annual report presented to the 2012 all souls annual meeting

presented to the all souls annual meetingapril 26th 2012

annual report 2011

allsoulschurch@allsoulschurch 020 8891 6820Northcote Road, St Margarets, TW1 1PB

annual meetingsthursday, 26th april at 8:00pm

agendaparishioners’ meeting

Churchwarden Elections

annual parochial church meeting1 Apologies for Absence2 Minutes of APCM 20113 Matters Arising4 PCC Elections5 Election of Deanery Synod Representative6 Electoral Roll Report7 The Reports:

· PCC Report· Finance Report· Fabric Report· Appointment of Sidespeople· Other Reports

8 Any Other Business

minutes from 2011 APCM : april 27thattendeesKen and Pat Andrews, Rob Anstey, Matt and Charlotte Berding, Al Bird, Debbie Braun, FionaBudden, Karl Burgess, Tom and Rosalie Callway, Tilly Connor, Jan Cowie, Marcus Cutler, Adrianand Cath Davies, AJ de Jager, Dominic and Roz de Lord, Iain Fletcher, Richard and CatherineFrank, Bill and Maggie Greenfield, Charles and Charlie Hudson, Pranay Jeyachandran, Tom John-son, Karen Kerr, Becky Kimble, Tim Knight, Craig Knipe, Caroline Lim, Nick and Katherine Merri-field, Sharon Miller, Linda Northern, Veena O’Sullivan, Helene Parry, Richard Peart, DavidPeppiatt, Adrian Ramsey, Tim and Helen Stephens, Charles Tapson, Beth Thyr, Eleanor Tuck, Dav-id Vroegindeweij, Mark and Deborah Warne, Mark and Sue Wing, Jon and Rachel Wooden,Apologies from Lou Bird, Matthew Kerr, Sian Knight.

welcomeRichard Frank welcomed everyone and opened the meeting. The meeting was in two parts: theParishioners’ Meeting, open to all who live in the parish, and the Parochial Meeting, open tothose on the electoral roll of All Souls.

previous minutes - The April 2010 minutes were approved.

pcc electionsBecky Kimble, David Peppiatt, Pranay Jeyachandran, Helen Stephens, Karl Burgess and EleanorTuck were elected to the PCC. Charles Tapson was elected to fill the vacant Deanery Synod post.Continuing for another year: Al Bird (Treasurer), Helene Parry (Secretary), Charles Tapson, RosalieCallway, Debbie Braun, Nick Merrifield, Iain Fletcher, Krista Small, David Rowe (Deanery Synod) &Jan Cowie (Deanery Synod). Tors Ramsey is standing down as she will be leaving.

election of churchwardensCath Davies and Deborah Warne stood for election as churchwardens again. There were no othercandidates, so both were elected. The church gave them a round of applause.

election of sidespeopleNo changes announced. Richard reminded the sidespeople that they had the power of arrestwithin the curteledge of the church…

review of reportsReports were distributed to members of All Souls present, who were encouraged to read themlater.

finance reportAl Bird (Treasurer) gave a presentation on the 2010 Accounts.Our plan for 2011:

� Budget: £170,000, slightly down on last year.� Expenditure for 2011: Bills: £23,000, Resources: £17,000, Team: £47,000, Buildings:

£16,000, Diocese: £64,000.� Giving: £90,000. Regular giving from over 60 households in All Souls – with Gift Aid:

£25,000� Rent: £45,000 - halls, studio and church flat� Other: £7,000 - one-off gifts

vicar’s addressRichard spoke on the “core business” of All Souls: that people should be transformed by anencounter with Jesus Christ. He reminded us that we need to keep Jesus at the heart of what weare about.

AOBNo other business.

The meeting was then closed and was followed by worship and testimonies.Helene Parry – PCC Secretary

parochial church council (pcc)

The proposed PCC for 2012/2013 would be:

Clergy: Richard Frank (Chair); Calum LindsayChurch Wardens: Deborah Warne & Cath DaviesDeanery Synod: David Rowe, Charles Tapson & Jan CowieStanding for election this year: Esther McCallum, Tim Knight, Brenda DickensContinuing for another year: Helen Stephens; Al Bird (Treasurer); Nick Merrifield; Iain Fletcher;David Peppiatt; Eleanor Tuck; Becky Kimble; Pranay Jeyechandran

pcc reportThe PCC has met seven times since the All Souls AnnualMeeting last year. Its meetings have covered mattersfrom the focus of the church budget to our work withthe Ivybridge church. Each meeting begins with areport from Richard, which the PCC then discusses.

In the past 12 months, the PCC has covered mattersranging from promoting our Energyshare project,generating church growth and building up generalgiving.

Recent highlights of PCC meetings have included discussions on improving the outside of thebuildings (“making the face of the church match our heart”) and extending our children, youthand outreach ministry.Helene Parry - PCC Secretary

electoral roll reportThe updated electoral roll has 142 people, of whom 95 are resident outside the parish. Since therevision of last year’s role, 35 names have been added and 24 names removed. New applicationscan be made at any time after the APCM - please ask for further details and/or an enrolment form.Krista Small - Electoral Roll Officer

commentary on 2011 finances2011 marked a clear turning point in All Souls’ finances where we were able to manage ourincome and outgoings prudently to restore our unrestricted funds back into the black at the endof the year. We hope this will provide a solid foundation for ambitious community facing projectsin the coming years. Thank you so much to the All Souls community for your continued generosityand support.

Income� Total unrestricted income in 2011 increased to £196,946 (2010 £174,511). Total regular

giving from the congregation, including gift aid, increased to £146,908 (2010 £116,669)� Total rental income from the flat, studio and halls increased to £44,354 (2010 £41,349)� We also received £17,834 of ‘one-off’ gifts which have been set aside in a restricted

account for development projects to improve the buildings and environmental impact ofrunning All Souls

The Ivybridge bank account and income are restricted for use on the estate and remained stablein 2011

� Regular church outgoings were controlled carefully in 2011 to enable the repayment ofloans and build up of reserves for future maintenance needs� Total expenditure for All Souls in 2011 decreased to £172,518 (from £184,235 in 2010)� The Diocesan Common Fund increased as planned by £7,484 to £64,184 in 2011, and is on

track to meet ‘full costs’ of £68,222 in 2012– a tremendous watershed moment to achievethe target set 11 years ago as a new church plant.� Changes in the church office team and staffing gaps during the year meant a reduction of

£12,803 staffing costs in 2011, which is budgeted to return to previous levels in 2012

Overall, the Income and Expenditure in 2011 was generally in line with expectations and thebudget. Huge credit is again due to the Sage skills and cash flow monitoring of Sue, Sara & thefinance team to keep everything prudently budgeted and accounted for!

The PCC are extremely thankful and very appreciative of the generous giving which has allowedthe church to grow and provide resources for the congregation and the community.

We started 2011 with £21,595 net owing in loans to the Diocese for works to complete the Linkand essential maintenance in replacing the old hall boilers (due to our historical lack of reserves).We ended 2012 with net unrestricted funds of £2,833 – the first time we have had positive‘reserves’ since completing the Link project in 2009.

We ended 2011 with £21,007 in the restricted savings account for building- related developmentprojects.

In 2012 we are consolidating this ‘turning’ point in All Souls finances: maintaining a ‘prudent’focus on balancing regular income and expenditure while responsibly growing our unrestrictedreserves for ongoing maintenance needs.

We have ambitious plans to increase our community-serving mission with more resources forchildren’s, youth and family engagement and better access and usage of the Church buildings byour local community.

As our debts are paid off, we will use the freed up outgoings and any increase in regular givingto invest in more community-facing staff and resources – starting with a children’s worker in2012, and targeting a youth worker and further community activities when regular giving levelsallow. Likewise, we are looking to attract additional ‘one-off’ funds to the savings account toinvest in significant development projects to improve the church buildings for greater communityservice, while minimising the environmental impact of theirincreased use.

Al Bird - PCC Honorary Treasurer 2012

ALL SOULS CHURCH, ST MARGARETS

Annual accounts for the period1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011

Statement of financial activities

Note TOTAL 2011 TOTAL 2010£ £ £ £ £

Incoming resources 3Incoming resources from generated fundsVoluntary income 146,908 22,132 - 169,040 151,005

Investment income 95 - - 95 14

Incoming resources from church activities 49,943 - - 49,943 48,266

Total incoming resources 196,946 22,132 - 219,078 199,285

Resources expended 4Costs of Generating Funds

Church activities 172,518 2,419 - 174,937 184,529

Total resources expended 172,518 2,419 - 174,937 184,529

Net movement in funds 24,428 19,713 - 44,141 14,756Total funds brought forward 1 January (21,595) 24,620 - 3,025 (11,731)Total funds carried forward 31 December 2,833 44,333 - 47,166 3,025

ALL SOULS CHURCH, ST MARGARETS

Annual accounts for the period1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2011

Note 2011 2010£ £ £ £ £

Fixed assetsTangible assets - Curate's House 5 450,000 - - 450,000 450,000

Total fixed assets 450,000 - - 450,000 450,000

Current assetsDebtors 6 8,689 - - 8,689 2,299

Cash at bank and in hand 8 9,621 44,333 - 53,954 27,009Total current assets 18,310 44,333 - 62,643 29,308

7 10,979 - - 10,979 6,592

Net current assets/(liabilities) 7,331 44,333 - 51,664 22,716

Total assets less current liabilities 457,331 44,333 - 501,664 472,716

7 454,498 - - 454,498 469,691

Net assets/(liabilities) 2,833 44,333 - 47,166 3,025

Parish FundsUnrestricted funds 2,833 - - 2,833 (21,595)

Restricted income funds - 44,333 - 44,333 24,620

Total funds 2,833 44,333 - 47,166 3,025

The notes on pages 2 to 4 form part of these accounts

R Frank

A H BirdPrint Names Date of approvalR Frank Vicar (PCC)

A H Bird Treasurer (PCC)

Unrestrictedfunds

Restricted incomefunds

Endowmentfunds

Unrestrictedfunds


Endowmentfunds

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2011

The only change to the accounting policies during the year was to adjust the fixed asset capitalisation minimum to £750 (previously £500).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 togetherwith applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2005.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investmentassets which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities forwhich the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliationto another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

objects provided in terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invitedby the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given.Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCCdoes not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned toindividual funds on an average balance basis.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognized when received. Tax refunds are recognized when theincoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legallyentitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other incomeis recognized when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding orconstructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts receivedspecifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognized when itis incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of theCharities Act 1993.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which requirea faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at anyreasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and thereforesuch assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £500so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.

Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £750 (previously £500) or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

In 2008 a house was acquired for the new curate at a cost of £450,000. This is funded by interest andequity loans of £200,000 and equity loans of £250,000 from the Diocese and church members respectively.The asset and the liability are reflected in the balance sheet.

Investments are valued at market value at the year end.

Note 1 Basis of preparation

Note 2 Accounting Policies

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Note 3 Analysis of incoming resources

2011 2010£ £ £ £ £

Voluntary income146,908 - - 146,908 116,669

GIFTS & 'ONE-OFF' FROM CONGREGATION 17,834 - 17,834 10,597IVYBRIDGE GIVING - 4,298 - 4,298 23,739

Total 146,908 22,132 - 169,040 151,005

Activities for generating fundsLittle Souls Income 4,597 - - 4,597 4,941

Total 4,597 - - 4,597 4,941

Investment incomeINTEREST 95 - - 95 14

Total 95 - - 95 14

Income from church activitiesRental Income (Halls, Flat) 44,354 - - 44,354 41,349Parochial FEES & Events 958 - - 958 1,852

Total 45,312 - - 45,312 43,201

Other income 34 - - 34 12434 - - 34 124

Total Incoming Resources 196,946 22,132 - 219,078 199,285

Note 4 Analysis of resources expended

TOTAL 2011 TOTAL 2010£ £ £ £ £

Church activities1,575 - - 1,575 1,416

Cleaning & Materials 2,737 - - 2,737 2,535Copyright For Music 364 - - 364 436Electricity And Gas 9,183 - - 9,183 9,028Funerals, Banns And Weddings 630 - - 630 1,215Insurance & Legal Fees 4,724 - - 4,724 4,453Other Utilities (Water, Telephone, Alarms) 3,916 - - 3,916 3,973Sunday Refreshments 2,481 - - 2,481 1,445Common Fund (Diocese) 64,184 - - 64,184 56,700Clergy Expenses 770 - - 770 1,183Curate House Interest 7,200 - - 7,200 7,200Salaries, Professional Fees & Ni 25,321 - - 25,321 38,123Training, Gifts, Vicar's Discretionary Fund 1,778 - - 1,778 609Maintenance - Church Buildings 18,358 - - 18,358 6,377Maintenance - Vicarage, Curate House + Flat 4,329 - - 4,329 1,547Buildings - Design/Development 0 - - 0 16,263Little Souls Costs 4,707 - - 4,707 4,705Giving (Soul Connections Fund & Special Services) 7,530 - - 7,530 12,954

2,772 - - 2,772 2,285Discipleship And Outreach Events 798 - - 798 2,732Mission And Ministry Resources 1,666 - - 1,666 3,309Office Equipment, Supplies And Postage 6,889 - - 6,889 5,589Xmas Decorations And Celebration 594 - - 594 82Welcome (Literature, Events…) 12 - - 12 76

2,419 - 2,419 294172,518 2,419 - 174,937 184,529

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 172,518 2,419 - 174,937 184,529

Staff costs 25,321 - - 25,321 38,123

For the first half of the year, the PCC employed an Administrator, a Church Secretary and a Youth Worker - all part time - who then moved on to new roles.For the remainder of the year, a new part time team was recruited comprising Church Manager, Finance and Lettings Administrator and Youth and Children's Administrator.The total cost of employment in 2011 (including PAYE and NI) was £25,321 (2010 £38,123), with the reduction primarily due to staffing gaps during the restructure.This figure includes Site Director Professional Fees. There were no Pension costs or Pension contributions in 2011 (2010 Nil)

Unrestrictedfunds


Endowmentfunds

REGULAR GIVING FROM CONGREGATION (incl gift aid)

Unrestrictedfunds


Endowmentfunds

Admin Fees (Bank, Accounting Etc)

Childrens And Youth Work

IvyBridge

Note 4 - continued Analysis of resources expended

2011 2010£ £ £ £ £

In 2008 a house was acquired for the new curate at a costof £450,000. This is funded by interest and equity loans of £200,000and equity loans of £250,000 from the diocese and membersrespectively. The asset and the liability are in the balance sheet.

Tax recoverable (outstanding gift aid for 2011) 5,010 - - 5,010 2,299Rent Receivable 3,679 - - 3,679 -

8,689 - - 8,689 2,299

Amounts falling due in one year(unrestricted funds)

Accruals for 2011 costs due for payment after end of year 10,979 - - 10,979 6,59210,979 - - 10,979 6,592

Unrestrictedfunds


Endowmentfunds

Note 5 Fixed Assets

Note 6 Debtors (unrestricted funds)

Note 7 Liabilities

Longer Term Loans: In addition to the loans for the curate's house obtained in 2008 (per Note 5), there are now two further Diocesan Loans in place, each with 3 year repaymentterms.

In 2009 a Diocesan Loan for £14k was drawn down to complete the Link project and other additional costs associated with the curate's house to be repaid over 3 years. As at Dec31st 2011 there was £1540 outstanding (Dec 31st 2010 £6208). Repayments are proceeding to plan and will be completed by mid-2012.

In late 2010, a further £15k Diocesan Loan was approved to fund urgent replacement of the very old boiler with associated plumbing, electrical and redecoration works of theChurch Halls. This work was completed in December 2010, and repayments began in mid 2011, to be repaid in full in 2014. As at Dec 31st 2011 there was £12,104 outstanding.

Note 8 Restricted Funds and Investment

As at Dec 31st 2011, the restricted funds comprised £141 in a bank account associated with The Martha Lugg Wooldridge Trust, and £21,006 in a deposit account which are bothrestricted for development work to the Church buildings, along with £23,186 in a bank account restricted for church activities with the Ivybridge. At Dec 31st 2010, these threeaccounts stood at £141, £1034 and £23,445 respectively.

report on the ‘fabric’ (buildings) ofall souls

2011 continued the transition from the initial “beach head plant”to a more “settled church”, first noted in 2010.

Here are a few “highlights” (not necessarily in order ofsignificance!):

� Speaker brackets were fitted to the front columns to improve the acoustic (hopefullysuccessfully).� The utility charges were reviewed and new contractual arrangements made resulting in a

useful saving.� A white board was fitted in the Den (school work?).� The renewal of the car park lease behind the main hall rumbled on, and on, and on, and

might just be ready for completion by the APCM.� The first draft proposals of the landscaping scheme were received – to remove the

boundary wall, extend the paved footpath level to the church, with new planting etc.� Some external repairs were carried out, as promised, to 25 Brantwood Avenue, Calum’s

home.� The halls were redecorated externally.� A video entryphone was fitted for the church office next to the courtyard entrance.� Some lighting repairs were carried out in the church.� Plans were progressed to replace the electrical heating in the Studio with air source heat

pump conditioning including the installation of an insulated false ceiling. The works areexpected to be carried out in the summer break (note for those involved!).� The old water heater in the halls kitchen was replaced.� Some minor roof repairs were carried out – and maybe a few more are now required with

the onset of “wet weather” (the buildings have sprung a few roof leaks).� The Studio lease to the dance academy was renewed.� Duplicate suspension cabling was installed for the Christmas candelabra as a security

measure.� Heavy duty perforated steel mesh grilles were fitted to the main hall radiator enclosures

and have so far resisted all football attacks!� The garden play area was refilled and the climbing frame repainted.

Charles Tapson – Buildings Manager

vicar's report to the apcm

My 2009 report was about a year that had been characterised by the new– our new “Link”, a new bishop, new parish boundaries, new ‘MessyChurch’ and the new second service. 2010 was more about consolidation- depth and strength, celebrating our past (including our 10th birthday)and digging in for the future.

Today, looking back on 2011 it’s been, quite simply, a year of change – but, remarkably (even,miraculously!), not only are we “still standing” as we look back, but very much “still All Souls”!

all changeFrom the start of 2011, we knew already that Charles was coming to the end of his curacy andwould be moving on (though neither we nor he yet knew where) and that Tors was finishing herordination training and would be starting as a curate somewhere new. Little did we know thatwe’d also have an entirely new Office Team twelve months' later!

Charles and Charlie, with Milly and Pippa headed off to the north (of London at least!) forCharles to become Rector of Broxbourne with Wormley (broxbournewithwormley.org.uk) and wewere able to send them on their way in May with a photobook full of memories of their threeyears in All Souls and with our love and best wishes for the future. Having seen them just this pastweek, I can tell you that they’re doing well. It’s been just as challenging as you might expect ahouse, job and church move to be, but they’ve seen God’s hand at work just as we’ve beenpraying. We miss them all tremendously, but we’re very glad God has used their time with us toget them ready for the next task.

Tors and Adrian, together with Alfie and Megan, have headed to Exeter where Tors has becomeCurate based primarily at Exeter Network Church, meeting near the centre of the city. Several fromAll Souls were able to be in Exeter Cathedral for her ordination and the family are doing reallywell. Again, we miss them hugely, but we’re chuffed that this family who were part of All Soulsfor so long are being a blessing to a new part of God’s church.

And then there was Sue Wing, who had been Church Administrator since the church plant startedin 2000, working from the Vicarage when there was no office and helping steer All Souls throughthe bumpy ride ‘between vicars’. I remember with gratitude her helping me prepare for my arrivaland smoothing my first months in post. Now, around the time of Charles’ departure, a new jobopportunity arose that ‘clicked’ with Sue’s increasing sense that it was probably time to move onto something new. It was a blow to us, but clearly the right move for Sue and much as she'smissed, it's great to see God moving someone on in a way that just 'clicks' for them. Around thesame time, Karen Kerr – who had for several years, played an important administrative role in theoffice – needed to move on, in order to give time needed to the family business... again, sad forus, but the right move for her.

All change indeed! Here’s what I wrote back then:

"That's quite a wave of change - and we'd be forgiven for feeling at least uncomfortableand perhaps even a little wary of what's to come. Personally, I like things just the way theyare with this rather brilliant staff team!

But like sea waves, we don't have to either run from them or try and jump over them - wehave the choice to surf them! It's much more fun - and has a rather better outcome - thenany of the alternatives. We use the energy of the wave (that could otherwise knock us flat)to move us up and along at a speed and in a way that we could never do by ourselves.

That's got to be the right way for us to view this next few weeks and months - a wave thatGod can use by His Spirit to move us on into a new phase of All Souls' life."

swept forwardIf we were to 'surf the wave' of change, we needed to build a new team and that's exactly whathappened in the second half of 2011. It started with the arrival of Calum as our Curate, freshfrom training at Ridley Hall in Cambridge and then after the summer, we were delighted with theappointment of Krista Small (a long-time member of All Souls) as Church Manager. JoiningKrista’s Office Team were Sara Bagnall as Finance & Lettings Admin (she also happens to beChurchwarden of St John’s in Isleworth) and Sam Burnett (a member of All Souls) as Administra-tor.

It’s been a great experience getting to know one another, working alongside one another andpraying together week-by-week. We’ve all had lots of learning to do, but we’ve enjoyed theexperience – and it’s already hard to believe we’ve only been together as a team for a few months.God is very good!

not just a new teamMy focus in this report has been on the staff team – for it’s been the most obvious place of change– but we’ve seen God at work in so many other ways too. Jon Wooden has taken the helm of theWorship Team, following Adrian Ramsey's departure; Karl & Kate Burgess lead an increasinglybuoyant and exciting youth work (Underground) on Sunday afternoons and many others havestepped in to new leadership and responsibilities in 2011.

Little Souls has continued, under Catherine Frank's leadership, to go from strength to strength,with Messy Church a regular highlight of our outreach. Our Monday Communion (organised byFi & Roxane) has begun to build a (mostly retired and local) community of its own and ourchildren’s work has reinvented itself yet again (particularly in the morning services) with acompletely new set-up for pre-schoolers (thanks to Fi & Becky for their leadership of Explorers &Crèche) and with weekly resource material from the inexhaustible Brenda Dickens.

El Tuck has taken on Soul Connections – the team that helps us connect with mission and ministrylocally, nationally & internationally – and Rosalie Callway has continued to lead an imaginativeand active Soul Living team, focusing on environmental and sustainability issues and lifestyle. TheIvybridge Team has continued to pastor, encourage and support the Sunday afternoon congrega-tion that meets in the Bridgelink Café, with Pranay, Vani and family important and welcomeadditions to the team.

out of sight, but not out of mindThrough it all, I’ve been hugely aware of the unsung heroes behind the scenes – the 70+ peopleon our youth and children’s teams; the video/p.a. operators; welcomers and those who provideSunday refreshments; people whose committed and key leadership may not be up front, but arevital: Al Bird, our treasurer who’s worked to help us integrate our new software and systems (viasome late nights and long days!); Charles Tapson who helps us oversee our buildings and the

remarkable PCC with Churchwardens Deborah Warne and Cath Davies who encourage, guide andlaugh with me as we together work to move All Souls forward month by month.

most of allWhat's it all for? The temptation in reading an Annual Report is to see simply an organisationkeeping itself going - and that takes some serious effort in itself! But we have a purpose that goesfar beyond a year-by-year 'keeping things moving' motivation. This is one of the ways we'veexpressed it (from our 'Mission Action Plan'):

Nurturing what God has given us here to be an increasingly effective centre for our com-munity, giving people of every age the opportunity to experience the love of God in Jesus

through the Spirit for themselves.

It's by that yardstick that I hope you'll read what follows - are we making the most of all theopportunities we have to introduce people to Jesus and to see God at work amongst us? I'm surewe're not - there's plenty more to come... Already in 2012, there’s plenty to challenge andencourage us: I wonder what the theme of this year will be when I sit down to write it next year?Whatever it is, we know it will be, yet again, a year to celebrate the faithfulness of God.

Richard Frank (Revd)

Vicar – 23rd April 2012

ivybridge community church

Ivybridge Community Church (ICC) remains an integral part ofthe All Souls parish reaching out to those living on the Ivybridgeestate and the surrounding community.

The small team, supported by Richard and Calum are continuingfortnightly Sunday services in the Bridgelink Centre as well asother regular events like the Christmas Giveaway, Storehouse, the Summer BBQ and small eventswith the community at Kirkstone Lodge. Richard has also continued to take regular assemblies atIvybridge School where Nikki Fletcher is part of the Governing Body.

As a church and team we are currently looking at how to both maintain and expand our workwithin the Ivybridge community and build on the contacts and foundation that has been builtover the last 8 years.

We are desperately in need of more people to join the team to help us just continue the smallamount we are currently doing on the estate, especially the children’s group during thefortnightly Sunday services, Storehouse and the work with the older people at Kirkstone Lodge.But we are also keen to fully evaluate the current needs of this community so that the church canserve the people in this part of the parish in the best possible way. The Soul Connections teamhave recently come on board to help out with this vital work and we are excited that we will beable to explore the best way forward for ICC so that we can continue to meet the needs of thosewho come to the church and help them to continue to grow in their faith while reaching out tothis diverse and very often transient community. Please pray as we do this, that we will be guidedby God as to how to direct our energy and that he will raise up people from within All Souls witha passion and vision for the Ivybridge to support the ministry there.

To find out more about the history and vision behind ICC visit our website atwww.ivybridgechurch.org.uk

Nikki Fletcher - for the ICC Team

youth and children’s team reports

youth – the undergroundThe Underground meets during the afternoonservice every Sunday with between 12 and 18young people in regular attendance. We havespent the last few months looking at the 10commandments, interspersed with the occasionalgames sessions, and have considered theirrelevance for today and whether they remain agood foundation for establishing a morally andspirituality health society! Predictably this has ledto lots of interesting debate. Lively discussion,honest questions, laughter, too much chat, pizza and hot chocolate are all regular features of theUnderground.

Regular social events are also a big part of the Underground. In the past months we have beenpaint balling, had a tramp supper with fireworks, and went to the Empire Cinema in LeicesterSquare (thanks to Mike Hope-Milne one of our leaders). We are currently planning another cinematrip, a Jubilee party and a weekend away at the start of the summer hols. The young people oftenbring friends to socials. We are looking forward to welcoming some new young people to thegroup after half-term. The Underground team consists of Mike Hope-Milne, Lucy Anstey, AdeDavies, and Karl and Kate Burgess.Karl & Kate Burgess

creche 10.30Creche and Explorers (am) amalgamated this year to form a large group for the pre nursery agegroup. We have seen a few new additions to the church family in this group both new borns andnewcomers. We have a soft baby area with sofas for the parents to sit, chat and drink coffee, afree play area for the toddlers with a fantastic home corner and mix in occasionally with the olderExplorers children who have a story, craft and song time. It is an active group, which has nowsettled into it's new surroundings, and the team are able to offer child care for those who wantto go into church to listen to the sermon or a relaxed friendly environment for those who wish tostay with their child.Becky Kimble

explorers 10.30Current number on register: 15Leaders & helpers: Fi, Nicky, Sally, Tilly, Debra, Gergana, Imade, Lucy, Rachel, Stewart, Toya

It’s great to have such a fantastic team – thank you all. We were quite low on the ground this timelast year. It has been ‘all change’ with Explorers, as we moved from the dance studio to sharingthe main hall with the crèche. This has allowed for a lot more interaction between pre-schoolersof all ages, and their parents. It has also needed patient adaptability from our leaders and helpers– so thanks to all involved for coping so well with the changes.

The change has mostly been positive, allowing those crèchemembers who naturally want to join in with Explorer games,story time and - the most popular area for the crèche toddlers– the craft, to do so. There is much more flexibility and choicefor the young children, and space to roam, but this does notmean that we don’t encourage the children to sit down for thestory time! This set up has been particularly good for parentswho have a child in crèche and a child in Explorers as the olderchild is comforted knowing their parent is close by. It alsomakes the transition from Creche to Explorers less stressful forthe children, and encourages parents of those making thattransition to come aboard with helping on the Explorers team,as they know what to expect.

It can be a little chaotic, however, especially when there is a large turnout, as we often have 2-3creche children joining in. However, this is balanced by having the crèche parents helping out –particularly around the craft table.

Once again, we are grateful to Brenda Dickens for setting the session themes, content and craft.The message often needs simplifying for our age group, but the leaders have become adept atthis. Often, we find we have a number of parents listening to the story and the theme – and, forme, a simple message can be the clearest no matter how old you are!Fi Budden

gems 10.30Our Gems team has been happily busy this year with numbers of kids bubbling along between 6to 16 in the group, aged between 3 and 5 years. We continue to be excellently resourced by thewonderful Brenda Dickens. Amongst many other another things what stands out for me was theirenjoyment of Moses' adventures, including re-enacting floating in his basket into the arms of theEgyptian princess as well as bravely crossing the Red Sea with the Israelites.

The kids have really begun to get know each other and love play-acting the stories, industriouscolouring and craft making, as well as modelling with play doe. They have also become more andmore helpful, helping out the snacks, crafts and drawings, and even helping to tidy up at end theof sessions!Rosalie Callway

stars 4.30Our Stars meet in the Stage Room every Sunday afternoon! The age of the children varies fromsmall babies through to Reception age children, and we can be anything from three to ten innumber. Given that range, the sessions can be challenging!

The format is pretty similar each week. We have some free play, a time of coming together witha story and prayer, and finish with a craft activity or more free play and dancing. We havediscovered that the children love dressing up and doing role play as part of the story telling piece!We have a small team and often need to ask a parent to stay with the group to help out duringthe session. This seems to work well, although if you do feel you can help on a more regular basis,do let me know!Cath Davies

movers10.30We have completed a full year in the new group arrangements and after a bumpy start findingour feet, we are doing really well. We have a brilliant team of leaders and helpers who all bringtheir own value to the team. We average between 10 and 12 children each week and they all feelcomfortable to ask questions and contribute to the session.As the children have matured we have been able to encourage them to really think about how thestories could apply to their lives and how they can live for Jesus. We are trying to encourage thechildren to believe that they can make a difference (even though they are small). This is donethrough games, stories and crafts.Brenda Dickens

4.30Movers PM (Reception to Year 3) has been very enjoyable and rewarding in the past year. On average, thegroup has comprised 10-15 children, who participate readily and enthusiastically. The activities range haveincluded quizzes and team games, bible stories, acting out bible stories, prayer time, various craftactivities, DVDs and, from time to time, joint activities with Groovers for all or part of the session. We haveaddressed a number of bible stories and themes over the year, including the Good Samaritan (encouragingthe children to think about practical ways to contribute to their community), Moses / manna from heaven(how God provides), Moses and the Burning Bush (God providing us with the right tools), Gabriel'smessage (we can be messengers for God too), and Joshua and Rahab (God helping us through otherpeople). One of the challenges this year has been retaining the attention of the group and challengingtheir energy into the session. With help from Richard and others, we have made good progress with this.Tom Johnson

groovers10.30Groovers' (for years 3 to 6 at Primary School) is a fairly small group in the mornings – usually just5 or 6 – but they make up for lack of numbers with bags of life, great questions and pots ofenthusiasm! We particularly enjoyed creating our own movie of the Exodus from Egypt (the armygoing down into the waves was a very funny highlight) and there's always real engagement withthe various creative crafts we do. We've been spending a bit more time this past year in sungworship – often together with Movers – at the start of some of our sessions and prayer too.Russell, Calum, Stephen, Jen, Bernie, Naomi, Jen and I lead the sessions, a pair of us taking a weekeach month. Great fun!Richard Frank

4.30Soul Groovers on Sunday afternoons (years 4-6 age group) usually has up to 15 children and isbased in the large hall. We are very fortunate to have a session plan provided each week byBrenda, covering a range of Bible stories and themes.Over the past year, these have included a 6 week series on Moses, a Christmas series and recentlya Lent series. Activities include team games, acting out Bible stories, watching DVDs, prayer timeand craft activities. We also join together on occasions with the Movers for singing lead by Richardor Calum. The teams are led by Debbie, Matthew & Karen, Calum and Tim with very ableassistance from Beth, Sian and Rich B.Tim Knight

joining the teamMore than eighty members of All Souls are part of our Sunday youth and children's teams -helping out once a month as part of an age-group team, with some taking responsibility forleading sessions, many simply helping with setting up and working alongside small groups ofchildren.

Most leaders are new to children's work - no previous experience is needed! You simply need toenjoy the company of the age-group, be happy to engage with them at their level and to enjoybeing part of God at work amongst the young. All our leaders undergo a Criminal Records Bureaucheck at 'enhanced' level.

We are always on the look-out for people to come and give it a go - why not try it out one weekand see if you enjoy it?

Simply chat to Richard, or to the leader of a particular group if you'd like to know more.

serving others

schoolsCalum and I continue to be involved in the life ofseveral local schools - in particular, threeCofE schools, but increasingly the two primaryschools in our parish.

The Blue School – as in previous years – takes themajority of my school time, as I continue asGovernor, with particular responsibility for Safe-guarding issues, Special Needs provision and IT,as well as sitting on the Blue School Trustees. Myweekly assembly (first with nursery then the restof the school) is a genuine highlight of my diary(I just hope it is for them too!) as I take my guitar in and teach and lead worship songs with thechildren. I continue to meet with Jon Frostick, the headteacher, to chat and to pray. The big newsis the provision of a ‘bulge’ Reception class for September 2012, together with a commitment towork towards going ‘two form’ entry as soon as possible.

Calum and I have also made visits to the Green School – a girls' CofEsecondary school in Hounslow attended by many local children – to leadassemblies and services as well as helping run a day retreat for some ofthe pupils.

I’m in my second year as Community Governor at Worple School - aHounslow LEA primary school on the northern boundary of our parishwhich serves many local families, including many from the Ivybridgecommunity. I’m still working to build up my time in the school – mostrecently "baptising" a doll and talking about what it meant to be part ofGod’s family! This coming year will mark a year of huge change andopportunity for Worple as a new head is appointed - do pray with me that from the start of theirtime in the school, I'll be able to build good relations and a real presence in that school.

Our links with Ivybridge School are well-established now. It's a Hounslow LEA primary school onthe Ivybridge Estate (part of our parish) and I've been building on the foundation laid by Rev LukeTaylor, who used to lead the Ivybridge Community Church and take roughly half-termly assem-blies as well as the occasional lesson or year-group activity. Nikki Fletcher, a member of All Soulsand part of the ICC leadership team is now vice-chair of the Governing Body and we're looking atwhether we can offer people to go in and help on a regular basis.

The beginning of 2012 has seen me take my first assembly, too, in St Stephen's CofE PrimarySchool - at the kind suggestion of Jez Barnes, Vicar of St Stephen's - in recognition of theirexpansion as a school and the children who attend from our parish. I'm also a member of their'Christian Ethos' committee.

Plenty to keep us busy... and plenty of opportunities to bless our communities as well as to showchildren (and teachers and parents) that there's more to the church and to the Christian faith thanperhaps they expect.

Richard

Little Souls continues to dish up coffee and chat everyterm time Wednesday morning form 10 - 11.30am.

It is wonderful to get to meet people living in ourlocal community and see them make friends as theirchildren play happily with all the toys and paint. It isamazing to have such a huge area to play in especially with the outside garden.

Once again this year has seen changes to the team. We had to say goodbye to Charles, Charlie,Krista and Lou. They have been missed and it has been a lean year for leaders but we havemanaged and a new team is starting to grow again. Tuane, El, Nasrin and Sally have faithfullygiven their time and energy not only in setting and clearing up but also in the care and love theyshow everyone who walks through the door. Calum has brought along his musical gifts (as wellas his sailors ability to clear up sick and blood!! Don't ask - that was a bad week.).

It is wonderful to have him there and helps to make the connection between Little Souls andchurch. Many Little Souls people have come along to church especially at Christmas and Easterand really enjoy it however it is not part of their regular life. The challenge for us is how to nurturepeople and provide a place where they can ask questions about faith.

Messy Church events continue with Messy Harvest, Messy Christmas and Messy Easter. It takesplace after school with tables of craft spread all around the church. This lasts for an hour thenRichard and Calum do a short altogether time with songs and a short talk. Pasta dinner followsand everyone goes home happy. It is hard to describe just how much fun this is but for MessyEaster we had 100 children and their carers - it was very exciting! Many Thanks to all those thathave volunteered over the last year to make it happen - without you it just would not be possible!

Catherine Frank

local connectionsOur links with the local community continue to grow:

� Little Souls (see above) continues to attract new folk,serving their needs and giving them a link with thechurch.� The Ballet school continue to lease the Studio and also

hire our halls on a weekly basis;� Pebbles Nursery is run in the large hall 4 mornings a

week (during term time only)� The North St Margarets Residents Association hold

meetings in the halls and, for the first time this year, theSt Margarets Estate Residents Association had theirAGM here, which I spoke at.� We took part in ‘The Big Lunch’ last June, together with

our local residents, where we provided amongst otherthings, live music, bouncy castle, refreshments, face painting� We’re starting to build a really nice link with the 1st St Margarets Beavers, Cubs and

Scouts group - including an evening in the church recently doing a photo treasure huntand pretend wedding (see below).� We opened up the church to serve refreshments during the ‘Annual Great Street Sale’

last September.Richard Frank

soul livingThe Soul Living group looks at ways to help the church, congregation and community to live moresimply, caring for the natural world around us - God's creation.

� Buildings - This past year we've sought funds to improve the energy efficiency of thebuildings (saving money and cutting our carbon footprint). We're also looking at how tobetter monitor energy use (and loss) in the buildings so we can keep better track ofprogress and identify the best technologies to improve things further.

� Congregation - we celebrated the 'Hope for Creation' on harvest Sunday with membersmaking commitments to protect and reduce our individual environmental impacts. We alsoran a 'Messy' harvest service with a ‘scrap heap challenge’ which the kids loved andproduced some great recycled art.

� Community - In the wider community the church supports Ivybridge's Storehouse – wheregood quality used clothes and toys are provided to families living on the estate.

Over the next year we would welcome more people to join in and bring their ideas.

Contact: Rosalie Callway - [email protected]

monday communionThe Monday Communion is a more traditional service format than theSunday services, and is a short service followed by a light lunch (homemade soup/rolls/cakes). The service has been running on a monthly basis(generally 1st Monday of the month) for over 2 years. It is open toanyone available to come on a Monday, however, most of the regularattendees are retired and we feel the service suits older people.

The attendees numbered roughly 5 at the beginning of 2011, with 1regular helper. However there are now 11 attendees and 2 regularhelpers. Those who come really do seem to enjoy the service and lunch,and attend on a very regular basis. One member has started to bring ushome-made cakes each month, and some are starting to help out in the kitchen after the lunch,which means that people certainly feel at home!

People hear about the group through word of mouth so if you know anyone who is retiredand/or generally free on Mondays, please do let them know. There are also plans to increaseactivities for our older parishioners as of September, and these are under discussion atpresent.

It is great that Roxane Stephens has been able to join the team and assist with making soups,setting up mid morning, serving and clearing up after lunch, one Monday a month. We willneed more people to assist in this way, particularly from September, so if this an area of workyou would like to help with, even on a temporary basis (and with children in tow), pleasespeak to Richard or CalumFi Budden

soul connectionsSoul Connections exists for two purposes: helping keep theworldwide mission of God’s church (material and spiritual) infocus within the life of All Souls and overseeing the distribution ofa proportion of All Souls income to projects and organisations thathelp fulfill this aim. The team was reformed in September 2011and now consists of David Rowe, Tilly Connor, Linda Northern, BillGreenfield, Helen Stephens, Sarah Wiggins, Rosalie Callway, Nickand Katherine Merrifield and Paul and El Tuck.

In 2011 we supported:• Joshua Opondo – Diocesan Youth Paster in Kenya• Bob and Becky Faber – in Bulgaria• Crossway Pregnancy Crisis Centre – in Twickenham• Zimbabwe womens network• Tearfund• Ali Mathew – Book Grant

Since September, the team’s main focus has been to get moreinformation about All Souls’ wider connections out to the widerchurch congregation, through prayer slots in the services, settingup pages on the website and starting a noticeboard. Please dotake a look at these for more information about our connections.

The Shelter ProjectThrough Soul Connections, 15 members of All Souls helped tosupport the Shelter Project from January to March 2012. Thisinvolved providing the welcome, a hot meal and teas and coffees to15 homeless men on Thursday evenings at Hounslow MethodistChurch. All Souls was part of a team of more than 30 churches in theHounslow/Brentford/Chiswick area who provided more than 45 menwith food and accommodation this past winter.

If you would like any further information about Soul Connections work or the Shelter project,please look at the website or contact one of the Soul Connections team.

El Tuck

small groups and short coursesHomegroups. In 2011 we had 8 homegroups of varying sizesmeeting in locations from Haliburton Road to Hampton Hill. Mostof our homegroups meet monthly (with one group meeting bi-monthly) and are a great place to touch base, discuss the bible andpray for one another. The Tuck/Merrifield group was involved incooking for the homeless shelter that met at Hounslow Methodistchurch over the winter months.

Digging Deeper is All Souls name for short and intensive (in a good way) course of 1 to 4 weekslooking at different areas of Christian life

March 2011 saw three Digging Deeper courses.� Tongue Tied? - a series on sharing our faith led by the Bishop's Advisor on Mission, Ruth

Bushyager.� Reading Romans - led by Charles Hudson, linking in to the start of the sermon series the

same book.� Why Jesus? - a three session led by Richard to enable people to investigate the person of

Jesus Christ and his claims.So 2011 was a quiet year for short-courses after a busy Spring!

The Baptism Course is a new two-session course Richard has written and leads that has run threetimes in 2011 for parents of soon-to-be or recently baptised children. The first session looks atthe baptism service itself and what it signifies and the second looks at the consequences for ourrole as parents which always prompts great discussions.

Other Meetings: A new addition to the calendar this year was a series of Advent reflections heldby the four Isleworth churches (All Saints, St Mary's, St Johns and All Souls) based on the sectionsof book “The Meaning is in the Waiting” by Paula Gooder. The final meeting of the series washeld at All Souls on the evening of December 14th and was attended by members of all theIselworth churches. There were times of worship and reflection with 4 prayer stations set uparound the church which looking stunning in it's Christmas finery.

Calum Lindsay

sung worshipThroughout the Bible, we can see that musichas many powerful associations – celebration,freedom, warfare, breakthrough, deliverance –to name but a few. At All Souls we seek tocontinue to use this musical tradition to help usas part of our adoration and worship of ourCreator – to keep our eyes focused on the Onewho truly is worthy of all our praise.

This year has seen quite a change in personnelwithin the worship team. Adrian Ramsey, whohad been a member of All Souls for many years and was heading up the worship team, moved onto pastures new with his wife, Tors. Adrian had done a great job with the team over the last fewyears, and was also a multi- talented musician and worship leader, therefore his skills and merepresence have definitely been missed. At the same time, one of our other morning service worshipleaders, Matt McCarty, also moved away to the New Forest. It was sad to say goodbye to Matt,as he was again a very musically talented individual, and had a good knowledge of the enigmathat is the All Souls PA system!

Despite these departures, God has raised up other individuals to stand in the gap, and we weredelighted that our new Curate, Calum, is also an accomplished musician and worship leader. Hisexcellent fiddle-playing has definitely brought a touch of the Celtic to West London! It has alsobeen great to have Mark Warne starting to lead worship in the mornings from the keyboard.

Highlights of the year in terms of sung worship include our Carols by Candlelight service, whereRob Anstey did a fantastic job of bringing together all the music, including a brass ensemble. Wehave also had more intimate events, such as the well-attended first Women’s Worship evening,which gave an opportunity for worship, prayer, testimony and reflection in a relaxed setting. Incontrast, our recent Easter Sunday service was also a reminder of the great joy and celebrationthat we can express as a whole church as we declared in enthusiastic song, liturgy and prayersthat “Christ is risen – He is risen indeed – alleluia!”

Looking ahead to the coming year, we are aiming to encourage even greater musical talent andspiritual depth in worship, with short courses and musical master-classes. We are also aware ofthe responsibility to encourage the next generation in the area of music as a part of worship, andwe will be looking to take the first steps to help some of the younger members of our churchfamily to get involved.

A big thank-you goes out to all those worship leaders, musicians, singers and PA/AV team whohave continued to use their gifts faithfully and cheerfully over the last year.

Jon Wooden

annual report presented to the 2012 all souls annual meeting

Documents

amounts falling

hounslow methodist

soul connections

soul connections

brenda dickens

jan cowie

kate burgess

restricted