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2022-12-31-accounts

Caring. Open. Engaged. TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ~~Te~~ Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist with St Stephen, Reading

May 2023 Registered charity number 1127821

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

Contents

Contents
Aim and purpose 3
Objectives and activities 3
Achievements and Performance 4
Highlights 4
Worship and Prayer 6
Pastoral Care 7
Electoral Roll 7
Church Buildings 7
Parish Centre 7
Church House 8
Health and Safety 9
Safeguarding 10
Finance and Governance 10
Structure, Governance and Management 10
Financial Review 11
Deanery Synod Report 14
Administrative Information 14
Independent Examiner’s Report F1
Statement of Financial Activities F2
Balance Sheet F3
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Accounting Policies F4
2. Income and Endowments F5
3. Expenditure F6
4. Staff Costs, Trustee Donations & Expenses F7
5. Fixed Assets F7
6. Schedule of Investments F8
7. Debtors and Prepayments F9
8. Cash at Bank and on Hand F9
9. Liabilities F9
10. Analysis of Assets and Liabilities F9
11. Movement by Fund F10
12. Analysis of General Fund F11
13. Analysis of Outward Giving F12

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Aim and purpose

St John and St Stephen’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Claire Alcock, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St John and St Stephen’s Church building in Orts Road, Reading, and the maintenance and letting of Church House, Orts Road, Reading.

Objectives and activities

The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives, and in planning future activities. As a church we have five mission priorities: community, school, pastoral care and spiritual growth, families, and Eco church.

Community: The PCC is committed to furthering the vision of St John and St Stephen’s Church as we seek to serve our community in East Reading, offering a particular welcome to those who feel wounded by life. Our aim is to be more of a neighbourhood church, for our fellowship to be more diverse and to find ways to engage with the residents of the new apartments north of the Kennet.

School: The Church is physically attached to St John’s C of E Primary School and we enjoy a close relationship with them via assemblies and shared use of our worship space. School parents and carers regularly hang out in our weekday cafe, forging friendships and sharing day to day issues. We aim to continue to strengthen our bond with the school and to support the governance and leadership.

Pastoral care and spiritual growth: Our Sunday worship is centred on the Holy Communion service, with good preaching, varied music, children’s groups, and refreshments afterwards. We seek to go deeper in our worship via contemplation and shared prayer needs, and to be real with God and with each other. We value preaching highly and our small groups provide an opportunity to explore faith and life issues further. We aim to give everyone in church a chance to go deeper with God through existing small groups, and emerging new ones, and to work towards a culture of nurture courses that can be available to those who are exploring faith at any level.

Families: We are seeking ways to develop our weekly Sunday youth and children’s work amid changing social patterns. We aim to strengthen engagement with and nurture of the children and young people connected to us, and their families, and are interested in their faith formation and how best to support it.

Eco Church: We are an Eco Church committed to tackling current issues of climate injustice. Our aim is to continue to pioneer and highlight green issues in our own congregational life, in our local area, and with our MPs nationally and globally. We seek to integrate prayer and social action and many of us are involved in local social projects as an active outworking of our faith in Jesus Christ, as we seek to make a difference in the world. We are exploring with our Diocese what it means to be a more Christ-like Church for the sake of the world, incorporating the three values of contemplation, compassion and courage.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Highlights

address the upkeep of our rentals

4

debate!)

featured in The Church Times

Christmas Fair and a stall at their Summer Fair

of the new King

We would like to thank all our volunteers who are essential to the life and mission of our church.

5

Worship and Prayer

Our weekly attendance generally ranges between 60 and 80 persons and numbers were above this for both Mothering Sunday and our Confirmation Service in April. This year there were 92 people present for our Carol Service which is an improvement on last year although not yet back to the pre-pandemic 120. Newcomers to our worship this year have included university students and refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong.

The Sunday children’s work continues, with Godly Play and Children’s Praise during the service – numbers ranging from six to twenty children. Forest church continues to be very popular, meeting either at Bulmershe Allotments or a volunteer’s garden. All-Age worship continues to be held outdoors during the summer months. (We are very grateful to those who keep the front garden looking beautiful for this.) We have begun discussions about employing a Children’s & Families’ or Youth Worker.

We continue to hold morning prayer on Mondays and Wednesdays in term time. The Café Communion on Thursdays is occasionally replaced with Lectio Divina led by Cathy Rowan (and details of this appear on our website). Both this and the regular Wednesday morning Fireside have welcomed newcomers from among the mums who drop into the café after leaving their children at the school. Prayer and fellowship also continues in our homegroups and at Oasis (women-only group on Wednesday afternoons in church).

The monthly church lunch has been re-established which is always a good time of fellowship. We continue to be grateful to those who lead our singing and for their exceptional and wide-ranging musical talents. The recent new and brighter screens have contributed greatly to the ease of seeing the words and we are very grateful to Simon for his week-on-week management of the sound desk.

There have been two infant baptisms, four confirmations from our own congregation (and two from St Luke’s), banns read for four wedding couples, two renewals of vows and a marriage blessing, but no weddings within the building. There has been one funeral and one interment of ashes at Henley Road Cemetery. In the autumn we held a morning of prayer for our local community which was very well attended and an opportunity to consider our vision going forward.

We are fortunate to have a team of regular worship leaders and preachers which includes Rev Christine Bainbridge (Associate Minister), Rev Dr Mark Laynesmith (Chaplain to the University), and our three licensed lay ministers – Hamish Bruce, Dr Richard Croft and Jeremy Thake – with valued input from Richard Harwood who currently holds an authorisation to preach.

We plan our services collaboratively and prayerfully, and the wardens and incumbent meet for prayer and business once a week.

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Pastoral Care

The main model of pastoral care at St John and St Stephen’s continues to be one of mutuality and friendship. People simply look out for each other.

Our home groups are places where members support and celebrate one another, with home group leaders having a particular pastoral role.

The acceptance and welcome offered by our welcomers on Sunday and those working or volunteering in our building during the week are a vital part of our pastoral care. There are of course individuals who are called to a more particular ministry in this area. These now meet as a group once a term for reflection, mutual support, and prayer. Pastoral issues that seem to have increased during the year are mental health (including experience of trauma), greater frailty amongst older members, stress around finance and housing, and the challenges faced by newcomers from other countries, especially Ukraine and Hong Kong.

This year our care even extended to a beloved cat who was visited three times daily while her owner was in a nursing home!

Christine Bainbridge Associate Priest

Electoral Roll

Our revised electoral roll was completed on 3[rd] May 2023. There are 91 members on the Church Electoral Roll. 5 names were added during the year and 5 were removed: 1 due to death, 1 moved away from the Parish, 1 had stopped attending church for over 6 months and 2 had previously been included in error.

CHURCH BUILDINGS

St John and St Stephen’s Parish Centre

Report from the Buildings & Plant Group

The Group, comprising Richard Bainbridge, Rosemary Croft, Hugh Fisher (chair) and Les Pullen, has met five times since the last APCM.

During the past twelve months, we have carried out or arranged:

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We are very grateful to Alan Denny, Simon French and Les Pullen for the new improved Wi-Fi and for replacing the church projectors. Les has also assisted with numerous repair works, for which we are also grateful.

The church's last Quinquennial Inspection took place in 2019. All the major recommendations identified have been carried out. Some minor works remain to be addressed before next year’s Quinquennial takes place.

The Energy Audit, which took place in 2020, has informed much of our discussion on environmental issues. We have twice investigated the relative temperatures inside and outside the church building with a thermal imaging gun to see if cavity wall insulation or double glazing of the long slit windows in the church and the single-glazed large windows in the main entrance lobby is necessary, but the results suggest that no significant improvement would be gained by such works.

Installation of solar panels, ideally on the roof of the new School building, has progressed to the point where a draft contract, drawn up by Jeremy Thake, has been submitted to the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust. However, at the time of writing, a response from the Trust has yet to be received. The matter has been referred to the Diocesan Environmental Manager for their support and action, but this has yet to be forthcoming. Expenditure on the installation has been included in the PCC's 2023 budget.

Rosemary Croft & Hugh Fisher Churchwarden and Treasurer

1 and 2 Church House

Report from the Church House Property Committee

Over the last two years, it has become apparent that as a church we needed to be more involved and proactive in how we look after these properties, while we receive rent from the tenants in those properties.

This has led to the recent creation of a Property Committee, which consists of five people, Mary and David Langshaw, Steve Lewis, Ian Maynard and Jeremy Thake. This Committee is beginning to find its feet and has after some differences and protracted debate amongst the PCC, in deciding how the Committee should operate, reached a consensus on the terms of reference for the Committee’s operation.

In looking to keep up with the requests from both tenants, there has been work carried out on the flooring, lighting, checks on the flats’ boilers, electrical installation certificates and energy performance certificates.

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During the next 12 months, the Committee will be looking to address mould issues, the possibility of solar panels and other eco changes in the flats, as a link to our Church’s eco status amongst other issues.

Over the last 12 months, our management has improved and we are more focussed on our responsibilities. There is a long road ahead, but it is a bright road bearing a lot of positivity which was not true even six months ago.

Ian Maynard

Churchwarden and Property Committee Chair

Health and Safety 2023

Report from the Health and Safety Officer

The 12 months or thereabouts since the last APCM has seen church services begin to return to nearly being what may be seen as normality, still being aware that Covid is an ongoing issue and the sensitivities that ride along with this.

It has seen a return to some activities which were part of church life during the week and the creation of new activities as we bade farewell to Tanya Penn and hello to Joanna Laynesmith in the role of Office Manager and Church Administrator. I would like to thank Joanna for her application in making sure that all those using the building during the week were as safe from harm as could be expected. This is especially in regard to the clear labelling of the cupboards and drawers in relation to their contents.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Tanya once again for her contribution and the framework which has been built on by Joanna.

The fire extinguishers have been tested and approved fit for purpose. (Our last PAT testing was in December 2021.)

A matter which will require consideration in the future is the service hatch in the café. A recent (2021) Health & Safety review of St John's Primary school which included the café as it is used from time to time by the school for cooking found that the hatch was not as potentially proficient as it should be in the role of preventing a fire getting beyond the cafe into the church. As stated, the hatch does not require an upgrade to be put in place at present but needs to be considered when any refurb of the kitchen is being considered.

Ian Maynard Health and Safety Officer

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SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at St John and St Stephen's Church and the PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016: to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. By following proper procedures, we can significantly reduce the risk of a serious safeguarding incident and create a supportive, caring community allowing us to worship and encourage each other. There have been no safeguarding incidents that need to be reported in this reporting year.

Over the past year, we have worked together to ensure that everyone in a position of trust has the appropriate training and has a valid DBS check in place, thereby ensuring that many people in the church are aware of potential pitfalls and that we are vigilant as we review existing activities and as we look to the future. Anyone who is new to a role needs to go through the ‘Safer Recruitment’ process that our safeguarding policy details. This means a chat with the incumbent about the role (e.g. working with children or young people), the person’s suitability for the role, and the provision of a couple of character references. The details of safer recruitment, training and DBS checks are stored centrally on an excel spreadsheet that is being continuously updated.

Safeguarding is a standing item on the PCC agenda. We are using the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard to ensure Church of England guidelines are being followed and this has been useful in prompting the creation of risk assessments and checks on insurance. Our Safeguarding processes are not an end in themselves; they are designed to raise awareness of potential dangers and create a safe space which allows us all to be in community together and to serve Christ with integrity.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to my requests for action and to all who volunteer week by week. Safeguarding has relied on teamwork; special thanks to Jo Laynesmith and Rosemary Croft for their support and focus on the details of many complex issues.

Rachel Thake Safeguarding Officer

FINANCE & GOVERNANCE

Structure, Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St John and St Stephen’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar), one designated licensed lay minister, churchwardens, members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church, and members co-opted to specific offices. All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. All PCC members are required to undergo safeguarding training.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

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The full PCC met 4 times during the year with an average level of attendance of 75%. Sub-committees which deal with mission giving (Church Giving Advisory Group), fabric (Buildings and Plant Group) and lettings (Church House Property Committee) as well as the Standing Committee are responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly. The PCC also receives regular reports from the Safeguarding Officer and Treasurer.

Financial Review

Once again it is pleasing to be able to report that the overall position for 2022 showed an excess of income over expenditure, this time of £11.5k. Key points to report are:

Once again the PCC is grateful to God for the continued generosity of many church members, including some who have since moved away, in providing resources for the running of the church and funding for grants to our mission and other partners. There has been some reduction in the levels of giving over the year, but income from investment dividends and church lettings has increased and also a bequest was received.

The financial tables are set out on pages F1 to F12 following.

Banking . All the Church's banking is conducted through the current account held with the Charities Aid Foundation Bank, based in West Malling. A minimal amount of interest is now being paid on this account. Other non-invested funds are held with BOOM Community Bank (formerly Community Savings & Loans) and the Reading Hydro Project. The Community Bank paid a small dividend in the year. Surplus funds of £25k in the CAF account were invested in the COIF ethical investment fund, as in 2021.

Total income amounted to £121.9k, an increase of £6.9k (6%) on 2021 (see Note 2 on page F5). Within this sum, donation income of £61.9k was £1.6k (2%) less than last year. Tax-efficient donations, including those received through charitable agencies such as CAF and Stewardship, accounted for 92% of the total (94% in 2021), while £13.6k was reclaimed from HMRC (4% decrease), including tax recovery on cash donations made in the church building up to £30 under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. Investment income and interest of £16.7k was £1.3k (8%) higher than 2021. Lettings (Church House and Parish Centre) and sales income of £22.8k was £3.3k (17%) higher, reflecting some increases in rent for the two let properties and considerably more lettings of the church itself. Fees and other income of £2.6k were marginally higher (2%). There was one bequest received during the year of £4.3k.

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Total expenditure of £110.4k represented an increase of £10.6k (11%) over 2021 (see Note 3 on page F6), due to greater use being made of the church building during the year, thereby increasing church running costs. Parish Share payments remained the same. The majority of other expenditure comprised day-to-day running costs. All expenditure on children’s and youth work (£2.1k in 2022) continued to be funded by income received on money invested from Arthur Clark’s generous legacy. In accordance with the PCC’s current policy, Mission giving is budgeted as 22% of the previous year’s eligible General Fund income. £20.0k was distributed by this means to 15 mission partners at home and abroad, with a further £4.7k from individual donations, including £2.3k to Christian Aid, partly towards the situation in Ukraine. Full details are set out at Note 13 (page F12).

The General Fund , which encompasses most donation income and church running costs, opened with a balance of £2.0k. Income amounted to £88.6k, virtually the same as in 2021. Lower donations and tax reclaim income was offset by an equivalent increase in dividend and letting income. There were also rebates totalling £1.8k for (a) Reading Deanery churches’ share payments having been made in full and on time, and (b) payment of the Parish Share by direct debit - unchanged from 2021. Total running costs of £80.6k were £2.4k higher than in 2021. The main increases were on cleaning (£3.6k) and utility costs (£2.4k), but there was a reduction of £2.8k on maintenance costs, due to a particularly high level of expenditure in 2021. The Parish Share, as usual, comprised the largest single item of expenditure, and amounted to £45.3k, unchanged from 2021. It was fully paid in regular instalments. There were no major maintenance projects during the year. The billing dispute with the Church's energy supplier (Ecotricity) was finally resolved and charging is now on a proper footing, although energy charges increased significantly in the latter part of the year. Gas for heating the church continues to be off-charged by the School, with no complications. The sum of £25.0k invested during the year was transferred from the General Fund, which was balanced by a further transfer of £15.0k from the Church House Letting Fund, leaving a closing balance of zero. Full details of the General Fund are set out at Note 12 (page F11). Broad analyses of General Fund income and expenditure are shown on the accompanying pie charts.

The capital value of the church’s investments showed a significant decrease of £74.0k (12%) in the year, reflecting reductions in market values. This decrease was, in the event, very similar to the increase achieved in 2021. As noted above, a further £25k was invested in the CCLA Charities Official Ethical Investment Fund and the higher level of dividend income from both this and the similar 2021 investment has now come on stream. All investments are held through CCLA, who manages its funds in accordance with the policies of the Church of England’s Ethical Advisory Group. Likewise the Charities Ethical Investment Fund is managed with reference to the UK Stewardship Code. The overall valuation at 31 December 2022 was £569.0k, of which £328.0k is unrestricted and £241.0k endowment. Full details of the investments are set out at Note 6 (page F8).

The closing balance across all funds stood at £1,104.7k (including freehold land and buildings), a decrease of £62.5k (5%) over 2021.

Hugh Fisher Treasurer

The Trustees have every confidence that the charity will meet its financial obligations when they become due.

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General Fund Income - 2022 other Investment Income & Interest 140/0 Tax Reclaims 15% Donations 650/0 General Fund Expenditure- 2022 other 21°/0 Insnce & Mtce utilities Parish Share 560 Personne 110/0 13

Deanery Synod Report

We have two Deanery synod reps: Jo Laynesmith and Chris Meunier (and one vacancy). Synod meetings are now held in person but with a Zoom link for those who cannot join this.

On 22 June 2022, business opened with a report from General Synod – matters included modern slavery, racial justice, Living in Love and Faith, safeguarding, personal discipleship plans and mention of a policy regarding Diocesan responsibility for choosing new church boilers. At this Deanery synod, Jo gave a talk about EcoChurch; a motion was passed asking Diocesan/General Synod to take forward policy to make installing solar panels easier; principles for deciding arrangements for parish share were agreed; we were advised that the standing, mission and pastoral committees have been amalgamated for the Deanery as they are for the Diocese.

On 23 November we had a presentation from Citizens UK about how they help communities achieve change and agreed the Deanery would become a member. Julia Jones gave a presentation about REinspired. We were advised of a change in arrangements for LLMs and SSMs receiving fees for services and that a new Deanery website is under construction. There was a discussion about how we are dealing with increased heating costs. Jo’s appointment as Deanery environment lead was announced and we were told that Reading Gateway are employing a Parish nurse. Bishop Stephen’s book – Together in Love and Faith – was mentioned but not discussed.

On 30 March 2023, the meeting began with news about Reading Resource Hub – national funding to help areas of Reading experiencing particular growth. We heard from a new minister at Reading Gateway who has been funded through this and learnt of the impressive growth as a result of their newly employed children’s and family minister, as well as the work of their Parish nurse. We were advised that at the Diocesan synod the net zero plan had been passed. An amended version of the Reading Deanery motion on solar panels had also passed along with one from Wantage Deanery encouraging the use of sustainable flowers and discouraging use of floral foam in churches. We were advised that Citizens UK’s Listening Launch at Reading Minster had been well attended and people were asked to have conversations about what matters locally to feed back to this.

Jo Laynesmith and Chris Meunier

Administrative Information

St John and St Stephen’s Church is situated in Orts Road, Reading. It is part of the Diocese of Oxford within the Church of England.

The correspondence address is 121-147 Orts Rd, Reading RG1 3JN email: office@stjohnandststephen.org.uk

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission with charity number 1127821.

PCC members who have served at any time from 1st January 2022 until the date this report was approved are:

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Incumbent (ex officio) Revd. Claire Alcock CHAIR

Designated Licensed Minister (ex officio) Richard Croft

Churchwardens (ex officio) Rosemary Croft Ian Maynard

Elected Members Term of Office ended 2022 Hugh Fisher TREASURER Richard Harwood Rod Jackson

Term of Office ends 2023 Jose Kennedy (to May 2022) Mary Langshaw (from May 2022) Elaine Maynard Les Pullen

Term of Office ends 2024 Dino D’Sa Selena Peters Ali Wilkinson

Term of Office ends 2025 Charlotte Lambourne Rachel Thake

Co-opted Members Bridget Barwick PCC SECRETARY Hugh Fisher TREASURER (from May 2022) Rachel Thake SAFEGUARDING OFFICER (to May 2022, then elected from May 2022)

Elected Deanery Synod Representatives (ex officio) Term of Office ends 2023

Joanna Laynesmith Chris Meunier

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Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist with St Stephen, Reading

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

Report to the trustees/ members of Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist with St Stephen, Reading on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

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

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Donna Leppitt Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF Date: 14th April 2023

(F1)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2022

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS
Notes Funds Funds Funds Funds 2022 2021
£ £ £ £ £ £
INCOME & ENDOWMENTS 2
Voluntary income 70,520 6,490 2,747 0 79,757 77,571
Activities for generating funds 2,621 20,090 61 0 22,772 19,438
Income from investments 12,840 3,886 0 0 16,725 15,455
Income from church activities 2,632 0 0 0 2,632 2,570
TOTAL INCOME & ENDOWMENTS 88,613 30,466 2,808 0 121,887 115,034
EXPENDITURE 3
Church activities 80,593 26,385 3,400 0 110,378 99,773
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 80,593 26,385 3,400 0 110,378 99,773
TRANSFERS 11
Transfers between funds 14,979 (14,979) 0 0 0 0
NET INCOME & ENDOWMENTS /
EXPENDITURE BEFORE OTHER
RECOGNISED GAINS / LOSSES 22,999 (10,898) (592) 0 11,509 15,261
INVESTMENT GAINS / (LOSSES) 6
On revaluation (41,810) 0 0 (32,164) (73,974) 75,237
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (18,811) (10,898) (592) (32,164) (62,465) 90,498
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 1 JANUARY 346,828 37,996 201,543 580,790 1,167,157 1,076,659
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
AT 31 DECEMBER 328,017 27,098 200,951 548,626 1,104,692 1,167,157

Any minor differences in totals are due to roundings.

(F2)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen. Reading Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022 2022 2021 FIXED ASSErs Tangiblè Fix&YAss•ts Inveslmeni ,019 .993 508.D19 617,%7 TOTAL FIXED ASSErs 1.077.Q12 1.12S.586 CUIIRENT ASSETS Deblors andpw8 Cash atbank andin IKrnY 5,513 24.352 7,489 35,184 TOTAL CURREPIT ASSErs 29,865 43,274 LIABIUTIES 12.1851 12.1031 NET CURRENT ASSETS 41,171 TOTALASSETS 1.104.692 1,167.157 PAFISH FUNDS Unre5trthd nAgiJnkn Re$iriL#*J Endornl 1011 328.017 27.008 2rKI.951 348,828 37.996 201.543 580,79J TOTAL PARISH FUNDS 1.104.692 1,167,157 Approved by the Parochk81 Church Council on 27 Febnwy 2023 and sKJned on its by Revd Claire Alc(xk (Chairl (F3)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared on the accruals basis in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the applicable accounting standards of the Charities 2015 Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102), but a cashflow statement is not included as the PCC’s gross income is below £500k. The Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) is no longer available. The detailed analysis of income and expenditure continues to reflect the particular requirements of the PCC.

Expenditure

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Church activities

The Diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid.

Fixed Assets

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.

Funds

General funds represent funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use, and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose may also be unrestricted.

The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is accountable in law. They do not include accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Income & Endowments

Voluntary income and capital sources

Donations and collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving, is recognised only when received. Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donations are received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and its receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.

Activities for generating funds

Rental income from letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Income from investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Such payments are received without deduction of income tax.

Income from church activities

Income and expenditure relating to various church activities are accounted for gross.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when the investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation at market value, as at 31[st] December (or nearest date available).

Church Centre and Church House

The value shown in the balance sheet for the Church Centre and for nos. 1 and 2 Church House is the acquisition cost of the land and building of the property in 1976 plus the Refectory extension building cost in 2009. This does not include the value of the land which was exchanged with Reading Borough Council for that previously occupied by the former St. Stephen’s Church in accordance with an agreement with the PCC dated 30/11/1976. No valuation of the property is carried out, but the PCC is of the opinion that the open market value is not materially less than the balance sheet value.

No value is placed on movable church furnishings. All expenditure incurred on buildings, furniture and fittings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities, unless separately disclosed.

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC as at 31[st] December in respect of Gift Aid reclaims, fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts which may prove uncollectable. Short Term deposits include any loans currently held.

Investment Policy

The PCC’s policy is: (a) to invest endowment funds and other major legacies in dividend-bearing shareholdings, principally those of the CCLA Central Board of Finance of the C. of E. Investment Fund; (b) to invest other surplus funds in dividend-bearing shareholdings of the CCLA COIF Charities Ethical Investment Fund; (c) to invest selectively in local projects with a strong community interest; and (d) to hold other day-to-day funds in a charity bank account.

Reserves Policy

The PCC relies substantially on the regular inflow of donation, letting and Gift Aid tax recovery income to meet day-to-day commitments. It endeavours to hold sufficient cash reserves to meet at least two months’ gross running costs.

(F4)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 TOTALFUNDS 2022 2021 Funds FuwKIs Funds Notes 2 INCOME & ENDOWMENTS Volwrtary Inco￿ Gift￿d& GASDS donabons Tax recoverable othgrgiwn9- tax effiLYent OÈherwwng- non-iax efffL¥ent Grants Leg&ues 52,833 13.163 1,386 54.509 13,582 2,396 S6,￿3 14,138 3,218 3,661 73 55) 2,678 1,817 4.310 4,310 T¢Aal voluntary incrjne 70.520 6A90 2,747 79,757 77,571 Sales and lettiNJ incon Sales income- nole lal Lelliftginco 2,621 61 2,682 19,438 TLal sales aNI lettiNJ Income 2.621 20.090 61 22.772 19A38 Income from investments Divvdends and intere&frOfflinves￿nts Bankinterest 12,824 15 16,710 15 15,438 17 Tcrtal incc#ne from investsnerts 12,840 3,886 16.726 16,466 Income frorn church activities Fees Otherreceipts 479 2,153 479 2,153 455 2,115 T(rtal inccrfne from church actibities 2,632 2.632 2,570 TOTAL INCOME & ENDOWMENTS 121887 115034 (al Sales Restrtted inct)me comprtses saks ol &"tle reading nLes lOrthJ￿ membets. Anyminor¢)wfe￿nces1rt totals are due to roundrtgs {FS1

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL FUNDS
Funds Funds Funds 2022 2021
Notes £ £ £ £ £
3 EXPENDITURE
Church activities
Grants and gifts 13
Church overseas 0 2,000 0 2,000 2,570
Relief and development agencies 0 9,158 1,888 11,046 7,889
Home mission 0 10,599 1,072 11,671 11,564
Total grants and gifts 0 21,757 2,960 24,717 22,023
Ministry
Diocesan parish share 45,324 0 0 45,324 45,324
Salary 4 0 0 0 0 0
Other ministry costs 2,773 0 240 3,013 2,333
Training and education (a) 0 0 40 40 12
Total ministry 48,097 0 280 48,377 47,670
Church running and maintenance
Wages 4 0 0 0 0 0
Other running expenses 12,213 0 0 12,213 6,293
Church maintenance 2,417 0 0 2,417 3,343
Upkeep of services - note (b) 463 0 160 623 991
Other property upkeep 0 3,781 0 3,781 757
Major repairs (structure) 0 0 0 0 0
Furnishings and equipment 396 0 0 396 3,693
General administration 4,444 0 0 4,444 1,589
Bank charges 81 0 0 81 96
Total church running and maintenance 20,014 3,781 160 23,955 16,762
Support costs
Church activities 5,342 847 0 6,189 5,018
Administration salary 4 6,420 0 0 6,420 7,640
Governance - examination fees 720 0 0 720 660
Total support costs 12,482 847 0 13,329 13,319
Total church activities 80,593 26,385 3,400 110,378 99,773
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 80,593 26,385 3,400 110,378 99,773

(a) Training and education Restricted expenditure comprises Bible reading notes for church members.

(b) Upkeep of services Restricted expenditure comprises the Flower Fund.

Any minor differences in totals are due to roundings.

(F6)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

4 STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEE DONATIONS & EXPENSES
Wages and salaries
Employer's National Insurance costs
Employer's Pension costs
Total
Trustee donations
(13 Trustees in 2022, 15 in 2021)		 2022
2021
£
£
6,276
7,639
82
2
62
0
6,420
7,640
14,433
15,200

During the year, the PCC employed a Parish Centre Manager who earned under £60,000.

The PCC operates HM Revenue & Customs' PAYE scheme for deduction of income tax and National Insurance payments.

The Vicar received £1,888 (£1,971 in 2021) in respect of expenses incurred in carrying out her duties and 6 other Trustees received £1,611 in total (5 other Trustees received £808 in 2021). In addition Mr Leslie Pullen was engaged by the PCC on Outbuilding repairs and other minor works, for which he received £1,286 in total. There were no other disclosable transactions, material or otherwise, in respect of Trustees, persons closely connected with them or other related parties.

5 FIXED ASSETS

(a) Tangible Fixed Assets
Gross Book Value
At 1 January 2022
Revaluation
Additions at cost
At 31 December 2022
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Written off during Year
Charge for year
At 31 December 2022
Net Book Value
At 1 January 2022
At 31 December 2022		 Freehold
land and
Church
buildings
equipment
Total
£
£
£
508,019
0
508,019
0
0
0
0
0
0
508,019
0
508,019
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
508,019
0
508,019
508,019
0
508,019

The freehold land and buildings comprise the Parish Centre, nos. 1 & 2 Church House and the Refectory extension building (see note 1). The value shown in the balance sheet for these is the acquisition cost of the land and building of the property in 1976 plus the Refectory extension building cost in 2009.

The last quinquennial inspection of the church was carried out in 2019.

(b) Investments

See note 6 overleaf.

Notes to table 6A

CBFIF = Central Board of Finance of the Church of England Investment Fund. COIF = Charities Official Investment Fund.

  1. Managing Trustees are Vicar & Churchwardens (income mandated to PCC).

  2. Venner Memorial and Hettie Wilkinson bequest.

  3. Switched from CBFIF 1 July 2018 (£16,242.01).

  4. Purchased 29 October 2015 (3,989.56 shares), 10 June 2021 (8,723.57 shares) & 9 June 2022 (8,735.15 shares).

  5. Purchased 29 October 2015.

  6. Purchased 29 October 2015. Includes £750 re Spencer legacy.

(F7)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 6A SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - VALUATION

Fund and holding Holding
(shares) at
31 Dec
2022
Acquisition
cost		 Market
Value at 31
Dec 2021		 Purchased
in year		 Sold in year Market
Value at 31
Dec 2022		 Gain /
(Loss) in
year
excluding
purchases &
sales
£
£
RESTRICTED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
(held in perpetuity)
Church Expenses Fund
CBFIF Inv. Fund(1)
110.00
74
2,573		 £
0		 £
0		 £
2,271		 £
(302)
Church Expenses Fund
CBFIF Inv. Fund(1)		 110.00
Curacy Endowment
CBFIF Inv. Fund
CBFIF Inv. Fund(2)		 2,646.00
156.18		 2,449
1,308		 61,881
3,653		 0
0		 0
0		 54,629
3,225		 (7,252)
(428)
Benefice Endowment
CBFIF Inv. Fund(2)		 156.18 1,308 3,653 0 0 3,225 (428)
Princes St. Mission Rooms
COIF Ethical Inv. Fund (3)
CBFIF Inv. Fund
CBFIF Inv. Fund		 7,049.79
112.00
7,557.00		 642
102
50,163		 22,028
2,619
176,733		 0
0
0		 0
0
0		 19,293
2,312
156,021		 (2,735)
(307)
(20,712)
RESTRICTED FUNDS - TOTAL 56,046 273,140 0 0 240,976 (32,164)
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
(expendable)
Arthur Clark legacy
CBFIF Inv. Fund
3,412.58
26,785		 79,809 0 0 70,456 (9,353)

Arthur Clark legacy
CBFIF Inv. Fund
Marjorie Wilkinson bequest
CBFIF Inv. Fund		 9,473.52 91,887 221,554 0 0 195,589 (25,965)
PCC General fund
COIF Ethical Inv. Fund(4)		 21,448.28 57,693 39,725 25,000 0 58,697 (6,028)
PCC Curacy fund
COIF Ethical Inv. Fund(5)		 780.52 1,505 2,439 0 0 2,136 (303)
PCC Benefice fund
COIF Ethical Inv. Fund(6)		 416.10 802 1,300 0 0 1,139 (161)
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS - TOTAL 178,672 344,827 25,000 0 328,017 (41,810)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 234,718 617,967 25,000 0 568,993 (73,974)

6 B SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - INCOME RECEIVED IN YEAR

Fund and holding Iinv Fund Income
Received		 Beneficiary
Fund
£
RESTRICTED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
(held in perpetuity)
Church Expenses Fund
CBFIF
68
General
Curacy Endowment
CBFIF
1,722
Des Curacy
Benefice Endowment
CBFIF
96
General
Princes St. Mission Rooms
CBFIF
1,347
General
Princes St. Mission Rooms
COIF
4,713
General
RESTRICTED FUNDS - TOTAL
7,945
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
(expendable)
Arthur Clark legacy
CBFIF
2,097
Des C&YW
Marjorie Wilkinson bequest
CBFIF
5,821
General
PCC General fund
COIF
716
General
PCC Curacy fund
COIF
67
Des Curacy
PCC Benefice fund
COIF
36
General
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS - TOTAL
8,737
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
16,682
Church Expenses Fund
Curacy Endowment
Benefice Endowment
Princes St. Mission Rooms
Princes St. Mission Rooms		 CBFIF
CBFIF
CBFIF
CBFIF
COIF
RESTRICTED FUNDS - TOTAL 7,945
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
(expendable)
Arthur Clark legacy
CBFIF
2,097
Marjorie Wilkinson bequest
CBFIF
5,821
PCC General fund
COIF
716
PCC Curacy fund
COIF
67
PCC Benefice fund
COIF
36

Arthur Clark legacy
Marjorie Wilkinson bequest
PCC General fund
PCC Curacy fund
PCC Benefice fund
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS - TOTAL 8,737
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 16,682

Any minor differences in totals are due to roundings.

(F8)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

7 DEBTORS & PREPAYMENTS 7 DEBTORS & PREPAYMENTS 2022 2021
£ £
Income tax recoverable - General Fund Unrestricted 3,211 3,310
Income tax recoverable - Other Funds Restricted 0 200
Prepayments:
Castle Water Unrestricted 73 37
Ecclesiastical Insurance - Church [now paid monthly] Unrestricted 0 1,324
Ecclesiastical Insurance - Church House Designated 424 388
Other:
Reading Speakers' Group - 2023 bookings paid 2022 Unrestricted (450) 0
Reading Deanery Synod - Parish Share rebate Unrestricted 1,356 1,360
Other debtors Unrestricted 0 20
Church House 1 rent Designated 900 850
Total 5,513 7,489
8 CASH AT BANK AND ON HAND 2022 2021
£ £
Balance at year-end:
CAF Bank 12,157 23,578
0 0
BOOM Community Bank (was Community Savings & Loans) 11,124 11,096
Reading Hydro Project 1,000 1,000
24,281 35,674
Cash on Hand 71 110
Cash/bank suspense (awaiting banking) 0 0
Total 24,352 35,784
9 LIABILITIES - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2022 2021
£ £
Creditors:
Ecotricity - Church electricity Unrestricted 180 611
Ecotricity - Refectory gas Unrestricted 123 124
Abacus Cleaning Services - church cleaning Unrestricted 688 272
St John's School - gas Unrestricted 342 112
Independent Examiners Ltd. - independent examination fees Unrestricted 720 660
BTS - photocopies Unrestricted 11 19
Clergy expenses awaiting payment Unrestricted 86 176
Vodafone - telephone & broadband Unrestricted 30 27
ODBF - LLM fees Unrestricted 0 90
APCS - DBS checks Designated 5 0
Other creditors Restricted 0 12
Total 2,185 2,103
10 ANALYSIS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Total Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2022 2021
Balances at year-end: £ £ £ £ £ £
Tangible Fixed Assets 0 0 200,369 307,650 508,019 508,019
Investments 328,017 0 0 240,976 568,993 617,967
Current Assets 2,180 27,103 582 0 29,865 43,274
Current Liabilities (2,180) (5) 0 0 (2,185) (2,103)
Total 328,017 27,098 200,951 548,626 1,104,692 1,167,157

(F9)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

11 MOVEMENT BY FUND

11 MOVEMENT BY FUND
Balance Gains & Balance
1 Jan 2022 Income Expenditure Transfers (Losses) 31 Dec 2022
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
CAPITAL FUNDS
Endowment - freehold land & bldgs 5 307,650 0 0 0 0 307,650
Endowment - other 6 273,140 0 0 0 (32,164) 240,976
Total Endowment Funds 580,790 0 0 0 (32,164) 548,626
Unrestricted Capital Funds 6 344,827 0 0 25,000 (41,810) 328,017
Restricted Capital Funds
Freehold land & buildings 5 200,369 0 0 0 0 200,369
Total Capital Funds 1,125,986 0 0 25,000 (73,974) 1,077,012
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General 12 2,001 88,613 80,593 (10,021) 0 0
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Children's & youth work 11,065 2,097 405 0 0 12,757
Church House letting 23,278 20,090 3,781 (34,979) 0 4,608
Church Lunches 0 1,842 1,842 0 0 1
Curacy 3,403 1,789 0 0 0 5,192
Legacies & Bequests 0 4,310 0 0 0 4,310
Mission 0 0 20,000 20,000 0 0
Parish Relief 250 0 19 0 0 231
Sundry collections & donations 0 338 338 0 0 0
Total Designated Funds 37,996 30,466 26,385 (14,979) 0 27,098
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Flowers 568 50 160 0 0 458
Leavers' Bibles 550 569 1,022 26 0 124
Sundry collections & donations 50 2,128 2,178 0 0 0
Other minor funds 5 61 40 (26) 0 0
Total Restricted Funds 1,174 2,808 3,400 0 0 582
TOTAL Revenue Funds 41,171 121,887 110,378 (25,000) 0 27,680
TOTAL Capital and Revenue Funds 1,167,157 121,887 110,378 0 (73,974) 1,104,692

Restricted funds are wholly represented by cash reserves of the PCC. The purpose of each fund is outlined below:

Freehold land & buildings (restricted) - capitalisation of refectory building extension costs. General - income and expenses relating to running of church.

Children's & youth work - mostly funded by income from invested capital of Arthur Clark legacy (see note 6). Church House letting - letting income and expenses relating to nos. 1 & 2 Church House. Church Lunches - income and expenditure relating to Sunday lunches. Curacy - dividend income designatred for possible future Curate.

Flowers - church flowers and decorations.

Leavers' Bibles - given to Year 6 children on leaving St John's School. Legacies & Bequests - for expending at PCC's discretion. Mission - grants to mission partners at home and abroad,. Parish Relief - used at discretion of clergy to provide assistance in cases of social need. Sundry collections & donations - gifts for specific causes, charities or individuals not separately identified. Other minor funds - primarily bibles/books bought by church members.

Any minor differences in totals are due to roundings.

(F10)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

12 ANALYSIS OF GENERAL FUND

Opening Balance
Income
Donations
Tax Reclaim
Investment Income & bank interest
Other
Total Income
Expenditure
Parish Share
Grants made
Publicity
Personnel (incl. interregnum)
Entertainment/hospitality
Electricity, Gas & Water
Insurance, Repairs & Maintenance
Cleaning
Other Running Costs
Total Expenditure
Surplus/(Shortfall) before transfers
Transfers from / (to) other funds - note (b)
Net Total
Closing Balance		 2022
£
2,001
57,356
13,163
12,840
5,253
88,613
45,324
0
4,805
8,664
536
4,686
5,131
5,209
6,238
80,593
8,020
(10,021)
(2,001)
0		 Higher/
£
Lower
2,001 Higher
2,772 Lower
563 Lower
1,144 Higher
2,215 Higher
24 Higher
-
496 Lower
500 Higher
652 Lower
414 Higher
2,369 Higher
2,787 Lower
3,588 Higher
907 Higher
3,843 Higher
3,819 Lower
184 Higher
4,002 Lower
2,001 Lower
Comparison
with 2021
0

Any minor differences in totals are due to roundings.

Notes

(a) The Mission Fund is now separate from the General Fund. All money given to mission is transferred from other funds (£20,000 in 2022)..

(b) Transfers comprise (i) £14,979 in 2022 (£8,175 in 2021), mostly from the Church House Letting Fund,in order to eliminate the General Fund shortfall; and (ii) £25,000 which was invested from the General Fund during 2022.

(F11)

Parochial Church Council of St John and St Stephen, Reading Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

13 ANALYSIS OF OUTWARD GIVING
Per Church's "Mission Giving"
A Rocha
Christian Aid
Christian Aid Ukraine appeal (match funding)
Christian Aid East Africa famine appeal
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Church Missionary Society (CMS)
Circles UK
CTEER Schools Project (RE-Inspired)
Communicare Trust
Disasters Emergency Committee Pakistan floods appeal
FAITH (ReadiFood)
International Nepal Fellowship
LAMB Healthcare Foundation (Bangladesh)
Novi Most
Reading Refugee Support Group
St John's School Projects
The Leposy Mission (match funding in 2021)
World Land Trust / Green Christian
Total "Mission Giving"
Other Outward Giving
Cancer Research UK (June Russell Memorial)
Care4Calais (Enthuse)
Christian Aid
Christian Aid Ukraine appeal
Christian Aid - Chorate concert
Church Missionary Society (Joel & Fiona Kelling appeal)
Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine appeal
Kishore Prasanna appeal
Hope Into Action
Reading Refugee Support Group (Gas Tower Exhibition)
St John's School (Bibles for School Leavers)
Simeon's Trustees
The Leprosy Mission
Other (incl. Parish Relief)
Total Other Outward Giving
GRAND TOTAL Outward Giving		 2022
£
500
2,000
393
729
600
2,000
1,000
550
5,000
728
2,000
2,000
1,000
250
500
-
250
500
20,000
-
161
1556
438
338
-
386
318
430
50
1,022
-
-
19
4,717
24,717		 2021
£
500
2,400
-
-
600
2,000
1,000
500
5,000
-
2,000
2,000
1,000
-
500
400
720
500
19,120
70
-
285
-
-
570
-
173
200
474
200
914
17
2,903
22,023

Any minor differences in totals are due to roundings.

(F12)