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2021-12-31-accounts

St James’ Church, Exeter – Annual Report for 2021

Background

St James’ Church is situated in Exeter and is part of the Diocese of Exeter within the Church of England. The address is: St James’ Church, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter EX4 7AH.

E-mail: office@stjamesexeter.org . Website: www.stjamesexeter.org.

The parochial church council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission (number 1128877).

St James’ PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. Additionally, the PCC has maintenance responsibilities for the church buildings and grounds. Our strap line, “Sharing God’s Love through Worship, Fellowship and Service”, underpins all we aim to do.

PCC Membership

Members of the PCC are either co-opted ex-officio or elected at the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). In 2021 this took place on 21[st] March.

During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent: Fr Henry Pryse
Assistant Priest: Fr Martin Poolton
Assistant Curate: Fr Steve Turner
Reader with PTO: Dr Mark Davie
Licenced Reader: Mrs Joan Ridgway
Churchwardens: Mr Nigel Ridgway and Mr Nigel Williams (until 7thJuly)
Mr Andrew Mimmack and Mrs Rachel Martindill (after 7thJuly)
Deanery Synod Representatives: Mr Mike Payne, Mrs Marilyn Pegg and Mrs Joan Ridgway
Elected: Mrs Anita Atherton
Mr Tim Bayton
Mrs Susan Coombs
Mr Stuart Macwilliam
Mrs Charlotte Payne
Mrs Pat Read
Ms Louise Spencer
Mr Jim Weeks
Mr Nigel Williams
Co-opted (at the meeting in May): Mrs Caroline Adams (Safeguarding Representative)
Mr Nigel Ridgway_(Treasurer)_
Ms Jill Mather (Secretary)
In addition, the PCC appoints: a Health and Safety Officer, a Planned Giving Officer and an Electoral Roll
Officer.

The Standing Committee met twelve times. The PCC met six times during 2021. Committees and working groups normally meet between meetings. Minutes of their deliberations are received and discussed by the PCC. Notes of Standing Committee meetings are circulated to all PCC members.

Many of the normal activities of parish life did not take place in 2021, as a result of the restrictions imposed and precautions taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Committees

The PCC operates through a number of committees, which normally meet at varying intervals throughout the year:

Standing Committee

This group comprises the clergy, Churchwardens, Readers, Treasurer and two members of PCC, as well as the Secretary.

Pastoral Care Team

This group offers help and care to those in the Church and wider community who have a particular need.

Social Committee

This group organises social events on behalf of the PCC and encourages participation by as many people as possible in social and fundraising events at St James’.

Communications Committee

This group is responsible for the production and distribution of Contact magazine as well as maintenance of the website and general publicity.

Hall Committee

This group oversees the maintenance and use of the church hall.

Gardening Team

This group looks after lawns, gardens, trees, hedges and benches in the church grounds.

Young People’s Leaders (11-Ups, JAM and Messy Church)

This group coordinates and stimulates the growth of groups for children and young people within the Church and local community.

Semi-Autonomous, Fresh Expressions churches

Messy Church, for young children and their parents or carers, meets normally in the church and in the hall.

“Celebrate Together” is a church that is for people with disabilities normally meeting once a month in various different churches across the city.

Substantive PCC Business in the Year

Churchwardens’ Report

2021 was dominated by the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which saw continued restrictions on all types of social activities including public worship. Our 2020 Annual Report documents the history of the pandemic from 23[rd ] March 2020, and its effect on St James’ Church. We take up the story from 6[th] December 2020 , when the 8.00am and 10.00am Sunday services resumed once again following the reclosure of church buildings on 2[nd] November 2020. A booking system for the 10.00am services then replaced the 3-weekly rota, and this continued until 25[th] July, St James’ Day . For us St James’ Day was a milestone, with the congregation singing the mass setting and a hymn for the first time in 16 months, “To God be the Glory” (albeit wearing facemasks!). Also, an icon of St James was presented to us by our Orthodox church friends. The booking system was no longer required, hymnbooks and kneelers were put back, and a more normal seating arrangement was put in place with one metre distancing between rows. In addition, coffee was served after the service in the hall, and there was a cake! As from 2[nd] August , we were no longer required to record the names of those attending the services for Track and Trace purposes, but it was not until 26[th] September that the chairs were finally returned to their usual position.

Our flagship Sunday 10.00am Parish Eucharist has not yet returned to pre-pandemic numbers, and the 8.00am Communion Service is small. As from 19[th] September , we have had Sunday evening services held on 1[st] and 3[rd] Sundays of each month. During Holy Week 2021, on Wednesday 31[st] March , we introduced our midday (midweek) Mass, which continues to attract a faithful following including several church members who do not feel able to join in the larger Sunday event. Morning prayer is also said at 8.30am on each weekday (on-line on Monday and Wednesday and in church on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). We continue to ask the congregation to wear face masks in line with Government guidance and have tried to ensure effective ventilation by opening the windows throughout the services (even in winter!).

Music has always played a major part in our services, and the restriction on singing was keenly felt; it is a joy that we are able to sing again in church. We have been delighted that St James’ is bucking the trend by having started up a choir during this last year. This developed out of the weekly individual recordings by singers which Jim Weeks encouraged and put together during 2020, and from 22[nd] April , some members of the fifteen regular singers have been singing each week in a choir which Tim Bayton now directs and rehearses. Several of the choir members are also accomplished instrumentalists and so from 1[st] August different musicians and singers have been providing various musical contributions during communion. Our 2021 Carol Service was a highlight, with our own choir and instrumentalists, together with visiting singers and musicians joining us.

Since 29[th] March 2020 St James’ services have been broadcasted online providing, a lifeline every week for many and holding us as a family together and the PCC have decided to continue to stream every Sunday Parish Eucharist service. After consulting with the Archdeacon, the funds were raised for suitable audiovisual equipment. With its usual generosity, the church family raised the required funds with ease. We have been deeply indebted to the small but highly skilled team responsible, masterminded by Jim Weeks.

Away from our regular services, the pandemic has inevitably meant that some of our usual activities have not taken place during the year. Having successfully operated for over 30 years in September, our Luncheon Club and Outreach have had to cease but we are in discussions with another provider nearby, who is backed by Exeter City Council.

Messy Church did not meet in 2021, although the team of volunteers plan to re-start the monthly meetings with the onset of lighter evenings and milder weather.

From March 2020, our children (JAM) and young people (11-ups) were only able to meet up online with occasional outdoor events such as a Christmas treasure hunt, but they did enjoy a Zoom pancake party, pizza party, Christingle event etc. They have now resumed meeting on Sunday mornings (JAM from September, and 11-Ups from November).

Throughout, Fr Brian Tubbs has continued to lead a lively house group monthly. This in-depth study, currently focusing on the Gospels, is available to all the church family through Zoom meetings.

At present there are 158 parishioners on the Electoral Roll. 4 names have been removed, either because of death or moving away, and 3 added.

Safeguarding

The PCC is committed to the safeguarding of our young people and vulnerable adults and reviews its safeguarding policy annually. Details of safeguarding contacts can be found on St James’ Church website and on the notice boards in the church and church hall. We have had ‘due regard’ to the guidance issued by the House of Bishops and the PCC has complied with its duty regarding safeguarding. We undertake the necessary training, DBS checks, review our policies and implement these to the best of our ability.

A safeguarding report is submitted to each PCC meeting throughout the year, with updates on training, the action plan produced by the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard and information from the Diocese. Members of the PCC undertake the online training courses on Safeguarding and Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse. We also follow the guidance on ‘Safer Recruitment’ provided by the Diocese.

Health and Safety

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) is still present, the past year has seen a variety of restrictions on services and activities which could take place. A number of precautions were put in place, to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus. These varied throughout the year as we followed advice from the government and the Church of England. Regular risk assessments were undertaken following the restrictions and advice at the time for various services and events to take place. Some of the main precautions were wearing face coverings, hand sanitising, good ventilation (even if this meant it was a little chilly), regular cleaning and social distancing.

Regular inspections of our portable electrical equipment take place and full PAT testing was completed in September 2021. The smoke alarms in the hall and the emergency lighting in the hall and the church are regularly tested.

In January 2022 ten people completed a one-day course on Emergency First Aid at Work which included the use of a defibrillator.

Thanks to all those, in particular the churchwardens and the treasurer, who keep a vigilant eye on the buildings to ensure any minor repairs are completed promptly.

Finance Report

The financial results for the year to 31[st] December 2021 have been sound, and have exceeded prepandemic levels as a result of:

  1. The generosity of the family of St James’ Church. An appeal for general funds made in 2021 raised over £7,000, and a further appeal in September for the audio-visual equipment raised a further £7,100.

  2. Hall bookings performed well, because many of the other venues were either closed or were not COVID-safe. Our large, airy venue has proved a most valuable asset, producing nearly £25,000 in revenue, and a resulting surplus of £15,500.

  3. Our expenses remained muted due to both the lower level of church activity until recently, and thanks to the many who voluntarily gave their services unpaid.

As a result, we were able to repay some of the £11,000 Common Fund discount kindly given to us in 2020 by the Diocese. We remain grateful for that support, and we hope to be able to repay the remainder. In line with Biblical principles and our ongoing commitment, St James’ once again gave away over 5% of its income to charitable causes, many of which were overseas.

Going Concern

The PCC has reviewed the budget for income and expenditure and it has considered various different outcomes for 2022. Taking into account the available reserves, the PCC is reassured about the financial stability of the parish.

ST JAMES’ CHURCH, EXETER Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2021 Incumbent: Reverend Prebendary Henry Pryse Assistant Priest: Reverend Martin Poolton Curate: Reverend Steve Turner Bankers: NatWest, 59 High St, Exeter CBF/CCLA, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London Independent examiner: Mr David Robertson, FCA Website: www.stjamesexeter.org St James’ Church, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter, EX4 7AH Charity Commission number: 1128877

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Independent [Examiner's] a T [Certificate] Ly Li THE CHURCH
OF ENGLAND
for the PCC Accounts IN DEVON
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ST. JAMES' CHURCH, EXETER

Financial statements for year ended 31 December 2021

CASH FLOW STATEMENT 2021 2020
£ £ £
Total Receipts in year (Note 2) 143,619 108,795
Total Payments in year (Note 3) 138,180 105,500
Excess of Receipts over Payments 5,439 3,295
NatWest Bank account at 1 January 41,373 38,077
NatWest Bank account at 31 December 53,746 48,073
Cheques not presented -6,935 -6,700
46,811] 41,373
Cash at Bank and in hand 46,811 41,373
2021 2020
BREAKDOWN offunds £ £
Unrestricted (includes Designated -see below) 41,049 33,854
Restricted Funds (see below) 5,762 7,518
Cash at Bank and in hand 46,811 41,373
UNRESTRICTED funds
General - unrestricted funds 40,549 33,354
Designated - Bequests and Memorial donations 500 500
Total Unrestricted Funds 41,049 33,854
RESTRICTED funds
:
Common Fund Provision 0 4,000
Rector's Discretionary Fund 1,315 1,315
Flower Fund 771 629
Hall refurbishment 279 279
Organ and Fabric Fund 2,667 566
Celebrate Together 730 730
Total Restricted Funds 5,762 7,518
Income-generating Investments, includingEndowmentFunds :
: Shares 2024 2020
CBF Investment Fund Shares 18,452 431,537 377,287
(heldforPCCbyExeterDiocesan BoardofFinance)
EndowmentFunds Funds Shares
25p Ordinary Shares Astra Zeneca Group plc 360 31,241 26,366
CBF Investment Fund Shares 3,667 85,754 74,974
M & G Charifund Units (FlowerFund) Fund) 224 3,486 3,075
120,481 104,415

.

° Page 3

ST. JAMES' CHURCH, EXETER Notes to Financial statements for year ended 31 December 2021

2) INCOMING RESOURCES 2021 2020
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL
funds funds
RECEIPTS - UNRESTRICTED s £ £ £
Incoming resources from donors
Stewardship and Collections 76,015 65,089
Income Tax recovered 17,038 13,782
Sundry donations for general purposes
Designated - Bequests and Memorial donations
112
0
93,165
93,165 2,168
0
81,039
Other voluntary incoming resources
Fundraising and social events income
235 235 0
Income from investments
Dividends from investments 13,873 13,873 13,472
Income from activities
Hall receipts
24,678 8,722
Funerals, marriages - PCC fees (nett) 1,467 1,424
Magazine 1,208 995
Luncheon Club 133 428
Church hire, coffee, etc 1,275 524
Insurance receipts (nett) 222 0
28,984 28,984 12,094
Total Receipts
- UNRESTRICTED
136,257 136,257 106,604
NON-CASH MOVEMENT - RESTRICTED
Common Fund Discount 0 0 4,000
RECEIPTS - RESTRICTED
Incoming resources from donors
Donations -Audio Visual equipment
7,101 1,966
Celebrate Together 0
7,101
7,101 0
1,966
Income from investments
Flower Fund - Dividend income & receipts : 261 261 225
)
Total Receipts
- RESTRICTED
7,362 7,362 2,191
TOTALRECEIPTS 136,257 7,362 143,619 108,795

Page 4

ST. JAMES' CHURCH, EXETER Notes to Financial statements for year ended 31 December 2021

3) OUTGOINGS - Resources expended 2021 2020
Unrestricted Restricted = stoya,
funds funds
£ £ 2] £
PAYMENTS - UNRESTRICTED
Activities directly relating to the work of the Church:
Ministry:- Common Fund - Diocese of Exeter 84,823 68,046
Clergy expenses (incl. visiting Priests) 2,182 2,947
Secretarial and Parish Office 3,796 5,384
Church running expenses (including insurance) 7,104
Church and Office fabric (including Quingennial) 180 720
Fabric costs - replacement path 8,310 0
Maintenance ofChurch buildings 3,154 3,682
Organist and music 2,459 1,156
Altar requisites 632 548
Funerals, marriages (nett) 0 0
Magazine expenses 1,293 1,215
Children & Messy church expenses 104 0
Vestments
Insurance claims (nett)
90
0
0
100
114,127 114,127 89,693
Hall
-
running expenses
9,366 9,366 5,597
Fundraising expenses 39 39 26
Giving to Charities, missions etc. (Note 4) 5,530 5,530 7,305
Total Payments - UNRESTRICTED 129,062 129,062 102,615
NON-CASH MOVEMENT - UNRESTRICTED
Common Fund Discount 0 0 4,000
PAYMENTS - RESTRICTED
Common Fund - Diocese of Exeter . 4,000 0
Audio Visual & other equipment 5,000 1,845
Donations - vestments 0 900
Celebrate Together 0 0
9,000 9,000 2,745
Flower Fund 118 118 140
Total Payments - RESTRICTED 9,118 9,118 2,885
TOTALPAYMENTS 129,062 9,118 138,180 105,500

Page 5

Notes to Financial statements for year ended 31 December 2021

ST. JAMES' CHURCH, EXETER

4) GIVING TO CHARITIES, MISSIONS, etc.

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||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |and|Donations| |Overseas| |USPG|1,100| |Tearfund|1,100| |St|Peters|Malawi|Education|Trust|1,100| |UK|based| |Hospiscare|550| |Mothers'|Union|550| |Exeter|Community|Initatives|550| |ICE|(Initiative|in|Christian|Education)|550| |Devon|Historic|Churches|30| |TOTALS| |[Net|NOI|Ceeererse|peas) Er|

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Page 6

ST. JAMES' CHURCH, EXETER

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 315t December 2021

1. Accounting Policies

2. Analysis of Fund Movements for the Year

5. Statement of Assets and Liabilities

DEBTORS

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31%* December 2021

ST. JAMES' CHURCH, EXETER

Finance Report

The financial results for the year to 315* December 2021 have been sound, and have exceeded pre-pandemic levels as a result of:

  1. The generosity of the family of St James’ Church. An appeal for general funds made in 2021 raised over £7,000, and a further appeal in September for the audio-visual equipment raised a further £7,100.

  2. Hall bookings performed well, because many of the other venues were either closed or were not COVID-safe. Our large, airy venue has proved a most valuable asset, producing nearly £25,000 in revenue, and a resulting surplus of £15,500.

  3. Our expenses remained muted due to both the lower level of church activity until recently, and thanks to the many who voluntarily gave their services unpaid.

As a result, we were able to repay some of the £11,000 Common Fund discount kindly given to us in 2020 by the Diocese. We remain grateful for that support, and we hope to be able to repay the remainder.

In line with Biblical principles and our ongoing commitment, St James’ once again gave away over 5% of its income to charitable causes, many of which were overseas.

Going Concern

The PCC has reviewed the budget for income and expenditure and it has considered various different outcomes for 2022. Taking into account the available reserves, the PCC is reassured about the financial stability: of the parish.

Independent[Examiner's] a ii[Certificate] a a for the PCC Accounts

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THE CHURCH
OF ENGLAND
IN DEVON
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Report to the trustees of: St James', Exeter Parochial Church Council
On accounts for the year ended: _ 31/12/2021 Charity Number (if applicable): 1128877
Respective responsibilities The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The
of trustees and examiner 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.
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It is my responsibility to:

  - e® examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, e to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

  - e tostate whether particular matters have come to my attention.

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2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Please Yelete, “Ny /ds in the brackets if they do not apply.
signed: | J AAV YU ate
name: | (AVID (WHER TSON
|
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body (if FELLOW OF THE I MITITUTE CF_ .
any): | CHARTEQED ACCoun TAME 1 FIVGCLQND y WALES
Address: | 2 AQKLAYD (00.1 VIE
MEVin EX2 6RX
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