Reports for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for Year Ending 31 December 2024
Meeting to be held in Church following the 10.30am service on Sunday 18 May 2025
Registered Charity 1130674
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Introduction
St Gabriel’s Church is situated in the City of Sunderland and is part of the Diocese of Durham, within the Church of England.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the key decision-making body of a Church of England parish. It consists of clergy, churchwardens and others, including those elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) of the parish.
Structure, Governance and Management
The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity and the appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the church Electoral Roll and those on the Roll can stand for election to the PCC.
All PCC members are made aware of their responsibility as Trustees of a registered charity. Members of the PCC all completed their Safeguarding Training.
The PCC has two subcommittees: the Buildings Committee and the Standing Committee.
| Name of PCC Member & Trustee |
Office | Dates acted if not for wholeyear |
|---|---|---|
| Revd Emma Parker | Priest in Charge | June onwards |
| Revd Lilian Clark | Ex-officio: licensed and authorised. Also DeanerySynod Rep |
|
| John Donald | Ex-officio: Churchwarden. Also DeanerySynod Rep |
|
| Janet Fielding | Ex-officio: DeanerySynod Rep | |
| Linda Gowans | Ex-officio: Deanery Synod Rep. Also PCC Secretaryuntil November |
|
| Prof Malcolm Hooper | Reader with Permission to Officiate | |
| Christine Rodgers | Reader with Permission to Officiate | |
| Cuth Earl | Elected PCC Member and Parish SafeguardingOfficer |
Until September |
| Jenni Little | Elected PCC Member and Deputy Parish SafeguardingOfficer |
|
| Peter MacLellan | Elected PCC Member | |
| Annette Rafferty | Elected PCC Member | |
| Joanna Rodgers | Elected PCC Member and Treasurer | Until September. PCC agreed to invite JR to forthcoming PCC meetings as the Treasurer |
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| Peter Wilkinson | Elected PCC Member | Until June |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Bulmer | Elected PCC Member | |
| Julie Gana | Elected PCC Member | |
| Jo Carr | Elected PCC Member | Until September |
| RayBell | Elected PCC Member | Until April |
| John Wolfe | Elected PCC Member | Until April |
Aim and Purpose of the PCC
The primary object of all PCCs is the promotion of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 states that the PCC 'is to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical'. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building and all buildings on the church estate, including the church halls, Stier House and Institute.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC has been careful to discuss how it can meet the aim above and has put several plans into action to achieve this. The PCC is committed to promoting, supporting and enabling the mission and ministry of the church, how to include and support others in developing their gifts in serving the church and community, and maintaining our buildings so that they are safe places, are fit for purpose, and can continue to be used for mission.
In our planning, our worship and our outreach, we keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance for the advancement of religion. We try to enable people to grow in faith and to live it out through worship and prayer, learning about the Christian faith and deepening their discipleship, provision of pastoral care and missionary and outreach ventures.
Achievements and Performance
After a long wait, in January 2024 we appointed the Revd Canon Dr Emma L Parker as the Priest in Charge and she was licensed in June. Revd Lilian Clark was also licensed as the Associate Minister in November 2024. We have continued to encourage different people to use their gifts and skills in various ways, and especially in worship. We are delighted to see a growing number of new people taking on new and existing roles and hope to continue to provide more opportunities for people of all ages to discern and use their gifts for the benefit of others, and to provide appropriate training, supervision and mentoring. For example, the PCC authorised the creation of a new Pastoral Care Team and members were safely recruited and trained, and two new people were safely recruited to the Children’s Ministry Team, which now meets every half term to reflect on how to best nurture the faith of our children.
We continue to provide a range of worshipping styles in our monthly 8am Sunday Communion service (Book of Common Prayer), our fortnightly 10am Communion service on Wednesdays (Book of Common Prayer) and our weekly 10.30am Sunday Communion service. Our 10.30am congregation has grown from 50-65 (end of 2023) to 65-80 (end of 2024). In worship
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we have had different sermon series with one looking at ‘Unsung Heroes’ in the Bible, particularly exploring women in the Old Testament. In October we took part in the Church of England’s national ‘Generosity Week’ and in Black History Month, which included a special Sunday service and a Faith Supper where we shared food from around the world. In September we started a new Church Choir which creates the opportunity for different people to use their musical gifts to enhance our worship of God.
Throughout the year we have continued to care for people at their different points of need, and to nurture their faith in different ways. We have conducted baptisms, funerals and weddings, and in June, we were delighted to celebrate with six members of our church (4 teenagers and 2 adults) when they were confirmed at the Deanery Confirmation Service. We also have different church groups meeting throughout the week which aim to foster fellowship and faith, and we are developing our monthly coffee mornings which combine fellowship and fundraising.
We have deepened links with our community over the last year. Every month Revd Emma goes into three of our local care homes to visit residents and lead a ‘Songs of Praise’ service. We invited residents from one of these care homes to a Christingle Service for them in the Church Hall, and the Activities Coordinator is keen to see how we can develop this link to benefit their residents. The worshipping community in each care home is growing and we are delighted to have the support of the management in each home. In October we welcomed 90 children from a local Junior School to church over the course of day; they learned about the Gospels and the sacrament of baptism. This was followed up by an assembly for the whole of the Junior School. We were also delighted to invite the Year 2 children and their parents from a local Infant School to church for a Christingle service. In addition, another school asked if we could host their Carol Service in December and it was good to see many children, parents and teachers here.
The PCC has also worked hard to support local and global charities and community groups. For example, we have continued to enable many different community and charity groups to use our halls, and these groups in turn support and encourage a wide range of people groups in our community (e.g., vulnerable adults, children and young people) from a wide range of cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds. We have continued to support 8 charities with our tithes and donated our Harvest Appeal to the Foodbank run by Hope4All, and our Toy Appeal to the Homeless Household Project at Ashkirk House.
The PCC has paid particular notice to the changes in Safeguarding, including the new Safeguarding Standards, to discussing significant reports and reviews, and to updating policies where needed. It has discussed Safeguarding at every meeting and is grateful to the Safeguarding Team at church.
A major area of consideration for discussion and approval by the PCC this year has been planning for the new heating system. The PCC authorised the application of St Gabriel’s Church to be a Demonstrator Church on the Net Zero Carbon Church Demonstrators Project, and this connects with our desire to continue working towards becoming an Eco Church.
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Plans for the coming year
Over the coming year the PCC will need to continue working with new and updated Safeguarding requirements, including looking at a healthy church culture and how to develop this at St Gabriel’s Church.
We will continue to focus on the aims and vision of this church to enable the wider church to participate in the mission and ministry of the church, to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all in our community to worship God and find fellowship and purpose.
We will seek to be mindful of the Diocesan Priorities (challenging poverty, caring for God’s creation, energising growth, and engaging with children and young people) and the five marks of mission in how we address our aims and purposes, and continue to discern how to serve God and his people in this place.
Finally, we will need to continue working towards overseeing a new heating system in church, which will foster our aim of being a worshipping and transformational faith community that reaches out to all in our community.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total receipts in unrestricted and designated funds were £137,337 which represents a 13% increase over the previous year. Restricted funds of £10,417 were also received, of which £8,598 was grant funding. The grant from Links for Life financed some of our social ventures such as coffee mornings and our craft group Gifted Gabes, the £3,000 grant from the Sir John Priestman Charity Trust paid (retrospectively) towards an organ repair in the early part of the year and £2,158 from the Listed Places of Worship scheme which covers the VAT on applicable building works. We are incredibly grateful to all these organisations for helping us care for our church and our community.
Our need for a new heating system in the church and our PCC’s determination to work towards the Church of England’s 2030 Net Zero goal meant £30,000 of general funds was transferred to a designated Heating Appeal account. A designated Ken Jolly Memorial fund has also been created and the trustees are discussing how this should best be used in a musical venture which honours Ken’s memory.
A much appreciated £10,000 legacy came into general funds and we continue to be blessed by our church and community members who fundraise through events and activities such as coffee mornings, fayres, the Advent box scheme and Church Model collection box. We also send our grateful thanks to Sunderland Symphony Orchestra for making us one of their venues.
Our contactless machines have brought in more income than last year but we recognise we need to create a more detailed digital giving strategy and consider online ways for people to donate.
Whilst our congregation continues to grow, planned giving does not keep pace with this. We are exploring strategies to address this with our new priest in charge, Rev’d Parker, and the Giving Team at the Diocese. The relationship between faith and giving is a complicated one and we acknowledge we need to approach this proactively but sensitively. We sincerely
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appreciate all those who contribute to the church’s mission both financially and through volunteering and prayer.
A third of the charity’s income this year was generated by the renting out of the church hall to external organisations. However, with increasing energy, cleaning and maintenance costs the PCC has had to set a modest rise in rental charges for 2025. The relationships we have created with these community organisations are strong and we hope they all feel valued by our charity. As we have a new priest in charge, we are keeping a careful balance between the number of outside rentals and the potential for spaces to be used to fulfil the church’s own mission work.
At the end of the year only the upper flat at Stier House was tenanted and the lower flat will need some extensive repair work in order to be let again in 2025. The Men’s Institute will also require funding for necessary maintenance work.
St Gabriel’s total income, including tax recovered, has increased by approx. 21% compared to 2023.
Major expenses this year involved repair work to the church roof, lighting and organ as well as building work to Stier House. With inflation having been at such high levels, year-on-year routine maintenance costs such as insurance, boiler inspections and pest control increase in price, as do supplies and the fees of people who provide services to the charity. We are aware that we must find ways to not only be sustainable as a church but also to grow, so we can fulfil our mission aims. This year we exited 5-year fixed rate energy contracts and, with the price rises in the fuel market, we realise that budgeting for our energy use in 2025 and at the same time trying to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint will be of high priority.
The 2024 Guided Pledge given to us by the diocese was £37,407. In order to maintain an appropriate reserve and protect the financial wellbeing of the charity our PCC felt we could only pledge a Parish Share of £25,000. We continue to seek to contribute as much Parish Share as possible and the trustees conduct an in-depth review of this every year.
Tithed giving to external charities totalling £4,169 was issued, meaning The Leprosy Mission, CSW, Tearfund, Wearside Youth for Christ, Durham Lesotho Link, Compassion UK, Church Mission Society (our mission partners Andy and Kati Walsh in Brazil) and The Bible Society were all able to benefit.
Total expenditure shows a 23% increase from 2023. Revenue exceeded expenditure by approximately £24,150.
At the year end, the total amount of funds held was £123,818.37
| This comprises: | General funds | £51,840.63 |
|---|---|---|
| Designated funds | £33.665.00 | |
| Restricted funds | £38,312.74 |
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Registered Charity 1130674
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Statement of Financial Activities or the year ended 31 December 2024 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 18[th ] March 2025 Receipts and Payments Account
| Unrestricted funds |
Designated funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds |
Prior year total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 68,584.80 | 1,386.63 | 292.43 | - |
70,263.86 | 59,697.30 |
| Income from charitable activities |
6,541.00 | - | 8,597.85 | - |
15,138.85 | 11,004.40 |
| Other trading activities | 48,981.63 | 1,214.44 | - | - |
50,196.07 | 39,429.87 |
| Investments | 10,314.86 | 313.93 | 1,527.12 | - |
12,155.91 | 12,101.71 |
| Other income | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Total Receipts | 134,422.29 | 2,915.00 | 10,417.40 | - |
147,754.69 | 122,233.28 |
| Payments | ||||||
| Raising funds | 21,683.79 | - | 230.05 | - |
21,913.84 | 21,993.20 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities |
92,317.65 | - | 6,834.49 | - |
99,152.14 | 78,196.86 |
| Otherexpenditure | 2,539.20 | - | - | - |
2,539.20 | - |
| Total Payments | 116,540.64 | - | 7,064.54 | - |
123,605.18 | 100,190.06 |
| Excess of receipts over **payments before transfer ** |
17,881.65 |
2,915.00 | 3,352.86 | - |
24,149.51 | 22,043.22 |
| Transfers: | ||||||
| Gross transfers between funds – in |
- | 30,000.00 | - | - |
30,000.00 | - |
| Gross transfers between funds – out |
(30,000.00) | - | - | - |
(30,000.00) | - |
| Excess of receipts over | ||||||
| payments before other | (12,118.35) | 32,915.00 | 3,352.86 | - |
24,149.51 | 22,043.22 |
| gains | ||||||
| Net movement in funds | (12,118.35) | 32,915.00 | 3,352.86 | - |
24,149.51 | 22,043.22 |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Excess of receipts over | ||||||
| payments at beginning | 63,958.98 | 750.00 | 34,959.88 | - |
99,668.86 | 77,625.64 |
| of the year | ||||||
| Excess of receipts over payments for theyear |
51,840.63 | 33,665.00 | 38,312.74 | - |
123,818.37 | 99,668.86 |
| Represented by | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds |
Prior year total funds |
Unrestricted funds |
|
| General Fund | 51,840.63 | - | - | - |
51,840.63 | 63,958.98 |
| Designated | ||||||
| Flower Fund | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Heating Appeal Designated | - | 32,593.37 | - | - |
32,593.37 | 250.00 |
| Ken Jolly Memorial | - | 571.63 | - | - |
571.63 | - |
| Mission Fund | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Toddler Group | - | 500.00 | - | - |
500.00 | 500.00 |
| Restricted | ||||||
| Agency collection | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Demonstrator Church | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Eco Festival | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Heating Appeal | - | - | 35,589.12 | - |
35,589.12 | 34,062.00 |
| Links For Life Grant | - | - | 1,969.44 | - |
1,969.44 | - |
| Listed Places Worship VAT | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Organ Fund | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Youth Ministry | - | - | 754.18 | - |
754.18 | 897.88 |
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities
| Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment Total Lastyear |
Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment Total Lastyear |
|---|---|
| Current Asset - Cash At Bank And In 6501: Lloyds Bank current account 6505: Lloyds Fixed Term Deposit 3.3% 6515: Virgin Notice Savings Account Total Net total assets Represented by General (Unrestricted) Designated – HAD Designated – KJ Designated – TG Restricted – HA Restricted – LFL Restricted – Y Total |
Hand 51,840.63 1,071.63 2,723.62 - 55,635.88 65,606.86 - - - - - 34,062.00 - 32,593.3735,589.12 - 68,182.49 - |
| 51,840.63 33,665.00 38,312.74 - 123,818.37 99,668.86 |
|
| 51,840.63 33,665.00 38,312.74 - 123,818.37 99,668.86 |
|
| 51,840.63 - - - 51,840.63 63,958.98 - 32,593.37 - - 32,593.37 250.00 - 571.63 - - 571.63 - - 500.00 - - 500.00 500.00 - - 35,589.12 - 35,589.12 34,062.00 - - 1,969.44 - 1,969.44 - - - 754.18 - 754.18 897.88 |
|
| 51,840.63 33,665.00 38,312.74 - 123,818.37 99,668.86 |
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Fund movement summary
Fund Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/Losses Journals
Closing
| HA | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | 34,062.00 | 1,527.12 | - | - | - | - | 35,589.12 | |
| Sub-totals | 34,062.00 | 1,527.12 | - | - | - | - | 35,589.12 | |
| HAD | ||||||||
| Designated | 250.00 | 2,343.37 | - | 30,000.00 | - | - | 32,593.37 | |
| Sub-totals | 250.00 | 2,343.37 | - | 30,000.00 | - | - | 32,593.37 | |
| KJ | ||||||||
| Designated | - | 571.63 | - | - | - | - | 571.63 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 571.63 | - | - | - | - | 571.63 | |
| LFL | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 3,440.00 | 1,470.56 | - | - | - | 1,969.44 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 3,440.00 | 1,470.56 | - | - | - | 1,969.44 | |
| LPW VAT | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 2,157.85 | 2,157.85 | - | - | - | - | |
| Sub-totals | - | 2,157.85 | 2,157.85 | - | - | - | - | |
| OG | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | - | - | - | - | |
| Sub-totals | - | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | - | - | - | - | |
| TG | ||||||||
| Designated | 500.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 500.00 | |
| Sub-totals | 500.00 | - | - | - | - | - | 500.00 | |
| Y | ||||||||
| Restricted | 897.88 | 292.43 | 436.13 | - | - | - | 754.18 | |
| Sub-totals | 897.88 | 292.43 | 436.13 | - | - | - | 754.18 | |
| General | ||||||||
| Unrestricted | 63,958.98 | 134,422.29 | 116,540.64 | (30,000.00) | - | - | 51,840.63 | |
| Sub-totals | **63,958.98 ** | **134,422.29 ** | **116,540.64 ** | (30,000.00) | - | - | 51,840.63 | |
| **Totals ** | **99,668.86 ** | **147,754.69 ** | 123,605.18 | - | - | **- ** | **123,818.37 ** |
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Analysis of income and expenditure
Total
| **Unrestricted ** | **Designated ** | Restricted | Endowment | Thisyear | Lastyear | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | ||||||
| One off Gift Aid Donations | 470.00 | 470.00 | - | - |
940.00 | 258.00 |
| Donations - Non Gift Aid | 5,835.30 | 600.00 | - | - |
6,435.30 | 8,140.03 |
| Yellow Gift Aid Envelopes | 725.00 | 65.00 | - | - |
790.00 | 1,488.00 |
| Open plate collections | 10,108.50 | 251.63 | 292.43 | - |
10,652.56 | 7,935.06 |
| Gift Aid - Freewill Envelopes | 11,006.20 | - | - | - |
11,006.20 | 11,363.00 |
| Non-Gift Aid - Freewill Envelopes | 2,798.00 | - | - | - |
2,798.00 | 4,111.00 |
| Standing Orders - Gift Aided | 11,472.00 | - | - | - |
11,472.00 | 10,587.00 |
| Standing Orders - Non-Gift Aided | 380.00 | - | - | - |
380.00 | 60.00 |
| Parish Giving Scheme | 6,012.45 | - | - | - |
6,012.45 | 5,668.29 |
| GWD Donation Station | 734.53 | - | - | - |
734.53 | 371.34 |
| Sum Up Cash Machine | 267.00 | - | - | - |
267.00 | 271.44 |
| Tax recoverable on Gift Aid | 8,733.62 | - | - | - |
8,733.62 | 8,444.14 |
| Legacies | 10,000.00 | - | - | - |
10,000.00 | 1,000.00 |
| Clergy Cover | 42.20 | - | - | - |
42.20 | - |
| Donations and legacies Totals | 68,584.80 |
1,386.63 | 292.43 | - |
70,263.86 | 59,697.30 |
| Income from charitable activities | ||||||
| Charity Appeals | - | - | - | - |
- | 363.61 |
| Church hall lettings - Christian objectives |
3,740.00 | - | - | - |
3,740.00 | 3,170.00 |
| Admin Fees - Bapt Certs etc | 72.00 | - | - | - |
72.00 | 146.79 |
| Grants Specific | - | - | 8,597.85 | - |
8,597.85 | 1,560.00 |
| Fees for weddings and funerals | 2,729.00 | - | - | - |
2,729.00 | 5,764.00 |
| Income from charitable activities Totals |
6,541.00 |
- | 8,597.85 | - |
15,138.85 | 11,004.40 |
| Other trading activities | ||||||
| Church hall lettings - fund raising | 43,564.00 | - | - | - |
43,564.00 | 35,210.85 |
| Refreshments | 1,671.99 | 61.39 | - | - |
1,733.38 | 1,410.34 |
| Coffee Mornings | 1,671.72 | - | - | - |
1,671.72 | 2,808.68 |
| Events | 2,073.92 | 1,153.05 | - | - |
3,226.97 | - |
| Other trading activities Totals | 48,981.63 |
1,214.44 | - | - |
50,196.07 | 39,429.87 |
| Investments | ||||||
| Bank and Building Society Interest | - | 313.93 | 1,527.12 | - |
1,841.05 | 401.71 |
| Stier House Rent | 10,314.86 | - | - | - |
10,314.86 | 11,700.00 |
| Investments Totals | 10,314.86 |
313.93 | 1,527.12 | - |
12,155.91 | 12,101.71 |
| Income and endowments Grand totals |
134,422.29 |
**2,915.00 ** | 10,417.40 | **- ** |
**147,754.69 ** | 122,233.28 |
| EXPENDITURE ON: | ||||||
| Raising funds | ||||||
| Water Hall and Estate | 204.00 | - | - | - |
204.00 | 55.00 |
| Electricity Hall and Estate | 2,558.09 | - | - | - |
2,558.09 | 1,414.03 |
| Gas Hall and Estate | 5,495.84 | - | - | - |
5,495.84 | 3,601.42 |
| Insurance Hall | 4,149.18 | - | - | - |
4,149.18 | 3,940.71 |
| Estate and Hall maintenance | 2,553.95 | - | - | - |
2,553.95 | 3,228.56 |
| Estate + major repairs - structure/decoration |
12.09 | - | - | - |
12.09 | 2,674.87 |
| Hall and Estate equipment | 1,081.06 | - | - | - |
1,081.06 | 513.80 |
| New building work/major alterations | ||||||
| Hall and Estate | - | - | - | - |
- | - |
| Stier House Insurance | 445.72 | - | - | - |
445.72 | 436.56 |
| Stier House Costs | 1,210.54 | - | - | - |
1,210.54 | 942.00 |
| Stier House Major Repairs and Decoration |
1,971.77 | - | - | - |
1,971.77 | 4,738.00 |
| Stier House New Building Work | 1,212.00 | - | - | - |
1,212.00 | - |
| Costs of fundraising events | 173.24 | - | 230.05 | - |
403.29 | - |
| Refreshments | 611.94 | - | - | - |
611.94 | 448.25 |
| Merchant Fees | 4.37 | - | - | - |
4.37 | - |
| Raising funds Totals | 21,683.79 |
- | 230.05 | - |
21,913.84 | 21,993.20 |
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| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church running - water | 204.00 | - | - | - | 204.00 | 55.00 |
| Church running - electric | 1,831.79 | - | - | - | 1,831.79 | 650.57 |
| Church running - gas | 10,424.71 | - | - | - | 10,424.71 | 8,250.14 |
| Church running - insurance | 4,373.19 | - | - | - | 4,373.19 | 3,940.71 |
| Church running - maintenance | 5,750.41 | - | - | - | 5,750.41 | 4,548.96 |
| Church major repairs and decoration |
10,138.56 | - | 5,157.85 | - | 15,296.41 | 3,239.99 |
| Church Equipment | 1,506.54 | - | - | - | 1,506.54 | 3,331.20 |
| Church Telecommunications | 1,006.60 | - | - | - | 1,006.60 | 1,601.28 |
| Office Costs (photocopier, postage and supplies) |
1,636.99 | - | - | - | 1,636.99 | 1,379.53 |
| Parish administrator | 10,632.00 | - | - | - | 10,632.00 | 8,910.00 |
| Publicity | 127.75 | - | - | - | 127.75 | 51.49 |
| Website | 215.00 | - | - | - | 215.00 | 233.00 |
| Organist | 500.00 | - | - | - | 500.00 | 355.00 |
| Vergering / Sound Desk Operator | 570.00 | - | - | - | 570.00 | 340.00 |
| Cleaner | 4,060.00 | - | - | - | 4,060.00 | 1,838.00 |
| Social Events Co-ordinator | 115.00 | - | 517.50 | - | 632.50 | - |
| Upkeep of Church Garden | 1,700.27 | - | - | - | 1,700.27 | 1,266.98 |
| Cleaning Supplies | 1,004.09 | - | - | - | 1,004.09 | 1,008.96 |
| Bank Charges | 534.94 | - | - | - | 534.94 | 455.52 |
| Youth Ministry | 366.34 | - | 684.45 | - | 1,050.79 | 453.78 |
| Visiting Clergy Fees | 85.80 | - | - | - | 85.80 | 204.40 |
| Tithes | 4,169.00 | - | - | - | 4,169.00 | 3,647.00 |
| Charity Donations | 164.00 | - | - | - | 164.00 | 463.61 |
| Diocesan Fees | 153.00 | - | - | - | 153.00 | 2,759.00 |
| Parish Share | 25,000.00 | - | - | - | 25,000.00 | 25,000.00 |
| Clergy Expenses | 703.05 | - | - | - | 703.05 | 667.49 |
| Service costs and supplies | 518.22 | - | - | - | 518.22 | 414.90 |
| Church mission and groups | 485.06 | - | 474.69 | - | 959.75 | - |
| Wearmouth Deanery | 125.00 | - | - | - | 125.00 | - |
| Flowers | 498.56 | - | - | - | 498.56 | 221.81 |
| Visiting speakers / Hospitality | 527.13 | - | - | - | 527.13 | 268.45 |
| Licences | 1,531.36 | - | - | - | 1,531.36 | 1,323.98 |
| DBS | 28.74 | - | - | - | 28.74 | 4.79 |
| Governance costs / PCC expenses | 220.10 | - | - | - | 220.10 | 46.95 |
| Men's Institute Insurance | 1,160.45 | - | - | - | 1,160.45 | 1,264.37 |
| Men's Institute Maintenance | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Men's Institute Major Repairs and Decoration |
250.00 | - | - | - | 250.00 | - |
| Expenditure on charitable activities Totals |
92,317.65 | - | 6,834.49 | - | 99,152.14 | 78,196.86 |
| Other expenditure | ||||||
| Legal Fees | 2,539.20 | - | - | - | 2,539.20 | - |
| Other expenditure Totals | 2,539.20 | - | - | - | 2,539.20 | - |
| Expenditure Grand totals | 116,540.64 | - | **7,064.54 ** | **- ** | **123,605.18 ** | 100,190.06 |
St Gabriel’s, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2025
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Anatysls of Income or recelpts l expendbture or payrnents-Total Income vs Expenthture Inrgme.-147754.69 Expenditure.'123605.18 St Gabriel's, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2025 Page 13
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPOR T lTrdependt ExamlF)erfsReportiotnee50fSt Gabrfel'$Churth,Su5rlODd I rèportonthe accounts fOrthÈyearend 31 Decembr 2024 Respe¢tl¥e respOnbIllIOe$Of the Twstee$and Independent ExamTrer The ¢haritVs trustèes considerthat an audit 15 not required for thi5year under section 144121 of the Charities Att 2011 (the 2011Actl and that an 1nd0peFbde4tteXam+natTh is lleeded. rt my rÈsponsibllttyto examine the accounts Urtder5ectlOn 145 ofthe 2011 Act,. fgllowthÈ prvcedures lald down Ir the General DlrecEions sen bythe Charlty Cornmissioner5 section 14515llbl vfthe 2011 Act,. and State wher Partkukr matters have come to my attentfi. Basrs of Ihl$ report MY examinarion was carrled in accordan with the General Direttbn5 glvÈn bythe Charity Commission. An examlnatbn includes a revwi of thè iccountln8 records kpt bythè charty and a comparison of the account5 presentÈd wf(h those records. It31$0 include5 consmlerlng any unusual items or discbsures In the iicounts, aDd seeking explanatnSfrOmthe management committee cOnrnIng èny su¢h mattèrs. The proEEdures undertaken do not provide all the evidenrpthat would te required In a full aud. and consequently I dts notexpress an audit oplnbn on thè attounts. Independent examinerfs#emÈTrt In connedw)Trwlth my examination, no matter has come to my attentlon which gfvÈs rne reasonab caust to belie¥ethat any materlal re5pettthe requirèments to keèp accountlng records ID accOrdanw[th 5ertioTr 130ofthe 2011 Ad.. Or to prepare atcounts whith accord withthese accounting records have wt been met.. or to whlch, ID my oplnion, attentlon shoukl bE drawn orderto enab a proper urKlerstandln8 of the acwuntsto be reached. De St Gabriel's, Bishopwearmouth APCM 2025 Page 14
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis
The Independent Examiner's Report is attached to the Financial Statements.
FUNDS
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. At the end of 2024 our designated funds are for the Ken Jolly Memorial, a Toddler group startup and the Heating Appeal
Restricted Funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. Our current restricted funds with a positive balance at the end of the year are the Heating Appeal, Youth Ministry and Links for Life.
BANKING
The charity’s funds are located in a Business Current account at Lloyds and in a notice savings account at Virgin Money
PETTY CASH
The charity no longer holds petty cash
RESERVES POLICY
It is the current policy of the PCC to maintain a balance (if possible) in unrestricted funds that equates to three months’ unrestricted payments. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. We estimate this to be £30,000. The balance of £51,840.63 held in unrestricted funds at the end of 2024 exceeds this target.
PAY, EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONS
The charity had no employees and utilised only self-employed persons providing services
TRUSTEE EXPENSES
A total of £703.05 was claimed by two trustees for clergy expenses (water rates, travel, administration costs and phone charges)
PCC REMUNERATION
PCC members received no remuneration for acting as trustees. However, 6 trustees have provided services to the charity whilst undertaking their trustee roles.
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These were as follows:
| ROLE | No. of trustees | Amount paid out |
|---|---|---|
| Verger for weddings and funerals | 3 | £100 |
| Organist for weddings and funerals | 1 | £70 |
| Sound Desk Operator for weddings and funerals |
1 | £240 |
| Administrator | 1 | £7,020 |
| Social Events Co-ordinator | 1 | £517.50 |
AGENCY MONIES
The PCC acts as collecting agents for certain connected parties and also where monies are raised for a specific charity at a service or event. These transactions are not included in the financial statements. The amounts are set out in the table below:
| AGENCY | Amount received | Amount paid out |
|---|---|---|
| Diocesan Fees for weddings and funerals | £2,869.80 | £2,869.80 |
| Visiting Clergy Fees | £379.20 | £379.20 |
| Tearfund | £126.00 | £126.00 |
Going forward into 2025 we will treat verger, sound desk operator and organist fees for weddings and funerals as agency collections
CONTRACTS WITH CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The church has no contracts with central or local government other than for routine services (waste removal, pest control etc.)
GRANTS FROM CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A £2157.85 VAT grant was received from the Listed Places of Worship Government Scheme
OTHER GRANTS
£3,440 was received from Links for Life and £3,000 from the Sir John Priestman Charity Trust
LEGACIES
An unrestricted legacy of £10,000 was received from the estate of Gloria Ramshaw
PARISH SHARE
The Parish Share paid to the Diocese in 2024 was £25,000
ANTICIPATED FUTURE EXPENDITURE
The church’s heating system urgently needs to be replaced. It is very expensive to run and the trustees are committed to the journey to Net Zero.
ACCOUNTING RECORDS
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Accounting records are maintained online on Data Developments’ MyFundAccounting software
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The PCC updated its financial controls during 2024
FIXED ASSETS
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar or Priest in Charge and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and, therefore, such assets are not valued in the financial statements. All subsequently purchased items have depreciated in value to such an extent that this expenditure has now been written off.
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Therefore, St Gabriel’s currently shows no fixed assets
St Gabriel’s is an unincorporated charity and does not own any property. Durham Diocese acts as Custodian trustees for all buildings. The values of Stier House, the Men’s Institute, the Church Hall and Cutter Suite do not need to be included in the PCC accounts.
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SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the key decision-making body of a Church of England parish. It consists of clergy, churchwardens and others, including those elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) of the parish. In 2024, PCC meetings were initially held monthly on the third Tuesday of each month. However, this changed with effect from November to alternate months.
All PCC members are made aware of their responsibility as Trustees of a registered charity. Appointments made at the APCM in April 2024 are given in the Minutes section of this report. During the course of the year we received some resignations from members for various pastoral reasons and the PCC Secretary stepped down from this role whilst maintaining membership of the PCC (Linda Gowans). I took up the role in December 2024 on a temporary basis. Scheduled meetings were chaired by Churchwarden and Lay Chair, John Donald, from January to May as we were still in Interregnum. From June onwards they were chaired by the Priest in Charge. We thank God for everyone’s contribution to St Gabriel’s over the years and wish them well for the future. Members of the PCC all completed their Safeguarding Training.
The PCC, and indeed the congregation of St Gabriel’s, were delighted when it was announced that Reverend Canon Dr Emma Parker had been appointed as our new Priest in Charge, following 4 years of vacancy. Her licensing took place on 16 June 2024 which was a wonderful service and started a new era for St Gabriel’s.
Issues discussed at PCC meetings include Mission, Ministry, Discernment and Vision; Safeguarding; together with reports provided relating to Finance and Buildings, all of which require careful consideration and prayer. A lot of work has been done and some of the major items have been:
-
Preparing for a new heating system for the church.
-
PCC authorised the application of St Gabriel’s Church to be a Demonstrator Church on the Net Zero Carbon Church Demonstrators Project.
-
Working towards becoming an Eco Church
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Organ repairs were required and by the grace of God we were given a grant to cover the costs.
Papers for meetings continue to be circulated by email wherever possible. Once the minutes of the regular meetings have been approved at the following meeting, a copy (with the exception of anything which the PCC regards as confidential) can be made available to members of the electoral roll who apply to the PCC Secretary to see them.
Sally Bruce PCC Secretary
FABRIC REPORT (Churchwarden’s Report)
The Churchwardens should see that the PCC carries out its responsibilities for the care, maintenance and insurance of the fabric of the church, the goods and ornaments of the church and the fencing of the church. Churchwardens should record in a logbook all alterations, additions, removals or repairs to the church in their care.
--The Terrier, Inventory and Logbook are available to the PCC and are updated as and when
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anything is done to the church and church plant. The churchwardens by law are the legal owners of the moveable contents of the church which include furniture, ornaments and plate. Nothing should be brought into church without the churchwardens' consent.
The church plant is broken into five different areas: the Main Church and Underchurch; the Church Hall and Cutter Suite; the Lower Flat, Stier House; the Upper Flat, Stier House; the Men’s Institute.
-
1 All building insurances for each building have been renewed.
-
2 All boilers have been serviced and service plans for boiler insurance renewed.
-
3 Appliance Safety checks have been carried out where necessary both for gas and electrics.
-
4 The pest control service agreement has been renewed.
-
5 The contract for fire extinguishers has been renewed.
-
6 The lightning conductor has been tested and passed.
-
7 Portable appliance testing has taken place.
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8 All certificates for licenses and services have been renewed.
Throughout the year the roofs of the church, church hall and Stier House have been repaired after major leaks.
Planning for the replacement of a failing heating system in the church and underchurch is well underway and we have been chosen to join the list of the country’s highest carbon emitting churches. The Demonstrator Churches project from the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme aims to help 114 churches in 2024 and 2025 pay for items such as solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, secondary glazing, LED lighting and infrared heating systems.
As work progresses we will be able to share what we have learned with the diocese and parishes so that all Church of England churches can learn from our experiences.
John Donald Churchwarden
BUILDINGS COMMITTEE REPORT
The Buildings Committee has continued to meet on a regular basis throughout 2024 under the Chair of Andrew Donaldson in what was yet another busy year for the committee with various Roof Leaks coming to light and requiring urgent attention in addition to the annual gutter clearing. The Church Hall Roof on 2 occasions required repairs when leaks became apparent.
Stier House Lower flat is still with Keyline Properties acting as agents for the handling of letting matters. However, the current Lower Flat tenants left in October and as at the end of 2024 have not been replaced due to the need for urgent work to be undertaken to bring the flat up to scratch.
All repairs and replacements continue to come via the buildings committee and, where necessary, the PCC for sign off.
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The basic maintenance work, including inspection and testing of all electrical and mechanical systems, has continued with Peter MacLellan as Hon Secretary again overseeing the various works and visits required.
The Buildings Committee continue to look at the alternative to our existing aged gas heating system and through the work of Peter MacLellan and Joanne Rodgers with the help of the Diocesan Buildings for Mission Lead Martin Howard the Church has been accepted on to a National Scheme (Demonstrator Church) which will aid our quest but leave many more hoops to jump through. Hopefully 2025 will see a new system installed.
This acceptance will provide Grant funding to help with the initial planning and identification of a new system. We must however get a system at the right price and fitting to our beautiful building and which complies with our listed building status.
During the year, Andrew Donaldson and his Scout Helpers have again been active undertaking various jobs around the buildings undertaken at no cost to the church finances. We are greatly appreciative of their help and their part in enabling the ministry of St Gabriel’s to continue in warm and secure buildings.
All certificates have been renewed during the year and PAT testing undertaken so as a church we are fully compliant for insurance purposes.
Once again, it goes without saying that at 113 years old and a Grade 2 listed church, we have an old building/buildings which, whilst much admired by visiting preachers, users such as Sunderland Symphony Orchestra who hold occasional concerts and visitors alike, take time and money in up keep for continued use.
Our position within the Deanery puts us ideally placed to go forward in faith and outreach in mission. To do this, finances need to be managed tightly and jobs undertaken on an essential basis only and in 2024 the following jobs were completed as scheduled however other problems as previously noted arose with the Main Church Roof and Church Hall roof, depleting our reserves further!!
-
1 The Flower Room Flat Roof was replaced.
-
2 The area in front of the West Door was resurfaced.
-
3 The Men’s Institute outstanding work is rescheduled for early 2025
Still outstanding are
-
1 The Church Hall windows which will all need replacing in the coming years to ensure the safety of Hall users. The wood frames are rotting and can only be patched up for so long before we must act, (Est £25k to £30k). We are still. keeping an anxious eye on matters and some remedial work to protect areas of Sandstone, which is eroding, has been undertaken as a stop gap measure.
-
2 The Quinquennial survey as mentioned in last year’s report highlighted that the Narthex roof is very near end of its natural life and will need a full replacement. (Est £25k / 30k).
As ever, regular maintenance and small repairs must continue but the group of volunteers grows ever smaller and before long we will need to pay for some of the work to be undertaken by trades people.
The Buildings Committee continue to pray and trust that we will be guided and given the resources to take forward the tasks if this is the Lord’s will.
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Please continue to hold the work of the Buildings Committee in your prayers as they continue in their endeavours during 2025 and support any appeals for assistance as they move forward with priority works.
If you know of tradespeople who might be able to give of their time then please let myself or Andrew Donaldson know.
Peter MacLellan
Buildings Committee Secretary
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
Last year we had 3 meetings over the year to discuss current issues in the churches in our Deanery and to make decisions that involve the Church’s mission at both Deanery and Diocesan levels.
Reverend Lilian Clark, John Donald and myself attended for St. Gabriel's and Reverend Emma Parker when she became our new Priest-inCharge.
2024 was a big year for the Church of England and Safeguarding and therefore some of the meetings involved those issues and how we should deal with them in our own Church and wider parish. Helping people to be aware of the dangers, in their own lives and others, and who to report any issues to.
There was much to pray about and consider for the future of the Church of England. We prayed for the late Reverend Peter Robson, who was very ill at that time.
We are still on a joint mission to serve people in the parish as we are needed.
Janet Fielding
Deanery Synod Member
SAFEGUARDING REPORT
Numerous documents have been shared with the PCC for review, approval, and discussion. These include:
-
Safeguarding at St Gabriel’s,
-
Safeguarding Policy: Promoting a Safer Church,
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A Parish Statement of Good Safeguarding Practice
-
St Gabriel’s Parish Statement on Domestic Abuse
-
Social Media Policy
-
Code of Safer Working Practice
Additionally, members were urged to read the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, which provides thorough guidance on Safeguarding practices within the church's mission and ministry.
The importance of completing Safeguarding Training in a timely manner was emphasised to PCC members. With the Safeguarding Dashboard and Hub now available to access it is clear to see where training refreshers are needed, and church members are reminded about their responsibilities in this area.
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The PCC received an update on the new Safeguarding Standards, with progress currently being made on Standard 3 (recognising, assessing, and managing risk) and Standard 5 (learning, supervision, and support). The Makin Report and its key findings were also discussed, with PCC members encouraged to view Bishop Sarah’s presidential address at the Diocesan Synod, which addressed the report.
The PCC authorised the use of premises for church and non-church groups working with children and vulnerable adults and approved the formation of a new Pastoral Care Team. These groups were also encouraged to ensure that they have appropriate Safeguarding policies and practices in place.
It was noted that Cuth Earl stepped down from the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in September 2024, and Ruth Vater was appointed to this role in December. The Safer Recruitment processes have been conducted for new members of the Children’s Ministry Team, Pastoral Care Team, and to appoint the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
An active approach to Safeguarding was under way, with meetings between Ruth Vater, Jenni Little (Deputy PSO), Joanna Rodgers (DBS Administrator) and Emma Parker (Priest in Charge) held to discuss roles, responsibilities, and ways to remain vigilant and proactive in Safeguarding efforts. Further meetings are planned to ensure thorough coverage of Safeguarding matters and potential concerns. The Parish Dashboard continues to serve as an effective online resource for managing Safeguarding matters.
Looking ahead, plans for the next year include organising and delivering a Healthy Church Culture session for PCC members, individuals appointed to work with children, and any interested congregation members. Additionally, efforts will focus on developing guidance for supporting victims and survivors of abuse, and integrating Safeguarding themes into teaching and preaching as part of discipleship.
Ruth Vater Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We started the year by taking part in a project of producing stain glass windows for the underchurch. All the children worked so hard to produce some beautiful artwork and of many different designs and these windows are on display for all to see in the underchurch. They have enhanced the old windows especially where some were cracked and broken. We continued to have Messy Church on a monthly basis for the first half of the year and covered a variety of themes such as Lent, Easter, New Beginnings and Pentecost.
In July the older children and leaders from Sunday school took part in a Durham Diocese Youth Pilgrimage to Holy Island along with other young people and leaders from other churches. We walked barefoot across the Causeway from the mainland to the island following in the footsteps of other pilgrims and northern saints. As we met at the start to pray Andy Harris (Diocese Youth Coordinator) told us that pilgrimages are not meant to be easy and are meant to test our resilience and encourage us to connect more with Jesus. This was a timely reminder as the weather was cool and rainy which would make the 3 mile crossing more challenging. Luckily the water was warmish and it didn’t rain too much while we were crossing. We stopped at the halfway point to pray again and sing; it certainly was very moving to hear 100 people sing “We Are Moving In the Light Of God”. Everyone kept in good spirits and reached the island safely. We had free time on the island where we all had a well-deserved hot chocolate and then tea in the community hall. The day was finished with a service in St
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Mary’s church where we all individually laid a card footprint leading up to the altar upon which we had written a prayer of thanks.
A number of our Sunday School young people were confirmed in the summer which was great news and they are now helping and taking up new roles within our 10.30am church service.
Since September Sunday School has had a number of changes. The leaders are continuing to work on a rotational basis and we have welcomed Julie, Lilian and Emma who are added to the rota too. We are now meeting in the old creche/office at the back of the church. This has been to save heating costs of the underchurch. It has made it easier to come in for communion during the service. We have been following the lectern readings so our children are covering the same topic as their family in church. We finished the year off with a Christmas party.
Jenni Little Sunday School Leader
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