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Annual Report 2007
Dear Friends, It is with great pleasure that I offer you this first annual
report.
The church has moved on so much in recent months that we can in no way be
regarded as a small fellowship. God has blessed us enormously and sometimes I
feel totally amazed at the great changes that are taking place. Our biggest
change so far has been the move of Sunday worship to the Rotary Eastern Good
Companions Club premises (EGC). Situated between the Le Marais/Le Squez
developments we are so well placed to begin a responsible outreach to the area.
Our relationship with Rotary continues to grow and I am so grateful to Rotarian
John Reed and his committee for their confidence in us.
We have seen two significant groups begin this year, both affecting young
people.
Monday’s Baby Buzz parent and toddler group has experienced a fine growth since
its launch early in the year and Be Defined is enabling our older young people
find a spiritual base for themselves.
Changes will continue to take place in the months ahead as we continue to
develop, but never stagnate, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In a year’s time
we will not be the church we are today. May we be stronger, more faithful and
more effective in sharing the love of Jesus.
I wish to pay tribute to the hard work of the many who serve in the church and
to the wisdom and encouragement of my colleague Andrew and of our three Church
Stewards.
May God continue to bless and guide us to His praise and glory.
Henry Le Ruez
After starting Baby Buzz our Parent and Toddler group in January this
year our numbers have grown and there can sometimes be as many as 30 adults and
children present. The morning starts at 9.30am. With free time for the children
to play with the many and varied toys that are set out whilst the adults chat
together over tea and coffee. At the same time, there is a table for colouring
or craft work and drinks and snacks for the children to enjoy.
At 11 am we tidy the toys away and enjoy some lively music on CD called ‘Jump
for Jesus’ which has us jumping, hopping and clapping. This is so popular that
it has become our theme tune as it is easily recognised by the children.
We then relax with story time and singing songs before bringing the busy morning
to a close by having fun with lots of soft coloured balls.
Miriam Higginson.
Andrew's update. Since the last AGM four further groups have been
added to the ongoing life of the fellowship. These are Baby Buzz, Grace Trust,
Be Defined and the Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study – these each have individual
reports in this publication.
Other core duties have included supporting Henry and the vision team in refining
Sunday morning worship and general church developments and organisation.
The next main focus is the planning, preparation and implementation of our
Christmas 2007 programme. Our aim is to be increasingly effective in reaching
our neighbours with Christ’s love, while not neglecting our regular
congregation.
The increasing numbers who are willing to help in the ongoing life of the church
is encouraging, and vital for sustainable growth and development. Evidently God
has been at work amongst us, and this is something we should be thankful for.
Most important of all however is prayer, as we need the Lords power in all
matters. Prayer is hard work and requires patience, but it’s His proven way of
progress, so we look to Him.
Finally, Monica and I would like to thank you all so much for your warm support
and many encouragements during this past year – Great!
Andrew Bird
Grace Trust is an island based Christian charity that seeks to help the
needy of our island. Our Church’s role is to pack food items each month, which
are then distributed locally to the needy. The people who receive bags of
groceries are selected by St. Clement Parish Welfare. Delivery of the items is
co-ordinated by the Oasis Church, they collect the packed items on a Saturday
morning from our Church building. A leaflet giving details of both Samares and
Oasis churches is enclosed with the food.
We occasionally have phone calls of appreciation for these items and we have had
one gentleman from Le Marais flats attend church to say ‘thank you’, in person.
The packing team is: Sally Bester; Andrew Bird; Jack Bissett; Malcolm and Jenny
Davey; John and Angela Noel; Mary Sullivan; Reg and June Walker.
Our thanks to the whole team for the excellent and reliable job each one does.
Andrew Bird.
Coffee Buzz
Coffee Buzz is open on Friday mornings from 10.30 - 12.00. We serve home made
cakes and freshly filtered coffee or tea. Our aim is to open the church to the
community around in order to get to know people and offer friendship. We do not
want to be pushy people and we guard against any kind of gossip. All ages are
welcome. So, if you are free on a Friday morning why not pop in? You would be
most welcome!
Eileen Le Ruez
Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study
We meet together at John Le Cornu’s home (and occasionally at Mary Sullivan’s)
where we study the Bible using course material called, The Life of Christ. Our
thanks go to both John and Mary for their hospitality.
We normally start off by enjoying a chat and a piece of cake (thanks to Margaret
Hunnisett, who has particularly supplied refreshments), before moving into the
study session. In our first series we took an overview of the Bible and in our
present series we are looking at the life of Jesus.
We often chat about issues that arise during the study, and it’s interesting to
discuss different perspectives and insights in a lively but relaxed way.
If you are free on a Tuesday afternoon then you will be most welcome to join us.
Our start time is 2:30pm.
Andrew Bird.
We have operated a Prayerline to receive prayer requests by telephone
or by email for 2 years now. It is heartening that this is still being used
although advertising is very local apart from our entry in the Jersey Evening
Post Faith page each Friday. Emails come from all over the world - from
Singapore to the USA. It is a privilege to bring the needs of others to the Lord
both in the weekly prayer meeting and at Sunday worship.
Henry Le Ruez
‘Be Defined’ is the new name chosen by the young people for their
youth group, which meets on a Tuesday evening at the home of Andrew and Monica.
Its roots started with the Youth Alpha series, which proved to be both popular
and helpful in establishing faith. Their enthusiasm to meet together and explore
Christianity has driven forward this group. Presently we are investigating
various issues of living out the Christian life as a young person in our modern
society. Normally we have about seven young people come, so with Andrew and me,
we are a group of nine, squeezing into our living room. We always start with a
meal, fish fingers and chips being the number one favourite (we are most
grateful to all the parents who have all provided food). We then move into a
session with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Topics covered have
included the basics of faith, importance of church, and being an effective
witness in the community.
For the first time, in July this year we joined up with the Keswick youth camp.
This weekend under canvas with the various Church youth was a great event. It
was good to meet up with so many (75 plus) young people of the island and
discover more about following Jesus.
‘Be Defined’ sessions, normally conclude with a time of sharing needs and
praying for each other. The growth in understanding and relationship with Jesus
is most encouraging to see. It’s also great fun to get together for a couple of
hours each week and enjoy each other’s company.
Monica and Andrew Bird.
HMP La Moye
We have the privilege as a church to be involved in strengthening prison
chaplaincy work.
During the last year we sought to come alongside an ex prisoner in support
following his release and more recently Mario has begun a link with the prison
where he feels particularly called to visit Portuguese inmates. He normally
visits the prison twice a week and it is our aim that he begins a Portuguese
Bible study as soon as possible.
We shall continue as a church to look for ways in which we can serve those
coming out of prison and as a member of the Prison Chaplaincy team I am looking
for the opportunities we may be able to take.
Henry Le Ruez
Property Report - 1st Sept 2006 - 31st Aug, 2007
The year began with works carried over from the previous year when a team of
helpers ably led by Keith Smith completed the modifications to the platform at
the front of the chapel. This work permitted more tables to be fitted into the
chapel for our café style of worship, which was established in December 2005.
The biggest problem associated with this work was that as the platform shrank,
parquet flooring was exposed to view which had not been sanded and treated
during the major refurbishment of 2000; matching new varnish to the existing was
a difficult job with the colour on the outside of the tin not matching the
actual application! The deadline for this work was the wedding of Heather and
George as we wanted the chapel to be as nice as possible for this happy event
and in the end it was achieved.
The other major piece of work for the year was in the transferring the majority
of the PA system to EGC when we started to use this building for worship on
Sunday mornings in May. Integrating our system with the current EGC system
proved to be difficult with the solution being an upgrade for both systems in
order to amalgamate them. This equipment was on order from May and finally
arrived in September. In the meantime a new cabinet was built by Keith Smith
using various components from B&Q but modified to our joint needs.
Throughout the year small maintenance was carried as per usual such as the
repair of the westerly window, painting, fire extinguisher maintenance,
valuation and registration of assets for insurance purposes etc.
Stephen Higginson
Treasurer’s Report
Introduction
Throughout the year the Church has continued to maintain three Funds, namely
the General Fund; the Youth and Community Development Fund; and the 10% Fund.
The Circuit and Methodist Connexion decided last year that a General Reserve
should be created at an amount representing six months average expenditure on
the General Fund. It is necessary to review this Reserve annually, and at 31
August, 2007, a sum of £9,000 is the appropriate amount to be retained as a
General Fund balance, as a Reserve.
The Financial Statements for the year will be available at the next Church
Council meeting, and for inspection beforehand, and these are prepared on a
Receipts and Payments basis.
Reg Walker.
General Fund
The everyday running costs of the Church are met from this Fund. Its main
sources of income are donations in the Sunday collections; and by cheques and
bank transfers as lump sum donations or payments under a deed of covenant, both
of the latter sources being eligible for refund of Income Tax. Total gifts have
increased by a third this year, although that part eligible for Income Tax
refund has only increased by approximately one eighth. Other income arises to
this Fund from bank interest, and the contribution from the Childminder’s Group,
together with other minor items of income. During the year the Church received,
in addition to the above, a one off donation of £500 together with £125 income
tax recovered on this sum.
The main payment from the Fund is the Circuit Assessments (which is used by the
Circuit to pay the salaries and pension contributions of Ministers; the running
costs of the Manses; and the general administrative costs of the Circuit) and
this has reduced by just under £100 this year. Other payments from the Fund are
to the Utility Companies, Parish Rates and Property Insurance which (not
unexpectedly) are showing an increase of approximately 15%; and for repairs,
catering supplies, books and stationery, general expenses, IT costs, and this
year the contributions made to the Eastern Good Companions Club (EGC) for the
use of their premises.
The Church makes a weekly donation currently of £15 to the EGC, and in addition
has initially spent monies on various fixtures etc., which are for the benefit
of the Church but will remain the property of EGC. IT costs have risen over
those for last year by approximately £1,000, mainly incurred in setting up our
audio visual systems at EGC, and further expenditure will be incurred during
September. This equipment remains the property of the Church. All the other
costs have remained at approximately the same level as previously, except that
“general expenses, subscriptions, licence fees, etc” have reduced by nearly
£1,000 due to certain exceptional items last year. Within the costs for
“Photocopying, stationery, posters, study books, etc” are the costs of the Bible
Reading Notes distributed free to regular members of the congregation, and which
in the current year have amounted to £407.77.
The posters in the frames on the outside walls of the Church, have been kindly
donated, and no costs are therefore, reflected for these in the Church’s
Financial Statements.
A full breakdown of the payments made during the year, compared to those for
last year are set out in the Notes to the Financial Statements.
Youth & Community Development Fund
This Fund has been established to finance the Church’s Youth and Community
outreach programme. The income of the Fund has been primarily received from
specific donations, some of substantial sums, and including the Income Tax
refunds on them, donated in advance of the incurring of any expenditure. The
other main sources of income are bank interest on deposit account monies
relating to the Fund; donations made at the Coffee Buzz mornings and at Baby
Buzz; and occasional other income.
The main costs are for the Youth and Community Enabler’s salary, social security
contributions and travel expenses, plus some smaller sums for Baby Buzz,
stationery and other sundry expenses.
As at the 31st August, 2007 the balance in hand on this Fund is, at the current
levels of expenditure, sufficient to continue the project until about this time
next year. It was originally envisaged that this programme would be in place for
three years that is until the end of April 2009. For the project to continue to
that date it is necessary to secure further income for the Fund.
At the end of last year the Church Council agreed to make a transfer of funds
from the General Fund to this Fund, and I recommend that a similar transfer be
made now. A sum not exceeding £2,500 would be an appropriate amount, and this
would enable the General Fund to maintain its recommended reserve.
10% Fund
The Church Council originally decided to establish this Fund by transferring
to it 10% of the General Fund annual income to be used for other charitable
purposes. A list of donations made over the past two years are set out in the
Notes to the Financial Statements, and as at 31st August 2007 the Fund has an
undistributed balance of £1,333. The Church Council may wish to receive
nominations for further donations to suitable charitable causes.
Income Tax Refund
Are you in the good position of having to pay Income Tax?! Then your church
could benefit from an additional 20% on your annual donation with no further
cost to you.
Conclusion
Compared with a number of other Methodist Churches in Jersey, Samarès Church
is in a strong financial position, and is one of only a few to have achieved the
General Reserve requirement in the first year of its introduction. This is due
to the continued financial support of the congregation, the receipt of gifts in
kind, and the steady growth in attendance. This year the Church income has risen
at a greater rate than its expenditure, and this continues to be necessary if
the community outreach and development is to continue. One of the ways of
achieving more income would be if more of the regular congregation were to use a
method of giving that would enable the Church to benefit from Income tax
refunds, and in this regard I would urge members of the congregation to read the
“explanatory leaflet” available on request.
Portuguese House Group
As it was already expected, it has been a very positive year.
We have learned a little more how to live, talk and to be in this world. We have
studied Proverbs, Psalms and now Acts. A blessing to us all. The house group is
very solid and we hope to increase next year in numbers. For that we ask the
LORD IN PRAYER. It has been a year full of happiness as well as sadness and
tears but above all full of miracles as the LORD answers our prayers The group
shares their testimony of how GOD has operated in their lives and ours. All our
gratitude to the congregation for their support and prayers. May GOD bless them
all. JESUS IS MAGNIFICENT.
LORD JESUS, THANK YOU FOR GIVING PEOPLE IN THE PAST THE COURAGE TO STAND UP FOR
WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SAID, SO THAT WE CAN READ IT NOW.
PLEASE HELP US TO FOLLOW YOU EVEN WHEN OTHER PEOPLE MAKE THAT VERY DIFFICULT.
AMEN
Mario Reis
Sunday School
Subjects covered in Sunday school this past year have included creation, and
Old Testament characters such as Noah and Abraham. Worship has also occasionally
been included, using ‘sing along’ DVD’s.
Attendance is usually between 10 and 16 children with an age range between 7 and
15.
Ian and Monica have been the key teaching staff, with occasional help from
others. More recently Rosemary and Rose have been helping with supervision,
which is appreciated. Ian has now returned to the Baptist Church full time, so
the need for additional teaching staff to develop this work remains important.
Andrew Bird.
Men's Bowling Group
Every month, on a Monday, we hold a mens’ bowling evening at Jersey Bowl, St
Peter, which is a chance for men from various churches around the Island to meet
socially to enjoy an evening out.
It has been running now for several years and was first started by Danny Desbois
who is now living in France.
It doesn’t matter what standard you are, anyone can participate, which includes
a meal afterwards. We meet at 6.30pm and, generally, we finish at approximately
9.00pm.
In the summer, we have a mixed bowling evening, where women, as well as men are
welcome.
In January, we are holding another men and women bowling evening, where there
will also be prizes awarded - such as one for the person who has the most
strikes, a team prize and one for the person who attains the highest score.
We are always looking for new members and would gladly welcome anyone who would
like to join. The next session is on Monday, 12 November at 6.30pm.
Shaun Perchard
Minister
Rev. Henry Le Ruez
Tel 481335
Andrew Bird
Youth & Community Development Enabler
Tel 07797 732996
From little acorns come mighty Oaks
WIth God all things are
possible.
Prayerline Tel 856048
E-mail address:-
prayer@ci-methodist.org
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