Church Report 2011
Meeting at: Sompting Village Primary School Church Manse: Old Village Stores West Street, Sompting
Whitestyles Road, Sompting, West Sussex, BN15 0BE
West Sussex, BN15 0BU 01903 368247
Annual Church Report
Year Ending December 2011
1. Aims and Constitution of Sompting Community Church
See the ‘Constitution’ presented and adopted by Sompting Community Church Members at the Members Meeting held on 2nd November 2011. Available at the church office.
2. Pastors Report
I believe that 2011 was an important and encouraging year in the life of SCC.
One of our important emphases has been to make a greater impact on our community for God and there have been encouraging signs. We’ve seen more people from outside the church attending events like the Festival service, Back to Church Sunday and the Shoebox service. Activities like Xperience, the Light Party, Little Gems, Rock Solid and Noise are making inroads into our community and laying foundations that we hope Messy Church will be able to build on. Twice this year we have also distributed invitations for special events personally in our community, and we plan to do more of this in the future.
As we try to expand our influence for God, we are also aware that we will need more people to be involved in the work of the church. A major development this year has been our adoption of Darren and Allie as placement students. They have both started really well and are developing important new initiatives and strengthened. More and more members of the church family are also heavily involved in the work of the church.
Our Leadership Team continues to work hard and it was great that Pete Hemsley agreed to stand again. As the year ended, each of us has agreed to take on specific roles, which will really help our growth – there will be more information at the first church meeting in 2012
I believe that our spiritual life has developed during the year as well. There is a greater passion for God that is obvious when we meet together on Sundays and during the week. Refresh of course helped to stimulate this and was one of the highlights of the year. Along with the follow up meeting in October, Refresh is also leading to a greater co-operation with Lancing Tab and Worthing Tab.
Another great encouragement has been the number of younger people joining the church – a really important development for our future.
Of course, there has been sadness as well. Some of our older members who now live outside Sompting decided during the year to transfer to churches nearer their homes. We fully support their decision but we have been sorry to lose them.
As usual we had an Alpha course during the year which was encouraging.
As we approach the New Year, it’s encouraging that the church is growing. I believe that we have laid some important foundations for further growth in 2012.
3. Treasurers Report & Annual Accounts
Annual accounts (unaudited) for 2011 are available at the church office.
4. Secretary’s Report
The church took some big steps forward administratively this year with the completion of the church office, the installation of the new photocopier and Sue Nelson’s commitment to work in the office on Wednesday mornings.
During the year our guest Sunday preachers have included Wendy Dalrymple, David Matthews, Richard Brunton, Tim Ogutu, Allie Moore, Tony Nelson and Darren Lewis.
Three people were baptised during the year and there was one child dedication. Colin conducted several weddings and funerals
Twelve new members joined the church during the year and there were two resignations: June Dee and Barbara Swatheridge. We have held several teas for newcomers during the year.
The church flat was refurbished during the year and Darren and Hannah moved in after their wedding in August. Darren started their placements with the church in September.
As the year ended, we were still trying to transfer the hosting of the church website to the Evangelical Alliance.
As the church grows, we are likely to need to increase the amount of administrative help we have.
5. Property Report
Manse
The external door, and associated window, from the utility room was replaced with a double glazed uPVC unit as part of the office refurbishment.
A second telephone line was installed between the new and original office areas to enable a dedicated church office telephone and associated number to be utilised.
Church Office
Furnishing of the newly constructed church office was completed with the incorporation of the dedicated telephone line, a new ‘wireless’ computer package, laminator and the advanced colour printer/photocopier unit (rental).
These facilities enable our church workers to undertake church resource activities in the comfort of a fully equipped church facility.
The introduction of the advanced colour printer/photocopier enables the church to be self sufficient in producing publicity and communication activities.
Church Flat
The Church Flat was removed from the rental scheme to enable it to be utilised as residence for Darren Lewis, our student Youth Pastor placement, as required by the conditions of his placement. It is currently occupied by Darren and his wife Hannah, who provide voluntary support within the church. The condition of the flat, when removed from the rental market, can only be described at best as ‘tired’, and at worst as disgusting. It was deemed as uninhabitable due to neglect by previous tenants, together with severe wear and tear, and required total refurbishment.
The flat was fully refurbished prior to occupancy by Darren and Hannah at a cost of ~£6500. The work undertaken included:
* New uPVC windows in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom
* New carpets in the lobby, hall, bedroom and lounge
* New storage heaters in the lounge and bedroom
* Upgrade of all wiring to meet current standards, including rerouting shower supply
* Lounge – extensive repairs to walls and painting of walls, ceiling and woodwork
* Bathroom – repairs and painting of wall and repairs to sanitary fittings
* Bedroom – major repairs to walls with papering and painting of walls, ceiling and woodwork
* Hall – repairs to walls and painting of walls, ceiling and woodwork. Installation of seven new Sapele finished doors to all rooms and cupboards leading from the hall.
* Kitchen – completely gutted and rebuilt with a heavy duty floor, fitted wall and floor standing cupboards, ‘U’ shaped worktops incorporating a built in oven, ceramic hob and sink, wall areas associated with work tops were full height tiled. A fridge/freezer and washing machine were also supplied and installed.
6. ‘Safe to Grow’ Report
Leader: Judy Frampton (Advocate & Independent Person)
Paperwork & Procedures: Sue Nelson & John Buckenham
Preamble:-We have 21 CRB Certificate holders although 3 now are not involved with volunteering. This year (2011) we have had 6 new people join our team. However new Legal requirements mean we have to revise our way of implementing our procedures.
Church Aims & Visions for this Activity: Our aim is the "Keep Children and Young People Safe for the Sake of the Gospel"
Highlight of Activities: We had 9 people receive training on Safe to Grow policies & procedures and 10 people have signed the Volunteer Agreement with the Church
What we could do better: We need to ensure the full procedure is carried out on all personnel before they start work as volunteers.
It is now a requirement for ALL Volunteers to have:
1. Job description (information for volunteers);
2. Fill out Application Form;
3. For SCC to take up references;
4. To complete the CRB application form;
5. Once CRB Certificate is received for SCC to arrange Training & ensure Volunteer understands what is expected of them prior to starting with Children & Young People. Note there is a probation period;
6. The Volunteer is required to sign the SCC Volunteer Agreement, before commencing work;
Other Comments: Under new Legislation, it is now the Trustees (Leadership Team) who are responsible for ensuring the implementation and compliance with the legislation. One Trustee is termed the "Safeguarding Trustee" to:
* Oversee and monitor implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of the church's charity trustees;
* Have regular meetings with the designated person for safeguarding of children and ensure there are enough volunteers and adults for each of the various church groups.
Also the church appointed Designated Person for safeguarding to:
* Advise the church on any matters relating to the safeguarding of children and young people;
* Take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected;
* Act as the children's & young person Advocate & Independent Person (as mention in the document)
7. Sunday School Report
Leaders: Emma & Laura
Helpers: Tish
Numbers: Attendance on a Sunday can be anything up to about 7-9.
We meet on a Sunday for about 45-60minutes within the school premises (next to the staff room).
We currently do not have a theme to what we teach within Sunday School and do not use any particular resources. We tend to think of a theme and make our own activities from that. However, we would like to begin using the Crusaders resources when we have been given the password.
Sunday School can be very up and down with numbers and it is currently quite difficult with ages. Before the last group of children went up to the teenage group we held two separate Sunday School classes, one for ages 5-9 and the other 9-12.
This worked well as we could accommodate their teaching resources to their ages but unfortunately there weren’t enough older children to continue with this. We now hold just one session where we usually try and give two options for activities so that the older children can do something a bit more challenging than the younger ones.
We feel that we would benefit from more helpers to be willing to take Sunday School when Emma or Laura are not available as we feel under quite a lot of pressure. We currently take it in turns each Sunday which works quite well but it would be helpful to know that people are willing to take over one Sunday if need be.
In recent Sundays where we have taken Sunday School, we have really felt that God has been present within our sessions and the children have really taken part and listened to what has been taught. We find this extremely rewarding and it makes us feel very pleased to be a leader of Sunday School.
Overall, Sunday School is a success and could be even better once we have more resources to use and be able to follow a structured programme each week.
8. Youth Group Report
8.1 Rock Solid Report
Leaders: Darren Lewis, Sandie Squire, Hannah Lewis
Average attendance/ maximum attendance: 4/3
Where & when we meet: Community room of Sompting Village Primary School, on Wednesday evening, 6:15-7:30pm.
Preamble: When meeting we look to allow the young people of the church space a time to relax and see each other. Each meeting will consist of Games, an activity, and a talk/discussion.
Church aims for activity: To develop a group for the young people within the church and the surrounding community where they will fill welcomed, comfortable, and safe. To be shown the love of Christ and the opportunity to know God himself.
Report on Activity: The group is going well but there are many small practical steps that would improve it.
Report on Special Trips: Successful trip to Spree, which was enjoyed by all, and development seen in the young people. This will be the same trip for 2012, as well as this there will be a couple of non-residential trips.
What Would Help: Our own space, comfortable relaxed seating, and more games.
Areas We Could Do Better: Continual development of how to engage the young people with the bible and their relationship with God.
Lives Changed: One of our young people is considering baptism.
What Has God Done: By someone else organising and leading groups, Sandie feels that a lot of pressure has gone. God has brought this group together in an age group that did not previously exist.
8.2 Noise Report
Leaders: Darren Lewis, Sandie Squire, Hannah Lewis
Average attendance/ maximum attendance: 6/4
Where & when we meet: Community room of Sompting Village Primary School, on Wednesday evening, 7:45-9:00pm.
Preamble: When meeting we look to allow the young people of the church space a time to relax and see each other. Each meeting will consist of Games, an activity, and a talk/discussion.
Church aims for activity: To develop a group for the young people within the church and the surrounding community where they will fill welcomed, comfortable, and safe. To be shown the love of Christ and the opportunity to know God himself.
Report on Activity: The group is going well but there are many small practical steps that would improve it.
Report on Special Trips: Successful trip to Spree, which was enjoyed by all, and development seen in the young people. This year the group will be attending Soul Survivor. There will also be a couple or non-residential trips.
What Would Help: Our own space, comfortable relaxed seating, and more games.
Areas We Could Do Better: continual development of how to engage the young people with the bible and their relationship with God.
Lives Changed: a couple of our young people are considering baptism, and one member has returned to group, and her behavior in various areas of her life.
What Has God Done: By someone else organising and leading groups Sandie feels that a lot of pressure has gone. The group is beginning has rose in numbers.
9. Mission Report
Sompting Community Church mission has been very active in its work. Last year the church members went to Kenya, there the team put up a building for church nursery school. For more details please see Kenya report.
Recently as part of our mission commitment, the church has added Living Hope Ministry as one of its supported mission partners. That is Living Hope Ministry is support by us, as well as Neil Kinghorn, Julian Rebera, and also Jeanie who is a missionary to India we are trying to contact for update.
The church supports other ministries such as the scripture Union and Tearfund, that recently we have increased the monthly support.
Mission was given to Sunday Okereke to oversee recently, this was done to help with accountability and to reduce workload. With that effect I will be planning some extra activities this year to help increase our missionary presence. I will also be thinking of mission member’s formation soon.
Week of Sacrifice.
You will remember that recently on 22nd January week through to 28th we invited some of our partners to our mission service to speak to us; we asked to speak to us on the ministry prayer needs, successes, and challenges. There was also list of prayers for the week which we believe most of us participated. That week was called week of sacrifice and what we did was to skip one or more meals during that and give the money to mission.
Do Next
To create awareness I am thinking for the church to organise an open air service on the green once or twice a year here in Sompting. To explore ways to develop home mission help, example a visit to help our mission partners once as part of mission experience. This could be discuss in the leaders meeting and also at the members meeting. To review next steps from the Kenya visit and plan for further activities in Kenya and beyond.
There is so much for the church to tap into, so our prayers should be for God to broaden our vision, to give us willing heart to continue the work he gave us all to do.
10. Prayer Meeting Report
The Monday morning prayer meeting has been a great way to start the week. Every prayer time has been different but each Monday something happens that makes it special.
We pray widely for the needs of the church as well as very specifically for those who ask for our prayers. We have found during the year that more and more people are asking us to pray for them on Monday mornings.
All of us who attend believe that this is one of the most important times of our week and we would like to encourage as many people to attend as are able
11. Xperience Report
Leaders: Colin, Emma, June, Tina (replaced by Trisha in September), Sharon (from the URC) and occasionally, Julia Brunton
Aims: To give the children a fun experience, to introduce them to Christian faith and to build relationships with families in our community
Where & when we meet: Sompting Village Primary School on Tuesday evenings between 6 and 7.15pm
Numbers: Numbers of children have slowly increased during the year. On a normal Tuesday evening we now have between 35-40 children.
In July we said good bye to some children who were moving to secondary school. We have integrated those whose parents belong to the church in our teenage activities but have been less successful with the few who came from a non- church background. In July we encouraged Darren to come along on several Tuesdays to get to know the children due to transfer. This was helpful and we will try to build on this next summer.
We had a good new intake of new children in September. Many of them are 5 and 6 year olds which has lowered the average age of the club and meant we have had to adapt some parts of our programme, especially the games
Programme: Our normal pattern is to have a mixture of games, craft and some specific Christian input – perhaps a story, or a video and sometimes a song
Highlights: Darren and Hannah arranged a very successful Light Party at Halloween and we had our usual Christmas party. At the end of the summer term we also had a BBQ and a games evening that was well supported by parents and children. One encouraging development this year has been the increasing trust of the parents. This has partly been shown by their willingness to come to other church events. Some parents attended our Mother’s Day service and a good number came to the Festival service, when the children sang.
We also had parents attending Back to Church Sunday and the Shoebox service when the school choir sang carols. One family has also started attending church regularly on Sundays. We are now hoping that this group of parents and children will form the backbone of Messy Church.
The Future: In the New Year we are planning to make each evening more theme based. We have probably reached our capacity now in terms of numbers and could only expand if we divided the group into younger and older age groups. This would, of course, require more leaders.
12. Little Gems Toddlers Report
Leaders: Allie Moore and Vicky O'Connor
Aim: Little Gems aims to provide a safe, fun and inviting place for parents to bring their children to socialise and develop their early year’s skills.
Venue: Little Gems is a weekly toddler club that meets in the Community room of Sompting Village Primary School on Monday mornings between 10 – 12, term time only
Numbers: We currently have approximately 10 children, aged between 6 months and 4 years, which attend with their parents/child-minders/careers
Preamble: We provide a range of toys and books and a creative activity too. Along with this, we offer tea, coffee, juice and toast for all who attend. We 'charge' £1 to cover the costs of the refreshments.
Vision: The vision for our toddler club is to provide an outreach into the community for our church, whilst providing a necessary meeting place for people with young children in our local community.
Activities: In December, Little Gems enjoyed a lovely Christmas party with plenty of fun, food and laughter.
Areas We Could Do Better: We will be concentrating on trying to increase numbers during the next few months; this will be encouraged by an improvement in the weather!
What Has God Done: During the Monday morning sessions, we are able to talk openly about our faith, what we believe and why and also use this time to promote other activities that we have going on in the church, as well as an open invite to our Sunday services.
13. Home Group Report
This year we have had 5 home groups, meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, led by Allie Moore, Vanessa Vale, Jeannie and Jonathan Gyll, Tina and Pete Hemsley and Chris and Mark Cattermole. Chris and Mark’s group have recently started meeting at Jill Tyler’s’ home.
Home groups continue to meet in the second and fourth weeks of the month and this year we have followed the pattern of worship, prayer and a bible study based on the previous Sunday sermon. Colin has prepared the studies, focusing specifically on 1 and 2 Timothy, the letters to the churches in Revelation and the “I am” statements of Jesus in John’s gospel.
Our aim is to have a home group leaders’ meeting at the beginning of every term but sometimes these meetings have been ‘crowded out’.
We now have more home groups than in the past so there is more opportunity to belong. It’s also been very helpful to have a daytime group for those with small children.
Another really encouraging development has been the new 20s group, “The Herd”, bringing together people who have not always belonged to home groups in the past. More people are attending home groups and, although one or two groups would like to see their numbers increase, they continue to perform a vital function, offering friendship, support and an opportunity to be nurtured.
Obviously we would like everyone to be connected to a home group and we will continue to work toward this. One gap we have is a daytime group for older people and we will address this if we can in 2012. We are also aiming to improve the connection between the Leadership team and home group Leaders and so Vanessa will be checking in with them each month.
14. Coffee N’ Craft Group Report
Our aim is to introduce the people of Sompting to the church by befriending.
There are 17 of us although we usually have an average turnout of 13 /14 per meeting.
Meeting every fortnight on a Friday from 10am – 12 noon we meet to take part in crafts of various kinds.
Other activities are going out together or having people come to us for informative talks.
We are a non-profit making organisation. Cash received over the course of the year is managed by producing a yearly account for anyone who wants to see it.
15. Men’s Group Report
Leader: Tony Nelson
Helpers: Graham Hills, Rob Allright
Number on average attending: 18
Most attending: 18
Where we meet: Lime Cafe, St. Pauls, Worthing
When: Once a month on a Saturday morning at 9.00 a.m.
Church aim & vision for this activity: To build up men in faith and social interaction.
Highlight of activities: A good first breakfast with excellent discussion of group/individual needs
What would help: Access to a minibus
What God has done: Brought such a large percentage of men together who showed great interest
16. Sompting Festival Report
On the whole we came to the conclusion that this was the most effective festival so far as we were concerned.
We used our new marquee for the first time. There were no problems with setting it up and it served our purposes well.
Our marquee looked bright and inviting and there was a buzz of activity around it throughout the weekend. One person from another church commented that it was wonderful that we had so many young people involved in our church.
The Craft table was a great success, as were the face painting and the refreshments. Lots of balloons and leaflets about the church were given out.
Our Sunday morning service was also a great success with a very good attendance including a good number of people who don’t come to church normally. The theme was “Smiling at our fears”!
The one disappointment was the Friday afternoon Cream Tea. Pat and her helpers from Coffee ‘n Craft worked very hard to make this a success but it was poorly attended. At the subsequent church meeting the feeling was that it would be better in future if the Cream teas were on either Saturday or Sunday.
The Parish Council has now taken over the running of the Festival and Pat Waite is attending their meetings as our representative. They are hoping to plan a series of events throughout the year in addition to the Festival and we will try to be involved.
One other comment made by church members at the July meeting: we should consider trying to arrange more church events on the Green during the summer months
17. Nairobi Report
Leaders: Allie and Richard Moore
Helpers: Tina and Pete Hemsley, Colin and Judy Frampton, Robert and Candice Gyll, Emma Cattermole, Laura Wheatley, Rosie Hector, Rob Hollingworth, Tim Ogutu.
The mission to Buru Buru, Nairobi, Kenya, took place on the 30/9/11 for ten days.
SCC had previously visited the church in Buru Buru, 21 months prior in November 2010 and had worked closely with them to decorate and improve an existing building. After many discussions and much prayer they decided to go again.
Aims: To build two classrooms; run a one-day medical camp; work neighboring slums and churches as part of a preachers convention linked with Living Hope Ministries, and work with the women and children within the church community.
Objectives: to support as much of the Kenyan culture as possible while working to improve facilities and building relationships within the church community.
Activities and roles
Colin and Judy: supported by Living Hope to visit a different church each day for 5 days then on the 6th day hold a meeting for all the neighboring preachers at Buru Buru tabernacle of praise. Colin to preach and Judy to support and speak with the women.
Building work, Richard, Pete, Rob, Rob, Tim,
The men within the teams to work with some of the men from the Buru Buru church to build two classrooms from corrugated iron and wood. Sourcing, materials and equipment from local businesses.
Medical camp Allie, Tina, Emma, Laura, Candice, Rosie.
The Medical camp was held on one day, the women of the group supported the doctors and nurses from the Buru Buru church team. They were responsible for booking in, recording data, such as temperatures, weight, height, age, name, and gender and dispensing medicines.
Women and Children’s work Tina, Rosie, Emma, Laura, Allie
Tina and the women provided a craft and prayer day with the women of Buru Buru, (Allie speaking) and meeting with the women and children of the community project, dispensing aid where possible.
They also worked in the children’s club on a Saturday making toys and playing games and singing.
18. Messy Church Report
Leaders: Allie Moore, Pete Hemsley, Julia Brunton
Helpers: Vicky O’Connor, Gavin O’Connor, Tina Hemsley, Mary Mathews, Maggie Prince, Dee Vince, Nicole Taylor, Sue Parkins, Judy Frampton, Vanessa Vale.
Messy church takes place every first Monday of the month at Sompting Village Primary School at 3.30-5.45pm.
Messy church is an opportunity for all the family to explore the Christian faith together through craft, stories, and songs, with a hot meal provided.
The celebration time will include a Bible story using puppets.
The messy church team has met once on 18th Feb 2012 to discuss and plan the first event. Roles were allocated and aims and objectives set.
The first theme will be ‘Family’ focusing on Abraham and Sarah.
We now have a first aider, Vanessa, and Maggie as a cook with a Hygiene Certificate.
CRB checks are in the process of being completed.
The first event is yet to be held and is planned for the 6th Feb 2012.
Obstacles to overcome are: working with the school to make the most of the venue without disrupting ‘Tick Tock’, an established after school club also held at the school, advertising and sourcing of all the craft materials.
Positives are that we now have a first aider and a cook, and that God has provided just the right number of people to staff the project.
Encouraging signs are that so far the idea of messy church has been well received by the church and we hope that this will be a great way of reaching our surrounding community further.
19. Ladies Group Report
Mission statement: That each woman may be inspired to move forward in her walk with God.
Leaders: Tish Holder, Alison Moore, Judith Frampton.
Many women from the church were part of a large team taking on responsibilities and organising different aspects of the day.
Ladies’ Day 2011 was held on Saturday July 2nd at Sompting Village Primary School.
The theme was ‘On The Level’ based on Hebrews ch 12v12, 13.
Approximately 70 women attended and enjoyed a packed day of activities including talks, worship times, a prayer trail based on Psalm 23, aerobics, a dance workshop and time to use a reflection room and a prayer room.
Tickets for the day cost £12 and included drinks and lunch.
Women from other local churches were also invited to attend.
Preparations for Ladies Day 2012 were started towards the end of 2011. Julia Brunton and Gemma Lord have joined the leadership team.
Women from Worthing and Lancing Tabernacles have been invited to help with planning the day, and it is hoped that they will encourage other women from their churches to join us on the day.
It will be held on May 2nd and is to be at Worthing Tabernacle. Admission will be free.
The theme for 2012 is ‘How Big is your God’ based on the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho.