SPCM Pack

FINCHAMPSTEAD AND CALIFORNIA PARISH - ST JAMES’ CHURCH MEMBERS’ PACK

“Information Pack” for

The Special Parochial Church Meeting for the new parish to be held in St James’ Church Centre

on Wednesday 16th November 2011 at 7.30pm

Containing: (i) Agenda for the 2011 Special Parochial Church Meeting (ii) Minutes of 2011 Annual Parochial Church Meeting (iii) Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the 8

months to 31st August 2011. (iv) Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish Church (v) Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod (vi) Report on the revised Church Electoral Roll (vii) Reports from the PCC committees and Working Groups (viii) Reports from the Church’s organisations and groups (ix) Information from Canon (Church) Law about sidespeople (x) Roles and responsibilities of Deanery Synod members (xi) Profile of a PCC Member/ Charity Trustee (xii) Legal Responsibilities of a Charity Trustee (xiii) Notes on the composition of the PCC (xiv) St Mary & St John’s Annual Report and Financial Statements (xv) St Mary & St John’s Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report (xvi) St Mary & St John’s Group Reports

Parish of Finchampstead & California, created 1 Sept 2011

SPECIAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

for all those on the newly revised joint Church Electoral Roll to be held in St James’ Church Centre, Finchampstead, RG40 4LU

on Wednesday 16 November 2011 at 7.30pm

beginning with a short service of Holy Communion as an act of commitment to the new parish

AGENDA

1. Short said Holy Communion service 2. Welcome and Introduction by Rev Julie Ramsbottom, Rector. 3. Apologies For approval or acceptance: For Information: Electoral Roll Members may comment or ask questions on any of the Reports but only those Electoral Roll Members from each of the old parishes to vote separately on the reports which related to them previously. 1. Approval of minutes of 2011 Annual Parochial Church Meetings of both St James’

parish and St Mary & St John’s parish (only those who were present at each meeting to vote as appropriate.)

2. Approval of the Reports and Financial Statements of the two previous Parochial Church Councils for the eight months to the 31st August 2011 (St James’ and St Mary & St John’s to be approved separately)

3. Reports on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the two previous parishes of St James and St Mary & St John

4. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod – one report 5. Report on the new Electoral Roll for this SPCM – one report 6. Reports from the PCC committees and PCC Working Groups of the two churches 7. Reports from the organisations and groups linked to each of the two churches

For decision: 1. To decide if this SPCM will also count as the APCM for 2012 i.e. if next APCM

should be March/April 2013 (Vestry Meeting to elect churchwardens will still be required in 2012)

2. Election of seven (7) representatives to the Deanery Synod to serve the remaining term of the present Synod i.e. till 31 May 2014

3. Election of fifteen (15) representatives to the new Parochial Church Council (after which the three groups to start the three year rotation will be drawn by lot, firstly the third (5) to serve to the next APCM, secondly the third (5) to serve to the APCM after that, leaving a final third (5) to serve a full term)

4. Appointment of Sidespeople 5. Appointment of an Auditor/ Examiner

Any Other Business An opportunity for anyone eligible to vote to ask questions about the Parish and its activities (questions preferably in advance to the churchwardens or old PCC secretaries, please) Closing prayers

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PLEASE REPLY TO: Secretary Carolyn Fox 19 Gorse Ride North

Finchampstead Berkshire RG40 4ES

Tel: 0118 973 2262 [email protected]

Given that God comes first in everything, make ourselves and others Better Disciples of Christ.

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting The Church Centre, on Sunday 10 April 2011, after the Annual Vestry Meeting at 12noon.

Present 50 parishioners, whose names are on the Church Electoral Roll, signed the Register of Attendance. The meeting was chaired by Richard Peat. 1 Opening Prayers & Welcome Rev John Edwards had already opened the vestry meeting by praying for Richard Peat as he took the chair today and for all those taking part. 2 Apologies Apologies were received from Keith and Tessa Atton, Chris and Jenny Barrows, Corinne Bellaby, Sarah and David Booth, Jim Bunn, Gill and John Coombs, Eric and Margaret Davies, Pam Davis, Hugh and Rosemary Dempster, Chris Driver, Joan Duncan, Brian and Sally Hamblin, Ann & Roger Jeater, Kate Meads, Julie Morley, Kim Murray, Beth Peat, Andrew Powell, Hazel Sutherland Pilch, Chris and Faye Weston, Andy and Judith Witting. Richard Peat explained that this was the second of two meetings, the other being the Vestry Meeting. At this Annual Parochial Church Meeting, only those on the Church Electoral Roll were eligible to vote. Papers for the meeting were in the Information Pack circulated in advance of the meeting. FOR INFORMATION 1 Approval of Minutes of 2010 Annual Parochial Church Meeting There being no amendments, they were proposed by Maurice Driver, seconded by John Brain, agreed and duly signed by the chairman as a true record. Richard then explained that the minutes showed a serious oversight in the previous year’s meeting and that was not to have recorded our thanks to Janet Clements for her involvement in Sunday Club for over 20 years and leading it until just before last year’s APCM. He asked that she accept our apologies and our thanks for all she did for all those years for our children here at St James’. The meeting supported this sentiment by applauding. 2 Annual Report and Financial Statement of the PCC up to 31 December 2010 There were no questions on the Accounts. Ian Clements queried the implication in the Annual Report that he, through his company, correct name Quadriga Health & Safety Ltd, had given health & safety advice since only March 2005. He had been appointed by the parish in 1998 and so had given advice for eleven years for which the PCC was very grateful. The contract which he had ended was the one agreed by the Diocesan Registrar in 2005. As the Annual Report had been signed off by the examiner, the secretary advised she would have to seek advice from her on how to reflect this amended information. Subject to correction on this particular point, acceptance of the Annual Report and financial statements was proposed by Sue Sampson, seconded by Robert Alder and agreed unanimously. Richard Peat expressed thanks to John Slingsby and the ‘treasury team’ of Keith Hunt, Marion Row and Debbie Watthey, and to the rest of the Finance & Stewardship Committee for their hard work during the year in keeping the accounts, to Robert Alder for his work on Regular Giving and Gift Aid and to Rev John for his sermon series on Giving. He also thanked Carolyn Fox for putting together the report in collaboration with the treasurer. The meeting showed its appreciation with applause. 3 Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish Church Richard Peat thanked the Churchwardens for their work in being responsible for the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments and for checking the inventory, particularly re-instating the church after the conservation work. He thanked Ed Sampson for writing the report. He also thanked the Tuesday Working Party for their DIY work, those who clean the

ST JAMES’ PARISH FINCHAMPSTEAD The Church Centre, Manor House, Church Lane

Finchampstead RG40 4LU Tel/Fax: 0118 973 0133

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church especially Chris & Richard Widman who organise the team, the flower arrangers and particularly their leader, Denise Adams, and those who clean the linen and the silver. There was warm applause of appreciation. To a comment that the hardboard covering the broken window in the church porch did not seem very strong, Ed Sampson advised that new glass and a stronger bar were about to be fitted. It was proposed (Gill Myall), seconded (Barbara Brice) and unanimously approved that the report be accepted. 4 Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod Carolyn Fox was thanked for preparing the report and Julia Arscott and Carolyn for producing a report of each Synod meeting for the PCC. The other Deanery Synod representatives (Paul Arscott and Julie Morley, who has now decided to stand down) were also thanked. It was proposed (Paul Arscott), seconded (Mary Dewhurst) and unanimously approved that the Deanery Synod report be accepted 5 Report on the Electoral Roll for this APCM Sarah Booth was thanked for her work as Electoral Roll Officer and for preparing the report for this meeting and for each PCC meeting. Richard advised that it is a revised Electoral Roll and more names may again be added after the APCM. There are now 395 members. It was proposed (Ian Woolston), seconded (Miriam Laurent) and unanimously approved that the revised Electoral Roll be accepted. 6 Report from the PCC Committees & Working Groups Richard explained that the Committees and Working Groups do the practical work of the PCC. He thanked the chairs and members of the Committees and working groups for their time, work and effort. Eight PCC Committee reports and three Working Group reports had been prepared as follows:

Social & Fundraising Team Sue Sampson. Pastoral Team Paul Arscott. Finance & Stewardship Committee Julie Morley. Fabric & Property Committee Maurice Driver. Mission & Charitable Giving Committee Julia Arscott. Outreach & Discipleship Team Janet Clements. Worship & Liturgy Committee Carolyn Fox. Communications, IT & Publicity Committee Richard Peat. Conservation Project Working Group Carolyn Fox Conservation Appeal Group Carolyn Fox. Good Practice Advisory Group Carolyn Fox.

It was proposed (Becky Head), seconded (Barbara Brice) and unanimously agreed that the reports be accepted en bloc.

7 Reports from the Church’s Organisations and Groups Richard commented that these were the life blood of the church community and showed that St James’ was more than just Sunday attendance. Sixteen reports had been prepared for the pack as follows:

Fledgelings Karen Remmington. Sunday Club Karen Remmington. Youth Group Cathy Clayton. Mothers’ Union and Women’s Fellowship Sarah Owen. Churches Together In Crowthorne (CTC) Sarah Owen, Suzy Kitcher and Richard Owen. Tower Bellringers Trish Amos. Ladies Breakfast Cathy Clayton Housegroups Francis Moore and Neil Bidston Helen Taylor Churchyard Trust Richard Owen. Choir & Music Andrew Bosley. Church School Brian Remmington on behalf of Governors. Churches in Finchampstead Praying Together Carolyn Fox. Tuesday Working Party Richard Owen. Football Club Kevin Li Altar Servers Paul Arscott Breastfeeding Network Kate Meads

It was proposed (Richard Owen), seconded (Mary Dewhurst) and unanimously agreed that the reports be accepted en bloc. FOR DECISION 8 Election of Four Representatives to the Deanery Synod for 3 years to 31st May 2014 Richard referred to the roles and responsibilities document in the Information Pack. Three names were on the nomination sheet, Paul Arscott, Julia Arscott and Carolyn Fox. There were no further nominations so these three were declared elected.

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9 Election of Four Representatives to the Parochial Church Council Richard brought the meeting’s attention to the documents at the back of the Information Pack that set out the profile of a PCC member, the responsibilities of a Charity Trustee and the constitution of the PCC, together with a list of those continuing to be elected members of PCC.

a) 4 are elected until 2011: Mary Dewhurst, Kate Meads, Jonathan Marshall and Richard Owen. b) 4 are elected until 2012: Maurice Driver, John Brain, Rebecca Head and Richard Peat. c) 4 are elected until 2013: Sarah Booth, Gill Myall, Ian Woolston and Barbara Brice.

The first group have come to the end of their term. Jonathan Marshall did not wish to stand again. The nomination sheet contained three names, namely, Kate Meads, Mary Dewhurst and Richard Owen. There were no other nominations so these three were declared elected. Richard thanked all those who had served on PCC and Standing Committee, particularly those now standing down. He especially mentioned John Slingsby for his work as treasurer and for the many hours he had put into our VAT claim to achieve more refund than it seemed possible we might get. There was warm applause. 10 Appointment of Sidespeople Richard read the list of current Sidespeople (appointed at last APCM and by the PCC during the year) and the new volunteer (see attachment 1). He referred to the ‘duties’ sheet in the Information Pack and said how important this role is as the quality of welcome is remembered. As there were no other volunteers from the meeting, they were declared as appointed for the coming Church year. He thanked them all, including those who had ‘retired’ during the year. 11 Appointment of an Auditor / Examiner Karen Symons, a member of St Michael's, Sandhurst, was again willing to serve us as examiner this year. John Slingsby proposed her as she is thorough, helpful and understands the requirements of the Charity Commissioners. Ian Woolston seconded and her appointment was unanimously approved. 12 Any Other Business

a) Ed Sampson advised the meeting that as churchwarden in a vacancy he now realised something of what clergy have to deal with on the ‘other six days’. He thanked Karen Remmington in the office, the hub of parish life; also the Parish Profile Writing Team (Paul Arscott, Richard Peat and Carolyn Fox) who had worked so well with members from St Mary & St John’s – the Archdeacon had been pleased with the result; the Parish Representatives in the interview process (Nicky Alder and Richard Peat). He announced that Rev Julie Ramsbottom would be joining the parishes in the summer. He particularly thanked Rev John Edwards for his invaluable input during the vacancy with services and a huge amount of extra things. There was huge applause for Rev John.

b) Becky Head thanked the Confirmation Preparation Team of Rev John Edwards, Julia and Paul Arscott and the meeting applauded them.

c) Maurice Driver thanked Richard Peat for his work as Vice chair of the PCC and chairing today’s meetings. He was applauded.

d) Paul Arscott pointed out how we had thrived during the vacancy with 19 Confirmation candidates, a credit to the Youth Leaders, to the Church Primary School and to Ranelagh.

e) Cathy Clayton thanked the PCC for its support for Youth. She was concerned that falling numbers in Sunday Club would impact on Youth Group in the future. Rev John replied that this issue was recognised and discussion was ongoing to look at other ways of bringing children into the church community. One possibility was to develop the Family Service and also work with parents who do not have a church background. He stressed that this needed to be a top priority for the church for the next few years.

13 Conclusion Richard reminded PCC members that there would be a short PCC meeting immediately to vote to keep the Standing Committee in office until the next PCC meeting and also to consider the draft Pastoral Measure. There being no further business, Rev John Edwards closed the meeting with the Grace. Approval Attachments: � 1. List of Sidespeople � 2011

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Attachment 1

List of Sidespeople � agreed at 2011 APCM a) Previously approved at APCM or by PCC during the year

Mrs Anita Andrews Mrs Julia Arscott Mr John Coombs Mrs Mary Dewhurst Mr Maurice Driver Mrs Carolyn Fox Mrs Denise Gray Mrs Sally Hamblin Mrs Julie Hitti Mrs Fiona Judge Mrs Sheila Lardner Mrs Miriam Laurent Mrs Jackie Lawrence Mrs Kate Meads Mr Bill Morris Mrs Gill Myall Mrs Sue Norman Mr Richard Owen Mrs Jackie Payne Mr Norman Pearce Mr Keith Ray Mrs Sue Sampson Mrs Lindsay Van den Burg Mr Flemming Westphalen Mrs Louise Westphalen Mrs Felicity Workman

b) New volunteers approved at APCM Mrs Corinne Bellaby With thanks to the following who retired during the year: Mr Brian Hamblin Mrs Beverley Harris Mrs Rosemary Hossack Ms Suzy Kitcher Mrs Kim Murray

St James’ Church

Parish of Finchampstead

In the Deanery of Sonning and Diocese of Oxford The Finchampstead Parochial Church Council (PCC) presents its Report and Financial Statements for the period 1 January 2011 to 31 August 2011 to the Special Parochial Church Meeting held on 16 November 2011, held as a result of the legal union of the parishes of Finchampstead and California which took effect from 1 September 2011. St James’ Church, Church Office, Manor House, Church Lane, Finchampstead, Berkshire RG40 4LU Tel: 0118 973 0133 [email protected] Registered Charity (No 1130075)

CONTENTS 1. Report of Finchampstead Parochial Church Council (Trustees’ Report) Page 1 - 6 2. Independent Examiner’s Report Page 7 3. Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) Page 8 4. Balance Sheet Page 9 5. Notes to Financial Statements Page 11

1. Trustees’ Report for period 1 Jan 2011 – 31 Aug 2011 Administrative Information Finchampstead Parochial Church Council is the governing body for St. James’ Church, Finchampstead. The church is situated at Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 4LU and is in Sonning Deanery in the Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England. The PCC’s principal bankers are CAF Bank Ltd. The independent examiner is Karen Symons FCA, Willow Corner, 7 Ackrells Mead, Little Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8JJ The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a registered charity. – no 1130075 and all its members (elected, ex officio and co-opted) are Charity Trustees registered with the Charity Commission. Members of the PCC are generally either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Under the Synodical Government Amendment Measure 2003, the elected places come up for election on a three year cycle and members may stand for re-election. If anyone stands down early, a replacement fills the remainder of the three year term, to maintain the three year rotation. Three groups have been established, A, B and C, with those to replace members standing down early being decided by lot after the required total number have been elected. Deanery Synod representatives are elected for 3 years (at present to 31/05/2014) and become ex officio members of the PCC. The Churchwardens are elected annually at the ‘Vestry Meeting’ and, under the Churchwardens Measure 2001, may be re-elected up to a maximum of six consecutive years served. The churchwardens are admitted to office by the bishop between the APCM and 31st July each year but take up their place on PCC immediately after election. A retiring churchwarden continues in office until the successor is admitted to office. The Associate Priest is automatically part of the PCC. Licensed Lay Ministers may be required by the APCM to be part of the PCC but APCMs to date have not required this.

St James’ Church Finchampstead Trustees’ Report for the period 1 January to 31 August 2011

Charity Number: 1130075 Page: 2 3 Nov-11

During the period from 1 Jan to 31 Aug 2011 the following served as members of the PCC (Trustees):- Incumbent: Mostly Vacancy. Rev Julie Ramsbottom was licensed to the parish on the evening of 31 August 2011 Associate Priest: Rev John Edwards (NSM) Associate Curate: Rev Brynn Bayman (NSM) since ordination on 2 July 2011 Churchwardens: Mrs Nicky Alder (served continuously since APCM 2008) Mr Ed Sampson (served continuously from APCM 2009) Representatives on the Deanery Synod: Mr. Paul Arscott (Licensed Lay Eucharistic Minister) Mrs Julia Arscott Mrs Carolyn Fox (PCC Secretary) Mrs Julie Morley to APCM 2011 Mrs Cathy Clayton from 18 July 2011 Elected Member: Mrs. Sarah Booth (C) Mr. John Brain (B) Mrs Barbara Brice (C) Mrs. Mary Dewhurst (A) Mr. Maurice Driver (B) Mrs Rebecca Head (B) to 18 July 2011 Mr Jonathan Marshall (A) to APCM 2011 Mrs Kate Meads (A) Mrs. Gill Myall (C ) Mr Richard Owen (A) Mr Richard Peat (B) (Lay Vice Chair) Mr John Slingsby (A) to APCM 2011 (Treasurer to 23 May 2011) Mr Ian Woolston (C) Co-opted Member Mr Don Monk (to APCM 2011) Rev John Smith (from 23 May 2011) (Treasurer from 23 May 2011) Structure, governance and management The PCC is a corporate body formed under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended. The PCC makes all decisions corporately except that the Standing Committee has delegated powers to make decisions between PCC meetings subject to keeping the PCC informed as fully as necessary. The practical work of the PCC is largely devolved to committees and working groups which report back regularly and bring recommendations for decision to the PCC: (Committees:- Communications, IT and Publicity committee; Outreach and Discipleship committee; Fabric & Property; Finance & Stewardship; Worship & Liturgy; Mission & Charity; Pastoral; Social & Fundraising) (Working Groups:- Church Conservation Working Group & Conservation Appeal Group, both disbanded in May 2011 following completion of the tasks for which established, Good Practice Advisory Group, on hold unless required.) The PCC is responsible for all parish finance, including the appointment of a treasurer, and is required to ensure that the financial statements are examined by an independent examiner prior to presentation to the APCM. Objectives and activities Finchampstead PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical and for maintaining this work during the interregnum. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of the Church, Churchyard, Manor House Flats, Church Centre, Hall and associated grounds and 43, McCarthy Way. The mission statement is ‘Given that God comes first in everything, make ourselves and others better disciples of Christ’. The PCC has, when planning activities, considered the Charity Commissioner’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. A key



feature of the charity registration was the benefits that St James' provides to the members of the local and wider community. These include:

� A focus for the Christian spiritual life of the local community. � The provision of religious services throughout the Christian calendar and on key occasions in

the nation's life. These are supplemented by Baptisms, Marriage services, Funeral services and Burials. Such services of the established Church of England are open to everyone.

� A sacred place of tranquillity, peace or solitude for spiritual refreshment or personal meditation. � Pastoral care for those not able to visit St James'. � An enhanced venue for the provision of music and concerts, both religious and secular. � Complementary venues for Church related clubs and activities as well as private functions. � Support to the village school, and other non-denominational schools within the local area. � A local 'Living Museum' preserving local history for local people and those beyond. � Physical access for both the able and the disabled. � The parish aims to give 10% of its unrestricted income each year to other organisations involved

in mission in the UK and overseas or involved in humanitarian relief and development work. Charity Trustee Induction and Training The nomination papers state that nominees should not be “disqualified from being a Charity Trustee.” The implications of the role of Charity Trustee are clearly stated in a paper setting out 7 Primary Responsibilities of Charity Trustees in the APCM Information Pack with additional reference to the Charity Commission publication ‘The Essential Trustee: What you need to know.’ The nomination sheets all remind candidates that they will become Charity Trustees and refer them to this ‘Legal Responsibilities’ paper. Candidates are reminded in the ‘Profile of a PCC Member/Charity Trustee’ document in the Information Pack that they must “take the role of Charity Trustee seriously”. Further induction and training are available when registration forms are completed for new PCC members and afterwards if required. Achievements and performance Church attendance The Church Electoral Roll revised for the 2011 APCM saw a net decrease by 2 to 395 parishioners. The average weekly Sunday attendance, counted during May 2011, was 225 (Oct 2010, 225). The number increased at festivals (Easter Day 2011, 415 (2010, 505), Confirmation Service on 3 July 2011 at Wellington College Chapel, 339). The short 9.30am Family Services twice monthly are lively and well attended and continue to be a particular growth area within the church community. A service for the local Church of England Primary school is held each half term, either in the church or the school. During the 8 month period, there were 19 baptisms, 23 weddings and 4 funerals, of which 3 were followed by burials in the churchyard. A further 8 interments of ashes took place in the churchyard during the period. Risk Management The PCC recognises its responsibility to assess and manage the various risks to which it is exposed: a) Financial The Financial Management software enables the Treasurer to make regular reports to the PCC and to track and analyse trends much more effectively. The PCC asks the Finance & Stewardship Committee to assess the income/expenditure situation and takes appropriate action to ensure its financial stability regularly. Control is maintained over cash receipts and cheques over £1000 drawn on the CAFcash account require two signatures from a short designated list. All payments via online banking require to be authorized by a ‘second signatory’. There is good recording of invoices received and paid in order to show a full audit trail from receiving the invoice to being able to identify where the invoice is posted in the accounts. All financial data on computer is backed up regularly so that records can be recreated if necessary. Fund balances are in good interest bearing accounts mainly with the Diocese and CAF. b) Reputational The PCC and its committees oversee all activities that impact on the local population as appropriate. c) Statutory The PCC and Church members in general have a wide range of expertise that is called upon to ensure that the PCC complies with its legal and statutory duties. One PCC member updates Charity Trustee details with the Charity Commission and submits accounts and reports. On 20 September 2010 a



contract was signed with Flemming Westphalen of qsuk ltd to supply Health & Safety advice. He is currently reviewing the PCC’s documents and processes in order to give up to date advice. In line with the Licensing Of Premises Act, the Church Centre has an Entertainment Licence. Fire Protection advice has been given by RES, resulting in a review and renewal of fire protection devices to meet statutory guidelines. A Data Protection Officer has been appointed. d) Operational The PCC takes responsibility for maintaining the fabric of the buildings, a major conservation project on the church having been completed in 2010. Trustee Indemnity Insurance is in place for PCC members. Our Insurance policies with Ecclesiastical Insurance are reviewed annually, thanks to the expertise of Peter McBrien. Contractors on Church premises are asked to sign up to a code of conduct, ‘Guidelines for the Safety of Contractors on Church Premises’(copy in Church Office). A programme of practical Health & Safety Training is being rolled out (so far to PCC members and the Tuesday Working Party) by the new Health & Safety Advisor. The PCC has a Serious Incident Reporting Procedure for use by its groups (copy in Church Office). The Pastoral Team now has a Pastoral Care Guidelines document. Non-PCC members with access to parish records now sign a confidentiality statement. Following what appeared to be an attempted break-in to the church and a series of other incidents locally, the PCC has taken advice from a police Crime Prevention Officer. Review of the 8 months to 31 August 2011 General In the period, the full PCC met 7 times, three times as extra meetings to transact a particular item of business (agreeing the Parish Profile, agreeing after the APCM to retain the officers in place until the May PCC date and agreeing a response to the draft Pastoral Measure, jointly with St Mary & St John PCC agreeing a further revision of the Parish Profile prior to advertising for the second stipendiary post). The average attendance over the 7 meetings was very good. The Standing Committee met 4 times and their minutes were distributed to the whole PCC. The PCC committees/teams (Social & Fundraising; Fabric & Property; Finance & Stewardship; Mission & Charity; Communications, IT & Publicity; Pastoral; Worship & Liturgy; Outreach & Discipleship, Churchyard Trust Committee) met regularly during the year and submitted written reports to each full PCC meeting. These were discussed where necessary, particularly where a decision was required. The Conservation Working Group also reported to PCC till the end of the ‘snagging’ period after which it was disbanded, together with the Conservation Appeal Group. The Good Practice Advisory Group is held in abeyance pending being asked by PCC to undertake specific tasks. Major items for the period The early part of the year was focused on arrangements for advertising the vacancy of Rector/Rector designate for the proposed united parish of Finchampstead and California. Following successful interviews in March, planning then followed for Rev Julie’s move to the Rectory and her Licensing service in St James’ Church. The Parish Profile was further amended in consultation with St Mary & St John’s PCC and the Parish Representatives re-elected in preparation for advertising the second stipendiary post, but that search has not been successful so far. Again in consultation with St Mary & St John’s PCC, a response was made to the Diocese about the Draft Pastoral Measure to re-unite the two parishes. This Measure then had to be displayed in both parishes for comment by mid August. When the PCC met Rev Julie in May, the expectation was that the legal process might with luck be in place by the New Year and that informal ways of working together could be considered before then. Suddenly to find the legal union in place from 1 September and having to find out what that entailed came as a shock both to Rev Julie and the PCCs. The PCC had decided to strengthen its link with St Matthew’s Church in Kimberley, South Africa and our sponsorship of their school project by sending two PCC members there in April. This was preceded by an in-depth discussion with the representatives to map out clear objectives for their trip and ways that the outcomes could be communicated to the whole congregation. Following successful completion of the snagging period after the Conservation Project, the retention money was approved for release to the contractors. The previous treasurer, John Slingsby, put in a great deal of work to obtain the best refund of VAT that he could under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme but there remained a shortfall on the project funding. The PCC decided to let fundraising and donations continue till the end of 2011 and then review the situation. Protecting the



church building and contents has been the subject of closer concern following a spate of burglaries and damage to several local churches and what appeared to be an attempted break-in here. The PCC continued to take Health & Safety seriously and much work is underway with the new Advisor, including training delivered first to the PCC. The PCC has contributed to the second consultation on the Arborfield Housing Plan and again offered to work with Wokingham Borough Council on the provision of church facilities at present lacking in the proposed development.

Financial Review 1 Summary of results for the 8 month period The statement of financial activities defines a broadly satisfactory position when income exceeded expenditure by over twenty two thousand pounds. Comparisons with last years’ figures need to take account of the impact of the conservation fund in 2010. However line by line comparison does indicate well controlled financial management Significant factors within this overall position were the VAT rebate for expenditure on the conservation project(c£30k), a net increase in income from weddings(£5k) and a reduction in the value of equity investments(down c£39k). The accounts are based on accrual accounting procedures which raise some interesting points when comparing with the accounts for 1 January 2010 to 31 August 2010. Those accounts are cash accounts and therefore do not include dividends declared for the period to end of August 2010 whilst these accounts do, nor do they account for the timing of payments of the Parish share and Insurances. These accounts do take these issues into account and are therefore a fair statement of resources received and expended in the course of running the parish for this eight month period. It should also be noted that if comparing to a full year no provision has been made for the practice of missionary giving which usually is done at the end of the financial year. During the year there have a number of events along side regular giving to further reduce the conservation fund. At the end of this period the outstanding amount had been reduced from £58k to approx £13k. A successful fete contributed to this good position. Voluntary giving benefited from the Autumn sermon series so eloquently delivered by John Edwards. The balance sheet confirms that St James ends this period in a very strong position in large part due to the generosity of past generations. At £1,162k it is £22K above end of the 2010 figure and £110k above last August’s. This partially reflects the practice of annual valuation of fixed assets such that the August 2010 valuation was based on end of year 2009 valuation. It is instructive, however, to note that even after the slump in equity values in the middle of this year current values are higher than the August 2010 comparator. The details of the “Accounts Receivable” and “Accounts Payable” are in one of the attached schedules and reflect the practice of accrual accounting. 2 Organisation 2.1 Treasury Team – Thanks are extended to the Treasury Team who have continued to work hard during the 2011 financial year. The final stages of the conservation project led to additional work and often difficult bookings within the accounts yet these were managed well. The new finance system is now well bedded in and is facilitating the recording and reporting on financial performance. Special thanks are due to Keith Hunt, Debbie Watthey and Marion Row who manage the financial transactions and continue to support the Treasurer in his duties. 2.2 Finance & Stewardship Committee (F&S) – The Committee continued to meet regularly during the year. Financial responsibility is designated from the PCC to the F&S committee and the committee continues to be active in all aspects of church life. Thanks go to all members of the F&S committee who work hard during the year to provide input into the key financial decisions in respect of our Church. Special thanks should be extended to Robert Alder, our Giving and Gift Aid co-ordinator, who continues to identify opportunities for planned giving in the church and whose hard work has seen a growth in Income over the year. 3 Processes 3.1 Donation Processes - Robert Alder deserves much credit for the way in which he has run the whole of our Gift Aid & Giving system. Together with Rev. John Edwards, Robert has encouraged members of the congregation to move to direct donations through standing order which has reduced the amount of administrative work required in relation to the counting and banking of cash and cheques. The principal routes for planned giving are:-



� Standing Order direct to the CAF Bank account for Church and Parish general funds; � Purple Envelopes for regular Giving to Church and Parish general funds; � White Envelopes for general ad hoc donations to Church and Parish general funds;

Automation of the donation & giving processes has given us the ability to make more regular gift aid claims from HMRC, with associated cash flow benefits. A series of sermons were used in late 2010 to communicate the financial challenges at St James, and this has seen good results from our congregation. 3.2 CAF Banking / CCLA - Online banking, through CAF Bank’s secure website remains a key element of our day-to-day treasury activities. We can view and download information about all CAF Bank accounts, view statements, set up ad hoc and regular payments. This has also contributed to our ability to produce timely month end financial accounts. 3.3 Reserves Policy An appropriate Reserves Policy is at present under consideration. 4 Outlook to 2011/2 4.1 The primary focus over the coming months is to manage the merger of the two parishes to ensure we have continuing high quality financial control and governance. Work has already started on that process and with the appointment of a new PCC that work will proceed quickly. 4.2 Manor House works – The final Finance & Stewardship Committee meeting accepted the recommendation of the Fabric & Property Committee with regard to the work required on the Manor House and environs. Some of the emergency work on the external walls has been started and we hope that the proposed plan of work including replacement of windows will still go ahead. Special Thanks Thank you to all who support the work of the parish with their time, talents and money. Every gift however large or small is very much appreciated. The PCC is particularly thankful to all those who contribute to the running of the church community here at St James’ week by week, either with individual responsibilities or as part of a group, team or committee. An amazing amount of time and talent is gifted to the church regularly, supporting church services, organizing social events, administration, pastoral care, practical skills etc. The PCC wishes to thank everyone who contributes in these many ways. Signed on behalf of the PCC Richard Peat Vice Chairman 3 November 2011



2. EXAMINER’S REPORT

St James Church Finchampstead Statement of Financial Activities For the period from 01 January 2011 to 31 August 2011 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds total funds

Charity Number: 1130075 Page 8 3 November 2011

130,548.77 91,613.02 38,935.75 8,123.46 1,089.95 7,033.51

45,879.66 44,800.95 1,078.71 3,406.64 1,608.90 7,689.16 4,740.47

863.67 863.67 196,511.36 54,261.01

17.62 — 17.62 407.96 — 407.96

6,276.36 6,276.36 — 159,334.64 9,483.36

1,980.00 — 6,981.60 6,981.60

174,998.18 16,890.54

21,513.18 37,370.47

97,045.48 24,333.20 ( 97,045.48) ( 63,962.28)

21,513.18 ( 2,258.61)

— — — —

21,513.18 ( 2,258.61)

1,140,886.85 273,133.34

1,162,400.03 270,874.73

Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income — 79,042.92 Activities for generating funds — 4,350.15 Investment income — 39,199.92 Incoming resources from charitable activities 1,797.74 — 1,482.58 Other incoming resources 2,948.69 — 4,659.23 St Matthews Kimberley — — 616.08 Total incoming resources 142,250.35 — 129,350.88 Resources used Costs of generating funds Costs of generating voluntary income — 67.32 Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs — 878.50 Investment management costs — 5,726.63 Charitable activities 149,851.28 — 394,820.93 Governance costs 1,980.00 — 37.50 Other resources used — — 2,003.65 Total resources used 158,107.64 — 403,534.53 Net incoming / outgoing resources before transfer ( 15,857.29) — ( 274,183.65) Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in 72,712.28 — — Gross transfers between funds - out ( 33,083.20) — — Net incoming / outgoing before other gains / losses 23,771.79 — ( 274,183.65) Other recognised gains / losses Gains / losses on investment assets — — — Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use — — — Net movement in funds 23,771.79 — ( 274,183.65) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 867,753.51 — 1,326,805.03 Total funds carried forward 891,525.30 — 1,052,621.38

St James Church Finchampstead Balance Sheet detailed

As at As at 31/08/2011 31/08/2010

Charity Number : 1130075 Page 9 3 November 2011

Fixed assets 301A Freehold Land & buildings 170,400.00 170,400.00 301B Church & PCC Equipment 17,328.96 10,169.97 302A Freehold Land & Buildings Depn — — 302B Church PCC & Equipment Depn ( 7,131.85) — 309A Investment Trust Property 250,000.00 227,153.00 309B Equity Investment 266,663.42 257,794.29 309C Investment PCC Equity 65,307.68 60,169.23 309D Investment Churchyard Equity 130,959.77 130,138.75 309E Investment Churchyard Deposits 111,000.00 115,000.00 Total Fixed assets 1,004,527.98 970,825.24 Current assets 308 CAF Cash - PCC Gold 57,268.32 26,068.07 310 CAF Cash - PCC #1 19,562.61 3,417.62 313 CAF Cash - Conservation 10,570.32 ( 603.00) 314 CAF Deposit Conservation — — 316 HT - Trust Business Current 5,139.30 3,734.87 318 HT - Trust Business Premium — — 324 Deposit Account - 180 NMR 15,098.88 15,098.88 326 Deposit account - 182 NMR 20,081.84 20,081.84 328 Interest - 180 NMR 147.39 30.78 330 Interest - 182 NMR 15,703.13 15,429.43 332 Petty Cash Box 536.60 38.16 334 White Horse Investment — — 336 Sundry Income — — Z05 Accounts Receivable 20,257.67 — Total Current assets 164,366.06 83,296.65 Liabilities Z04 Accounts Payable 6,494.01 1,500.51 Total Liabilities 6,494.01 1,500.51

Net Asset surplus (deficit) 1,162,400.03 1,052,621.38

Reserves Excess / (deficit) to date 21,513.18 — Z01 Starting balances 1,140,886.85 1,052,621.38 Z02 Gains and losses on investments — — Total Reserves 1,162,400.03 1,052,621.38

St James Church Finchampstead Balance Sheet detailed

As at As at 31/08/2011 31/08/2010


Represented by Funds Unrestricted 110,085.86 110,545.35 Designated 781,439.44 733,762.56 Restricted 270,874.73 208,313.47 Endowment — — Total 1,162,400.03 1,052,621.38

Charity number: 1130075 Page 11 3 November 2011

Notes on Financial Reports For the period 1 January to 31 August 2011

Accounting Policies The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2005. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. Funds General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. Incoming Resources Voluntary income and capital sources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid is recognised when the planned giving receivable under gift aid is received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by the fete/patronal festival are accounted for gross as are funds raised by other social events. Sales of goods and books are accounted for gross. Other ordinary income Rental income from the letting of church properties is recognised when the rental is due. No bad debt write-off/provision is recognised until formal proceedings are started. Income from investments Dividends declared in November 2010 but paid in 2011 have been recognised in the accounts for this period. Dividends declared in August 2011 for this period. Interest entitlements are accounted for as an accrual. Interest on endowment funds are shared appropriately. Gains and losses on investments Realised gains and losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on realisation of investments at 31 August 2011. Intangible income The PCC receives substantial practical assistance from individual church members, but the financial value is mainly unquantifiable and no attempt is made to reflect this in these accounts. Resources used Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award created a binding obligation on the PCC. The diocesan quota or parish share is accrued appropriately. Tangible fixed assets The church, its furniture and fittings, and the churchyard are not included in the balance sheet. Other freehold land and buildings held primarily or exclusively for charity use are included at the cost of acquisition or, where such cost is not available, at the estimated value at the time of acquisition. Such assets are not depreciated (on grounds of materiality) but they are subject to an annual impairment review. The Manor House, Centre, flats and grounds were given for “ecclesiastical purposes”. The Custodian Trustees are the DTOL and the Administrative Trustees and part of the property is let with income treated as tangible fixed assets. The PCC has a formal interest in the property and bears the cost of all repair and maintenance. The Church School was purchased in 1925 and is held under trusts “for ecclesiastical purpose in Finchampsted Parish”. Under the terms of the conveyance of the property the Custodial Trustees are Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Limited and the Administrative Trustees are the PCC. The PCC’s interest is included at the cost of acquisition. Depreciation is not provided on land/buildings. The PCC considers that the market value of its interest in land and buildings is likely to be considerably in excess of their carrying value and considers it not practicable to quantify the difference in view or the nature of the properties, that any attempt at such quantification would not assist users of the accounts. Equipment used within the church premises is written off as expenditure in the SOFA. Investments Investments are valued at market value. Investment freehold property has been valued by the treasurer as an estimate of the current market value. Transfer of funds During the year the PCC undertakes work/projects that will be funded out of restricted or unrestricted funds. From time to time it is necessary to transfer funds from unrestricted PCC general funds to restricted funds to make provision for any projected overspend. A full analysis of fund movements is attached. Restricted funds are always use for the purpose identified at the formation.

St James Church Finchampstead Analysis of receipts and payments Period: 01 January 2011 to 31 August 2011 Total Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year


— — 3,897.30 — — 348.10 — — 1,132.30 — — — — — 44,931.06 — — 8,534.64 — — 5,616.85 — — — — — 1,231.00 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 250.00 — — 6,980.00 — — — — — — — — 2,060.79 — — — — — — — — 3,261.61 — — 645.96 — — 153.31 — — —

— — 79,042.92

— — 1,340.00 — — 687.26 — — — — — 2,322.89

— — 4,350.15

— — 4,673.25 — — 4,873.25 — — 5,473.25 — — 4,900.00 — — 224.84 — — 7,800.00 — — — — — —

Receipts

Receipts from generated funds

Voluntary income 1110 - Cash Collections General 2,808.97 — 2,808.97 1111 - Cash Collections Weddings 1,792.55 — 1,792.55 1112 - Cash Collections Baptism 582.41 — 582.41 1113 - Cash Collections Funerals — — — 1120 - Collections-GA-General 46,007.80 — 46,007.80 1121 - Collectons-GA Tax General 11,862.14 — 11,862.14 1130 - Fees - Weddings 18,282.50 — 18,282.50 1131 - Fees - Baptisms 517.35 — 517.35 1132 - Fees - Funerals 2,814.00 — 2,814.00 1140 - Bequests & Legacies — — — 1150 - Grants — — — 1200 - FOSF.Gift Aided Donations — 25.00 25.00 1201 - FOSJ.Gift Aid Claim — — — 1202 - FOSJ.Non Gift Aid Doantions — 521.00 521.00 1310 - Donations/General Non GA 1,040.30 9.00 1,049.30 1311 - CAF Donations 5,905.00 — 5,905.00 1321 - Collections-Organ — — — 1322 - Collections-Bells — — — 1323 - Collections-Conservation — 35,375.59 35,375.59 1324 - Collections-Hall Curtains — — — 1325 - Collections-C/C Safety — — — 1333 - G A Church Conseration Fund — 2,438.50 2,438.50 1343 - G A Tax Claim Church Conservat — 566.66 566.66 1612 - Conservation.FundInc(A/c91386) — — — 1691 - Helen Taylor GA.Claim — — — Voluntary income Sub-totals 91,613.02 38,935.75 130,548.77

Activities for generating funds 1211 - Donation for use of Hall 835.00 — 835.00 1410 - Other Social Events 254.95 — 254.95 1420 - Fete — 6,385.97 6,385.97 1430 - Patronal Festival — 647.54 647.54 Activities for generating funds 1,089.95 7,033.51 8,123.46 Sub-totals Investment income 1221 - Rental Flat 1 4,813.64 — 4,813.64 1222 - Rental Flat 2 4,991.48 — 4,991.48 1223 - Rental Flat 3 5,738.63 — 5,738.63 1224 - Rental Flat 4 6,188.63 — 6,188.63 1510 - BankInvestment Interest 319.28 0.98 320.26 1520 - Rental Income 43 McArthy Way 6,845.00 — 6,845.00 1530 - CBF Inv HTaylor — 1,077.73 1,077.73 1540 - Income Bond Interest — — —

Total Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year


— — 11,255.33

— — 39,199.92

— — 122,592.99

— — — — — — — — 94.00 — — —

465.50 — 334.87 — — — — — — — — 231.40 — — — — — — — — 59.72 — — — — — — — — 383.38 — — 379.21

465.50 — 1,482.58

465.50 — 1,482.58

— — 330.67 — — 104.36 — — — — — 1,474.76 — — — — — 2,749.44

— — 4,659.23

— — 4,659.23

— — — — — 616.08

— — 616.08

1550 - Dividends 15,904.29 — 15,904.29 Investment income Sub-totals 44,800.95 1,078.71 45,879.66 Receipts from generated 137,503.92 47,047.97 184,551.89 funds Totals

Receipts from charitable activities

Receipts from charitable activities 1210 - Hire Hall Own Use — — — 144A - Alpha — — — 144C - Choir 970.00 — 970.00 144D - Church Flowers — 461.60 461.60 144F - Fledglings — — 465.50 144G - House Groups — — — 144H - Handbells — — — 144M - Mission — — — 144P - Publicity IT & Communications — — — 144R - Social & Fund Raising — 1,142.30 1,142.30 144S - Sunday School 40.59 — 40.59 144T - Tower Bells — — — 144U - Mother's Union 57.00 — 57.00 144Y - Youth Club 194.20 — 194.20 144Z - Miscellaneous 70.45 5.00 75.45 Receipts from charitable 1,332.24 1,608.90 3,406.64 activities Sub-totals Receipts from charitable 1,332.24 1,608.90 3,406.64 activities Totals

Other receipts

Other receipts 144E - Education 893.97 — 893.97 144OD - Outreach&Discipleship 967.51 — 967.51 1560 - Unrealised Gain on Investments — — — 1610 - Other Income General 1,087.21 — 1,087.21 1611 - Memorial Garden — — — 1690 - Helen Taylor Income Account — 4,740.47 4,740.47 Other receipts Sub-totals 2,948.69 4,740.47 7,689.16 Other receipts Totals 2,948.69 4,740.47 7,689.16 St Matthews Kimberley

St Matthews Kimberley 1620 - StMatthews Kimberley General — — — 1621 - StMatthews Kimberley PreSchool — 863.67 863.67 St Matthews Kimberley — 863.67 863.67 Sub-totals



— — 616.08

465.50 — 196,511.36

— — — — — 30.41 — — 36.91 — — —

— — 67.32

— — 56.00 — — — — — 822.50

— — 878.50

— — 173.67 — — 170.73 — — 76.38 — — 312.96 — — — — — 2,935.23 — — 1,810.95 — — 2.50 — — 244.21 — — — — — —

— — 5,726.63

— — 6,672.45

— — 1,321.51 — — 272,330.99 — — 627.00

St Matthews Kimberley Totals — 863.67 863.67 Receipts 141,784.85 54,261.01 129,350.88 Grand totals

Payments

Costs of generating funds

Costs of generating voluntary income 2200 - FOSF.Expenses — 17.62 17.62 2310 - CostsofDonations/Mailshots/etc — — — 2320 - CostsofGiftAid/Collections/etc — — — 2330 - — — — GiftAidCosts-management/DC/etc Costs of generating voluntary — 17.62 17.62 income Sub-totals Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs 2410 - Other Social Events — — — 2420 - Fete Costs — 407.96 407.96 2430 - Patronal Festival Costs — — — Fundraising trading: cost of — 407.96 407.96 goods sold and other costs Sub-totals Investment management costs 2221 - Repairs/Maintenance Flat No1 288.00 — 288.00 2222 - Repairs/Maintenance Flat No 2 662.40 — 662.40 2223 - Repairs/Maintenance Flat No 3 103.00 — 103.00 2224 - Repairs/Maintenance Flat No 4 141.60 — 141.60 2225 - Ground Maintenance Flats — — — 2226 - Insurance - Flats 1,430.00 — 1,430.00 2227 - Management Fees(JMPM) 1,999.98 — 1,999.98 2510 - Investments Costs-BankCharges — — — 2520 - InvestmentPropertyCosts 1,651.38 — 1,651.38 2530 - Investment Costs Other Charges — — — 2540 - Loss on Investments — — — Investment management costs 6,276.36 — 6,276.36 Sub-totals Costs of generating funds 6,276.36 425.58 6,701.94 Totals

Charitable activities

Charitable activities 2110 - Church Equipment/Maintenance 1,466.79 — 1,466.79 2111 - Church Conservation Costs — 943.48 943.48 2112 - Ground Maintenance - Church — — —



— — 4,252.00 — — 3,623.34 — — 519.00

— — —

— — —

— — 831.62 — — 560.65 — — 4,929.00 — — — — — 694.46 — — 1,838.60 — — 7,930.87 — — 64,145.60 — — 60.04 — — 1,646.77

1,888.20 — 6,074.04 1,800.00 — 704.27

— — 3,311.48 — — 3,466.10 — — 3,584.95 — — 6,472.97 — — 4,002.39 — — — — — 305.70 — — — — — 40.46

231.05 — 328.31 — — — — — — — — ( 76.00) — — 315.13

— — — — — — — — 150.00 — — — — — 27.50 — — 298.97 — — 156.04 — — —

3,591.51 — — — — — — — 267.25 — — 79.92

3,040.81 — — 31,074.50 — —

41,626.07 — 394,820.93

41,626.07 — 394,820.93

2113 - Insurance - Church 1,767.31 — 1,767.31 2120 - Maintenance ChurchService Cost 1,170.84 — 1,170.84 2121 - Wedding Service Costs + 8,808.50 — 8,808.50 Diocesan Fees 2122 - Baptism Service Costs + 931.79 — 931.79 Diocesan Fees 2123 - Funeral service Costs + Diocesan 138.00 — 138.00 Fees 2130 - Rector's Costs — — — 2131 - Clergy's Costs 2,841.01 — 2,841.01 2132 - DirectorofMusic+VisitingOrgani 4,387.64 — 4,387.64 2133 - Visiting Clergy — — — 2140 - Rectory Property MaintCosts — — — 2150 - Litergical Books/Stationery 65.00 — 65.00 2160 - Organ Repairs/Maintenance 417.60 — 417.60 2170 - Parish Share 56,971.33 — 56,971.33 2180 - PCC&Treasury Costs 1,341.84 — 1,341.84 2190 - Church Utility Costs 1,905.11 — 1,905.11 2210 - R&M-Church Centre 5,534.86 — 7,423.06 2211 - 1,484.40 — 3,284.40 GroundMaintenanceChurchCentre 2212 - Insurance-Church Centre 1,381.59 — 1,381.59 2230 - ParishOffice/AdminPrintingPost 3,583.80 — 3,583.80 2231 - Parish Office/PhotocopyCosts 386.45 — 386.45 2232 - Parish Office - Salaries 6,184.37 — 6,184.37 2290 - Manor House Utilities 3,543.74 — 3,543.74 244A - Alpha — — — 244C - Choir Costs 314.91 — 314.91 244D - Church Flower Costs — — — 244E - Education Costs 1,713.03 — 1,713.03 244F - Fledglings Costs — — 231.05 244G - House Group Costs — — — 244H - Handbells Costs — — — 244M - Mission Costs 414.91 — 414.91 244OD - Outreach&Discipleship 577.60 — 577.60 Expenses 244P - Publicity IT/CommunicationCost — — — 244R - Social&Fund Raising Costs 168.69 — 168.69 244S - Sunday School Costs 235.14 — 235.14 244T - Tower Bells Costs — — — 244U - Mother's Union Costs — — — 244Y - Youth Club Costs 309.96 — 309.96 244Z - Miscellaneous Costs 144.00 — 144.00 2610 - Other Expenditure 35.00 — 35.00 2620 - StMatthews Kimberley General — — 3,591.51 2621 - StMatthews Kimberley PreSchool — — — 2650 - Churchyard/other Non-HT Costs — — — 2670 - Memorial Garden — — — 2680 - Depreciation — — 3,040.81 B02 - Investments — 8,539.88 39,614.38 Charitable activities Sub-totals 108,225.21 9,483.36 159,334.64 Charitable activities Totals 108,225.21 9,483.36 159,334.64



— — 37.50 — — — — — —

— — 37.50

— — 37.50

— — 2,003.65

— — 2,003.65

— — 2,003.65

41,626.07 — 174,998.18

Governance costs Governance costs 2630 - Independent Examiner Costs 1,980.00 — 1,980.00 2640 - Management Fees Costs — — — 2645 - Diocesan Initiative Costs — — — Governance costs Sub-totals 1,980.00 — 1,980.00 Governance costs Totals 1,980.00 — 1,980.00 Other payments

Other payments 2690 - Helen Taylor Expenditure — 6,981.60 6,981.60 Account Other payments Sub-totals — 6,981.60 6,981.60 Other payments Totals — 6,981.60 6,981.60 Payments 116,481.57 16,890.54 403,534.53 Grand totals

St JAMES CHURCH Charity Number: 1130075 Page 17 3 November 2011

Tangable Fixed Assets 2009Chairs for Rector's PC Hand Bells PA System TOTALS Manor House, Flats TOTALChurch Hall Hall & Church House

Original Cost 867.43 6,768.74 5,393.33 13,029.50 170,400.00 183,429.50 Additions 812.85 812.85 812.85

350.00 350.00 350.00 Depreciation at 31st December 2008 650.58 4,555.16 5,205.74 - 5,205.74 Net Book Value 31st December 2008 216.86 3,376.43 5,393.33 8,986.62 170,400.00 179,386.62 Charges for 2009 216.86 1,353.75 1,348.33 2,918.94 - 2,918.94

203.21 203.21 203.21 87.50 87.50 87.50

Additions 2009 4393.00 4,393.00 4,393.00 Net Book Value ar 31st December 2009 4393.00 - - - 1,731.97 4,045.00 10,169.97 170,400.00 180,569.97

**Total Depreciation 2009 3,209.65£

Tangable Fixed Assets 2010Chairs for Photocopier Yamaha Piano Hand Bells PA System TOTALS Manor House, Flats TOTALChurch Hall Hall & Church House

Original Cost 4,393.00 6,768.74 5,393.33 16,555.07 170,400.00 186,955.07 Additions 812.85 812.85 812.85

350.00 350.00 350.00 Depreciation at 31st December 2009 - 6,199.62 1,348.33 7,547.95 - 7,547.95

4,393.00 1,731.97 4,045.00 10,169.97 170,400.00 180,569.97 Charges for 2010 1,098.25 1,353.75 1,348.33 3,800.33 - 3,800.33

203.21 203.21 203.21 87.50 87.50 87.50

Additions 2010 4,465.00 2,693.99 7,158.99 7,158.99 Net Book Value ar 31st December 2010 3,294.75 4,465.00 2,693.99 - 87.51 2,696.67 13,237.92 170,400.00 183,637.92

**Total Depreciation 2010 4,091.04£

Tangable Fixed Assets 2011Chairs for Photocopier Yamaha Piano Hand Bells PA System TOTALS Manor House, Flats TOTALChurch Hall Hall & Church House

Original Cost 4,393.00 4,465.00 2,693.99 6,768.74 5,393.33 23,714.06 170,400.00 194,114.06 Additions 812.85 812.85 812.85

350.00 350.00 350.00 Depreciation at 31st December 2010 1,098.25 7,844.08 2,696.66 11,638.99 - 11,638.99

3,294.75 4,465.00 2,693.99 87.51 2,696.67 13,237.92 170,400.00 183,637.92 Charges for 2011 1,098.25 1,488.33 538.80 87.51 1,348.33 4,561.22 - 4,561.22

- - - -

Additions 2011 - - Net Book Value ar 31st December 2011 2,196.50 2,976.67 2,155.19 - - 1,348.34 8,676.70 170,400.00 179,076.70

Total Depreciation 2011 4,561.22£

As at 31.08.2011 3,040.81

3 November 2011

St James Church Finchampstead Fund movement summary Period: 01 January 2011 to 31 August 2011 Fund Fund balances Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains and Fund balances brought forward Resources Resources Losses carried forward

Charity number: 1130075 Page 18

— —

8,000.00

613,045.60 10,000.00

6,313.54 —

232,304.91 — — —

2,285.31

—

403.00 — —

256,802.35 — — — —

11,732.14 — —

Flowers - Flower Fund 461.60 — — — 461.60 FOSJ - Friends of St James 546.00 17.62 — — 528.38 InvPropMan - Investment Property — — — — 8,000.00 Maintenance LongTermIv - Long Term Investments — 31,074.50 — — 581,971.10 ManHouseM - Manor House Maintenance — 3,688.20 — — 6,311.80 SPFund - Special Purpose Fund — — ( 2,693.99) — 3,619.55 Bellrest - Bell Restoration Fund — — — — — C&parish - Church & Parish 141,784.85 119,522.38 39,629.08 — 294,196.46 Cc&grounds - Church Centre & Grounds — — — — — Chcurtains - Church Hall Curtains Fund — — — — — Choir - Choir & Music Fund — — — — — Churchfab - Church Fabric Conseration 46,571.54 1,351.44 ( 36,935.09) — 10,570.32 Fund ChurchFab2 - Church Fabric — — — — — Conservation Fund No.2 account Fledglings - Fledglings Fund 465.50 231.05 — — 637.45 General - General fund — — — — — Handbells - Hand Bells Fund — — — — — Httrust - Helen Taylor Trust Fund 5,818.20 15,521.48 — — 247,099.07 Fabric - Fabric.Furnishings — — — — — Memgarden - Memorial Garden Fund — — — — — Nmr - Nine Mile Ride Fund — — — — — Organrep - Organ Restoration & Repair — — — — — Fun Stmattsk - St.M.K.General 863.67 3,591.51 — — 9,004.30 Whcapital - Church Investment Fund — — — — — Whinterest - Church Investment Funds — — — — — Totals 1,140,886.85 196,511.36 174,998.18 — — 1,162,400.03

St James' FINCHAMPSTEAD

BANK & FUND ACCOUNTS 31.08.2011

CAF No 1 Account:

FUNDS Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL BALANCE

SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDBell Restoration 860.28Church Hall Curtains 2,079.43 Memorial Garden 679.84

3,619.55 Friends of St James 528.38 528.38 Fledgings 637.45 637.45 South African Mission 408.49 8,595.81 9,004.30 PCC FUNDS

X Church& Parish 24,059.16 24,059.16 X Conservation 18,300.23- 18,300.23- X Church Flowers 14.00 14.00

19,562.61 CAF Gold Account

PCC FUNDSX Church & Parish 43,989.49 5,000.00 48,989.49 X Conservation 6,032.97- 6,032.97-

Investment Prop.Maintenance 8,000.00 8,000.00 Manor House Maintenance 6,311.80 6,311.80 57,268.32

CAF Conservation

Conservation10,570.32 10,570.32 10,570.32

PCC FUNDS (Nine Mile Ride)X 51,031.24 51,031.24

51,031.24 Helen Taylor Trust

Current 5,139.30 Investments 130,959.77 Investments - NS Certs 111,000.00 247,099.07

247,099.07 Sundry Income

X Petty Cash 75.00 -Flower Fund 461.60 536.60 536.60

FIXED ASSETS & INVESTMENTS

PCC FUNDSX Freehold Land & Buildings 170,400.00 170,400.00 X Church & PCC Equipment 10,197.11 10,197.11

LONG TERM INVESTMENTSChurch Investment Property 250,000.00 Church Investment Equity 266,663.42 Church Inv.PCC Equity 65,307.68 581,971.10 762,568.21

DEBTORS/CREDITORSX Deduct Liabilities 4,993.50- 1,500.51- 6,494.01- 6,494.01- X Add Prepayments 20,257.67 20,257.67 20,257.67

TOTALS 110,085.86 781,439.44 270,874.73 1,162,400.03 1,162,400.03

X Church & Parish Fund TOTAL 294,196.46£

NOTE: ***Conservation Acc is £13,762.88 overdrawn: £6,032.97+ £18,300.23 (both held in Church&Parish) less £10,570.32. Charity number: 1130075 Page 19 03-Nov-11

1

Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of St James Church Finchampstead for the SPCM – Dated 16th November 2011

Overview The long term security and stewardship of all our Fabric, Goods and Ornaments is an important ongoing task for the Church. The Church of England oversees this by requiring each Church to produce a FGO Report and also by requiring the Area Dean, on behalf of the Diocese, to undertake annual inspections where the Churchwardens are mandated to provide documented evidence of all properties and assets together with key service registers, logs, various statistics, insurance certificates, to demonstrate that the Church is being run efficiently and effectively, year on year.

The FGO report should be read in conjunction with the report from the Fabric and Property Committee responsible for the ongoing Quinquennial reviews.

The CHURCH PROPERTY REGISTER – the ‘Terrier and Inventory’ of all Church property encompassing; all buildings, fixtures and fittings.

The CHURCH LOG BOOK – the ‘Log & Record’ of all alterations, additions, removals and faculties for both the Church and the Churchyard.

Church Properties & Churchyard Monuments The Fabric & Property Committee regularly reviews all aspects of Church property and Churchyard memorials, grassed areas and hedges surrounding both Church and the Manor House. The memorials are surveyed from time to time to ensure their continuing safety and kept clean and tidy, and although this is a time-consuming task, we are gradually improving the areas which suffer from overgrown flora, ivies and lichens, etc.

Many thanks go to the Churchyard Trust members who have diligently raised funds for the maintenance work in the Churchyard and its gates & fences and regular grass cutting contracts.

Local Crime We are minded over this past year to maintain effective security cognisant of the spate of break-ins at many local Churches. The reasons for the break-ins appear to be focussed upon re-sellable valuables and especially roofing leading, etc. Our CCTV continues to be our main part of our armoury where we have increased capacity of the CCTV recorded ‘look-back’.

Thanks Conserving a 12th Century Grade-1 listed Church building, the Churchyard, the Manor House, the surrounding grounds, the wider campus fencing, walls and boundaries, etc. is a massive task which takes a lot of time and talents. Huge thanks go to all those who support this effort.

Ed Sampson, Churchwarden, October 2011

Sonning Deanery Synod Report for the Nov 2011 Special Parochial Church Meeting of the recently formed new parish of Finchampstead and California

Report for the eight months to 31 Aug 2011

The Sonning Deanery Synod is made up of clergy and elected lay representatives from Church of England churches in the Wokingham area and runs for a series of 3 year terms, the present being to 31 May 2014. The Area Dean, Rev David Hodgson, of All Saints’ Wokingham is the Chairman and the present elected Lay Chairman is Martin Hughes of California. Each church is entitled to a number of representatives based on the number on its Electoral Roll. The St Mary & St John’s California elected representatives, prior to this SPCM, were Martin Hughes, Dave Moore and Alan Coleman-Smith and those from St James’ Finchampstead were Paul Arscott, Julia Arscott, Cathy Clayton and myself. St James’ PCC were entitled to more places but decided not to search for people to fill them in the light of the formation of the new parish when the number of places available based on the joint Electoral Roll would be seven. During the period of this report the Deanery Synod met three times, on 22 March 2011 at St Sebastian’s Church, on 6 June at St George’s Owlsmoor and on 28 June at St May’s Wargrave. Attendance is generally between 40 and 60 and it is a great opportunity to meet people from other churches, to share ideas and to advertise events in the Deanery. During the year, two parish re-organisations have been the concern of the Deanery – our own and a scheme in the Winnersh area, as part of the Deanery Mission Plan. At the March Synod meeting a visiting speaker, Rev Janet Binns, the Diocesan Co-ordinator for Olympic and Paralympic Games, encouraged churches not to miss this great opportunity to engage with our communities using the Games as a focus for outreach. The Diocese has been working with an organisation, More Than Gold, and churches can tap into their resources. She encouraged prayer, planning, partnering and participating, but suggested checking any publicity with the Diocese as the Olympic brand is strictly protected. The Treasurer presented the 2010 Financial Statements and accounts to this meeting and gave updates on the three funds, the general fund, the restricted fund relating to quinquennial inspections and the reserve fund. This latter fund had built up from Share rebates from the Diocese, when the full total of Parish Shares had been paid on time. A decision by the November 2010 Synod to allocate a proportion back to parishes was implemented in early 2011. The Synod makes grants from this fund to support mission in the Deanery and Michael Johnson gave an update on Stage-Fright, who will be receiving £12000 from the Deanery in 2011. This drama group reaches teenagers from many churches and some from no church. Members were updated on the unfortunate number of burglaries from churches in the area and were given advice on faculty applications if enhanced security was needed. The 6 June meeting, being the first of a new three year term, began with a Holy Communion service. This was also the meeting where Officers of the Synod were elected for the new term and also the Standing Committee which also acts as the Deanery Pastoral Committee. We have Martin Hughes of California re-elected as Lay Joint Chairman and Rev John Edwards of Finchampstead re-elected to the Standing Committee, so are well represented. This meeting, with the help of Canon John Rees, the Diocesan Registrar, and Richard Ireson, a Deanery appointed governor at the school, discussed the proposal of Ranelagh School Governors to move to Academy Status and, as one of the Foundation bodies, the Synod voted to support this proposal. A subsequent meeting heard that the Secretary of State had consented to its becoming an academy. The 28 June meeting was put in specially for a full discussion on Women in the Episcopate (women bishops) around three questions – Are you in favour of ordaining women as bishops?, Should provision be made for those who are opposed ? and Is a code of practice the right provision? Many people contributed to the debate and a majority vote of yes to all three questions was the result from both the House of clergy and the House of laity, voting separately. At a meeting in September at St James Church Centre, Rev John Edwards gave perhaps the clearest explanation of Parish Share and Ministry costs that many of us have ever heard. There are some suggested questions about Parish and Deanery Share to be discussed in parishes. I hope Rev John will repeat his explanation in due course to our newly constituted PCC. The Deanery Synod meets again in November at St Michael’s Sandhurst as the final meeting of the calendar year. Written by Carolyn Fox, on behalf of St James’ and St Mary & St John’s representatives.

PARISH OF FINCHAMPSTEAD & CALIFORNIA

SPECIAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING – 16TH NOVEMBER 2011

Following the merger of the two parishes of Finchampstead and California into one parish, a new consolidated Electoral Roll has been created. Notices of revision were posted in both churches between the dates of 2nd October 2011 and 16th October 2011 requesting any additions or amendments to the roll. There are now 497 names on the new combined Electoral Roll of the Parish of Finchampstead and California entitled to vote at the 2011 Special Parochial Church Meeting.

SUMMARY

RESIDENT 325

NON-RESIDENT 172

TOTAL NUMBER ON ROLL 497 ST MARY & ST JOHN 97

ST JAMES 400

INCREASE SINCE LAST APCM 5 ST MARY & ST JOHN (10th April 2011) 97 ST JAMES (10th April 2011) 395

The aim of the Electoral Roll is to be an accurate reflection of the membership of the church. The Electoral Roll Officer would therefore welcome any information that will assist her with keeping the records up to date (e.g. if people have started attending church, moved away or no longer attend regularly). The next completely new Electoral Roll will be in 2013 (and every 6th year thereafter). In the interim the Roll is revised with additions and deletions as they become known to the Electoral Roll Officer.

Sarah Booth (Electoral Roll Officer from St James’) 20th October 2011 & Sharon White (Electoral Roll Officer from St Mary & St John’s)

St James’ PCC Committee and Working Group Reports for SPCM (Nov) 2011 1

Reports from St James’ PCC Committees and Working Groups for SPCM (Nov)2011 NOTES&FROM&SOCIAL&AND&FUNDRAISING&COMMITTEE&FOR&SPCM&2011!

In!February,!the!Rodgers!and!Hammerstein!musical!evening!(with!fish!and!chip!supper)!was!a!complete!sell!out!with!exceptional!singing!and!playing!by!everyone!who!braved!the!stage.!!Apart!from!having!a!most!enjoyable!evening!A!£735!was!made!for!the!conservation!fund.!!!The!Jumble!Sale!on!Saturday&26!March,!held!in!California!Ratepayers!Hall!made!a!profit!of!£473!for!the!conservation!fund.!!My!usual!fear!of!not!having!enough!items!to!sell!was!once!again!unfounded.!!Very!many!thanks!to!everyone!who!donated!and!also!those!lovely!folks!who!came!along!to!help!on!the!day.!The! social! committee! coAordinated! the! Bring& and& Share& Maundy& Thursday& Supper! and! the! fellowship! and! food! was! much! enjoyed! by!everyone.!!!Sat&7&May!A!Musical!Supper!with!“Enigma”!Ladies!Barbershop!Quartet!saw!65!folks!tucking!into!a!2!course!supper!and!enjoying!some!excellent!singing!and!entertainment!from!the!Enigma!ladies,!the!evening!was!a!great!success!with!a!profit!of!£669.10!going!towards!the!conservation!fund.!!!Sun& 12& June! A! Church! Family! Barbeque! –! In! spite! of! the!weather,! Pete! bravely! cooked! for! around! 100! people!whilst! sheltering! under! the!gazebo.!Vast!numbers!of!sausages,!burgers!and!yummy!puddings!were!consumed.!The!barbecue!is!not!specifically!a!fund!raising!event,!but!a!surplus!of!around!£200!went!to!church!funds.!!Sun&3&July,!The!Social!Committee!coAordinated!the!celebration!tea!for!our!confirmation!candidates,!we!lost!count!of!how!many!cups!of!tea!we!served,!but!it!was!a!joyous!occasion!and!much!enjoyed!by!everyone.!!Sat&9&July!was!our!Church!Fete!held!in!Finchampstead!Memorial!Park.!!It!was!a!glorious!day!and!as!usual!a!great!St.!James’!team!effort.!With!many!months!of!planning,!and!hard!work!on!the!day,!we!were!delighted!to!have!raised!over!£5,500!for!the!conservation!fund.!!Sat&16&July!A!Choir!Concert.!!Andrew!and!the!choir!surpassed!themselves!when!they!entertained!us!with!some!musical!delights.!!The!evening!was!as!usual!well!attended!and!a!profit!of!£529.35!was!given!to!the!conservation!fund.!Sun&24&July!Patronal!Festival!Day.!!Having!the!Church!tower!open!is!always!very!popular,!with!many!people!coming!back!year!on!year!to!take!in!the!spectacular!views,!and!thankfully!the!weather!was!warm!and!sunny!which!made!the!climb!up!to!the!top!of!the!tower!well!worth!the!effort.! ! !The!cream!teas!we!served!were!consumed! in!great!quantities.! !Thank!you! to!everyone!who!came!and!enjoyed! the!afternoon!and!contributed!to!the!£650!raised!for!the!conservation!fund!and!special!thanks!to!our!very!talented!tower!bell!ringers!who!manned!the!tower!all!afternoon!and!were!on!hand!to!explain!the!history!and!background!of!the!bells.!Wed&31&August!we!were!pleased!to!provide!the!refreshments!post!Revd!Julie’s!Licensing!Service,!this!time!we!lost!count!of!how!many!glasses!of!wine!were!consumed!!!Sun&25&September!we!were!delighted!to!help!Revd!John!celebrate!his!10!years!of!ordination!by!providing!him!and!his!family!and!guests!with!afternoon!tea,!and!a!special!celebration!cake!made!by!Olive!and!beautifully!iced!and!decorated!by!Karen.!!Thank!you!to!everyone!for!continuing!to!support!the!social!and!fundraising!events!throughout!the!year,!your!help!and!support!is!very!much!appreciated!and!invaluable.!Social&and&Fundraising&Committee:&&&Sue&Sampson,&Mary&Dewhurst,&Olive&Butchart,&Ian&Hossack,&Gill&Myall,&Chris&Driver,&Nicky&Alder,&Sarah&Owen,&Sue&Robinson,&Chris&Widman.&& & & October&2011&

Pastoral&Report&for&SPCM&2011&Our Pastoral Care is based around the needs of the lonely, housebound, those in hospital and the bereaved. Our congregation is the source of these needs and they call upon the Team to visit such people. Often the Parish Office is called and we work with them to ensure that people are visited as necessary. It is important to recognise that we are not counsellors. Our role is to listen and comfort. We visit regardless of faith background and whilst we are visiting as Christians, our primary objective is to listen and care. So working alongside and supporting the Ministry Team, our Pastoral Care can be understood as the Ministry of the Church that is concerned with the well-being of individuals and communities within the Parish of St James’ Finchampstead. In considering this, we take a responsibility in responding to the needs of our congregation and community, by being a sensitive and listening Church that can engage with people whether they subscribe to religious and faith values or not. We are grateful to the Mothers’ Union for the substantial help given to the Team and also the Finchampstead Handbell Ringers for assisting in our work with the elderly. During the vacancy, Rev. John Edwards has taken a lead with the team both as a counsellor and as a visitor to the sick and dying. Grateful thanks to him for this work. As our Licensed Eucharistic Lay Minister, Paul Arscott, is able to take consecrated bread and wine to members of the Parish at their home, hospital or care home. This involves using Church of England authorised services for use outside of the parish church. Monthly services are held in two local care homes. Holy Communion at home is a very important aspect of the Church life and extends the Church community to the sick. Grateful thanks to all the Team Members for the work they do, most of which is not seen by the Parish. Team members are Julia Arscott, Barbara Brice, Richard Owen, Sarah Owen, Barbara Hill, Daphne Lucan-Wilson, Pam Grinter, Nancy Webster, Felicity Workman, Kate Meads and Sally Hamblin.

Paul Arscott, Leader – Pastoral Team &

Finance and Stewardship Report for SPCM Nov 2011 Members: John Smith(Treasurer), Ed Sampson (Churchwarden), Nicky Alder (Churchwarden), Andy Witting (Chair), Rev John, Keith Hunt, Marion Row, Jonathan Marshall, Debbie Watthey, Robert Alder (Gift Aid Administrator). The Finance and Stewardship committee has met 3 times since the APCM. The Treasury team have met more regularly, particularly in the run up to the closure of the accounts arising from the merger of the parishes.. The Church finances are subject to regular financial review and the committee look at a detailed analysis of the accounts at every meeting. All such financial information is passed to the PCC for their scrutiny and The Treasurer has attended and supplied data for PCC and Standing Committee meetings. The F&S committee have worked closely over the year


with the Fabric and Property and Mission Committees in respect of projects they are involved with at home and abroad. We have also made recommendations to PCC regarding matters of income and expenditure. Some of the major projects we have worked on this year are: · Planned Giving – Robert Alder has worked tirelessly on our behalf to keep this subject at the forefront of people’s minds and it is planned to have a further stewardship refresh initiative this Autumn. Robert has also made the Gift Aid tax claims throughout the year. · The insurances have been reviewed in consultation with Peter McBrien. · The investment portfolio has been carefully tracked and data fed back to PCC quarterly. · The Conservation project has continued to be a regular item on the agenda and there has been considerable thought given to the handling of the residual deficit. It is agreed that the outstanding amount should be managed under the general account from 1 January 2012. · With the conclusion of the major conservation project our focus has returned to maintenance of the Manor House and environs. Some essential work to walls and retaining walls around the car parks has been carried out and proposals for the replacement of windows developed. It is hoped that this long outstanding work will not be further delayed by the merger. I would particularly like to record my thanks for the hard work of Marion Row, Debbie Watthey and Keith Hunt who manage monies in, payments out and accounts. John Smith (Treasurer)

Fabric & Property Committee Report The F&P Committee is responsible to the PCC for managing the upkeep of the whole of the St James Church domain. This includes the church itself and its surrounding churchyard, the Manor House Church Centre and all the enclosing grounds together with access footpaths and roads. Also, it is responsible for the day-to-day landlord’s duties with respect to the four flats and the house in McCarthy Way which comprise the income producing properties. Messrs. Mortimers, Bracknell, are retained as managing agents for these on our behalf.

The committee meets formally some six times a year, but much business is carried out “informally” as and when the demand arises. Currently, the committee comprises both Churchwardens, Richard Owen (as chairman of the Churchyard Trust), Maurice Driver (PCC appointed chairman), Peter McBrien (“Temporary” secretary for the past several years) Norman Pearce and Bob Brooks; these two latter members being representatives of the Tuesday Working Party which contributes much to the upkeep of the property, and with which the F&P Committee maintains a close link.

The committee regularly updates the schedule of necessary works to be agreed with the Finance and Stewardship Committee for funding support. The most urgent tasks having a safety or economic reason for their early completion are given highest priority.

The most important (and costly) tasks carried out this year have been: 1. Upgrade of the Church Centre hot water and central heating control system. 2. Re-surfacing of the hall floor. 3. First-stage renovation of the upper car-park north wall. 4. Preparation for the repair/renovation of the lower car-park wall. 5. Preparation of No. 43 McCarthy Way to accommodate new tenants.

In addition, tenders have been invited and received for the replacement of the Manor House steel framed windows. Maurice Driver. October 2011

Mission & Charitable Giving Team From our Annual free-will offerings we have continued to support our 4 major charities, giving £2000 each to Church Urban Fund (UK), Bible Society (specifically overseas), Churches in Reading Drop in Centre, and for this year only £1500 to Hope for Living project in our Link Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman in South Africa . We also gave £625.00 each to Hope youth project run by Churches together in Crowthorne and Mothers Union Overseas. We continued to nurture our link with St Matthew’s Kimberley, and Julia Arscott and Becky Head travelled to Kimberley in April, spending time at St Matthew’s, the pre-school, and the Hope for Living project. In July we sent in excess of £1000 to the East Africa appeal via Christian Aid. We have supported CIRDIC (Churches in Reading Drop In Centre) and its sister organisation, the Women’s Centre, with our harvest gifts again this year and are also looking forward to our Harvest Supper when we will be supporting Water Aid and will have a guest speaker from the charity. I would like to thank my team members for their hard work & support throughout the year - Sarah Booth, Ian Woolston, Becky Head, and Chris Driver (for her work particularly on Christian Aid)

Julia Arscott (chair) OUTREACH & DISCIPLESHIP TEAM REPORT FOR ST JAMES’ SPCM 2011

The Outreach & Discipleship Team at St James’ (comprising Neil Bidston, Cathy Clayton, Janet Clements, Rev John Edwards, Katherine Li and Kate Meads) supports and develops the ongoing work of sharing, nurturing, and


deepening faith. This includes oversight and enabling of enquirers’ courses, Bible studies, and prayer initiatives plus the evolving work with families, children and young people.

o Housegroups – Three housegroups have met regularly throughout the year: o Francis & Audrey’s group - twice monthly on Thurs evenings o Rectory Farm housegroup - weekly on Tues evenings o Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study group - weekly during term time

o ‘Glad You Asked’ – a relaxed, non-judgemental, contemporary course using short DVD clips and discussion to explore the ‘big questions’ of life and faith ran for seven weeks from 19th May – 7th July.

o ‘Christianity Explored’ - a seven week introduction to the Christian faith, based on Mark’s gospel and looking at the life and teaching of Jesus, started this autumn, led by members of the O & D team.

o Rectory Farm lectures – take place every few months and have included: o “Suffering” – Neil Bidston o "Mapping the Religious Landscape of Europe" - Andrew Fellows (Director of English, L'Abri)

"Me, myself and I?" - Simon Walsh (Latin Link) o Family ConneXions – The team, led by Katherine Li, supports families who attend the 9.30 Family Service.

Kate Meads produces a monthly family E-newsletter which helps keep families in touch with activities of interest in the parish.

o 5-a-side football – meets weekly on Wed evenings. Social events have also been held including curry nights. o Provision for families, children & young people - We are currently looking at how best to provide for the

changing needs of families, children and young people in the parish. A family survey undertaken earlier this year provided valuable information.

o St James Quiet Day – our 2011 Quiet Day, “Love Bade me Welcome” was held at Hurley parish church on Sat 11th June, led by Janet Clements and Jill Lidstone.

o School Prayer Group - for parents, staff & governors, continues to be well attended and meets twice a term. Members of the group produce a weekly prayer for the school newsletter.

o Youth Group, Sunday Club & Fledgelings – see separate reports. Janet Clements (on behalf of the O&D team)

Worship & Liturgy Committee Report This committee brings together representatives of the different groups that contribute to worship at St James’ (clergy, sidespeople, musicians, servers, congregation) about 4 times a year to review what has taken place and to plan for the future. The committee aims to meet just before each new quarterly service rota is put together and to view the arrangements from all angles to try to ensure that the services run smoothly and as well as possible for all concerned. The Committee members through 2011 have been Rev John Edwards, Keith Atton, Nicky Alder, Paul Arscott, Andrew Bosley, John Dewhurst (now retired from the group) Carolyn Fox and Richard Peat. The planning has covered both usual weekly services and Festivals, including our own Confirmation Service at Wellington College Chapel on 3 July with the new Bishop of Reading and the Licensing Service for Rev Julie on 31 August at St James’ Church. An appeal for more Intercessors brought a response from 7 people for whom Rev John Edwards planned training. The committee has noted the reducing numbers in Sunday Club and that Outreach and Discipleship Committee is leading on the whole issue of provision for families, children and young people (see above). Carolyn Fox Oct 2011.

Communications, IT and Publicity Report The Communications Teams of the former parishes of St James and St Mary and St John have been working together in some capacities for a while. Following the issues over the existing St Mary and St John web site, a new version was created in time for the recruitment process for a new Rector for the combined parish and hosted on the St James server. The main St James site continues to give a wide range of information about the church, and we must thank Jan van den Burg and David Booth for the large amounts of work they put in keeping the site up to date. The combined team also met together in advance of the formal merger to start to explore issues relating to communications within the parishes. Particular areas of change included the newsletter/magazine as this was rather different between the two parishes – St James issuing a free quarterly newsletter, with St Mary and St John producing a paid for monthly magazine. This potential issue had been noted in advance by the St James team, in particular that the practice of distributing to the entire parish would not be viable on a regular basis with the new combined benefice. Our press officer Ann Pask continued to get regular good publicity in the local media during the run up to the union. After doing the job for a number of years Ann decided to stand down from the role after Rev’d Julie’s licensing. Sally Hamblin has volunteered to take on the role, with a wider remit across the new combined parish. Sally also continues to maintain an archive of press cuttings that can be viewed both online and in a folder in the Parish Centre. Finally can I express my personal thanks to Derrick Sequeira, Carolyn Fox, Ann Pask, Sally Hamblin, Jan van den Burg and David Booth for all their ongoing work with the Communications Team. Richard Peat October 2011


Helen Taylor Trust (HTT) for the Churchyard of St James Members of the Committee:~ Mrs Annalisa Brett, Mrs Chris Collins, Mrs Carolyn. Fox (PCC representative), Mr Don Monk, Mr Richard Owen (Chairman and PCC representative), Mrs Ann Pask (Secretary), Rev. Julie Ramsbottom (ex-officio), Mr Ed Sampson (Treasurer and PCC representative), Mrs Lylyana Seed, Mr Peter Stephenson, and Mrs Lettice Tanner. The graveyard is ecumenical (open to all churches) and its members reflect the views of different churches in Finchampstead and California. The committee organises the maintenance of the churchyard, funded by HTT & fund-raising events. We continued to develop the booklet describing what is expected in a country churchyard like ours. A noticeboard was erected on which the information is also displayed. In September the first issue of an explanatory leaflet on the churchyard and how to support it financially was given out at a recent fund-raising tea. There is also a survey of the grave space in the churchyard taking place, so that we can continue to bury people in the churchyard when the current space runs out. Various extensions are also being considered, but will take some time to decide upon, become consecrated, and the boundaries constructed.

Richard Owen, 20.10.11 ……………………………………………………………………………………

Church Conservation Working Group Report for 2011 SPCM. This Working Group managed the Conservation Project on behalf of the PCC, interfacing with the Contractors via the architect through working out the scope of the project, placing the contract and dealing with issues as they arose up to completion of the work in March 2010 and then through the twelve month snagging period. At that point the Working Group had completed the task for which it was set up and was disbanded by the PCC in May 2011. Any ongoing work on the church now comes under the Fabric & Property Committee. Carolyn Fox Oct 2011

Church Conservation Fund Appeal Working Group: This Working Group masterminded the major appeal to raise funds for the Conservation Project. Taking into account the anticipated VAT refund under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, the Working Group was completely successful in raising the rest of the funds. Unfortunately the VAT refund was not as high as expected but the PCC decided that another appeal for the shortfall would not be appropriate and so disbanded the group in May 2011. The shortfall is being reduced through allocating profits from social and fundraising events through the year to the Conservation Fund and by continuing donations. Carolyn Fox

Good Practice Advisory Group

The Group was set up to “assist the PCC in planning and developing good practices for the effective, efficient, legal and ethical management of its business in accordance with Christian Principles and the requirements of the Church of England, Charities Commission and general legal obligations.” The early work of the Group has helped to make the PCC itself far more aware of good practice and therefore the PCC has decided that the Group will only be called upon to meet in future if there is a specific issue which the PCC feels cannot easily be dealt with by the PCC or Standing Committee. Appropriate membership of the Group will be determined at that time. Carolyn Fox

Reports from St James’ Church Groups and Linked Organisations SPCM Nov 2011 1

Reports from St James’ Groups and Linked Organisations for 2011 SPCM (for period 1 Jan 2011 to 31 Aug 2011)

Fledgelings Report 2011 We are a not-for-profit playgroup (all profit going to charity) run by a volunteer committee which meets up every Tuesday afternoon during term time 1.45pm to 4pm. We have a Bible story, prayers and songs at 2.20pm every session and produce a craft for the children to do which is related to the story. We have a Volunteer group to run the story and craft sessions. Refreshments are supplied by the Mothers’ Union, and the men’s Tuesday Working Party often help to put out the mats and toys. We are extremely grateful to everybody for helping each week. As predicted the opening of the new FBC has had an adverse effect on our Fledgelings numbers with a very variable attendance, some weeks it has only been the committee plus a few babies. Consistently the numbers are much lower than we’ve experienced before. There are so many things going on in the FBC including a playgroup on Wednesday morning, Friday morning and Friday afternoon and a free muffin/cake morning as well – all within walking distance of most houses in the parish. The numbers have also been affected by a single entry to reception year in September which meant we lost all our older children at once. In addition Finches pre-school have extended their day to run to 1pm which means children are going home for lunch and not coming out again to Fledgelings. However we are finding that the events are still well attended (Easter service and egg hunt; Teddy Bears’ Picnic during the summer holiday, Harvest Festival and GEMS photographer coming in to do family photo sessions and the Nativity and children’s Christmas party). We’ve therefore decided to email all those on the register and ask them if a change of time would mean that they would come back to Fledgelings, and ask if more events would mean more support. The baptism visitors will spend more time encouraging families to attend the playgroup and the breastfeeding clinic will continue supporting us and even move to the new Fledgelings time if the feedback supports this change. In addition we’ll continue marketing with the web presence, emailing, traditional flyers and posters and ads in the local magazines and articles in The Wokingham Times. Current Committee: Kate Hembra, Sam Khan, Rachel Oldland, Charlotte Owen, Karen Remmington, Sarah Verdin, Jayne Yeo.

SUNDAY CLUB REPORT FOR ST JAMES’ SPCM 2011 Sunday'Club'is'for'children'up'to'11'years'of'age'starting'at'10.45am'and'finishing'when'the'children'are'taken'

into'church'just'before'communion.'It’s'currently'split'into'3'groups'for'children'up'to'5'years'(foundation),'

then'years'1'to'3'and'years'4'&'6'and'runs'during'term'time'only'(excluding'half'term'as'well)'and'only'on'

Sundays'when'there'is'no'Family'Service'at'9.30am.''

It'has'become'increasingly'challenging'for'Sunday'Club'with'a'decrease'in'the'numbers'of'children'attending.'

In'response'to'this,'questionnaires'were'sent'out'to'families,'leaders/helpers'at'Sunday'Club'and'the'parents'

of'children'who'use'Sunday'Club,'and'the'feedback'has'indicated'the'structure'of'Sunday'Club'needs'to'

change.'Instead'it’s'proposed'that'a'Kids'Café'will'run'during'the'11am'service'which'will'accommodate'

children'of'different'ages'all'together,'with'breakOout'groups'during'the'session'for'older'children'for'

discussion'etc'which'is'not'suited'to'the'younger'children'present.'This'will'fulfill'the'demands'of'the'children'

who'use'Sunday'Club'and'solve'the'resourcing'issues'we'have.''A'Youth'Leader'from'the'diocese'is'coming'to'

help'thrash'out'ideas'on'how'to'achieve'this'with'the'leaders/helpers'who'have'indicated'they'are'willing'to'

run'the'Kids'Café.''

Committee:'Julie'Clements,'Hazel'Scott,'Claire'PrevostOSnell,'Karen'Remmington'

St James’ Youth Group (Contrast) The Easter Vigil was an amazing experience for our young people and leaders alike. The youth led service in the summer was another great success as our young people led the Pentecost service this year. We continued to use the Urban Saints materials with sessions studying biblical passages and the big issues in a lively fun filled way. The summer term ended with a show showcasing the varied talents of our youth and a set from Hot Wire. Parents and teens enjoyed a barbeque and entertainment. This term we are continuing to enjoy the Urban Saints materials kindly financed by the church and are rehearsing for our end of term pantomime. Reverend John and of late Reverend Julie have led short half termly Eucharists, which we have all enjoyed. Cathy Clayton Mothers’ Union Report for the Church SPCM 2011 We continue as a flourishing branch with 36 members. Since April we have enjoyed a good programme of interesting speakers. We regularly remember and pray for our link branch at St Matthews Kimberley. In June


we observed our Wave of Prayer remembering our prayer partners in the Congo and Nigeria. We also enjoyed our social events in July & August whilst raising funds for our charities, particularly “Away from it All” which provides holidays for disadvantaged families. Earlier in 2011 we gratefully acknowledged a most generous donation from St James Charitable Giving for our Mothers’ Union Overseas Fund.

We extend a warm welcome to any men & women who would like to join us. Sarah Owen, Branch Leader

Churches Together in Crowthorne (CTC) & Hope Report St James continues to be regularly represented at CTC meetings. We would warmly welcome a third representative from the combined parish to join us. The Summer Activities for Children & Young People run during the holidays on the Morgan Rec. were much appreciated. On average 100+ children and their families enjoyed a good range of activities with kind volunteers from all the churches. At the September AGM plans were made for Carol singing, a barbeque on the late night shopping evening and other future events. The Hope drop-in sessions on a Wednesday evening at the Baptist Church regularly attracts 60+ young people and there are plans for a possible larger facility, maybe on the Morgan Rec. The Hope project gratefully acknowledged a very generous donation from the St James Charitable Giving Fund. Sarah & Richard Owen, 17.10.11

St James’ Belfry This has been quite a busy year, especially for weddings. We have enjoyed ringing the bells for more than 22 weddings, the highest number for some years. To celebrate the Royal Wedding on April 28th Hugh Dempster, Mary and Sam Ede, Pearl Larkins, Derek Barrett and Judith Witting rang a quarter peal of Bob Doubles. The Open Tower for the Patronal Festival was once again a very successful event. We enjoyed showing visitors the bells and the view from the Tower and explaining a little about the bells and bell-ringing. A new learner joined us after the visit. Our tower was used in August as a teaching tower and has been visited by various groups of ringers on Ringing Outings. Two members attended a course on How to Learn Methods at All Saints in Wokingham. We have continued meeting for our regular Wednesday night practice and ringing for Sunday services and, after a few months of very low numbers, we have picked up again and are able to give more help to the beginners as well as having a chance to practise more complicated ringing methods, partly due to regular attendance on practice nights by Derek Palmer, the Sandhurst Tower Captain. We appreciate his company and assistance. In return, our Tower Captain, Hugh Dempster, and Mary Ede have been able to help out with training at Sandhurst Tower. We have also been joined regularly on practice nights by ringers from Binfield and occasionally by ringers from Rotherwick, Eversley, Swallowfield, and Sonning. Patricia Amos Ladies’ Breakfast We have continued to meet half termly for fellowship, prayer and contemplation. We are a very social bunch and welcome newcomers of all ages. We are begining this term to meet in each other’s houses for a change. Cathy Clayton House groups

a) House group run by Francis Moore In August 2011 our housegroup celebrated contributing 100 consecutive monthly articles to the Finchampstead Magazine. These set out the history of our activities, which involve learning from the Scriptures, fellowship between members and supporting each other with prayer and practical help. We have just finished an illuminating examination of Jesus’ letters to ‘the seven churches of Asia Minor’ (Revelation 2 & 3), using DVD recordings of Paul Mallard’s five ‘2010 Keswick Bible Readings’ as our learning resource. The group normally meets at 8pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. We are a small, informal, ecumenical, self-financed and administered housegroup. We welcome new members and casual visitors. For more information please telephone Audrey and Francis Moore (Tel: 0118 973 2592)


b) House groups run by Neil Bidston (a repeat of the item for April APCM) The'Rectory'farm'small'groups'are'open'to'anyone'in'the'church'as'a'means'to'go'deeper'with'their'faith'and'

connect'with'others'in'the'community.'The'aim'of'our'group'times'is'to'create'a'place'where'anyone'with'any'

question'is'welcomed'and,'also,'to'get'stuck'into'the'Bible'and'allow'people'to'deepen'their'understanding'of'

Jesus'in his own words.'Last'year'we'looked'at'Acts,'Paul's'letter'to'the'Philippians'and'then'a'Christian'foundations'series.'Emma'supplied'us'with'great'cake.'Duncan'and'Kev'ate'most'of'it'and'we'saw'some'great'

friendships'begin'and'deepen!'I'think'everyone'would'testify'to'the'difference'the'group'times'made'to'their'

faith'and'their'life.'Some'of'the'highlights'of'the'year'were'evening'lectures'we'ran'at'the'farm'for'the'

group'plus'interested'others'to'come'to.'Around'30'people'came'along'to'hear'about'topics'such'as''I'want'to'

believe,'but'my'scientific'brain'won't'let'me!',''Can'we'trust'the'Bible?''and''The'problem'of'suffering'. ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Neil%Bidston% %(0118 9731105)

c) Wednesday Bible Group Wednesdays 2-3 pm (come at 1.45 for a cup of tea as we will start promptly at 2pm) There will be plenty of toys for the children to play with and we will take it in turns to look after them, so that the study isn't too disturbed. Please feel free to come along and give it a go even if you haven't been before. Each session will stand alone there is no need to commit to every week. Contact Emmie Bidston for venue details 0118 9731105 %MUSIC AT ST JAMES’ St'James’'Church'Choir'continues'to'flourish'with'numbers'remaining'healthy'and'with'new'members'

continuing'to'come'on'board,'especially'in'the'Junior'Choir.''Apart'from'maintaining'our'strong'music'tradition'

at'our'services'in'St'James’'other'recent'activity'highlights'included'taking'part'in'the'recording'of'two'

movements'of'Karl'Jenkins’'latest'work'“The'Peacemakers”'at'the'Abbey'Road'studios'in'June'and'being'

invited'to'sing'for'one'of'the'Ordination'services'at'Oxford'Cathedral'on'2nd'July.''This'they'did'with'great'

success'and'have'been'invited'back'to'sing'on'future'occasions'by'the'Cathedral'authorities.''The'end'of'term'

was'marked'by'the'Choir’s'annual'Summer'Concert'which'was'extremely'well'supported'and'at'which'the'

choir'and'young'soloists'gave'outstanding'performances.''The'Choir'have'also'been'in'great'demand'for'

Weddings'during'the'summer'months,'including'some'at'the'end'of'August'when'they'are'not'normally'on'

duty.''However,'several'couples'were'very'keen'to'have'the'Choir'and'were'very'pleased'that'enough'singers'

were'available'to'sing,'despite'it'still'being'holiday'time.''The'unusual'number'of'greetings'cards'from'the'

brides'and'grooms'which'adorned'the'vestry'shelves'certainly'bore'witness'to'this.''Finally,'there'have'been'a'

couple'of'occasions'when'St'James’'choir'have'joined'with'the'choir'of'St'Mary'and'St'John’s,'firstly'for'the'

Confirmation'in'July'and'for'Julie’s'Licensing'in'August.''These'were'lovely'musical'occasions'and'hopefully'

there'will'be'some'occasions'in'the'future'when'we'can'join'forces'again.''' ' Andrew%Bosley The Church School (Finchampstead Church of England (Aided) Primary School) As the village church school, we are very aware that our role in the lives of our children extends beyond what would normally be expected of a school. Our role in developing the children’s understanding and appreciation of Christian values is one that we spend an enormous amount of time on. As an example, when Class 3 (Years 3 and 4) was learning about the Sermon on the Mount, they climbed “the mount” from the school to the church to hear the sermon. It was a beautiful Spring day, and the children sat on the grass in the church garden while their teacher, Mrs Miccoli, read to them from the Bible. Afterwards the children prayed to God to thank Him for all he has given us. The threads of tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness run through the daily life of the school, and the children are encouraged to pray regularly – both together and individually. This year we have started a prayer group for the children, which is very well-attended. This group complements the prayer group set up by the parents that meets regularly at the school. The school is extremely popular with parents seeking the first school for their child. While gratifying, this year we found ourselves in the unfortunate position of being unable to offer Reception places to four children who were siblings of pupils of the school, due to all of the seventeen available places having been offered. Naturally, while unavoidable, this was hard for the families that were affected. The school allocates places according to the categories described in its admissions policy which is published each year on the school’s website. Brian Remmington – Parent Governor


Three Churches in Finchampstead Praying Together In 2010, the feedback from clergy and individual churches was that it was good to work together but that the format of this particular activity was due for review. With St Mary & St John’s and St James’ both in vacancy and a new Baptist minister taking up post in June 2011, this has been left in abeyance until the new clergy are settled in. However, it was great that about 25 people from St Mary & St John’s and St James’ came together to pray on the eve of the interviews for Rector/Rector Designate. Carolyn Fox

Tuesday Working Party The Working Party meets on Tuesday mornings at 10am and does Do-It-Yourself jobs to keep maintenance costs down. It is also a social gathering as well, finishing in the Queen’s Oak for a drink. At present there are about 14 men and some of the older of us do little more than have a chat & a coffee. New faces are always welcome, come and see for yourself. Richard Owen. St. James' Church Football Club The primary reason why I decided to organise a regular game of football was to get to know other men/dads in the local community and to build a close network of friends. Having moved to Finchampstead from the Midlands and becoming a dad (now of three) I didn't really know too many people in the local area. Fortunately, many women/mum's from St. James' Church had a common interest with raising the kids (there were also men/dad's that did this too but primarily the women/mums) and I believe a large network of friends in the community have been developed as a result of this, which is truly great. Therefore, I was keen for the men/dads to have a similar network of friends and support and hence, the St. James' Church football club was born. Approx 40 people have registered their interest to join a St. James' Church 5-a-side football club and about 12-16 regularly attend the Wednesday night football sessions at Yateley's Community Sport Hall. Football has continued throughout the year, even during the school holidays such as Easter and Summer due to popular demand, which is always nice. In August a family picnic at Finchampstead's Memorial Ground was arranged for the quarterly social event, where approx 12 families attended and enjoyed the sunny weather, great food and great company. The club is a non-profit club and all proceeds have been decided to go to support Contrast, St. James' Church Youth Group. For the period Jan 2011 to Aug 2011 the club has managed to raise £173 for St. James' Youth Group. The good news is that some of the older Contrast members have started to join in as well, so now it's not just a mens/dad's footy club but in some cases a dad's and son's club :-).

Kevin Li - [email protected]

Altar Servers The Altar Servers are led by three adults. We have some 15 juniors who add an invaluable support to all our Holy Communion Services. They are all trained to understand their role and the church liturgy. They are a committed group and we are grateful for the support they give. Thanks to Barbara Brice and Gerald Lucan-Wilson for their help and leadership.

Paul Arscott , Head Server

St James’ Flower Team St James' Flower Team comprises approx 12 members coordinated by Denise Adams. Responsibilities include; weekly church flower rota, floral decoration for annual church festivals, organisation of Patronal flower festival (alternate years), informal workshops, coordination of Wedding flowers (approx 30 per year) and occasional Baptism/funeral flowers. We fund raise for our own budget and have begun to encourage sponsorship of church flowers. Denise Adams ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Breastfeeding Network report to St James' Church Jan 2011 – Aug 2011 This is a separate organisation but PCC supports it by providing the facilities of the Church Centre each week free of charge) The Breastfeeding Network drop-in group has a steady number of women coming along for help each week. Aims of the Breastfeeding Network: The BfN provides independent mother to mother support & information via our trained & registered UK volunteer network. Fundraising: In June we had a fundraising afternoon selling baby toys & clothes and cream teas. We raised around £500 in total and donated half of the money to St. James’ as a thank you for providing our much needed venue. The remaining money we have put towards training 3 local mums as Breastfeeding Network Registered Helpers. They will qualify before Christmas Outreach: Many women who come to the local group move on to Fledgelings and the 9.30am family service. The breastfeeding group helps women to feel a part of their local community and make new friends.

Kate Meads

Canon (Church) Law E 2 Of sidesmen or assistants to the churchwardens 1. The sidesmen of the parish shall be appointed by the annual parochial church meeting or, if need arises between annual parochial church meetings, by the parochial church council. 2. No person whose name is not on the church electoral roll is eligible as a sidesman, but all persons whose names are on the roll are so eligible. 3. It shall be the duty of the sidesmen to promote the cause of true religion in the parish and to assist the churchwardens in the discharge of their duties in maintaining order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of divine service.

www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/canons/complete.pdf

The role of sidespeople Sidespeople are often the first people you meet as you come in. Although part of their role is to welcome people to the service their main function seems to be to give out the right books and papers! In practice sidespeople do much more than give out books. They are responsible under the direction of the Churchwardens for making sure that all the practical jobs in preparation for worship are done and that everything goes smoothly during the service.

They take the collection and deal with it after the service. They also count carefully so that we know exactly how many people under and over 16 are in each service. The Church of England loves statistics and so do we. It is very helpful to look back in the service register where numbers of those attending and receiving communion are recorded and see how many people we might expect on any given Sunday. This is especially important at festival times, not only the major times of the church’s year such as Easter and Christmas but at times when we have our own major events and services.

Sidespeople are the smiling, helpful and welcoming face of the church. They are among the first to arrive for a service so that they can prepare the church to greet you and they are generally among the last to leave, after making sure that everything is correctly put away and the building is left tidily and safely for the next people to come in. Although they may have their own favourite service, we rather hope that they’ll be willing to take a turn at any of the services from time to time as needed. CarolynFox

Roles and responsibilities of Deanery Synod members by Alan Wilson (now Bishop of Buckingham) 1st April 2002

A working hand list People serve on Deanery Synods as parish delegates, or as licensed or beneficed clergy or as members of other synodical bodies. Their other work brings its own responsibilities but, as members of the Deanery Synod, they are there to work in collaboration with the Bishop, diocesan officers, other members, rural/area dean and officers of the Deanery to forward the mission of the Church. This involves a commitment to: I. Live and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, sustained by word and sacrament within the fellowship of the worshipping Church; 2. Represent the best interests of the parish on the Deanery Synod, by all means available, including turning up to meetings! Be a point of contact between deanery and parish, participating fully in the life of the PCC, and remembering that a prime purpose of the deanery is to support and enable work in parishes, but not to direct it. 3. Help develop forward looking deanery projects to support the parishes in their local mission and ministry 4. Collaborate in the development, monitoring and implementation of deanery mission plans, including discerning the appropriate level at which work can most effectively be undertaken. 5. Take an interest in the healthy and effective functioning of sector ministries within the deanery 6. Elect and support the officers of the deanery, treasurer, lay chair, secretary and Standing Committee, and to contribute to the shaping of deanery synod agendas 7. Support the mission of the Church by prayer and personal example; to seek out and support good practice in collaboration between parishes and ecumenically. To promote honest and harmonious working relationships throughout the Church in the deanery. 8. Seek out ways of linking into the structures of society within which the deanery is set, including local government. To participate fully in the corporate life of the area in Christ’s name, seeking new ways of understanding and communicating with its communities and people. 9. Inform themselves of issues under discussion at diocesan and national levels. 10. Act as electors to diocesan and general synods 11. Work to grow cultures of generosity and genuine stewardship within the Church, which honour and develop the gifts and ministry resources of all. 12. Take an interest in relationships which link what is going on locally into the diocese and the world church

PROFILE OF A PCC MEMBER/CHARITY TRUSTEE Qualities

o A person of faith and a regular worshipper at St James’ or St Mary & St John’s [on the church electoral roll for at least 6 months (except under 18s who may have been on for less time), at least sixteen years of age and an actual communicant (i.e. having received communion according to the use of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with the Church of England at least three times in the preceding twelve months).]

o An ability to think, reflect and pray about the life of the Church in this place and the wider Church

o A sense of humour

o In sympathy with the aims of St James’ and St Mary & St John’s Churches Job Specification

o To be willing to give priority to attendance at meetings

o To serve on at least one of the sub-committees

o Able to make a positive contribution to the life of the Church

o To be willing to maintain the confidentiality of the meeting as and when necessary

o To keep in touch with the Church members you represent

o To pre-read the agenda and papers and to give thought and prayer to them

o To be willing to share and take responsibility

o To take the role of Charity Trustee seriously, keeping as informed as possible of the rules of church, charity and state and acting responsibly

o To act collaboratively with responsibility and vision to further the work of the Holy Spirit in our Parish and the world.

Legal Responsibilities of Charity Trustees (extracts from a guide by solicitors Bates Wells and Braithwaite)

Charity trustees are the people who have the general control and management of a charity’s administration: in short, they are ultimately responsible for the charity.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHARITY TRUSTEES

The overriding duty of all charity trustees is to advance the purposes of their charity. In doing so they have several basic responsibilities. 1. Trustees are responsible for the proper administration of the charity

Trustees must make sure that the charity’s assets and resources are used only for the purposes of the charity. They must make sure that the charity is run in accordance with its constitution, charity law and all other laws and regulations which affect its activities.

2. Trustees must accept ultimate responsibility for everything the charity does The trustees are responsible for the vision, mission and management of the charity. They are accountable if things go wrong.

3. Trustees have to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to their charity The law imposes a duty of care on the trustees of charities. This is sometimes expressed as a duty ‘to exercise such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances’. The duty will be greater if a trustee has (or claims to have) any special knowledge or experience, or if their business or profession means they can reasonably be expected to have special knowledge or experience. In matters where trustees are not expert, they will be expected to take appropriate advice. This duty is very significant. Essentially, provided trustees can show that they are acting reasonably, in a way which furthers the legal objectives of the charity, it is unlikely that they can be criticised under charity law.

4. Trustees must safeguard and protect the assets of the charity A charity’s assets include its investments, cash, land, intellectual property, staff and reputation.

5. Trustees have a duty to act collectively Decisions and responsibilities are shared, so all trustees should take an active role. Trustees can act by majority (unless the constitution says otherwise), but all the trustees are collectively responsible for decisions made by the trustees (unless they make it clear that they disagree with a particular decision, but they are overruled). Some trustees will have particular roles. For instance, the chair is likely to be a figurehead for the organisation, and to have a special relationship with senior members of staff. The treasurer will be responsible for explaining the financial situation to the rest of the trustees. But responsibility for decision-making still lies with the board as a whole.

6. Trustees must act in the best interests of their charity The interests of the charity are paramount. Trustees should not allow their personal interests or views to override this: they must exercise independent judgement.

7. Trustees must avoid any conflict between their personal interests and those of the charity The main implication of this is that, unless there is specific legal authority, charity trustees cannot receive any benefit from the charity. The law is very strict about ensuring that trustees cannot influence decisions in their favour. Conflict of interest is a very wide term and also includes a duty of loyalty to another organisation.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. See also Charity Commission guidance: CC3 – The Essential Trustee: What you need to know.

www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publications/cc3.aspx

Notes for the SPCM Nov 2011 on the composition of the PCC

According to the rules of the Church of England as they apply to this parish, the PCC shall consist of:

All clerks in Holy Orders licensed to the parish; i.e. our Rector Rev Julie Ramsbottom, Rev John Edwards as our non stipendiary associate priest, Rev Brynn Bayman as our non stipendiary associate curate and our expected second stipendiary minister once appointed. (4)

The churchwardens, two from each church; (4)

Such, if any, of the lay ministers (readers) who are licensed to the parish and whose names are on the roll of the parish, as the annual meeting may determine; (0)

(A resolution at this SPCM would be effective from the next APCM.)

All persons on the roll of the parish who are lay members of Deanery, Diocesan or General Synod. (Julia Arscott, Paul Arscott, Cathy Clayton and Carolyn Fox are the present representatives on Deanery Synod from St James’ and Martin Hughes, Dave Moore and Alan Coleman-Smith from St Mary & St John’s) The period of election is up to 31 May 2014 (7)

Such number of representatives of the laity as prescribed. From 2005, the prescribed formula is to be based on Electoral Roll numbers (6 for Rolls of up to 50, 9 for 51-100, 12 for 101-200 and 15 for 201 and above) (15) Under Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 2003 which came into effect on 1 January 2004, the ‘default’ tenure of office for elected lay members of the PCC is three years, with one third retiring by rotation each year.

[To divide the 15 elected into 3 groups for service to the next APCM, the following APCM and the third APCM or if in future anyone stands down out of turn, it is usual practice to fill the total number of places and then, after they are elected, to choose by lot who of this total will fill the various required terms of office.] Under the Synodical Government Measure a person must also now have been on the Electoral Roll for 6 months to qualify for election to the PCC or Deanery Synod and must be an actual communicant. [The PCC so composed may then co-opt further members, not exceeding a fifth of the elected number i.e. up to 3 co-opted members.]

St Mary and St John's Church, CaliforniaIn Gorse Ride Junior School

Annual Reportand

Financial Statementsof the

Parochial Church Council(Parish dissolved 31 August 2011)

for the year ended 31st August 2011

Priest in Charge to dissolution Independent Examiner

Rev Julie RamsbottomThe Parish CentreBilling AvenueFinchampsteadRG404JW

Mrs S J W Potts ACIB37 Radnor RoadBracknellRG129FD

St Mary & St John's Church, California(Parish dissolved 31 August 2011)Financial Statements for the year ended 31 st August 2011

Contents

Annual Report for 201 1

Independent Examiner's report

General Fund Activity

Restricted Fund Activity and Statement of Assetsand Liabilities

Notes to the Financial Statements

Bank:-SantanderBootleMerseysideL304GB

'Alive with Christ' (Colossians 2:13)

At St Mary and St lohn California we seek toLive Christ in our community, receiving and sharing God's infinite loveIn the power of the Holy SpiritValuing one another and responding to the changing needs of all around usEnthusiastic and united in prayer and worship

2

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3

6

7

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St Mary & St John's Parochial Church Council[Parish dissolved 31 August 2011]

Trustees' Annual Report for the 8 months from 1st January - 31st August 2011

Reference and administrative information

The PCCis an excepted charity and is not registered with the Charity Commission.The Parish was dissolved and merged with the Parish of Finchampstead to form the new Parish ofFinchampstead 8: California on 1st September 2011 under a pastoral scheme dated 11th August2011 and signed by Right Reverend John, Bishop of Oxford

The church office is: Parish Centre, Vicarage Close, Finchampstead, Berkshire, RG404JW

The trustees, members of the PCC, at the time of this report, were as follows:

EXOFFICIO

Rev Julie RamsbottomSharon White, ChurchwardenDave Moore, Churchwarden

8: Deanery Synod RepresentativeAlan Coleman-Smith, Treasurer

8: Deanery Synod RepresentativeMartin Hughes, Deanery Synod Representative.ELECTED

Chris IlsleyDavid WoolgarJohn McDonaldHarry RowCath BowersKaren KingMarjorie Stalker, SecretaryMargaret BriggsDelphine HoyleHeather Greenfield-MacraePam SmithBrenda Whitely

licensed 31 August 2011Elected annuallyElected annuallyElected 2011from May 2010Elected 2011Elected 2011

2010-20132010-20132010-20132010-20132009-20122009-20122009-20122009-20122011-20142011-20142011-20142011-2014

CO-OPTEDRev Hugh Wakeling, Associate Priest

Structure, governance and management

The PCChas been formed under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.

PCCmembers were recruited in a number of ways. The licensed clergy and churchwardens weremembers by virtue of their office. Deanery Synod representatives were elected by the annualparochial church meeting (APCM) and hold office for three years. Other members of the PCCwereelected annually at the APCMand hold office for between one and three years.

There are the following committees:

Standing Committee - This committee consisted of the Priest in Charge, the two powerchurchwardens, secretary, treasurer and 2 elected members of PCC. They had to transact thebusiness of the PCCbetween PCCmeetings, reporting to the full PCCas appropriate.

Communications Group - Concerned with increasing the effectiveness of communications withinthe church and raising the profile of the church in the community.

Finance Group - oversaw the finances by monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting andcoordinating the annual review of Christian Stewardship.

Mission and World Concern Group - responsible for that part of the church's vision which lookedoutward to our local community and the wider church.

Parish Centre Management Committee - looked after the running and maintenance of the ParishCentre.

Social Group - arranged social events, some of which raise funds for the church.

Worship Committee - responsible for organising all aspects of the worshipping life of the church.

More information about these groups is published in the Group Reports section.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of the PCCare defined by the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 as'to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church,pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical'.

Our vision for our church is to be "ALIVE WITH CHRIST" Know it, Pray it, Share it.• to know the love of God the Father• to pray in faith in the name of Jesus• to share what God has done for us in the power of The Holy Spirit

For more information see our website www.smsj.org.uk

Church attendanceHoly Communion is celebrated every Sunday in Gorse Ride Junior School, with an averageattendance of 44 [49]Prayer for healing continues to be offered on the second Sunday of the month.Alive @11 on the first Sunday of each month has an average attendance of 50 [61]Wednesday morning Communion in the Parish Centre averages 7 [6] communicants

There were 11 baptisms, 0 weddings and 2 funerals during the 8 month period.

Review of the yearThe PCCand Standing Committee met in alternate months with 2 additional meetings to discussthe Parish Profile.The 8 months of 2011 have seen SMSJcontinuing to run as normally as possible with Rev HughWakeling, our unpaid associate priest, taking the reins and taking most of the services.We could not have done it without him and we owe him a huge vote of thanks.The PCCkept things "ticking over" and no major decisions were taken during this time.

The finalising of the Parish Profile and subsequent advertising was a very important part of theyear and we were delighted to hear that after interviews in March, Rev Julie Ramsbottom waslicensed as Priest in Charge for the last few hours of the Parish's existence on 31st August 2011and was appointed Rector for the newly formed parish.Sharon White and Karen King were our elected representatives for the interview panel and bothgave a huge amount of time and effort into compiling the profile. Thankyou to them both.Our Lent Charity supported Patrick Mukholi's Anglican Church of Kenya, Bishop HanningtonInstitute, in MombassaSMSJdid not run any Lent Courses this year but information was given to the congregation withdetails of courses and neighbouring churches.A delightful confirmation service at Wellington College in July saw candidates from both churchesmaking their commitments to God in front of a congregation of 400.Pathfinders, Sunday Club and creche have continued to meet 3 Sundays of each month providingvarious activities for the younger members of our church community.At Pentecost we invited children for the Alive @ 11 families and were delighted when 22 turnedup.We have continued our support of Mityana and now that the second bore hole is up and running,plans are under way for a third.The Parish centre is still well used by outside groups although Soft Play moved to the FBC.Our local outreach in the community continues with all our social events open to everyone.Our Green Team still flourishes and they have been concentrating on "Our Carbon Footprint" andare leading a Green Service in the New Year.

Financial reviewThe result for the 8 months has been an overall increase in cash and bank balances from £43751to£48186, however many bills were unpaid and the annual mission donations, usually around £5000will be made later in the year.

There was very little activity in the restricted and designated funds and the General Fundincreased by £4269

Approved by the PCCand signed on its behalf by

c~iJ,(C-,.\.\ wt£,.\)8Y'l.J\::" NCVl::.'i'<1~t::.R ':<!ol)

s

St Mary & St John's Church, California(Parish dissolved 31 August 2011)

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 st August 2011

General (Unrestricted) Fund Receipts and Payments Account

8 months to 31 August 12 months to 312011 December 2010

£ £ £ £ReceiptsVoluntary ReceiptsRegular Giving

Tax-efficient planned giving 22,525 28,813Collections and other giving 5,526 12.444Income Tax recovered 8.032 36.083 8,811 50.068

Other voluntary receiptsGrants 700 250Donations 3.803 4.503 3.380 3.630

Receipts from activities for generating fundsFund raising events 18 105

Receipts from Church activitiesSales of church magazine 198 89Fees for weddings etc 68 1.249Socials 1.118 785Other Income 97 1,481 186 2.309

Receipts from investmentsBank interest 24 44

Total Receipts 42,109 56,156

PaymentsGrants

Overseas mission and relief agencies 2.820Home Mission 75 1.675Secular charities 75 600 5.095

Payments for generating fundsCost of generating voluntary income 6

Church activitiesDiocesan parish share 31.151 42,996Clergy expenses 476Parish centre running expenses 1,453 1,816Buildings maintenance 316 727Fees for weddings etc 802Cost of services 1.205 1.036Hire of Ha" 1.260 2,580PCC Property 144Support costs 124 697Socials 891 737Administration expenses 900 1,305Other expenses 465 37,765 126 53.442

Total Payments 37,840 58,543

Excess of Receipts over Payments 4.269 - 2,387Transfer to Restricted fund853

4,269 - 3,240

Bank current and deposit accounts at start 18.270 21.510Bank current and deposit accounts at end 22.539 18.270

7

St Mary & St john's Church, California(Parish dissolved 31 August 2011)

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 st August 2011

Restricted & Designated Funds Receipts and Payments Account

Community Projects Restricted FundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts at startBank current and deposit accounts at end

Educetlon Projects Restricted FundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts at startBank current and deposit eccounts at end

Building Maintenance Restricted FundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts at startBank current and deposit accounts at end

Remainder of £5.000 Donation Restricted FundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts at startBank current and deposit accounts al end

Missions and Charities Restricted FundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts at startBank current and deposit accounts at end

other Collections Restricted fundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts al startBank current and deposit accounts al end

ODBF Wedding I Funeral fees Restricted FundReceiptsPaymentsExcess of Receipts over PaymentsBank current and deposit accounts at startBank current and deposit accounts at end

£15.000 Legacy Designated FundBank current and deposit accounts al startBank currenl and deposit accounts at end

Total Restricted & Designated FundsTotal Unrestricted Funds

Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 December

Cash fundsCash & unbanked chequesBank current accountHigh interest deposit account30 day Community accountTotal bank current and deposit accounts

Other assets acquired for more than £1.000Parish centre building and landHT -300 Hymnal Plus

2011£

345345

167--W---.ill..

521521

512170

~201543

100100

15.00015.000

25.65622.53948.195

1013.5579.41735.12048.195

2010£

167167

853.-s538.2949.147

77--77-

598521

843653---wo11201

1.3871.287-wo

15.00015.000

25.48118.27043,751

7629.41035.10343.751

Other assets held by the church are of immaterial value for the purpose of this statement.

These financial statements were approved by the PCC on 6th November 2011

8

St Mary & St John's Church, California(Parish dissolved 31 August 2011)Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 st August 2011

Accounting PoliciesThe financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with theChurch Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

General and designated funds represent the funds of the PCC that are notsubject to any special restriction regarding their use and are available forapplication to the general purposes of the Pcc. These include funds designatedfor a partlcu lar pu rpose by the Pcc.

The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which thePCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other Churchgroups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informalgatherings of Church members.

Subject to the above, receipts and payments Include income as received andexpenditure when irrevocably paid.

2 Statement of Assets and LiabilitiesThe following assets are recognised but not necessarily valued in the Statementof Assets and Liabilities:

Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trustfor the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal.

Land and buildings held on behalf of the Pcc.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where the PCC is"fr,ee todispose of such assets without faculty and where the original costexceeded £ 1,000.

Investments held beneficially by the PCC.

The following assets are recognised and a monetary value given as part of thedescription in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Amounts owing from the Inland Revenue where a formal claim has beenmade.

Any other amounts owing to the PCC including insurance claims.

Legacies where formal notification of entitlement and amount has beenreceived by the end of the accounting period by the Pcc.

Closing bank balances as shown in the receipts and payments accounts.

The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Any loans or overdrafts advanced to the Pcc.

Any arrears of Diocesan Parish Share.

Creditors for goods and services where the supply has been receivedand invoiced by the end of the accounting period.

3 DissolutionUnder a Parstoral Scheme made by the Church Comissioners the parish of Finchampsteadand the parish of California were united to create a new parish called "The Parish ofFinchampstead and California" on 1 September 2011.

According to the guidance published by the Archbishops Council at www.parishresources.org.ukthis Pastoral Scheme formally dissolves the Exempted charitable trust of the parish ofCalifornia, which is merged with the parish of Finchampstead.

9

St Mary and Stjohn's Church California - Annual Reviewfor 2010

5. Church Warden's Report on the Fabric and Ornaments of The Church for 2010

IntroductionThis report covers activities at both Gorse Ride junior School and the Parish Centre.

Changes to the InventoryThe list of church property has been added to during the year and includes all new acquisitions.This list is included in the terrier that is kept electronically and includes photographs of thevaluables. It is also printed out and kept in the office.

DonationsCDs for use by the church in memory of Gordon VicaryA slimline computer monitor for Parish Centre officeA replacement PCand printer for Parish Centre office

Acquisitions

From the restricted fund:- A small alb (server's robe)

From the Restricted Community Projects Fund:- None

From the General Fund"- A Fireproof Box for registers- New Bethlehem Carol sheets- Small key safe in Parish Centre office

DisposalsA PC, computer monitor, printer, mouse and cables from Parish Centre Office.

MaintenanceThe candle snuffer was repaired.

Parish CentreRegular routine maintenance was carried out. This included servicing the boiler and testing fireextinguishers and alarms. The fire risk has been assessed and relevant document updated.

We are pleased we have been able to help those local groups and community organisations,which have met in the Parish Centre.We are very grateful to everyone who helps to keep the centre and grounds tidy throughout theyear and at the special clean-up sessions. Special thanks to David Woolgar.Thank you very much to judy McLaren for her work in our church office and to John McDonald fordealing with Parish Centre bookings & setting the heating.

David Moore ) ChurchwardensSharon White

St Mary and St lohn's Church California - Annual Review for~ >)"0 \0.

Group Reports

H~~VJ~~~Once again we have had a busy year as we continue to show God's love to the world and to ourlocal area. Our connection with the Gorse Ride Schools continues. Since Carol retired Pam hasbeen taking an assembly in both schools each term, and the schools would like her to continueuntil we have a new priest. A very successful labyrinth was held at the junior School during holyWeek on the journey of Easter. We were happy that an increasing number of parents also came tothe labyrinth when collecting their children after school. Many thanks to Kathie and Pam for alltheir hard work. The Gorse Ride junior School Choir havesung for us on several occasions and we thank them forthat. We have helped at two School Fairs as usual.In May, we held our usual House-to-House Collection forChristian Aid Week, also a Street Collection, Quiz-aid andthe Christian Aid service.The first bore hole at Mityana is now working well, and it is hoped to drill a second early in2011. Last Lent we supported the Christian Aid Appeal for mosquito nets, Readifood at Harvestand the Grandsons of Abraham in Advent.

Margaret Briggs

We meet once a term to discuss environmental issues and ways in which we can encourage andsustain interest in applying GREENvalues to all aspects of our church life.

We continue to encourage recycling of stamps, batteries, water cartridges, milk bottle tops,tetrapaks and members of our team are regulars at the local revamped recycling depots. Wecontribute a monthly GREENpage in our church magazine, which aims to provide plenty of foodfor thought.

Our focus this year has been on 'Grow your own' and 'Energy saving'.

As an extension to this we have been looking at C footprintquestionnaires in preparation for a service in the New Year dedicated to'Living more Lightly'.

We continue to encourage LOAF principles and where possible oursocial events support this in their provision of refreshments.

Shirley, Delphine, john, Chris, jacky, Amber, Kathie

Seven events were organised during 2010 although the Epiphany Party had to be cancelled due tosevere snowfall in january. The Barn Dance was well attended and proved to be one of the best wehad held, still attracting several people from outside of the church .

... _ _--

St Mary and St Iohn's Church California - Annual Review for ~ :2..0\0

In May, Quiz Aid was a joint venture with the Mission and World Concern group, successfullyraising funds for Christian Aid. A picturesque Spring Bank Holiday walk near the Thames wasorganised by Harry Row.There was good weather again for the Patronal Festival BBQwith games organised for the childrenwhilst the food was cooking. The Harvest Supper was followed by a variety of games organised byKaren King and Sharon White.

In December, the Table Top sale at the Ratepayers Hall raised less than expected but is still anoutreach activity maintaining our profile in the locality.

During 2010, we welcomed Pam Smith, Sharon White and janlce Alien as new members to theteam. Their added input is highly appreciated

David Woolgar, June Sharpe, Shirley Moore, Marjorie Stalker, PatWeeks, Pam Smith, Sharon White,janice Alien

Adult Groups

O~H~MJ.1>~This year we have gone from looking at the Book of Nehemiah to the early books of the Biblefrom Abraham to joshua, Joshua to the Exile and from the Exile to John the Baptist-quite ajourney. Wewould like to thank Hugh for taking over from Carol and leading us.

The Prayer Group has continued, first with Carol leading and lately with Paula leading us. Wewould like to recommend this group to others in the church-you don't need to be clever or noneof us would be there, but the church does need prayer, particularly at this time of change.

Margaret Briggs

TkQ~~During the past year we have continued to meet weekly during term time to meet the Lord as welisten to a meditation or reading, share our thoughts and reflections on it and pray for ourselvesand others. Our time together incorporates 20-30 minutes of silence. We have continued to use avariety of sources and have recently included a series reflecting on Rublev's icon of the Trinity. Wecurrently meet outside the parish.

If you would like to explore if this is for you, please have a word with Sheila Baker or Pam Smith.

Pam Smith

T~~T~As a Fair-trade church, we have continued to promote and support fair trade as much aspossible. We used a free guessing game with fair-trade prizes on our display stand in Septemberat FBC. We gave away cookies and cakes using fair-trade ingredients at the Gorse Ride SchoolsSummer and Christmas fairs. Mothers Union had a Big Brew Pancake Event in Fairtrade fortnight.This year we included cards made by Esperanza, a women's co-operative group in Peru, on one ofour stalls selling fair-trade products after church. Thank you very much to all who support fairtrade in any way. Please continue as it really helps the producers and their communities.

Pam Smith

St Mary and St john's Church California - Annual Review for 2:t)::1::O:.:)..0 le

~~r :~~:~I::e~i~i~~ ~o~~~~~ :~;h:itf~:Srt :u~:~~:r~~ ~NI.NUnion speaker, or subject open to discussion among Christian care for familiesmembes. We were very fortunate to have Sheila .lFMf:W~""'~~1iQuinney demonstrate her beautiful flower arrangements for us early in the year. We haveattended Deanery meetings, and participated in the Wave of Prayer in June. Some members andfriends helped with the meeting and greeting at Christ Church Oxford in August, and we have adate for this duty in August 2011. Four members attended the Diocesan meeting at Benson inDecember, were warmly welcomed to Carols at StJames and ended the year with a festive lunch.

We are knitting for the Premature Baby Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and have providedtoilet items for the children's ward for overnight admissions. Also during the year we have raisedmoney for the Away From It All Holidays arranged by Mothers' Union for needy families. We havean intersting programme for 2011, why not come and join us at 12.30pm in the Parish Centre onthe first Tuesday of the month.

Marian Parry

M~'4~This year we again supported the Men's Breakfasts in Reading. In February we had an excellentpresentation by Mark Stubbs, who rowed the Atlantic and survived a hurricane, which hit the boat60 miles off Ireland. In June there was a talk by David Fortune entitled 'The Day I bet my Life' andin October a very interesting talk by ex convict Steve Cattell 'A Transformed Man' who gave us alot to think about on how we treat others.

Our first meeting of the year in January was held at Alan Coleman-Smith's house where we had adiscussion on what should be done to help Uganda/ Mityana; Hugh led this debate. Our usualevening events included Ten Pin bowling, Snooker at the John Nike centre, Dinner with Partners atthe Bull at Barkham, and a BBQ very ably hosted by Martin Hughes. Harry Row lead us on anevening walk through the ruins of Roman Silchester and ending at the Red Lion. David Brownfacilitated an enjoyable Wine Tasting evening. The year ended as usual with a social evening atthe Queen's Oak, where the year's activities were reviewed, and plans made for 2011.

Harry Row.

S+~., Lw.J. ~We have continued to meet for singles lunch on Sunday around everysix weeks. Most of the restaurants we visit are in our area, and weenjoy our lunch and time to chat and catch up on each other's news.We hope that some time in the future, when the waether is a littlemilder Carol may be able to join us for lunch. Sometimes service canbe a little slow if we have a large group. We hope to continue on aregular basis and welcome anyone who would like to join us. If yougive your name to either Delphne Hoyle or Maian Parry we will let youknow when the next one is to be.

Marion Parry

StMaryand StJohn's Church California - Annual Reviewfor 2010

Tea & Chat continued to run during 2010 with an average of 8/9 guests. It is a very relaxed andsocial time, which everyone enjoys especially with Margaret's cakes.

The "Older People's Forum" joins us every 2 months with some very interesting speakers andinformation about help for the elderly.

We would welcome any newcomers, of any age, to join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of themonth from 2-3.30pm

Marjorie Stalker

TkF~A~l~The team members are Sheila Quinney, Marjorie Stalker, Ashlyn Webster, and June Warr.

We aim to provide flowers in Church every Sunday throughout the year but of course, not duringLent and Advent. Mothering Sunday, however, falls in Lent and we feel that it is especially

appropriate to provide flowers that week.

Where possible we make the flowers last for two weeks for economy's sakeand transfer them to the Parish Centre for the weekly service. This doesmean that a member of the team is responsible for transportation andchecking them during the week, but we see this as part of the job.

We do have several regular donations from members of the congregation, forwhich we are extremely grateful, but if anyone else would like to make adonation in memory of a loved one, or for any other celebration, please see a

member of the team. We will always try to fulfil special requests, where possible.

We have one regular junior member, Emma King, who helps us at festivals. Any other volunteers,whatever age would be really welcome - I will always be pleased to give advice. The cost of theflowers is reimbursable and dishes and Oasis are kept at the Parish Centre for our use.

Sheila Quinney

r Child Groups

~(O-3~~)We provide a variety of toys and games for our younger children to play with, watched over by thecaring Creche Team we also encouraged the children to join in the Sunday Club activities as theywish.

Karen King

Sc.~, CtJ, (3..11".". ~)2010 has very much been a transition year with the formation of Junior Pathfinders, this has leftSunday Club with very loyal but few members. Whilst maintaining a fun programme we havelooked at encouraging children who attend Alive@ll to join us at Sunday Club. We organised asuccessful Pentecost Party attracting many children who had not previously attended Sunday Cluband we have made cards to send to baptism children on their 4th & 5th Birthdays.

St Mary and St John's Church California - Annual Review for 2010

We have contributed to the wider Church community by makingEaster and Christmas cards and providing decorated cakes andbiscuits.

On behalf of the children a BIGTHANK YOU to all the leaders for theirtime and commitment over the year to Sunday Club/ Creche and Alive@11 services. Achieving our aim to share and develop the love ofJesus and to make it enjoyable and fun. We aim to make the children feel an important part ofthe church community.

Karen King

p~ ~ C11-1i ~ JM)The junior Pathfinders group has now been running in its current format for over a year. We havea group of five or six Year 6, 7 and 8 children (aged 10-13) and we meet on Sunday morning in

the same room as Sunday Club. We begin our sessions with Sunday Club members and split forseparate activities or join together when activities are appropriate or when numbers are low. Weare continuing to use the lectionary based 'Roots' material and also use material linked to specialservices or occasions in the Church year.

Our Pathfinders are actively involved in different areas of the church, for example, helping inAlive@ll services, acting as servers and as part of the Music Group.

We have begun to build links with the Youth Group at St Iarnes' and some of the Pathfinders wentto their pantomime at Christmas and have visited a Sunday evening session. We see continuinginvolvement with a large social group as an exciting opportunity for our young people.

In September, Sheila Quinney decided to take a break as a Pathfinder leader. We would like tothank her for all her enthusiastic and dedicated work with our children and young people overmany years.

judy McLaren

Music Groups

The choir, led by Lorna White, continued to sing at all the major festivals in2010, managing to maintain a balance of voices. When Billy Coleman-Smithleft to go to University, he was replaced by Paul Moore as a bass for theChristmas Carol Service. We will be short of voices in 2011, particularlymen's, and new members to the choir would be very much appreciated.

In June we celebrated Music Sunday using material provided by the RSCM as a celebration ofmusic in worship. A highlight was singing Psalm 150, combining congregation, 4 choir parts anda variety of instruments in a rousing final verse.

In October, the Annual RSCMChoirs Festival Choral Evensong was held in Radley College. It is agreat opportunity to sing some challenging anthems, psalms and responses together with over300 other people, and we sang one of the anthems at our Patronal Festival.

Shirley Moore

Documents

SPCM Pack