2023-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St John, Hensingham

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St John’s AGM report 8[th] April 2024

Introduction

Dear St John’s family members,

This document gathers together all the reports from the different areas of the life of St John’s. I would encourage you to read it all. It truly is a comprehensive picture of life at our church over the last year - there is nothing else under the sun that can give you a feel for St John’s as these reports do!

It is a great read and as these reports reveal, the Lord has been at work amongst us during a year of change. A year that saw Fergus announce his retirement, through to the appointment of our new vicar – Si Walker.

We look forward in eager anticipation, at what the Lord has in store for us all as we set out on this next chapter here at St John’s.

Many thanks to you all for your partnership in this gospel work.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Stephen Jackson Chair of Parochial Church Council/Reader

Section 1: Reaching Out

Christians Against Poverty (Whitehaven)

At the beginning of 2023, we got involved with the Warm Hubs that different churches were putting on. This gave the community an opportunity to meet up with folk after Covid, be able to have a warm meal and be in a warm heated room. The team and I went to St Andrews in Mirehouse, United Reform Church in Whitehaven and the Methodist Church in Egremont. We spent a couple of hours there chatting to the folk, and explaining what CAP is about. We gave out leaflets and left some in the churches for others to pick up.

A big event for us this year was the CAP 10-year celebration. We had a fantastic event at the Rugby club in Whitehaven, on 13 May. The team of befrienders and volunteers were unbelievable. The day had a live auction, where we raised money for CAP. It was so well attended by our church families, partnership churches and CAP clients. Dave Tudor came down for the event, and it was a fun filled day. From burgers, hot dogs and huge buffet to bouncy castle, games on the field and great music; there was something for everyone.

We continue to work with referral sources, to engage with the community. This helps to boost our chances of receiving clients who are wanting to get out of debt.

In June, some of us went to the CAP conference in Bradford. It was a great time for all of us, and once again I am hoping that there will be a number of us going down for the conference in June this year.

On the 14 July 2023, Jonathan Berry left Cap, to take up a different role in the church. His input over the last 5 years has been great, and I have enjoyed working with him. I have taken up the position as CAP Centre Manager as of the beginning of October 2023.

The CAP money course has had a few changes to it, but Pat and Paul Smith are ready to roll it out now. There are a number of folk interested in attending it.

We have a befriender training on 16 March where Outreach UK will be doing the training, called 'Casting your nets'. We are thrilled to see we have 40 people who have responded to coming. We are really pleased to see that folk from all our partnership churches are attending.

Fareshare continue to support the CAP clients on a weekly basis with food. This is such a strong tool to build the relationships with the clients. A special thanks to Mildred Linstead, Jenny Mayhew and the rest of the team.

Jackie Wilkinson is our CAP speaker and is key in connecting our partnership churches. She is also brilliant at getting the CAP name out to all the churches.

Phil Mayhew continues to encourage us all in prayer and helps us all connect for our monthly prayer meeting.

Phil Sisson is involved with Outreach UK and does an amazing job at spreading God's word. She is so encouraging for me, and works tirelessly behind the scenes for CAP.

Julian Berkeley is such a support with targeting potential funding, keeping the media connections going and updating the church website.

I am so thankful to all our volunteers and befrienders we have here in Whitehaven. I am also so thankful to the Lord for sustaining us each day as we go out into the mission field for Him.

Mel Turner: Whitehaven Centre Manager

CAP Money course

Dear Church,

Here is an update about CAP Money Management.

This past year, for different reasons, has been slow at getting started.

The course has been modernised, with some new modules added. I’m not 100% convinced with some of the changes but hopefully once people attend the training I’ll see its impact. I can also tweak the course to meet the needs of the group. I was all set to get started a couple of months ago, with a couple of people recommended by a befriender. But unfortunately, the lady was not well and was needing to get her medication sorted and hence her carer was unable to attend too. This is something that not only happens to myself, but I know Mel finds that people we are planning to meet are not always able to in the end.

This can be disappointing when you’re “ready to go” but understand it can’t be helped and it’s the nature of our roles.

Presently I am trying to access from CAP Head Office, posters to display in the community.

This is proving more difficult than you would first imagine. However, it will be sorted, and the posters will display my email address for people to make contact with me. From that first contact I will be able to arrange a suitable time and dates to hold training sessions.

If there is anyone you know, or maybe yourself, who would benefit from some help in budgeting please do pass on my email address, -

. capmoneywhitehaven@gmail.com They, or you, don’t need to be in serious debt (that’s Mel department).

The course is non-threatening. It is interactive with videos and activities.

Please pray that the posters will arrive as planned, that organisations will display them and for people to be led to make contact.

Many Thanks,

Pat Smith

Fareshare 2023/2024

During this last year we have continued to supply food to CAP families. We started the year with 13 Homes and approx. 38 people, however the picture is constantly changing. We currently deliver to 8 homes and 16 people. The demand is always varying as larger families become debt free and more single people turn to CAP. The last four were all single men.

We are grateful for the continued funding that we receive from the donations from the partnership churches & extremely fortunate to have been chosen by The Cumberland Building Society to be a recipient of their charitable donation this year to Fareshare Cumbria. This has resulted in us receiving £400 per month for a year which commenced in June 2023. We are using this to purchase food as an

emergency shop for new clients, give supermarket vouchers at holiday times when families are stretched e.g. Christmas, Easter & school summer breaks.

Our latest funding has been from Cumberland Council Community Support who donated us £1000 (20 X£50) in the form of e-vouchers for us to be able gift them to clients to use in local supermarkets or utilities i.e. Gas or Electric.

Fareshare continues to be an excellent support to our clients but even more importantly the weekly delivery is a good way to keep contact with clients during their debt journey & where possible this is done by their befriender.

Mildred Linstead & Jenny Mayhew

Tiny Tots

As you will know Tiny Tots ceased in July 2023. Having restarted the group after the closure due to the pandemic and having run it for two years, for personal reasons I stepped down from the leadership of the group.

Unfortunately, despite much prayer and seeking a new overall leader has not yet been found, but as a church we continue to look for the next leader. There is a team

of willing volunteers who would support a new leader with fresh ideas and conviction to serve the communit . y

Over the past two years we established some new routines etc and a full program for a 'school year' is ready to handover if someone would like to follow the same format.

I would like to thank the team who worked alongside me, namely Susan & Neil Baxter, Jema Chan, Pat Smith, Audrey Ulyett, along with Kitty and Connie serving refreshments. Also to Dot O'Donnell, Jenny Mayhew and Ann Walkingshaw who ste ed in last minute when we were short-handed. pp

The group is greatly missed but good connections were made with local families and it's nice to say hello to familiar faces when out and about. The gospel is never silent and the witness in the communit lives on. y

Please continue to lift the group in prayer, especially for wisdom in looking for a new leader.

Jenny Kurzyk

School Links.

Since September 2023, I have been taking weekly assemblies in Hensingham Primary. These take place on Wednesday afternoons and I've been working through Mark's gospel, singing worship songs and leading prayers. This has been a great encouragement and a good development has been the number of children from the school coming to Explorers that I am able to connect with in assembly. They are often the first to volunteer at the front.

After a very successful school carol service at church (thank you to our volunteers who made that possible), the school have booked an Easter service and for the first time a leavers' service in the summer. At Jericho Primary I have been taking a weekly recorder club since January 2023, the recorders having been bought for the school by St John's. This has been most helpful in getting to know many children and create connections with the church. Over Christmas we hosted 4 carol services at the church for Jericho. This was very much appreciated by the school. I also receive invites to do occasional assemblies there.

St John's has continued its financial support for the Northern Inter Schools Christian Union (NISCU) which works in Whitehaven Academy, provides a listening service for pupils and takes a puppet show into primary schools (you might have seen them at Christmas Unwrapped!)

Si Walker

Baptisms and Confirmation

'Infant baptisms'

Moving into a vacancy with one full time minister we had to refocus the way we did infant baptisms. I also felt that more needed to be asked of families seeking baptism in order to use my time well and to ensure they were engaging with church services. Thank you to the huge support from St John's members (especially our Baptism Befrienders and those welcoming at afternoon services.)

In September 2023 we changed the way that we prepare families for baptism of infants. We have a team of Befrienders who host a short course of 2 baptism preparation sessions for each family and families are required to attend church 3 times. Each family has the gospel explained with an emphasis on making sure that parents know what they are promising in the service. The team consists of Glynn and Liz Jones, Phill Mayhew, Mosun Lawal, Obasi Okorie and myself. These sessions create a great environment with church family present to get to know the parents (and sometimes godparents as well). We have had really good discussions about matters of faith and quite deep things that I felt were less forthcoming on home visits. It also seems to identify those families who are more committed to the idea of baptism by asking them to connect properly with the church family and

consequently some don't follow up after their initial enquiry to the church. As we say in the PCC's baptism document for families that I refer them to:

'As you will have gathered, Baptism is important to the Christian Faith, and we have a responsibility, as we seek to be obedient to Christ to clearly and prayerfully prepare you for this important step in your child’s life.'

Between April 2023 and August 2023 20 baptisms were conducted.

Since September 9 families have done preparation and 3 are about to begin.

We've conducted 4 baptisms of children from these families that have completed preparation.

The other 5 families either have dates booked in or are about to book a date.

Families don't receive a date until they complete the preparation, but where relatives are travelling a long way, we have found ways to be flexible.

'Adult baptisms'- Baptism of those able to make the promises themselves.

Last year we have had 1 adult baptism and 1 adult is being prepared at the time of writing.

'Confirmation'

We are currently preparing one candidate for confirmation by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet on 21st April.

Si Walker

SIM

Ann Christian - Report for St John’s Church, Hensingham - February 2024 (Jesus said) “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 Another year has gone and I looked back over the 2023 AGM report before writing the current one. I ended the 2023 report with this phrase, “I have learned during 35 years in mission service that God’s ways are not always my ways…….!” - and this was certainly true in the last twelve months. Completely out of the blue, osteoarthritis flared up painfully in my right hip in late 2022 making my life much more complicated as physical activity has been limited, as has long distance driving. The pain meant that I am also unable to sit for extended periods at the computer (an essential for my work). As a result of all this, with prayer and consultation, I made the decision to retire from working with SIM as of 1st January 2024.

2023 was an unusual year for my team as, after three long years of Covid restrictions, our nation of service reopened and, from June onwards, visas once more became available. The speed of reopening after such an extended period took us by surprise and caused some urgent prayer and consultation to those who were looking for the next steps. The situation in the country after reopening is a very different scene from the one that we left in February 2020 which has made decision-making complicated. We have folk wanting to return but options have reduced - especially for the education of our children.

I spent many hours on Zoom calls in discussion with the leadership team and with our exiled people as we asked God for wisdom and guidance moving forward. It has been a very challenging twelve months. I was able to rejoice in answered prayer for people to replace me and to take on the wide variety of roles and responsibilities I have ‘accumulated’ over my eight years with the team.

After a four year absence, I was able to join my team for a “family reunion” in Thailand recently – an opportunity to worship, pray, praise, laugh and cry together after some many months apart. It was a very special way to end my time with SIM. God is, indeed, good!

I am grateful to God for the family of St John’s and the love, interest and financial support that has been shown to me - “partnership in the gospel” shown in deeds, not words. Thank you so VERY much!

Ann Christian

The Walkers, in Mendoza, Argentina

Serving in the local Anglican church and seeking to train new bible teachers, through theological education and an apprenticeship scheme.

How has 2023 been in Mendoza? Thank you for taking time each year to read over our summary and for your continued partnership with us over many years. And many congratulations for the naming of your new vicar! May the Lord use Si and Mim and the kids in a fruitful ministry with you all, as you in turn seek to pray for and look after your pastoral family.

We have been in Mendoza for just over 4 years. We read an article about church revitalisation and the time it takes to change the old culture of a church and see gospel growth. The suggested time frame was 5 years – which seems like a lot in our fast paced society. Yet, we see that, in our case, moving towards the 5 year mark, this is a year where there has been culture shift and we’re beginning to see the fruit. We continue to be a small congregation, but in God’s grace, we have seen the answer to our prayers for five new families. Around Christmas our fifth family arrived!! The lovely thing is that four of these families are from the area near the church building, and they have been talking about church to their neighbours! Over the summer, we had a steady stream of people coming in what is usually a very quiet time of the year.

Please pray for us, as we welcome new families, and begin to disciple them.

The church building, which we mentioned was subsiding in our last AGM report, will be getting some structural repairs done in the next few weeks. We’ve had to place a couple of large wooden posts to avoid the roof falling. A great side story is that the roofer, who came to assess the work that needed to be done, began to come regularly to church (with his girlfriend and mother!) and hasn’t stopped. He told me last week that church feels like his second family!

Our ministry trainee, Gaston (nickname Tore) and his wife Emilia, had their first year of studies in CEP, the bible college in Chile. It’s been a tough year, including a

miscarriage, but they are back for a second year with a more practical slant, serving more in a local church. The plan is for them to return in 2 or 3 years to continue serving here in Mendoza.

They are a great blessing to us and to the church in Chile. Thank you for helping with their finances, which are high as Chile is an incredibly expensive country to live in compared to most Latin American countries.

We are totally convinced by the ministry trainee model, and this year we are looking into the possibility of taking someone on for next year.

Please pray with us as we work through the options.

Francisco and Elisa, who graduated from CEP last year, are with us for their second year. Their long term plan is to serve in a small church in Tucuman, in the NW of Argentina, but they are doing their ‘curacy’ with us in Mendoza. Around this time last year, Elisa’s mum died in a terrible car accident, and for 6 months there was a lot of uncertainty about their future. They needed a lot of time to process and grieve. We gave them lots of time, because we feel it is important for people in ministry to have that space to grieve well, given the nature of our work and how emotional it often is. We are happy to report that they (and we) have really grown through a terribly hard experience and they have been such a great couple to share ministry with over the last few months. Please do pray on for them. At some point in 2025 they will be heading back to Tucuman, hopefully stronger in their faith and better equipped.

Andrew continues to be involved with CEP – the Centro de Estudios Pastorales in Chile. Last year he taught on Exodus! This year, he has no classes for the first semester, but may well be teaching in the second. Supporting theological education in Latin America in Spanish continues to be a huge priority for us and though it is stretching and time consuming, it’s a great privilege to be involved.

Uvitas (Little Grapes, the Sunday School), continues and has a great little team of helpers who have been serving joyfully. Last year also saw Ely and Fran kick off a midweek version for parents and kids, which has been gaining momentum too. Both have started again and we’re excited to see how the Lord will grow them this year. One more thing to mention would be the Gospel Conference, which started last year. It’s an open invite to members and pastors of all churches to think about evangelism over two days and go out and do some while they’re at it! It was one of the highlights last year, and we’re praying that this year would be even bigger and better! Unity is a big problem in Latin America. There are many churches, but not many work together. Please pray that the links we make at this conference would serve to strengthen gospel witness in Mendoza and beyond as we unite in the central truths of our faith.

Ministry at home:

We’ve had a slight change of school situation. Noah has started kindergarten! Lucy and he go to a state school, while Maia and Emilio got to a Roman Catholic private

school. All the kids finish at lunch time, so in the afternoons we do some English reading, writing, maths and history, alongside other activities like swimming, ballet and guitar.

Argentina continues to have crazy inflation (211% over 2023), much instability and rising costs in all areas. Recently, we have seen a slowing down of the inflation and stabilisation of the peso, for which we are very thankful. We thank God for all those partnering with us, that we are not in any financial need right now, though our costs have risen with the change in Emilio’s school and the next piece of news.

Last year, under God, we were able to buy the house that we live in! It came up for sale and, after a lot of prayer and soul searching, it seemed to be a wise decision especially in terms of stability for the family. So we are now house owners!! We are very thankful for many people who helped us stump up the cash we needed to buy the house outright. (You can’t get a mortgage in Argentina). The house is such a blessing to our ministry and how we serve and love others, so we are incredibly thankful. Please pray for wisdom now as we work on several necessary jobs!

I realise this is astoundingly long. Many apologies for that, but we hope it has been an encouragement to you to see how your prayers are being answered many miles away.

Much love in Christ,

Andrew, Bethanie, Maia, Emilio, Lucy and Noah xxxxxx

Senior’s Christmas Party

It was a privilege to host the Senior’s Afternoon Tea Party once again which took place on Saturday 9th December 2023. As always it was a wonderful occasion of fun, food and fellowship together. Over 100 guests were invited and 70 attended on the day this year, including our local community police officer who popped in to introduce himself!

As is our tradition, the afternoon began with the awesome sound of our hand-bell ringers with their beautiful medley of Christmas tunes. The ladies of the church then served a beautiful Afternoon Tea-aided by some special younger helpers this year. This was followed by expert entertainment from Malcolm Dowler- a favourite of ours who went down a storm. His rendition of Slow Down was a particular highlight of his set:-

Slow down, slow down, be still.

Be still and wait, on the Spirit of the Lord Slow down and hear His voice And know that He is God And know that He is God

As we enjoyed another cup of tea together, the Explorer children, ably led by Emma and Stan handed out gifts they had made for all the guests. This was followed by some communal carol singing before being treated to an inspirational epilogue - given this year by Ann Christian. Despite very stormy weather as the party drew to a close, everyone got home safely, for which we are truly thankful.

As ever, we are indebted to everyone who supports us in delivering this event; those of you who provide food, donations, and gladly give that most precious of commodities- your time: both in preparation beforehand and helping on the day. We couldn’t do it without you!

Special thanks as always go to Dave K on car parking, braving the inclement weather, Joanne on piano, those of you who delivered invitations and provided transport and to Dave B, Neil and Paul joyfully undertaking kitchen duties.

Finally, it just remains for us to thank our wonderful ‘Seniors’ who came along this year and made it all so worthwhile. As the Apostle Paul says to the Christians in Philippi: I thank my God every time I remember you.

Get the date in your diaries for 2024 – second Saturday in December- which this year will be 14[th] December.

See you then- God willing!

Diane Jackson and Kay Cartmell

Christmas Unwrapped

On 2 December 2023, we had Christmas Unwrapped. It is a fun filled afternoon, where we invite the community in to share the day with us. It is a fantastic way to get people into church in a non-threatening way.

We have things to appeal to everyone, from crafts for adults and children, to games in the hall. One of the highlights is the NISCU puppets coming to give us the Christmas story.

When folk enter, we have the musicians in the entrance playing Christmas carols, which immediately puts you into a festive spirit. Then we have a bouncy castle for the younger folk, with a tea corner with loads of cake right next to it. Everyone seems to love the candy floss, pop corn and hot chocolate.

We had a really good attendance from our church family, CAP clients and from the surrounding estate. We estimated that there was about 120 people who attended this year.

Mel Turner

Doorstep Outreach

A small team have been using the monthly Good News newspapers in our outreach onto the Hensingham estate for about 2 years.

The newspaper is a look at the secular world through a Christian perspective.

It isn’t an explanation of the Gospel message as such but gives stories of how God has intervened in people’s lives.

It has a standard newspaper format with stories including the usual tabloid format of entertainment, music, film, quiz / crossword sections and then a sporting back page - all with relevant topical issues.

How do we use it?

Each team choose a street or cul-de-sac and push a newspaper through the letter box for 2 consecutive months.

Then on the 3rd month we knock on the door and introduce ourselves and ask if they would like us to continue delivering it.

Doorstop conversations often develop and we have had lovely invites inside for coffee and opportunities to invite people to church outreach events and we have had many opportunities to pray with people.

We visit in 2’s and cover about 20-30 homes at each visit which, depending on the conversations, can take between 1/2 - 1hr in total.

We also use a St. John’s Gospel from the Pocket Testament League as a follow up as they have a clear explanation of the Gospel message of salvation in them. We have

opportunities to take part in training from Outreach UK including their “Casting Your Nets” programme where we can grow in confidence in sharing more effectively the faith that has saved us.

We are looking to grow the team so we can cover more of the estate, build relationships and share our faith so more people can come to know Jesus as their Saviour.

Thanks,

Phil Sisson

NISCU

Partnership in the Gospel: Links between the local schools and the church St Johns Church has continued its support for NISCU (Northern-Inter Schools Christian Union).

I mentioned in last year’s report that we welcomed a new worker, Lesley McLaughlin, who joined the team to work in both primary and secondary schools. In September 2023, Tom Vyner-Brooks also came ‘on board’ to provide support to the work, working alongside Lesley and the Primary Puppet Teams.

Some of the examples of what is going on in the schools over the past 12 months:

Assemblies/Collective Worship in Primary Schools (eg Braithwaite, Bassenthwaite, St Herberts School, Keswick, Dean, Moor Row, Arlecdon)
‘Big Questions’ after school clubs (e.g. in Bridekirk, Dovenby and Eaglesfield Paddle schools)/ ‘The Ark’ at St Bridgets, Brigham)
Support to themed events in the primary schools: (‘Discover Pentecost’, ‘Journey to Christmas’)
Puppet Assemblies: Easter Story (as told by Dave the Donkey/Grandpa and Digby, the intrepid reporter) , Stories of Kindness and Friendship at Mayfield School, Noah (‘God loves us so much’) and Christmas (‘Follow the star’ introducing the three camels Tyrone, Clyde and Camille’)
Puppet Teams supporting local churches (eg: Emmanuel at Moor Row, Community Outreach Afternoon at St. Michael’s Church Hall Workington. and the ‘Christmas Unwrapped’ at St Johns, Hensingham)
NISCU ‘Moving Up’ lessons (primary to secondary)
Secondary Schools: QM/drop in clubs at Cockermouth and Keswick Schools and Lunch Clubs in Whitehaven Academy/Working alongside ‘Ignite’ Team on a Friday night at St Andrews Church
Looking at introducing times of prayer with the local churches (e.g. joined up with St Andrews Church at their monthly prayer time on a Sunday evening)

I made reference last year to the ‘Listening Service’ to help young people in schools. We have people carrying out this in All Saints, Cockermouth; we are looking to expand this further in the area:

something to pray about.

We also pray for the schools in our local area and how we, as a church or as individuals, can be involved and support them (e.g. governors, teachers/teaching assistants, prayer for a local school).

It is encouraging the links we have, as a church, with both Hensingham and Jericho Primary Schools.

Thanks again for your support: it is much appreciated.

Neil Baxter NISCU Support Team

Section 2: Build up

Adventurers: Report for AGM 2024

It has been another great year for our 3 – 7 year old group. We meet on Sundays during the morning service and spend time out during the talk and prayers; usually around 30 – 40 minutes. We moved into the Vestry in September, and the children have enjoyed the time in there. During the session the children listen to a Bible story, take part in drama, play games, sing, colour, cut, and stick. We have grown in numbers each week since September, with new children attending each week. The most we have had so far is 18 children.

We are currently using some material from Click, which we order from the Good Book Company.

We had our first trip away with the children and their families in the Summer to The Lake District Wildlife Park near Keswick; it was the hottest day of the year. After we had enjoyed our time together there, we went on to the park in Keswick for fish and chips and lots of other delicacies to be found in the local chip shop. The children enjoyed their food and the time playing together in the park.

This year we had a small Christmas party for the children in the Vestry, Jake and Jo led the games time, and we finished our time with some party food, it was such a special time particularly as it was Christmas eve, and we could celebrate Jesus’ birthday together.

We have so much to be thankful for and we praise God for our children’s groups at St John’s, please remember us in your prayers as we meet each week.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Mim, Diane, and all the Adventurer team

Springboard

Springboard is a group for 7 –11 year olds meeting on Sunday mornings during the 11am service. We now have around 13 children regularly attending. In the past year we have swapped where we meet with ‘Adventurers’' and now meet in the church hall. We found this has significantly helped with the children being less distracted (from the noise of the service) and having more space to do activity and games.

We continue to use ‘Click’ material as we have the last 2 years. Last year we looked at 1 Kings, Elijah and Elisha and then 'The Hope of The Nations' looking at an overview of the bible and its message from Genesis to Revelation

We now currently just have two team leaders: Neil Baxter and Catherine Blyth and we are looking for at least a third leader to lead Springboard and ask for prayers for this. We sadly said goodbye to John Moffat as a leader recently (as he has moved house) after years of his help with teaching the children on a Sunday. We wanted to thank him for all his commitment and teaching of the children over the past years and wish him all the best with his new start and his new house and church.

We are supported by co-leaders Susan Baxter, Judy Greenwood and Calvin Smye and are also currently looking for more co-leader support. Mike and Carmen Taylor have been faithfully helping as co-leaders for the past few years but have curently put this on hold as they care for their children and with the arrival of their newborn, baby Lydia.

We are thankful for everyone who helps and has helped out at Springboard over the last year and their commitment to the work throughout the year and giving up their Sundays to teach. We ask for prayers with finding new leaders and co-leaders and that we can teach and help the children in an engaging way, to understand what it means to be a Christian and follow Jesus faithfully.

Catherine Blyth on behalf of Springboard team

The Living Room

The living room Bible study has seen a good number of newcomers over the last year, and a similar number of long-term members moving on to regular church home groups. It is prayerfully hoped that those moving on will find themselves well placed to serve the wider church in their new study groups, as well as find new challenges that provide personal spiritual growth.

As the group is now smaller and more focussed, discussions are easier and more forthcoming which is particularly encouraging to see. Over the last year, we have studied John, Titus, Habakkuk, tackled some Psalms and are about midway through our series in Exodus. How privileged we are to be able to gather together and learn from scripture about the sovereign God who judges his enemies and saves his people!

Mike Taylor and Tommy Choy

Home Groups

This is a short report on the Bible study groups.

It's been a great year to welcome newcomers into the groups and to see the strength of fellowship through prayer and continued support for one another.

This last year we have studied the Psalms, 1 Corinthians and finishing off with Romans for Lent. After the Easter break, we will be studying Isaiah.

We value the continued prayer especially for new leaders and hosts to grow the groups and of course for more people to join groups.

Bible study groups that meet regularly tend to form deeper relationships. Members of these groups offer each other support and encouragement on their faith journey. It encourages deeper community and accountability within the church, and develops leaders that can help grow the church. Lastly the goal is to understand the meaning of scripture, apply it to our lives and gain spiritual growth. God bless,

Karl Turner.

Explorers

(7-11 year olds meeting on Tuesday evenings).

Explorers have had a great start to the academic year, and the team have been encouraged by the amount of kids coming back week after week. This age group is really fun to lead, the kids are excited to be there, get stuck in with the activities and games, as well as a few wanting to pray during the sessions and asking for Bibles to take home.

During the Autumn term we’ve been looking at the way Jesus included people often on the outskirts and showed them how they belong in God’s Kingdom. We joined with the Mission Community churches to host the “Jesus is Light Party” which was a great event for all involved. Paul Kerry gave the talk and had some very memorable actions. Moving into Christmas we looked at the Christmas story and then onto the journeys that Jesus made from a baby to child to adult. This term we are focusing on characters in the Bible who had to make some tough decisions like Daniel, Esther and Solomon.

This year we’ve also focused on a memory verse for each theme. So far, the kids have learnt Psalm 139:14, Isaiah 9:6, 1 John 4:15 and this term we are focusing on Philippians 4:8. We’ve also been introducing nights where we look at a part of the

world where it is difficult to be a Christian and heroes of Faith who show us what it is like to live out their lives for Jesus. This term Ann Christian will be sharing stories from her time on the mission field.

As well as the numbers growing, our team has also grown with Rachel Patterson and Lola Odusola joining the ranks and Neil Baxter stepping in for Stan Marsland while he’s away. We pray that the excitement these kids show now for the gospel will grow and grow and for those who don’t yet come to church to make that step and that they come with their families too.

Emma Cooper and Team

Pathfinders

It has been a blessing to watch pathfinders continue to grow over the last twelve months, with increasing numbers of young people.

We regularly have 15 young people coming along to fellowship to share in activities and study the bible. It is encouraging to see the young people inviting their friends along and we have a good mix of children from church families and non-church backgrounds.

We're very grateful for the team of leaders who volunteer their time to bring a variety of activities and teachings to the youth.

Last term, saw a group of the pathfinders and CYFA members go to Rock UK for a weekend of fellowship. A great time was had by them all. Extra thanks go to the leaders that made that possible.

This year we've been studying Mark's gospel in detail and it has been encouraging to see the children engage and to apply what they have learned in their daily lives. This summer we hope to repeat last year’s joint BBQ with the explorers and CYFA, bringing all the youth together for a fun time of fellowship.

We appreciated your continued prayer for the youth - that they come to a deeper relationship with God through their time at pathfinders.

Suzanne Lane & Jonathan Blyth

CYFA

(15–18-year-olds meeting on Sunday evenings)

This year we have had a big increase in numbers, from 2-6 people attending last year to 8-12 this last year, this is mainly due to a lot coming up from Pathfinders.

Jake L, Rachel S and John M having continued to be the leaders with help from Sue L when needed.

Unfortunately, by the end of this school year John and Rachel would have both left their roles. We ask for prayer for people to step forward into these roles.

When the leaders first met together, we came up with some aims for CYFA, these included becoming a close group where we can share life and support each other and equipping the youth to be able to understand and apply the Bible for themselves before moving on to the next stage of their lives.

With so many coming up from Pathfinders it feels like we have started the cycle again and I’m excited to see these are starting to develop.

Resources we have used so far in our sessions include:

Essentials, we started the year spending 6 weeks looking at a broader view of christianity as a whole following the essentials videos and question sheets.
Exodus, since then we have gone through the whole book of Exodus
From Easter we are going to look at the book of Matthew.

Along with Pathfinders we were also able to go up to RockUK for a weekend away in October 23 and Jon Wong came and spoke to us about the relationship with God and himself, with God and us and with us and other Christians around us. This was a great weekend and we are going to look at the possibility of running it again next year.

We do hope you would continue to pray with us for CYFA, for the growth of both the young people and the leaders, for unity within the whole group and for new leaders to step into the roles.

Jake Little

Ladies Bible Study

The Ladies Bible study meets on the second Monday of the month at 10am in the church lounge.

This year we have looked at the book “Women of Faith” from the Old Testament and then at Psalms one and eight to help us focus on prayer and God Almighty. This year we are reading from Philippians thinking of “God our Joy”.

After our study and discussion, we have a time of prayer.

The meeting ends with refreshments and a time of fellowship and encouragement with each other.

In the words of Psalm 119 v 105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”.

Val Tyson

The pastoral visiting team

The pastoral visiting team visits church members who cannot manage to attend church for any reason. This may be due to them being elderly with decreased mobility or through illness.

We visit people in their homes if they are comfortable for us to do so or telephone them for a chat.

Monthly communion continues at Walkmill Court, and at Johnson House, where Yvonne Owen accompanies Si. Some people have communion in their own homes if they are unable to attend church and one of us may sometimes accompany Si with this.

On all occasions it is a pleasure and a privilege for us to be invited into people's homes or spend time chatting on the phone.

We are aware that many members of the church keep in touch with those in need in the church family and know that we are only a small part of this caring service. If you know anyone who would like a visit please let us know or if you would like to be part of the team please contact us.

Susan Baxter, Enid Starkey, Yvonne Owen, Kay Cartmell and Judith Hodgson.

Section 3: Bear Fruit

Musicians

‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms…..if anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen’ 1 Peter 4: 10 & 11 Music is a gift of God. It says in the Bible it is to be made firstly to the Lord and secondly to each other. Music should help us, as worshippers, to express our awe and wonder in His presence, focusing our thoughts and praise on Him. The Psalms bear testimony that in joy and sorrow, in praise and lament the people of God raise their voices. That is our aim as singers and musician’s week by week in St Johns where we deem it a privilege to serve in this way and use the different talents we have been given to lead the Congregation.

As a church family we are blessed with a faithful group of volunteers and are thankful for all the time and commitment they give week by week; not only on a Sunday but also beforehand in choosing, learning, and practising songs, meeting together and encouraging one another.

We are also grateful for the audio and visual tech team that work alongside us each week and are especially excited for all the work that has been completed so we can settle into our new home in the Chancel, thank you to all who made this happen. Over the year there have been some changes to the team, some have moved on whilst others have joined us, helping to create a diverse group, with a mix of backgrounds, cultures, ages and styles! And would always welcome more! Watch this space for a musician's evening soon!

Finally, one last thank you to everyone serving in music ministry.

Please continue to encourage and pray for God's blessing, so that all the glory goes to Him.

‘With a thousand hallelujahs we magnify your name.

You alone deserve the glory, the honour and the praise,

Lord Jesus, this song is forever yours,

A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more.’

Debbie Swinburn

Mission Community

The Mission Community consists of ourselves, St Andrew's Mirehouse, St Bridget's, and Church on the Moor. The full-time ministers meet each month for mutual support and encouragement. St John's as the larger church provides some financial input to cover a small deficit in parish offer* from the other two Anglican churches. We also send a preacher to St Andrews or St Bridgets every 6 weeks, as Paul Kerry is responsible for two churches. We occasionally preach at COTM. This is a real expression of our partnership in the gospel. As churches we get together for joint services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day and Pentecost. After 8 years Paul Kerry has stepped back from being Mission Community Leader but is still very committed to the Mission Community. We will have to identify a new leader in the coming months.

*parish offer is the money Church of England churches give to the Diocese to cover ministry costs (central administration and stipends etc).

Si Walker

Safeguarding Report to the AGM St Johns Parish Church April 2024

Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) – Ian Ulyett

I would like to put on record my personal thanks to Kay Cartmell who has been an invaluable help and source of support for over 10 years before stepping down from her role at the end of February.

Safer Recruitment and Training

Our parish supports the following groups working with children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable: Adventurers, Springboard, Explorers, Pathfinders, CYFA, Visiting Team, CAP and Bell ringers. In addition to these regularly meeting groups there is the football school and all require leaders and helpers to be safely recruited including DBS checks. Those checks and the safeguarding training individuals complete need to be kept up to date and monitored to ensure they are so. The beginning of this year saw the frequency of DBS renewals increase from 5 to 3 yearly which has necessitated some additional work but everyone is now on a 3 year cycle. The move from paper to online DBS applications has made things both easier and quicker. Assuming that the worker does not need a different class of DBS check the renewal of his/her certificate can be done quickly online if that certificate is registered with the online update service. Registration for this is free for volunteers and the renewal check only requires the PSO to have the original certificate number, the person's surname and date of birth – sorry ladies, no secrets I'm afraid.

Currently there are 57 people in post with a current DBS check and a further 3 people going through the appointment process. In addition, there is a number of people who still have a current DBS check but are no longer in a role. There are 60 people currently in role who have completed all their necessary safeguarding training and one person with one more course to go (most people now need to undertake 3 courses, but some roles require more). A further 3 people are going through the appointment process or have just completed it. There is a discrepancy between the numbers because some have received their DBS certificate recently but have yet to complete their training, some roles don't require a DBS but the training is still needed, and one person has completed the training but is now applying for a DBS check for a different workforce and role.

The PCC continues to adopt the safeguarding policy and guidance issued by the House of Bishops -much of which is displayed on the safeguarding noticeboard in the hall and can be accessed via the St Johns website. The most up to date source of safeguarding information can be found in the safeguarding e-manual on the Church of England's website – this is due to be updated later in 2024.

Thank you for continuing to support the safeguarding work to keep people safe and for assisting by undertaking the training required and applying for new or renewed DBS checks.

Ian Ulyett 26/02/24

Tower Ringers Report 2023

We have suffered from a shortage of ringers once more and eventually cancelled Tuesday practices due to low numbers. In August I invited Arlecdon to share their practice with us while they waited for their church tower renovation to be

completed. They have continued to ring with us on alternate Thursday evenings. All are welcome to join us.

Following an appeal we have 4 keen learners from church who have had their initial handling practices but work schedules make practices difficult. Please pray for solutions. We rely on friends from local churches to keep our bells ringing on a Sunday morning.

We rang for 3 weddings last year and special ringing and quarter peals for King Charles III’s Coronation, Remembrance Day and also following the sad loss of friends. We had visitors from Wales, Yorkshire and from around the Diocese.

Gordon Gray

Handbell Report 2023

Gordon and Soo were away for the first quarter of 2023 so there were no handbell practices. With an empty diary, we didn’t meet for the first time until September. Attendances were hit and miss with holidays etc. but we managed a core of ringers to plan for Christmas, this included a new recruit. We were invited to ring for the carol services at Johnston House, Walkmill Court and The Gables. Unfortunately, there was a Covid outbreak at the Gables so that service was cancelled. We played two pieces for the church carol service with a guest conductor. Yet again a big thank you goes out to our friend Mark, without whose handbells, we wouldn’t be able to entertain you. Nothing is in the diary for 2024 so we haven’t begun practicing. Come and join us.

: See you in September. Contact Soo Gray at soogray@btinternet.com Soo Gray

Audio Visuals (AV) Team report for the St John's AGM

2023 saw some of the biggest changes to the church audio visual system and the installation of new capabilities to support worship in church and church activities. Old equipment was failing and causing problems, which was proving to be a distraction in church life. The work was split into two phases. Phase one was the main body of the church, the Lounge and the Hall. Phase two was designed to support the redevelopment of the chancel area, sound enhancement for those leading services, acoustic separation for the music team, and to free up space at the front of church.

With the help of a specialist audio visual company and from a local business in town, a brand-new AV system was installed in the church, lounge, and the hall. In the process of this installation, 6 black bin bags full of old cabling were removed, helping to tidy up the church.

The new system has proved to be much better acoustically, easier to use and provided new capabilities for use in church life - the ability to relay the services into the Lounge and Hall; each of these areas having standalone AV capabilities and the capability to "live stream" services across the globe. Phase 2 just completed, adds in the chancel area for those leading services and provides the music team with a much better acoustic position and new capabilities to support the worship in church. The final part of the overall scheme was to enable small group sessions to be run in the chancel if required. This has been delivered during the phase 2 work.

New people have joined both the sound and visuals teams during the year, but there is a need for more people to join both teams. Training can be provided for anyone wanting to join the teams and support worship in church.

: AV Team Leads Stephen Jackson & David Holburt

Electoral roll and Parochial Church Council

The number on the church electoral roll is 199, 3 up from 196 in 2023.

There were six regular meetings of the PCC during the year and three additional meetings.

As well as the regular standing reports some of the items agreed or discussed were as follows:

regular reviews of “Church on the Moor” through the transition period to an independent church

• work ongoing to uphold all matters in compliance with the Parish safeguarding policy and development of the Data Retention policy

• reaffirmation of the commitments to support mission work appropriately

• updating of the hall hire policy and drawing up a Baptism and Thanksgiving policy, including the training of baptism befrienders

• all matters regarding the process to fill the vacancy including the Section 11 meeting

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Jenny Kurzyk(PCC Secretary)

Extracts from last year’s annual meetings

The Annual Vestry Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting were held on 3 April 2023.

There were 59 people present.

Philomena Sisson and Richard Davey were elected as church wardens.
Our deanery synod representatives are Paul Smith and Andy Walkingshaw with one vacant position.
There were nine PCC members appointed, leaving one vacant position with exofficio members Stephen Jackson in his role as Reader and Tim Naylor in his role as treasurer.
Abiola Lawal was appointed auditor of the accounts for 2023.
The number on the electoral roll was 196, 2 up from 194 in 2022.

The Treasurer, Tim Naylor, presented the accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022.

Overall - income is greater than expenditure which means the accounts are healthy. Significant building expenditure this coming year (which has been planned and agreed within the PCC).

Income down and Expenditure up (due to pandemic lockdown impacts in previous years being unusual, but this year's figures are in line with what is expected). Surplus at end of year of £5,000. Reminder of explanation of transfers out (as explained last year) for reserves.

Legacy had an impact on income figures last year and therefore this year’s income figures are in line with previous years (e.g. 2019) as expected.

Giving has dipped slightly towards the end of the year - suspect cost of living increases having an impact.

Note the cost of electricity is a significant increase (biggest draw is the hall heating costs - approx £1k / month over winter). However, we will move to another supplier in the coming year due to fixed tariffs expiring.

Mission allocations outlined and Church on the Moor will continue to sit under St John’s until they become an independent entity.

CAP (different year end - May 2021-22) in a money healthy position due to outside funding and generous church-based giving.

Funds (p3) are allocated especially outlined for work ongoing this year - and will see significant expenditure this year coming on Quinquennial works, the AudioVisual system and Chancel modifications to make the area a more usable space.

Fergus presented a talk and answered questions about what is going on in the CofE and the issues of sexuality, including the need to respond individually and corporately highlighting the need to react carefully and prayerfully, to consult and make our views known. We were urged to stand as a church community with our ministers to help them stay the course.

Jenny Kurzyk (PCC Secretary)

Deanery Synod

There have been three meetings of the Calder Deanery Synod since the last annual report was written. St Johns was represented in 2023 by our clergy, and lay representatives Paul Smith and Andy Walkingshaw.

Matters presented and discussed included legacies, local chaplaincy, vacancies, and the Church of England’s plans for Net Zero as well as regular reports from Network Youth Church (who run school lunch clubs and a youth event at St Andrews, Mirehouse).

Paul and Andy gave feedback on any relevant issues to the PCC.

A new Lay Chair was appointed this year who is Alistair Norwood from St Bridgets Church, Moresby. We usually have more Lay Representative spaces allocated to our church than we fill so, if you would like to be involved in church goings-on at a Deanery level, please ask Si for more details.-

Paul Smith & Andy Walkingshaw

Wardens

Much of this year has been occupied with our involvement in the vacancy process as Parish Representatives. It may sound odd to say that we have seen God working through church bureaucracy, but this has definitely been the case; we have been blessed by the work of so many others and seen God in action as things have progressed. At the time of writing, we are not in a position to announce the result, but this should be happening very shortly.

The church's usual business has of course carried on throughout the vacancy period, and we are thankful to all those who have kept St John's running.

As wardens we have responsibility for the fabric of the church. We are indebted to Andy Walkingshaw (and others) who keep the building maintained and working. We are also grateful for all the work - most of it by volunteers - that has gone into the modifications to the chancel area, which will really enhance our Sunday services, and also for the refurbishment of the church lounge.

We can assure the congregation that the silver and ornaments are intact and the building is secure. The Terrier has been checked and the Inventory is up to date.

Rich Davey & Phil Sisson

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Statement of Financial Activities

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Prior year
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies £ 169,965 £ 57,854 £ 227,819 £ 223,614
Income from charitable activities £ 4,139 £ 4,139 £ 3,197
Other trading activities £ 4,650 £ 1,773 £ 6,423 £ 4,657
Investments £ 2,413 £ 493 £ 2,906 £ 558
Total income £ 181,167 £ 60,120 £ 241,287 £ 232,026
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities -£ 194,678 -£ 31,900 -£ 79,603 -£ 306,181 -£ 227,008
Total expenditure -£ 194,678 -£ 31,900 -£ 79,603 -£ 306,181 -£ 227,008
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer -£ 13,510 -£ 31,900 -£ 19,484 -£ 64,894 £ 5,018
Transfers -£ 24,833 £ 22,480 £ 2,353
Other recognised gains / losses
Net movement in funds -£ 38,343 -£ 9,420 -£ 17,131 -£ 64,894 £ 5,018
Total funds brought forward £ 42,294 £ 115,121 £ 61,622 £ 219,037 £ 214,019
Total funds carried forward £ 3,951 £ 105,701 £ 44,491 £ 154,144 £ 219,037
Represented By:
Unrestricted
General fund £ 3,951 £ 3,951 £ 42,294
Designated
Associate Vicar Designated RESERVE £ 20,000 £ 20,000 £ 20,000
Building Fund Designated RESERVE £ 31,699 £ 31,699 £ 25,699
CAP Designated RESERVE £ 3,000 £ 3,000 £ 3,000
Church Plant Designated see note * £ 16,100
Evangelism Designated £ 50,000 £ 50,000 £ 50,000
MissionD £ 1,002 £ 1,002 £ 322
£ 105,701 £ 105,701 £ 115,121
Restricted
Associate Vicar Restricted £ 2,819
CAP Restricted £ 26,934 £ 26,934 £ 30,938
CAP Special Projects £ 3,126 £ 3,126 £ 3,604
FareShare CAP £ 4,044 £ 4,044 £ 359
Church Plant Restricted see note * £ 15,065
Gift Day £ 4,480 £ 4,480 £ 2,572
Evangelism Restricted £ 513 £ 513 £ 513
Mission Restricted £ 1,442 £ 1,442 £ 1,823
Local Hardship Fund £ 367 £ 367 £ 417
Harvest £ 309 £ 309 £ 107
Bellringers Fund £ 3,008 £ 3,008 £ 2,820
CYFA £ 153
Pathfinders £ 96 £ 96 £ 96
Explorers Group £ 112 £ 112 £ 112
Tiny Tots £ 61 £ 61 £ 224
£ 44,491 £ 44,491 £ 61,622
Grand Total Funds £ 154,144 £ 219,037
----- End of picture text -----

Note *: at the end of last year, the fund total for Church plant was held in a single fund (£31,165). At the start of this year these were corrected to split into the designated (£16,100) and restricted (£15,065) funds shown above (Church Plant)

Page 1 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Balance Sheet

----- Start of picture text -----
||||| |---|---|---|---| |Prior year| |Current assets|Total funds| |funds| |Debtors|£|7,739|£ 9,975| |Cash at bank and in hand|£ 162,767|£|217,956| |£ 170,506|£|227,931| |Liabilities| |Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year|-£ 16,362|-£|8,894| |-£ 16,362|-£|8,894| |Total net assets less liabilities|£ 154,144|£|219,037| |Unrestricted|£|3,951|£42,294| |Designated|£ 105,701|£130,282| |Restricted|£ 44,491|£46,462| |Grand Total|£ 154,144|£219,037|

----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Approved by the Parochial Church Council and signed on its behalf by:|Approved|by the Parochial Church|Council|and|signed|on|ite|behalf by:| |Signed:…..........................................................................................................................................| |Name:…...........................................................................................................................................|>a|

----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |Date:…..............................................................................| |Ln.|SIO|aeee|

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St John's Hensingham Parochial Church Council.

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 5.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the genral Directions given by the Charity Commission.

An exmintion includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not be met; or
2) to which in my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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||||||||||||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Signed:…..........................................................................................................................................|oe|ee|tet:|bee|tion|Date:…..............................................................................|ate:|LOth|Mach, Day| |Preble|len| |Name:…...........................................................................................................................................| |DREN|ees|ee|rere|eee erties|uals|i|vara|rie|Pacedpg dpa|to's bbe|SSG|pau|F|dass+bd|pd pees|bas|amnd|ean bras|mimeo|kta|biabuicilctanmegansbanisabicnetaiwecs|

----- End of picture text -----

Page 2 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

----- Start of picture text -----
General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
Business Reserve Account (Nat West) £ 11,893 £ 80,161 £ 28,957 £ 121,011 £ 168,489
CBF Church of England Deposit Fund (CCLA) £ 1,084 £ 23,039 £ 8,670 £ 32,793 £ 31,568
Current Account (Nat West) -£ 3,029 £ 3,002 £ 8,950 £ 8,922 £ 17,802
Petty Cash - £ 41 £ 41 £ 97
Totals £ 9,989 £ 106,201 £ 46,577 £ 162,767 £ 217,956
Current assets - Debtors
Debtors - £ 6,382 £ 1,357 £ 7,739 £ 9,975
Liabilities - Creditors: Amounts falling due in
one year
Creditors - -£ 12,420 -£ 500 -£ 3,442 -£ 16,362 £ 8,894
Grand total £ 3,951 £ 105,701 £ 44,491 £ 154,144 £ 219,037
----- End of picture text -----

Fund Movement by Type

----- Start of picture text -----
Sum of Start Sum of Sum of Sum of Sum of
UR/D/R Fund Balance Income Expenditure Transfer Value
Unrestricted Note 1 General £42,294 £181,167 -£194,678 -£24,833 £3,951
Designated Associate Vicar RESERVE £20,000 £20,000
Building Fund RESERVE £25,699 £6,000 £31,699
CAP RESERVE £3,000 £3,000
Note 2 PlantD £16,100 -£16,100
EvangelismD £50,000 £50,000
MissionD £322 -£15,800 £16,480 £1,002
Restricted Associate Vicar R £2,819 £23,953 -£26,772
PlantR £15,065 £6,674 -£21,739 £0
CAPR £30,938 £15,097 -£19,101 £26,934
Note 3 CAP Special Projects £3,604 £2,157 -£2,880 £245 £3,126
FareShare £359 £6,876 -£2,946 -£245 £4,044
Note 4 Gift Day £2,572 £2,860 -£3,305 £2,353 £4,480
EvangelismR £513 £513
MissionR £1,823 £1,356 -£1,738 £1,442
Local Hardship £417 -£50 £367
Harvest £107 £202 £309
Bellringers £2,820 £188 £3,008
CYFA £153 £756 -£909
Pathfinders £96 £96
Explorers £112 £112
Tiny Tots £224 -£163 £61
Grand Total £219,037 £241,287 -£306,181 £154,144
----- End of picture text -----

Notes to Transfers:

1) Transfers out of the General fund comprise:

£6,000 to the building fund for future buildling work and to build the reserve to cover quinquennial costs and energy net-zero projects

£16,480 representing 10% of Donations and gift aid to the general fund (unrestricted)

£2,353 which was spent in 2022 on the sound system (securing deposit for equipment) in error from the gift day fund.

2) The funds that were held for Church On The Moor in designated fund (PlantD) and Restricted fund (PlantR) have been sent to their bank account. There was no expenditure from the designated fund: all expenditure was debited from the restricted fund prior to transfer to Church On The Moor in July.

3) Transfer from Fareshare to CAP special projects £245 is a correction for Xmas vouchers in 2022 accounts paid from CAP and not Fareshare as intended.

4) The Gift day fund of £4,480 is made up of remaining funds for a) Hall windows £3,591 and b) Chancel Mods £889.

Page 3 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Analysis of income and expenditure

----- Start of picture text -----
SOFA Heading (Notes) Nominal Unrestricted Designated Restricted Grand Total Prior Year
Donations and Legacies GAGiving £82,086 £26,589 £108,675 £122,042
NGAGiving £29,807 £8,331 £38,138 £20,359
Collection £11,404 £760 £12,164 £9,855
OtherGiving £20,935 £6,045 £26,980 £35,929
GiftAidRecovered £22,248 £6,466 £28,714 £34,930
(1) Grant £3,485 £9,521 £13,006 £500
FundRaisingIncome £143 £143
Donations and Legacies Total £169,965 £57,854 £227,819 £223,615
Income from Charitable Activities Fees £3,544 £3,544 £2,212
Hall Letting £595 £595 £985
Income from Charitable Activities Total £4,139 £4,139 £3,197
Other trading activities BkStallIncome £958 £958 £679
SocialIncome £2,714 £1,190 £3,904 £3,978
MiscIncome £978 £583 £1,561
Other trading activities Total £4,650 £1,773 £6,423 £4,657
Investments Interest £2,413 £493 £2,906 £558
Investments Total £2,413 £493 £2,906 £558
£181,167 £60,120 £241,287 £232,027
Expenditure (2) MissionGiving&Donations -£31,900 -£21,674 -£53,574 -£28,860
(3) MinstryOffer -£76,957 -£76,957 -£66,390
(4) SalariesWagesNiPension -£36,572 -£46,718 -£83,290 -£78,044
Expenses -£4,032 -£2,853 -£6,886 -£8,073
Evangelism&MissionCosts -£3,068 -£250 -£3,318 -£2,695
YoungPeople'sGroups -£320 -£68 -£389 -£681
UpkeepOfServices -£1,896 -£1,200 -£3,096 -£3,073
Electricity -£9,509 -£9,509 -£9,127
(5) Gas -£2,277 -£2,277 -£1,989
Water -£357 -£357 -£337
Telephone -£532 -£532 -£621
Insurance -£4,210 -£4,210 -£3,861
Admin -£2,435 -£635 -£3,070 -£3,463
HallCosts -£258 -£258 -£458
BkStallCosts -£2,200 -£2,200 -£993
MaintenanceChurch -£4,571 -£4,571 -£4,798
(6) MajorRepairsToChurch -£32,226 -£445 -£32,671 -£12,415
(7) NewBuildingWork -£7,129 -£7,129
(8) OtherExpenditure(Social) -£6,092 -£2,900 -£8,991 -£1,132
(9) MajorRepairsToHall -£38 -£2,860 -£2,898
Expenditure Total -£194,678 -£31,900 -£79,603 -£306,181 -£227,010
(10) -£13,510 -£31,900 -£19,484 -£64,894 £5,017
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Notes:

(1) Grant given by diocese to cater for increased energy costs. Note this amount is therefore not used to calculate the 10% mission allocation.

(2) Mission Giving designated expenditure: £31,900 is made up of £16,100 to Church on Moor (funds set aside in 2022) and £15,800 Mission distribution

(3) Ministry Offer includes full cost of ministry plus support to Mission Community Churches to cover two full time clergy across the mission community

(4) Salaries £83,290 includes an additional £9,421 (in comparison to last year) for COTM which was funded from the restricted fund set up for that purpose from Jan to June. From July Church on the Moor was independent and all funds (designated and restricted were transferred to them)

(5) Eletricity and Gas costs remain high. Gas increased in May when a contract that was agreed in 2021 came to an end.

(6) One off costs of new sound and vision system (£32,671)

(7) One off costs of new storage facility in the grounds (£7,129)

(8) Additional costs in comparison to last year of £2,900 restricted for CAP 10 year celebration and furniture for Cornerstone bookshop (grant funded). The increased unrestricted expenditure was for Theology weekend away & CYFA weekend away.

(9) One off costs for refurbishment of the Lounge

(10) The apparent deficit in the income over expenditure in the general fund of £13,510 is largely because of the one-off costs identified above. When these are removed (to make a fairer comparison of annual inccome and expenditure, then the deficit (including mission allocation £16,100)becomes a surplus of £10,190.

The deficit in the restricted funds is broken down in the funds report (previous page) and is largely owing to the transfer of all the funds donated to the church plant at Church On The Moor. There is also a notable deficit in the CAP fund, which will need to be assessed at the CAP partnership meeting in May and the potential for further fund raising discussed there.

Page 4 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Summary of 2023

This year we have been able to spend on the discretionary projects that will enhance our worship and mission. Hence the PCC embarked on projects including: upgrading the storage capacity; improving lounge comfort, modernising the sound and vision and in 2024 the chancel reordering project to enhance our church environment and improve our worshop mission.

It is such a blessing to be able to promote the whole mission of the church through the allocation of financial resources. It has enabled us to continue to fund an additional minister and support the church plant at Church On The Moor with additional funds. COTM are moving to become independently funded through partnership with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches and I anticipate the PCC will want to continue to support through our annual mission allocation.

Outlook going forwards:

Going forwards, we are facing increased non-discretioniary costs in the form of: inflation; ministry offer; maintenance costs and the route to net-zero.

1) Inflation : The costs of inflation impacts most significantly on wages and energy. As we have a policy to pay at least the "Living Wage Foundation" rate (which is slightly higher than the government legal rate), salary costs are increasing at 10% per annum. In addition, energy costs remain consistently high, and as the church is a commercial organisation, we do not benefit from consumer rates, though as a charity we benefit from a reduced rate of 5% VAT. To ensure competitive pricing, the gas and electricity supply contracts have beem moved to "Parish Buying", an organisation that uses the collective buying power of around 5,000 parishes nationwide to negotiate favourable rates. Nevertheless, our annual costs will increase because the gas contract that ended in May 2023 was fixed prior to the recent price volatility and was extremely favourable. Another benefit of using Parish Buying is that their contracts comply with Church of England net-zero guidance and favours renewable electricity.

2) Ministry Offer : The diocesan contribution is set at a level that ensures we cover the diocesan ministry costs of two full time clergy across the three churches: St Johns, St Bridgets and St Andrews. In order to do this, St Johns contributes around 120% of the costs of a single fulltime clergy. The diocese is keen that St Johns returns to a position where we contribute about 150% of clergy costs. This level reflects our historical giving when the three churches had a diocesan vicar each. The diocese have asked the PCC to consider our giving level in the light of this historical precedent and this will be discussed later in the year as we set the ministry offer level for 2025.

3) Maintenance costs : The quinnquennial inspection in 2021 identified around £60,000 of work to be carried out over five years. This will be carried out as needed and planned. The annual budget setting process will consider how to phase the work and use the maintenance reserve and may required allocation from other designated funds.

4) Route to Net Zero : The Church of England synod has set a target to achieve net-zero by 2030. As a result, the rules regarding fossil fuel boiler replacementrecent have changed necessitating a faculty submission to Carlisle Diocese. The PCC has sought advice from the diocese and completed an energy survey. Whatever option is chosen, additional costs will need to be included in future spending plans.

Appendix: Mission Allocation
Mission Account	2023
Brought forward from 2022 10 % of 2023 giving & gift aid Total to distribute	£322 £16,480 £16,802 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,380 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,620 £800 Total 2023 £15,800 -£15,800 Carry forward to 2024 £1,002
CAP
CCYC
Ben & Liz Griffin UFM (UK based)
NISCU
Anglican Mission in England
Church on the Moor
Lamb Healthcare
Serving in Mission (Ann Christian)
Albanian Evangelical Mission
Mountain Springs
European Mission (Romuald Lasnes)
Crosslinks (Walkers in Argentina)
Crosslinks Tore Gibbons & Emi Fernandez (Chile)

Page 5 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Statement of Financial Activities

Page 1 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Balance Sheet

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|||| |---|---|---| |Date:…..............................................................................| |Ln.|SIO|aeee|

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St John's Hensingham Parochial Church Council.

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 5.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

It is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the genral Directions given by the Charity Commission.

Independent Examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not be met; or
2) to which in my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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Page 2 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Fund Movement by Type

Notes to Transfers:

1) Transfers out of the General fund comprise:

£6,000 to the building fund for future buildling work and to build the reserve to cover quinquennial costs and energy net-zero projects

£16,480 representing 10% of Donations and gift aid to the general fund (unrestricted)

£2,353 which was spent in 2022 on the sound system (securing deposit for equipment) in error from the gift day fund.

3) Transfer from Fareshare to CAP special projects £245 is a correction for Xmas vouchers in 2022 accounts paid from CAP and not Fareshare as intended.

4) The Gift day fund of £4,480 is made up of remaining funds for a) Hall windows £3,591 and b) Chancel Mods £889.

Page 3 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Analysis of income and expenditure

Notes:

(1) Grant given by diocese to cater for increased energy costs. Note this amount is therefore not used to calculate the 10% mission allocation.

(2) Mission Giving designated expenditure: £31,900 is made up of £16,100 to Church on Moor (funds set aside in 2022) and £15,800 Mission distribution

(3) Ministry Offer includes full cost of ministry plus support to Mission Community Churches to cover two full time clergy across the mission community

(5) Eletricity and Gas costs remain high. Gas increased in May when a contract that was agreed in 2021 came to an end.

(6) One off costs of new sound and vision system (£32,671)

(7) One off costs of new storage facility in the grounds (£7,129)

(9) One off costs for refurbishment of the Lounge

Page 4 of 5

St Johns Hensingham Accounts 2023

Registered Charity No: 1127413

Summary of 2023

Outlook going forwards:

Going forwards, we are facing increased non-discretioniary costs in the form of: inflation; ministry offer; maintenance costs and the route to net-zero.

Appendix: Mission Allocation
Mission Account	2023
Brought forward from 2022 10 % of 2023 giving & gift aid Total to distribute	£322 £16,480 £16,802 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,380 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,200 £1,620 £800 Total 2023 £15,800 -£15,800 Carry forward to 2024 £1,002
CAP
CCYC
Ben & Liz Griffin UFM (UK based)
NISCU
Anglican Mission in England
Church on the Moor
Lamb Healthcare
Serving in Mission (Ann Christian)
Albanian Evangelical Mission
Mountain Springs
European Mission (Romuald Lasnes)
Crosslinks (Walkers in Argentina)
Crosslinks Tore Gibbons & Emi Fernandez (Chile)

Page 5 of 5