THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, THEYDON BOIS ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2025
St Mary’s Parochial Church Council, along with the Incumbent, has the responsibility for promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish of Theydon Bois, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The Parochial Church Council also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building (including the Parish Centre), Churchyard and Church Hall.
Membership of the Parochial Church Council (PCC)
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.
During the year the following served as members of the PCC: Incumbent Rev Sarah Moss Associate Priest Vacant Church Wardens Mary Gill & Andrew Crook Deputy Wardens Liz Hannibal, Alan & Rita Bishop Deanery Synod Representatives Lisa Debenham, Robyn Marsh & Diana Meteyard Elected Members
John Philip, Samantha Spencer, Hugh Meteyard, Kerry Ells, Elizabeth Hannibal, Andrew Tunks, (Treasurer), William Bennett, Liz Douglass, Helen Fox, Gemma Groves, Suzie Fogarty, Mia Beales, Rosalyn Philip (secretary), Paul Phillips & Carole Fenton.
Parochial Church Council Meetings
In 2025 the PCC met on 8 occasions, with an average attendance of 77%. Copies of the minutes of PCC meetings were made available to all by request to the Benefice Office.
The parish continues to work towards the shared Benefice Vision of The Theydon Parishes which is expressed in this way:
Core values: Faith, love and community .
We seek to live these values by welcoming all, caring and teaching so that we may change lives through sharing the love of God in Christ.
During the period of interregnum, services were led by many visiting priests. On 9[th] April interviews were held for the role as Vicar of the Theydon Parishes and subsequently, Rev. Sarah Moss was duly appointed and then collated and installed at St. Mary’s Theydon Bois on Tuesday 22[nd] July.
Mia Beales served as Parish Safeguarding Officer along with Andrew Crook. Safeguarding continues to be a standing item at all meetings. Safeguarding contact details are displayed in the church and on the Benefice website. The PCC has complied with its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Guidance. During 2025, St Mary’s Theydon Bois continued to consider the Silver Eco Church Award.
Sub committees
Finance Committee considers financial matters and makes recommendations to PCC. Meets as necessary.
Stewardship Working Group considered the ways in which church members could be encouraged to give financially to St Mary’s and made recommendations to PCC and coordinates a yearly fundraising campaign. This group was chaired by Andrew Tunks.
Standing Committee : has power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings. John Philip, Andrew Tunks, Rosalyn Philip as Secretary, the Vicar and the Churchwardens meet as necessary.
Mission Committee : Supports the work of Christian Mission at home and abroad, particularly of CMS, IPASC in D.R.Congo and Alison and Mozi Kotroci in Albania and promotes awareness of the wider mission of the Church. Chaired by Robyn Marsh. Events Committee : Organises social and fund-raising events to support the Church, chaired jointly by Philip and Amanda Simmance
Churchyard Committee : Meets as necessary; under the leadership of Trevor Brough. The PCC is grateful to the team of volunteers who meet each Thursday morning to work in the churchyard.
Church Hall Committee : manages the business of the Church Hall on behalf of the PCC. Ross Penman, Eleanor Isaac, Philip Crombie, Mary Gill, Andrew Tunks, Lisa Debenham and Linda Hammond served during the year.
Employees
The mission and ministry of St Mary’s Theydon Bois is supported by a part-time Benefice Administrator, and the PCC supports 64% of her salary, although her employer is the PCC of All Saints Theydon Garnon. During 2025, Rebecca Rotteweel & Daria Emery were employed in this role.
Church Services
The regular pattern of services in the church building was as follows: Sunday
8am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30am 6pm First Sunday All Age Worship Sung Communion Second Sunday Family Communion Sung Evensong (BCP) Third Sunday Family Communion Sung Compline Fourth Sunday Morning Worship Sung Evensong (BCP) Fifth Sunday Joint Benefice Service at 10am, rotating between churches in the Benefice.
The organ was played by visiting organists on a rota arrangement.
Wednesday
10am Morning Prayer /Holy Communion with the Mothers’ Union on the second Wednesday of the month (available on Zoom)
Thursday
Midday Holy Communion
Children’s groups resumed during two 10.30am Sunday services a month in the Parish Centre, led by Sophie Blackwell and a team of volunteers.
Church Attendance
As of April 2025, there were 161 people on the Church Electoral Register; average Sunday attendance was 75 unique adults and 12 children each Sunday. As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services, friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and commend the person into God's keeping. In 2025, 2 baptisms took place, 1 wedding was celebrated and 11 funerals were held in St. Mary’s.
Key events in 2025.
| 5thMarch | Sung Communion for Ash Wednesday |
|---|---|
| March to April | Lent Soup Lunches held in the Church Hall to support charities selected by the Mission Committee |
| 1stApril | Annual Parochial Inspection |
| 17thApril | Sung communion service for Maundy Thursday |
| 20thApril | Easter Day services |
| 27thApril | St. George’s Day service with Scouting and Guiding groups |
| May | Phase 1 of external stonework repairs completed |
| 11thMay | 80thAnniversary VE Day service |
| 29thMay | Sung Communion for Ascension Day |
| 8thJune | Provision of refreshments for Open Gardens |
| 22ndJune | Mission Sunday |
| 13thJuly | Church stalls at the Donkey Derby |
| 22ndJuly | Installation & Collation of Rev. Sarah Moss as Vicar of the Theydon Parishes |
| 5th October | Harvest Service followed by Soup Lunch on 7thOctober |
| 6thOctober | Visit of the Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral |
| 2ndNovember | Service for those we have loved |
| November | 3 Soup Lunches |
| 9thNovember | Annual service of remembrance at the War Memorial |
| 22ndNovember | Music & General Knowledge Quiz |
| 23rdNovember | Choral Evensong to celebrate St. Cecilia |
| December | Advent Course on Discipleship |
| 6thDecember | Christmas Fayre |
| 7thDecember | Nativity Service |
| 21stDecember | 9 Lessons & Carols |
| 24thDecember | 3 Christingle services to support the Children’s Society and First Communion of Christmas |
| 25thDecember | Christmas Day services |
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S, THEYDON BOIS On accounts for the year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2025 Charlty no (if any) 11289J1 Set out on pages 4.5,6,and7 I report to the trustees M my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3191 December 2025. R68pon8lbllltl•8 and basis of report As the chanty's trustees, you are responsible forthe preparaticn of the accounts in accordance wrth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Act.). I report in respect of my oxamination of the Trust's accounts Garried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515){b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examlner's statsrnent come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any matenal respect... the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act", or the accounts did not accord vmh tho accounting records; or the accounts did not comply wrth the applicable requirements concerning the fom and conlent of accounts set oul In the Charlties (A¢nts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter Considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection th the examination to which attention should tse drawn in Ihis report in order to enae a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 4th March 2026 Name: Michael John COGGINS Relevant profe88lonal qualificationlsl or body (if anyl: FCA Address: 17 Green Trees Epping. Essex CM164QT
ST MARYS CHURCH. ThEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED YI DECEMBER 2025 2025 Deslgnated funds Restrlcted lunds Tal fundg Note General lund RECEIPTS AND PAYMEPITS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS Planned Giving and Envelopes Collections and Donations Le8a£ies Tax Rebate Church Hall Church Repairs PCC Fee5 Events Income Rent Churchyard AV Fund 63.308 20,489 10.000 16,772 63.308 20,489 io.ooo 16,772 17,011 12.956 6.045 3,699 1,080 756 1,363 2,935 IS6,416 17.011 12,956 6.045 3,699 1,080 756 1,363 Interest 2,935 124.330 17,767 14,319 PAYMENTS Famlly Purse Church repalrs Church Hall Parlsh Glvlng Insurance and uti1Slle5 Music ènd Or8an Assigned Fees Chur¢h Office Clergy Expenses Flower Expendllure Churchyard 74,826 74,826 14.779 14,394 s,1% 7.lcfj 8,354 2,395 10.975 2,459 581 14,779 14.394 S,196 7,106 8.354 2.395 10.975 2,459 581 1,941 16,335 1.941 143,007 111,892 14.779 Net recelptsl IpaTm*ntsl Cash balance b'f Cash bal•nc• cy 12,437 76.9LKI 89.337 1.432 37,123 38,555 460 21,413 20,953 13,409 135,436 148,845 2024 Desl8naied lunds Restrl¢ted funds Yotal funds General fund RECEIPTS Planned Glvln8 and Envelopes Collections and Donations Legacies Tax Rebate Church Hall Church repairs PCC Fees Events income Rent Churchyard AV Fund Interest 59.359 18.433 59,359 18.433 5,OC 14,634 18.164 3.276 5.904 1.867 1.660 774 1,555 3,506 134,132 14.634 .164 3.276 1,867 1,660 774 1,555 3.506 110,363 18,938 4,831
MARfs CHURCH. THEYDON 801S FINANCIAL STATEMEKfs FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 PAYMENTS Family Purse Church repairs Church Hall Parish Giving Insurance and utilities Muyc and Organ Assigned Fees Church Offlce Clergy Expenses Flower Expenditure Junior Church Churchyaid AV Fund 74,864 74,864 5,067 11.247 5,121 7.563 6,235 2,507 17.703 1,782 607 3,530 421 162 136,809 5.067 11,247 5.121 7.563 6.235 2.507 17,703 L782 607 3,530 421 162 5.229 119,912 11.668 Net receSptsl Ipaymentsl Cash balancè b'f Cash balance c'f -9.549 86.449 76. 7,270 29.853 37,123 -398 21,811 21,413 -2,677 138,113 135,436 At 31 December 2025 Oesl8nated R*5trlrted funds 14tnds Total tunds fjener•l fund STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILrriES Cash at bank Cash In hand Total cash GSft aid receivable Other debtors Current asset5 Assets retained for the Church's use- Church contents Church Hall Church Hall contents Flxed assets TOTAL ASSETS 89,337 13 89.350 38,555 46 38,601 20.953 148,845 59 148,904 20,953 89,350 38,601 20,953 148,904 142,870 142,870 769,901 33,229 946,(XJO I,094.4 769,901 33,229 803,130 841.731 142.870 232.220 20,9S3 LIABILMES NET ASSErs 232.220 841,731 20,953 1,094.904 /Continued
ST MARYS CHVRCH, THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DMBER 2025 At 31 Decembef 2024 Desiated Restricted funds funds Total fund5 General fisnd ASSETS Cash at bank Cash in hand Total cash Gift aid receivable other éebiors CurTÈnt assets Assets retained foT the Church's u5È- Church contents Church Hall Church Hall content5 HxÈd assets TOTAL ASSETS 76, 37.123 46 37.169 21.413 135.436 59 135,495 13 76,913 21,413 76.913 37.169 21.413 135.495 140,LN)) 140,OOJ 747,475 32,482 919,957 1.055.452 747,475 32.482 779,957 817,126 140.co) 216,913 21.413 UABILITIES NASsET5 216,913 817,126 21.413 1.055.452 THE FINA IAL STATEME Under ¢urrent leBislaiion the PCC may report on a Receipts and Payments basis Wlth a Statement of Assets and Liabilitle5 and it has ele¢ted to do $0. The financlal sièlernents are prepared on an hlstorlc cost basls. Aestricted funds may be expended only on objects spetified by the trust, bequert or donation. Unrestricted lunds may be used for the PCC'5 general purposes. The PCC holds no endowment fynds. Events receipts were as follows- 2025 Recelpt5 2024 Recelpts Christmas Fayre Crofton Slngers Open Garden5 Quiz Wreath maklng Donkey Derby Raffle 692 102 445 779 80 461 620 1330 587 470 3.699 IA67 NOTE5 TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS contlnued Parish givin8 payments were as follows- 2025 Payments 2024 Payments Donations up to and indudin8 E250 lal Èritish Legion Poppy Appeal Church Army CMS Embrace ME FIIPASC 455 377 286 177 289 289 285 319 411 441 294 373 294 171 294 Koininia Korroci/LOGOS LMDC /Continued
sr MARVS CHURCH. THEYDON 801S ANANCL4L sfATEMEfiTS FOR ThE YEAR ENOEO 31 DECEMBER 2025 Parlsh glving payments- Continued Manna Centre Mercy Ships Mission for Seafarers Salvation Army Shelter Smiths of DeTby St Clare's Syria-Turkev The Childrens $iety Team54u Wycliffe Bible Trust 323 285 410 312 362 290 249 277 176 314 652 714 147 294 5,196 5,121 Fixed assets are included in the Statement of Assets and Llabllities at theSf Insured value. Consecrated and beneflce property Is excluded from the atcounts by virtue of 51LX21 of the Charltles Act 2011. No payments were made to Trustee5 Other than to reimburse them for expenses they incurred, No wages. 5alarles or iemuneration were paid to Trustee5 or any person5 conneLted to the Trustees In respert of 2025 RtteFpts 10. Fund cash balances Bala1 by Payments Balance c'f R¢5trlrted funds Wlld Bursary Avfund Church Maintenance reserve 1,494 15,756 4,162 21,412 1,494 17,119 2,339 20,9S2 1.363 12,956 14,319 14,779 14.779 O*sIated unrestrlcted funds Churchyard Church Hall 2,112 35,011 37,123 756 17,011 17,767 1,941 14,394 16,335 927 37,628 38,555 Unr•$trlrted yn•ral fund 76.901 135,436 124.330 IS6.416 111,892 143,006 89,338 148,845 2024 RK•lpts Balance b'f Payments BalaKe c'l Restrlcted funds Wild Bursary Avfund Church Mainteftan reserve L494 14.363 5,9S3 21010 1,494 15,756 4,162 21,412 1,555 3.276 4,831 11621 15.0671 15,2291 Deated unrestrlrted lunds Churchyard Church Hall L759 28.094 29.853 774 18,164 18.938 14211 111,2471 111.6681 2,112 35,011 37,123 Unrn5trict•d ynernl fund 86,450 138,113 110.363 134.132 1119.912} 1136,8091 76,901 135,436
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY'S, THEYDON BOIS On accounts for the year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2025 Charlty no (if any) 11289J1 Set out on pages 4.5,6,and7 I report to the trustees M my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3191 December 2025. R68pon8lbllltl•8 and basis of report As the chanty's trustees, you are responsible forthe preparaticn of the accounts in accordance wrth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Act.). I report in respect of my oxamination of the Trust's accounts Garried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515){b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examlner's statsrnent come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any matenal respect... the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act", or the accounts did not accord vmh tho accounting records; or the accounts did not comply wrth the applicable requirements concerning the fom and conlent of accounts set oul In the Charlties (A¢nts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter Considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection th the examination to which attention should tse drawn in Ihis report in order to enae a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 4th March 2026 Name: Michael John COGGINS Relevant profe88lonal qualificationlsl or body (if anyl: FCA Address: 17 Green Trees Epping. Essex CM164QT
ST MARYS CHURCH. ThEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED YI DECEMBER 2025 2025 Deslgnated funds Restrlcted lunds Tal fundg Note General lund RECEIPTS AND PAYMEPITS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS Planned Giving and Envelopes Collections and Donations Le8a£ies Tax Rebate Church Hall Church Repairs PCC Fee5 Events Income Rent Churchyard AV Fund 63.308 20,489 10.000 16,772 63.308 20,489 io.ooo 16,772 17,011 12.956 6.045 3,699 1,080 756 1,363 2,935 IS6,416 17.011 12,956 6.045 3,699 1,080 756 1,363 Interest 2,935 124.330 17,767 14,319 PAYMENTS Famlly Purse Church repalrs Church Hall Parlsh Glvlng Insurance and uti1Slle5 Music ènd Or8an Assigned Fees Chur¢h Office Clergy Expenses Flower Expendllure Churchyard 74,826 74,826 14.779 14,394 s,1% 7.lcfj 8,354 2,395 10.975 2,459 581 14,779 14.394 S,196 7,106 8.354 2.395 10.975 2,459 581 1,941 16,335 1.941 143,007 111,892 14.779 Net recelptsl IpaTm*ntsl Cash balance b'f Cash bal•nc• cy 12,437 76.9LKI 89.337 1.432 37,123 38,555 460 21,413 20,953 13,409 135,436 148,845 2024 Desl8naied lunds Restrl¢ted funds Yotal funds General fund RECEIPTS Planned Glvln8 and Envelopes Collections and Donations Legacies Tax Rebate Church Hall Church repairs PCC Fees Events income Rent Churchyard AV Fund Interest 59.359 18.433 59,359 18.433 5,OC 14,634 18.164 3.276 5.904 1.867 1.660 774 1,555 3,506 134,132 14.634 .164 3.276 1,867 1,660 774 1,555 3.506 110,363 18,938 4,831
MARfs CHURCH. THEYDON 801S FINANCIAL STATEMEKfs FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 PAYMENTS Family Purse Church repairs Church Hall Parish Giving Insurance and utilities Muyc and Organ Assigned Fees Church Offlce Clergy Expenses Flower Expenditure Junior Church Churchyaid AV Fund 74,864 74,864 5,067 11.247 5,121 7.563 6,235 2,507 17.703 1,782 607 3,530 421 162 136,809 5.067 11,247 5.121 7.563 6.235 2.507 17,703 L782 607 3,530 421 162 5.229 119,912 11.668 Net receSptsl Ipaymentsl Cash balancè b'f Cash balance c'f -9.549 86.449 76. 7,270 29.853 37,123 -398 21,811 21,413 -2,677 138,113 135,436 At 31 December 2025 Oesl8nated R*5trlrted funds 14tnds Total tunds fjener•l fund STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILrriES Cash at bank Cash In hand Total cash GSft aid receivable Other debtors Current asset5 Assets retained for the Church's use- Church contents Church Hall Church Hall contents Flxed assets TOTAL ASSETS 89,337 13 89.350 38,555 46 38,601 20.953 148,845 59 148,904 20,953 89,350 38,601 20,953 148,904 142,870 142,870 769,901 33,229 946,(XJO I,094.4 769,901 33,229 803,130 841.731 142.870 232.220 20,9S3 LIABILMES NET ASSErs 232.220 841,731 20,953 1,094.904 /Continued
ST MARYS CHVRCH, THEYDON BOIS FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DMBER 2025 At 31 Decembef 2024 Desiated Restricted funds funds Total fund5 General fisnd ASSETS Cash at bank Cash in hand Total cash Gift aid receivable other éebiors CurTÈnt assets Assets retained foT the Church's u5È- Church contents Church Hall Church Hall content5 HxÈd assets TOTAL ASSETS 76, 37.123 46 37.169 21.413 135.436 59 135,495 13 76,913 21,413 76.913 37.169 21.413 135.495 140,LN)) 140,OOJ 747,475 32,482 919,957 1.055.452 747,475 32.482 779,957 817,126 140.co) 216,913 21.413 UABILITIES NASsET5 216,913 817,126 21.413 1.055.452 THE FINA IAL STATEME Under ¢urrent leBislaiion the PCC may report on a Receipts and Payments basis Wlth a Statement of Assets and Liabilitle5 and it has ele¢ted to do $0. The financlal sièlernents are prepared on an hlstorlc cost basls. Aestricted funds may be expended only on objects spetified by the trust, bequert or donation. Unrestricted lunds may be used for the PCC'5 general purposes. The PCC holds no endowment fynds. Events receipts were as follows- 2025 Recelpt5 2024 Recelpts Christmas Fayre Crofton Slngers Open Garden5 Quiz Wreath maklng Donkey Derby Raffle 692 102 445 779 80 461 620 1330 587 470 3.699 IA67 NOTE5 TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS contlnued Parish givin8 payments were as follows- 2025 Payments 2024 Payments Donations up to and indudin8 E250 lal Èritish Legion Poppy Appeal Church Army CMS Embrace ME FIIPASC 455 377 286 177 289 289 285 319 411 441 294 373 294 171 294 Koininia Korroci/LOGOS LMDC /Continued
sr MARVS CHURCH. THEYDON 801S ANANCL4L sfATEMEfiTS FOR ThE YEAR ENOEO 31 DECEMBER 2025 Parlsh glving payments- Continued Manna Centre Mercy Ships Mission for Seafarers Salvation Army Shelter Smiths of DeTby St Clare's Syria-Turkev The Childrens $iety Team54u Wycliffe Bible Trust 323 285 410 312 362 290 249 277 176 314 652 714 147 294 5,196 5,121 Fixed assets are included in the Statement of Assets and Llabllities at theSf Insured value. Consecrated and beneflce property Is excluded from the atcounts by virtue of 51LX21 of the Charltles Act 2011. No payments were made to Trustee5 Other than to reimburse them for expenses they incurred, No wages. 5alarles or iemuneration were paid to Trustee5 or any person5 conneLted to the Trustees In respert of 2025 RtteFpts 10. Fund cash balances Bala1 by Payments Balance c'f R¢5trlrted funds Wlld Bursary Avfund Church Maintenance reserve 1,494 15,756 4,162 21,412 1,494 17,119 2,339 20,9S2 1.363 12,956 14,319 14,779 14.779 O*sIated unrestrlcted funds Churchyard Church Hall 2,112 35,011 37,123 756 17,011 17,767 1,941 14,394 16,335 927 37,628 38,555 Unr•$trlrted yn•ral fund 76.901 135,436 124.330 IS6.416 111,892 143,006 89,338 148,845 2024 RK•lpts Balance b'f Payments BalaKe c'l Restrlcted funds Wild Bursary Avfund Church Mainteftan reserve L494 14.363 5,9S3 21010 1,494 15,756 4,162 21,412 1,555 3.276 4,831 11621 15.0671 15,2291 Deated unrestrlrted lunds Churchyard Church Hall L759 28.094 29.853 774 18,164 18.938 14211 111,2471 111.6681 2,112 35,011 37,123 Unrn5trict•d ynernl fund 86,450 138,113 110.363 134.132 1119.912} 1136,8091 76,901 135,436