2023-12-31-accounts

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Charity number 1129564

St Paul's Church, Crofton Report and Accounts 31 December 2023

	Page
Annual report from the PCC	3
Financial Review	14
Independent examiners’ report	18
Consolidated statement of financial activities	20
Consolidated balance sheet	21
Notes to the consolidated financial statements	22-32

2023 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

for the Parochial Church Council of

ST PAUL’S CHURCH CROFTON

The Parochial Church Council of Crofton St Paul is a registered charity number 1129564.

Chairman & Incumbent: The Reverend Canon B Abayomi-Cole The Vicarage 2 Oakwood Road Orpington BR6 8JH Registered Office St Paul’s Church Crofton Road Orpington BR6 8JE Bankers Virgin Money (Clydesdale Bank) 154-158 Kensington High Street London W8 7RL National Westminster Bank (Friends) High Street Orpington Kent BR6 0NS Hon Treasurer Victor Brittain-Wong Hon Bookkeeper Edmund Boyden Independent Examiner Rosaline Olojede- Nelson FFA FAIA FIPA

AIMS AND PURPOSES

St. Paul’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Canon Bimbi Abayomi-Cole, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church building of St Paul’s Church, Hall, 55 Place Farm Avenue and 205 Crofton Road Orpington.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Review of the year

The agenda for the council continues to be driven by the Vision for the church community at St Paul’s adopted in 2009:-

To serve Jesus Christ: to serve His world

Seeking His presence with all at our disposal

Embracing His will for our lives

Reaching His world in love

Valuing His creation from his perspective

Enabling His children to come to Him

Through Prayer God’s Word Mission Worship Pastoral Care

Vicar’s Report

The Vicar reported as follows:

2023 marked another year of change and growth in the Parish as Corey Layzell joined us as our Worship Pastor from the beginning of January and Elli Heath joined us in February to bring some much-needed continuity as our Church Administrator and support to Helen Stiff, our only remaining employed Children and Youth worker after the departure of Mark Sanger and Mandy Tutt in the previous period.

“A time to plant…” Ecclesiastes 3:2b

The ministry to the Parish has been ably supported during the year by our outstanding PCC Standing Committee comprising Victor Brittain-Wong (Hon Treasurer), Ali Heath (Churchwarden), Chris Stern (LLM), Dr Funke Tikare (Churchwarden) as well as our great PCC who have initiated and supported the initiatives which continue to impact the church family and beyond in our community: Band of Brothers bringing the men of the church together with the annual Men’s weekend with guest speaker Revd Luke Bacon providing a spiritual highlight, ; 3 Church Services on a Sunday as well as a midweek Service serving diverse need; Elderberry Café ( providing fellowship and sustenance not just for our church family and locality but others now coming from further afield as well as a Warm Space in winter 2022/2023) ; House Groups ( were given a fresh lease of life with a drive to recruit more church members and new groups set up) ); Ladies Prayer Fellowship thankfully providing an extra arena for monthly corporate prayer as well as their usual LPF Weekend at Crowhurst which blessed

many attending; the Pastoral Care team continues to provide much needed support as needs arise within the body of Christ and those in the community; Tea and Chat continues to meet a need for connectedness among the elderly and those n their own; Youth and Children’s activities continue apace as a wonderful team supports Helen to provide for our Youth and Children despite the gaps in our employed staff. St Pauls Joggers continued to provide an opportunity for people to gather together in a different way as did the first Men’s Breakfast since the Pandemic on 20th May enabled by Ali Heath and her generous team of helpers followed by a Men’s barbeque on 1st September. Hopefully Sister Act will resurrect in due course enabling the ladies of the church to meet along similar lines.

We also encouraged people to build spiritual foundations and structures through the likes of the Lent Course 2023 (panels tackling theological questions from church members}, mission groups visiting the parish, e.g. Raj and Andy Hare’s Equipping the Saints with a team from Agape Freedom Fighters 11/12 February, Rodney Hogue and a similar team on Fri 21st April. Many dipped in for the first time to New Wine’s Summer conference based in Detling, 40 minutes away, as opposed to the usual 3- 5hour trek and were impacted enough to want to go again!

“A time to uproot…” Ecclesiastes 3:2b

We had to make the difficult decision to end livestreaming after the summer which was seen as benefitting those unable to attend in person due to sickness/disability but had the disadvantage of giving folk a reason not to attend in person. Once we stopped several people expressed their thankfulness as the livestreaming had actually inhibited their openness to worship/give testimonies! Oasis came to an end after 19 years in which Lyn Rowles had led a “Quiet Day in an Hour” on a Thursday morning. We give thanks for the many ladies to whom that proved a time of blessing and refreshing over the years and to Lyn for leading it all these years. Inevitably, there were painful farewells during the year with several notable longstanding members of the church departing this life for the better shores of heaven. They continue to be sorely missed though we rejoice in many new saints joining us through the year and contributing to the health of the body of Christ.

It was with a measure of amazement that we celebrated 25 years of my being the Vicar here from May 1998. We give thanks this 25th anniversary year for all who have supported the ministry here during the quarter century. We especially thank the PCC and church for releasing and supporting Anthea and I to go on mission to Brazil with Randy Clark and Global Awakening in September. Seeing and being part of God continuing what he did after the first Pentecost has given us a fresh lease of life – if you want your faith to be strengthened sign up for a similar mission! What God cannot do, does not exist. He is truly the same yesterday, today and forever, the God of the impossible!

REPORTS FROM ST PAUL’S ORGANISATIONS 2023

Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers in 2023

In the summer we ran the men’s football at Tubbenden Primary School. We had 16 men attend over the weeks as we played at 8pm on a Monday night. Each session would include a match and finish with a word of scripture and prayer.

Dave Allison continues to organise a jogging group for all in the church, this started in January 2022.

In 2023 we held a BBQ, Men’s Breakfast and Christmas meal with around 25 men attending. We continue to have socials to build community. We had 26 men attending the men’s weekend at Ashburnham on 15th-17th March 2024, which was led by Simon Bate. It was a blessed weekend of seeing God transforming the men.

We had around 21 men including day visitors attending the March weekend at Ashburnham which was the first since 2020, with Revd Luke Bacon as our guest speaker. We are looking to build in 2024, we are holding a leaders meeting to see how we move forward together.

Stephen Read

Churchwarden's Report (Incorporating Site Committee Activities)

Thank you to the many members of St Paul’s who help in so many ways with the upkeep of the church and buildings especially the members of the Site Committee: Cyril Kinch, Liz Cameron and Lyn Rowles; and to Malcolm King, Duncan Cameron, Paul Biggs and Mike Heath. There is always space for more volunteers on SC.

The Church itself, hall and VCR continue to be well used with both regular hirers, one-off users and visiting film crews.

We are still actively seeking the recruitment of a facilities manager and/or site caretaker who would oversee the maintenance, health and safety, fire safety, access & security, and custodial needs of the church buildings, which are currently being carried out by the staff and volunteers.

Meanwhile we have been working closely with the Site Committee, PCC, and our volunteers in various areas from regular maintenance, servicing, and repairs to working on the fabric, fixtures and fittings of our buildings. These include:

New flooring in the church cloakroom area
Ongoing gardening works
Tree works completed in line with safety survey of July 2022
Updates to CCTV system
Replacing the lower glass panes in hall (paddock side) with clear glass
Clearing out the air raid shelter
Deep cleaning the hall kitchen

At a PCC meeting earlier in 2023, it was decided that the future of the bungalow in the grounds of SPC needed to be addressed and the decision was made to prepare it for rental. Much needed to be done to bring the property up to the required standard for rental and provide a cosy home but the new tenants moved in in October.

In addition, there has been some general upkeep in relation to the replacement of light fittings and bulbs in the church, hall and other areas, as well as some redecoration across the building as and when it has been required. We had two very successful work parties during the year and managed to tackle many areas inside and outside the church buildings and tidy up the grounds. This will be a biannual event so please look out for future dates!

Ali Heath and Funke Tikare

The Elderberry Cafe

All is going very well with the weekly cafe. We continue to open every Wednesday and are proud of the fact that to date we have not missed a week since the cafe opened in December 2021, with Christmas Day so far falling nicely between Wednesdays (but not this year!).

We see between 40 - 60 guests each week and have a great mix of church members, local community friends, mums dropping children at the pre-school and carers bringing those they care

for. The cafe seems to be meeting the needs of both locals and those who travel to be with us, all finding a friendly welcome and people to chat with.

The cafe wouldn’t run without the support, care and love of a team of volunteers who bake, move tables, clean, pour drinks, serve food and chat to our guests. We thank God for their commitment to this outreach and pray that as they love and serve those who come through our doors, our guests meet with God in a real and life changing way.

This past year we have welcomed some new team members and this has helped share the work load out and we are very grateful for all the help we receive.

A small keep fit group now meet after the cafe and before communion and this is run by Margret Jacob and is appreciated by those who attend.

We also have a therapy dog, Gracie, who comes along every fortnight and many members of the cafe enjoy seeing and stroking Gracie. Thank you to Annie for this new and appreciated part of our cafe outreach.

Lyn Rowles has joined the team in the role of Prayer Minister and the cafe now offers a prayer space and someone to chat with, should this be wanted. Again, this is a lovely new addition to our cafe and various members have found this most helpful.

The Cafe is also supported by a number of young people who come along in the school holidays and help out. Special thanks goes to Arabella, Aurelia, Amaya, Jacob and Samuel. If you have a teenager who would benefit from doing some voluntary work in the school holidays, please send them our way!!

The volunteer team currently is made up of; Liz & Duncan Cameron, Sarah Lacaille, Cyril Kinch, Jan Raggett, Joyce Heath, Fay Nurse, Lesley Caine, Ros Westwood, Sarah Elkington, Kath Lucken, Annie Harrington, Lyn Rowles, Misude Tavares, Margret Jacob, Dave Armstrong and Thomas Fryer. We are also able to call on the “muscle”’ of Paul Biggs as and when we need him - fantastic! It is as a result of this number of volunteers that we are able to open weekly.

So, the cafe continues to grow and to expand its ministry. We thank all those who pray for this outreach and we thank God for his goodness to us.

Ally Willis and The Elderberry Team

Friends of St Pauls - Planned Giving

Friends of St Paul's is the name of the church's regular giving and Gift Aid reclaim scheme. The Gift Aid scheme enables the church to reclaim from HMRC the income tax paid by donors on their donations. Under this arrangement, the church can reclaim 25p for every £1 donated, subject to donors completing a formal declaration. The church reclaimed over £36,000 from HMRC, on donations made in 2023. The church is extremely grateful for all the donations made throughout the year.

If you would like to know more about the scheme, please talk to Michael Lacaille or Ed Boyden. You can find more details about Gift Aid and giving on the church website, Giving – St Pauls Crofton.

Mike Lacaille & Ed Boyden

House-Groups

Through 2023 several evening housegroups were set up bringing the total to 5 evening groups and 1 daytime group.

These groups have gone on to be a great source of fellowship enabling church members to meet, share the Word, connect and support one another in a smaller group setting outside the wider church family.

During Lent, housegroup and church members attended the Lent course where various members led the evening speaking on differing topics. In April, Housegroup leaders met to pray, share ideas, resources and ways to continue developing the groups.

There had been an urgent need for a daytime group. This prayer was wonderfully answered by Lyn Rowles MBE taking up the leadership reins on her retirement and ably supported by Songyan Sui. This daytime group commenced on Sept 14th meeting at the Sui's home and has greatly supported those wanting to meet in the daytime including mothers with babes in arms.

Anthea Abayomi-Cole

Living Stones HG is a new, daytime HG meeting on Thursday mornings in term time, meeting the needs of those with young families – although several of us are in the ‘retired’ bracket, while others are able to work flexibly. We are warmly and lovingly hosted by Ping and Songyan each week and it has been such a blessing to get to know each other in a deeper way as we reflect on God’s Word and Jesus’s teaching. During the Autumn term, we looked at several Psalms in a series entitled “Cries from the Heart”. During the Spring term we have looked at (and been challenged by!) The Sermon on the Mount. We’ve also enjoyed having “brunch” (late breakfast!) together as the mornings suit everyone. It is a joy to meet together, to support one another in prayer during the ups and downs of life, and to dig deep into Papa God’s heart for us, His children.

Lyn Rowles MBE & Songyan Sui

(All House Groups are invited in future to do an annual report of their activities)

Ladies Prayer Fellowship (LPF)

As ever, it has been good to meet together throughout the year. Each month, we offer our thanks and praise to Father God for His many blessings and answers to pray and pray for the needs both within the fellowship, the wider community of St Paul’s and beyond. It is always a real joy to hear how people have been ministered to through our prayers. We have continued the practice of having a passage to reflect on for the entire year. Since July, we have been reflecting on Psalm 84: God of Heaven’s Armies, you find so much beauty in your people! They’re like lovely sanctuaries of your presence. Deep within me are these lovesick longings, desires and daydreams of living in union with you. When I’m near you, my heart and my soul will sing and worship with my joyful songs of you, my true source and spring of life! v1-4 (TPT)

To keep in touch between meetings, we have a monthly ‘Love Letter’ which records a summary of our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession – this also helps to connect with those who were unable to join the prayer meeting. We welcome all ladies who are part of the St Paul’s community to join us. There is no pressure to pray out loud: you are invited simply to ‘be’ in the Lord’s Presence.

In June 2023, twenty-three ladies were blessed to have the opportunity to go away together for a weekend retreat, staying at the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Crowhurst Christian Healing

Centre. Revd’s Suzanne Owen and Steve Gendall, Chaplains at the Healing Centre, sensitively and knowledgeably led our weekend reflections on particular episodes in the life of the prophet Elijah: "An ordinary life kissed by the eternal". What would "the kiss of the eternal" look like in my (your) life? How do we deal with crises? Do we have a 'cave' where we can shelter and receive from God? As well as reflecting on the life of Elijah, we enjoyed going deeper in our relationships with each other, whether over a meal, a walk in the surrounding East Sussex countryside, or as we got ‘crafty’ in the well-stocked art room. We returned encouraged and refreshed. To find out more, please contact

Lyn Rowles MBE

Pastoral Care Team (incorporating the Bereavement Team Activities)

For those who don’t know what we do, the Pastoral Team members are in touch with a variety of different people, from those who are ill or housebound, to families in need of support, those who have suffered a bereavement and some of our elderly parishioners. Their role is to provide a friendly and listening ear, and be someone who can offer pastoral and prayer support during times of difficulty. This work is, by its definition, usually unseen but vital as we show God’s love and care to each other, and I am so grateful to our team members for giving up their time to serve God in this way.

Some of the work is done via groups we are already running such as Tea and Chat and the Elderberry Café whilst other contacts are made directly with individuals. In addition, we have, with the help of other church members, distributed Harvest gifts to the bereaved, supported people attending the Annual Memorial Service and hosted a couple of teas for those who are bereaved. We meet as a team regularly to support each other and seek to ensure that nobody who needs extra support slips through the net.

We would love to expand our team, and if you are interested in joining us please speak to Bimbi or Mandy. A DBS check will be required and some guidance can be given too, but most of all you need to be willing to be God’s hands and feet and to be able to draw alongside people when they are in need of support.

Mandy Tutt

Prayer Ministry

We have been blessed in having 10 prayer ministers who have supported and faithfully prayed with the congregation at the 10.15am Sunday service. We have had several powerful answers to prayers for which we thank God for all His faithfulness.

We were privileged to have 2 outside teams of ministry through the year. On February 11th and 12th we had a weekend ministry from Raj Hare & The Agape Team. On April 21st we were again blessed to have teaching from Rodney Hogue supported by The Agape team. Both these visits proved a time of great teaching and blessed ministry time to the church family.

On 10th June, 7 prayer ministers (including 3 new additions to the team) went to Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells for a training morning including worship, re-envision sessions and seminars to equip those just starting out and those wanting to go a bit deeper. This was a very rewarding time of teaching, sharing and engaging with PM's from other churches.

Anthea Abayomi-Cole

Tea & Chat

Tea and Chat now meets every fortnight on a Friday afternoon from 2.15 until 3.30pm. Tea and Chat is about friendship, having a cup of tea, a piece of cake and a chat.

To quote a few people who have come along to the group - opportunity to get out of the house - takes you out of yourself - friendship is the word - a safe space - and from someone whose family lives abroad … makes the weekend more bearable.

We have a short contemplation and prayers for each other before we close. We do occasionally treat ourselves and book a cream tea somewhere which is enjoyed by all. We would be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to come along and join us fortnightly on a Friday afternoon.

Val Burnett

Worship Team

My first year in post from January 2023 has been very exciting and challenging at the same time. The Worship Group has grown and expanded as we have welcomed around additional 7 members, including a drummer who is able to commit all year round having lost our able drummer who went off to university. The suggestion of a professional vocal coach to teach our singers how to use their voices and improve their singing has paid dividends in improving our vocal abilities as a whole and inspiring a new confidence in the way the singers lead and interact vocally.

The revival of the Children/Youth Band has been a real blessing as they now regularly join the adults in leading worship at the beginning of services beautifully singing and playing their instruments including some absent from the adult band like cello and saxophone.

There has been the personal challenge of learning more traditional hymns as well as learning how to orchestrate the usual special events for the pinnacles of the Church calendar, notably Easter, Pentecost and Christmas. My thanks to the four musicians and the 24 choir members who modelled to a ‘newbie’ a wonderful 9 Lessons and Carols service to me to round off the year.

My thanks to all who have helped to grow the sung worship this past year, singers, musicians, sound and projection volunteers, and, not least, those who help with our Children’s band rehearsals and all the music admin. And, thanks to the increasing numbers volunteering to sing in the evening services too! There is an exciting buzz around the Worship Group which bodes well looking ahead.

Corey Layzell

Youth & Children’s Work

2023 has been another busy year within the Youth and Children’s Work here at St Paul’s Crofton. Our regular groups have been growing, and we have also been busy with additional activities, outings, and events! Here is a small snapshot of our year.

Firstly, it goes without saying, that all of the work listed below can only happen because of an amazing team of volunteers. Thank you so much to each person, who is involved in Youth & Children’s Work whether that is on a Sunday, a mid-week group, at Toddler group, Open the Book or supporting at a one-off event, service, or activity. Thank you so much for the prayer support given to Youth & Children’s Work as well.

It is always wonderful to welcome new leaders and volunteers to the team, including: Nadege Chijioke (Junior Church), Blessing Onyekwelu (Junior Church), Priscila Itsagwede (PUSH), Sophie Layzell (PUSH), Paul Biggs (Open the Book), Diana Stewart (Open the Book).

On an employed staffing front, it has been great to welcome Elli Heath back as Office Administrator. As part of her role supporting YCT, Elli has taken on the organising and running of Toddler Group. Likewise, with Corey Layzell starting as our new Worship Pastor in January 2023, it has been wonderful having his involvement in Sunday Live Youth Service as well as growing and developing a new youth and children’s worship group, who are going from strength to strength.

In our Children’s Work, we have welcomed several new families with children and babies to St Paul’s in the last year, which means Junior Church keeps growing and changing. On Sundays at the start of the year, Junior Church met in the VCR with the Vestry space set up for Bubbles (0-4) to enjoy free play, story, craft, prayer. Primary children remained together in the VCR and split into groups in the same room. With the growing numbers, in September, Junior Church moved to the Hall and VCR for Bubbles. All children (0-11) still have welcome and worship together, but this space gives more opportunities to split into smaller age groups throughout our time together. For teaching, Junior Church have journeyed through the Old Testament from creation to the prophets, focused on ‘The Garden, The Curtain & The Cross’ book resources during Lent, and have utilised World Changers resources from Eastgate reflecting on promises of God and big truths to stand on.

In June, X-Stream (year 3-6) enjoyed a fun-filled daytrip to Carroty Wood. Here children participated in many activities such as Rock Climbing or Pedal Karting, the maze, played games, swimming, and we ended the day with pizza and a movie. Ambassadors Football Camp returned in May half term for a 2nd year, for children in years 3-6. This 4-day football camp was held at Newstead Wood School and as well as developing football skills, playing fun games and matches, we also looked at the lost parables from Luke 15. There were 35 different children in attendance across the week and it was a great time for both Junior Church children as well as those in the local community. The cost of Football Camp was offset by money remaining from CYP Fund from the Diocese which was given in 2022.

Other events for children throughout the year include Easter Activity Morning and October Family Activity Afternoon. During both events, which happened in school holidays, there were crafts, activities, trail, games, baking and related Bible thought. At the end of the Family Activity Afternoon in October, parents, carers, children, and leaders ate dinner together. These are great opportunities to develop and grow relationships with families both inside and outside St Paul’s, as well as share truths about God with all. In the summer holidays, there was another opportunity for Junior Church and Toddler families to meet together with a picnic in the Paddock. And in December, after one Sunday morning service, the Junior Church team hosted Christmas refreshments for parents and children. It was wonderful to continue to build relationships with families old and new.

Toddler Group is also going from strength to strength. It was only in September 2022, that Toddlers moved both location and day, from Friday mornings in the Church to Monday mornings in the Church Hall. However, just a term in with this new change, numbers have increased back to pre-pandemic levels. Each week alongside a variety of toys, books and activities, there has also been multiple crafts such as playdough, finger painting, chalk drawing, and crafts celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. In the spring and summer, Toddlers have also enjoyed use of the Paddock area with toys, ride-ons, water play and just exploring this large garden! In July, 100 people attended the Toddler summer party, with bouncy castle, lunch and regular Toddler toys. Here we also said

goodbye to many regulars as children started at preschool or Reception. In September, numbers increased again, as we welcomed in many new families including some very little babies! It is wonderful to have such a great mix of parents, grandparents, child minders, and nannies and to be able to build relationships with them all. Each morning always ends with story time, a God thought and songs, which the children thoroughly enjoy.

We have also continued with Open the Book assemblies in 2023 at Darrick Wood Infant School (DWIS). Happening on Wednesday afternoons, it is great to act out Bible stories for the children to engage with. In June, Reception children from DWIS came on a trip to St Paul’s. Here they looked at and found different objects used for worship in Church, got creative decorating their own stainedglass windows, and spent time chatting with Bimbi about Church, faith, and life as a Vicar. In December, we welcomed DWIS to St Paul’s for their carol service including Nativity drama by Open the Book team. We were blessed that Darrick Wood Junior School and Tubbenden Primary School also had carol services here at St Paul’s.

In our Youth Work, we started the year with ice skating at Canary Wharf. Other outings throughout the year included meals out at McDonald’s and Toby Carvery, and summer camp to Luminosity at New Wine United. This is the first time that PUSH have attended Luminosity, the youth stream at New Wine and all teenagers who attended – whether with PUSH or with their families – thoroughly enjoyed themselves, had deeper encounters with God, learnt new worship songs, and grew in their relationships with one another. It was fantastic to join with other members of St Paul’s and spend time camping and having fellowship together. And it was a blessing that it was held very locally at Detling in Maidstone!

These activities are all in addition to regular PUSH Club Night, where relationships are built between the teenagers as well as with the leaders. We often play lots of games such as volleyball, table tennis, dodgeball, football, card games including Uno, Uno flip, Dobble as well as on the Nintendo Switch. Movie night is a regular highlight at the end of each term and food also regularly features at Club Night. The teenagers can make very good hot chocolates as well as plates of nachos, amongst other snacks. We have also made a taco bar and enjoyed Christmas baking. In September, we welcomed the new year 7s, who have all settled into the group well.

On Sunday mornings, PUSH and PUSH Plus have covered many different topics including: Connected Hearts material, life lessons of faith from Biblical characters such as Gideon, Elijah and Esther, and Youth for Christ resources focusing on friendships and ‘Frames’ - thinking about who God is and who we are in him. In November, both PUSH and PUSH Plus were blessed to have Anthea Abayomi-Cole come and share with them, following her and Bimbi’s mission trip to Brazil. Sunday Live Youth Service has continued monthly on Sunday afternoons throughout 2023. There are games, worship, discussion, Bible thought and reflection, thinking about statements such as ‘I am loved’, ‘I am known’, ‘I am forgiven’. In April, we enjoyed Holy Week prayer stations in Church.

In October, it was wonderful to have a member of Junior Church and a member of PUSH baptised during Harvest All Age service. A third young man, who grew up at St Paul’s, was also baptised, which was wonderful to see. Other special services in 2023 include All Age Good Friday service, where we thought about the different Easter surprises from Servant King to empty tomb. In December, over 300 people attended Christingle Service. For the Nativity drama, it was great having PUSH and Junior Church join together to act this out including a Toddler regular as baby Jesus. PUSH teenagers have also been integral as leaders at other events and activities including Football Camp, Easter Activity Morning, and October Family Activity Afternoon.

On a very practical front, there has also been a big change to room usage at Church. After 8 years of use by YCT, in the autumn, The Oaks (205 Crofton Road) reverted back into a private residence. During the previous 8 years, this building had been used as Youth Team office space, for youth work – both Sunday mornings and midweek groups – and for team meetings, prayer and worship. New office space has been set up in the old Choir Vestry. There are 2 desks for workstations, sofa and chairs for meeting space, and resources in cupboards, bookcase, filing cabinets. The meeting area is used by YCT on Sunday mornings for prayer meeting before groups, it is used by PUSH on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings, and it is a great space for other small groups to meet in the future.

There has been a lot happening this last year and a lot to give thanks to God. We praise him for his faithfulness and look forward to all things, which are to come.

Helen Stiff

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2023

The financial operations of the PCC are consolidated in the financial statements for St Paul’s Church, which are shown below. Within these consolidated accounts we also retain a special focus on an area of the Church, the Church Hall. To aid understanding the consolidated picture is described below with more detail available on pages 20 -32. In addition, there is a brief summary of the Church Hall financial position below with further detail provided in note 12, of the accounts pack.

In Summary, the overall consolidated position for 2023 was a surplus of income of £48.0k, (compared to a surplus of £55.7k in 2022), for which we continue to give thanks to God’s for his generosity and for all those who have given time, talents, and/or money, in support of St Paul’s as we continue to serve our community and those who worship at St Paul’s.

St Paul’s Church – Consolidated results (pages 20 - 33)

Incoming Resources

Total Incoming Resources for St Paul’s was £396.9k, an increase on last year by £75.8k

The largest revenue source for St Paul’s Church continues to be Voluntary Income from our church members, which in total amounted to £295.4k, a small increase of £45k from 2022. Planned Giving (standing orders) amounted to c£178k.

Total Collections at services (including Gift Aided donations) were £11.5k higher than 2022 and we received a gift to the Voluntary Income of £25k. We did not receive any legacy giving in 2023.

Resources Expended

Total expenditure at £346.8k was £81.4k higher than in 2022. We had full year staff salaries for the Worship Pastor and Office Administrator while the Youth and Families Worker post remain unfilled. We kept our Diocesan Offer contribution to the diocese at £84.3k.

Charitable Giving is also included in this section and we continue to tithe our discretionary Income, (Restricted and Unrestricted income).

Summary Financial Position for the Church Hall (Note 12)

Church Hall

Income from the Church Hall hire was £48.7k.

FUTURE PLANS

The steady growth in numbers attending, especially after livestreaming ended has been encouraging as indeed, the number of children and young adults. This is a boon given the paucity nationally of young people in the Church of England and raises the issue of how the church builds on this to attract, retain and mentor even more of this age group. Careful consideration needs to be given to how we evolve our service provision/facilities over time for this demographic which is vital for the church to continue to grow.

RESERVES POLICY

The PCC has a responsibility to ensure that its reserve funds are maintained at a sufficient level so as to be able to cover the day-to-day operations of the charity in the event of short term fluctuations in income, and to provide for identifiable potential areas of unplanned capital expenditure. There are also occasions when those funds need to be used to further the objectives of the charity.

To this end the PCC aims to ensure that sufficient funds are retained in our bank accounts so as to cover three months operating expenses, assuming no income is received during this time (this would be an amount of £60.9k). Longer term we plan to move towards six months’ worth of reserves for this purpose (which would be a sum of approximately £156k).

All designated and restricted funds are held as cash in interest bearing accounts by the Diocesan Board of Finance as Custodian Trustee with the PCC responsible for the management of the funds as managing trustee.

At the 2023 year end the Designated Unrestricted Reserve Funds excluding property, totalled £93.6k (£83.5k in 2022).

GOING CONCERN

The PCC regularly reviews the financial position and other indicators of growth and health and considers that the organisation may be regarded as a going concern for the foreseeable future. We prepare a financial budget each year and we continue to see church attendance grow with many of our ministries flourishing.

The PCC has not identified nor aware of any material uncertainties relating to events of conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the ability to continue as a going concern.

RISK POLICY

The PCC regularly reviews the risks incurred by its operations and activities to ensure there is no exposure to unacceptable levels of risk and to comply with the requirements of our insurers. Where appropriate professional advice is sought to provide the PCC with the information it requires to manage the risks on behalf of the charity.

The church has adhered to the government and Church of England guidelines on keeping safe as identified from the risk assessments.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Church Electoral Roll and Attendance

As of 19[th] April 2024 there were 212 (188 in 2022) members on the Church Electoral Roll, 96 of whom do not reside in the parish.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a registered charity (number 1129564) and PCC Members are Trustees. PCCs are governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, these are: The Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended. This defines the principal function, or purpose, of the PCC as “promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church” and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 as amended) which provides guidance as to governance procedures and regulations. The PCC meets bi-monthly except during August and December.

Membership of the PCC is open to all those whose names appear on the Electoral Roll of the Parish at the time of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and to those who are licensed by the Bishop; hold certain ex-officio offices; or membership of a Deanery, Diocesan or General Synod.

During the year ended 31 December 2023 the following served as members of the Council:

Ex-Officio

Incumbent The Revd Canon Bimbi Abayomi-Cole Curate None Licensed Lay Minister Mr Christopher Stern Churchwarden Mrs Alison Heath and Dr Funke Tikare Elected to the Deanery Synod Mr Cyril Kinch and Mr David Armstrong PCC Secretary Vacant

Elected Members

Mrs Anthea Abayomi-Cole Mr David Armstrong Mrs Valerie Burnett Dr Liz Cameron Mrs Linda Rowles MBE Mr Dennis Chapple Mrs Jeanette Hassaine Mrs Nicolene Platt

Mr Cyril Kinch

Mr Stephen Read

Miss Philippa Rowles Mrs Jan Raggett Mr Songyan Sui

Mr Victor Brittain-Wong (Treasurer)

The PCC operates through a number of sub-committees, which meet between PCC meetings and which provide regular reports to the PCC.

a. Standing Committee

Required by the Synodical Government Measure 1969 to transact the business of the Council between meetings subject to any directions by the Council. It also oversees the detailed financial management information provided by the Treasurer; prepares financial advice for the PCC including the Budget; and considers requests for expenditure outside the agreed budget.

b. Site Committee

Responsible for the maintenance of the site including the church, hall and 205 Crofton Road; providing support for the churchwarden in the discharge of his responsibility for the fabric of the church building; and managing all premises for the generation of funds for the charity.

c.

HR Committee

Responsible for ensuring good HR practice is followed through appropriate HR systems and practices.

SAFEGUARDING

The Parochial Church Council acknowledges its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults) and confirms that it has complied with this duty. The Parochial Church Council has adopted the Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England entitled ‘Promoting a safer church’ published in 2018 for the House of Bishops of the General Synod of the Church of England.

Compliance with this policy is achieved through the appointment of qualified and experienced Safeguarding Officers (Annie Harrington and Vanessa Lake) and through regular and appropriate risk assessments as well as training of appropriate personnel.

The leadership of the church have continued to keep up to date with their Safeguarding training. Written guidance is available for the members of the pastoral team who carry out home visits. The names of the Safeguarding Officers are clearly on display on our Weekly Bulletin, in our Church Magazine, and on the website. We continue to be vigilant, to adhere to Diocesan guidelines when running groups and recruiting team members and ensure our volunteer teams understand the regulations and how to respond if they are concerned for the welfare of anyone in their care.

29 April 2024

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Independent Firm of Accountants
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Independent Examiner’s report to the Member/Trustees Of St Paul Crofton

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on the pages following.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

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

Independent Examiner’s statement

Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 143(3) of the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as an Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualifications are set out as below.

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

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or

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

Yours sincerely

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Rosaline Olojede-Nelson

FFA FAIA FIPA

RNSBS 6-7 St Mary’s at Hill London EC3M 1EB

e-mail: rose.nelson@rnsbs.com

St Paul's Church, Crofton Consolidated statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

	Notes	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	Total 2023	Total 2022 £ 250,429 40,985 1,563 28,124 321,101 255,658 9,213 504 265,375 55,726 - 55,726 1,167,818 1,223,544
				£

Incoming resources

Voluntary income	2 2 2	275,826 71,720 4,996	19,667 - 828	295,493 71,720 5,824
Activities for generating funds
Income from investments

Income from Church Activities	2	23,863	-	23,863	28,124

		376,405	20,495	396,900

Resources expended	3 4	294,412 36,088	15,513 -	309,925 36,088

Church activities
Fundraising trading costs

Bank Charges		807		807	504
		331,307	15,513	346,820

Net incoming resources		45,098	4,982	50,080

Transfer between funds		-	-	-



Net movement in funds		45,098	4,982	50,080

Balance at 1 January		1,180,955	43,102	1,223,544

Balance at 31 December		1,226,053	48,084	1,273,624

St Paul's Church, Crofton Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2023

	Notes 6a		2023 £ 886,925		2022
					£
Fixed assets
Unrestricted designated property assets					886,925

			886,925		886,925

Current assets
Deposits at Diocese	6b	120,275		109,325
Debtors	7	12,531		16,758
Cash at bank and in hand	6c	276,605		231,653
	8	409,411		357,736

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year		(24,227)		(20,604)
Net current assets			385,184		337,132

Total assets less current liabilities			1,272,109		1,224,057


Net assets			1,272,109		1,224,057

Funds
Unrestricted	10		235,927		210,489
Unrestricted designated reserves	10 10 10		93,662 886,925 55,595		83,541
Unrestricted designated property assets					886,925
Restricted reserves					43,102


Total Funds			1,272,109		1,224,057

The notes on pages 22 to 32 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 01 May 2024

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PCC Chairperson

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

St Paul's Church, Crofton

1 Accounting policies

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions.

ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of ‘charity’ by Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.

Moveable church furnishings

These are capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. In this case the item is not capitalised, but all items are included in the Church’s inventory in any case.

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or else, for gifts- in-kind, at a reasonable estimate of their open market value on receipt. Depreciation is calculated to write off the capitalized cost of fixed assets less their currently anticipated residual fair value over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Land Nil
Fixtures & Fittings 20 years

· Computers 3 years

No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these assets currently exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial.

An impairment review is carried out at each year-end and any resultant loss identified included in expenditure for the year.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange or whose value derives from them are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at PCC’s best estimate of market value. As at the date of these financial statements, there were no investments.

Short term deposits

FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds

These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its ‘free reserves’ as disclosed in the Trustees’ report. As at the date of the financial statements, designated funds have been shown separate from general unrestricted funds, but can be used for any purpose of the PCC. When money is earmarked for a designated purpose it is made clear that funds not used for that purpose may be used for any purpose of the PCC

Restricted Funds

These are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts.

Endowment Funds

These are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. As at the date of these financial statements, there were no endowment funds.

Incoming resources	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	TOTAL 2023 £	TOTAL
				2022
				£
Voluntary income
	168,088	9,969	178,057	175,883
Standing orders
	37,142	245	37,387	31,052
Income tax recoverable
	19,825		19,825	13,751
Gift aided donations
	8,871	1,353	10,224	4,743
Collections at services
	41,900	8,100	50,000	25,000
Other donations (inc. disc fund)
Legacies	-	-	-	-
	275,826	19,667	295,493	250,429



Activities for generating funds
Rent: 55 Place Farm & 205	23,017	-	23,017	15,188
Crofton
	48,703	-	48,703	25,797
Church Hall & VCR
	71,720	-	71,720	40,985



Income from investments
	-	-	-	207
Short term deposit Interest
	2,583	-	2,583	202
Diocesan deposit Interest: hall
	-	828	828	151
Restricted reserve funds
	2,413	-	2,413	1,003
Bank Deposit Interest
	4,996	828	5,824	1,563

Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL

Income from Church Activities DBF fees PCC fees Magazines Elderberry/Lunch club Children and Youth Events (excluding C&Y) Miscellaneous	Funds £	Funds £	2023 £	2022
				£

	7,303	-	7,303	5,094
	1,538	-	1,538	1,426
	208	-	208	1,287
	1,793	-	1,793	1,490
	4,730	-	4,730	8,766
	7,971	-	7,971	9,284
	320	-	320	777
	23,863	-	23,863	28,124
Total incoming resources
	376,405	20,495	396,900	321,101

3 Resources expended Church activities Diocesan offer Salaries, pension and NI Clergy Expenses Music and AV Lunch club Discretionary fund



	84,300	-	84,300	84,300
	82,304	-	82,304	63,942
	9,793	-	9,793	16,474
	2,710	-	2,710	2,142
	106	-	106	321
	-	5,974	5,974	-
	179,213	5,974	185,187	167,179

Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2023 2022 Charitable giving £ £ £ £ Relief Development Agencies Christian Aid 1,500 - 1,500 1,500 Oasis Trust 1,080 - 1,080 1,108 Tear Fund 2,004 - 2,004 2,004 Compassion UK (YJC collections) 352 - 352 308 Open Doors 350 - 350 700 Release International 250 550 800 -	Restricted Funds £	TOTAL 2023 £	TOTAL 2022 £
5,536 550 6,086 5,620
Grants
Ambassadors Football 3,800 - 3,800 3,000 Other grants - - - 750
3,800 - 3,800 3,750
Home Mission, Church Bromley Welcare 1,750 - 1,750 1,800 Childrens Society 500 - 500 - Church Army 600 - 600 - New Wine Trust 2,000 - 2,000 2,000 Friends of Rochester Cathedral 60 - 60 - Orpington Christian Counselling 650 - 650 - Rochester Cathedral Trust 200 - 200 200 Rochester DBF & Hope 500 - 500 - Kick Academy 350 - 350 - London City Mission 600 - 600 - Eastgate 1,500 - 1,500 - Bromley CAP 1,200 - 1,200 - Bromley LATCH 450 - 450 -
Crisis 105	120	225	700
10,465	120	10,585	4,700

Other Charities
Demelza House Friends of PRU Hospital Friends of Orpington Hospital Kings College Hospital Charity Mildmay Mission Hospital Bromley Mind Orpington Samaritans St Christopher’s Hospice Royal Star & Garter Homes Shelter	300 300 250 200 500 800 900 1,200 323 105	- - - - - - - - 277 120	300 300 250 200 500 800 900 1,200 600 225	- - - - - - - 810 600 700
Other Charities	3,524	400	3,924	300
	8,402	797	9,199	2,410
Missionary Societies Bible Society CMS	100 3,600	- -	100 3,600	- 2,700
Agape	3,000	-	3,000	2,250
	6,700	-	6,700	4,950

Total: charitable giving	34,903	1,467	36,370	21,430

Church running expenses Insurance Heat & light Water Cleaning Buildings and Housing Sanctuary supplies Grounds Visiting clergy	Unrestricted Funds £	Restricted Funds £	TOTAL 2023 £ 5,317 10,377 270 8,576 11,051 4,632 11,716 -	TOTAL 2022 £ 4,935 7,402 1,338 6,090 9,079 160 6,949 750
	5,317	-
	9,777	600
	270	-
	8,576	-
	10,511	540
	-	4,632
	11,716	-
	-	-
	46,167	5,772	51,939	36,703
Other parish costs
Children and Youth Training Subscriptions & copyright fees Office, administration and governance Parish events (excluding C&Y) Miscellaneous	5,745	500	6,245 4,241 242 7,684 9,535 8,482	6,596 100 1,278 8,771 8,817 4,784
	3,741	500
	242	-
	7,684	-
	8,235	1,300
	8,482	-
	30,346	2,300	30,346	30,346
Total: church activities
	294,412	15,513	309,925	255,658
4 Fundraising trading costs
55 Place Farm & 205 Crofton Church hall expenses Pre-school	20,967	-	20,967	267
	15,121	-	15,121	6,848
	-	-	-	2,098
	36,088	-	36,088	9,213
Bank charges Total resources expended
	807	-	807	504
	331,307	15,513	346,820	265,375

5 Employment Costs

		2023	2023	2022
	Total wages and salaries
	Church	£82,304		£63,942
	Pre-School	£0		£1,979
	Total	£82,304		£65,921

	Full-time equivalent at end of 2023
	Church	3.0		2.0
	Pre-School	0.0		0.0
	Total	3.0		2.0



	There were two employees with a pension within the Church Workers					Pension Scheme which is a
	group pension scheme. Total contributions made to the scheme by
	However, as a group pension scheme it is not possible to determine the relevant amounts relating to
	these individuals and therefore no additional liability is shown other than the payments made during
	the year. The most recent valuation of the relevant scheme was completed in 2019 and showed
	that the scheme was currently in surplus. More information can be obtained from the PCC Treasurer. Salary costs for Pre-School in 2022 were the final 3 months Statutory Maternity Pay to end of March 2022.
	Related Party Transactions

5a

			2023		2022
	Total donations made by PCC members		£58,970		£44,839

	Mrs A Abayomi Cole (PCC) is married to the Vicar, and is noted as potential interested party for certain expenditure

6 a Unrestricted designated property assets Land and buildings 2023 2022 £ £ Cost	6 a Unrestricted designated property assets Land and buildings 2023 2022 £ £ Cost	6 a Unrestricted designated property assets Land and buildings 2023 2022 £ £ Cost	6 a Unrestricted designated property assets Land and buildings 2023 2022 £ £ Cost
At 1 January	886,925		886,925
At 31 December 886,925 886,925
Depreciation
No depreciation has been provided on these assets for either the current of the preceding year
		-	-
Net book value		886,925	886,925

The property assets comprise the properties of the Church Hall, 205 Crofton Road and 55 Place Farm Avenue and are shown at the deemed cost under FRS15 transitional provisions under which the property valuations have not been updated. The insurance policies of February/March 2020 valued the rebuild cost of 205 Crofton Road and 55 Place Farm Avenue as £213,051 and £267,604 respectively. The Church Hall is now insured under the same policy as the Church building, so no separate valuation is available. The most recent valuation in 2018 was £827,161

There are no other assets owned by the church included within this fixed asset note

6b Deposits at Diocese Balance at 1 January	2023	2022
	£	£
	109,325	101,227

Movement Interest	7,539	7,538
	3,411	560


Balance at 31 December	120,275	109,325


6c Bank Account Balances Church Church – Fixed Term Bond Friends of St Pauls
	2023	2022
	£	£
	156,525	172,712
	85,000	-
	35,080	58,941
	276,605	231,653
7 Debtors
	2023	2022
	£	£
Friends of St Pauls (Tax reclaim) Residential Centres Other Debtors	11,549	9,233
	1,480	3,918
	(498)	3,607
	12,531	16,758

8 Creditors Governance Pre-School Hall deposits Residential Fees External Giving paid after year end Clergy Expenses claimed after year end	2023	2022 £ 650 - - - 7,751 8,366 4,855
	£ 650 - - - 4,536 15,850
Other Creditors	3,191	4,855

	24,227	20,604

9 Funds

Restricted Funds

Organ Renovation Fund

Money given for organ repair and renovation including regular maintenance charges Music Group Keyboard Fund Money given for purchase of new keyboard/stage piano Worship Leader and Salaries Fund Money given to support worship leader and other salary costs Projector and AV Fund Money given to pay for replacement projector and screen and other audio-visual equipment Youth and Children specific funds Money given for specific purposes within the youth and children's ministry Hardship Fund

Money given to support individuals in financial hardship at the discretion of the vicar and churchwardens Specific Away Giving Fund Money given in support of specific other charitable entities

Designated Funds

Church Repair Fund

Funds set aside by the PCC and held by the Diocese for repair and maintenance of church building 205 Crofton Road Repair Fund Funds set aside by the PCC and held by the Diocese for repair and maintenance of 205 Crofton Road Church Hall Repair Fund

Funds set aside by the PCC and held by the Diocese for repair and maintenance of church hall Vicar's Discretionary Fund Money given to be used at discretion of the vicar

Property Assets Book value of church hall, 205 Crofton Road and 55 Place Farm Avenue

10 Summary of Fund Movements

	Balance 31/12/22 £	Incoming Resources £	Resources Expended £	Transfers Balance
				31/12/23
				£ £
Unrestricted	210,489	366,284	(331,307)	- 245,466

Unrestricted designated reserves
Church Repair Fund	25,802	3,165	-	28,967
205 Crofton Road Repair Fund	8,386	638	-	9,024
Church Hall Repair Fund	41,988	6,082	-	48,070
Vicar's Discretionary Fund	7,365	236	-	7,601
Property Assets	886,925	-	-	886,925
Total Designated Funds	970,466	10,121	-	- 980,587

Total Unrestricted Funds	1,180,955	376,405	(340,846)	- 1,226,053

Restricted reserves
Organ Renovation Fund	25,250	811	-	26,061
Music Group Keyboard Fund	534	17	-	551
Worship Leader Salaries Fund	-	1,200	(1,200)	-
Projector and AV Fund	822	-	-	822
Youth and Children specific funds	2,345	-	-	2,345
Hardship Fund	2,547	-	-	2,547
Specific Away Giving Fund	11,604	17,639	(15,513)	13,730
Total Restricted Funds	43,102	19,667	(16,713)	- 46,056

Total Funds	1,224,057	396,072	(348,020)	- 1,272,109

11 Summary of Assets by Fund	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total 886,925 409,411 (24,227)
Tangible fixed assets	886,925
Current assets	363,355	46,056
Liabilities falling due within one year	(24,227)
	1,226,053	46,056	1,272,109

12 Church Hall

Income Expenditure Net income	Hall	Church including Hall 2023 396,900 (346,820) 50,080	Hall Church including Hall
	2023		2022 2022
	48,703		25,797 321,101
	(15,121)		(6,848) (263,277)
	33,582		18,949 57,824

Contents

2023 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

for the Parochial Church Council of

ST PAUL’S CHURCH CROFTON

AIMS AND PURPOSES

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Review of the year

Vicar’s Report

“A time to plant…” Ecclesiastes 3:2b

“A time to uproot…” Ecclesiastes 3:2b

REPORTS FROM ST PAUL’S ORGANISATIONS 2023

Band of Brothers

Stephen Read

Churchwarden's Report (Incorporating Site Committee Activities)

The Elderberry Cafe

Friends of St Pauls - Planned Giving

House-Groups

Anthea Abayomi-Cole

Ladies Prayer Fellowship (LPF)

Pastoral Care Team (incorporating the Bereavement Team Activities)

Prayer Ministry

Tea & Chat

Worship Team

Youth & Children’s Work

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2023

St Paul’s Church – Consolidated results (pages 20 - 33)

Incoming Resources

Resources Expended

Summary Financial Position for the Church Hall (Note 12)

Church Hall

FUTURE PLANS

RESERVES POLICY

GOING CONCERN

RISK POLICY

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Church Electoral Roll and Attendance

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Ex-Officio

Elected Members

a. Standing Committee

b. Site Committee

c.

HR Committee

SAFEGUARDING

Independent Examiner’s report to the Member/Trustees Of St Paul Crofton

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

Independent Examiner’s statement

St Paul's Church, Crofton Consolidated statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

St Paul's Church, Crofton

1 Accounting policies

ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property

Moveable church furnishings

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity

Investments

Short term deposits

FUNDS

Unrestricted Funds

Restricted Funds

Endowment Funds

5 Employment Costs

9 Funds

Restricted Funds

Designated Funds