens’ Report: Pages 24- 27.
Accepted as read.
Proposer: Thelma Gilhespy Seconder: Carole Lax
12. MAP Presentation:
Kate Stobart (Lay Chair) gave a PowerPoint demonstration and brief outline of the work of the Core Groups and acknowledged the energy and commitment of all involved, especially during The Vacancy.
Group Reports: Worship and Spirituality Pages 32 – 35 Welcoming, Integrating and Caring Pages 36 – 37 Learning, Living and Sharing Pages 38 – 39 Making Connections Pages 40 – 49 Building Resources Pages 50 – 54
Accepted as read. Proposer: Joanna Porter Seconder: Jane Walker
13. Renewal of Child Protection Policy:
Malcolm Macdonald invited parishioners to read his written report, following which any queries should be raised directly with him. In the next three months, the PCC will be given full details of planned policy changes and the effects on the work undertaken within St Mary’s
Proposer: Canon Sue Hart Seconder: Nicola Denyer.
14. Deanery Synod Report: (See Making Connections).
Accepted as read.
Proposer: David Tompkins Seconder: Jane Walker.
15. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives:
NOMINATION PROPOSER SECONDER
Margaret Campbell Kate Stobart Katy Bell Kate Stobart Grace Morgan Katy Bell Nicola Denyer Susana Moran Katy Bell Canon Sue Hart Kate Stobart Grace Morgan
3 year term. As there were no further nominations, the above were elected nem com.
Proposer: Judith Cure Seconder: Martin Cooper
16. Appointment of Sidesmen/Sideswomen: Page 36.
Detailed list accepted.
Proposer: Nicola Denyer Seconder: Alison Stroud. All in favour. 17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
CLOSING PRAYERS:
In conducting the closing prayers, Canon Sue Hart, mentioned by name, all those who had passed away during the last 12 months, remembering also their families and friends.
Accepted as a true and accurate copy.
Chair………………………………. Secretary…………………….
Proposer……………………………. Seconder……………………..
Date………………………………..
Vicar’s Report- St Mary the Virgin, Monkseaton 2014 -2015
I can write from personal experience for about half the period of time covered in this report, but as I glance back over the months before Yvonne and I moved to St Mary’s Vicarage, I have to rely on what others have told me and please forgive me if I inadvertently overlook items of importance. Fortunately, others will write about the rich life of our Parish and will almost certainly fill in any gaps. I am grateful, therefore, to the many people who contribute their reports in this information pack - all telling the story of a Church that is at work making the presence of Christ known. Thank you to all the contributors and to the many other people whose efforts make each of the attached reports a living reality.
Clearly, during a period of vacancy, extra work is carried out by staff, wardens, and many others in the congregation. St Mary’s experienced a long period without a vicar and you all deserve recognition for how well the worshipping and witnessing life of the Church continued. The Quad were some key people, lay and licensed, who were asked by the congregation to hold the ‘vicar-shaped space’. The two legal wardens, Katy Bell and David Tompkins, the lay chair, Kate Stobart, Rev Benjamin Carter and Canon Sue Hart carried out these additional responsibilities with care and diligence and I know that the Church was most grateful for their wise leadership during the vacancy. I am also deeply grateful that when I arrived on the scene, I was handed a Church in good shape and good heart. With much relief on their part after work well done, The Quad was disbanded in the autumn.
Sticking to the theme of people, it is possible to say that since last year’s report, there has been the story of priests and deacons. This began at Petertide with the return to St Mary’s after three years of study and periods on placement of Rev Dr Pat Moran. She was ordained deacon and welcomed back to St Mary’s in her new role as a non-stipendiary curate. Pat is well into her first year of curacy and plans are now made for her service of ordination to the priesthood at Newcastle Cathedral on 5th July 2015 and her celebration for the first time of Holy Communion later that day at St Mary’s.
Then the Church said goodbye in September to Rev Benjamin Carter and his family after their four years or so at St Mary’s. Benjamin was a hardworking and well-liked member of the staff team and it was with joy and confidence that many of us attended his licensing service to new responsibilities at Hayden Bridge.
October 2nd 2014 was an important day for Yvonne and I, and also a special day in the life of St Mary’s Church. We gathered together with Bishop Frank, Archdeacon Geoff and many guests to celebrate the start of my ministry here as vicar. It was a great occasion and a wonderful way for Yvonne and I to experience the warmth of welcome from you all at St Mary’s. When I started work, Rev Eileen Noble was with us on staff team and she has consistently offered me strong support and wise advice. So it has been with some trepidation, but also great joy, to see her take a well-earned rest from active ministry on her retirement in January, and we look forward now to her return to a ministry in retirement at Pentecost. The present Staff Group of Nicola Denyer, Sue Hart, Yvonne Knibbs, John McDermott, and Pat Moran continue to offer me support and advice.
The Church should also note with pride the recent honour awarded to Roger Windass in March when he was made a Lay Canon of St Nicholas Cathedral. He joins colleague Canons Tony Garland, Sue Hart and Eileen Noble and few congregations in the Diocese can boast of four Canons. Reward and recognition for service to the wider Church and community.
Sadly, during 2014 and early 2015, there have been a number of deaths of members of our Church family. Quoting a song from Les Miserables
“There's a grief that can't be spoken. There's a pain goes on and on. Empty chairs at empty tables Now my friends are dead and gone.”
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those among us who grieve. However, the Christian message is one of hope and resilience even through such times, and Yvonne and I sensed great optimism when we arrived, experienced our first Harvest Service, and then the other services leading up through Advent to Christmas. Energy and creativity flowed from so many people offering their particular gifts in the worship of God and the service of the local community. A time of excitement for me personally as I started to get to know people and how things mesh together at St Mary’s. It has been such an encouragement to join with nearly seventy people at Lent Groups, studying and discussing the Creeds, those core statements of our shared belief, helped by Pilgrim Course resources published and promoted by the National Church. As I write, we await Holy Week and Easter with excitement.
To help in this process of ‘getting to know’, the Parochial Church Council and the Staff Group supported me in a desire to hold an ‘Open Forum’ early in January. This event was interesting and helpful. Over sixty five people attended for all or part of the day that took the shape of a protracted communion service, punctuated by input from myself and several workshops and plenary discussions. Workshops contributed by updating ‘Mission Action Plans’ and in gathering suggestions for possible future initiatives. Plenary sessions and a ‘post-it’ note exercise also allowed people to comment both on those things they like about St Mary’s and also to comment on ‘niggles’. Both notice boards were busy with comment and these have been collated offering helpful signals for me as I begin my work as vicar.
The positive comments were full of remarks about the loving care and support in the life of St Mary’s. The variety of types of service; the range of styles offered by the staff group; collaboration and inclusivity; witness through awareness of justice and peace issues; were among the things applauded by respondents. The niggles were also helpful in offering constructive criticism about things that frustrate, annoy, or could perhaps be improved upon. The two most common themes were ongoing frustration with the sound system, that sometimes works well but this can be variable; and comments about the chairs in Church. Other comments list across three sides of A4 paper, but most are views of individuals rather than common themes and I am studying all of these, to ensure that wherever possible, these frustrations can be addressed, or at least acknowledged.
In 2014, we started to enjoy the new multi-purpose, ‘Gathering Space’. Soon now, a major focus of attention for St Mary’s will be the work of the next phase of internal re-ordering. It is anticipated that from June through to September, we shall be worshiping in the Church Hall as the inside of St Mary’s becomes a ‘hard hat’ area. A joyful return to the newly decorated, carpeted worship space, with improved lighting and electrical provision, as well as the planned changes in lay-out should inspire us all.
However, it is my hope and prayer that such inspiration will lead us to look outwards towards a community of local people who seem unaware of God’s love or disinterested in the Church. There are challenges for us to ensure that we have contemporary relevance to those generations largely absent from our regular worshipping family. We are called by the Diocese to be generous in the way we live out of lives of faith, being good news to our local community and engaging freely with others as we share the good news we proclaim. Called also to be open and inclusive so that all will feel welcome by the family of God we call St Mary’s Church.
The Church of England nationally and locally faces many challenges as numbers decline and society seems less and less interested. But I have faith that here in Monkseaton we shall be able, with God’s help, to play our part in the centuries old commission to make disciples and baptize people in the names of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. St Paul ends his great poem on love in 1 Corinthians 13 saying that “faith, hope and love remain and the greatest of these is love”. So may we model a way of living that is faithful, hopeful and full of love, as we journey together through 2015. (Peter Knibbs, Lent 2015)
PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR 2014/2015
The Parochial Church Council has held eleven meetings since the AGM on the 23rd March, 2014. Members have been diligent in their attendance and commitment to the many discussions/debates, undertaken during this period. Each meeting is opened with a prayer, asking God to guide us in our deliberations and decision-making.
During the Interregnum, the PCC frequently expressed its appreciation for the dedicated work undertaken by The Quad over many months.
2014 saw the Church saying farewell to Curate, The Rev Dr Benjamin Carter, his wife Steph and baby daughter, Elizabeth, as they left to take up their new life at Haydon Bridge, following Benjamin’s appointment as Vicar. The PCC took time at its September meeting, to pay tribute to the huge contribution Benjamin had made to our Church life and to the local community. The Rev Dr Pat Moran was ordained at Newcastle Cathedral on the 29th June and on 2nd October, a service conducted by The Right Rev Frank White and the Archdeacon of Northumberland, The Venerable Geoff Miller, marked the licensing of our new Incumbent, The Rev Dr Peter Knibbs. In January, the PCC said “au revoir” to Canon Eileen Noble and showed its appreciation for her many years of devoted service.
The PCC endorsed the setting up of a group to oversee and co-ordinate plans for the final stages of the Church refurbishment.
Management of Church finances continued to receive the full attention of the PCC, with gratitude being expressed to the Finance Team, headed by Treasurer, Neill Porter, for the clarity of their reporting and commitment to this important area of work. Income and expenditure has been carefully monitored to ensure the viability of the Church financial position, whilst at the same time, endeavouring to meet our charitable aspirations.
Charitable work continued throughout the year, with Christian Aid Week being launched in May, with a special service and video presentation in Church by Kerry Crellin, detailing some of the wonderful projects undertaken. At the end of 2014, the PCC was able to sanction Charitable Giving of £5,000 to 5 nominated charities, i.e. PIC, Christians Against Poverty Debt Advisory Service, Holy Land Trust, Prison Fellowship and US. Christmas cash collections totalling £1,093.84, were again divided equally between DePaul UK Whitley Bay and Camfed.
In order to recognise the work of the many groups involved in the life of the Church, the PCC has invited co-ordinators, in turn, to address the committee to detail their aims and achievements. This also offers an opportunity for groups to register any concerns and suggest ways in which help can be forthcoming. During the year, The Sanctuary Guild, The Lent Group, Baptism Group, and Godly Play have given presentations and it is the PCC’s intention to welcome others over the next 12 months. Work in the community has continued, especially involvement with Whitley Lodge Community Spirit and the work with local schools through the Godly Play Project.
Bishop Frank attended St Mary’s Church on the 17th August 2014, in order to receive Clare Connors into the Church of England and to dedicate the new meeting room and the refurbished Church bell.
The 2014 Autumn Fayre was a great success and the PCC again thanked all the volunteers who worked so tirelessly to ensure this important community and fundraising event took place.
On the 15th October, the PCC unanimously passed a Resolution for Yvonne Knibbs to continue her Reader Training at St Mary the Virgin Monkseaton,
There were three resignations from the Committee during the year. Nominations registered will be approved at the APCM on the 19th April.
PCC meetings are conducted under five main headings (a) Worship and Spirituality, (b) Building Resources, (c) Welcoming, Integrating and Caring, (d) Learning, Living and Sharing and (c) Making Connections. Individual reports by these Groups will be detailed separately.
Business undertaken by the PCC is contained in the Minutes, which are exhibited on the Church Notice Board, ratified copies of which are held on file in the Church Office.
Whilst recognising a lengthy period of disruption to Church routine during the final stages of essential refurbishment work, the PCC looks forward to reaching out to the wider community, to offer a warm, caring and spiritual environment in which all ages are encouraged to worship. We will continue to pray and work towards our mission of “Making Christ Known through the Building of his Church”.
GRACE MORGAN APRIL 2015
Jan to Dec 2014
2014 Trustee Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of St Mary the Virgin, Monkseaton
Name of PCC: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary the Virgin Monkseaton, Claremont Gardens, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. NE26 3SF
Incumbent: Rev. Dr. Peter Knibbs from 5th Oct 2014
Previous period of vacancy, led by Legal Wardens (Katy Bell and David Tompkins), Curate (Revd Dr. Benjamin Carter) and Canon Sue Hart
PCC Members: 1st January 2014 – 31st December 2014 K. Bell (Church Warden), D. Tompkins (Church Warden), S. Moran, Canon S. Hart (Deanery Synod), Canon E. Noble, M. Campbell (Deanery Synod), B. Morgan (Pastoral Warden), K. Stobart (Chairman), N. Porter (Treasurer), Revd J. McDermott, A. Dodgson, G. Morgan (PCC Secretary), Judy Ross (Pastoral Warden)
23rd March 2014 – 31st December 2014 Rick Channing, Clare Connors, Nicola Denyer (Deanery Synod), Joanna Porter, Patrick Pratt (Assistant Treasurer),
1st January 2014 – 22nd January 2014 V. Cowan
1st January 2014 – 23rd March 2014 J. Walker, M. Cooper, H. Matthews
1st January 2014 – 18th June 2014 K. Rees
1st January 2014 – 16th July 2014 Iain Lynn
1st January 2014 – 13th September 2014 Rev Dr Benjamin Carter (Curate)
23rd March 2014 – 16th July 2014 D. Pickering
June 2014 – 31st December 2014 P Moran (Curate)
5th October 2014 – 31st December 2014 Rev. Dr. Peter Knibbs (Incumbent)
Bankers: i) NatWest PLC, 18 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 9UT ii) HSBC Bank PLC, 279 Whitley Road Whitley Bay Tyne and Wear NE26 2SW
Independent Examiner Trevor Hogg, TPA Accountancy Services, 38 Stanhope Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 4BT Aims and Purposes: St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Reverend Peter Knibbs, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church Building and Church Hall.
Structure Governance and Management Day to day management of the parish is the responsibility of the Incumbent together with the two legal wardens supported by the Parochial Church Council.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC has no related trusts or charities.
The membership of the PCC is governed by the Church Representation Rules 2006. Any qualified person can stand for election. Candidates have to be proposed and seconded by members of the congregation entered on the electoral roll. Voting takes place at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
Training of PCC members is undertaken on an ad hoc basis, including training courses held by the Deanery or Diocese.
The PCC meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month with the exception of August and December. If necessary, additional meetings can be convened. In accordance with church rules it appoints a Standing Committee. It has also appointed members to: Worship and Spirituality Group Welcome Integrating and Caring Learning Living and Sharing Making Connections Building Resources.
The Parish is a Local Ministry Parish and the PCC has approved the appointment of a twelve strong Local Ministry Development Team.
The major risks to which the PCC is exposed are reviewed, and procedures are in place to manage those risks.
Risk Management: The PCC considers risks, and how to manage them, to ensure that other organisational objectives can be achieved.
A member of the PCC has been appointed as Health and Safety Officer and is able to advise the PCC and thereafter monitor. This includes assessment to prevent personal injury while visiting the Church, Church Hall and site. This includes preventing accidents by reducing the probability that it will happen to as low as practically possible.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting approves a policy on Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults and the PCC is responsible for its implementation.
The PCC are always mindful of equal opportunities (race, sex, sexuality, age, disability, religion) responsibilities.
The Parish operates under the constraints of an annual budget agreed by the PCC in the November of the preceding year. The PCC is provided with quarterly management accounts showing actual income and expenditure set against budgetary provision.
The Finance Team, within the Building Resources Group, appointed by the PCC and confirmed each year, comprises the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and one other who maintain a computerised accounts package (Sage Instant Accounts), which provides monthly management accounts. Two back-up copies of the accounts package are maintained at all times. Given that our primary source of income is from parishioners under the “Stewardship Scheme”, attention is given to maintaining good contact with members and ensuring the parish claims Inland Revenue Gift Aid payments promptly.
Any special expenditure requiring a separate appeal for funds is recorded outside the budget and individually monitored.
These financial plans are designed to achieve the activities of the PCC.
It is recognised by the PCC that unwelcome publicity will hinder the mission of the Church. All Church sponsored events are considered for appropriateness to the Mission of the Congregation.
PCC members are also nominated and seconded with reputational risk of the PCC taken into account.
The PCC seeks to reduce the consequence of accident and share the risk by maintaining a comprehensive insurance policy with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Company covering Church buildings, contents, employers liability and third party cover.
In the event of the main Church building being rendered unusable, services would be held in the separate Church Hall building.
Objectives and Activities: Our Vision is to “Make Christ known through building His Church” and for the period 2011 to 2016 we will be focusing on Journeying On.
We are in a unique time in the journey of St. Mary’s; for 100 years there has been a place of worship on the site, for 80 years worship has taken place in the current building and we are currently continuing that journey by developing the way we use the building to meet the needs of the current generation of worshippers and make it fit for the next generation. Throughout the past 100 years, the buildings used on the site have been altered and changed to help the community grow in discipleship and understanding of God’s love and presence.
The Mission Action Plan sets out five key themes for development.
The five themes for the journey are: Worship & Spirituality – To help the congregation grow in relationship with God Welcoming, Integrating & Caring – To create an environment where newcomers, visitors and regular worshippers feel equally welcome and valued at St Mary’s; and to provide opportunities and encouragement for people to grow in the love of God and one another. Learning, Living & Sharing – To lead and deliver discipleship and evangelizing strategies in accordance with our Mission to all ages across the parish Making Connections – To develop effective and consistent ways of St. Mary’s connecting with the whole parish, wider community of Whitley Bay and within the congregation itself. Our messages should be clear and reach as wide an audience as possible; work with all parts of life of the parish to coordinate the work we do with people on the edge of our community; and reflect our understanding of our part in God’s mission. Building Resources – To lead the project for refurbishing the church buildings through raising funds, negotiating with architects and contractors; supporting the PCC and the congregation as we resource the mission of the church through good stewardship of people, buildings and finance.
Throughout all the themes, the need to consider the needs of all ages in the community from the youngest to eldest must be considered, as does our desire to uphold the mission of Justice and Peace.
Worship and Spirituality The PCC support the Liturgy Planning Group’s work to maintain the regular pattern of worship on Sundays, festivals and weekdays. Through this we have achieved the fostering of deeper personal relationships with God within the context of a community of mutual care as a sign of God’s Kingdom.
We continue to explore how the whole community- all ages, temperaments, stages of faith development are included, become participants and are offered opportunities for transformation. We make worship accessible to all in the parish, and something in which all can participate and be fed and challenged. We continue to deliver Lent, Advent and study groups by the laity. We explore creative use of worship space as redevelopment takes place and assist the community in recognising that redevelopment reflects something of what we are trying to embody as a community.
Achievements and Performance:
All are welcome to attend our regular services. At present there are 195 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll.
1 new name was added during the year and 9 were removed either through death or because they moved away from the parish.
The average weekly attendance was 121 adults and 9 children, totalling 130.
As well as regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through Baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and to commend the person into God’s keeping.
We have celebrated 10 baptisms, 2 weddings and held 37 funerals in our church this year.
Three special services were co-ordinated during 2014 (Something On Sunday). These are designed to support less regular Church attendees to feel comfortable in Church by not following the defined Order of Service.
Carol Services were co-ordinated with local schools at Christmas.
Welcoming, Integrating & Caring PCC’s Welcoming Integrating and Caring (WIC) Group welcome and identify newcomers; to encourage them to join the Church community. To achieve this, more “welcomers” have been recruited and a welcome pack is made available.
The WIC group help worshippers to grow in their faith by making them aware of services, groups and courses that are available, and encouraging participation.
WIC also co-ordinate the pastoral care network, and maintain a recording system that is continually updated to “watch-out” for all members of St Mary’s.
Learning, Living & Sharing Our group “Learning, Living & Sharing” leads and delivers discipleship and evangelizing strategies in accordance with our Mission to all ages across the Parish.
During 2014 leaders were developed to help the Baptism Group; The Baptism Group is in place to support families, and sponsor Baptism candidates to achieve lasting connections following the service.
The Lent Learning “Pay It Forward” was very successful, using film based learning.
Rev Peter Knibbs led the Advent 2014 course, which was a great way for our new incumbent to get to know members of the congregation.
Godly Play has achieved connections with local schools, with Southridge School afternoon classes now being held twice weekly.
Making Connections Three editions of “St Mary’s Good News” Newsletter were prepared and distributed free of charge to every household in the Parish.
A new communications strategy has been prepared during 2014, to use social media (Church web-site and other social media platforms) more effectively. Justice and Peace continues to be led by a dedicated group. Leading in to Prisons Week November 2014, J&P facilitated guest speaker led discussions to consider our response to prisoners, and provided great insight to prisoners own perspectives.
St Mary’s collects donations from the congregation of foodstuffs and essential toiletries, that are distributed to those directed to “The Bay Foodbank” for emergency immediate need supplies
Building Resources Special expenditure is identified for the Refurbishment and Redevelopment of St Mary’s. The faculty granted in 2010 is for a £580,000 project. Three phases of the project have been completed, (Kitchen, Heating System and Gathering Space) totalling £237,000. To achieve funding, St Mary’s are operating a donation scheme alongside Stewardship, known as Pledging, which is anticipated will raise £123,000 by end 2015. The Redevelopment project also has a structured programme of applications to Trusts that may support Church redevelopment projects. The Curate’s house, 89 Queen’s Road, will be sold during 2015, and funds released will be used for the Church Redevelopment. There are fund raising events to reduce the remaining financial gap.
Thanks to the success of the Pledging Appeal to St Mary’s Parishioners, the positive responses we have received from Trusts and others for grants, and the decision to sell our Curate’s house, the whole funding to complete the Redevelopment will be in place. (Whole development cost £529,557 incl VAT).
The mission of Justice and Peace. Our achievements with Charitable Activities:
CAP - (Christians Against Poverty Debt Service) PICA - Partners in Community Action, Newcastle Diocese US - United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
Deanery Synod Seven members of the PCC sit on the Deanery Synod, comprised of all clergy and three elected lay representatives.
During 2014 the Deanery Synod focused attention on "God Calling Network", an initiative to encourage younger Christians between the ages of 18 years and 30 years. A trip to Taize is planned in late July and early August 2015.
Financial Review We detail how St Mary’s has funded its Mission; Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £141,745 of which £119,948 came from unrestricted voluntary donations, including £18,787 from Income Tax Gift Aid that now includes GASDS (Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme).
Restricted donations of £27,824 were also received, and are detailed in the Financial Statements.
The Curate’s house, 89 Queen’s Road secures a rental income of £9000, and net of expenses contributed £6,200 to St Mary’s operating expense. As the Curate’s house will be sold to provide remaining funding for Redevelopment of Church building during 2015, the need to compensate this loss of revenue in the future is recognised.
Planned giving through Stewardship decreased during 2014 by £5,630, with several high value contributors dying during the year. Stewardship renewal was held through autumn 2014, and Standing Order returns to our Stewardship Secretary indicate an additional £6427 (plus associated Gift Aid) will be secured during 2015.
The Autumn Fayre raised £4010, and as agreed through PCC proceeds were unrestricted, to general funds including Property Development.
£139,003 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the ministry from St Mary’s Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share, £94150. That increased 2% in the year and has been met in full. Parish share largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.
The Hall had a better year financially during 2014, and achieved an operating surplus, £1,799. We need to nurture the hall, to maximise community use with bookings and associated income, so we can plan with greater confidence to consider redeveloping this facility for the future. This will require a continued structured approach to planning hall use with Hall Users, Hall Leaders and PCC. The net result for the year was income £2,742 on unrestricted funds. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31st December 2014 on unrestricted funds totalled £127,902.
Investments held and objectives of these investments
Unrestricted:
Restricted Funds (Major Amounts):
Fixed Assets:
Reserves Policy It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £33,000. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The unrestricted cash balance at year end meets this target.
Funds in deficit, with steps being taken to eliminate the deficit:
Churchwarden’s report for APCM 2015
Katy and David have now been wardens for three years and the APCM marks the end of our term. It’s been an interesting, rewarding and sometimes challenging three years. Following a gentle start as we hid behind Jane and Vicky, we then found ourselves as the legal wardens facing a vacancy following Robin’s retirement. This was a big change, and a huge leap in responsibilities. But of course, it didn’t simply fall onto our shoulders alone. Alongside us have been the Quad, office, fellow wardens, other staff and all those members of the congregation who quietly and efficiently undertake all the tasks that keep St Mary’s alive, breathing and indeed thriving.
Working as a warden and the Quad. It’s been a year of two halves! The first half of the year while we were still in vacancy was very hectic; there was the process of appointing a new vicar including a parish visit day and a day of interviews. Following the news that Peter Knibbs was to be our new vicar there were preparations to be made for the induction service on 2 October. During this period we were also preparing for Benjamin to move on from St Mary’s to take up his first post as an incumbent.
During the vacancy the quad met approximately fortnightly with multiple email communication in between. There are many day to day decisions to be made in the running of the parish and from time to time a crisis arises. The quad enabled David and Katy as wardens to share this work and to have a forum for discussion about important decisions. Kate Stobart joined the quad and then Bryan and Judy as pastoral wardens so that eventually we were Quad + 3. During October we had a transition period of meeting with Peter to introduce him to what was happening at St Mary’s and how things were working.
Since November the role of warden has been dramatically quieter and calmer as Peter has taken on his leadership mantle; a return to a saner timetable of meetings, being on duty for services and being involved in email and face to face discussions about various matters. There are certain statutory requirements and communications with the diocese which fall to the wardens to organise. We are very grateful to Bryan Morgan for all his work in getting the Terrier (it’s not a dog) and the inventory up to date ahead of the Archdeacon’s visitation which took place on the 5 March. The parish has to submit statistics to the diocese about such things as service attendances, worshipping congregation numbers, baptisms, weddings and funerals - the annual parish return. Kate Stobart created a spreadsheet and a system to collect this information when she was warden and has very generously continued to deal with this.
Worship During the vacancy we have been very fortunate to have the staff team and the Worship and Spirituality core group who together have ensured that our pattern of worship has continued and flourished. Worship is at the core of what we do, connecting us to God and to each other, sharing the Eucharist and learning more about God. While the main Sunday morning and weekday morning services provide the structure to our worshipping week we have continued to have variety and room for innovation and exploration of other forms of worship. Sunday afternoon family worship events and Good Friday all age worship provide a “fresh expression of church”; although these have been fewer in number than we have aspired to they have been much valued by those who have attended. They provide a place to worship for a group of people for whom more conventional worship might be difficult – for example, those with small children, those for whom the language and pattern of the Eucharist is foreign and hard to relate to, those for whom Sunday morning timing doesn’t work. Those who prepare for and host these events find that they deepen and learn more about their faith through the preparation of worship.
Outreach/community Worship refreshes us and builds us up to engage with our lives and the world outside the church building. We are very glad to have continued to be involved in various local outreach initiatives which connect us to the wider community. Whitley Lodge Community Spirit has continued to thrive initially under the leadership of Benjamin; since he left St Mary’s that role has fallen to Sue Hart with valuable input from others in the congregation. The Summer fair was a great success and provided an opportunity for St Mary’s to be “out and about” (as it says on the t-shirts), meeting with those who live in our parish. The craft activity was offered as a gift to those who participated but it also provided an opportunity for gentle evangelism, through demonstrating the care and love which is inspired by our relationship with God and doing that boldly in the name of the church. The switching on of the Christmas lights and carol singing before Christmas continued with that ministry. The newsletter dropped through the door of every house in the parish continues to update people on what is happening at St Mary’s and we hope is a reminder that all are welcome to join us.
We continue to contribute to caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our local community through the local Food bank, through the Street Pastors and through De Paul U.K. Many members of the congregation give regularly and generously to the Food bank. Although we have no-one in the congregation who is a street pastor, we do have a prayer pastor, Ruth Blake, and we are committed to supporting the street pastors and to enabling anyone who feels called to undertake this ministry to do so. The Justice and Peace group work is ongoing and they help to engage us and guide us in other charitable activities and donations which are detailed in their report.
Learning – Advent and Lent Learning about our faith and our relationship with God is a lifelong process. Research has shown that we learn more effectively in groups and that churches which meet as small groups are more likely to be thriving. The Living, Learning and Sharing core group support us in making this happen at St Mary’s. Of particular note is the Lent course using Pilgrim course materials which has been taken up with enthusiasm by over 50 people. The Advent course which Peter ran using the York courses material provided a similar opportunity for learning about our faith with each other. The number of groups which have contributed to this report is testament to our commitment to encourage the ministry of all the baptised.
Events Whenever St Mary’s holds an ‘event’ it is invariably well supported; parish meetings, the Autumn Fair, social gatherings and Whitley Lodge Community Spirit events are some examples. It can be a challenge getting people to organise such events so we were very pleased at the great work of the “Hub” who organised the Autumn Fair led by Patrick Pratt. It was another wonderful event which gave us the opportunity to use our creative skills, invite into the church a huge number of people and of course raise a significant sum of money to support our ongoing mission at St Mary’s.
Staff We have seen quite a change in staff over the past year or so. Benjamin left us as curate to start his first incumbency in Haydon Bridge. His help, enthusiasm and energy contributed to us remaining sane – although it was sometimes difficult to get a word in!
Eileen has ‘retired’, but we look forward to welcoming her back at Pentecost. She gave us the benefit of her wisdom, experience and common sense, and particularly her knowledge of St Mary’s and our people, during the vacancy. Many of the congregation will know from personal experience how much she devoted herself to pastoral care.
We are delighted that others have arrived: Pat is back with us, this time as curate. She is now a vital part of the team and we are delighted to see her establishing herself as a vital cog in our wheel, with an insider’s knowledge of our community.
We welcomed Yvonne as a trainee reader, and are delighted that she has been allowed to develop her ministry with us at St Mary’s. And then there’s her husband, or Peter, our new vicar. We realised that it was vital that the parishioners make it clear to us what they wanted from a new incumbent. Robin brought us into the 21st century, but it was clear that most of us now wanted primarily a parish priest; a steady hand on the wheel to guide us through what may be choppy waters, while ensuring that we are all able to be the church rather than just attending church. And we wanted to make sure it was someone who embraced our ethos of ‘making Christ known through building his church’. Peter was welcomed enthusiastically on the 2nd October. He has spent the first few months memorising names, observing how we work and not treading on toes. We are starting to see some sensible and sensitive changes and look forward to a loving and supporting relationship with Peter as our Parish priest.
Office changes The Parish office is central to the smooth running of St Mary’s. Ruth Blake and Dot Clarke worked together in the office for 7 years and proved to be a dedicated, caring and efficient team. When Ruth decided (before meeting Peter!) it was time to retire it was typical of her consideration for others and the needs of the church that she gave us plenty of warning and timed her retirement to make it minimally disruptive for the life of the church, for us as churchwardens, and for Peter as he started his ministry with us. Ruth, being Ruth, understood that it would help our new vicar if she stayed on until Christmas. We, and Peter, are very grateful for that. We are very fortunate that Carol Nesbitt was available and willing to step into Ruth’s place and form a new office team with Dot.
St Mary’s in the diocese and beyond It is important to our life as a worshipping community that we are not insular or exclusive. Many of our congregation contribute to the life of the diocese, the locality and beyond. We are particularly pleased that the work of Roger Windass, who has used his professional expertise in the service of the diocese for many years, was recognised for this contribution by being made a lay Canon of the cathedral on 8 March. He joins 3 other Canons from St Mary’s congregation, Rev Eileen Noble, Sue Hart and Tony Garland.
Finance Once again, St Mary’s fulfilled its pledge to meet its Parish share in full, and make charitable donations of at last 5% of stewardship income. This is something to be proud of, and we remain one of the biggest contributors of Parish Share in north east England. Every now and again, we hear rumours that we are in trouble, financially. We have no idea where these stories come from, but do read our treasurer’s report. Money is always tight, but we have our heads above the water. The PCC agreed that the planned giving campaigns should be low key whilst the redevelopment was on-going. And our low key approach last year appeared to pay dividends initially, with a good increase in regular giving promised. But for a variety of reasons, not all the funds followed. This left us with a significant shortfall in income, but, as hinted above, other funds were given to the church to ‘plug the gap’. Once the redevelopment is completed later this year, we need to find the energy to once again raise the profile of stewardship.
Redevelopment As we write the report the redevelopment ‘crunch time’ is approaching. We await tenders for the work, and will then appoint the appropriate contractor. No matter what your opinion of the work which will be undertaken, we ask for your prayers for the team who have undertaken a huge amount of work to get us this far. In particular, the fund raisers, the original team who did the groundwork, and the present team who are responsible for the future of our buildings. And for the firm who will be undertaking the work. We’re delighted with the work undertaken so far, and truly believe that the next stage will provide us with a wonderful and inspirational environment in which to praise God and a base from which to take our faith into the community.
The Gathering Space Last February saw the conversion of the former Side Chapel into a meeting room space. As we looked towards the official dedication of this room by Bishop Frank in August we needed to find a name that would reflect our aspirations for its use but not communicate limitations on that use for one purpose or another. After much discussion and canvassing of opinions the PCC agreed that it should be called “The Gathering Space”. It is in regular use on Sunday mornings for Godly play and has provided a beautiful and worshipful space for the children and adults who partake in that. The cabinets with the Godly play materials are left on display partly for practical reasons but also because they tell a story – go and have a look and see if you can follow it. The centrality of the Risen Christ and the Christ light also give a feeling of sanctity, of a chapel like space. The beauty of the cabinets is that they can be easily turned to conceal the contents if they are not appropriate to the purpose of others meeting there. Our commitment is that this space is available for use by the wider community. The Godly Play sessions for Southridge School and Christ Church School are one example of this use. PCC also now uses The Gathering Space as its regular meeting place. Bishop Frank blessed and dedicated The Gathering Space and the renovated church bell on 17 August.
Hall The church hall continues to be well used by uniformed organisations, badminton club, art classes, toddlers dance sessions, toddler group, diet and fitness club, as well as for private parties. Hall management and organisation of bookings remains a challenge. Attempts to have an individual responsible for the hall bookings led to duplication of work with the office so we are back to all bookings going through the office. We are fortunate that the scouts have decorated some areas of the hall. One of the challenges over the next few months will be making the hall a good place to worship during the church building work. We want hall users to feel that they are part of our church community. MU@8 provided pancakes for Shrove Tuesday (well actually a week before as Shrove Tuesday was during half term) for Young Notes, Beavers, leaders and parents. This was a great opportunity to invite these people into church and to offer food and conversation. We are also hoping that a joint bid to the Wellesley trust which Peter is co-ordinating will be successful. This is for equipment which is needed by various hall users.
Communications The newsletter has already been mentioned as a means of communicating with the people of the parish. The weekly newssheet also serves a valuable purpose in keeping people up to date with what is going on at St Mary’s. This year saw the production of the parish magazine halt after many years of serving as education, entertainment and communication about the life of St Mary’s. Helen and Michael Matthews have edited and produced the magazine for a number of years and we are very grateful to them for their creative and practical skills in doing so. Ill health dictated that they were not able to continue with production of the magazine and this prompted a review of communication. A new communications group will consider all the ways in which we share information with each other including the magazine. Methods of communication have changed dramatically over the last 10 years and for many the first point of call is the internet. For those involved in running the church, email is a much used resource. Many people looking to see what is going on at St Mary’s will turn first to the website. Websites need constant updating and during the vacancy some updating was done. Many thanks to Michael Oakes for keeping the photographic record up to date and for week to week updating of news sheets, newsletter and other news. Despite this some pages are out of date and one of the tasks of the newly formed communications group will be to oversee how the website might be used to its full potential.
Bereavements We have had another year where we have lost many friends and parishioners. Our prayers are with the bereaved, that they may remember God’s loving presence in their time of loss and sadness.
Looking back and looking forward As we get to the end of our tenure, it’s a relief to see that the church remains standing and in good shape spiritually and physically. We have had no ‘disasters’ this year. Some of our friends have moved onto pastures new, and we thank them for their contributions to St Mary’s. There have been just a few buckets in church, and only one small occurrence of vandalism. It’s very pleasing to see new faces in church, and great that the ‘old faces’ do everything to make our new friends welcome.
As Judy and Bryan take on the reigns as legal wardens, we would formally like to record our thanks to them for the increasing lead they have taken in the warden duties over the past few months.
We know that we leave the parish in good hands, but they will continue to need all the rest of us to do our bit, remembering that as baptised members of the church we all have a vocation and a part to play. We pray that all will continue to support them through whatever contribution each one of us can make to the life of St Mary’s “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” Romans 12, 4-6.
Local Ministry Development Team (LMDT) APCM 2015 Report
Since the last APCM the local ministry development team (LMDT) continued to meet monthly until November. LMDT has served to provide a confidential space for the discernment of the mission of St Mary’s with lay leaders working alongside staff team members. During the vacancy LMDT provided valuable support for the Quad and staff team. Of particular concern was succession planning for key roles in the church and encouraging all the people of St Mary’s to fulfil their own vocation. When we talk of vocation we mean this as each one of us fulfilling our individual potential and developing our God given gifts.
As we move forward with Peter as our vicar groups and leadership structures are evolving to suit the current needs of our church. The newly established joint meetings of all the Staff team and lay leaders (Churchwardens, PCC lay chair and treasurer) will serve the purpose which LMDT has had over the last 6 years and will be called the Local Ministry Development Group (LMDG).
Katy Bell (on behalf of LMDT)
Safeguarding Report
Statistics for Past Three Years
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Worship and Spirituality Core Group Report
Chalice Administrators Report
Servers Group Report
Music Group Report
Young Notes Group Report
Sanctuary Guild Group Report
Welcoming, Integrating and Caring Core Group Report
Sidesmen/Sideswomen Group
Baptism Support Group
Learning, Living and Sharing Core Group Report
Godly Play Report
St Mary’s Schools/Church Links Group
Justice and Peace Group Report to APCM, April 2015
St Mary’s Badminton Club
St Mary’s Mothers’ Union @2 Branch Committee Report
Mothers’ Union @8 Group Report
1st Monkseaton Rainbows Group
4th & 12th Monkseaton Brownie Groups
6th Whitley Bay Scout Group - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
St Mary’s Church Hall Report
Gardening Group
Parish Office Report
WE REMEMBER ……
In our Annual Report we remember by name those members of our church community who have died
In baptism each of us was given our own place at God’s family table. May our friends departed now claim that promised place at the wedding feast of heaven.
Christ is risen - the first fruits of all who have died!
God of our Life, God of all our years, God of our beginning, hear us as we pray, in a mixture of sadness, gratitude and hope, for those who have died during our last year and we pray for all who mourn.
William Fittzen MILLS Lilian Edna PREECE Desmond Percy Cedric FLETCHER Geoffrey Brian SCARTH Joan Frances HEDLEY Andrea Louise SMITH Shirley Parker MILLER Geoffrey NEEDHAM Norman Frederick OATES Marion ELLIOTT John DILLON Jean JOWETT Kathleen Mary SCOTT Brenda BROWN Andrew Joicey BEATTIE Thomas William SMITH Derek HAYES David HILL Ella JOYCE Irene FRECKLETON Winifred FINCH Norma WATSON Kenneth HUMBLE Beryl HALL Vera MARTIN Raymond NESBITT Shiela RICHARDSON Sylvia MURRAY Irene HILL Brian TWEEDY Ann ELLIOT Geoffrey Carmichael MacKENZIE Joyce NICHOLSON Audrey HALL Peter WHELAN Mary LISSEMAN William Robert TEASDALE Stephen John PETTITT
Thomas BELL Morris (Greg) GREGORY Jeremy ANDERSEN Dorothy THIRLBY
Our times are in your hands Lord. Amen
St Mary’s Parish Office, Claremont Gardens, Whitley Bay, NE26 3SF (0191 251 4216 * stmarymkstn@hotmail.co.uk website: www.stmarysmonkseaton.co.uk Registered Charity No: - 1131532
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Finance Group Report for activities 
WORSHIP & SPIRITUALITY
LEARNING, LIVING & SHARING 
MAKING CONNECTIONS
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