## Annual Review 2024-2025 St. Martin in the Bull Ring Birmingham Parish Church 1 ‘Jesus seems to do nothing of Himself which he can possibly delegate to his creatures. He commands us to do slowly and blunderingly what he could do perfectly in the twinkling of an eye.’ _C. S. Lewis_ St. Martin in the Bull Ring is not perfect. It is far from perfect. But then no church is perfect. You may heave heard the old preacher’s truism: if you find a perfect church, leave quickly before you spoil it. But don’t worry - anyone can join St. Martin’s because we are all far from perfect. We may not be perfect but we are special because Jesus lives in His Church, and He is alive and active in St. Martin’s. ## St. Paul teaches us: Christ lives within you…. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. _Romans 8 v10-11_ The following report seeks to give testimony to the way the Spirit of Jesus is alive and active in St. Martin’s, living in and through His people, the children of God. Jesus said: I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. _John 14 v12_ When the resurrected Jesus ascended back to the Father, His plan was simple. His disciples, all those who believe in and follow Jesus, would carry on His work, and with His help and power, would remarkably be able to do even more than Jesus did. So each year we take a moment to stop and look and assess how Jesus is at work in St. Martin’s. We, as one of the churches in the city centre of Birmingham, have the amazing privilege of carrying on the Lord’s work in order to bless the people of this wonderful city. We seek to do this in partnership and friendship with our sister charities, other churches, organisations and community groups. Increasingly over the next few years we will see how we might do this as part of an Oversight Area – a small group of Anglican churches around the city centre who will journey together to see how we can support each other in ministry and grow together – St. Alban, Highgate; St. Paul, Jewellery Quarter; and St. John and St. Peter, Ladywood. We will not do this perfectly but we can do it faithfully and fruitfully. Full of the Spirit of Jesus, encouraging and honouring one another, recognising Jesus in each other, and living as a community of love, we can flourish and be fruitful in mission and ministry. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. _Philippians 2 v13_ Revd Jeremy Allcock Rector, St. Martin in the Bull Ring 2 ## Electoral Roll Report At the time of the last Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 12.5.2024, there were 218 names on the Electoral Roll. The total number of names on the Electoral Roll for 2025 is 168. Numbers may look lower than usual. This it is because it is a new Roll and numbers tend to build up over the years. Bridget Cameron Electoral Roll Officer ## Safeguarding Report Thank you to all of you who volunteer at St. Martins and have completed your Basic Awareness course. Many of you have done this by yourself at home or in the Lounge with Tina and myself. Some of you have also completed the Foundation level. The new updated version of the Domestic Abuse Awareness course is now available to do if applicable to your volunteer role. A huge thank you to Tina Brogan for running the courses in church this year. Full copies of our Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement - Promoting a Safer Church and our Parish Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse are included at the end of this report. Full information about safeguarding is on display around the church building and information is also available on our website. Helen Atsou Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator ## Fabric and Maintenance Report Introduction 3 This report outlines the fabric and maintenance activities undertaken at St Martin in the Bull Ring. The activities are a combination of the regular and the unforeseen. ## Regular Maintenance Boiler Maintenance Regular boiler services have been conducted to ensure efficient heating throughout the church. We continue to ‘nurse’ the two gas boilers until a different long term solution is available. We had to replace the header tank for the heating system – which had burst, flooding the wardens vestry. ## Cleaning Efforts The regular cleaning team, all volunteers, diligently clean the church every second week Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated. ## Gutters The gutters are regularly checked and cleared of rubbish and plants. Church Clock Maintenance The church clock has been regularly serviced to ensure accurate timekeeping. Some of our amazing, faithful church cleaning team ## One-Off Items Roof Repairs The roofs over the blowing chamber and workshop have been replaced. Repairs were necessary as a consequence of the theft of lead and water ingress. ## Carpet Replacements The carpets in two entrance areas have been changed. ## Relationship with Bullring The ongoing relationship with Bullring has been particularly beneficial. Bullring personnel have assisted in emptying bins and cleaning up the exterior of the church. The Bullring also renewed all the external lighting around the building. ## Water Management A sump pump has been added to the blowing chamber to manage excess water. A camera was installed in the blowing chamber so we can keep an eye on the status. The eternal drains were also cleaned by the Bull Ring – since then, there has been no flooding in the blowing chamber. ## Structural Survey A structural engineer undertook a high level inspection to determine the condition and strength of a number of rooves, and giving consideration to their suitability for potentially fitting solar panels in the near future. Security Enhancements 4 New security cameras and floodlighting have been installed outside the church following a lead theft incident. These additions have significantly enhanced security, and we were able to catch a person stripping our lightning conductor connectors. ## Internal Door Upgrades New exit buttons have been installed on all internal doors. ## Electrical Fixes An electrical supply issue in the South Transept lighting has been fixed. ## Repair of Stair Lift The stair lift has been repaired in-house thus saving on costs. ## Signage New signage has been installed for our glass entry doors, internal offices, meeting rooms, toilets, Lounge etc. This is particularly helpful for our many visitors to our premises including those coming to St. Martin’s Centre for Health and Healing. Stephen Blair-Chappell ## passionate in worship I just want to commend everyone involved in leading our worship, Philippa, John, Stephen and Martin and all of our singers and musicians for their ministry to us over the last couple of years… There are moments that stand out to me such as during our Good Friday Meditations at the Cross where there was a strong sense that the Lord was moving mightily amongst his people… The Lord was so present with us during the singing of “Above all” (Michael Smith, 2003). Our Easter and Christmas Worship has been outstanding in both skill and musicianship but more importantly in sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, there have been a number of times during regular our worship, particularly when the song after the sermon has just encapsulated what has just been said or moved our worship onto another level by enabling people to respond to the preaching… This is happening more and more and I’m beginning to wonder if the Lord is doing it on purpose… This has also happened at the 9:30am service too… I think of the service where I remember just being gobsmacked after one of the hymns at the ‘Holy silence…’ that descended upon us. There was a real sense of a thin place between heaven and earth... t’s 5 because it was so vivid that it stands out in my mind… Thank you Revd Ivor Lewis, Assistant Rector Please convey my grateful thanks to the two clergy and numerous lay folk who together led a wonderful service today. I wandered in, not knowing it was on, at one o'clock, and would never have stayed (embarrassed to walk in so late to a service meant to honour Almighty God: I wouldn't do that to an earthly monarch, by arriving late at, say, a Buckingham Palace Garden Party!) But Stella, on welcoming duties, threw her arms around me and indicated that I should stay, and I needed a time of worship so I did. (I know Stella from working alongside her on Healing on the Streets). It was nearly the end of the sermon, which I couldn't hear (my hearing is poor) but the excellent little monitors showed that it was the sermon. There followed a wonderfully rich second half, with no sense of hurry, with reflective music, live and the words clearly accessible. Different kinds of people were able to be themselves, including those lacking in the ability to sit for long periods, in the traditional way. They could come and go then return. They could look at artwork at the side. I flourish in a rich sacramental expression of Christian belief, so receiving communion and holy unction spoke to me deeply, and continue to do so now, in the hours and no doubt days following it. The senses are involved, not just the mind. One knows oneself bodily touched by God, not just in an intellectual way. I am deeply grateful that the clergy put themselves into the service fully. It was not just a short, weekday service 'laid on' to 'provide for' people, but would have been suitable for a Sunday, too. Each part was unhurried, it seemed. The best that one could muster. Then, afterwards, the doughnuts that may have been the generous offering of Greggs (I spotted one box with their name and used to work for Sparkhill Food Bank, to which they often donated). The tea was made and served kindly. So, a big thank you to the team worshiping as they led today's service. I was much revived by it. Yours in the love of Jesus, A visitor to Tuesday Healing Service It was a truly remarkable Eastertide at St. Martin's. Starting from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, all that occurred was worthy of our Saviour. It was obvious that a lot of thought, creativity and planning went into all the events and lots of people had their inputs. The preaching, the music, the decorations and so many other factors, all contributed to the success of the event. From those |the success of the event. From those|| |---|---| |Bishop Michael joined us for worship in
Advent and preached a great sermon|to whom I have spoken, there was a
resounding chorus of enjoyment and
contentment. It was really gratifying and en-| |about ‘going the wrong way’|couraging to see so many young| ||people leading on Sunday. Their smiles and| excitement during the appearance of the Easter bunny was a joy to behold. I pray that their experience will make them wish to come again. 6 Thanks again for making Easter 2025, a memorable one for us who were able to participate in the celebration. Member of St. Martin’s and their family ## overflowing in thankfulness I thank God for…… ‘leading me into this very church and stay here as my spiritual home’ ‘His love and infinite mercy’ ‘regular fellowship’ ‘my family’ ‘leading me to settle down in Birmingham smoothly and happily’ ‘granting me internship and new opportunity’ ‘St Martin’s faithful teachings and constant care’ ‘prayers & my life’ ‘blessings’ ‘being here to praise with the parishioners’ ‘listening to the sermon and bible teaching passage’ ‘friendship, love & fellowship’ ‘His presence in my live’ ‘my prayers are heard’ ‘St Martin’s for many centuries and the large ring of bells’ ‘giving me the strength to come here’ ‘bringing me here, understanding more about God’ ‘finding peace and comfort in all those difficult moments in my daily life’ ‘improvement in fellowship of the church’ ‘the open doors provided by the church’ ‘the space to worship’ ‘the bells’ ‘my healing’ ‘the clergy’ ‘helping me through the bad times and helping me to be strong’ ‘the worship team at the11am service’ ‘diversity’ ‘my life as it is’ ‘never giving up on me even when I lose my way’ ‘helping, blessing and guiding me during my trying times’ ‘all the members of my Christian family’ ‘the worship team’ ‘leading me to join this church’ ‘prayers’ ‘St Martin’s being open to the community’ ‘the church being a beacon in the City Centre’ ‘the warm presence in this church’ ‘the sense of family & belonging we are enjoying’ ‘the love they always show to people’ ‘for worship & followership’ ‘preparing this church for me – I enjoy the relationship with God and the congregation here’ A huge thank you to Ali who continues to bless our church with beautiful flower displays throughout each year. 7 ‘the brilliant services at St Martin’s’ ‘forgiveness, hope, love, kindness & friendship’ ‘for our fellowship and clergy team’ ‘giving me the privilege to serve Him in some ways – that is our honour’ ‘the team of volunteer cleaners and those who faithfully count our cash collections’ ‘giving me a chance to be part of a Christian community’ ‘giving me a chance to be a mom’ ‘forgiving my sins’ ‘Jesus being the centre of our church’ ‘I can come and pray, worship and be part of a service’ ‘for leading me back to church and making me part of St Martin’s family’ ‘family finding jobs in a church’ ‘good health, family & love’ ‘giving me this life’ ‘the clergy team’ ‘grace, mercy & love’ ‘the clergy, community & volunteers’ ‘providing a place of safety & love’ ‘the open welcome’ ‘leading us to join St Martin’s’ ‘supporting me through the storms of life’ ‘directing my steps here when I was on vacation in Birmingham’ ## overflowing in thankfulness I am thankful for…… ‘having St. Martin as my church in Birmingham’ ‘support from church members’ ‘the reredos’ ‘all the faithful singing and worship of which I am blessed to be a part’ ‘regular communion’ ‘finding peace when I come here’ ‘a warm welcome, beautiful singing and music’ ‘another year filled with great overcomings and love’ ‘the love which strengthens our faith and brings comfort and unity’ ‘for all things’ ‘the Samaritan spirit within the church’ ‘life and health’ ‘sharing God’s love with others’ ‘being able to be part of a team serving the church’ ‘many friends at St Martin’s and meeting my wife here!’ ‘being part of our church family – I feel welcomes, supported and truly involved’ ‘the welcomers and friendly people’ ‘keeping me healthy’ ‘the very nice welcome people’ ‘Thursday bible study group’ ‘the love & support of the fellowship here’ ‘the community’ ‘being listened to’ ‘the Choir with No Name’ ‘making me feel welcome here’ ‘the sermons & the 9.30am service’ ‘friends I have made here and made to feel part of the family’ ‘freedom to worship how I want’ ‘St Martin’s for helping me through times of loneliness’ ‘the sermons – they make me think’ ‘the warm welcome every time’ ‘meeting with the other brothers and sisters who are so nice’ ‘the opportunity to meet others in an “inclusive” church’ ‘the Christian fellowship and caring, friendly welcome’ ‘if one part is honoured, all the parts are glad.’ _1 Corinthians 12 v26_ 8 ‘the loving & caring clergy/leadership team at St Martin’s’ ‘all the services St Martin’s offer to the people’ ‘the church welcoming and supporting us’ ‘St Martin’s bible study group’ ‘support’ ‘meeting Christians from different cultures’ ‘faithful pray-ers within the church’ ‘meeting Elsie & Paul’ ‘a new life with God’ ‘warm, welcoming atmosphere’ ‘the Gospel which is preached here’ ‘my son’ ‘the many blessings generously given by the grace of God’ ‘for the activities for the young people’ ‘the love of our church family’ ‘friends and family’ ‘God, Son & Holy Spirit’ ‘keeping me safe & healthy’ ‘friendship & prayers’ ‘the church members always remembered in prayers’ ‘peace, reassurance, blessing & love’ ‘all the prayers and love for me & my family’ ‘having a clergy team, all of which who really care’ ‘the prayer heritage’ ‘the grace of belonging at St Martin’s’ ‘all that I have’ ‘contentment and a sense of purpose’ ‘good health and meeting people in Birmingham’ ‘the actively supportive congregation and for Ladies Fellowship’ ‘peace, grace and the whole team at St Martin’s’ ## unceasing in prayer Every day, week, month there are countless ways we engage in prayer and encourage others to do so too: - ➢ our monthly prayer diary - ➢ Share-a-prayer - ➢ Prayer chapel and candle stands - ➢ our Prayer tree - ➢ children’s prayer tent - ➢ Open Church team – praying with visitors - ➢ Teach Us To Pray leaflets - ➢ Growing Roots groups - ➢ Tuesday healing prayers - ➢ Wednesday clergy and staff prayers - ➢ Wednesday evening Compline - ➢ Friday lunchtime prayers - ➢ Intercessions in worship - ➢ Healing Rooms - ➢ Healing-on-the streets Each week, there are two opportunities for members of the congregation to join together in prayer and worship on-line with Zoom Meetings. On Wednesday, they meet at 9pm for a short service (about 30 minutes) of evening prayer called Compline. On Friday, they meet at 12:30 p.m. for another short service of prayers during the day. 9 A small but faithful group of around 6 or 7 members join each of these services each week. On Wednesday our Rector, Jeremy Alcock, usually leads the service, with others stepping-in during holidays. It is a lovely way to end the day. On Friday, we usually host the service, which is lead by individual members on an informal rota system. It punctuates an otherwise busy day, with a period of calm reflection on all that is good about God. If you would like to join either of these sessions, please ask any member of the Clergy Team for further information. All you need is a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and an internet connection. Tom & Yvonne Thompson On a Friday afternoon, two teams of people gather for ‘Healing Rooms’ in the church. It’s been three years since we’ve begun. From among 20 of us, we are always able to have two teams every week. Friday May 2nd we prayed for people from Paraguay, Venezuela, India, and Hong Kong. Prayers for healing of back pain, knee pain and comfort for deep grief. Also, peace for those with mental health problems and for hope and healing. J. asked for prayers for her knee.. she sensed the Holy Spirit on her. She said her body was warm as her hands started shaking and eyelids flickering. One of the teams had a word of knowledge about unforgiveness. J said she had ‘righteous anger’ and was struggling with this for a while and she now was thinking that it could be unforgiveness. She then shared that she was going to start ‘Freedom in Christ’ Course. If you want to know more about Healing Rooms speak to Sandra, Elsie, Bert. Flora and Sue. Revd Elsie Blair-Chappell 10 ## wholehearted in welcome ## Open Church Report We have the great privilege and joy of being part of the St Martin's open church team for one afternoon per week. It's our job to welcome people who come into the church. As you can imagine no two duty days are ever the same but they do say that variety is the spice of life. ## Why do people come into the church? The people who come into St Martin's do so for any number of reasons. Many come in simply to admire the beautiful building and its stunning architecture. Some are interested in the history of the church and its relationship with the city. Others just long for a quiet space for personal prayer and reflection, perhaps to light a candle to remember a loved one who is ill or quietly grieve someone who has died. We are humbled when people ask us to pray for them or with them. Some people even want to know about the Christian faith! Very often, these people may follow another faith. We tread carefully but what a great way to tell people of Jesus and his claim on their life. Occasionally , there are people who can be challenging and these are times when we need help and support from others. However, the duties are always rewarding. ## Where do people come from? There are local people, of course, including those who say that they have passed the church many times but have come in for the first time. Regulars who come in to pray every week. People who have lost their footing in life and just need to talk over a drink. But also visitors from all parts of the country and indeed, all over the world. We've lost count of the number of countries represented by our visitors. On Thursdays it's great to welcome members of the choir with no name as they meet ahead of their evening rehearsal. ## Support We are always so grateful to clergy, staff and other volunteers on duty around the church. It reminds us that we are all very much part of a team. And since we all have our limitations it's good to be able to pass some people on to others who have knowledge, experience and skills which we lack. ## In conclusion We must remember that St Martin's is the house of God and we welcome people in the name of the Lord. It's his work. For our part we try to give an invitation to our worship services and pray that people might return. This is not a recruitment request but there might be someone thinking “this might be for me.” ## Colin and Pam Walker Our Festival of Prayer in September 11 ## generous in hospitality The Older Minds and Spirits Group, the meeting for retired clergy and widows/widowers and spouses meet at St Martin’s on a roughly monthly basis. As well as discussing the concerns of retired clergy and updates of personal news the group enjoys a variety of speakers. Speakers have covered a variety of topics including the role of diocesan missioners, Christians against Poverty, Music and Spirituality, Faith Hope & Football, the Birmingham Asian Church, Christian writers, Army Chaplaincy. As well as the talks being informative and edifying, the group provides a great space for fellowship and prayerful support. The group are hugely grateful for the generous hospitality of St Martin’s providing an accessible and comfortable venue. The welcome and provision of refreshments are greatly appreciated. Revd Roger Chamberlain We have been renting a meeting room in St. Martin in the Bullring for years and for a good reason. The staff are polite and approachable, always ready to assist with any needs that arise. Queries are responded to promptly, which makes planning and coordination much easier. The facilities are clean, well-maintained, and create a professional atmosphere that’s ideal for meetings. Booking the venue is a smooth and hassle-free process, thanks to the staff’s efficiency and helpfulness. I also receive positive feedback from our attendees, who often comment on the comfortable setting and overall experience. This venue has become a reliable choice for our meetings, and I’m happy to recommend it.' Patrycja Waryas Hampton Trust Thank you so much for once again hosting us at St Martins for the Organ Donor Awards last month. We really do appreciate your support and the staff at NHSBT do say that the Birmingham one is the best, due to the venue and the atmosphere it creates, so thank you so much. Mark Worton ## St. John Ambulance On behalf of Restore’s Management Committee and staff team I am writing to thank you very much for your hospitality and welcome and for hosting Restore ‘s 25th Anniversary Celebration last week. 12 Everything ran so smoothly and it was a memorable and affirming event. It was fantastic to be joined by over 130 people. It was lovely how Ivor was able to include his own memories of and tribute to Jill Hall, who was one of the key founders of Restore, in his welcome at the start which set the scene for the rest of the Celebration. Some of the founders had not seen each other for years, and it was great to facilitate those reunions. During the Celebration it was mentioned that it was sad that Restore is still needed. But global refugee figures have increased significantly over the last 25 years and refugees and asylum seekers continue to arrive in Birmingham. Anniversaries are a great way to spur us on to continue to offer welcome and help with integration. We are indebted to St Martin’s for providing a welcoming and central location. Thank you again for your generosity, service and support to Restore and to the refugees we support. Please pass on our thanks to other staff at St Martins who were also involved in preparing for the event. Jeremy Thompson Restore Manager ## genuine in friendship ## St Martin’s Youth Centre 2024-2025 During last summer we had a very successful summer programme which entailed completing a number of days out largely engaged in sporting activities. When some alternative suggestions were made such as visits to places of interest, our members told us that they did not wany anything like school or college but really enjoyed physical activities. Consequently, we have endeavoured to offer them this apart from visit to the Hippodrome, with whom we now partner. We have attended a number of events organised by them which included in particular the ballet. All these were greatly enjoyed. During the autumn and winter, we had very few attendees. On enquiry, we were told by our members and their parents that they were a) nervous of the younger members to come to the centre due to dangers on the street and b) following Covid, schools had increased the amount of homework they had to do and therefore it was not easy for them to come to the centre mid-week in the evenings. Added to the above, due to Tolaya leaving to have a baby we have been left with two part time male workers. This has affected our female members who keep asking for a woman on the staff. We are presently advertising for this part time post. For the future we need several new staff members offering a variety of talents. This will take some time to achieve. We need above all workers with people skills. We are 13 hopeful of obtaining a reasonable sum of money to employ a full-time sports worker. The young people keep asking for a wide variety of sports and this person will need to be very flexible. Part of our role is to deter them from becoming involved in crime, guns, gangs & drugs. There are many temptations in Highgate! Fundraising is ongoing and many of our regular supporters donate year in year. Our greatest need apart from staff is for more volunteers and we have recently advertised and received a number of enquiries, some very positive. We have been fortunate in obtaining Stephen Blair-Chappell onto the Management Committee who has taken in the responsibility of upgrading the Centre. We are very grateful for his time and energy, Bridget Cameron Vice Chair The Birmingham City Mission started the relationship and sharing our church building seven years ago. Anna Maria, one of the members of the City Mission, came to our Tuesday healing service and she came to some other services and she left some of the booklets in our building and others started to do the same. Now they officially have place to store their belongings and they pray in our building every Tuesday and Saturday before heading out into the city centre to evangelise. St. Martin’s is like their home and we are working together in the city for the Kingdom of God. We also share our Harvest gifts with them each autumn to help provide supplies for their fantastic Resource Centre. Revd Abba Bogale Tiruneh Tafese _N.B. Jeremy did a volunteer year with Birmingham City Mission back in 1987, and recently was honoured to be invited back to speak at the Friday worship for all the BCM staff._ ## eager in sharing God’s love Dear Sister in Christ _(Elsie)_ RoadPeace Memorial Service Organ Donors Awards Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Civic Service 14 I'm writing to let you know that I'm an active member of the Methodist community again. We only met for a few minutes last year and you told me that I had a ministry to fulfil. I told you at the time that I wasn't in charge of any ministry, and you replied that I would soon have it. Then I wrote to you that that moment, that prophecy had touched me very much and that, in that moment, I had felt the Holy Spirit speaking in you. I only shared this with a few people, including a Methodist pastor who told me not to rush things and to let the 'prophecy' take its course. A year later, I was really into following this Ghanaian guy who unfortunately got really sick (he was admitted into a psychiatric ward twice in the last few months). This boy, or young man I should say, took me and my pastor as people he could lean on. 've been very close to him over these months and have also spoken to his doctors. My pastor thinks I've done a great job when visiting him at the hospital. From October, I'm going to be doing a course for lay people, organised by our Methodist and Waldensian churches, to become pastoral visitors for sick people. I'm really excited about this new project and I know I'm being guided by the Holy Spirit who is pushing me to do the training course. Secondly, I wanted to tell you about the project to welcome some Chinese brothers and sisters who have recently been attending our church. I have a linguistic education as a translator (and a degree in modern languages), so I'm organising parts of the Sunday service in Chinese. I don't speak Chinese, but I'm pretty clued up on the latest tech and I know how to use it. Machine translation, synthetic voices and artificial intelligence are my allies and yesterday we did an experiment. The Chinese brothers and sisters were happy because, even though we didn't know the language, they felt welcome and like they belonged. In the next few weeks, we're going to set up a team that I'll be leading, so I can share my skills and teach other Italian brothers and sisters how to use the tech that helps us with the Chinese community. So thanks again, dear sister, for rousing me from my slumber that Sunday morning about a year ago. I hope everything goes well in your community and, even though we don't really know each other, I'm thinking of you and praying for you. May God bless you every day of your life. Your brother in Christ, Costantino Sbacchi Places of Warm Welcome art display made by participants 15 I am very grateful to be a part of this church. I just want to say ‘thank you’. I have been away from home (India) but you all made me feel like home. This church is truly my second home. I will miss you all. Until we meet again – goodbye and thank you so much. Sneha (now back in Mumbai with her family) ## focused on growing disciples Growing Roots has been a God send to me as I couldn't get to the church but everyone in the group helped me at some point it has the perfect name. It's helped me grow & my Roots went deeper GROWING ROOTS Anthony The “Growing Roots” Bible study group at St Martins provides a wonderful opportunity for people to draw close to God…to taste and see that He is Good. His Goodness extends a hand of friendship and unpressured invitation. Sometimes one may choose to sit outside the circle, yet be encouraged to feel included. As we settle down to begin our time together I sense in the group an expectation that we will meet with God, and that this is exciting for us. There is a beautiful understanding in the group that we can see God in one another as He prompts us in our thinking, and guides us in relating to one other. Patience, Openness, Support, Gentleness, Respect…I see these aspects of His love in action as we focus together on His Word. The study of the chosen passage of scripture always brings us reward, and we are often surprised at such uncovered treasure. Because the activity is conducted with a clear sense of order and structure, there is a robustness that at times allows one to share personal struggles. Such honest sharing is received with appropriate respect and concern. In short, “Growing Roots” demonstrates the love and power of God: that a disparate group of people… ferent cultures, languages and privi- Blessing of the Plough Service BARRA Annual Remembrance Service dif- 16 leges …gathered together through His Word, can support and encourage each other in loving and serving the Lord. John Ebbutt Ladies’ Fellowship takes place on every second Saturday of each month. We meet at 10.30am in the Church Lounge. The meeting starts with Welcome. Then Bible reading – Reflections – Prayers- Hymns. Warship flows into Fellowship as we share tea and toast, coffee and biscuits. We had our third anniversary this year. Here are some of the ladies’ own thoughts about the fellowship. ‘I feel that every time I get out of line, the fellowship brings me back in line with Christian beliefs’. It is inspiring ‘ ‘ Each Christmas we re-enact the activity by reading a small scripture and bringing up a figurine to the stable. At Valentine’s, Elizabeth brought in a box and gave it to each one of us to look inside. Before we opened the box, we had to ask the question ‘who is God’s greatest love?’ When we opened the box, there was a mirror inside and we saw ourselves! We are God’s greatest love. ‘Clare Allcock’s talk on her work with ‘International Health Partners’ was exceptionally informative and inspiring’ ‘ There is a sense of real belonging’ - ‘ There is always hope when one searches. There are always people willing to help’ ‘Meeting new people’ ‘The love of Jesus flows through the room’ From Lorretta about her ‘hen-do: ‘ I felt so loved and celebrated. I still look at the beautiful photos and read their wonderful messages I received from the ladies Fellowship.’ Revd Elsie Blair-Chappell 17 ## confident in proclaiming Jesus ## creative in welcoming families determined in helping the vulnerable What is ‘Cuppa & Chat’? ‘Cuppa & Chat’ is part of the ‘Places of Welcome’ initiative begun by Birmingham Diocese. Its goal is for “every neighbourhood to have places where people feel safe to connect, belong and contribute…” ‘Cuppa & Chat’ is in part an attempt to meet some of the practical needs of the Sneha (on the far left) with church friends in the Rectory garden most vulnerable people across our city but we emphasise that it is a ministry for people who may be homeless but are just as likely to be isolated and/or lonely so that whilst food is important, in many cases we are dealing with relational poverty as much as material poverty. Just being able to sit and eat together goes a long way towards breaking down the barriers between people and helping them to feel like they belong. We asked people these questions: Why do you come? What’s good about being here? Why do you keep coming back? These were their responses: 18 “I appreciate the food that’s on the table for us… and the homeless and the vulnerable…” “Socialising with other people, getting to know other people… Mingling with other people… Getting to know other people…” “I like the service, and I like the atmosphere…” “It enlightens me and makes me feel relief. And to listen to the word of the Lord. It strengthens my Christian walk…” “I like the hospitality, and the people are really good going people… I like to be close to people who have religious beliefs…” “It’s open to everybody or it’s not open at all... There’s no one barred or there’s no one too bad. It’s open to everybody!!” “I come here for the social connection. Talking to //// and talking to you. The whole two hours, the social connection, so I can have a chat and talk to people… because living on my own, sometimes I don’t speak with many people. I wasn’t going to come today but the whole two hours, I’m enjoying it!! I’ve got friends. I made friends with you and //// and I know other people as well. Coming to meet friends as well as a meal on a Monday morning.” “It’s only my second time… it’s nice to see familiar faces and it’s that sense of community during difficult times, it can be quite reassuring and comforting, being around people who you know…” “…for the food and meeting people…” “I come here because I need to interact with people. I’m not very good at the moment. I’m in a flat on my own and I get lonely. I come down here to interact with people… and obviously have a bit of grub as well… But also, I’m getting quite spiritual as well and I’m hoping that I can find myself a little bit more, because I’ve been a bit lost. I go to church on Sundays, most times, even if just for a minute or two… to get a bit of scripture, so I can get into my head a little bit. I enjoy the company, I enjoy the atmosphere” “I feel it’s a welcoming atmosphere and the church is always humble, I feel like it’s a nice environment the minute I walk through the door, you feel like there’s a presence there where you can talk to people, a community... have a chat with people and have a conversation about anything you want to talk about…” John and some of the Thursday afternoon regulars. The group meets in the church and is often joined by visitors. 19 “I come for the people, for the conversation… and er… actually for the warmth that I feel here… I know it looks strange coming from someone who looks like me but I do enjoy the company, I do enjoy the stories and I enjoy lots of things but I mostly come for the people… not only the people that run this but the people who come here as well because they’ve all become friends and I just wanted to let you know that because you deserve to know it!” “People enjoy the welcome…” “The atmosphere…” “They enjoy the JOKES!!!” “They find the prayerfulness helpful, just to give them something to think about…” “And obviously the food is welcome, although there are opinions about that…” “On the whole people find it a warm welcoming place… where they feel secure…” Revd Ivor Lewis, Assistant Rector and the whole Cuppa and Chat Team In November, Cuppa and Chat began a new partnership with The Active Wellbeing Society. They have a grant to collect surplus food and make hot meals for local charities like us! They rent a kitchen in Digbeth from Friends of the Earth Birmingham. Every Friday afternoon, we pull our wagon to the Friends of the Earth Brig Café kitchen and pick up great tubs of prepared curries, soups, pasta sauces, rice dishes… We then store them in our freezer ready to be reheated on Monday morning. We are so grateful for these meals. The staff and volunteers have noticed such a big change in the atmosphere in the room as everyone settles in to eat their hot food together. It brings a calm and comfort to the whole session and creates a good atmosphere for our volunteers to engage in conversation with those who come in. If you would like to be part of this ministry, we could use another helper to collect on Friday afternoons. In addition, The Active Wellbeing Society is looking for volunteers to cook in their Digbeth kitchen. Tina Brogan ## committed to caring for creation Our caring for creation working group aims to help the St Martin’s community fulfil this part of the vision, both locally and globally. Chaired by Jo the following members contributed in 2024/5: Ed, Linda and Jeremy. Others such as Stephen and Rich attend as requested. The group has met 3 times since the last APCM. 20 What does the group do? To start with we educate ourselves about climate change and the threat to creation and the planet. This is either done personally or via group members who signpost useful information or campaigns that are being run by other organisations. We consider how at St. Martin’s we can be grateful for God’s creation, how we can increase awareness of climate change issues and minimise our carbon footprint. Specifically in 2024/5: - continued to refer to and update the results of the 2022 - congregational survey - supported the work taking place to prepare St Martin’s to - become near carbon zero for energy consumption - recognised the commitment from the staff team to - increase recycling opportunities - facilitated a parish outing to the Botanical Gardens. Fifty 21 members of the congregation enjoyed fellowship and God’s creation in dry weather! - produced Creationtide worship zones to encourage thankfulness for God’s creation throughout the year - contributed to the Creationtide celebration that culminated in the Harvest Festival and shared lunch - reviewed the updated A Rocha UK silver eco award - requirements ## What’s next in 2025 - facilitate a social event that enables fellowship and - enjoyment of God’s creation - assess and progress the next steps for the silver eco award - support those working on the net carbon zero project Jo Murgatroyd Have you looked at our new website yet? Take a visit to www.bullring.org 22 ## creative in welcoming families What a privilege it is to lead the children and youth work at St Martin! There are two dedicated teams of volunteers who make this possible, and they give of their time selflessly and faithfully. We have such a lot of fun together that it is hard to pick out the highlights of the past year, there are so many! But I think that most people would mention the wonderful summer party at Jeremy‘s house where volunteer leaders, children, young people, and their families all joined together in Jeremy‘s garden to bounce on a bouncy castle, to play games follow a treasure hunt and eat delicious barbecue food prepared by Jeremy, Clare and Molly. It was a really joyous occasion. During the summer holidays, we put up a dedicated children’s prayer tent in church for the first time, so that children visiting the church with their families during the daytime could be welcomed with an area and activities specifically for them. We have continued to put this prayer tent up during the school holidays and many children have enjoyed discovering and using it. Highlights of the autumn term included a drama about creation, performed as part of our Sunday worship. The young people all worked so imaginatively together, assisted by our Children and Young People’s team, Rich on the lights and Philippa on music. It was a proper team achievement! Natalie also led the group in creating some artwork to enhance the performance, and the children decorated stones to tell the story of creation from Genesis Chapter 1. Our Light Party, an alternative to Halloween, took place in the church itself, and was open not only to our own children and young people, but to visitors to the church as well. Many members of the congregation helped to hollow out pumpkins in preparation for this, and the young people carved crosses and hearts in the pumpkins before lighting them up with candles. It was a great alternative to the scary faces, usually carved in pumpkins! More importantly, it celebrated Jesus as the light of the world. The run up to Christmas found us practising a Nativity Play! This is the first Nativity Play in the church for many years, so it was a big job pulling the costumes, script, music and acting together! Most of the clergy took on roles, (we’ll get you involved next time, Ivor!) and it was a lot of fun for everyone, including the congregation. 23 ## creative in welcoming families In February, we started the biggest project of the year – a brand new, weekday Stay and Play group for toddlers. This takes place on a Thursday morning during term time and is a place where parents or carers can spend time playing with their toddler, and socialising with other parents. We provide a space, lots of different toys, a hot drink for adults and a snack for toddlers, a story and songs. Many thanks to all the staff and clergy who have helped with this, particularly thanks to Tina for administrative support and to Paul for joining the team on a weekly basis. Thanks also to Margaret and Linda, without whom we would have no volunteer staff to help and the group would not be able to run. Thursday sessions are happy, lively and great fun – we have welcomed 14 different families so far, and hope to welcome many more in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, during Lent, the children and young people who come to St Martin on Sundays were busy raising money for UNICEF. They iced mini cakes and created mini crafts to give out to the congregation in return for donations, and the congregation responded in style, raising £431.52 for charity. This is a fantastic achievement, but it also allowed the children to interact with the congregation during coffee time, and gave the congregation a chance to talk to the young people about their activities. Easter celebrations with the young people included making Easter gardens, creating a wonderful piece of artwork for the church, and a joyous, all-age service celebrating our risen Lord – (with a thrilling guest appearance from the Easter, bunny herself too!) There are over 25 young people who call St Martin their church and consider themselves regular (or fairly regular) attendees. We are so blessed to have them as a part of our congregation. Furthermore, there are hundreds of children who visit our church in the holidays, and others who attend our new Thursday Stay and Play session. If you would like to be part of this ministry, we would love to hear from you! Please speak to any of the clergy or to Rebekah if you would like to join us. Rebekah O’Dowd Children’s and Youth Co-ordinator 24 ## ST. MARTIN’S BAND OF SUNDAY SERVICE RINGERS We have rung for Sunday service every week during the period and for other important occasions, most notably the 80th Anniversary of VE day and the Covid National Day of Reflection. The standard of our ringing has remained high, backed up by what has been achieved through Tuesday practices. These continue to be very well-supported and valuable in providing development opportunities, encouraging prospective Band members, as well as extending Band members’ own skills and method knowledge. We continue to encourage aspiring ringers to join us and to welcome visiting ringers when they make contact to visit. In June 2024, the Birmingham team were very close runners-up in the National 12 Bell Contest, held at Chilcompton, Somerset. It was unusually close between the first three teams but we were not overly disappointed with the result, as we all felt we had not produced anything close to our capabilities on the day, We hope to regain the trophy at the forthcoming final at St Mary, Redcliffe, Bristol – but this will be a challenge because the Bristol (home) team is very skilled and took a close third place last year. 28 June 2025 will be the 50th anniversary of the first National 12 Bell Striking Contest. Our own Fran Dodds is one of only two ringers who will be taking part in June who also rang in the original Contest. We started our 2025 campaign with an emphatic win at the Shrewsbury qualifying heat in March. We were pleased to be able to support Heritage Day once again in September with tours to the ringing chamber and dates have been booked with The Rector for September 2025. At the Band Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November, chaired by the Rector, we discussed our further-advanced plans to replace the wooden walkway between certain of the bells with a steel structure. We are grateful to Rich Taylor for his input and to all who have been involved in moving this project forward, especially Ian Baker. Having received the necessary St Martin’s input, plans were submitted to the DAC and we hope for prompt Chancellor approval in due course. At the end of January, we helped the Birmingham University Society celebrate their 70th anniversary, with many returning to ring in Birmingham after quite some time. As well as general ringing for all, there was a special peal at St Martin’s. In April, we again welcomed visitors from all over the UK to celebrate their success in obtaining the Association of Ringing Teachers’ Level 5 Award. This event, hosted at St Martin’s, was conceived and is organised and run by Band members. It is now established as a highlight of the national bellringing calendar. Our Band plays a key role in hosting, tutoring and inspiring these achievers’ next steps in their bell ringing journey. On 5 July 2025, we will be hosting The Ringing World National Youth Contest in Birmingham, with St Martin’s as ‘the headquarters’ and venue for the results. Simon Linford and I are continuing to liaise with the Rector about the details of this enormous event, which will see 33 teams of ringers (all under the age of 19) take part. I would like to put on record how much the Band values the continued support and wisdom of our Rector, Jeremy and to thank all the staff team at St Martin’s for their prompt efficiency, kindness and helpfulness at all times. Stephanie Warboys Conductor, St Martin’s Band 25 Birmingham Parish Church Balance Sheet Summa Asat 3111212024 Asat 3111212023 Fixed assets Tan ible Assets I nvestments 2.411 78,969 81,380 3.131 77,215 80,346 Current assets Debtors Cash At Bank And In Hand 41,421 253,563 297,984 53,384 245.659 299,043 Liabilities Creditors.. Arrnunts Fallin Due In One Year -23,650 -27,627 Net current assets less current liabilities 274,334 271,416 Total assets less current liabilities 355,714 351,762 Birmingham Parish Church Balance Sheet (Summary) continued Asat 3111212024 Asat 3111212023 Unrestricted General fund 207,603 207,603 203,044 203,044 Designated Worship Fund Church Plant Fund Maintenance Fund Website Development Fund Clergy Housing Redecoration Fund 1,478 10,000 125,000 1,779 4,300 142,557 10,000 125,000,, 4,800 139,800 Restricted Angel Tree hkmorial Board Fund InerableAdults I Cuppa & Chat 2.252 4,059 2,000 8,311 2,102 6,161 Fund Totals 355,714 351.762 26 Birmingham Parish Church statement of Financial ￿tIvItieS For the period from 01 January2024 to 31 Decenkner 2024 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total nd$ funds funds Lfunds 2023 totsl funds ncorne from: Donations Legacies Regular giving Other giving (services, church boxes, conlacllessl Gift reclaimed Grants come from charitable activiries.. Room Hire & fees Sl Vortin's Health & H6aling hveslmenls Other income 36,039 2,Crf)O 87,132 36,599 32,337 87,732 88,572 27,848 24,204 16.500 975 28.823 24.204 104.783 88.283 84.193 48,708 48.7081 32,134 14.062 13,238 392,283 49.124 31,829 10.417 14,062 13,238 301,865 otal incon 90,418 366,594 Unrestricted Designated'Restricled funds fund5 Total 2023 funds funds total funds Expenditure on charitable activities: Expenditure on Iradin activities Common fund 2,363 99,470 62,076 19,769 8,500 45,730 28,228 21,264 287.400 2.363 99,470 62,076 22,818 3,334 97,481 64.828 21,402 9,065 120,475 37,995 25,076 379.656 Ukn'lilies & insurance Church minist ex enses 1,478 1.571 ssion giving Wages & olher staff costs Repairs, maintenance & fees Office & accountancy Total expenditure 86,130 131,860 39,388,. 11,160 1,779 14.417 567 88.268 390.085 Net income before gain5 &1055e5 Gainl-loss on invesbnents 14,465 1.754 -11,660 4.559 -14.417 2.150 2.198 1.754 -13.062 -3,338 Transfers be￿een fvnds 11,660 -2.757 Net incorne 2.150 3.952 -9.724 27 TII-CEIURI-11 ()F FW(',I AXI) SAFEGUARDING Promoting a Safer Church Parish Policy Statement The Parochial Church Council of SL Marbn In the Bull Ring All forms of abuse are wrong and must stop The care and protection of children. young people and vdnerable adults involved in Church acb'vlties Is the responsibilrty of the whole Church. Everyone who parbcipates In the lrfe of the Chwch has a role to play in promob'ng a Safer Church fof all. Ow conwnilments: Z Safely recruiting and 5upporti￿ all those with any WESPCffi5*>dity rdzred to ch4dren and vulnerable adults wrth•n the Church Responding promp*to evwy Safeguardi￿ cuKern ora1lpga￿n 4. Caring p￿￿Ityfor¥lCtIMsJs￿yl￿rs of abuse and other affected per50ris Caring P￿t(￿alty10rthOse 3re the sthptt ofcoKwns or alegatsons of atxtse and other affected person5 & Re5pondingtoth05e that rTHY P05e a pre5ert to qAher5 thE welFaTr olthe chihl. pwsrm and ¥wlnewable a￿lt ￿ pwamowrt: safeymrdinzpolxy 15 waikblèto al chwch ationd dittÈsan safwardry traininr. THEOILAICHOF E￿iAl￿- DIRPA￿HMd I SAFEGUARDING 28 TII-CEIURI-11 ()F FW(',I AXI) SAFEGUARDING perple. families and ¥ulffternble ￿lts. If you have any concerns or need to la#[ to someone please contact Helen Atsw or Re￿1 Jerery ￿kOr* you cannot c(xrtactthe person above and someone is bel￿ hamied or ￿ not safe and needs immediate help, dMI 999. orcontact social care servKe5. or. for a chdd. the NSPCC helpline 5000 07342 993 8 illl F•rnily LI￿ TrWpl* 116 123 808 8141 1￿Cl 2LU1247 0327 Merfs DoMeAxV￿Ience Helpl LGBT DomèstiCW￿È Stop It N¢>wl LocalAuth¢Mity QU￿en.5&Y1al Core SeThrytts." IwalAwlK¥ityAd4dt S￿701C0￿e SeThKe5.' 0￿1 303 U88 IBwm1￿hO￿l 0121303 IZ34 IBinnryhaml 569 al￿ IS*thdl 0121569 2266 ISaAdwdil 0121788 4333 Isol1h￿l) 0121704 ￿)7 ISol•wiil 08(*J 1313 126 IStsffLYd5hirel 0345 6042719 IStaffDrd5th*el 01926 414144 IWan¥k*shKel 01926 412(￿ IWar**thstwel 01>35 822666 Iw¢*certErthrnl OIX6 768053 Iw¢xct5tethr•l THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND- BIRMINGH￿thI | SAFEGUARDING 29 i'.F FN(.',I .IN IRMINI- Ha,l.I SAFEGUARDING Domestic Violence Parish Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse Parish of SL Martin in the 8ull Ri All forms of domestic abuse are wrong and must stop. We are committed to prO￿￿tIng and supportirbg environmerth which.. Recognise equality people within reIatKffiSh¥￿,. Wg Thcowi80 thaL" welfare of ￿ child cr adu* suffwing alxtse. 30 IHFI HIIKI H ( )1 kNC,'L..INI) SAFEGUARDING RIRP.IIN.'-,H..IM r)nll)p*fit vinlv.rifr Wè w￿1 èndgav(xr to rèspond to domgsb"c abuso by: infomiatith in P￿1(•1#1 w(￿￿￿￿nIY aiw 0fm￿tr￿•%•t0 Sur￿ th1**• and alleged or knLv*n peIF*tra￿ of thmestic abuse. irfvrn*d Twry*ir¥ withthe 514¢utpry bod￿ duriry •n inlo pew50n w a￿tt *•bDha5 suNwed at￿ zffld identrfying and the awwiate rela￿￿$h•P ol If you have any concerns or need to lalk to any￿0 Ple￿ contscL. Oihgr U8oful Contsct8: Bislw's Saft#ua￿inffAd￿r NatThal DLYnestic Hel￿ffie & 5Dlilwll WThnerf5AKI 07342 993 844 (X08 21KKI 247 (108 800 (X128 West Merciè Women's Awl (￿XI 980 3331 affordshwe Womerf5 P (B70 270) 123 Black cwirywoN￿ s A Morfs A&¥ice Line 0121552 6448 I￿8 8010327 Gal￿ ILGBT) IX08 8141 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND-B1RMI￿H*M I SAFEGUARDI￿ | DOMESTIC v￿￿ENcE 31 REGISTERED CHARITY NU￿ER. 1127338 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUOITED FINA￿￿L STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI 161 Ne%thal Str*t Bwt)1ngh￿D B31SW THE PAROCHLAL CWRCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAIA PARISH CHURCH {ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Report of Trustegs 1 tr) 6 Independent Exan4n¢rf$ Rekvt Stslement ol Flnanclal Aclivltles Balance Sheet Notes to the Fbnwclal Statements 10 to 24 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COiINCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IM THE 8ULL RING) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Thg trustees wew)I Iheir report with the ffina￿d state￿￿15 of the ¢*arly fLY the yeaT ended 31 t)ecen*)er 2024. Th& trust￿ hav8 adq>led th8 prO￿lC￿5 of ACcA￿ti￿j a￿1 Rep￿ing by Charitie5.' SlatenK8nt ol Recommended appli￿)1• lo ¢hwit*$ prepairg their accounts in accordance with the Finartkgl Reporting Standwd 4Jpluble in the UK Rep￿ of I￿1￿j {FRS 102) (gr￿l￿e 1 January 20191. OBJECTIVES AND ACTNITIES Obleclives The Parochial Clxmch Councffs otyeCtv￿ is pr￿￿1ThJ. in Ihe ecdeSI￿ pwth, the mi56*Jn ol the Churth. Publlc b•nef6t The publ￿ benefft is Se￿ by the provtsion d pa*or4 we, chri#￿ I￿hIng, ewangah'sm and publ worship to which al ￿e wekxAne. & MariK) in the 8ul Rry remain5 a very plarE of chrI51￿rt 8eNice located in the heart of Bimingham uty ceth. to Ihe putlic as a pL4ce ol prayer. p￿￿1￿$$. hislcKical and tyJtW81 mri 11 ts afso trwJhty Valu￿ as a 9athwry S￿ for commuThlie5 and Organisat￿n$ frcrfn acros5 the MKAaTh lthen planning thanlable actb4*ies ts thg ygaf. ts Tntstees haNp the Corryniss￿n's guidance on b8n8fiL Granth)akkng De¢t$￿S on grant m*irvJ fr￿n Unresi￿d hjnds are the PCC lakwyj xcounl of tNgwus giwrwJ aThJ ccfflgregsltffj W and the VIS￿ mission ofthe Church. V¢Sunleers The ￿98n￿at1￿ is reliant on substsnti81 v¢aM1￿ 1￿M of kn. Becwse of the diffi¢uttie$ in wanlfyiw Iltese grfls thew financtral eflect has not be￿ 9uanlfvJ. P•Je 1 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGPIAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RING) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACFNEVEMENT AMD PERFOl￿Nce Rector's R8port "Theworld ol the ge￿rouS gets largw and lary. the worfd of Ihe stingy gets snof*r a￿1 Sn￿l￿r. The one vtho tlesses ths r& blesstrJ: those who hdp clhefs are hefped.- Proveibs 11 v24-25. The Message In managirwJ our ffinanoal resources ￿ ¢knr malaol 81 SL M*1 in ¢hg Bthl w? seek lo put Irusl in bblThl yitiples and leachin9. So we hokl lo the that generous wd ixiThJ t4¢sgNJ relum . tr each c4 us as indiv*Juals, 8rKI 81s0 togelhar as a unrf•J conynunly of ChTiStw belie¥*ws. These ¥counls show the fv￿ncr4I gw*rosty d l>yS$ pecple in SUPFalm9 Ihe MISS￿ •KI mimtry ol thè chtjrch. Thss bs d8nTr)nslrated just in ￿1r 8¢£o￿ts ￿rosS the life of Sl. ma￿n'S wherè Ihroughoul the year we *so seg ￿pIe SI￿ get￿￿$ty with their lime. talents, skil&, exp81ienc• Cdi¢th"vely. St. Martin's seeks also lo be nmny drfIe￿ w*s - wekomiw peo* Trnlo our chwclK sharing our Wonderf￿ wemises" £￿w￿j genÉ￿S hosptslty. den￿nSiraI￿g compas￿on lo those in n*Y". being detemined in helping the Vbjlnerabte. reachw oul inlo the ol our cty, suppcrtiro olher churcl*s and Chnst*n t￿nM￿n*t￿S.. giving lo dher cl￿%￿n rxganLgIK4)s: valuiryj every member ol Ihe boo¥ cl Ch￿41. GMIVJ 9gr*rw* in I￿S way we find b￿Sse¢l ty ￿ even more wond8rfully in retum. We seek to manage the re$￿te5 h8ve tyefuty aThJ but r*ver with anxiety and learfulness. We seek to be Iha)klul and content for ￿erylh,'ny we hw a￿1 all we r￿￿e. rthEr complainry and ungraleful We seek lo be laithlul trj the LIKds teachiTrJ and L￿dersIar￿j {esp(￿t)ill1t$, rEver being Se￿$h nor withholding Ihat which bel(Y)gs to Gc¥l In so ￿"Thg we seek io h)bJ ￿ to INth that (￿e WIK) blesses others is abjndantty Ue58ed. those w￿> help dhers we heWJ' May the Swril of God conb.nue to IrusL expaKI wr I￿nIC￿. and rai$8 our exp￿￿tio[￿. thal w8 may see afKI eXpWE￿ that Ihe ofthe genU(￿S gds larger la￿. Revd Jeremy Alkock R•clor St. Martin In the 8ull Ring THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH c￿1￿lL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH (ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEIABER 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Flnanelal revlew During the year the Ch•lty secured rwnwl rewrnw £392.283 <2023: £3e6,594}. rf wh £284.141 (2023 £265,924) relates to co￿10￿ of (tffjat•)ns *)d grant for reg￿r actpthes and £80,842 12023." £80.9531 relates to revenue from COnThe￿ The eosls eXper￿d in year in ddivering the charitabk a¢tMties and $￿pOrt costs wele £39).085 (2023.. É379.6561. The Charills in¥eslmenis achieved an unrealised gain in martel vthje of £1.754 12023 £3.338 9ainl * no dwosals 12023.. None) during the year, ￿VIng a gain of £3.952 12023: £9.724 tsfic*) Tclal r8serv8 fv￿lS we £355,714 {2023. £351.762), which the Trusteesccrftsthr•J>4u* lo ¢JyJOi￿ oflectwes. The Chaiity ranains th￿k(u1 for the talhlukness d ccw89al￿l gNbng and vc4Ltnl8oring. 11 racognises Ihat CO￿n￿eS to face tra￿11￿)￿ in lem% ol pr(￿? of Iho IxJrKdf¢9*v)n. bLI wgkomgs Ihg cont￿ved giovAh of r8s*Jential propert￿ wth"n Ihe Cty Centre pe￿ to Iwe w*￿'n Ihe parish and Ict81ty. Tho TA￿le&S that by the gr￿ of Gc*J Ihe Charily ￿ weu pl￿ lo deal w*h the On9￿n9 challenggs of an ever.d)argirtg L8ndscape and a large and c•x sle Principal lunding sourc•s The Charivs fwvjing cownes prirnarity Irom wulw d￿r¢￿ gyv)g. do￿l￿)n5 and ￿nts - I￿audIng a gr￿1 for the 8dminislr*i)n of S￿￿$. £67.16812023 £63.793). from Sl Martin'5 TnJstee5. The Charity abo genevatgs revenue from foom hyg Inv•Blmont ￿1￿Y and obJKlives Inv8stm8nls are m•Je wlh a view to aGhievry r931 kjw-temi gr(¥￿th in c4Ntal values aThJ a iisin9 income from a p￿01￿ ffl￿ged wllwn a clear ￿ control framth￿ by using the CCLA CBF funds relerred lo #i the Rgsow ser11￿ dthi5 rewL Ro5or¥¢s polky It is the Int￿tion of Ihe PCC to ￿aIn sufftpnt ￿seryeS lo mankn the aCti￿leS of the churth alkpmng for the income on whKh Ihey can reasonabty rety. Geneta reseNes at the end of 2024 rmin around £200,000 an¢J Ihus arouThJ 6 mMhs cl and eXp￿drtWe. In a￿tryn ￿ have been able to redes•Jnale £11.160 lo lop up the m￿ten*￿e & Proieds FLmd to £125.C(Q. A key step gNen the major items ol expendrture that lie ahead for the Church ovef the next yw as wo plans to ￿￿Ce okj and faknThJ boiters nw)ve Icwards net zero ￿t4)n. Some funds aré invesled. with **ll ¢Mr 50Y• irAesi8d ￿ the CBF (Central 8oard ol Finance ot the Church of Er4Jkndl fU￿j managed in K¢OrOrtuniiw challerges ah&id in seeking lo serve GLKI in evarwJelism aThJ Missi￿ in our Cty c*ntre and the otsr pricrties of the c￿rCh, may we do so in 8 spirit ol IrusL wrtrKJul ￿x￿tY over res￿ree$." seeking God's vitL*)m and help lo b8 g(N)J stewards olal has pro4thd. lh* it may be for the prase aThJ gkxy ol Gc*l. The mwthis of ihe Fi￿ar￿ StaffwvJ C(mnitlee are Sleth) 81arQhapFdl. Jeremy Allcock, CLife Alth*. fina BfQgan and lan Baker. P￿tI¢ll&r ihanks a￿ due lo Clafè Alcttk and Tina Bmgai who undertake a hwJe •Th)(￿t01¥￿ in mintaTh"ryJ ow lKcc￿ts ￿ fin￿191 rerord3. Ion Baker Chalr ol Flnanc? & Staffl Commlttee THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF 81RMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN THE 8ULL RING) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECE&*ER 2024 Trustges A￿d Jeremy Alcock. Rect￿8 Char R￿d Ivor LewL%. Re¢lor R￿d Elsie Blair£happel- ASSI￿*1 Pnest Revd Paul Lacey. Curate {appointed 13 Juty 20241 Joanna Mur9atroyd. cfvJrchWwdeTh￿ar￿ Syrvjl Cdin Walker- Churchwarden John Gerighty. Rethr Marhx Wocdw*d . Reader Rachel Jepson- General SyThJd Jean Jw)son - Deanery Synoj Dawn Bennett. Lay VKX Chwr Ireswd 28 Cktrts 2024) Siephen Blair-chappell 12 May 20241 Ndlie Geruhly lelectedl Lorretta Jones- Secretary Ire*ted 12 May W24) Sophie KerryJko l*cled 12 W 20241 Coslacia Mukard(y￿ {eleded 12 May 2024} Sngha Pat0￿ Idected 12 May 2024) {resyied 31 20251 AtscKJn Pwg)zan {dected 12 May 20241 Melan* Rav￿um¥ (elected 12 May 2024}I￿sIgn￿l 28 ¢knb&T 2024) D￿k Rcxlgers- co-opted <￿-8p￿"rtted 20 May W24) B•1han Wolf- etropted {re>3ned 12 Mèy 2Q4) Independent Examln Paul GuBe ACA Pm* Chartwed Aethjnlants 161 Nththall Slreet BFmingham 83 1SW 8ankews Lbyds Bank Pk New Stre81 8¥M￿91￿M B2 4QZ CAF Ltd 25 Kir￿ HIIAV Kmgs Hll Wesl Mail Kent ME194JQ CCL4 Investmert Maftag￿rrt Ltd 80 CW)s*Je Londc EC2V6DZ Approb*d by ￿der oflhe of tr￿{eeS on ... Fiwjay 2+MI May 2025 . and sbJned on Is by. Rovd J8femy Al PwJe 6 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNC OF THE Ec¢LE￿AsT1¢AL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST PMRTIN IN THE BULL RINGI REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEM￿ G0￿ManCe The Parochial Church Council of Iho Ec£lesHsiThl Partsh ol Pwtsh Church (St Maffjn in the Bull Ringi, olherv+ise r¢leThed to a5 the PCC in doCUn￿. is wislergj wrth Ihe Charity Cornmissioners (RegbstratK￿ No. 11273381. The Charty 15 by Church cry￿cl POW￿$ Measure 11956} as amended Church Repr8sentaiMJn R￿. RKrulthleni and appolnlmgnl ol naw tr￿(•05 merni￿rS of the ParC￿hla1 Churth C￿1[￿11 (Trustees) ccryiise (Il the cler9y of Ihe paitsh, In) lay readers licensed to the parish, lilli lh8 churchwaths. (Frf) rwr*)ers of lh& General SyncKI, dhxew Synod deanery $yn¢)d are on the mll d the aThl lvl represenlas￿ ol the laity al Il* annual parochial church meeting. Memkfs ekcted al Ihe APCM Off￿ fr)r a of up lo three yews aThJ are eligble fc* rtretect•)n ftff a furth￿three years. Organlsatlonal structu The PCC mentss are ￿￿ns￿le fty 4J8(is*Jns al mattus Of9e￿al concern 8nd iMp￿a￿e to the parish inclUd￿￿J deciding on the fuThJs ol Ihe PCC ¥e spwA. The PCC are supFw)rted in this pr(*e by its $ubpenthlure is ccwnled for cn 8n wuals basts aThJ has been un¢Jef headings Ihal ajgregale all ￿51 r￿at￿ to the categcuy. Wfftere c(%ts wN)t be directty 811r*)ute(I to part￿￿ar Iwlings they have been &lo¢ated to thittes on a basTrs cortsisienl the use of fesou¥ces. Fdluwing ￿re9$In￿￿ frfyn VAT frm) 1 Dec•its 2020, al e4￿IK￿l￿ is ￿XI￿ed kjr InthsNe ol VAT. Cost of ralylng funds The wst olgeneraling lur*Js i￿l￿deS the (*"rect costs olc£ca5•)na &Rnts. Charltable a¢tlv4Ees The cosls ol charitst4e ￿1V￿leS indth thr￿1 c<él$ of Ihe miniw ol Ihe pwtsh exckrfliThJ clergy 8alaries which are not a charge on the PCC. ContrbutKJns to fv &rftwngham Dttxe￿ FuThJ are ￿)Urted for when the. Any part unpaKI 81 Ihe baknce she81 date and whvth is to te panl in a later peiKxl is pmwded foi in the ccwrtts 88 an (th￿h noi a *9al) shfywn as 8 creth.lor in the babnce shèeL Grants payable Grants donal￿￿$ ￿ ￿Y1r￿￿ mwje to llird p*t*5 in Ihè hjrflwartt of ihe Char￿le L*iecls of Ihe Charty. In the cw of an Unc(Th*"t￿na1 gr8nl off8r this is ￿crU8d once Ihe rwyent has been Th)lthed of the gRnt aw8rd accounled wlw pabj obv. (* when &Y3rded. if that award creates a corthctNety tifvJiryJ (i)I￿al￿ on IIE PCC Granls offere¢J Subl￿t lo c¢ywJilw* th¢h year end Il* are Fb)ted as a ojmmitmenl but acuuwj as expwKIknTe. Tangible fixed assets Consecratgd land and buildlrys and rnvable church fumishings Consecrated twlttd prwerty ￿ ex¢W fr￿ the ￿(￿lS by $ 10 of Ihe Charities Ad 2011. P•Je 11 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RING) NOTES TO THE FIMANCIAL STATEMENTS-cantlThu•d FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POUCIES. Conllnued Tanglble fixed assets Move8bb furnislw h*J i￿￿rt)ert C￿re￿￿ordenS on Sp￿14 trust for the PCC and wh¢h require a faculty disposal are ￿￿￿411ed for as inalien&Jle proFerty unles5 consecrated. y we Ih8ted in the ChJr¢h'$ inMEntory. ¥￿h ￿ be W1sF￿1•Y lai any reasonable lime). For Inalienable property aC¥jur￿ prvj to 1 jOn￿ry 1998 Ihwe o)st inf0m)at￿n aval￿ble aThJ Iherelorg S[￿h asseis are Mt w) the fThncd stalemenl& Items acgu¥ed 5mce J Janw 1998 have been capiialised and depT￿l*j Wb the fll￿￿ st4￿￿#S o¥er thew currenlty ￿li￿pat￿l usef e¢oncrfnK lrfe. Flxtur8s and Equipment Fixlures and 8quipment, clhw than dwr¢h fvrn1sl￿. we depreaated so al to vnite off the cost ol a55el over its expect￿ usehl lrfe. The rales currenlty in use we". 25% per annum ts inlorrrdl￿ te¢htK*w 15% on Ihe redwiThJ bal￿ ￿ 15% perarmxm ￿u￿￿Trt. Inthvidual items of fithes eqL¥rnI vrti a purchase VKe cl £5W ¥e c4)italBed and valued at sloiul cost Foxed Assets Inveslments Investmenls are a fomi of Insbirnrts are inli31¥ rec(rfJnised at their transaclk)n value measured at th•"r fair Vab￿ as at Ihe tsalance sheet dale using lh8 ch)sing quotèJ m•*et pric¢. The Stslemeni of AdMti8s ￿ludeS the net gains and bJs5es arising rwduation and d1$F￿al ¢W thè year. Reali50d gains and losxs All gains wd1055es are to the Aclv4itiès 8$ tw arise. Realised gains aThJ losses on investments ￿ ¢akukted ag Ihe Cfftren￿ betr￿en s3kns proceeds aNI their ¢¥ening carryin9 vaue or their purdwe v4ue il subsequenl on the first day of the financial year. Unrealkwl gans losses are &*xJlaed as Ihe ddfwerte tth¥een the fair value al the year eTh and and their carying vBlu8. Reali8eJJ and ￿rea￿Sed wNeslmenl gains k)$￿ are combined ￿ the Slalemeni d Fin8nt4al Adivilies. Taxatto The charity is exempl trom tax Fund a¢Gounllng Ganeial fuThJs represent Ihe c4 the PCC thal we nol to any rostr￿tIonS wardirg their use a￿ ovalable for appk*iM genwal purposes d the PCC. Funds deSI￿ated for a par￿"(￿laT wryxw by PCC are also w￿tr￿ed. Restricted funds axe th￿se that be ¥ert on restr￿e￿ purFoses a￿1 deiaiL8 of thg funds held and restlKt￿S are pr¢*hYed in note 18. Any unspent at Ihe end of each year musl be cwried I0￿8rd as a ￿laT￿e Ihal fu￿1. The fThnfial slatempnts al the transxi1￿$. 8ssets a¥J h*AlitiÈs kn whth th& PCC is responsble in They do wl Inclu￿ the ￿0UnIS of cburch wp$ thai Ihwr man *giance ¢0 anolher I￿. rwy those of infoFffial gathw¥¥Js ofthrch nwmbe P¥12 conlm)ued.-. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IM THE BULL RINGI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNnMG POLICIES-continued tlonated profes$K￿l seNces and donated facthl*s are recognised es i1￿ne when the charity has conlrcA tyer Ihe flem. any c&wKIitths 8ssoc*I wlh ltr* (k*rTraled rtem have been n*t and the receipt ol ￿nOMiC tenefil Measur￿ rew. In ￿￿rda1￿ ￿1h the Charrties SORP IFRS102). the general volunteer lirrE olV(4Jnleeis is Kw¥5ed and refer lo the tnthe's annual rwrt fly moro 1nf0mwl￿ abwi Ihew cont￿Ul￿￿. Short term delA￿S we mEaswed al pr￿. fess any iThpaThwt. Loans recervable ar8 measurwj initialty at fa¥ vdue, nel c4 ￿, the ￿nI is r￿Ced to ft$ estimated recoverab P•N8ions The charty m*$ to a m¢xw PLKc*ase pens*Jn sche￿￿ lor eligible empws. ContrbAw)ns paythle are tharged io the Staemerrt of Fin￿￿91 AdMlie$ in the perA>J to whth they RoduNJan¢y Paynwnts The chanly reo)gntses rethNKlaw paynth$ ￿ Ily I￿1 ¢kn. *ther when a r&lundw has t*en effeci or when the r￿UndanCY pay￿Eni ha5 been made, whKhever is ￿ller. Where a redunda has taken effect but Thjt yel be8n p*d, ihe charty lo iewJnse Ihis as an xuugd expense unknl 8uch line as l is p8K Gèneral Inlormatlon These fmanaal slalements are wesenlèJ m UK Sltr&rvJ (£1 b*aLtse thal is the currency of Ihe primwy econom￿ enVwonm￿t in which the cclmwy cyeraes P•J• 13 CLN)tsnued .. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHINICH 1ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATE￿￿rs- ¢ontittu•d FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 DONATIONS ANO LEGACIES 2024 2023 Oonabons Lego¢ies Granls belwl Regular gmng Third paty sgN¢g cdlect Giving al seNces and other vd￿ry don*>￿& 36.$99 32.337 104.783 87.732 84.193 88.572 28,823 24,204 35,615 24.342 284,141 265,924 Grants weNed. in as 2024 2023 Bell Rcye Croft Defil￿d Ch¥el Sl Martin's Truslees. grant 5akns Sl Martin's Sunday Sctrvjol Fur* BirMin￿M Gity Councl . Sett￿n 1(6 luth Birrninffii City Councl. wa￿ Wehxyne fvNknJ 14.IXKI 14.oc 2.400 63.793 4.000 67.168 11.116 6.000 104.783 84.193 OTHER TRADING ACTMTIES 2024 2023 Churth fees Rch)m hire and ft>LxI Sl Marlin's C8ntre Healh & He81ing Lease Sl Ma￿n.$ Centre for Healh & Healing Managen*rf Foes 1.672 47.136 25,276 6,859 4.897 44.227 25,275 6.SS4 80,842 80.953 p￿14 Onlirtu￿. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNGIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH (ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATWNTS- ¢ontlnued FOR THE YEAR E140EO 31 DECEMBER 2024 INVESTMENT IIKOME 2024 2023 Dividend inetthè Bank inierest 3.122 7.295 4,785 14JK2 10.417 OTHER INCOME 2024 2023 Rent conliibution f(x Cuth's Insur8ncÈ clain 7.803 9.3C 13.238 9,300 RAISING FUNDS Other tradiry actlvltlBs 2024 2023 R¢Jom hi￿ costs Fundra$iny eX￿nSeS 2,110 285 939 720 2.363 3.334 CHARITABLE AcnvmE3 COSTS Grait tundiny ol ad￿leS C(6ts (see lseo Thxe lte 81 Supt¥xt costs Isee note 10} 91 Ch¥ilabb ￿an1$ BD Commn Fund The Team Church aThY serNres 8.500 99,470 12.166 99.156 99A70 12.166 72,728 26828 184.364 8.600 26.428 219.292 Pwje 15 conlir•Jed. TkE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLEsNsncAL PARISH OF 81RMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH {ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RING) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEMTS-¢ontlnu FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 LECEMBER 2024 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTMTIES 2024 2023 Utilit*s and insur•Ke Corrttmon fund ccfflb*Jui Parrxhpl fees Ministry team exFenses and Worshp Other ¢￿JrCh seNKe costs RefresM)8nt purchases Youthw 62.076 99A70 374 9.949 2,214 8,401 64.828 97.481 2.254 6,517 114 434 450 184.364 181711 GFiANTS PAYABLE 2024 2023 Chartable grarts 9,L￿5 The total charrtab￿ ￿ant$pa￿l lo institul•Jn5 dwrvJ Ihe yearwd5 as f0kn￿.. 2024 2023 2.050 2,050 2.050 2,350 Open D￿S Restore St Martin'$ y￿th & Conwty Cenlre 9.C65 Deci51(￿$ ffi gmt makirrfJ from mrestrthd fuThY$ we the PCC takirvJ ￿(￿nt ol previws giving and cOThjrega￿ and the 4ry5Kffi rrN5sion (rf ￿*C￿r¢h. 10. SUPPORT COSTS m￿Ment Finance Tclals Other resources expendwj Church and seN 168.158 26,428 272 168A30 26.428 194,586 272 194.868 Page 16 continued... THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARIS OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH (ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 10. SUPPORT COSTS . conthued Gov¢rnanoe Costs: 2024 2023 Indet*ndent Ex*Th'natKJn 5.11JO 4,774 Suppori cK15ts. included in the at*)Ne. we as k4y*x' Manaym•nt 2024 2023 C￿r and Total iNrties Total actmlies Wages and 0￿r st4r Costs Church telethrte Postsge Repairs and Nwdls Phot(KopyiNJ Printing and slatx)ntsYy IT 8UPWt & mwntenatKe SubscriplK)ns Independent Examin81 Lega1 fees Profess￿nal Fees 131.860 2.746 131.860 2.746 120,475 2,793 11.160 26A28 37.588 26.074 6.763 786 9276 610 4774 1.921 1,732 10.149 1.670 6.100 1.029 1.732 10.149 1.670 S.100 1.029 1.8rx) 168.158 ,428 194,506 183.480 Flnance 2024 Other resources exFendeJJ 2023 Total BciNities Bank Inleresl & char9e5 272 Page 17 COntth￿I... THE PARIXHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF 81RMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST hlARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -conlknued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEPIJBER 2024 11. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BE￿FITs No trustee ￿ person relatsd to rAher tenefits other than Revd E, & Mr. S 8lair.ChappeYs son. who was eMph)￿J by PCC the year and receNe(I remuneration ol £646 {2023. £1.2261. Tw81¢¢s' •xpws8s Notrvslee rec￿ed eypenses (2023: Nifi rel*"rry to fv)rlhe church. 12. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and sd Soryal secJJrily cosls Olher pensi￿ cost$ 126,053 3.383 2,423 116,555 2,120 1,800 131.859 120.475 No enwkryee vras paKI ￿].1￿￿1 or more. 2024 2023 The rwn*ers si¥en bawl on the ￿￿Int. Ful Imne a1￿81e1* nl￿rS wwkj be significanlly lthver l>e¢wse of the nwnter cl Thè hthlcount at th8 year Wds.. 812023.. 101. The day lo day management d the charty is led lyy the Re¢kn. the aclNe swrt of the ckpJy le￿. churchwarthns. staff key vc4unleers. 13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMEMTOF FINANCIALACTIVITIES UNestrKaed ReStr￿ted fu￿1 fund$ funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROI Oonations and legac4e5 199.811 .113 265.924 Olhertrading Inveslment income Olher income 80.953 10.417 9.300 10,417 Total 3(M).481 .113 366.594 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3.334 3.334 Chaiitable activilie Chariiable ￿ants BD Common FuThJ The Minislty Tea 9.C65 97.481 10.601 97.481 10.601 Page 18 ntinuod... THE PAROCHIAL CFWRCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAII PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RING) NOTES TO THE FINANaAL STATEAIEKfs-¢on¢inued FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 DECEMBER 2024 13. COMPARATIVES FOR ThE STATEMENT OF FINA TrKIAL AcnwnES . continu•d UNeS1￿￿￿ Desi9naleJ ReslrLted funds fuTrJs Tclal fLmds Churth serv￿$ 13.579 1.740 111.703 81.371 E6,101 147.472 Total 298.236 13,579 67.841 379,656 Net gains on 3.338 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI Transfern beiw•en funds {13.5791 11.091 11,7281 13,9311 (9.7241 (7.1601 Ngt rnovement kn funds (1.577) 12.488) 15,6591 (9,724) RÈCONCIUATK)N OF FUNDS Total funds brLMW fward 204.ff21 145,045 361.486 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 203.044 142.557 6,161 351,762 14. TANGI8LE FIXEO ASSETS F￿l￿re5 frtlings COST Al 1 Janu*y 2024 31 Decenknr 2024 115.126 DEPRECIATION Al 1 JaNary 2024 Charge lor ye 111,996 720 Al 31 D￿ember 2024 112.715 NET BOOK VALUE Al 31 December 2024 2.411 Al 31 Dwibw 21Y23 3.131 The Birmmgham Dh)cesan Tr￿1&$ Reg￿tred as bafe trustees the PCC a property in Derrtend cwfentty leased lo and occup¥ed by St Basrfs Associa￿1n No vabje has been assigned lo Ihis asset In Ihe fin8w4 slal¢Ynenls Page 19 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN ThE BULL RING) 14OTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- ￿ltinUed FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OECEMBER 2024 15. FIXEO ASSET INVESTMENTS inveslments IAARKET VALUE Al 1 January 2024 RevaluatKsn8 77.215 1.754 Al 31 De¢errtrr 2024 78.969 MET BOOKVALUE Al 31 December 2024 78.969 Al 31 D￿ber 2023 77.215 Therewere no investmÈnl 8SS8ts (M*s#* VK Cost ￿ Valuth￿ at 31 Oecwthr 2024 is r4¥e￿l&j by. Llsted Inveslments Va￿￿ In 2024 78,969 2024 2024 arkèt 2023 2023 Markd Value Co M&G Charrfund CBF Church of Englwd InNtsI￿￿rt FuThJ UK Iistgd investment$ 10.050 29.448 435(K) 46.17S 261 10.OYJ 43.6 261 28,7CH) 45,142 3,373 53N11 78.969 S3,811 77,215 P*Je 20 conlinuwj. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN THE BULL RJNGI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEME14TS- ¢ 1,754 16.218 11.4771 111.1601 11.7791 301.865 {301.817} 1.754 1.802 Restricted lunds Angel Tree Charity FuTrY St Martins SuThJay Scbkx)l Fvrnl Si Maitin's T￿￿lee3 re s**s Vuknerable Aduls I Cuppa & (#K¥ 150 150 Is,000) 167,168) 116,100) 67.168 18.1ty) 2,lJOO .418 188.2681 2,150 TOTAL FUNDS 392283 (390.0851 1.754 3.952 Comparatives for movefflentkn fund$ Nei Tpnsfers At 31.1223 At1.1.23 in (L￿dS funds Unr¢strkt¢d funds General FUNI Worship F￿￿ Chur¢h Plant Fund Maintenance & Projects Fthj Website tlevekpment Fund Clergy Hwsin9 Decor*on Fu 204.K21 5.583 1201 {7,ieo) 203.044 1.478 10.OCKI 125.0 1,779 4,300 10,CiKS 131.768 (13,5591 8,791 349.￿6 I7,￿) 3.931 345,601 Restricted fund5 Angel Tre8 Charthy FuThJ BDBF Red¢￿ra1K>n Fu￿1 Memor￿1 Boards Fund Organ Repair F￿d 2.1(r2 2,102 14.3WI 4.059 1.359 11.728) 11020 11.728) 13.9311 6.161 TOTAL FUNDS 1. (9,724) 351.762 Pa3e 22 conlinwl. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH {ST IIARTIN IN THE BULL RINGI NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- c¢thtwiu•d FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 MOVEMENT IN FiIIDS. ¢(￿U￿d Inc(rfrn￿ Re50urtss Gains axl M¢)vomenl in ￿￿15 unrestrict￿ fund$ Goneral Fund Worsh4) Fund mairt￿anCe & pr￿￿$ Fund 3(Kl.481 (298.236) 201 113.559) 3.338 1201 (13,5591 31Y).481 1311.815) 3.338 17.9961 Rastrithd funds Organ Repair Fund Sl Martin's Tnjslees rn sala￿S Vulnera)leAduks I Cuppa & Cha F￿￿ (1,728} 163.793) (2,320) 11.7281 63.793 e6.113 167.841} 11.7281 TOTAL FU￿s I379.6￿} 19,724) Dest￿￿ FLuvJ5 Tho Worshlp Fund and W•bslts Dov•kyMrnnl Furmts eslablished In 2011 from thè proceeds of a gift day. Thes¢ projocts tA*r• both conthd•d duriThJ 2024 aThl th• funds are now retired. The Church Phnt Futhd was 8stabllsh8d In 2022 T*Sth rnonle5 transferfed from the General Fund In order to des￿nate funds from reseNes to bo used for the purposes of exploring a church plantwithin the lo¢al area. Thhs pr￿eCt continues. Makntenaneo & Projécts Fund has been topped up by a transfer from the General lund in ordw to deslgnats lunds from reserves specificalty for the purpgses ol ev￿UrIng Ihat building is maintaingd and thal •nergy use is optimlsed and fit for purpos• for the future. The Clorgy Hou$lng D•coratlon FurMI was •stabli5hed in 2023 wilh monies transfeTred from the 8DBF Red￿OratiOn Fund foNowing the closure of thè 8D8F ￿htrme. Th• trust￿$ hav• a responsI￿lity to ensure that cl¢rgy h¢￿￿ng 1$ sufflclently malntalned and th¢ lunds wlll bg us•d for this puq)ose when requknd. Restricted Funds The Anggl Tree Charity lund holds for sakl tharlty that ha¥• not yet been utllls•d Tho Memorial Board5 lund 15 money held f¢Y thè mainlalning and repaSr of the memorlal board$ St Martin's Trustws provide lunding t¢Mards th• cost of staff salarSos VUl￿rable Adufts I Cwpa & Chat receiv￿ restrKtsd in¢om* vla grants and donatlons wNch were set agalnst the costs incurred •gainst our work wlth vuln¢r4ble communlties. Th1$ Included Income of £11.115 relating to Blrnilngham Clty Coun¢ll S¢¢tlon 106 funding s¢h•m*. The St Martin's Sunday School Fund donate to th• ¢bu￿h to ensure Ih•re are approprlate actNities for all ¢hlldr8n and youth visit the church PaJe 23 rA)nlinued... THE PAROCHL4L CFWJRCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESiASTICAL PARISH OF 81RMINGHAM PARISH CHURCH 1ST MARTIN IN THE 8ULL RING) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEME14TS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECE￿ER 2024 MOVEKNT IN FUMDS. cq>nti The BDBF Rede¢or•tlon Fund ts monty hw by th& 808F on St l•lartin'$ behalf lo ￿ us for redecorallng costs. Th• $¢hwne cl¢s•d In 2023 and Ihereforn th• fund balan¢• was transferr￿ to a d￿lunat￿ fund The Organ Ropair lund was fulty w)enthd In 2023 19. EMPLOYEE BENEFrr 08LIGATIONS The charty makes c(mlrrtxrtKffis lo nv*y wrchase [￿sKIn sthrrns for wtain 8mploye8s. Trre no long lem commitmert. The tda d13we Ihe was £2.42312023 £1,6￿1. 20. RELATED PARTY OISCLOSURES Tre tharty d￿at￿rts frun Tntslees c4 £20.76812023" £14.658) Durry the year the Chaw was related lo St k4arb"r* Certrt tr Heath 8 ￿11)Y a Charita*￿ Imited cl￿panY. During the year the foknA'ng Ir￿ was r￿eTr￿J from Si Martin's Cenlre for Heatth and Healry.. 2024 2023 Rent Shared Overhe￿1$ Contr￿￿￿ M8nagemenl lees 25.275 13.BS4 6.6S9 25.275 14.192 6,554 45,988 46.021 P4e 24 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PAROCHIALCHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BIRMINGHAM PARISHCHVRCH Indepgndent examiner's roport to the tfusiees of Tho Parochial Church Council of tho Ecc165iastical Parlsh of 8irmlngham Parish Church I report lo the charily Irus18es on my examinalitsn of Ihe accoufjts of Parochial Chvrth Council ol the E¢cles¢slical Parish ol 8irn)IAgham Parsh Church Ith8 Trusll the year etided 31 Oecetnber 2024. Rfrgponsibilities and basis ol r•port As the charity Iruslees of the Trust you are responsible for FKep•atw ol the a¢cwnts in a¢wrdanGe with the requirw￿nis ol the charl1￿$ Ad 2011 (lne Acri I rgp)rt In fe5ped ol my 4¥aminalion of the Trust's accounls Carri￿ oul urMJer Se¢liot) 145 of the Acl and in carwng out rny èxaminaiion I hav* I￿1(weè all appI￿OIe Direclbons gNen by Ihe Charrty commissi￿ uThJ&i Secl#)n 145lsllbl cl IheA¢t. Indgpgndent examlne¢s 5tatèn*nt &'nce your charity's 910ss Inconw exceeded £250.CQO your ex￿1r•I musi be a m•Y*)er of a Iisi4d bLK8y I can coiifiiiTi Ihai i am qL*alif*d lo undertake the examinalon because l am 3 member of th¢ Inslilule of Chartered ACcoUn￿nIS in England and Wales. whKh Is one ol the IL$1￿ bc*1￿$. I havo ￿rnP￿ted rny exaryMThalw)n l ¢￿fI￿rn no matonal rnaltors ha¥e c(*me to my alIen￿on In c￿ne¢1￿)n with the examinalion gmrg rne tausè lo be!KJve Ihal any materwl ￿spect. counting recryds were nrrt kepl In iespecl of the Twsl as req&￿ed by Sedvh 130 91 ts Act,. c the accounts do nol accwd v4rth those recoids. < Iht accounis do not c(mpty with Ihe applicable reqviremenls concern￿9 the form aTrY conlenl ol 8ccoun15 5?t out in thè Chairties (Accounis and Repoflsl Regulatons 2C4)8 olhef than any reqU1￿ment Ihal the accoun15 gNe a Irue and lair vww whch is 8 matter considered as p8rt of an Indep*￿Ie￿I 8x8minalDn I hav* no cor￿8r￿S and carno a￿0$% 01,￿r n)ailws in conngklon wlli 1114 *xaminalion lo which 3lltnliorn Shou￿ be dr*n in this le￿t In ordei lo enable a proper undernlanding of Ihe accounls lo be leached. Paul Guix ACA Prime Chadeied Accc￿nian1S 181 Newhall Slie81 Biimin9harn 83 1SW Dale. 4 June 2025 Page 7