2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the

Parochial Church Council St. James’ Church, Denton Holme for the year ended 31st December 2024

Incumbent:

Rev. Simon Bickersteth The Vicarage Goschen Road Carlisle CA2 5PF

Bankers:

Bankers: Independent Examiner: Cumberland Building Martin Borradaile ACA Society Dodd & Co Ltd Cooper Way Fifteen Rosehill Parkhouse Montgomery Way Carlisle Carlisle CA3 0JF CA1 2RW

Registered Charity No: 1129996

Aims and organisation

The Parochial Church Council is elected to share with the Vicar, the leadership of St. James; to supervise the day to day running of the Church and enable us all to seek God’s vision in making Jesus known in our parish and help people grow as followers of Jesus. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church, the Parish Centre, Cornerstone Café and the OpShop. The PCC has considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

Governance

St. James’ PCC is a body corporate and its governing documents are the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended, the Church Representation Rules 2011 and a District Church Council’s Scheme approved by the Carlisle Diocesan Bishop’s Council and implemented in 1993. The PCC is also a charity registered in England, no. 1129996.

Council membership

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year, the following served as members of the PCC.

Incumbent: Simon Bickersteth. Associate Minister: Nina Orchard. Wardens: Paul Crooks and Andy Walford. Readers: Julie Graham, Mark Hurley and Joan Yarker.

Representatives on the Deanery Synod (elected until 2026):

Paul Crooks, Paul McVittie and Nigel Orchard.

Elected PCC Members (by year due for re-election):

2025: Caroline Browne, Kate Davidson, Heather Druce, John Edwards, Rachel Mitchell and David Robinson.

2026: Alan Johnston.

2027: Lucy Goldie, Sam Harper, Selina Harper and Sara Kierman.

Others: Joanne Daly (resigned 24/09/24) and Maria Stalker (resigned 07/11/24).

Committees: The PCC operates through a number of committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. It will also (when required) appoint task and finish groups to oversee any particular projects.

Standing Committee: This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the council. It constructs and prioritises the agenda for PCC meetings.

Finance Committee: Oversees the implementation of the PCC’s financial procedures, co-ordinates the budgetary process, advises the PCC on the financial situation compared to the budget, prepares and presents the annual accounts and suggests to the PCC how the congregation is kept informed.

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Shops Board: Oversees the appointment of staff, defines relevant policies and takes responsibility for the financial management of the shops.

There are also committees and individuals with responsibilities for the following areas who report to the PCC: Homegroups, Mission, Safeguarding, Staffing and Visiting.

Reserves

Total reserves at 31st December 2024 were: £356,060 unrestricted, £300,605 restricted and £42,402 endowment. Of the £356,060 unrestricted reserves, £72,016 were “free reserves,” i.e. cash based. As this is significantly more than three months’ wages and purchases combined, the PCC does not consider that any further action at this point is required.

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

The Deanery Synod comprises two houses: Lay and Clergy. The house of laity is elected every three years and St. James is represented by Paul Crooks, Paul McVittie and Nigel Orchard. Meetings in 2024 took place in February, June and October. In February, Chris Harwood spoke about the Community Shed in Shaddongate. In June, David Newlove presented on “One Mission Community for Carlisle” and what can be achieved together to reach the whole city of Carlisle. In October Samuel and Karla Coswig were welcomed. They have travelled with their family from Brazil to work with Network Youth Church. We also welcomed Ruth Newton, our new Archdeacon. Ruth spoke about how she sees her role; as a bridge between parishes and the Diocese. The bid to the Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP) fund has gone in to strengthen the church planting component and we expect the results in March 2025. A secretary is still sought for the Deanery Synod. The duties are not particularly onerous and give a good insight into what is going on in the Carlisle Deanery. The meetings have been well attended and very constructive, with good worship, prayer and networking.

TREASURER’S SUMMARY of the FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Charity law requires us to give all the detail about our financial affairs that follow. However, this summary might be more useful. Paul wrote that if anyone speaks in a tongue, they should have an interpreter (1 Corinthians 14:27).

Key Words

“Unrestricted Funds” – money given without a limitation placed on its use, which the PCC can use at its discretion in the best interests of the Church.

“Restricted Funds” – money given with a restriction as to its use, or where the PCC has decided to restrict certain funds for a particular purpose. Monies given by individuals through the Freewill Offering (FWO) scheme to specific charities are also treated as restricted funds.

“Endowment Funds” – in our case, The Margaret Dinsmore Trust.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What were St. James’ 2024 financial results?

The accounts show a deficit for the year of £45,774 (page 5). This is after adjustments undertaken for statutory accounting purposes including capitalising new fittings and equipment of £1,176 (see note 6), a depreciation charge for church properties and equipment of £31,532 (see note 6 and also the sum of notes 3a and 3b) and the increase in value of the endowment fund of £949. Without these accounting adjustments, the deficit for the year in cash terms by comparing income with money spent would have been £16,367. During 2024, we also repaid £8,507 of capital on the mortgage on Cornerstone.

Q2) What are our main sources of income?

As in previous years, giving is the largest slice of our income and amounted to £199,607 from all sources. This includes the income tax recovered on giving through the gift aid scheme. We received £4,506 in Grants, and £10,500 in legacies. Income from Cornerstone and the OpShop (excluding grants and rental income) amounted to £109,410. Lettings from Cornerstone and the Parish Centre combined came to £24,554. Further details can be found at the accounts note 2.

Q3) How does St. James spend its money?

The biggest proportion of expenditure was on staff salaries, social security and pension costs (£119,867). The second biggest area of expenditure was on the ministry offer to the diocese (£76,500). Expenditure on Cornerstone and OpShop (running costs, supplies, repairs and interest on the mortgage but excluding salaries) was £71,354. We spent £15,015 on replacing the light fittings in the Church and the Parish Centre with more energy efficient lights. Further details can be found at the accounts note 3.

Q4) How much did St. James contribute towards Christian mission?

St. James contributed £29,136 to mission in 2024. £19,713 of this was allocated by the PCC to its mission partners. The remaining £9,423 was all donated by individuals for specific mission organisations or appeals and this is passed onto these organisations by St. James.

Q5) How much does St. James have in the bank?

St. James had £80,774 in its bank account on 31[st] December 2024, and with petty cash etc. this equates to the £80,809 shown on the Balance Sheet (page 6). At that date, St. James was owed £23,331 which included £12,005 due from HMRC in respect of gift aid reclaimed. At the same time, St. James owed £28,443 (creditors falling due in one year). This was largely because the final amounts due to be paid to mission partners and organisations are only known at the year end. All of this means that St. James had net current assets of £75,697 at the year end.

Q6) How much is outstanding on the Cornerstone mortgage?

At 31[st] December 2024, the outstanding mortgage on the Cornerstone property was £70,352. The figure on the Balance Sheet shows £61,845 as the mortgage due in more than one year, and the £8,507 repayment due in the next 12 months is shown in the ‘Creditors amounts falling due in one year’ line (see note 9).

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended 31 December 2024
	Note	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	TOTAL	FUNDS
		funds	funds	funds	2024	2023
		£	£	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies	2( a )	197,627	16,986	-	214,613	240,850
Charitable activities	2( b )	5,880	356	-	6,236	5,129
Other trading activities	2( c )	133,964	-	-	133,964	135,444
Investments	2( d )	2,073	-	1,151	3,224	2,401
TOTAL		339,544	17,342	1,151	358,037	383,824
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds	3( a )	134,795	8,324	-	143,119	145,048
Charitable activities	3( b )	220,260	11,094	1,151	232,505	213,655
Missionary and charitable giving	3( c )	19,713	9,423	-	29,136	26,988
TOTAL		374,768	28,841	1,151	404,760	385,691
Net gains/ (losses) on investments		-	-	949	949	3,423
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		(35,224)	(11,499)	949	(45,774)	1,556
Transfers between funds		-	-	-	-	-
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		(35,224)	(11,499)	949	(45,774)	1,556
BALANCES B/FWD 1 JANUARY		391,284	312,104	41,453	744,841	743,285
BALANCES C/FWD 31 DECEMBER		356,060	300,605	42,402	699,067	744,841

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BALANCE SHEET At 31 December 2024

Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible 6( a ) Investment 6( b ) CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Creditors - amounts falling due in one year 9 Net current assets / (liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Creditors - amounts falling due after one year: Mortgage on Denton Street TOTAL NET ASSETS PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted 7 Restricted 7 Endowment 7	2024 2023 £ £ 642,813 673,169 42,402 41,453	2024 2023 £ £ 642,813 673,169 42,402 41,453
	685,215 714,622
	23,331 80,809	16,299 114,291
	104,140 130,590
	28,443 30,029
	75,697 100,561
	760,912 815,183 61,845 70,342
	699,067 744,841
	356,060 391,284 300,605 312,104 42,402 41,453
	699,067 744,841

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 20 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Simon Bickersteth (Chairman) David Robinson (Treasurer)

The notes on pages 7 to 13 form part of these accounts.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

Funds

General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming Resources

Donations and legacies

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under covenant is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on covenants is recognised when receivable and on gift aid donations when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Funds raised by fundraising events are accounted for gross.

Charitable activities

Sales of books are accounted for gross as are sales from the shop. Fees collected on behalf of the diocese are not shown in either income or expenditure.

Other ordinary income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Income from investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. All such income is received gross of tax.

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Resources Used

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities directly relating to the work of the church

The diocesan ministry offer is accounted for when payable. Any ministry offer unpaid at 31st December is provided in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown in the balance sheet as a creditor.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts in line with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, but the Parish Centre and Cornerstone (Denton Street) are included at cost. All expenditure during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings is capitalised and written off over its expected life, ranging from 4 to 10 years. The Parish Centre and Cornerstone are written off over 50 years, while the chancel alterations and West End are written off over 20 years.

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Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a 25% per annum writing down allowance basis. Individual items with a purchase price of less than £100 are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

Investments comprise the permanent endowment fund, being the Margaret Dinsmore Trust capital, and this is valued at market value at 31st December. The difference between this and the original value is shown as an unrealised gain or loss.

Current assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31st December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for any amounts that may prove uncollectible. Short term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England funds or at the Cumberland Building Society.

Going Concern

The trustees have considered whether the use of the going concern basis for accounting is appropriate. To do this, they have considered whether there are any material uncertainties as to the Church’s ability to continue as a going concern. Regular planned giving has increased. Total income from trading activities has almost held up in total thanks to increased sales from the Cornerstone cafe, as well as increased lettings, which have almost compensated for a reduction in income from the shops. All this together with the Church's reserves brought forward has enabled the Church to meet the demands of increased expenditure. Therefore the Trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the Church's ability to continue as a going concern.

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2. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM : (a) Donations and legacies Planned giving: Gift Aid donations Income tax recoverable Uncovenanted Collections (open plate) at all services Gift days Sundry donations Government Grants Other Grants Legacies	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS funds funds funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 108,075 6,437 - 114,512 104,445 31,202 - - 31,202 30,874 11,666 883 - 12,549 10,010 5,476 - - 5,476 7,997 20,404 - - 20,404 27,271 10,304 5,160 - 15,464 29,012 - 1,000 - 1,000 2,500 - 3,506 3,506 4,372 10,500 - - 10,500 24,370
	197,627 16,986 - 214,613 240,850

Of the donations and legacies in 2023, £217,444 related to unrestricted funds and £23,406 to restricted	Of the donations and legacies in 2023, £217,444 related to unrestricted funds and £23,406 to restricted
funds.
(b) Charitable activities
Youthwork	80 - - 80 -
Interns	- 356 - 356 52
Toddlers	1,123 - - 1,123 1,530
Weddings and funerals	4,102 - - 4,102 2,967
Sundry income	575 - - 575 580
	5,880 356-6,236 5,129

Of the charitable activities in 2023, £5,129 related to unrestricted funds.

(c) Other trading activities Shops Resource centre Cornerstone cafe' Lettings	73,552 - - 73,552 81,106 1,701 - - 1,701 1,556 34,157 - - 34,157 31,165 24,554 - - 24,554 21,617
	133,964 - - 133,964 135,444

Of the other trading activities in 2023, £135,444 related to unrestricted funds.

==> picture [463 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

Of the investments in 2023, £1,267 related to unrestricted funds, and £1,134 to endowment funds.

TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 339,544 17,342 1,151 358,037 383,824

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3. EXPENDITURE ON : (a) Raising funds Advertising and publicity Mortgage and overdraft interest Shops management Other shop expenses Cornerstone cafe' purchases Resource Centre purchases Depreciation Other Cornerstone expenses	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS funds funds funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 400 - - 400 420 5,747 - - 5,747 6,384 53,993 - - 53,993 51,107 10,803 - - 10,803 16,769 20,262 - - 20,262 19,926 541 - - 541 515 15,073 2,299 - 17,372 19,376 27,976 6,025 - 34,001 30,551
	134,795 8,324 - 143,119 145,048

Of the raising funds in 2023, £132,326 related to unrestricted funds, and £12,722 to restricted funds.

(b) Charitable activities Ministry: diocesan ministry offer clergy expenses Church running expenses Church maintenance Parish centre running expenses Parish centre maintenance Sunday school and youth work Magazines and books Subscriptions and donations Upkeep of grounds Organists' fees Service costs Refreshments Printing, stationery and office sundries Sundry expenses Depreciation Salaries of administrative staff Social security contributions Staff pension contributions Interns

76,500 - - 76,500 76,500 3,256 - - 3,256 3,532 16,446 - - 16,446 15,359 10,314 - - 10,314 988 11,669 - - 11,669 10,126 15,052 - - 15,052 3,369 35,838 - 576 36,414 34,912 1,107 - - 1,107 540 569 - 569 864 1,100 - - 1,100 1,100 770 - - 770 450 1,555 - 575 2,130 2,075 722 - - 722 1,377 3,583 - - 3,583 3,856 5,904 - - 5,904 6,263 3,422 10,738 - 14,160 20,017 23,460 - - 23,460 21,587 4,162 - - 4,162 3,234 3,356 - - 3,356 3,340 1,475 356 - 1,831 4,166

220,260 11,094 1,151 232,505 213,655

Of the charitable activities in 2023, £192,363 related to unrestricted funds, £20,158 to restricted funds and £1,134 to endowment funds.

(c) Missionary and charitable giving Church overseas : - missionary societies - relief and development agencies Home mission and other church socie- ties	6,577 4,790 - 11,367 9,283 4,715 1,590 - 6,305 6,168 8,421 3,043- 11,464 11,537
	19,713 9,423- 29,136 26,988

Of the missionary and charitable giving in 2023, £18,507 related to unrestricted funds and £8,481 to restricted funds.

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED

374,768 28,841 1,151 404,760 385,691

3. (d) Trustees expenses

Expenses of £3,256 were reimbursed to Rev Simon Bickersteth. He is a trustee of the PCC.

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4. STAFF COSTS

4. STAFF COSTS Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension Costs	2024 2023 £ £ 112,349 112,744 4,162 3,234 3,356 3,340 119,867 119,318

During the year, the PCC employed an administrator, a shops manager, an assistant shops manager, a family and children's worker and a youth worker, none of whom earned £60,000 per annum or more. The family & children's worker was a PCC member at the year end and was paid £21,900 in the year. A company which is owned and controlled by Mr Paul Crooks, a PCC member, provided IT services to the value of £1,190 to the PCC during the year. Apart from the above, no other PCC member received any remuneration.

5. GOVERNANCE COSTS

During the year Dodd & Co were paid £2,000 for the independent examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 and £400 for software training & advice (2023, £1,365).

6. FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC

(a) Tangible ACTUAL/DEEMED COSTAt 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Charge for year At 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023	Freehold land and buildings Equipment Total £ £ £ 1,178,981 163,712 1,342,693 1,176 1,176 1,178,981 164,888 1,343,869 543,340 126,184 669,524 21,555 9,977 31,532 564,895 136,161 701,056 614,086 28,727 642,813 635,641 37,528 673,169

The freehold land and buildings include the Parish Centre, the West End alterations to the church, and Cornerstone (Denton Street). The Parish Centre and Cornerstone are being depreciated over 50 years on a straight line basis, and the West End over 20 years.

(b) Investments (all endowment fund) Market value 1 January 2024 Increase in value Market value 31 December 2024	£ 41,453 949
	42,402

The investments comprise 1834 shares in the Central Board of Finance's Investment Fund in income units. The historical cost is £13,735.

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7. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Tangible fixed assets Investment fixed assets Net current assets Liabilities due after more than one year Fund balance Prior year Tangible fixed assets Investment fixed assets Net current assets Liabilities due after more than one year 8. DEBTORS Income tax recoverable Prepayments VAT Other debtors 9. LIABILITIES Amounts falling due in one year Other creditors Mortgage on Denton Street	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total fund fund fund 2024 £ £ £ £ 354,396 288,417 - 642,813 - - 42,402 42,402 63,509 12,188 - 75,697 (61,845)- - (61,845)	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total fund fund fund 2024 £ £ £ £ 354,396 288,417 - 642,813 - - 42,402 42,402 63,509 12,188 - 75,697 (61,845)- - (61,845)
	356,060 300,605 42,402 699,067
	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total fund fund fund 2023 £ £ £ £ 371,716 301,453 - 673,169 - - 41,453 41,453 89,910 10,651 - 100,561 (70,342)- - (70,342)
	391,284 312,104 41,453 744,841
		2024 2023 £ £ 12,005 7,114 8,273 7,790 780 228 2,273 1,167
		23,331 16,299
		2024 2023 £ £ 19,936 21,512 8,507 8,517
		28,443 30,029

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10. FUND DETAILS

The restricted funds comprise the Development Fund until 1 July 1998, Cornerstone and a defibrillator. The main restricted fund includes money given for missionary funds and the West End alterations to the church. The endowment fund consists of the Margaret Dinsmore Trust fund. This is a permanent endowment, with the income being available to spend on the Sunday School and music of the church. The transfer between funds is to stop the main restricted fund from going negative.

Fund movements

Fund movements
Y.E. 31/12/2024 Balance at 1 Jan 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers Investment gain Balance at 31 Dec 2024 Prior year Balance at 1 Jan 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers Investment gain Balance at 31 Dec 2023	Un- restricted De- fibrillator Corner- stone Main Develop- ment Total Restricted Margaret Dinsmore Endowment £ £ £ £ £ £ 391,284 358 99,718 - 212,028 312,104 41,453 339,544 - 6,025 11,317 - 17,342 1,151 (374,768) (137) (8,324) (9,779) (10,601) (28,841) (1,151) - - - - - - - - - - - 949
	356,060 221 97,4191,538 201,427 300,605 42,402
	Un- restricted De- fibrillator Corner- stone Main Develop- ment Total Restricted Margaret Dinsmore Endowment £ £ £ £ £ £ 380,068 541 102,017 - 222,629 325,187 38,030 359,284 0 10,423 12,983 - 23,406 1,134 (343,196) (183) (12,722) (17,855) (10,601) (41,361) (1,134) (4,872) - - 4,872 - 4,872 - - - - - - - 3,423
	391,284 358 99,718- 212,028 312,104 41,453

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PCC

For the year ended 31 December 2024

This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 5 to 13, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulation 2006 and section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

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

The PCC's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act,

• and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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

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 Charities Act,

• and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Charities Act have not been met;

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

Martin Borradaile ACA Dodd & Co Limited FIFTEEN Rosehill Montgomery Way Rosehill Estate CARLISLE CA1 2RW

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Missionary Giving in the Year

Allocated by the Mission Support Group and the PCC:

(shown as unrestricted giving)

Tear fund Langham Partnership CMS - Garry Ion Jon and Elise Fletcher Jonny and Miriam Potts Bettaway Community Church MK Luik Increase/(decrease) in Discretionary Fund Total per accounts	£ 2,371 2,807 3,743 6,377 1,871 2,371 200 (27)
	19,713

Allocated by Individuals through FWO and other donations: (shown as restricted giving)

CMS CPAS Crosslinks Bible Society Church's Ministry Among Jewish People Irish Church Mission Overseas Missionary Fellowship Scripture Union Tear Fund Children's Society NISCU - schools work Mission Aviation Fellowship Kepplewray Jon and Elise Fletcher Bettaway Community Church Total per accounts	£ 1,774 120 120 120 180 96 120 480 1,090 283 1,349 420 931 1,840 500
	9,423

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PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) met nine times during the year, with an average attendance of fifteen members. Two members resigned during this period. Throughout the year, the PCC received various reports, including financial updates from the Treasurer, safeguarding reports from the Safeguarding Officer, updates on the fabric of the buildings, and reports from the Shops Board.

The PCC welcomed a visit from our safeguarding leads, who introduced members to the Safeguarding Dashboard. Additionally, the new Archdeacon visited and has nominated St James to be part of a Developing in Partnership (DIP) bid. The Lone Worker Policy was reviewed and approved. Members also agreed to a 2% increase in our ministry offer.

FABRIC REPORT

LED lighting, the replacement of the church balcony heating boiler and new fire alarm detectors were the major works in 2024.

Parish Centre

The focus was the replacement of all light fittings to LED rating to benefit with a grant from the diocese. This was a major project and undertaken by SH Electrical and City Electrical Factors as light supplier. The work was undertaken efficiently and benefits will have been seen. The longer lasting light bulbs will reduce both maintenance and running costs. A number of works were necessary in the maintenance of the fire alarm system which included the replacement of all the heat and optical detectors which had come to the end of their life. In addition, batteries were replaced where necessary. Minor works included a dishwasher service and garden maintenance.

Parish Church

The main cost for 2024 has been the replacement of the heating boiler serving the entrance and balcony areas. The old boiler was at the end of its life and was working inefficiently. The main church lighting (including the entrance foyer) was replaced with new LED fittings. Roof repairs and external window cleaning was undertaken. The external doors were all redecorated. Other routine work included maintenance of the lightning protection.

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

In 2024 we had an Electoral Roll of 191 members, an increase of 5 on the previous year. 54 reside in the parish (of whom 1 is in Cummersdale) and 137 live outside the parish boundary. We had 10 new members, who all live outside the parish. We had 4 deaths and one member moved away.

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SAFEGUARDING REPORT

Safeguarding Officers: Michelle Graham (Children) and Jane Clark (Adults).

TRAINING AND SAFER RECRUITING

Our parish supports the following groups working with children and young people, and with adults who are vulnerable: Sunday Club, Kids Club, Bubbles (Babies & Toddlers), Crèche, Messy Church, Cornerstone Café, Renew Café, Visiting Team, Youth work and Holiday Club.

We aim to ensure that the leaders and volunteers working with our groups and who are leaders at St. James, have been safely recruited and undertake safeguarding training according to the Church’s national guidance.

The training figures below were correct as of January 2025. The number of volunteers was 70.

	DBS checks	Basic Awareness	Foundaton level	Leadership
Percentage of those who need to do the training / checks who have completed it	100%	94%	90%	100%

POLICIES

Our PCC has adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’, and the Church of England’s safeguarding policy and guidance. The PCC has adopted a safeguarding policy drawn up in accordance with Church of England advice. The policy is reviewed annually. It is available on our website with links displayed in all St. James’ buildings.

WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?

• There have been no new significant safeguarding issues.

• 14 concerns were reported to the safeguarding team.

• Joanna Van Lachterop (the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor) has provided advice on 6 of these concerns.

• We began using the national Safeguarding Dashboard to help us keep tabs on how we are performing with safeguarding in the Parish.

• Regular action plans have been shared with the PCC.

• Safeguarding Risk assessments have been drawn up for most activities and actions identified for improvements.

• Safeguarding Sunday was a great opportunity to raise the profile of Safeguarding a St James.

WHAT IS PLANNED FOR 2025?

To complete the outstanding risk assessments

To roll out the new Domestic Abuse training programme.

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Minutes of St. James’ Parish Annual Meeting

Wednesday 24th April 2024 , St. James’ Parish Church

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from: Joyce Bell, Christine & Thompson Bowerbank, Donald & Jane Clark, Joanne Daly, Helen Hamilton, Selina Harper, Becky Hudson, Mark Hurley, Karen Johnston, Jo Shirley and Maria Stalker.

Opened in sung worship with “Lord for the years” & “Strength will rise”.

Sola Church:

Video welcome received from Sola Church. Morten Sandland (Church leader) read from Matthew 11. Simon shared that Morton would leave Sola soon, to move to a neighbouring parish. He asked for us to keep Sola in prayer as they look for a replacement.

Vicar’s Report:

Simon read from Joshua 1 vs 1-9.

Simon began by sharing the many highlights from the past year, including the positive impact we are having in the local community and the lives that are being transformed. This is through.

Cornerstone & OpShop.

Children, Families & Youth work.

Works with older people. Home groups. Many groups that are using the Parish Centre.

Thanks were given to Judith Moffat for serving the last six years as Church Warden, Deputy Church Wardens, Caroline Browne after serving as PCC secretary for a long time, Lucy Goldie stepping into the PCC secretary role, the staff team for their continuing support, Joan White for the many unseen tasks she carries out in the background, the PCC for their service, plus thanks was given to Helen Hamilton as she steps down from PCC after serving for many years. Thanks were also given to music group, home group leaders, visiting team, shop volunteers, youth and children’s volunteers, sidespersons and Michelle Graham and Jane Clark in their role as safeguarding officers.

Interns : Paul and Anna’s last Sunday will be the 30th June. We don’t know yet if we will get an intern for the next year. We hope to hear more in May. If we don’t get an intern, it will have a big impact on our ministry.

Mission Community: Ian McIntyre was appointed as vicar at St Michael’s & St Mark’s last July. The diocese is to advertise for a new Network Youth Church Lead in May and a west Carlisle church plant lead. Challenges have included finance and a lack of volunteers in the shops and children and youth ministry groups. It is having a huge impact on what we are doing as a church. More information will be shared on both needs during the meeting.

We are looking for people who are here and responding to the call of Christ. Jesus didn’t call for volunteers to come and follow him – he called for disciples. We need to think how God is calling us to serve him outside and inside the church. Ahead, we are starting the Immerse Bible reading soon, Thy Kingdom Come, 10 days of prayer. Simon closed by reminding us that Napoleon said, “an army marches on its stomach”. Simon then went on to explain - if an army marches on its stomach, then a church moves forward on its knees in prayer. We don’t need to be afraid if we are seeking to put Christ at the centre of all we do.

Finance Report: David Robinson guided the meeting through slides of the accounts for the year ending 31.12.2023. The Church finances were healthy at the end of December 2023, but since then expenditure has exceeded income resulting in a loss of £23,190 in January and February. This is due partly to the planned works on lighting in the church and the parish centre. However, we do have a deficit of several thousand pounds a month, and we have relied (possibly too much) on gift days and legacies to dig us out of a hole.

David thanked Toby Harling and Andy Blake and the Cornerstone team for their help and Alan Johnston for his help with Gift Aid and FWO. Simon thanked David for his role as Treasurer and all his work in preparing the accounts.

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Church Activity Reports.

Cornerstone/OpShop – Keith Morris

A video was shared with the goings on of Cornerstone and the Opshop. Keith began his report by thanking Andy and Katie for the work they do in the shops. He went on to share that the mission of Cornerstone has evolved over the years to meet the local need at that point. It has been a challenge since covid and the shops board has been thinking through what changes need to be made. The Premier Christian radio interview clarified that what we are doing is what we should be doing.

Thankful to God for His provision and a reminder that we can’t outgive the Lord. All we have given out has been replaced by the Lord. But we don’t want to become complacent – we need to keep a prayerful heart for the Lord’s provision on our ministry.

Highlights and new initiatives: Premier Christian Radio interview, Community Breakfast, Renew Café and Ebay sales.

Challenges: More volunteers needed – this is now critical and we might be forced to close some shifts unless a solution can be found.

Foodbank – used a lot and due to the increase in the cost of living, donations of food have gone down.

Donations for OpShop – donations of quality products have gone down.

Children and Families - Kate Davidson

Kate shared a list of highlights from 2023 including:

Sunday Club, Kids Club, School work, Community Breakfast, After School Drop In, Messy Church, Bubbles (what was Baby gather).

Good connections with families & young helpers.

Holiday Club – Willy Wonka.

Challenges:

Volunteers needed to do groups well and split children into age groups. Prayer for continuing connections with families that have been with us before they go onto school.

Kate thanked the church congregation/volunteers, Simon and all the staff team for their support.

Youth Work – Femi Faloye

Femi began by thanking the congregation for their support with youth work this year. The staff team and volunteers for their support.

Femi shared a list of highlights from 2023 including.

Ignite Embers Continuing works in Trinity School & Lime House School

Nina Orchard:

Nina began by sharing that since February 2024 she is licenced to oversee work at St Luke’s but still connected with St James through various activities, such as evening services, home groups and special events St Luke’s currently has a congregation of around 16 people.

Highlights have included: Visiting care homes - Eden Manor and Burnrigg Court where she enjoys connection with many including Esther Dalton.

Reconnecting with Newlaithes infants and junior schools. This is through assemblies and them visiting St Luke’s.

Joined NISCU for their Easter and Christmas lessons.

Busy season over Christmas with church services and community events including carols at the Royal Scot pub.

Work with the mission community. Light party at St Luke’s – around 60 people attended. Women’s craft event at St Luke’s. Maundy Thursday supper & service at St Luke’s. Starting a weekly warm space last January – like “Renew” café at Cornerstone. Will keep going until June for the moment.

Good links with the schools which is another way to connect with families.

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Points for Prayer:

Resourcing ministry to connect more with families and young people.

The details of the church planting bid and a possibility of a family coming from Brazil as mission partners to re-establish Network Youth Church.

The church plant plans.

2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

Election of Secretary: Simon Bickersteth proposed that Lucy Goldie acted as secretary, unanimously agreed.

Election of two Churchwardens:

The following nominations had been proposed and seconded for Church Wardens: Paul Crooks and Andy Walford. Simon proposed that we invite these to carry out this role. Unanimously agreed.

Simon Bickersteth proposed that Becky Fairhead, Keith Morris, Dave Stevens and Sue Stevens are appointed as assistant wardens. Unanimously agreed.

2024 ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Election of Secretary: Simon Bickersteth proposed that Lucy Goldie acted as secretary, unanimously agreed.

Approval of 2024 Annual Reports.

Simon Bickersteth proposed that the reports be accepted as a whole. Unanimously agreed.

Electoral Roll.

Thanks were given to Susan Burgess for her work in maintaining the roll.

Matters arising: There were no matters arising.

Elections and appointments.

Tellers: No tellers required.

PCC : The following nominations had been proposed and seconded for the PCC: Joanne Daly, Lucy Goldie, Sam Harper, Selina Harper and Sara Kierman. Simon proposed that we invite these to take their places on the council. Unanimously agreed.

Simon thanked Helen Hamilton who is standing down from the PCC, for her service and input into the PCC.

Electoral Roll Officer: Subject to being willing to carry on Simon proposed that Susan Burgess continue in this role. Unanimously agreed.

Church Stewards: Simon proposed that the following be appointed as Church Stewards - Susan Burgess, Christine Eichhoefer, Phil Hadwin, Adam Kyles, Wendy Proudfoot, Dave Stevens, Islay Stoddart, Linda Turnbull and Tim Wright.

Independent Examiner : Proposed by Simon that Martin Borradaile at Dodd & Co Ltd should be invited to continue in this role. Unanimously agreed.

Question Time and Any Other Business

Julie Graham gave votes of thanks to Simon, Nina and their families for their work and ministry over the past year.

The meeting closed in sung worship (I cast my mind to Calvary) and sharing the grace.

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