## Saltash Wesley Methodist Church ## Annual Church Meeting Annual Reports 2023 – 2024 Sunday 17 March 2024, 12 noon ## **SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH (Charity Number 1127542) MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL** |||**Date elected.**| |---|---|---| |**MINISTER:**|Revd Jonathan Budd|| |**CHURCH COUNCIL SECRETARY:**|Caroline Hambly|07/03/21| |
**CHURCH TREASURER**:|
Anita Thompson|01/05/15| |**CHURCH STEWARDS:**(Senior Steward)|Derek Holley|01/05/18| ||Elspeth Nicolls|01/05/19| ||Rosemary Witts|07/03/21| ||Joy Amies|13/03/22| ||Sandra Kowalski|12/03/23| |**CIRCUIT STEWARDS**:|Julian Langston|26/04/23| |**CIRCUIT STEWARD REPRESENTATIVE:**|Linda Eastlake|13/03/22| |**MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:**||| |**Chairman**|Bob Austin|01/01/24| |**Representative**|Roger Thompson|13/03/22| |**MISSION COMMITTEE:**||| |**Representative**
|Elspeth Nicolls|| |**PASTORAL COMMITTEE:**||| |**Secretary**|Jo Lambourne(Circuit Mtg;Charities. C Link)|| |**FAMILY AND YOUNG PEOPLE:**||| |**Representatives**|Robert Hambly|01/05/15| |
**MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS:**|
Craig King|| |**MBARE/SALTASH PARTNERSHIP:**||| |**Representative**|Marguerite Smith|| |**SAFEGUARDING:**
|Alison Clark|| |**DIRECTOR OF MUSIC:**|Phil Taylor|| |**CHURCH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:**||| |Kirsten Riches – 01/05/12||| |Peter Clements – 01/05/14||| |Don Phillips – 01/05/14||| |David Lambourne – 01/05/17||| |Catherine Noakes – 13/03/22||Feb 2024| |Steve Tait – 01/01/24||| ## **Introduction from the Minister** As I write to you, I am in the midst of preparing a sermon in a series from John’s Gospel based on what are called the ‘I am’ sayings of Christ. Jesus used this phrase to teach understanding of who he is, and his significance. Many of these you will be very familiar with, ‘I am the Good Shepherd’, ‘I am the True Vine’, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’, and so on. Elsewhere in scripture, God is heard declaring through the prophets, ‘Behold, I am doing a new thing’. That was true for the people of Israel two and a half thousand years ago and it may be true for us in 2024 in small ways too. New things arise. Church is not a static thing, even though some aspects seem to last through generations. Those attending now may be a mix of people who were with us twenty, thirty, or more years ago and others who have just started. Songs and hymns we sing may sometimes be those our grandparents might have sung along with others that were written since the youngest in our church was born. Sometimes change is what we in things around us as the years go on, and over time these need to be renewed. The Management Committee, the Stewards, our treasurer and our administrator, and numerous able volunteers – between us we continue to look after these needs. Our finances are robust and well looked after, and wise decisions have again been a feature in committees and teams. In the past year, we have looked at plumbing and heating, not necessarily apparent to the congregation, but also we have done work in more visibly obvious areas. The cross outside the church had faded and collected moss and lichen so it was right to renew it. The paint and décor in the foyer was showing its age not so much as a mature patina but as décor which had dated and we have taken the opportunity to renew this too thanks to a Cornwall levelling-up grant and some huge effort and sacrifice of time and energy by some of our members. We have also overhauled our church PA equipment, and big thanks to those who helped design, build and fit that. It will help our worship and sound resources tremendously. These reports show that much work continues as it has for years, but there are also again signs that God sustains us and is encouraging us to new things. In the coming months, our Circuit will be changing to form with others the Southeast Cornwall Methodist Circuit. Our District is joining with Plymouth and Exeter to for a new Southwest Peninsular District. We do not know all of what these changes will mean, but it is important that we keep looking for what God is saying to us as a church during these shifting times. God has much yet for us to do together with him, and as I am looking forward to beginning my eleventh year with you in September, I am happy to commend these reports to you and share in looking forward to what comes next in the Lord, and at ‘the Wesley’. With my thanks to all who make this possible and my prayer for God’s blessing on us. Revd Jonathan Budd ## **Report from the Senior Steward** We were glad to welcome Sandra Kowalski as a new steward last May, especially as a representative of the 9.15 service, and to have Bob Austin join the team at the beginning of this year. The Warm Spaces programme has been running since the end of October, with hot lunches provided on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Massive thanks to Roger and Anita, and Anne Melling and her team for the love and care given in these meals. They have been welcomed by many, and provided a time of fellowship as well as food, and much appreciated. The help and support given to the homeless people who come to us continues; Anita and Roger, Jo, Derek and Jonathan are all involved in this support of these vulnerable visitors. We were able to celebrate Harvest, and to remember the work of All We Can, thinking of parts of the world where harvests are not good. The services at Christmas were meaningful as always, with the Carols by Candlelight, the midnight communion, and the Christmas morning celebration all adding to the joy of the season. We have lost some dear friends over the year but have also had the thrill of welcoming people into membership. The church was able to welcome four visitors from Mbare. This was due to have been a larger group, of 10 members, but there were problems in obtaining visas. The members at Wesley gave them a great experience of life in Cornwall, and there were good conversations. A lot has been discussed about the change in circuit boundaries; not much will impact on the normal church life, but Jonathan and the circuit stewards have been in endless meetings and discussions, with much work done behind the scenes, to make sure this will be a positive move forward. We are greatly indebted to them. It is a real blessing that Jonathan and Fiona have agreed to stay a further two years at this time of new challenges and opportunities, to see this change through. We are very aware that they will be needing our prayers and support. The work on the vestibule and Room 3 has been completed, if the tables for the vestibule have arrived by the time you read this. It has involved a lot of work for some people, and again their work has been in the background, but has been quite challenging at times. We trust that the people from the community will not just pass by, but come and share the welcome that awaits them, in the week, and we do pray, for Sunday worship as well. As Derek comes to the end of his term of being a steward, I would like to give heartfelt thanks for his support and advice. (When he has had a few weeks off, perhaps he could start again........?) Thanks to the rest of the team too, to Rosemary and Joy and Sandra and Bob. Each has brought their own gifts and graces to the leadership of the church. Elspeth Nicolls ## **Pastoral Report** Pastoral Report for Annual Church Meeting on Sunday 17th March 2024 The membership figure reported to the recent Church Council on 22nd February 2024 stood at 108. As is the trend within most Christian communities, our numbers are slightly down on this time last year, although we are encouraged that we have welcomed 8 new members over the past 12 months. Welcoming new members into the Church. Several of our more elderly members have died during the year and a few people of ceased their membership for a variety of reasons. However, since the inevitable knockon effect of long closures during Covid 19, we are pleased to see that numbers worshipping at both our 09.15 and 10.30 morning services have gradually increased. Although generally newer attendees seem more reluctant to consider membership of the Methodist church, we endeavour to allocate those who attend regularly into one of our existing pastoral groups. We have lost a few of our stalwart team of Pastoral Links this year and volunteers are always welcome. We try and keep the groups small and being a PL is a very worthwhile and much appreciated responsibility within our church. There are many ways of keeping in touch now as most of us (yes even us “oldies”) embrace some form of technology. So please consider whether this is something you would like to investigate further. Wesley prides itself on our reputation of being a very open and welcoming community. We all play our part in caring for those with whom we come in contact, both within our church fellowship and amongst those who use our building throughout the week. Thank you all for your pastoral support once again throughout what have been, and continue to be, difficult times for many of us. Our network of care is much valued, and we need to continue to work together to nurture it. Jo Lambourne Pastoral Secretary ## **Café Church** Since the last Annual Church Meeting Café Church has taken place at 5 p.m. on the 2[nd] Sunday of each month except Easter Sunday and August. We have had guests on 8 occasions, and they have either given us a presentation or been interviewed. They were: Lorraine Mellor, Chair of the Cornwall District; Alison Humphreys, recycling for charity; Margaret Tanner, on the work in Chad; Margaret Warne of the Plymouth Lee Abbey Community; Anne Redfern on her faith journey; Penny Jennings on her work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Paul Whitell, a Christian in business; Sir Gary Streeter MP, on his faith journey and as a Christian in Parliament. In addition, on Remembrance Sunday in November we had a discussion on a Christian’s attitude to military service, and in December people shared their stories and thoughts about Advent. From the collections at each session, we have made donations to the work in Chad and to St Petrocs. Mel Wallis & Bob Mahy ## **Mbare/Saltash Partnership** The highlight of the past year was the visit of four members of Mbare Methodist Church to Saltash last July. Originally ten members were due to come in May, but the refusal of the UK Government to grant visas to six of them was very disappointing and caused delays to the visit. In the end, however, it was a very positive experience and enhanced the effectiveness of the Partnership. We now plan a visit from Wesley to Mbare in 2026. The Partnership Committee continues to meet bi-monthly to share and publish news from Mbare, to promote the links between Saltash Wesley and Mbare Methodist Church, to organise the monthly prayers, to arrange fund-raising events and to send much-needed help to Zimbabwe. We have continued to send money to Mbare three times a year for food and health relief and for school fees for the children, and an extra amount for food parcels just before Christmas. We have also this year made a special donation to help with the repair of the wall around the church property, which is vital for the security of the church, and another to help with items for the Sunday School. We do receive regular reports from Mbare on the Partnership ‘whatsapp’ about how the money has been used, with illustrative photographs. To be able to do all this we have organised a number of fund-raising events during the year, and these have also been most enjoyable social occasions. But of equal importance are the regular generous donations made by many members of Wesley... We also support the Matthew Rusike Children’s Home in Harare, the main fund-raiser for this being the Christmas Card in the foyer and we would encourage Wesley members to use this opportunity to send greetings to each other and support the Home. The economic situation in Zimbabwe is, if anything, even worse than it has been, and this is compounded by the worst drought in Southern Africa in living memory. This is likely to lead to poor harvests and food shortages. Ruth Mahy ## **Little Fishes- Baby and Toddler group** In the 2 ½ years that Little Fishes has been running we have had over 150 families attend our weekly groups, with weekly attendance of 20 to 35 children. Tea and toast [& pastries!] upstairs in the foyer from 8.45am has really taken off over the last few months, with so many families really enjoying this time. The session down in the sports hall starts at 9.15 with plenty of time to play, followed by snacks and hot drinks, more play before tidying up for a song time, generally with Rev. Jonathan and his ukulele, and finishing about 10:45 AM. Little Fishes has developed into a great friendship and support group for families, as shown by some of the messages shared on the WhatsApp group. A strength of the sessions is the opportunities that arise for interactions between the adults - parents, carers, and volunteers alike. Our summer picnic in Longstone park, and the currently monthly Little Fishes Saturday morning Coffee, Cake and Play sessions have also become a great way for the families to become more involved in life at Wesley. Thanks, as always, to the ever-increasing number of people who help to make activities for Little Fishes happen. ## **Tuesday Youth Group (11-18yrs)** We meet every week during term time, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, in the Sports hall and coffee bar at Wesley. We currently have up to 8/9 young people aged 13-16. Our aim is to create a safe space where young people can hang out, socialise, and have fun. Through our Christian focused activities and discussion time we encourage the young people to look beyond their own worlds, past what is comfortable, and into a world of faith, challenge, and following Jesus. Christmas party Summer BBQ – in the manse garden The session starts with sports in the hall or playing games and pool in the coffee bar. We then share a meal of pizza, chips, cakes, and fruit. After the meal we have a short time of Christian focused activities and discussion time, usually finishing with a prayer. Summer trip to BRF Adventure Centre – team building activity day (funded through Cornwall Council) Joanna Couch ## **Holiday Club (4-11yrs)** Holiday Club We have been working in partnership with the Time2Move holiday Club initiative through Cornwall Council. This aims to provide a limited number of spaces completely free, to children who are eligible for free school meals, aged 4 – 11 years. This year we have had an Easter, Summer holiday and Christmas Kids Clubs, with an average of 40 children attending per session. We usually have 20 paid spaces (open to everyone) and 20 funded spaces for FSM children. This is a great way to build links with our local community and help to support local families in need. At each Kids Club we provide sports activities, games, arts and crafts, a hot nutritious meal for lunch, stories and singing, all with a Christian based story and theme. Thank you to our amazing Children’s work team for all that they do! Wesley Children’s Work Team **----- Start of picture text -----**
Holiday Club
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## **Tuesday Lunch Prayers** Every Tuesday at 1 PM we have a WhatsApp group video call of currently up to 6/7 people, we usually have quick catch up and think about our focus for the prayers, then we have a timed 10 minutes of prayer. This group was originally set up to pray for the 9:15 AM service, for growth and a deeper understanding of the Christian Faith. If you would be interested in joining this group call, please contact the office. Joanna Couch ## **Wednesday Morning Prayers** 11 individuals or couples pray at home every Wednesday morning between 8.30 and 9.00 (or as near to that time as they can). Every Tuesday an email is circulated suggesting prayer topics, starting with Wesley and the Circuit, going on to national and international situations, and ending with names of individuals in particular need of our prayers. If you would like to join us, please let me know, and if you would like us to pray for you or someone else, please contact me. Bob Mahy ## **Thursday Bible Study** One of a number of house groups and bible studies that run at the church, our Thursday morning online bible study continues. In December we completed 18 months working through the Acts of the Apostles, and have now moved into the Gospel of John. We meet twice per month (usually on 1st and 3rd Thursdays), and if you would appreciate some good discussion and learning about scripture you would be very welcome to join in, even if you feel you are a real beginner with the Bible. You will find the Zoom links often on the weekly notices, or if not ask at the office and Joanna will be able to send you details. We meet from 10-11.30am. ## **Wesley Community Coffee Shop and Warm Spaces** The Wesley Coffee shop is open to the whole of our local community Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings from 10.00 am to 12 noon. Regrettably Traidcraft ceased to trade during the year, but we are continuing as far as possible to source Fairtrade products. We still purchase our filter coffee from Indigo Coffee, who only choose Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified products and who are an ethical, sustainable and carbon neutral supplier. We have been pleased to welcome several new regular attendees at our coffee shop who meet to enjoy hot drinks, pastries, and biscuits and perhaps more importantly conversation and friendship. It has also been wonderful to again open our church premises for longer hours this winter by offering freshly cooked nutritious soup and a warm crusty roll on Wednesdays and a Jacket Potato Lunch with a variety of fillings on a Thursday. The lunches have been well supported by both our congregation and many in our community who may otherwise be lonely and in need. Attendees have increased from the previous winter, although we were sad to lose a couple of our regular members recently. The lunches are provided on a pay as you are able basis so that no-one need to feel excluded. We were very grateful to receive a grant from National Grid via Local Giving towards our increased energy costs because of the extended opening hours. We have also been able to work in partnership with the Saltash Foodbank to whom we are most grateful for the provision of fresh vegetables and our local Co-operative store who have been able to provide surplus bread and rolls thus avoiding food waste. Without the assistance of these organisations our Warm Spaces lunches may not have been able to continue. We are also continuing to support the disadvantaged in our community, particularly those experiencing short or longer periods of homeless. We have been able to provide cooked breakfasts of bacon, eggs, beans, and toast together with a hot drink and sandwiches or pasties to take away. In addition, we have developed contacts with St. Petrocs together with substance addition professionals and are thus able to signpost those in need of support. We would not be able to run our coffee shop or the Warm Spaces project without the support of our loyal team of volunteers to whom we are most grateful. If you would be able to spare 2½ hours of your time, once a month to help, it would be most welcome. Please support our coffee shop so it can continue to reach out and welcome the whole of our Saltash community into our church building. This is especially valuable to the needy members of society including those who are currently homeless, lonely or in need and is an important part of our Church’s mission. We were especially honoured to receive an accolade early this year by being named as “Warm Welcome Heroes” of the week on the National Warm Welcome website. **Warm Welcome Heroes of the Week: Saltash Wesley Methodist Church** This week we are celebrating Saltash Wesley Methodist Church. The church is in regular contact with people experiencing the impact of the cost of living crisis. Their space is popular with older people, especially pensioners living alone, and also couples and young families. Last year in partnership with Warm Spaces, they were able to offer hot meals during the week and a space to relax, get warm and recharge phones. _**“The need is as great, perhaps greater than ever.”**_ Roger Thompson ## **S.T.A.R.T Ecumenical Men’s Group** We are an ecumenical group of Saltash Christian Men who meet on a social basis. Our membership at the end of 2023 was 29 with an average monthly attendance of around 13. We have very diverse set of Christian faiths amongst us which always make for a good conversation piece during our times together. During the winter months, we tend to meet for inside events such as museums, talks and most importantly “eating out”. The summer months we go out and about. We then finished off the year with a Christmas meal. We always meet on the 3[rd] Friday of each month. My thanks to all those who arranged these visits – it is our ploy for members to arrange twelve meetings per year between us. We had our AGM in January where the 2024 meetings were arranged, and our programme is as follows: - |19th Jan|Community kitchen for lunch AGM then Wesley| |---|---| |16th Feb|Garden Ctr lunch - Talk Dr Phil Jordan on Bees| |15th Mar|Community K - Wesley -Talk Railway Bridges| |19th April|Wesley CS Buckfast Abbey Lunch at the Abbey| |17th May|Trago Mills Newton Abbot - Meet @ Wesley for car share.| |12th Jun|Meet @ Wesley Lunch TBD - Antony House| |19th July|Wesley CS - Bovey Tracy - Lunch @ Café| |16th Aug|Wesley CS -Tamar Bridge visit - Lunch@Ferry inn| |20th Sep|Wesley CS Devonport Market - Lunch TBD| |18th Oct|Community k – lunch. Bruce Hunt-Heritage - Wesley| |15th Nov|Community k - then Wesley- Woodside Talk| |18th Dec|Christmas Meal - With Probus @ China Fleet| We always meet on the 3rd Friday of the month and usually start with a meal in the closest hostelry to our meeting place and anyone who is interested in joining us please call me on 01752 844666 you will be most welcome. Bob Austin (Chair) ## **Management Report** The announcement of Steve Tait’s retirement from the Chair of the Management Committee came to us as a bit of a shock (although, he is staying on the committee) so, on behalf of the committee, I would like to give our thanks to him for all the hard work he has done over the years he has held the post. I was honored to take up the reins and hope I can do as well for the foreseeable future; Derek Holley will deputize in my absence. Over the past 12 months it has been a hard job keeping up the maintenance of our beautiful building - as it gets older the upkeep is getting more difficult. **Our major completed jobs in 2023** - Outside rendering of the Bostraze side of the sports hall - Repair of roof leaks above the small hall, vestibule & room 1 - Emptying and redecoration of Chris Clark’s office - now converted into a counselling room for one-to-one meetings. Thanks to Colin Oakes for his help with redecorating. - Complete main boiler service ## **Our major jobs to be completed in 2024.** - Men’s downstairs toilets rerouting central heating pipes to overcome underfloor leakage. Decorating will then commence. - Complete the refurbishment work in the vestibule & room 3 (under “level up” grant) Thanks to Marguerite Smith and others for all their time painting room 3 and the vestibule “Snug” - Purchase and installation of loft ladder to replace unsafe one. (Health & Safety) - Repair of doors at the back entrance (complete) - Complete the repainting of the outside cross. - Complete the new sound desk. Thanks to Craig King & Co for all their hard work on this. - Purchase and installation of a new heating control system. Thanks to Paul Hamley - Replace the photocopier in admin office. - Decorate and recarpet admin office. - Re rendering of wall at the back entrance Thanks to our Treasurer Anita Thompson, who keeps the management team in financial order. Building usage – you may have noticed how much more the building is being used. Much of this is due to the hard work of our Administrator who works tirelessly on getting new hirings. The revenue the church receives from this helps the committee finance most of the above projects so special thanks must go to Joanna Couch. Thanks also to the cleaning teams who have an increased workload because of the increased use of the building. Workdays held every month for minor jobs – Thanks to all who turn up regularly for hard work, which is rewarded with pasties. All welcome to come and help. Bob Austin - Chairman of the Management committee. ## **Wesley Table Tennis Club** The Wesley Table Tennis Club was formed in 2015 and meets every Monday in the Sports Hall from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, with a short break for tea, coffee, and biscuits, which seems to be getting longer as we get older! The number of members now attending has remained constant but new members will be made most welcome. No equipment is required as we have tables and several bats. Please come along and enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship. Roger Thompson ## **Bible Study/Home groups at Wesley** Bible Study/Home groups can enrich our spiritual life and provide a supportive community where we can grow, learn, and encourage one another. It’s an opportunity to experience the beauty of Christian fellowship and apply biblical truths to everyday living. Life can be challenging, in a home Bible study group, you can find encouragement, prayer partners, and friends who walk alongside you during difficult times. Here at Wesley, we have different groups that meet on different days and times. If you would like to join a small group, please contact one of the leaders listed below for more information. Most house groups meet every other week or twice in a month: Monday 10:00 AM, at 430 New Rd – Bob Mahy – 01579 351311 Wednesday 10:00 AM, at Wesley – Linda Eastlake - 07711389125 Wednesday 7:30 PM, on zoom – Noel Morgan – 01822 832952 Wednesday 7:30 PM, various homes – Fiona Budd – 01752 842788 Thursday 10:00 AM, on Zoom – Revd Jonathan Budd – 01752 842788 ## **TREASURER’S REPORT ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING 17 MARCH 2024 Accounts year ended 31 August 2023** The Saltash Wesley Church General accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 were presented to the Church Council Meeting in October 2023. The accounts subsequently combined with those for the internal organisations were presented at the February 2024 meeting and have been agreed by Church Council. The accounting records have now been passed to our auditor, and once again I would like to extend my thanks to David Trill for his thorough review of the records. I must also record my thanks to all those who have prepared and checked the accounts of the Church’s Internal Organisations. Regarding the sources of income, our room hiring amounted to **£24,546** compared to **£19,485** in the previous year, i.e. an increase of **£5,061.** In addition to providing a facility for Adult Education via Link into Learning, we now have regular bookings from various NHS clinics, including the Diabetic Eye Screening, Covid Vaccination Clinic and Respiratory Clinic. We also have regular bookings from Diabetes Prevention courses and a Podiatry Clinic. We must thank Joanna for all the effort she makes in obtaining the quality bookings of hirers currently using our premises. However, offerings were down by **£2,268** and emerged at **£37,655** compared to **£39,923** in the previous year, although this decrease was anticipated owing to the loss of members of our congregation over the last 18 months for various reasons. Gift Day receipts amounted to **£5,595** from individuals and **£2,656** from internal organisations, a total of **£8,251** , an overall increase of **£779** on the previous year which partly compensates for the fall in offerings. Weekday coffee mornings have shown a steady increase and the total banked emerged at **£3,484** compared to **£2,190** in the previous year, an increase of **£1,294** , although some days (particularly Thursdays) have been quiet. However, it is good to see a few new regular attendees at our Community Coffee shop. Income from catering activities (mainly funerals) and Sunday coffees has also increased to **£1,725** compared to **£568** in the previous year. Income from investments was up by **£965** and amounted to **£6,385,** with **£5,375** being received from investments via Brewin Dolphin and **£1,010** from TMCP. The Gift Aid Tax reclaim amounted to **£13,081** of which **£742** related to the GASDS for 2021/22. Thus, the claim for the tax year 2022/23 only amounted to **£12,339** including the GASDS for 2023. The accounts therefore reflect only a small decrease in overall income of **£54** . The solar power payback amounted to **£4,591** (2022 - £4,055) an increase of **£536** . Please note that **£2,018** of the total of **£4,591** was not received until 4 September 2023, but has been included within the accounts to be consistent with previous years (would normally have been received mid- August). The amount received was much higher in the last quarter owing to the very sunny conditions in June 2023. I am also extremely pleased to report that we received a grant of **£10,000** from National Grid via Local Giving during the year which had mainly to be used towards alleviating our energy costs following the large hike in energy prices in the autumn of 2022. This grant did however mean that we could offer a Warm Welcoming Space together with hot nutritious meals on two days a week. We have also received grants from Cornwall Council Time2Move programme which have been utilised towards providing hot meals, craft and physical activities at our very successful children’s holiday clubs which are aimed particularly at targeting needy families. In addition, we obtained a grant of **£2,000** from the Feeding Britain Project which was fully utilised in providing recipes and the required ingredients enabling families to prepare five healthy nourishing meals. Total income including that of the Internal Organisations therefore amounted to **£129,262** which was in fact down from **£140,594** in the previous year, **mainly** because no grants were received for the Children’s and Families Worker, following Chris Clark’s departure. Turning to expenses, our major outlay was the Circuit assessment which amounted to **£50,008** compared to **£59,313** in 2022 a decrease of **£9,305,** which is owing to the fact that Saltash Circuit has only had one ordained minister during the last financial year. Utilities which include water rates, electricity, gas and insurance costs amounted to **£10,857.** However, our gas contract ended in July 2023 and was changed to Octopus Energy, but owing to the energy crisis the best tariff obtainable was double that paid in the previous year, so in the current year expenditure on heating our premises is likely to double. Building maintenance emerged at **£3,880** compared to **£1,568,** in the previous year **.** You will be relieved to know that the re-rendering of the Sports Hall wall adjacent to Bostraze has been completed at a total cost to **£2,600** after some negotiation with the builder. Repairs to the guttering have also been carried out at a cost of **£570** and the balance paid of **£389** on the new window in the foyer. Equipment additions and repairs totalled **£5,791** (£10,230 – 2022). The major items included in the expenditure were the costs of the carpet and chairs for the consulting room being **£310** and **£411** respectively, the purchase and installation of new radiators in the foyer at a cost of £ **2,332** , the installation of new showers at a cost of **£794** , the new safeguarding cabinet - **£314** and a scanner for the office at **£418** . A new fridge and freezer have also been purchased at a total cost of **£404** . The cost of organ and piano repairs and tuning emerged at **£564** compared to **£2,874** in 2022 when extensive repairs were required to the organ following the long periods of lock down. Telephone costs emerged at **£738** compared to **£1,441** in the previous year following the change of contract to Virgin Media. Overall our expenses amounted to £ **95,872** considerably down from **£126,497** in the previous year because of the reduced cost of the assessment and the loss of our Children’s and Families Worker. Total income disclosed on the Management account is therefore **£129,262** and expenses **£95,872** resulting in the overall surplus of **£33,390** for the year to 31 August 2023 compared to the surplus in the previous year of **£14,097.** This was an amazing outcome, and it was good to know that we could proceed with the refurbishment of the foyer/community café and the meeting room (room3) which had initially to be financed by us and which might otherwise have caused cashflow difficulties. The bank and cash balances held locally as at 31 August 2023 amounted to **£87,341** which comprised of **£68,924** held in the general account and **£18,417** for internal organisations. This compared to a total of **£53,952** at the end of the previous accounting period. The total value of the investments as at 31 August 2023 amounted to **£260,996** . The valuation of the Henwood bequest amounted to **£222,123** compared to **£226,706** in August 2022, a fall of **£4,583** . The amount held by the Trustees for Methodist Church purposes as at 31 August 2023 amounted to **£38,872** compared to **£39,161** as at 31 August 2022 a decrease of **£289** Therefore total funds including bank and cash balances (but excluding Mbare and the Music Foundation) as at 31 August 2023 amounted to **£348,337** compared to **£319,820** in 2022, an increase of **£28,517.** Separately, I have recently prepared a draft income and expenditure account for the six months to 28 February 2024 for the General account. Excluding the internal organisations and amounts passed through the bank accounts for the Circuit and others, the total income amounted to **£44,953** and expenses of **£47,186** resulting in a net deficit for first half of the year of **£2,233.** This does however include the quarterly assessment of **£12,172** paid in advance to 31 May 2024. In the comparable period in the previous year a deficit of **£5,308** arose, so this year’s deficit to date is not currently of any concern. At last the redecoration and refurbishment of the foyer/community café and room 3 meeting space is reaching completion, despite a number of hold-ups which have been outside our control. However, we are now hopeful that the final costs will be within the grant originally awarded from the Cornwall Council Levelling-Up fund. However, a big thank you must be extended to all who assisted in the completion of this major project and I am pleased to report that the results have on the whole been very well received. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all our Church family not only for their tremendous generosity and commitment both spiritually, practically and financially to the continuing work at Wesley, in our town community and the wider Circuit but also for their ongoing financial assistance to the charities supported each year as detailed separately in the list of charitable donations. **Anita Thompson Church Treasurer** . LTASH WESLEY M￿HODIST CHURCH Charltable Donat5ons year ended 31 Au8USt 2023 Action for Children Action for Children Action for Children Jeremiah's Journey Margaret Tanner'5 Work in Chad Matthew Rusike Childrens Home Matthew Rusike Childrens Home Matthew Rusike Childrens Home Mbare for Christmas Food Parcels Mbare Methodist Relief Fund Mbare Methodlst Relief Fund Mbare MethodSst Relief Fund Mbare Methodlst Rellef Fund Mbare Methodist Relief Fund Mbare MethodSst Rellef Fund Mbare Methodlst Rellef Fund Mbare Methodist Relief Fund Mbare Methodist Relief Fund Mbare Methodlst Rellef Fund Mbare Methodist Relief Fund Mbare Methodist Relief Fund Mbare School Fees Fund 230.08 Collecuon Boxes 284.25 Chrlstmas Day CollectSon 287.67 Collection Boxes 60.￿ Café Church 130.IY) Café Church 120.DJ Café Church 156.62 Wesley Christmas Card 60.46 Donations 599.66 Sale of Calendars 298.75 Plant Sale 1,007.58 Coffee Mornings & Soup Lunch 468.70 Jenny Hannaford - sale of palntings 1,054.50 Personal Donations 102.11 Christmas Gift Cards & Calendars 243.15 Table Top Sales 131.65 Carol Service 53.51 Judith Allen Cards 304.C￿ Holley's Cream Tea I(MJ.IX) Transfer from Kopje Prolect 248.40 Sale of Calendars 662.￿ GiftAid 3,714.CK) Personal Donations 303.80 Holley's Cream Tea 225.C￿ Taple Top Sales 98.17 Coffee Morning 660.50 Gift Ald 408.12 Covenant Servlce Collection 60.01 Harvest Cash collection 322.50 Retiring Collettion 219.71 Quiz Evenlng 91.42 Traidcraft loj.￿ Table Top Sales 550.W Retiring CollettSon 312.87 Jars of Change Mbare School Fees Fund Mbare School Fees Fund Mbare School Fees Fund Mbare School Fees Fund Saltash Foodbank Saltash Foodbank St Petrocs linclvdes Glft ASd £82.50) Tear Fund Transform Trade Turkey Syria Earthquake Appeal Turkey Syria Earthquake Appeal Ilncludes Glft Aid £C Water Aid (includes Gift Aid £40.42) TOTAL £13.669.19 CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2023 Clrcult Clrcult no. 12122 Regl$tsred Charlty - Charlty Reglstrallon nurn￿r If not a re9iStered charity Her Majesty's Rev•nu• and Customs Glft Akl numb•r (The HMRC number is equlva￿nt lo a registered chanty number in lems of evidence of charilable status and may be used lo give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisalion, charitable status. Methodist Charities in England and Wa￿5 that are not registered chantses are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) 1127542 Minister.. Reverand Jonathan Budd Church Stewards.. Miss EIsFeth Nicolls Mr. Derek Holley Mr. Christopher Gittins Retired 30.4.2023 Mrs. Anne Melling Retired 30.4.2023 Mrs. Rosemary Witts Mrs. JOY￿ Amies Mrs. Sandra Kowalski Appointed 1.5.2023 Treasurer. Mrs. Anita Thompson Standard Fonn of Accounts 2023.xls 1of5 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST Church To¢•ls knst SECTION A RECEIPTS Offerin 8 and Tax recoverod Bank and CF8 intsrest and Invastsn•nt incom• 50,738 53 057 5725 6385 5420 Lettin 24.546 19,485 62,632 140,$94 Other rwipt$ TOTAL RECEIPTS 14,144 90.086 21.451 21.451 12.otrj 17.725 47,595 129.262 la71 SECTION B b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circurt Assejsment or Shar• 59313 b3 Donation8 Re irs and Maintsnance uts11￿e3 (Insuran￿$, water es, ￿atIn htin 6.842 3.393 10.235 b5 8,C69 Chilthan's and Famili•s Work•f 20818 b7 Othr p4ym•r TOTAL PAYMENrs 10.098 73,418 4.050 4,910 9.764 17,544 23.912 95,872 21,985 126.497 Ibg) SECTK>N C NET RECEIPTS+PAYMENT8 FOR THE YEAR c1 16.541 181 14 097 Total lunds Wht f0Th¥a￿ Iiom 1081 year 89 804 Sub totsl ¢1+¢2 86.272 26.639 181 Transfer• and ustments ¢7 603 TOTAL FUN08 AT END OF YEAR 1¢34e41 94,760 18,235 181 113.176 Ic81 79,702 le6 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY.. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGMISATIONS thM• amounts arn not to b• In¢lud•d In totsl r•c•i abov• d1 8alance brou ht foThvarf from last Offerin sIGtfts- rec•tved for •xt•mal nisalM$ 17,420 Off¢rin 8lGffts - p453e(I lo extemal organisalions 25,571 17,CE3 ALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2-d3 7.B86 8,187 2oT5 SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST ChuFt* CH SECTION E INTERNAL oAaiiwiTI)NS Sknh Mbv• P4 ¢3 ¢7 9.347 9.$51 •11 4.595 .b)ts1* ¢4kThl} 121212 •0,172 l¢n 79,702 113,176 8YCHURCH 132,14J 11K21• 89.253 117,781 TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL PAYMEFIT8 ¢w￿rd 8E¢TW)N F OPENW CL￿1149 LANCE8 CMIIRCII.CA811 FUFIIXI HELD at31 ￿￿292) 549 8•nk f4 25.750 SVB TOTAL.Clwwth 113178 9.SSI TOT￿ CASH FUNC&l MELD OYCHUACH 117761 8ECTION G 31 W3)23 235 161 4 581 875 4 780 837 241 603 3d5 Name of Church .. SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH No: 12122 Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year lo 31 August 2023 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Signature of treasurér........ .. ....... . .... ... ... Name and address oftreasurer............Mrs. AnilaTh0mps(￿....................................... .. 26 L￿g Park Road. Saltash, Comwall Post Code.. PL12 4AH Prmentatlon to th• Church t￿￿t0•S I confimi that the 8nnual r8POrt and accounts ft)r the year ended 31 A￿U$l 2023 weremill be. presented lo the meeting of the Church trustees held on 22 Febfuary 2024 Signature of the Chair of the rneeting Name of the Chair of the rneetirvJ Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of the Saltash Wesley Methodlst Church Charity Numb•r 1127642 R•8poMlbilltles and basls of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Saltash Wesley Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2023 set out on pages 1 to 3. AS the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the preparatlon of the aCc￿nts aCcOrda￿e with the requirements of the Chariti8s Act 2011 ('the I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts Carried out undef section 145 of the A and, in carrying out my examinats'on. I have fdlowed all the applicable Directions given ty the Charity Commission under section 145151(b> of . delete (K circle as aK)ropriate IrA 4ofS Namg ofChurch.........SALTA8H WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH ............... No 12122 Indepondent Examlneffs Statement I have corn￿eted my examinats'on. I confinn Ihat no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the eXaMinat￿n (other than that discjosed bew) vthith give me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. the ￿￿untIng record$ were not kept in accordarth V￿th section 130 of tho Act; or the accounts do not accord %*ith the accounting records. I have no concems and have comè across no other rnatter5 in connection vath the examination to vthich attention should be drabln in this rewt in order to enable a woper undèrstsndI￿ of the accsJJnts to be roachod. I h8vemave not" obtained independent verification of all investments with the TnJs18es for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of th8 Methodist Church knthich are individualty in excess of £10.C(Kl (len thousand pounds) al the balance sheet dale. Signature of independent examiner Name of independenl examiner ....... fvlr. David Trill Relevanl professk)nal qUaIffic￿On of Independent examiner ......ACIB Nameoffinn (wtsre approwfjalel ................................................................................. Address 35, Mount Wlse Crescent PL14TJ Date delete or circle as appropriate ' siandard Form of Acmirrts 2023JJs 5.of 5 CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2023 Clrcult Clrcult no. 12122 Regl$tsred Charlty - Charlty Reglstrallon nurn￿r If not a re9iStered charity Her Majesty's Rev•nu• and Customs Glft Akl numb•r (The HMRC number is equlva￿nt lo a registered chanty number in lems of evidence of charilable status and may be used lo give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisalion, charitable status. Methodist Charities in England and Wa￿5 that are not registered chantses are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) 1127542 Minister.. Reverand Jonathan Budd Church Stewards.. Miss EIsFeth Nicolls Mr. Derek Holley Mr. Christopher Gittins Retired 30.4.2023 Mrs. Anne Melling Retired 30.4.2023 Mrs. Rosemary Witts Mrs. JOY￿ Amies Mrs. Sandra Kowalski Appointed 1.5.2023 Treasurer. Mrs. Anita Thompson Standard Fonn of Accounts 2023.xls 1of5 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST Church To¢•ls knst SECTION A RECEIPTS Offerin 8 and Tax recoverod Bank and CF8 intsrest and Invastsn•nt incom• 50,738 53 057 5725 6385 5420 Lettin 24.546 19,485 62,632 140,$94 Other rwipt$ TOTAL RECEIPTS 14,144 90.086 21.451 21.451 12.otrj 17.725 47,595 129.262 la71 SECTION B b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circurt Assejsment or Shar• 59313 b3 Donation8 Re irs and Maintsnance uts11￿e3 (Insuran￿$, water es, ￿atIn htin 6.842 3.393 10.235 b5 8,C69 Chilthan's and Famili•s Work•f 20818 b7 Othr p4ym•r TOTAL PAYMENrs 10.098 73,418 4.050 4,910 9.764 17,544 23.912 95,872 21,985 126.497 Ibg) SECTK>N C NET RECEIPTS+PAYMENT8 FOR THE YEAR c1 16.541 181 14 097 Total lunds Wht f0Th¥a￿ Iiom 1081 year 89 804 Sub totsl ¢1+¢2 86.272 26.639 181 Transfer• and ustments ¢7 603 TOTAL FUN08 AT END OF YEAR 1¢34e41 94,760 18,235 181 113.176 Ic81 79,702 le6 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY.. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGMISATIONS thM• amounts arn not to b• In¢lud•d In totsl r•c•i abov• d1 8alance brou ht foThvarf from last Offerin sIGtfts- rec•tved for •xt•mal nisalM$ 17,420 Off¢rin 8lGffts - p453e(I lo extemal organisalions 25,571 17,CE3 ALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2-d3 7.B86 8,187 2oT5 SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST ChuFt* CH SECTION E INTERNAL oAaiiwiTI)NS Sknh Mbv• P4 ¢3 ¢7 9.347 9.$51 •11 4.595 .b)ts1* ¢4kThl} 121212 •0,172 l¢n 79,702 113,176 8YCHURCH 132,14J 11K21• 89.253 117,781 TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL PAYMEFIT8 ¢w￿rd 8E¢TW)N F OPENW CL￿1149 LANCE8 CMIIRCII.CA811 FUFIIXI HELD at31 ￿￿292) 549 8•nk f4 25.750 SVB TOTAL.Clwwth 113178 9.SSI TOT￿ CASH FUNC&l MELD OYCHUACH 117761 8ECTION G 31 W3)23 235 161 4 581 875 4 780 837 241 603 3d5 Name of Church .. SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH No: 12122 Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year lo 31 August 2023 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Signature of treasurér........ .. ....... . .... ... ... Name and address oftreasurer............Mrs. AnilaTh0mps(￿....................................... .. 26 L￿g Park Road. Saltash, Comwall Post Code.. PL12 4AH Prmentatlon to th• Church t￿￿t0•S I confimi that the 8nnual r8POrt and accounts ft)r the year ended 31 A￿U$l 2023 weremill be. presented lo the meeting of the Church trustees held on 22 Febfuary 2024 Signature of the Chair of the rneeting Name of the Chair of the rneetirvJ Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of the Saltash Wesley Methodlst Church Charity Numb•r 1127642 R•8poMlbilltles and basls of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Saltash Wesley Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2023 set out on pages 1 to 3. AS the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the preparatlon of the aCc￿nts aCcOrda￿e with the requirements of the Chariti8s Act 2011 ('the I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts Carried out undef section 145 of the A and, in carrying out my examinats'on. I have fdlowed all the applicable Directions given ty the Charity Commission under section 145151(b> of . delete (K circle as aK)ropriate IrA 4ofS Namg ofChurch.........SALTA8H WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH ............... No 12122 Indepondent Examlneffs Statement I have corn￿eted my examinats'on. I confinn Ihat no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the eXaMinat￿n (other than that discjosed bew) vthith give me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. the ￿￿untIng record$ were not kept in accordarth V￿th section 130 of tho Act; or the accounts do not accord %*ith the accounting records. I have no concems and have comè across no other rnatter5 in connection vath the examination to vthich attention should be drabln in this rewt in order to enable a woper undèrstsndI￿ of the accsJJnts to be roachod. I h8vemave not" obtained independent verification of all investments with the TnJs18es for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of th8 Methodist Church knthich are individualty in excess of £10.C(Kl (len thousand pounds) al the balance sheet dale. Signature of independent examiner Name of independenl examiner ....... fvlr. David Trill Relevanl professk)nal qUaIffic￿On of Independent examiner ......ACIB Nameoffinn (wtsre approwfjalel ................................................................................. Address 35, Mount Wlse Crescent PL14TJ Date delete or circle as appropriate ' siandard Form of Acmirrts 2023JJs 5.of 5