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← Leigh Wesley Methodist Church

2025-08-31-accounts

Annual Church Reports 2025

Photograph with kind permission of Laura and Ishrat

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CONTENT PAGE

PAGE 3- 4MINISTER’S LETTER

PAGE 5- MEMBERSHIP OF WESLEY CHURCH COUNCIL

PAGE 6-9 CIRCUIT REPORT

PAGE 10 – COMMUNICATION REPORT-

PAGE 11 - FINANCE REPORT PAGE 12- FUSION REPORT

PAGE 12 - GDPR REPORT

PAGE 13- PASTORAL REPORT

PAGE14-16 PROPERTY REPORT

PAGE 16- SAFEGUARDING

PAGE 16-17 WORSHIP AND MISSION

REPORTS FROM OTHER CHURCH GROUPS:

PAGE18- ADVISORY GROUP ON PROPERTY AND FINANCE PAGE 18- AFTERNOON TEA PAGE 18- CAMEO HOUSE GROUP PAGE 18 - CHRISTIAN HOPE INTERNATIONAL

PAGE 18- CREATIVE WORSHIP PAGE 10- INSPIRE PAGE 20- 21 MEMORY WORSHIP PAGE 21-22 PARENT AND TODDLER

PAGE 22- POETRY CLUB PAGE 23 – PRAYER AND PRAYER DIARY PAGE 23-24 SOUTHEND FOODBANK PAGE 24- THE CLARION PAGE 24- THURSDAY CALL PAGE 24-25 TIME FOR PRAYER AND COMMUNION PAGE 25-26- WARM HUB PAGE 26 - WESLEY THEATRE GROUP

APPENDICES: WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT1.9.23-30.4.24/ BUDGET

1.9.23-30.4.24

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GCM MINISTER’S LETTER – WESLEY METHODIST 2025

As you read this letter, I will be completing my 1[st] year as a presbyteral (ministerial) probationer. On 1st September this year, I will commence my 2[nd] year of probation, with a view to being accepted into full connexion and ordained to Word and Sacrament on 28[th] June 2026, pending approval by the Methodist Church. As in my 1[st] year of probation, I still have to study and have to allocate one day a week for this purpose. This has been a really busy year trying to balance pastoral responsibility for 3 churches, college studies, and probationer commitments, of which there are many. As I write this letter, I am aware that this May marks seven years of my ministry at Wesley. As with most years, there have been great times of joy, but also of sadness as I have journeyed with you all these past years. I have great faith that God still has much for us to do here at Wesley, and it has been great to see so many new faces in our congregation over recent months, and the joy of baptisms and people coming into membership, and we give God the praise for that.

Many of our activities have been continuing to be successful in this pass year. Fusion Youth Club moving from weekly to monthly (due to lack of adults), has been successful, Parent & Toddlers is thriving and Memory Worship service attendance is definitely on the rise. The Wesley Warm Space (Warm Hub) ran again this year and fulfilled a valuable community need and was a beneficial outreach activity for the church.

Our café is doing well and is seeing new people coming every week, although we are struggling to find helpers to run it. The jumble sale arranged by Pam Boughton-Smith, which coincided with the café, raised an amazing amount for charity and also attracted new people to the church.

Janet Whiddett’s Tea & Cake events have again proven popular and are always busy.

None of the successful activities above would be able to run without our wonderful volunteers, to whom we give a huge gratitude of thanks.

On a more personal note, I would like to thank Wesley church for your support and patience as I work towards ordination. I am quite aware that this process has had an adverse effect on my ministry. Just one more year to go!

I leave you with words of encouragement from the Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians: ‘[16] May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

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who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,[17] encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.’

[2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIVUK]

May God richly bless you, Reverend Steve Mayo May 2025

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Members and their Capacity of Wesley Methodist Church- Current as of 13/05/2025

Name Capacity
Rev. Peter Moorhouse Superintendent Minister
Pastor Steve Mayo Minister (Chair of Council)
Judy Taylor Church Secretary/ Safeguarding/Circuit
Rep
Gabrielle Greenway Steward
Ian Lowe Serving, Inclusion and Justice in the
Circuit Community/Circuit Steward
Anna Wratislaw Communication/Deputy Circuit Rep for GG
Eileen Simmons Pastoral Co-ordinator
Helen Boyd Church Rep
June Childs Church Rep
Alex Childs Church Rep
Rupert Bertie Church Rep
David Cox Church Rep
Isobel Wratislaw Church Rep
Alan Severne Property Co-Ordinator
(Non -voting)
Tina Gowers Treasurer
(Non-Voting)

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Circuit Report by Ian Lowe – Leadership Team Service.

Service – a place in the community, a place for justice News from the Circuit, District and Conference

1. Ministerial Oversight, Staffing & Stationing

Ministerial Changes

In July 2024, we said a fond farewell to Rev Dr Calvin Samuel as he moved to Malaysia. We were delighted that Rev Steve Mayo successfully completed his training and Conference has appointed him as a probationer Minister in the Circuit.

Re-invitations

Rev Peter Moorhouse has been re-invited to continue his ministry until 2030.

Deacon Sarah McDowall will remain with us until 2028.

The re-invitation process for Rev Zena Smith will commence this year.

Candidating

John Annim is progressing through the candidating process and hopes to begin part-time ministry from 2028.

Stationing Updates

All four ministerial appointments for 2025 in our District were

successfully filled, including one from the Church of England and one from Zambia.

From 2026, new stationing guidelines require one minister per 150 members, though re-invitations are not affected. Probationers must have at least 100 members.

Conference Proposals on Stationing

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2. Churches and Mission Initiatives

Thundersley Wellbeing Hub

Thundersley is developing 'The Burrell Centre,' a mission hub focused on wellbeing. The church is currently recruiting a manager to lead this exciting initiative. Thundersley is continuing to worship but at some point in the future may cease.

Trinity Family Centre (TFC)

The Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) has recognised the substantial work TFC do for Westcliff, and the number of people they support, fulfilling Methodist Calling. The Circuit has a strong desire to support them and awarded them a missional gift of £10,000 from the Model Trust Fund.

UMC Shoebury Closure

Worship at Shoebury ceased in November 2024. The site is now on the market, and we are thankful to the dedicated team maintaining the premises during the transition.

3. Projects and Outreach

The Experience Project

The healing room sessions remain oversubscribed, reflecting the project's impact. Community members enjoyed learning new skills through sewing workshops while our bookshop and pop-up charity stall continue to thrive. The Jansen Foundation has supported us with regular fresh produce donations. We are building relationships with local schools through RE curriculum visits.

3Generate

The Circuit supported young people by covering travel costs to attend 3Generate. Deacon Sarah is available to share their experiences with churches.

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Christians Against Poverty

A £1,000 donation was approved to help further their essential work.

4. Events and Celebrations

Westerley Care Home

Westerley celebrated its 75th anniversary with a joyful event attended by guests and the President of Conference.

Circuit Quiet Day

A Quiet Day is scheduled for 21 June 2025 at Hadleigh, centred on the theme "In the Stillness."

District Synod 2025

The Synod will be held on 13 September 2025 at Belfairs Academy. Volunteers are needed to help with arrangements.

5. Safeguarding and Legal Matters

Safeguarding

Judy Taylor has taken on the role of Circuit Safeguarding Officer. Safeguarding roles at District level are transitioning to Connexional employment.

CCLI Licensing

A Circuit-wide meeting on CCLI guidelines helped clarify responsibilities. Mike Spaull from Belfairs is available to advise churches with copyright queries.

Manse Letting

The Circuit continues to stay up-to-date with current legislation on letting properties.

6. Environmental and Property Matters

Energy Efficiency

All churches and manses are encouraged to undertake energy audits and any funds from property sales should be considered for energy upgrades. Opportunities for grant funding and solar panel installation are being actively explored.

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7. Governance, Strategy and Statistics

Circuit Finances

The existing assessment formula (50% offerings and Gift Aid, 50% lettings income) will continue, with a 6% cap for 2025/26.

Archiving Support

Support is available through the Circuit Office, with additional resources on the Connexional website.

Mission Statistics

We're pleased to report a 99% return rate for mission statistics this year for our District.

8. Future Planning

Leadership Transition

Rev Dr David Chapman will complete his term as District Chair in 2027. The search for a successor will begin in Spring 2026.

Circuit Stewards

Succession planning is essential, and a personal approach is encouraged when recruiting new Circuit Stewards.

Collaboration

Discussions between the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire District and the East Anglia District are ongoing around sharing resources, though no structural changes are currently planned.

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Communication report by Anna Wratislaw

Communications within Wesley continue apace, as we << promote all the events taking place at Wesley across print, digital and social media. Wesley recently a featured in the Leigh-on-Sea News, where our Jumble Sale for Christian Hope International was advertised. Events like this go a long way to promoting and demonstrating our community involvement - thank you to Pam and the team for organising such a successful event bringing so many people into the church.

Over the last year, we have promoted our special services over Christmas and Easter. This included the production of a banner, website & social media artwork and posts, leaflets and/or cards. Over Christmas we used material from the Methodist Church’s ‘Hush the Noise’ campaign, and we continue to make use of resources available from both Methodist Publishing and CPO (Christian Publishing and Outreach), such as the Explore prayer cards available on the prayer table.

Our A-boards were refreshed last summer, with new A-board posters produced for our monthly and midweek services, and we are also grateful for the creation of our new outdoor poster boards. We have work in the pipeline to produce new “who’s who” photo boards of the leadership team and church council, alongside the existing lists, so that this information is more readily accessible for the church family.

Thank you to Judith Taylor for editing and printing the Clarion each month, Sue Hockett who produces our weekly notice sheet, and all those who help create, proofread and distribute our communications in all their forms – all hugely important for promoting everything that goes on at Wesley. As an Eco Church, we continue to distribute communications via email where possible, and I encourage you to make use of this facility as we work to reduce our paper usage.

Please continue to be mindful of GDPR regulations and our policies if you are ever in a position where you need to take, keep or use personal data of any kind, or share any photos or information in regards to our events. Please speak to myself or Judith Taylor if you have any questions on GPDR or data protection within the church context.

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Finance Report by Tina Gowers

As at 30[th] April, our expenditure is greater than our income by es, | £16,882.72. This is largely due to the difference between our circuit assessment and the income from offerings / monthly giving, but also the financial loss when Beehives Education Pre-School closed in January and the increase in utility bills. I have put in a Gift Aid claim which should total around £4,000.

There is an increase in our circuit assessment, next year, from £45,027 to £45,852. Wesley relies on its lettings income to help pay for the circuit assessment whereas, some churches, are reliant on their offertory / giving income. Our internal organisations hold quite a bit of money, and I would ask those organisations to look at donating to the church in lieu of heating, lighting, wear and tear etc.

I would like to thank those who run the Café, Afternoon Teas, lunches, Talking Poetry etc whose net money does go straight into church funds and offsets other general expenditure.

Our original budget showed a loss of £9,819 but the predicted end of year loss is now £22,753.56 and this is largely due to the increase in utility costs, as we came off a low fixed rate which carried us over recent years. Also, with the changes in National Insurance, we also pay an extra £78 per month for 2 of our staff but both staff members are needed and valued and could only be replaced by non-paid volunteers!

I would like to express my thanks to those Stewards and organisation leaders who count and bag up the money for me. It allows me to double check the money rather than it being counted by one person only (security and transparency).

Appendices: Photocopied Separately for Budget

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FUSION Youth & Kids Report by Judy Taylor

We are amazingly fortunate to be joined by several new volunteer helpers this year which has made manning the once a month session considerably easier. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps, prays and supports Fusion Youth Club, we could not do it without you. We say a special thank you to helpers who have left us this year after many years of volunteering, you are always welcome back to come and see us.

This year has seen a shift in the age of the children attending the club, as with most years we lose our Year 6’s and are replenished with Year 1’s, the natural order of things. Number have been slightly down and we are working with North Street to make sure that the club nights are published on their parents website and our leaflet distributed. We are very lucky to still have the use of North Street playground and in particular the astro turf.

We look forward to another year of working with the children and creating a safe space for them to relax, learn and be themselves. A grateful thanks to Emma Hearn who is continuing to take the “God Slot” and introduce the children to faith in its many aspects.

It would be lovely to welcome even more volunteers to Fusion Youth Club and as a long term goal we would love to be able to offer this activity weekly or fortnightly again. But for now we are grateful for the sessions we are able to offer and the service and mission we are providing to the local community.

GDPR Report by Judy Taylor

We remain GDPR complaint and Gaye/Anna and myself te xcoe't ik recently completed an audit for the Circuit GDPR Checklist, a. which was approved at the Church Council April 2024 meeting. As a church we continue to be mindful of GDPR and have competed the required check on consent forms and how they are stored. This is a requirement that we have to undertake every two years to ensure that we are compliant. I would like to thank Gaye and Anna for all the work they do behind the scenes relating to GDPR and how vigilant they both are.

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Pastoral Report by Eileen Simmons

I regard Pastoral Care as covering the complete range of events in our lives and it is a real privilege to hear about births, new jobs, marriages, examination results, interviews, new homes and family matters. Ill health is sad news and I would like to pay tribute here to Revd. Steve who visits homes and always goes to see anyone in our Wesley family who is admitted to hospital. Of course Pastoral Care continues until death and during our Annual Church Meeting we read out the names of those who have died since the previous meeting.

Pastoral Visitors must be Members of the church and we are hoping and need to increase our number of Pastoral Visitors.

However, there is lots of evidence of supportive friendships showing all the qualities of Pastoral Care. The Visitors meet twice a year to talk about our groups. Pastoral Groups include Members and those on the Community Roll. Any new Member who wants to help in Pastoral work could easily agree with Revd. Steve and me to take care of a very small number of people if their other responsibilities prevent them offering more.

As a retired person I am able to spend a lot of my week on such work, but someone still holding down a responsible job could readily just take care of one or two people newly into the Wesley family or on our Community roll but not already in a group.

Until recently I took all new comers, but can no longer do that as at today my group numbers seventeen.

We are all God’s children and to care for each other is one of the greatest privileges in life.

Finally, I must warmly thank all our current Pastoral Visitors, some of whom have been doing this highly valued, appreciated and vital caring work for so many years. Geoff and I have only worshipped at Wesley since 2013 when we transferred from Wesley’s Chapel, but many of my colleagues go back a very long time. Please keep the information flowing in. I hate to miss a retirement or special wedding anniversary!

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Property Report by Alan Severne

Quinquennial Inspection

Every five years the church and ancillary buildings are inspected by a qualified surveyor. The report informs our priorities for essential works, grouped by urgency and in most cases giving an indication of costs though these are not definitive. The report suggests that a reasonable expectation of cost for the items identified is in the region of £60,000. A recent quote for external decoration was IRO £24000. The surveyor also advised that it has become more difficult in recent times to accurately estimate future costs and obtain quotes, an experience which is reflected locally. The next inspection is due early next year. In buildings of this nature further issues will arise.

Sanctuary

Internally the Sanctuary is generally still in good order, with minor issues only.

Externally some of the pointing should be replaced soon. It is suggested that pointing be performed in “chunks”, starting with the most weathered areas and continuing over an extended period depending on financial constraints. There are a small number of broken segments within the stained glass windows which would need specialist repair. There are no further signs of damp in the porch following remedial action.

Roofs

Rainwater continues to penetrate, under a particular combination of weather circumstances, near the vent structure on the apex of the Sanctuary roof.

There are a few small issues in other roof areas, and we also should bear in mind that most flat roofs have a finite lifespan; the Quinquennial Inspection recommended we continue with an ongoing roof maintenance program, which is our intention. Thorpe Bay Methodist have recommended a builder who has resolved issues for them that others did not; this firm has visited and recommended an approach; costings are expected shortly.

Organ

The organ is playable following some adjustments by our normal tuner. The relatively wide variations in humidity and temperature as the church

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is used are responsible for many of its “quirks”. It remains on the agenda of the property and finance group.

Manse Garden

This continues to go from strength to strength, with many positive comments from humans and frequent visits from birds and other wildlife. Recently Gaye has added a shallow pond which is home to tadpoles and newts thanks to generous donations. The area is now fenced. Runoff from the garage roof is captured to help support the area.

Lighting and Electrical

Sanctuary internal lighting remains satisfactory following repairs. Emergency lighting throughout the premises is tested monthly and is satisfactory except for inside the lift (See below).

Some of the oldest internal lights in other parts of the building are obsolete and will need to be replaced in the not too distant future. CC will be asked to approve additional replacements this summer. A periodic inspection is due next year.

Lift

The twice-yearly independent inspection has again highlighted a (different) weakness with the emergency lighting which the maintainer should have resolved by the time this is published. Otherwise satisfactory.

Halls

The primary issue is interior finishes, which in many cases have deteriorated over time or due to historical leaks. The Youth Hall and Room 2 have just been decorated, including some fairly minor plaster repairs. These rooms, which are usually the most heavily used in terms of hours per week, were selected for priority attention to support an application for approval to operate as a pre-school. The carpet in the foyer is worn out and portions of the flooring in the Youth Hall require replacement; this is work-in-progress.

Boilers/Water Heaters/Plumbing

Central Heating Boilers have supported heating both the Church and Halls throughout the winter without issue. They are still in the top category for energy efficiency. The kitchen water heater replaced last year is also

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working well, as are the new water heaters serving the concourse toilets and the sinks in the flower room and upstairs and downstairs serveries.

Safeguarding Report by Judy Taylor

Within the circuit as a whole there has been concerted drive to bring us in line with the requirements of the Methodist Church, both for the Foundation Module and

the Advanced Module. Several of our new volunteers at Fusion have undertaken this training and are now fully compliant with the Safeguarding requirements to be a Youth Volunteer. I would like to thank Jane Fulford for her assistance with the Local Preachers and Worship Leaders and for providing regular updates. This year sees the introduction of the Safeguarding Board in the Concourse, which displays relevant Safeguarding information for this Church/Circuit and District.

Worship and Mission Report by Gabrielle Greenway

Worship

Attendance stands at between 30 and 50 on ordinary Sundays, plus 5 under 18, higher for special Sundays and of course United services. Christmas and Easter services were well attended, however the pressure due to lack of presbyters and preachers generally meant that on Easter Sunday Rev Steve had to join our preacher Sanya later in the service to give Communion and we were unable to hold a service at Wesley on Mothering Sunday. This was distressing but it was wonderful to join the section at Highlands and share together on that morning.

The Leadership team have decided that the church will need a bigger team of stewards this Christmas to prepare for the large numbers at Christingle. Thanks go to those who moved chairs etc and to Judy and Aimee who as usual did a great job with the hot cross buns for the section service on Good Friday.

There have been a few occasions when our organist has been unable to play and we struggle a bit with the recorded music used. However, we are

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getting more proficient at delivering the recorded music and, as many other churches have found, this may become increasingly necessary as substitute organists are hard to find.

As we hear from the Circuit Report changes are underway which are likely to make finding preachers every Sunday even more challenging, and we are likely to be given more Local Arrangements than the current 3 a quarter. Leadership Team are thinking about getting our Local Preachers and Worship Leaders together to perhaps plan some services which can then be delivered by a team of members. Jane and others did this for us in February, very successfully.

Some of our other services are also under review. Inspire and Creative Worship have a small by loyal following. Inspire may not be fulfilling its planned role within our range of worship. We will be looking at this in the coming months. We are experimenting for a year with monthly morning communion at 9am on a Wednesday, numbers vary but again it is truly valued by the attendees.

Julie Peek is taking a sabbatical from Memory worship, but the preaching team have stepped up to fill the gap, although she is greatly missed. The team provides a wonderful afternoon.

Mission

We continue to run a number of groups and events as outreach to our community. Many of these include valued helpers from outside of the congregation. We are very grateful for their contribution.

Many groups could do with more help so please do prayerfully consider helping in some way. The café for example goes from strength to strength, but more helpers and especially bakers would be so welcome. Please see the individual reports for these activities.

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Reports from other Church Groups:

Advisory Group on Property and Finance by Judy Taylor

The Committee is working through the Quinquennial Report to make suggestions to Church Council to move forward with works that need to be undertaken, of which there are several range from those of a small cost to those which will require large sum of money to complete. We are grateful to all who serve on this committee and the expertise they bring.

Afternoon Tea Report By Janet Whiddett

— & We have enjoyed meeting up again in April 2024 after the long winter months. These afternoons have become a relaxing place to meet with friends and share in good wer. conversations. Hoping we make each newcomer feel welcome and we offer a listening ear over the cups of tea.

We have just begun another year of Tea and Cake Afternoons. Some cakes are home-made and some shop bought with plenty of choice and a selection to take home. Looking forward to seeing you there, all the dates are printed in the Clarion and on a pocket sized card.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make these afternoons flow smoothly.

Cameo Report by Jane Fulford

This house group is a very friendly group of members AS I Ee CEG IOS from Wesley. We usually meet once a month on the third Wednesday in the afternoon at Wesley in the concourse. There is no set agenda for the year we decide each meeting the time before – so a mix of topics can be reviewed varying from a lent course from the charity Embrace, scripture passages to current local and national concerns. We number about 8 and any newcomers are very welcome.

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Team Jumble from Pam and the Jumble Team

So far an amazing amount of £1,237.00 has been raised for the CH and ALS school [Christian Hope International] Many thanks go to:

This really was a team event and would not have happened with our everyone’s contribution, however small.

Creative Worship Report by Jane Fulford

Creative Worship is held on the 4[th] Tuesday of each month for just less than an hour beginning at 8pm. They are always different but tend to be more mediative. I am very grateful to Isobel Wratislaw and Sue Hockett who lead these services with thought and care.

The dates for Summer 2024are

Tuesday 27[th] May 8pm Tuesday 24[th] June 8pm Tuesday 22[nd] July 8pm

No meeting in August

Always different. Do come and join us.

Jane Fulford

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Inspire Service Report by Judy Taylor

Pi Inspire Services are held once a month on the third Sunday of the month at 5:30 [coffee and cake provided] These services are led by a range of r \" i ek different people and offer many different styles of worship. We would welcome anyone who would like to come and experience something different. We are very thankful to all our leaders and the work they put into creating exciting and thought provoking worship in a laid back style. All are welcome.

Memory Worship Report by Rev S Mayo

Memory Worship has been running now for about a decade at Wesley, and has helped and supported many people in this time; people with, or without dementia. Memory Worship is held on the 3[rd] Monday of the month at 2pm, in the main sanctuary.

The service commences which the opening of the Memory Worship Box, where items; a red table cloth, a Bible, a cross, a prayer bear and a candle, are taken out and place on a table, whilst we are reminded of the religious significance of each item.

There is always a theme for the service and a short talk, often visual. The service lasts approximately 30 mins. Familiar hymns and Scripture readings are used to support the theme.

It is intentional that there is a set pattern to this service, of which music plays a large part, as music has an amazing way of provoking memories. We always open the service with the song ‘Bring me Sunshine,’

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associated with Morecombe and Wise, and it always brings a smile to people’s faces. After the service there are refreshments and craft/games activities.

We seem to be getting new people attending every month, so our missional outreach is going from strength to strength.

Memory Worship is led and support by a large number of volunteers to whom we are extremely grateful for their time and efforts. Our special thanks must go to Julie Peek, who has been the main stay of preparing and leading Memory Worship since it’s conception.

The focus for the afternoon is fun and friendship, why not come along and give it a try?

Parent and Toddlers Report by Georgina Paveling

This year has seen a lot of changes with P&T. 2024 was a challenging year as were short of volunteers to help with the group. Plus due to June Childs illness this added to the pressure of running the group. Thankfully we have some lovely regulars who would step in from time to time and help with washing up etc. showing the true community spirit and appreciation for the group.

Thankfully and in true Wesley style they have rallied round and we now have a great bunch of helpers and the return of Becca too. Judy Taylor has come on board I’m pleased to say to help in the weeks Gaye is unable to and we’ve welcomed back Marjorie. It’s been a joy having Marjorie back and watching her relish her cuddles with the babies.

We also welcome Amanda as part of the team. Amanda is a mother who first came to the group with her daughters Lizzie and Sophia. Amanda started volunteering at the end of last year and is asset to our group. We thank all the volunteers for their time and dedication.

We now have a rota so we can take turns to provide freshly baked cake every week and serve a range of coffees. Something I know is our appeal with the parents and carers who attend. And we have such good feedback on not just the refreshments. But how welcoming the group is and the lovely range crafts and activity’s we put together each week.

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Wesley our everywhere bear still continues to go on his adventures each week with the children. He’s so popular we do get some tears when we have more than one child wanting to take him home. So we may introduce a second bear.

Each week the groups structure is kept much the same. Which is free play, tidy up time which we signal by playing a special song.Which the children enjoy. Then story time and finishing off with parachute and bubbles. Then on key occasions such as Christmas, Easter, mothers and Father’s Day, Chinese new year etc. We theme them with crafts, decorations, cakes.

P&T still continues to attract new people as well as our regulars. The group endeavours to create and maintain a warm and welcoming space. Somewhere where people can share their good and bad days and build new friendships.

Parenting is something they all have in common and whatever background the experience is much the same. And it’s this that brings everyone together.

Poetry Report by Joan Hawkins.

Talking Poetry remains an enjoyable friendly fortnightly meeting for our nine members, although they aren’t always able to be present at each meeting.

We have a programme of poets or a subject, and although we start with serious intent, having spent time researching books and the internet, there are usually a few laughs as some of us feel we haven’t grasped the poet’s meaning.

Two of our older members have left us this year, but we have had an extra two joining, which is encouraging.

If you think you may enjoy a very relaxed approach to poetry, please email Joan on joanh838@icloud.com

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Prayer and Prayer Diary by Jane Fulford

At Wesley prayer is important as it should be both for individuals and in worship with and for others. WV We do have a prayer chain that is in the monthly Clarion. Each month there is a prayer diary – a prayer for each day of the month. Each month is different and there are about seven people who compose them. Anyone who would like do become involved please contact me. We also have a Wesley WhatsApp prayer chain. In the Vestry there is a prayer book for names to be read out in our Sunday morning worship for those in need of prayer and have requested t heir name be read out.

In our sanctuary there is a prayer table, usually with a prayer tree to be able to write prayers for others and hang them on the tree. The Fusion Youth Club have a prayer board that is used regularly each month. There is a peace table for Ukraine and Israel and Palestine where we do on occasions light candles.

It is hoped that anyone in need of prayer will be able to use any of the above methods to pray. If you want to be added to the prayer chain or WhatsApp group, please contact me or a steward. If you want to write a prayer diary, please contact me. If you can think of any ways, we can encourage prayer please let us know.

Jane Fulford

Southend Foodbank Report by Anna Wratislaw

Wesley continues to collect donations for Southend Foodbank and deliver these to the warehouse. Collection bins are available at the back of the church sanctuary and in the concourse, and all donations are very gratefully received. Over the last year Wesley has also supported the foodbank at our Harvest Festival in October, as well as the foodbank being the nominated charity for our Christmas charity collections at our Christmas Eve Communion and Christmas morning services. We are pleased that Natasha Copus, Southend Foodbank Project Manager, will be attending our service on 25[th] May to talk about her work.

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We are endeavouring to include an updated list of most needed items in the weekly notice sheet; for those with smartphones, the Bank the Food app can keep you updated with this list and will ping your phone when you enter a supermarket that has a foodbank donation point. The app is completely free and was developed in Southend with a local charity supporting Southend Foodbank. The foodbank is also listed on Common Good – which is like a gift registry, but for charitable causes; the foodbank lists the items they most need, and donors purchase items which are then delivered directly to the foodbank. More information on how to donate food, drop-off points, financial donations and other ways to donate are available on the Southend Foodbank website, or please speak to Anna Wratislaw. Thank you for all you are able to give.

The Clarion Report by Judy Taylor

It has been a pleasure to be the Editor of the Clarion for IighA another year and I would like to thank everyone who contributes whether it is monthly or ad hoc, your items are also most welcome. The Clarion is sent by post to 25 people who have requested a monthly copy and to an email group of over 30 people. Thank you to all those who send on copies of the Clarion, it is good to see how well-travelled our magazine is. Here’s to another successful year of sharing news/events with our church community and wider.

Thursday Call Report Written by Isobel Wratislaw

Thursday Call continues to meet on the third Thursday of the month, in the homes of members (we can always facilitate joining by zoom for those not able to attend in person). Each session is led by a different member, alternating the style and theme . We would always welcome anyone who feels this might be something they’d like to join. Please see Isobel Wratislaw for details.

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Communion and a Time of Prayer

Since September 2024 we have offered a Communion and a Time for Prayer on the second Wednesday of the month (not August) at 9am. It is followed by a Time for Prayer as requested and a cup of tea / coffee.

Thank you for Revd Steve Mayo for doing this and ensuring that another minister offers communion when he is unable to.

The numbers are small but those that attend are appreciative of the short service

The dates for the rest of the year are:

11th June

9th July

No Communion in August

It is intended to have a review of whether this new venture should continue in June/July so perhaps you could discuss at the GCM.

Warm Hub Report by Geoff Fulford

This winter we ran the Warm Welcome for the third year, again on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November to March.

We had money left over from a previous generous grant from The BEH District so did not need any new funding. We spent a total of £404.52 and also had some donations of £60.61 making the cost £343.91.

Over the 5 months we had 178 visitors, an increase of 1 on last winter. Again this was a very valuable service to those who came along. It also served as a Community Hub, where 73 people, mostly church members dropped in for a chat and a tea or coffee.

We had a number of helpers and I would like to thank: Dave Cox, Gaye Greenway, Peter Lister, Geoff Nash, Jan Pope (Belfairs) and Maureen Chambers for their important contribution of time, patience and conversation with our visitors.

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We received a grant of £1,000 when we started from the BEH District and after 3 years, there is £98.04 left in the kitty.

Once more, I will leave it to the Church Council to decide if it is run next winter. However, I will not be able to be the co-ordinator for next winter. I do hope it is able to continue as some of our regular visitors rely on us more and more.

WTG Report by Judy Taylor

We have had another busy year including the popular “Ladies in Lavendar” which was well received by all. We are currently working on a celebration of VE/VJ day and afternoon tea, which is taking place on June 7[th] 2025 at 5pm. For this evening entertainment we are very pleased to welcome members of ‘Talking Poetry’ who are joining us.

This year is our pantomime year which is always a time of much fun and laughter [stress for the producer] and anyone would be welcome to join us. This includes if you would like to work behind the scenes, sewing, painting, any help would be warmly received.

As a Theatre group we are limited in our choice of production as our numbers decrease, it would be amazing to have some new recruits. Please contact either Judy Taylor/Isobel Wratislaw or any of the group.

Also attached to this document:

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Accruals AccoCh u rchnts 2024-2025

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& rN
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THE METHODIST CHURCH

TEMPLATE REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025

Leigh Wesley Methodist

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Church
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Registered Charity - Registration number (if applicable)

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Minister [Rev StephenMayo id
Church Stewards
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oceanSUM Taylor
oerAnna Wratisiaw
noeRUpOrt Bertie
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Church No 34/10

Name of Church

Leigh Wesley Methodist

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025

Notes to Designated
the General Fund Funds Restricted Endowment Total
accounts (Unrestricted) (unrestricted) Funds Funds 2024-25
£ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments
1 Offerings and tax recoverable 29,291 ~ 29,291
2 Donations & Grants 5,375/ 0 5,375
3 Interest and investment income 4,154, 4,154
4 Income from investment properties 0
5 Other income 8,006 ~ - 8,006
6 Internal organisations 3,289 - 3,289
7 Other charitable activities 0
Total from charitable activities 46,825 3,289 - - 50,115
8 Lettings 47,446 47,446
9 Other income 0
Total income and endowments 94,271 3,289 - a 97,560
Expenditure
10 Circuit assessment orshare 45,123 - 45,123
11 Grants and donations 0
12 Property maintenance 7,149 “ 7,149
13 Insurance, utilities etc 34,051 « 34,051
14 Provisions 0
15 Depreciation 0
16 Office expenses 937 93
17 Other expenditure 8,468 0 8,468
18 Salaries & pensions 21,466 21,466
19 Internal organisations 3,310 ¢ 3,310
Total charitable expenditure 116,350 3,310 0 0 119,660
20 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments 0
21 Gains/(losses) on investment properties 0
22 Net income/(expenditure) -22,079 -21 0 0--22,100 --22,100
23 Transfers between funds 0
24 Other gains/(losses) 0
25 Net movement in funds -22,079 -21 0 0 -22,100
26 Total funds brought forward 101,283 12,486 3,824 117,594
27Totalfundscarriedforward 79,204 12,465 3,824 - 95,494

Name of Church

Church No 34/10

Leigh Wesley Methodist

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025

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|||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |General|Fund|||Designated|Restricted|||Endowment ||Totals|2025|Totals|2024| |Notes to the|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)Funds|Funds|Funds| |Accounts|£|£|£|£|£|£| |investments|SSSCiS Cd| |||CSSC«S|tad|neassets||——_—=«d~ patent|SSCYSSSCSCSC~«YC«i| |uw| |Current|Assets| |[Debtors and prepayments|||| |Loans|by the Churches|a| |Investments with TMCP|Po| |Central|Finance Board|Deposits|fi|66,092||¢|12,000]|3,824|81,916|110,763| |Gash|at|Bank and|in hand|Xs|6,631| |Tota/eurrentassets|| ||[GresitorsCurrent_liabilities(due in under|tyeay)|Sd|SSC—-||SSSSCSCSC~drozos]|‘aaos]SSCSCSCSCSCSdY SSCS3624]|ofdTesaea)|[117,504| |[|[Grants payable within|2017-18||Toft| |Net currentTotalcurrentiiabilities| assets/liabilities| =||To79,205] 12,465]|3,824|si|95,494|147,594| |Total assets less current liabilities]|ss|[___(6,372,347||12,465|3,824|sO]|«6,388,636|6,150,355| |(due|after|more|than one year)| |IGrantspayable||| |[Loans tothe church ———SSSSSSCiCSSSSCdC| |poetassets]||ideas]|tae]|sea]|——SCSCtY|ese|[6|180.386| |Funds|of|the|Church| |General Fund|(Unrestricted)|||FL) a|79,205| |Designated|Funds|(Unrestricted)|oe|12405|/||t—i“‘iLSSSCd|12,465|12,486| |Total UnrestrictedFunds|_|||||91,670|413,770| |lRestrictedFunds|||7a|3,824|3,824| |lEndowmentFundsTTP|PT| |Total|Funds|| |||s,e7o||_sazal____o|oy|eeaeal|[_ta7,b0a| |Nei| |Opening|Receipts/|Closing| |Internal|Organisations|balance|Receipts|Payments|Payments||Adjustments|balances| |rotaff| |External|Charitiable Organisations|Signed|<=| |Bal|Fwd|01/09/2024|,|——|)|~| |Expenditure|-|Passed|to|Charities|2764|:2876|;|F| |Bal c/fwd 31/08/25|||Church Treasurer|% \ I|||2s|

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Payment to Trustees

2025 2024

Payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Church by agreement with the Church Council Meeting

Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses

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E 3342 5576
[|g
General church expenses
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If there are no payments to Trustees, please record no expenses were paid.

Total amount paid

Fees for examination or audit of the accounts Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees (eg: advice, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor

Paid employees Staff Costs paid during the vear were: Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind Employer’s National Insurance costs

Total staff costs

Average number of staff employeed during the

year were:

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£ 3,342 5,576
¢ | nl Fait
£
nil
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a 21,697 18,282
fl agg , |
so 22,085 18,282
4
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[Leigh Wesley Methodist . DECLARATIONS

Treasurer

| confirm that these accrual based accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church Council / Members’ Meeting / Leadership Group*.

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Signature of Treasurer Cae Date i
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Address
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17 The Crest, Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. SS9 5NJ

Presentation to the Church Council / Members’ Meeting / Leadership Group for approval. | confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 Aug 2025 were, or will be presented to the Church Council / Members' Meeting / Leadership Group” at its meeting on

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and were approved.
Signaturemeeting of the Chair of the A 3
7
Name of the Chair; of the meeting Rev Stephen Mayo
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Date

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

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Leigh Wesley Methodist Church
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This Report is on the Church Accounts for the year ended 31“ August

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2025
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Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Church's trustees are responsible for ensuring that the annual report and accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 present a true and fair view of the Church's income and expenditure for the year and of its assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. The trustees consider that an audit is not necessary for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to: ° examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act:

Leigh Wesley Methodist

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

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, in nature or scale, or disclosures in the accounts, seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning 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. My 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 (other than as disclosed below’*)

have not been met; or

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

(3) | have /nave not* obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

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Name of independent Mre Heather Sims
examiner
Signature of independent < ee
examiner Doors
Relevant Professional Yr or <
Name of firm (where appropriate)
Address
1a .
Grove Road, Rayleigh, Essex. Ss6 BHR p Uh
Date 24Ja/z2<=
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Leigh Wesley Methodist
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Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

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, in nature or scale, or disclosures in the accounts, seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning 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. My 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 (other than as disclosed below*)

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

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

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(3) | have /nave not obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for
: Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance
Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at
the balance sheet date.
examinerNettie Sriigepecen Mrs Heather Sims
Signature of independent oe
examiner BY.
Relevant Professional qualitication or~
Name of firm (where appropriate)
Address 1a Grove Road, Rayleigh,: Essex. Ss6 BHR Pu
Date 24/9/zs=
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