Parish of Ra lei Holy Trinity>sSt Michael's Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2024 Team Rector: The Revd. Glen Mansfield Parish Office: Rectory Garth, Rayleigh, SS6 8BB Bankers: Barclays Bank UK PLC Rayleigh Branch Leicester, LE87 2BB Independent Examiners: Venthams Limited Millhouse 32-38 East street Rochford, SS4 IDB THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rayleigh, Rayleigh Parish Centre, Rertory Garth, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 8BB - Registered Charity Number 1129561 htt www. arishofra lei h.or Page l of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH CONTENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Page Reference & Admlnlstrative Detalls Annual Report of the PCC Independent Examlnerfs Report 12 statement of Financlal Actbvltoes 13 Balance Sheet 14 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements Is Page 2 of 24
"PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Membership Members of the PCC are either ex-officlo or elected by Annual Parochial Church Meetings (APCMS) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Members of the PCC are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and those who served from l January 2024 to the date of this report are: Revd, Glen Mansfield Revd. Trac Nutter Revd, Milen Bennett Janet Carter Steven Dave Paul Falve Hiranthi Fernando Mar aret Gale Ann Joll Christo her Parker Wa ne Prankard Robert Robinson Gordon Simmonds Emil Buckle Andrew White Jac uel n Wra Team Rector Associate Priest Pioneer Minister pcc Churchwarden pcc pcc Churchwarden pcc pcc DS pcc Vice Chair pcc pcc DS Ex officio Ex officio Co-o ted. resi ned 22 Se Until APCM 2026 PCC until APCM 2027. Churchwarden 2023-25 Re-elected 2024-2027 Re-elected 2024-2027. PCC Treasurer Churchwarden 2022-25. Deane S nod until 2026 Until APCM 2025 Until APCM 2025 Deane nod until 2026 Until APCM 2025 Diocesan S nod until 2024. Deaner Until APCM 2026 Until APCM 2026 Deane nod until 2026 tember 2024 pcc DS DS nod until 2026 DS - deanery synod member THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF RAYLEIGH is a reglstered Charityi registration number 1129561. Main Office: Rayleigh Parish Office, Raylelgh Parlsh Centre, Rectory Garth, SS6 8BB Independent Examiners: Venthams Limited, Mlllhouse, 32-38 East Street, Rochford, SS4 IDB Bankers: Barclays Bank UK PLC, Rayleigh Branch, Lelcester LE87 2BB The Parish of Rayleigh is committed to the safeguarding of childreni young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops, guidance and policie5 and have our own Parish Safe uardin Officer (PSO) Steve Davey. Our website contains information about who to report any concerns to and how to make contact, as well as having posters on display within both churches. We also ensure that any roles performed within the church that require a DBS check have a valid certificate and complete the relevant safeguarding training for that role. Page 3 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rayleigh (PCC) submits its annual report and financial statements for the year end 31 December 2024. l. Aims and purposes The PCC is responsible for co-operating with the Team Rector, clergy and lay ministers in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecurnenical in the ecclesiastical parish of Rayleigh. It also has responsibilities to maintain the buildings and facilities of Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Rayleigh and St. Michael and All Angels Church ('St. Michael's,), Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh. 2. Objectives and activities The PCC is committed to encouraging and enabling as many people as possible to worshlp at our churches and to become part of our church family. The PCC oversees worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can include the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and Scripture, music and sacrament. When plannlng our activities for the year we have considered the Charity Commission's guldance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Specifically, we enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: Worship and prayer. learning about the gospel. developlng their knowledge and trust In Jesus Provision of pastoral care for people Ilvlng Sn the parish Minlstry and outreach work To facilitate this work, It Is Important that we malntaln the fabric of the two church bulldlngs and facllitles. We alm to keep our premlses In a good state, providing high quallty faclllties to community groups for significant clvlc support within our parish. 3. Achievements and performance Worship: At Holy Trinityi the pattern of services was as shown below. 1" 13" Sunday Sunday 8am Said Holy Communion - BCP Morning Worship or Holy Communion (Traditional) Morning Worship or Holy Communion (Contemporary) All-age Morning Worship Café Worship in the Main Hall Fourth Sunday Praise Café Worship Midweek Holy Communion 9:15am Sunday 11am th 5 Sunday '13" Sunday 10am 9:45am 6:30pm 4pm 10am th 4 Sunday 4" Tuesday Wednesday A revised service pattern was introduced in January 2024 with services at 9: 15am and 11am every week. This was initially for an experimental period of 6 months, after which the PCC reviewed and agreed to continue the new pattern. Some of the Baden Powell groups attend occasional Parade services. Cafe Worship services have continued to be very well attended. Page 4 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 At St Michael's, there is a cafe-style service every week at 11am, with Holy Communion celebrated once a month. Worship at both churches is led by a team of clergy and lay helpers. Sermon series for the year included Slavery to Freedom (Exodus), Death to Life (Luke and Acts), Seeking and Knowing God, Lost and Found, and Darkness to Light (l John) Morning Prayer has continued to be published on the Parish YouTube channel on Mondays and Fridays. Since July, our Rector Glen has been presenting an online Bible study in Luke's gospel approximately once a month in place of Monday Morning Prayer. Outside formal worshipi the Alen Chapel is set aside as a place for prayer and quiet contemplatlon throughout the week during Church Open. Revd. Glen Mansfield has led, encouraged and challenged the clergyi Staff teams, PCC and congregations, ably assisted by our Associate Priest Revd Tracy Nutter. Revd Milen Bennett (Pioneer Minister) took primary responsibility for St Michael's, completing a year with us up to September. Our thanks go to them and to the many others, members of the laity and retired clergy, who preach or lead services. Special services during the year have included 3 Choral Evensongs, a hymn festival, World Day of Prayer, daybreak service by the Lych Gate on Easter Day, Rochford District Council civic servlce and carol servlce, RRAVS carol service, Thanksgiving and Rememberingi Friends, Service of Light, alongside Town and Distrlct Remembrance services, Parish Carol Services, Nativity, Christingle and other family Christmas Eve services, "early midnight" and "midnight" Christmas Holy Communion services. Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Team aims to offer care to those In our community who need It, while trylng to make sure that no one slips through the net. The Team met seven times during the year and kept In touch via email and WhatsApp between meetings. As the Electoral Roll cannot be used to keep in touch with church members, nor were we able to reinstate the"Buddy System" which we used in order to keep in touch with each other durlng COVID, an additional form will be supplied at the same time as the electoral roll application form, asking people if they are happy for us to keep their detalls for the purpose of providing pastoral care. The Team spoke to Home Group leaders about providing pastoral care to members of their own home groups, which they (or other members of their groups) are willing to do. The Team tries to ensure that a member is present every week at St Michael's to provide an appropriate level of Pastoral care to that congregation. On looking at the accessibillty audit, it was agreed that Ilfts to church or meetings could be offered on an ad hoc basis, but that it was not posslble to coordinate lifts across the parish. Our bereavement cafe ("Being Here") continues to meet twice a month and goes from strength to strength, welcomlng those who feel isolated and alone, along with those who are bereaved. Each month we visit three residential care homes to lead services, and we support a resldent who leads a service in one of the homes once a month. We have attended the dementia café held in one of the residential homes. We visit some church members who are now confined to their homes through illness or frailty, and we take Holy Communion to some. We have re-involved the Timber Grove community In our church seNices and they also attend Friday Cake Cuppa Chat. After requests from 2 wedding couples last year, the Marriage Course (which had not been run since before COVID) was re-introduced. Cara and Chris did an amazing job with the two courses that were run, and both courses were very well received by the participants. We planned, organised, and ran the Thanksgiving and Remembering service in October, so that people could remember all those they had lost during the past year. We have tried to keep an eye on all those who are unwell, and those who let Us know that they need help. We have organised dementia training for those who expressed a wish to take part. Each week there is a notice in the notice sheet letting people know who they can contact if they need any sort of help. Page 5 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Outreach and Family and Children's Work The Working group divides its focus between outreach opportunities and family and children's work as there is a lot of crossover between the two groups. Time was spent at the beginning of this reporting year establishing the priorities and focus for the group and recognising that a lot of outreach work happens within the Parish already. Therefore, the main priority has been to maximise the opportunities for outreach at existing events, as well as creating new ones. Continuing outreach opportunities: Stop and Chat Friends, events such as Teddy Bear Tower Jump and Christmas Tree Festival Trinity Fair Toddler groups at St Michael's and Holy Trinity New outreach events: Playing field ministry In King George's Park 'Rejoice' art event Easter experience for schools Games and Chat Remembrance event for schools Prayer: The undergirdlng principle of the prayer working group is that all church activity should be grounded on the foundatlon of prayer, seeking God's wisdom in all parish life. Occasional prayer times for specific topics have continued, led by Glen. Other continuing activities include the twice-weekly online morning prayer recordings, prayer times for the Enqulrers group, printed prayer cards and prayer request box the In Alen Chapel, weekly House of Prayer meetingi quarterly Saturday morning quiet reflection, weekly dial-in prayer timei prayer chain, and our membership of the annual World Day Of Prayer. In 2024 the Remembrance Experience Included a prayer writing activity, and 2024 also saw the return of the Advent dally prayer calendar. We also Inltiated a prayer request box at st Michael's. Mlsslon Partners: Our PCC glves financial support to the followlng organisatlons whorn we see as 'mlssion partners,: St Mlchael's Oblya (Anglican church in northern Uganda), Vision to Serve (Education in India), CPAS (working wlth churches and leaders to help them share the gospel afresh in each generation - CPAS are also our patron), CMS (we support a specific mlnistry In Ecuador helping young adults with learning disability to reach their full potential), Hopeworx (Meeting the needs of our local community by provlding affordable second-hand furniture, appliances and other household items), Open Doors (supporting persecuted Christians by supplying Bibles, providing emergency relief and helping them stand strong for the long-term), Bar N Bus (engaging and supporting young people in multiple contexts e.g. in school, on the streets, in a structured programme), Crosslinks-Best (a bursary programme facilitating the training of church leaders across the world) Teen Challenge (Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme). In additlon, through separate appeals and individual gifts, the parish supports Leprosy Mission (transforming the lives of people affected by leprosy), Samarltan's Purse (via the shoe box programme), and The Children's Society. During 2024 we had visits from Leprosy Mission, Open Doors, and Vision to Serve and we are planning more visits for 2025. We have initiated a rota so that each month the intercessions in our services include prayer for a specific mission partner. Disclpleship: The Discipleship working group oversees homegroups, encourages personal bible study and suggests other resources to encourage spiritual growth, such as books for Lent and Advent. There are over 70 church members participating in homegroups, including a young people's group and an enquirers, group. Study materials are mainly developed by the team. In early 2024 we continued the studies on the Sermon on The Mount that were begun in the autumn of 2023. Throughout Lent, homegroups were invited to join together at Holy Trinity Parish Centre for a Lent course given by Glen on Church History. As in 2023, the course was much appreciated and very well attended. After Easter the home groups studied selected passages from 1 & 2 Thessalonians, followed central sessions on 'Loving Rayleigh, and 'Leadership Explored,. Page 6 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 In the autumn term we began a series of studies on Prayer in the Bible, designed to last until Lent 2025. We are very grateful to Revd John Townsend and Clive Lewis for their dedication in creating the study materials, to Glen for his oversight of the homegroups and excellent Lent courses and to all those who lead and host our homegroups. 4. Financial review Income for the year ended 31 December 2024 was £417,026 (2023- £408,659). The PCC has three main sources of income: firstly planned giving and tax recovery on gift aid which funds parish share. secondlyi grants from the Friends of Holy Trinityi Rayleigh which funds the maintenance and repair of Holy Trinity Church, a grade II* listed building; and lastly income on hall lettings which funds all other expenditure. For the first tlme slnce the pandemici planned giving Increased over the prior year and we are grateful to God for the generosity of those who give sacrificially. In 2024 income was boosted by a grant of £125,500 from the Frlends of Holy Trinityi whereas in 2023 income was boosted by one-off legacles of £1 10,656. We paid our 2024 parish share of £102,191 (2023 - £98,740) in full. Staff costs increased to £43,690 (2023 - £30,373) followlng the appointment of a ploneer mlnlster last year. The cost of utilltles decreased from £27,227 to £19,115 through a combination of reduced energy prlces and a change in energy suppller. Final payments totalling £20,616 on the refurbishment of Holy Trlnity Church in 2022 were pald durlng the year, offset In part by accruals of £14,648 and a grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport of £3,358 under the Llsted Places of Worship Scheme. The shortfall was funded by the Holy Trinity Fabrlc fund. Durlng the year, a garden was created on St Michael's Church slte, funded mostly from a donation for a sensory garden wlth the shortfall from St Michael's Ministry fund. At 31 December 2024, unrestricted reserves of £249,925 (2023 - £224,846) are held, the increase largely attributable to an Increase in income from hall lettings. Overall, the outturn for the year Is a surplus of £166,423 (2023 - £163,762) largely attributable to a grant from the Friends of Holy Trinity and interest Income of £14,310. The PCC is endowed with significant cash balances of £582,595 at 31 December 2024 (2023 - £419,789), the majority held in interest earning deposits at CCLA. A motion will be put to the APCM to re-appointed Venthams Limited as independent examiner. 5. Structurei governance and management 5.1. PCC The Parochial Church Councll (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a registered charity. The membership of the PCC and method of appointment along with other administrative information is set out on page 3. The PCC met on 9 occasions in 2024. The June and October meetings were non-buslness meetings focusing on ministry strategy and appreciative enquiry. The principal groups which work with the PCC to discharge its responsibilities are: Standing Committee which has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. Working Groups appointed by the PCC to act on their behalf. Much of the detailed work of the PCC is undertaken by these groups which meet in between PCC meetings and report back to the PCC. The extensive work of maintaining the church fabric is undertaken by the Facilities and Parish Centres groups who assist the Churchwardens in this part of their traditional responsibilities. Page 7 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 5.2. Church Membership The Electoral Roll is fully renewed every six years. As the last renewal was in 2019, a new roll will be prepared in 2025. At the 2024 APCM there were 229 members on the Electoral Roll. Of these 174 were resident and 55 were not resident in the Parish. The approximate average attendance at Sunday services (excluding additional services and special events was: St Michael's 11am HT 8am HT 9:15am HT 11am HT Cafe Worshi 20 10 60 60 55 5.3. Personnel Our Rector Glen leads and supports the staff team of clergy and laity which meets weekly for Bible study and diary planning and review. Together with the other clergyi he undertakes a signlficant portion of the leading and preachlng at services but also devotes tlme to fostering lay leadership of services where appropriate. Alongside her role as Associate priest, Revd. Tracy Nutter continues her valuable mlnistry supporting the pastoral needs of our community with phone calls, visits and Home Communion, leading the pastoral care team and 'Being Here,. Together with Maree Gaskin, Tracy also leads the monthly servlces at the local residential care homes. Revd. Milen Bennett, Pioneer Minlster, took primary responsiblllty for worshlp at St Mlchael's and began to develop outreach ministry In other areas. He resigned in September 2024. Robert Dart took an increasing role in leading services and successfully completed hls minlsterial placement with us In the middle of the year, after which he returned to Christ Church URC Rayleigh, his home church. Wayne Prankard, as Authorised Local Preacher, continues to offer his ministry to the church family alongslde a number of other lay preachers, and we thank them for thelr diligent study of the Bible and for sharing thelr Insights and encouragements with the church family. Maree Gaskin has continued to follow her calling as our Authorised Lay Funeral Minister. Cara Parker, In her role as Pastoral Asslstant, has continued to provide significant support to familles and children, Jacky Wragg will complete her tralning as a Llcensed Lay Mlnister in rnid-2025. We were delighted that Anton Machacek, who was a Reader in Oxford Diocese, offlcially became LLM to our parish at a servlce in Chelmsford Cathedral in September. We are looking to transfer the LLM licence of another church member to our parish and one church member Is going through the discernment process with a view to ordination. We are grateful to our organists Joe and Abbyi the choir and the music group for the part they play in leading our worship. Our Parish Administrator Janet Thompson continues to manage the offlce and welcome desk, bookings, invoicing and telephone queries. Our Parish Centres Assistant Jenny Crane provldes practlcal support, ensuring our premlses are clean and welcoming. Lynn Lee is our Baptism Coordinator, supported by a Baptism Team. The welcome desk at Holy Trinity parish centre Is ably staffed by a team of volunteers, and many other volunteers are involved in the day to day running and activities of our churches. We are grateful to them all. Page 8 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 6. Fabric Report Holy Trinity Church We are delighted with the affirmation of the 2022 refurbishment by our receipt of their Design Award from the Diocesan Advisory Committee. We are also happy to report that at last, we received the final sign-off on that work and have paid the bills and reclaimed the VAT. There were some minor issues, but the main area of concern was getting the complex heating control system right. Also, a small but important aspect was obtaining the return of some minor archaeological artifacts. The commemoration plaque for this work has now been fitted under the tower. The work identified in the Quinquennial Inspections, including a review of our malntenance schedules, is up to date. We fitted new carpet in the pulpit but have left the top stage of the drop down screen un-repalred to save money. Items In hand include repairs to the weathervane, chancel step, and a tombstone In the cloister area. We are also considering the installation of an intruder alarm in the church, re-roofing the south aisle and Alen Chapel roofs, possibly with the addition of Photo Voltaic panels. We have had visits from the Dlocesan Environmental adviser and had a free Zero Carbon survey. We are awalting their report (with a potential grant of £3,000) and are delaylng related actlons till we have thelr advice. We have prepared a Watch Llst of potential major cost repalrs etc, to assist longer term flnancial planning. We have been pleased to welcome visits from local U3A and other groups. The Spitfire and poppy display In front of the tower for Remembrance attracted many visltors and was very favourably revlewed. As ever we are grateful to the Gardening Groupi whose efforts are not only recognlsed by us, but also by the Rayleigh, and Anglia In Bloom judges. Nor could we do without the 'Bodge' Team. Both groups would welcome further helpers to their numbers. Of course, we continue to acknowledge the malntenance work in the churchyard done by the District Council. We are pleased to note that In May 2025 we will be hosting the AGM of The Friends of Essex Churches, who have been so supportive to us. Above all we acknowledge the fantastlc financial support from The Friends of Holy Trinity Rayleigh ('The Friends,). Parish Centre (Holy Trinity) Remarkably we have been able to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the opening of the Centre. We have provided high quality accommodation both for our own Church groups and for others from our community for all those years. Recognislng the pressure that most groups have, and to reward the loyalty from non- PCC groups, we have not increased our fees, and bookings have remained steady and high. Our major concern and preoccupation this year was the heating system. It took significant time and effort to detect the leaks and to repair them, but we are happy to report that our insurers covered most of the cost of this work. As previously reported the Parlsh Centre Main Hall doors still give trouble and will probably need replacing soon. In order to reduce our use of non-recyclable paper towels, we have installed two new electric hand driers. We keep our maintenance and regular inspections up to date and replace items as needed, e.g. the window keys and break-glasses. We have continued to adopt the recommendations of the Accessibility surveyi including the addition of an extra, large parking place for Blue Badge holders. We have replaced two laptops and have developed plans to install smart thermostats on all the radiators but are waiting to hear from the Zero Carbon report before we take any attion on this. We must thank Janet, Jenny and Anita for their work in keeping things going so well. St Michaels The quinquennial work is up to date, done mainly by volunteers in their own time. We greatly appreciate their efforts. Meeting a very long-held ambition, there is now an accessible and very tidy garden behind the Annex. Page 9 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 We have had a new water heater installed in the Annex. We would also like to fit electric hand dryers to this site as well as at the HT Parish Centre, but we are proceeding carefully in view of the power supply limits on this site. The safe has been replaced and the oven repaired. The defibrillator has been installed and registered as available for public use; but unfortunatelyi this has led to number of false alarms that it had been used and therefore was not available for use. 7. Rochford Deanery Synod Report The usual format of a Deanery Synod (DS) meeting includes opening and closing worshipi a status report by the host church, a special Item, often with a visitlng speaker, and updates on Deanery Finance and personnel. We hosted the February 27th Deanery Synod meeting at Holy Trinityi Rayleigh. The main topics under discussion were Deanery and Parish finances and vocatlons. There was a slgnlflcant underpayment of Parish share across our Deanery, which Is considered to be affluent. Clergy numbers are being reduced and unused clergy houslng sold to help with the deflclt In the Diocesan Budget. It was noted that there are nevertheless stlll some pots of money avallable for specific projects. Rev Kim Lepleyi who is the Deanery Vocatlons Adviser, spoke about vocations for both clergy and lay members. Lay Members need to complete the Course in Christian Studies or equivalent for most posts. Rev Ernie Guest also speaks with people wishing to go into ministry. There is now no upper age limit for ordained mlnistry, only for stipendiary posts. The minimum age Is 23. Ideallyi prospective candidates should consult their own clergy first. It was suggested that iterns should be shared amongst the parish to save buying or hiring. We were able to respond to this later in the year by lending some tables to Hockley parish for a summer event. The June I Ith Deanery Synod meeting was hosted at St Nlcholas, Great Wakerlng. Rev Ernie Guest gave a presentation on Cursillo, a movement that started in Spain over 50 years ago. It Is a world-wide movement with over 30 Dioceses in the UK taking part. In our Diocese, two weekends a year are held at Pleshey, the Diocesan House of Retreat. The idea Is that participants get energised through prayer, study and action to go back to their parishes to do God's work in whatever form that might take. A number of DS members had attended Cursillo weekends. The Area Dean Nick Rowan reported that the total Parish share the Deanery paid in 2023 was 68.70/0 which left a shortfall of £135,000. The average across the Diocese was 83.50/0. For 2024, as of the end of April, two parishes had paid 330/0 and three parishes paid 16-170/0. Unfortunately, four parishes had not paid anything. Eight people in the Deanery had undertaken the two-year Course in Christian Studies and would be collectlng their certificates from Bishop Gull at Chelmsford Cathedral on 10th Julyi and invited everyone to go along and support them, especially from their parishes. Around 40 people had attended the Bradwell Area Vocations Day in Mayi including some from Rochford Deanery. Bishop Adam attended along with Archdeacon Mike and Archdeacon Jonathan. Rev Ernie Guest and Rev Nick Rowan had been nominated and duly appointed to Diocesan Synod. There had been no nominations for the lay positions. The November 28th meeting took place at St Thomas of Canterbury, Hullbridge. Parish Giving Advisor Michelle Cottis gave a presentation. She and a colleague work to support parishes in promoting a culture of generosity and enabling giving. They offer a 'generous church, check list for PCCS to identify areas for improvement and can provide advice on contactless digital giving, budgeting and claiming Gift Aid. Page 10 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Steve Lissenden had been appointed Rector of HRR and Priest in Charge of Hockley, Rev Sharon Guest was leaving the deanery to go to St. Osyth, Weeley, Great Bentley and Little Clacton. Archdeacon Mike Power had now moved to West Ham. The Venerable Jonathan Croucher was currently overseeing Southend archdeaconry as well as Chelmsford. Reports from General Synod and Diocesan Synod were presented. General Synod had debated, amongst other things, financial matters, Wisdom of Trust, Safeguarding and abuse, the human dignity of disabled children, the persecuted church, hearing the voice of young people, food banks and inadequacies in social security, rest periods for clergy and Livlng in Love and Faith. A speclal meeting of the House of Laity had challenged the apparent 'dernocratic deficlt, among the houses In General Synod. 8. Approval The annual report was approved by the PCC on 7th April 2025 and signed on Its behalf by: The Revd. Glen Mansfleld Team Rector Gor on Simmonds Vlce Chalr Page 11 of24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Independent Examiner's Report to the Parochial Church Council of Rayleigh I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements the Parochial Church Council of Rayleigh ('the charity,) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report Is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, In accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charlty and the charlty's trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. Responslbllities and basls of report As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charitles Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of my examlnatlon of the charlty's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dlrections given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. An independent examination does not Involve gathering all the evidence that would be requlred in an audlt and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinlon on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit go beyond the limited assurance that an Independent examination can provide. Consequentlyi I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fair, vlew and my report Is limited to those specific matters set out In the independent examiner's statement. Independent examlner's statement Since the trust's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed In section 145 of the 2011. 1 confirm that l am quallfied to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which Is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention In connection wlth the examlnation giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accountlng records were not kept In respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act. or the financial statements do not accord with those records. or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requlrements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts 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 wlth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Stuart Harrison Venthams Limited Millhouse 32-38 East Street Rochford, SS4 IDB Date: IsT11 April 2025 Page 12 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcrIvmES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 nrestnrte fund$ e5tricte funds ota 2024 ot 2023 Note Incoming resources Voluntary Inoome Ch urch actlvities Actlvltles for genÉratlng funds Investment income Other Total ISl,515 117,4S5 133,746 285,261 117,455 297,166 110,656 14,310 14,310 837 268,970 148,056 417,026 408,659 Resources expended Exp•ndltur• an: Ch urch activitles 243,913 6,690 250,603 244,797 Total 243,913 6,690 250,603 244,797 Net income 25,057 141,366 166,423 163,862 Transfers between funds li Net movement in funds 2S,057 141,366 166,423 163,862 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds ¢arrled forward 224,868 532,139 757,007 59i,145 li 249 925 673 505 923,430 757,007 * Analysis of 2023 fund balances Is provided in note 13 Page 13 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 ric income funds Unrestrirt nds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note Flxed assets Tangible assets 366,000 366,000 366,000 Total flxed assets 366,000 366,000 3S6,000 Current assets Debtors Cash In bank and In hand 17,007 278,501 3,410 304,094 20,418 582,595 11,151 419,789 Total current assets 295,509 307,505 603,013 430,940 Credltors: Amounts falling due wlthin one year io 45,583 45,583 39,932 Net assets 249.925 673,505 923,430 757,008 Represented by: Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted funds 249,925 249,925 673,505 224,868 532,139 673,505 Total funds li 249 925 673 505 923,430 757,008 Anal Sis of 2023 fund balances Is rovlded Sn note 14 The flnancial statements and notes on pages 12-24 were approved by the PCC on 7 Aprll 2025 and slgned on its behalf by: Gordon Immonds Vice Chair Lalini Hiranthi Fernando BA FCA Treasurer The notes on pages 15-24 form part of these financial statements. Page 14 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Basis of Preparation Basis of Accounting The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FR5102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Chu rch Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCS, and with the Regulations'"true and fair" view provisions, together in accordance with 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice as a mended for bulletin l & 2 applicable to charities preparing their accou nts in accordance with the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition), and the Flnanclal Reporting Standard applicable In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from l January 2019. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The flnanclal statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC Is responslble In law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are an informal gathering of church members. The financial statements are prepared In pounds sterling which is the functional currency. Monetary amounts In these financial statements are rounded to the nea$t £. Golng concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the PCC'S ability to contlnue Its activities and accordingly these financlal statements have been prepared as a going concern. Accountlng Pollcle$ Incomlng resources Incomlng resources are Included In the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles when the PCC Is entstled to the benefit of the resources, the inflow of economic benefit is probable and the monetary value can be measured wlth sufficlent reliability. b. Gift aid recelvable Is Included in Income when there is a valid declaration from the donor, is Included in the period to which the relevant donation is received and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the donation. c. Voluntary income which Is collected on behalf of other charities is not Included as PCC Income. d. Legacies are recognlsed on a case-by-case basis following the granting of probate when the admlnistrator/executor of the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. e. Grants and specific donations are recognised in the SOFA when all criteria for their award has been satisfied. Income from charitable activities is gross of assoclated costs. g. Income from the use of premises and facilities is recognised when due. Fees for weddings and funerals represents the total fee to which the PCC is entitled. fees payable to other parties are recognised as expenditure. Investment income is recognised when received. Page 15 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Resources expended Llabilities are recognised as soon as there Is a legal or construrtive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the PCC'S objects. These are recognised when an award has been made and all criteria for the grant to be disbursed have been met. Governance costs include costs of the independent examination of financial statements. Flxed Assets Consecrated and beneflced property is not included In the financlal statements In accordance wlth s.10(2) of the Charities Act 20 11. Movable church furnishings held by the Team Rector and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which requ ire a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventoryi which can be Inspected on provision of reasonable notice. All expenditure on church furnishings is written off when ncurred. Buildings consistlng of the Parlsh Centre complex at Holy Trinity Church and the Annexe at St. Mlchael's Church are included at cost. Equipment used in the church buildings and complexes are written off on acqu isition. Debtors Debtors are stated at amounts due and subsequently at cash or other conslderation due. Other debtors Include prepayments which are stated at the amount of prepaid expenditure at balance sheet date. Credltors Creditors are Included at amounts due at settlement. Funds Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific purpose or Invited by the PCC for a specific purpose. The funds may only be expended on the specific purpose for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not Usually invest separately for each fund. Where there Is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance ba515. Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for the charitable activities of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestrirted. Page 16 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 3. Income Unrestricted Restricte lunds lunds Total 2024 Tota 2023 Not• Voluntarv income Planned glvlng Loose plate collectlons One-off glfts Tax recoverable on glft ald Legacles Grants Frlends of Holy Trlnlty Church other Total 107,7L7 14,574 2,720 25,352 303 3,145 110,862 14,574 2,720 106,850 10,503 12,745 25,560 110,813 5,924 23,000 1,771 297,166 743 26,095 1,303 3,358 125,500 848 285,261 1,000 3,358 125,500 151,515 133,746 Church actlvlties Cake, cuppa, chat Bookstall sales 2.991 2,328 97,771 14,058 307 2,991 2,328 97.771 2,728 1,999 97,406 8,039 485 Church hall lettlngs Fees for weddlngs and funerals other Total 14.058 307 117,455 117,455 110 656 Investment income Interest & Investment galns Total 14,310 14,310 14,310 837 S37 2024 2023 * Grants recelved: Chelmsford DBF., Energy grant Department for Culture, Media & Sport: Llsted Places ol Worship Sclieme Total 3,040 2,884 3,358 3,358 Page 17 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4. Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Tot41 2023 Note Church activities Minigtrv Parish share Clerqv & staff expenses Mission & trainina 102.191 3.285 102.191 3.285 98,740 733 105,476 105,476 99,473 Missionary & charitabl• oivinq Givina to mission & churches 28.178 28,178 15,400 28.178 28,178 15,400 Staff costs Adminlstration & malntenanc• Mission & Ministry 21.884 21.806 21,884 21,806 21,078 9,295 43.690 43,690 30,373 Church property costs Utilities 19.115 6,269 1.116 8,881 90 19,115 6.269 27,227 5.857 1,515 28.OB7 32 Insurance Cleanina Malntenance & repalrs Churchvard Other qeneral support costs 1.116 15.571 90 6.690 35.471 6,690 42,161 62,718 Church life & outreaeh Bookstal I Upkeep of services other 1.442 1.442 13,450 98 14,989 l.Q29 5,514 13.450 98 14.989 6,543 Adminlstration Telephone & communScatlon Statlonery & photocopylno Other 1.116 868 10.765 12.749 1,116 868 931 1.981 12,749 26,690 Governance eo$ts Independent examiner's fee 15 3.360 3,360 3.360 3,600 3,600 3,360 Total 243,913 6,690 250,603 244,797 Page 18 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEMEs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 5. Staff c05ts Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Salarles & wages Socla I securlty Pension costs Total 42,1 42,801 28,704 889 Durlng the year the PCC employed on average 3 staff (2023: 2 staff) and at 31 December 2024 had 2 pald staff (2023: 3 staff). Social security costs of £NIL (2023 - NIL) were reduced by the National Insurance employment allowance. The PCC Is a partlcipatlng employer In the Church of England Pensions 8oard Penslon Bullder, a deflned contrlbutlon scheme, to dlscharge Its obllgatlon for pension auto enrolment. No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 (2023: Nil) 6. Mlsslon and charltable glvln9 Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Fund:_ Giving to mission & churches Bar'n. Bus Church Mlssion Soclety Church Pastoral Ald Soclety Essex Clergy Charlty Corporatlon Crosslinks Hopeworx Open Doors St Michaels, Obiya Friends of Vision School Teen Challenge 903 2,259 2,410 924 2,310 2,464 924 903 903 11,985 2,937 4,975 903 924 924 3,003 3,003 924 No grants were disbursed from the PF Fund in 2024 (2023 Nil). Page 19 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 7 . Tangible Fixed Assets 2024 Freehold land & buildlngs 2023 Freehold land & bulldings Total Cost At l January Additions Revaluations Disposals At 31 December 366,000 366,000 366,000 366,000 366 000 366 000 366 000 Depreclatlon and Impalrrnent At l January Disposals Depreciation Impairment At 31 December Net book value At l January 366 000 366 000 366 000 At 31 December 366 000 366 000 366 000 Fixed assets comprise the original cost of buildings in the Par15h Centre complex at Holy Trlnity Church Jnd the Ann8xe at St Michael's Church. 8. Debtors Total 2024 Total 2023 Tax recoverable on Gift Aid Hall fees receivable Grants receivable Insurance claim 4,026 10,343 3,358 2,690 4,132 7,019 Total Page 20 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 9. Cash at bank & in hand Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Barclays Bank current account Lloyds Bank - Fees Account CCLA Church of England Deposit Fund Total 65,180 18,262 195,060 278 501 65,180 18,262 499,154 209,254 33,698 176,837 304,094 304 094 582 595 419 789 10. Credltors & Accruals Total 2024 Total 2023 Payroll Accruals & deferred income Provision for exceptional items Refurbishment Agency payments Total 1,772 16,101 22,148 2,215 6,994 13,974 14,648 15. Independent examlner's fees Total 2024 Total 2023 Accrued fee Total 11. Analysls of Funds l January 2024 Incomlng Resource$ resour¢e$ expended Transfers 31 December 2024 Unrestricted: General Fund 224 868 268 970 243 913 249 925 Re$trl¢ted Funds Fixed Assets Holy Trinity Fabric Holy Trinity Ministry St. Michael's Ministry Youth & Children's Worker PF Fund Outreach 366,000 12,186 40,320 1,792 43,500 62,092 6,250 532 139 366,000 136,077 44,068 1,235 51,431 67,863 6,831 673,505 129,858 3,748 167 7,93 1 5,771 581 (5,968) (724) 148 OS6 Page 21 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 12. Related party transactions None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or retrived any benefits for serving as trustees. The Revd. Milen Bennett was employed by the PCC as Ploneer Minister and remunerated in that capacity. Expenses incurred on behalf of the PCC have been re-imbursed to trustees. During the year, fees of £1,565 were paid to The Revd. Tracy Nutter for offKlats'ng as mlnister at occaslonal services, and £45 paid to Liz Simmonds as verger for occasional servlces. The Revd. Glen Mansfield and Gordon Slmmonds are trustees of The Friends of Holy Trinity, Rayleigh (registered charity no. 1069853). During the year £125,500 (2023 - £23,000) was received from The Friends of Holy Trlnity Church, Rayleigh. There were no other related party transactions during the year that require disclosure other than glvlng from members of the PCC. During the year, trustees made total donations of £33,817 (2023 - £29,036). Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2023 13. 2023 statement of Flnancial Activities Incomlng resources Voluntary income Church activities Activities for generating funds Investment income Other Total income 265,998 LIO,656 837 31,168 297,166 110,656 837 377 491 408 659 Resources expended Ch urch activities Total expendlture 230,149 230 149 14,648 244,797 244 797 Net Income before Investment galns 147,342 16,520 163,862 Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 147,342 16,520 163,862 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 77,526 515,619 593,145 Total funds carried forward 224,868 532,139 757,007 Page 22 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMElffS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 unrestnrted funds Restricte funds Total 2023 14. 2023 Balance Sheet by Fund Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments Total fixed assets 366,000 366,000 366,000 366,000 Current assets Debtors Investments Cash in bank and in hand 11,151 11,151 239,002 180,787 419,789 Total current assets 250,153 180,787 430,940 Creditors: amounts falllng due withln one year 25,284 14,648 39,932 Net assets 224,869 532,139 757,008 Represented by: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds 224,869 224,869 532,139 532,139 Total funds 224,869 532,139 757,008 Page 23 of 24
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF RAYLEIGH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 15. Independent examiner's fees Total 2024 Total 2023 Accrued fee Total 16. Capital commltments There were no capltal commitments at 31 December 2024 (2023 £14,648). Page 24 of 24