**THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT COLUMBA , ANFIELD** **ANNUAL REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS** FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 1 ## **CONTENTS** **Legal and administrative information** **Aims and Purposes** **Trustees Reports – Statutory and Non-Statutory** **Financial Review** **Independent Examiner’s Report** **Statement of Financial Activities** **Notes to the Financial Statements** 2 # **THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT COLUMBA, ANFIELD** # **‘MISSIONARY DISCIPLES: POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS’** ## **THE VICAR** ## **Fr Daniel Howard SSC** St Columba’s Vicarage, Pinehurst Avenue, Liverpool, L4 7UQ 0151 474 7231 fr.danielhoward@gmail.com **Chairman’s Report for the year ended 2023** Easter 2024 _‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ Acts 1.8_ Dear Friends, In the Easter season our readings come primarily from the New Testament, and the Acts of the Apostles in particular. The book of Acts details just that, the Acts of the early Church: her mission, her preaching, her faithfulness and her care for those in need. My report for the year past, 2023, can, in many ways, be seen as something akin to the narrative of Acts, for it was been a year of many acts. Each year brings with it both challenges and opportunities, and at the end of 2022, a year of immense challenge, the possibility of fulfilling a longstanding goal, which had been hampered, started to take shape: Columba’s Kitchen. Our food pantry officially launched some four months later and has become a key element of our outreach into the community. The focus around food was not accidental, but deliberate. As Jesus commanded us to receive his own body, the bread of life, he calls us too to be bread for others. He puts it so: ‘you yourself give them something to eat’ (Mark 6.37). One of the greatest ‘needs’ of the parish is food poverty. We can all attest to the increase in the cost of living and this has affected many in our boundaries in adverse ways. Columba’s Kitchen seeks to alleviate the pressure people are now experiencing by offering a provision which enables people to retain more of their money and at the same time, gives access to affordable food. Working very strongly with St Andrew’s Community Network, Liverpool Football Club, but most of all Plus Dane Housing Association, we are now able to facilitate all aspects of social care – from debt advice, to financial advice to housing issues, our links and collaboration has been a real blessing to 3 this community. I am proud that the pantry, now fully operational and celebrating its first birthday, is succeeding in the marks of mission laid down by the Anglican Communion, in ‘responding to human need by loving service’ and ‘seeking to transform unjust structures of society’. Without the dedication of the volunteers, this important provision could not operate. I am extremely grateful for their hard work. This is but one act that the Lord has blessed in the course of this year. At Easter we were privileged to welcome the new Bishop of Liverpool before his enthronement, we were a parish chosen, due to our strong community links and connections, and the Bishop was impressed with our ministry. As part of our ongoing commitment to good governance, it was decided that an away day be planned for the PCC. This took place in the summer and was facilitated by Fr Christopher Johnson, the Vicar of Horbury in the Diocese of Leeds. This was an opportunity to celebrate the many good elements of our parochial work and consider what might need to be implemented in the future. The PCC decided that sub-committees were needed to drive forward the work of the parish in the key areas of mission, children’s work, fundraising and the premises. This is an ongoing project and the work is never done, but I would ask for your prayers for the PCC that they may continue to exercise good governance. We were lucky in the latter half of the year to have substantial work completed on the building, both in the parish centre and in the church itself. Our community work being recognised, Frank Rogers, a local building firm, chose St Columba’s to be one recipient of its charitable giving. This work saw the whole of the hall painted as well as the foyer area, this redecoration was much needed. Also, the back wall of the church, nearest the font was repaired and repainted which had needed attention for some considerable time. We are most grateful to Frank Rogers for their generosity towards us. In ecclesial terms, after many years of negotiation and prayer, the deaneries of Liverpool North and Walton were amalgamated, making one larger deanery. We pray for a good working relationship moving forward. Other relationships have also been strengthened, particularly our cluster of parishes served by the Chapter of the Transfiguration – those clergy under the episcopal care of the Bishop of Beverley. This chapter seeks to resource all of its parishes to be more effective in prayer, evangelism, discipleship and service. We have hosted many events here at St Columba’s and it was my privilege to take over as Dean of the Chapter and the Bishop of Beverley’s representative in the Diocese in 2023 following the distinguished tenure of Fr Ray. Our partnership grows and is bearing fruit, please do pray for it moving forward and support its work. 4 The year ended with a need to continue to keep our foot on the gas, as it were. The Diocese reported the official ramifications of the pandemic and it did not make for comfortable reading. Across the Diocese we have collectively experienced ten years’ worth of decline in two years. This is a staggering statistic. If the Diocese and the Church of England at large wishes to recover from this, then it is clear what must happen: our faithfulness must increase, church must become _the priority_ rather than _a priority._ The mission of the Church must be something to which we all, without exception, young and old, contribute. We have done much to serve and evangelise and to provide pathways to allow people to enter into our common life and experience the salvation won for us by Jesus Christ. But we must break the old habit of saying, ‘that’s not my job’ – every parish church in the country has suffered and we must regain the ground that has been lost. This will only be achieved if we all pull together, as one, and proclaim the truth of the gospel with passion, we are indeed, to quote the book of Acts, ‘his witnesses’. Witnesses speak of what they have seen and experienced. It is our primary task to the share the good news of Jesus Christ so that others may experience his salvation, but also, so that we may flourish as a parish, grow, and be faithful to him. I must become more faithful. We must become more faithful. Only when we do, will our mission be effective and we will succeed in pointing people to Jesus. May we do so in the power of the Holy Spirit. _Fr Daniel_ 5 The Parish of Saint Columba’s is a well-established Christian community, located in the suburb of Anfield and Deanery of Liverpool North & Walton, within the Diocese of Liverpool. Since the early incumbencies of Fr Norman Alcock and Fr James Howard Foy the parish has been firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England, and displays all its hallmarks both liturgically and doctrinally. The parish is led by Fr Daniel Howard, who was instituted as Vicar in February 2020. Fr Daniel is supported by two Churchwardens, Mr Jeff Brandwood and Mrs Irene Campbell, a retired priest, Fr Tom Allen, and a Reader, Mr Adrian Manson, who holds the Bishop’s License. ## **AIMS & PURPOSES** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of St Columba, Anfield has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, Fr Daniel Howard, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church of St Columba, Anfield. ## **OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES** The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship in our church and to become part of our community. Our vision is detailed below (this is not an exhaustive list): - To be a community of ‘Missionary Disciples: Pointing people to Jesus’. - To allow people to worship God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, through regular attendance at mass and other public worship, and through daily personal prayer. - To nurture a strong, welcoming Christian community, whose values are underpinned by the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. - For all members of our church to grow in their Christian discipleship – praying, reading and learning. - To reach out to the local community. - To engage with our local school. - To make a bigger difference in this community – telling, serving and giving. 6 - To providing pastoral care through baptism, wedding and funeral ministry as well as the visitation of the sick and dying. - To offer teaching to children and young people and providing opportunity for them to worship and become active followers of Christ. - To deliver catechetical and formational programmes. - To participate in the fellowship of the Transfiguration with our sister parishes under the care of the Bishop of Beverley. ## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** The Parochial Church Council is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2020), and is registered with the Charity Commission, number: 1129512 under the name ‘The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Columba, Anfield’. ## **CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:** St Columba’s Vicarage Pinehurst Avenue Anfield Liverpool L4 7UQ ## **BANK:** HSBC Lord Street Liverpool L2 6PG ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:** Mr Paul Collins Collins & Co Chartered Accountants 13 Hattersley House, 1 Hattersley Court, Ormskirk L39 2AY 7 ## **INSURANCE PROVIDER:** Ecclesiastical Insurance Group Beaufort House Brunswick Road Gloucester GL1 1JZ ## **ARCHITECT:** Mr Andrew Kepczyk Kepczyk Pearce Sanderson 75 Wilmslow Road Handforth SK9 3EN ## **STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT ,** The structure, governance and management of the parish is determined by the rules of the Church of England, in particular the Church Representation Rules 2020. This sets out the membership of the PCC, which consists of the incumbent (Vicar), other clergy licensed to the parish, and the reader (all _ex-officio_ ), together with the two churchwardens (elected at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners) and members of the laity elected to serve on the Deanery Synod or Parochial Church Council (both of which are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting). Governance of the parish is provided by the Vicar, Churchwardens and PCC, whilst day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Vicar, Churchwardens and Officers of the Parochial Church Council. Whether _ex-officio_ or elected, together, all 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. ## **VICAR & CHAIRMAN:** Fr Daniel Howard SSC BA (Hons), M.St (Oxon) ## **HONORARY ASSISTANT PRIEST:** Fr Tom Allen ## **READER:** Mr Adrian Manson 8 ## **CHURCHWARDENS:** Mr Jeffery Brandwood & Mrs Irene Campbell ## **DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES:** Mr Adrian Manson, Mrs Irene Campbell & Mr James Williams. ## **STANDING COMMITTEE:** Fr Daniel Howard, Jeff Brandwood (Warden), Irene Campbell (Warden), Adrian Manson (Secretary), Julie Holland (Treasurer). The existence of the Standing Committee is required under the Church Representation Rules. It meets prior to PCC meetings to set the agenda for the meeting and transact delegated business. _The full membership list of the PCC is detailed below in the PCC report._ ## **HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER:** Mrs Jessica Howard ## **PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS:** Mrs Lynn Colgan & Mrs Jacqui Hale ## **ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER:** Mrs Jacqui Hale ## **PARISH CENTRE MANAGER:** Mrs Sharon Oulton 9 ## **STATUTORY REPORTS** ## **REPORT ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL SINCE THE LAST APCM** Throughout the year we have maintained our register of names on the Electoral Roll, though sadly, since the last meeting we have suffered bereavement as a Church family, particularly through the loss of David Singleton. Church has seen a number of new parishioners arrive who are settling in nicely. This year we are adding Irene Vernon, Lorna Stanley, Anthony Blood, Chinelo Njemanze, Barathi Goriparthi and Anita McGowan to the roll, removing the recently departed, as detailed above. The total number on the roll therefore stands at 83, of whom 40 live within the parish and 43 live outside our boundaries. ## **Jacqui Hale Electoral Roll Officer** ## **Report on the Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council (2023)** 1. The membership of the PCC since the last APCM on Sunday 21[st] May 2023 comprises of: Fr Daniel Howard (Vicar & PCC Chair); Mr Jeff Brandwood (Church Warden & PCC Vice Chair); Mrs Irene Campbell (Church Warden & Deanery Synod Representative); Miss Julie Holland (Treasurer); Fr Tommy Allen (Assistant Priest), Mr Adrian Manson (Reader, Secretary & Deanery Synod Representative); Mr James Williams (Deanery Synod Representative), Mrs Jessica Howard, Mrs Jacqui Hale; Mrs Joyce Jones, Mr Tony Oulton, Mrs Lynn Colgan, Mrs Lori Roberts, Mr Malcolm Dorr, Mrs Irene Taylor, Mrs Betty Doran and Mrs Sue Dowling. 2. The daily running of the parish was conducted by the Vicar. The PCC met on several occasions, including 26.02.23, 10.05.23, 27.06.23, 23.09.23 & 22.11.23. In addition to this, it met, as is required by the PCC representation rules immediately following the APCM for the year ended 2022 which took place on 21[st] May 2023. 3. In addition to the regular reports received at each meeting including updates and deanery developments, discussion has also taken place on the following: - **Safeguarding:** a safeguarding report can be seen below written jointly by the Vicar and the Parish Safeguarding Officers. - **Finance:** a financial report can be seen below written jointly by the Vicar and the treasurer, Miss Julie Holland. - **Services:** The Sunday Masses remain at 9.00 am and 10.30 am, however, there is a Family Mass twice a month at 4.00 pm. 10 At present, Mass is celebrated midweek on Tuesday at 7.00 pm, Wednesday at 10.00 am and Thursday at 12 noon. There are other seasonal services. - **Support:** The Church recognises that it must serve its community, and we seek to imitate the example of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. We actively support the following causes: St Andrew’s Community Network through the collection of food for those in local need; World Vision, supporting children in developing countries; Leprosy Mission; the Children’s Society and the Additional Curates Society. - **Church & Parish Centre Buildings:** please see the fabric and ornaments report compiled by the Churchwardens. - **Columba’s Café:** operates between Tuesday and Friday during the week. We continue to welcome new customers and old and relationships with parishioners are often established in this setting. We are grateful to a committed number of volunteers who assist the Parish Centre Manager with this form of outreach. - **Parish Centre:** A warm relationship is enjoyed with Rosie & Jim’s Nursery who have been tenants since 2019 and also, since 2022, United Response, a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities. - **Church Growth:** the continuing impact of the pandemic has been keenly felt by churches locally and nationally, as reported by the Diocese at the end of 2023, but the PCC remains committed to growth and outreach. - **Fellowship of the Transfiguration:** the parish has this year, become a member of the Fellowship of the Transfiguration, a fellowship of AngloCatholic parishes, already under the care of the Bishop of Beverley, that seeks to work collectively in the field if mission, evangelism and discipleship. ## **Adrian Manson** ## **PCC Secretary** 11 ## **Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults** The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is a priority for St Columba’s. We are continuing to create a culture of safeguarding where responsibility for the protection of children and vulnerable adults is shared by all. Full safeguarding requirements are implemented, including confidential declarations, fit and proper persons forms, code of safer working practice and DBS checks are completed for elected PCC members and those who are eligible due to their work. The Safer Recruitment Process is followed for those working directly with vulnerable adults and children. At the last APCM the PCC has adopted the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy, and this, as well as the contact details for diocesan and local safeguarding advisors feature on the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ poster located around the building. Training for those who undertake work with children, as well as for those in positions of leadership (PCC) is ongoing. ## **Fr Daniel Howard, Jacqui Hale & Lynn Colgan Safeguarding Team** ## **Financial Report of the Parochial Church Council** For the last two years we noted that financially the parish was ‘stable’ rather than ‘secure’. This remains the case at end of 2023. This is in large part due to the astronomical increases in the cost of living and utilities in particular. At the onset of the increases there was substantial concern about how we were to meet the increased costs. The standing committee has noted in recent months that a giving review will be required in the near future in an attempt to move us from ‘stable’ to ‘secure’. Given that the cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of abating, it will be necessary to conduct a stewardship review in the very near future as the parish cannot continue to meet the current levels of expense, based on the current rate of giving. As every provider and organization has increased costs, the costs of everything at St Columba’s has increased, and we must all prayerfully consider our response. We thank all for their generosity and financial commitment to our parish, its mission and ministry, without which we couldn’t operate. ## **Fr Daniel Howard & Julie Holland** _The Accounts and Independent Examiner’s Report can be found in the pages following these reports, and are to be read in conjunction with these statements._ 12 **Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Churches of the Parish Church & Community Centre** The overall stewardship of the ‘Fabric, Goods and Ornaments’ is an ongoing task undertaken by the Churchwardens year by year. This Fabric, Goods and Ornaments report is the process by which the Church of England oversees and ensures good management of all the Church physical assets. In 2023 the following works have been completed or undertaken: - The smoke detectors, fitted into the ceilings around the parish centre have been tested on a six-monthly basis and found to be working correctly, likewise the fire alarm for the parish centre is tested and is in good working order. - The Church heaters were all serviced in May 2023 and found to be in good working order. - The lift in the foyer, leading to the first floor of the parish centre has been fully maintained and the necessary repairs undertaken. - The lift in the parish centre has been inspected professionally every six months and is compliant with the LOLER regulations. - The gutters were cleared on the Church roof and as far as possible along the roof of the hall to ensure that water could pass through easily and drain through the pipes. - The fire extinguishers were serviced/replaced as necessary to ensure compliance. - The heating system located in the boiler room adjacent to the Bishop James room (which serves the whole parish centre) was serviced and found to be in good working order. - The necessary gas certificates were obtained for the parish centre and nursery. - Essential plumbing and minor electrical work has been completed across the parish centre to enable the smooth running of operations. - Thanks to the generosity of Frank Rogers Ltd, the hall and foyer have been redecorated, the back wall of the church (at height) has been repaired and repainted and new galvanized steel doors have been fitted on an exact like for like basis after falling into significant disrepair. The timber within the shutters which protect the main entrance doors has also been replaced. 13 - High level vegetation has been removed from the bell cote. - As is detailed in the latest Quinquennial Report in 2019, we recognise that other essential work, namely the plaster erosion in Church, the need for a new roof and vast internal decoration. These remain priorities that will be undertaken as soon as finances allow. ## **Jeff Brandwood & Irene Campbell Churchwardens** ## **Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod** In January 2023 the Deaneries of Walton and Liverpool North merged together. Since this legal change, the Synod has met multiple times and relationships are beginning to form across these new communities. New officers are due to be elected with equal representation. ## **Adrian Manson** ## **Deanery Synod Representative** 14 ## **NON-STATUTORY REPORTS** ## **Discipleship** The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, once said that ‘discipleship is a state of being… discipleship is how we live’. This accurately sums up what we have striven to do over the course of this last year. As in years past, we have provided the resources and space for the full living out of the Christian life on both a personal and communal level. How has this been achieved? Primarily, though not exclusively through catechesis. Catechesis, that is the teaching of the faith allows disciples to become more immersed in the faith that they profess. To this end we have hosted or facilitated teaching on the Christian life. This includes _Rites of Salvation_ exploring the theology and rites of Holy Week, _The Brighter Course_ , exploring the ways in which we can evangelise, as well as our continued journey along, _The Way._ These endeavours have produced fruit personally and collectively across the Parishes of the Transfiguration. This work continues day by day through our commitment to prayer and worship, through service and through dedicated times in Lent and Advent for a deepening of the faith we have received. Discipleship is at the heart of what we do and how we live. ## **Food Pantry – Columba’s Kitchen** As I have mentioned in my opening report, 2023 could aptly be described as a year of service. From its inception service has always been our priority along with our partners at Liverpool Football Club, St Andrew’s Community Network and Plus Dane. Since opening in April 2023 we have seen many people supported and helped and we know, based on personal testimony, that access to reasonably priced food has been a lifeline, particularly amongst local families. The continued spiraling of everyday costs and utilities has meant that the essentials, such as food and toiletries have also risen in price. Our provision has been gratefully received – not least as we have also enabled other support services to be accessed through our links. Our work was recognized nationally as an example of good practice and I was privileged to share our work with a large group of bishops and priests in Walsingham in November. In an address by the Bishop of Fulham in response to my presentation, it was recognized that St Columba’s was indeed living out the reality of the Kingdom of God and connecting with Jesus’ calling to serve and not be served, caring for those most in need. We give thanks to God for this work and ask his blessing as we move into our second year. ## **Fr Daniel Howard** 15 ## **Family Mass** It is hard to believe that 2023 saw the first anniversary of our family mass, Columba’s Communion. As I outlined above, the press and the local and national church have all reported the same news since the pandemic, the loss of children and families, the overall decrease in volunteers and a sharp decline in attendance. This new avenue of worship was designed with these things in mind with the specific focus on how to connect or reconnect with the missing generations. We have done this successfully and now have a regular congregation at 4.00 pm on Sunday afternoons. Sunday Mass, whatever time of day, is always a celebration of the Lord’s resurrection, and whilst arguments have been made to hold this liturgy at other times, I feel strongly that we cannot substitute the Lord’s Day. Moving forward and gaining new members is something that we have striven to do this last year, and we have regularly invited baptism families and pantry families to this celebration. We continue to explore how else local people connect with this family friendly worship and join in our common life in an increasingly secular age. Please pray that the Lord would bless this venture with growth. ## **Fr Daniel Howard** ## **Columba’s Crew** We have seen a number of new children join our ranks over the course of the year. Columba’s Crew, meets most Sunday in the hall after the children have gathered in church and the liturgy has begun. The children follow a pattern that mirrors the Mass with their own penitential rite, liturgy of the word and teaching before heading back into church for the eucharistic prayer. Welcome is a key part of our mission and we are always eager for new people to join us and begin their journey of faith. We’re sure you will have relatives or friends with children, why not invite them along and encourage them to come! It is well known that children are described as the future of the church, that is true, but they are also the present – who can you bring along? ## **Jessica Howard** 16 Financial Statements Page 17 Th• Parochial Chwch Council of the E¢¢leslastlcal Parlsh of SL Columb4 Anr￿Id Tn￿¢¢￿. Reportforthe year emded 31st D¢￿ther 2023 ncial Re¥￿W R¥sults loi th¢ year The results fcf the ye* ¥• W ¢Mrt rn pap 19. The PCC h•s ImF4*nN*rt•d lh• P•thh ikni S¢h•m• as a of swvYJ • rylw, lax eff￿Aent reveNe stream. R•s•rvo8 polky Thè Church Kis cne ￿nployee, 8 ParLsh Centre &tr aim is to suffic*ntthls to ￿er red￿d￿￿ thFs In ad¢*kn, ts PCC aim to hae an lo six rrthhs unreslri¢t•d expentthtrjre in r•>•rv•. Al 3111 De¢emter 2023, thes• wr*Ad Io 8 totst ol 8pproJwnatety £48,50012021. £47,OfyJI. The actu￿ free reseNes at 31st Dectmi*r 2Q23 U.3221202t. £33,532). 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