2025-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Saint Mark And Saint Stephen, Bush Hill Park

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Chairman’s Report on the Proceedings of the PCC. Parish of St Mark and St Stephen, Bush Hill Park

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – 17th May 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with gratitude to God that I present this Chairman’s Report for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Parish of St Mark and St Stephen, Bush Hill Park. As we reflect on the past year, we do so mindful of God’s faithfulness, guidance, and provision in the life of our parish. Despite the challenges facing both Church and society, we continue to witness signs of hope, growth, and renewed commitment to mission and discipleship.

Administrative Information

The following PCC members have served in the current year, following their election at the APCM in May 2025 to serve the PCC of the Parish of Bush Hill Park, St Mark and St Stephen:

Incumbent: Revd Prebendary Dr Amatu Christian Iwuagwu

Wardens: Maria Hohenkirk, Maureen Banks

Karen Lo (also Parish Treasurer), Joy Amabertram

Elected Members:

Eka Benson
Helen Bridge (Deputy Church Warden)
Janice Dickson (Parish Safeguarding Officer),
Angel Dinev
Ngozi Ekomaru (Ex Officio – Deanery Synod representative)
Elisabet Ekpenyong (Ex Officio – Deanery Synod representative)
Gail Judd (Children’s Champion)
Chioma Olebara (vice chair)
Obinna Opurum (Deputy Church Warden)
Brian Reed

 Ann Reid (PCC Secretary)

The following Licensed Ministers are ex-officio members of the Parochial Church Council:

Mthr Claire Betts Princess Christian-Iwuagwu

Structure, Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members to the PCC is set out in the Church Representation Rules. Elections for all posts take place annually with the exception of the Deanery Synod Representatives, who are elected every three years. All church attendees are invited to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC has met 9 times since its election in April 2025, with meetings scheduled every 8 weeks.

Pastoral Ofces

The ministry of the Parish also extends to many people on an occasional basis. Here are last year’s figures.

Ofce	St Mark’s (SM) and St Stephen’s (SS)
Baptism	7
Marriagesincluding blessings	4
Confrmation	8
Funerals Including Interment of Ashes	8

PCC Life, Mission and Vision

The PCC continues not only to oversee the day-to-day business and maintenance matters of the parish, but also to serve as the parish mission team. Our meetings regularly focus on the future mission of the parish and how we can best serve the people of our community in changing times. We continue to be mindful of our shared vision to increase the number of people coming to church by 1% over the next 3–4 years while also deepening discipleship and spiritual formation.

One of the major developments this year has been the securing of a substantial amount of funding to support our new Mission Action Plan and the development of a targeted New Worshipping Community initiative. We give thanks to God for this opportunity, which will help us explore creative and sustainable ways of reaching new people with the Gospel. More details about this exciting initiative will be developed further before the end of this year as plans continue to take shape.

Our Mission Action Plan remains extensive and ambitious, but we believe the Holy Spirit continues to guide us as we prayerfully reflect on our annual theme and discern the next stage of our parish life together.

Responding to Contemporary Challenges

Alongside worship and discipleship, the PCC has increasingly reflected on wider pastoral and social concerns affecting our communities. In particular, there is growing awareness nationally of the increasing mental health challenges facing young people, including the alarming rise in youth suicide rates across the UK. This is an area where the Church must prayerfully consider how we can respond pastorally, compassionately, and proactively over the next 3–5 years.

Similarly, I would encourage the PCC to continue reflecting on what a truly welcoming and neurodiverse-inclusive church might look like in practice, including how we can better support and include autistic people and families within the life, worship, and mission of our parish. We recognise that part of our calling is to ensure that every person feels welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully in the life of the Church.

Worship and Music Ministry

We have been greatly encouraged by developments in our worshipping life this year. The introduction of a regular Evensong service has added richness and depth to our liturgical life and has been warmly appreciated by many within the congregation and beyond. Alongside this, we are delighted to see our choir continuing to grow in both numbers and confidence, enhancing the beauty and reverence of our worship. We thank all those who give their time and gifts so faithfully to support our music ministry.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Our commitment to serving the wider community also continues to grow. We are pleased to be finalising arrangements for the British Legion to use our space, strengthening our partnership with community organisations and reaffirming our role as a welcoming and supportive presence within Bush Hill Park. We hope this relationship will continue to deepen our engagement with the wider community and create further opportunities for outreach and service.

Growing Younger as a Parish

One recurring theme in PCC discussions has been how to “grow the church younger.” We continue to be greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment of our young people, especially those serving during Sunday

worship. Their dedication as servers has brought joy and energy to our services, and we remain grateful to those who support and train them.

We are also encouraged by the increasing number of young people attending our Sunday services and by their willingness to share what they have learned through Sunday School. It has been heartening to witness their confidence and growing faith. Throughout the year, clergy visits to local primary schools, as well as school visits to our churches, have continued to strengthen our relationships with local families and schools. The PCC remains committed to exploring new ways in which we can continue to grow younger as a parish and nurture the faith of the next generation.

Encouraging Lay Ministry and Vocations

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing lay ministry within the parish, Mrs Eka Benson has been recommended by the PCC to begin training as a Lay Reader. This is an important and encouraging step in her journey of vocation and service within the Church. Please join us in congratulating Eka and keeping her in your prayers as she continues to explore and discern this calling.

Sabbatical Refections and Global Church Experience

Between February and April 2026, I undertook a period of sabbatical leave which provided an opportunity for theological reflection, study, retreat, and wider ministry engagement. As part of this sabbatical, I researched the subject of Diasporic Christian Culture as a Dynamic Force in a Secularised Britain . My reflections explored how traditional theories of secularisation, which predicted the steady decline of religious belief due to modernity and scientific progress, no longer fully explain the changing religious landscape of Britain today.

In particular, the growth of African, Asian, and Latin American Christian communities has contributed significantly to the renewal of Christian worship and public faith expression in urban centres such as London. These diasporic Christian communities often demonstrate strong spiritual commitment, vibrant worship, and deep community cohesion, challenging the perception of Britain as simply a secular society. The research highlighted how migration and global Christianity are reshaping and revitalising the Church in Britain, offering fresh opportunities for mission, discipleship, and renewal within contemporary society.

As part of the sabbatical, I also spent Holy Week and Easter at the Trinity Retreat Centre in Connecticut, USA, participating in a silent and contemplative Triduum Retreat. Set within over 700 acres of peaceful land surrounded by mountains and the sound of waterfalls, the retreat offered a deeply prayerful and restorative experience during one of the holiest seasons of the Christian year.

Following this, despite advice not to travel due to ongoing security concerns, I visited the Diocese of Kaffanchan in Northern Nigeria after Easter, where I led a clergy and church leaders’ retreat. During the visit, I listened firsthand to moving accounts of churches being attacked and burned, worshippers killed, and Christian communities living under the constant threat of persecution. Yet amid these painful realities, I witnessed remarkable resilience, courage, and unwavering faith among believers who continue faithfully to gather for worship and witness to Christ. I was deeply moved by their resilience, courage, and steadfast faith in God. The experience served as a profound reminder of the cost of discipleship and the enduring strength of Christian hope in the midst of suffering.

Mthr Claire’s Curacy Completion and Ongoing Ministry

Our Curate, Mthr Claire, has now successfully completed her three-year curacy with us and has been formally signed off with an excellent outcome and commendation for her ministry and formation. This marks an important milestone in her priestly journey and reflects the faithful commitment, pastoral care, wisdom, and leadership she has demonstrated throughout her time in the parish.

Mthr Claire has been a remarkable colleague, friend, pastor, and priest among us, and her ministry has been a great blessing to the life of St Mark and St Stephen. She also spearheaded the accessibility review process following John Beauchamp’s visit to the parish, helping us begin important conversations and practical improvements around accessibility and inclusion within our churches.

Among the developments already implemented are the more reliable use of the metal access ramp at St Stephen’s, integrating chairs with arms within the seating arrangements at St Stephen’s, and the production of large-print service materials including Evening Prayer, BCP Holy Communion resources, notices, and special service booklets. Work is continuing on additional large-print liturgical resources and baptism materials.

Further areas identified for development include improved signage for toilets, hearing loops, and level access routes, alongside continued reflection on access to Holy Communion for those with differing needs. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the creation of an accessibility section on the parish website in partnership with Ken Cope, helping ensure that our online presence better communicates welcome, inclusion, and practical support for all who visit our churches.

In recognition of her gifts and the value of her ministry within the parish, I have written to the Bishop requesting that she be extended in ministry with us as Assistant Minister, for which we are deeply grateful.

We continue to give thanks to God for her ministry among us and assure her of our ongoing prayers and support as she continues to discern and embrace the next chapter of her vocation and service within the Church.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, we do so with hope and confidence in God’s leading. We know there is still much work to do, but we also recognise how much has already been achieved through the faithfulness, generosity, and commitment of so many people across the parish.

I would like to express sincere thanks to our clergy, churchwardens, PCC members, volunteers, staff, and every member of the congregation for your support, prayers, and service throughout the year.

May we continue to seek God’s guidance together as we build a church that is prayerful, welcoming, mission-focused, and rooted in the love of Christ.

With every blessing,

The Revd Preb Dr Amatu Onundu Christian-Iwuagwu

Vicar and Chairman

Inde ndent examinerfs re Bush Hill Park Enfigld rt to the Parochial Chur¢h C<)uneil pcc of St and St Ste hen's church This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st Detsmber 2025, as set out, is in reswl of an examinabon carried out in accordance wth the Church A¢untr"ng Regulations 20061'lhe Regulations'l and secknon 43 of the Charities Act 1993 {'the AcY}. Re$pe¢tive respon$lbllltles of the PCC and the examiner As member of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the finanaal ststements. You consider that the audrt requirement of the Regulab"ons and seckn.on 43121 of Ihe Act do not appty. 11 is my responsibilty to issue this retw)rt on those financial statements in accordance wrth the tenns of the the Regulations . Basis ol this report My examination was carried out in accordance wth the General Direthons given by the Charity Commission under section 4317llb} of the Act and are found to be in the chUh GuAdance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance D[visn of the Archbi%hops' Council. The examination includes a review of the accounb.ng records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records 11 also includes considering any unusual rtems or disclosures in the finanual ststements and seeking explanations from you as trustees conceming any such matter5. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden that would be r4uired in an audit and o)nsequentty I do not express an audr( opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examlner's statomgnt In connection wth my examinatson. no matter has come to my attent"on'. 1 which gNes me r&asOnab cause to trAieve that in any material re$t the requirements a. to keep accounting re(£Jrds in acCOrdar wrth SeCtn 41 ofthe Act; and b. to prepare ffinancial statements whh accord wth the accounting records and comply wrth requirements of the Act and the ReguL8b'on have not been meL" or 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should drawn in order to enab a prOr understsnding of the accoijnts to be reached Signed-. Date.. Pnnt Name". Address". 7, rfiw a(LorfE

Mark's arpj St sie emenl of finandal aCtiiIS forlhE ar thurth PPC 31 sl 2025 2024 Incornln 80 Voluntary CeIpts Voluntary re(xipts IR) Slaluloryfeas Tax rècovernb Fund rai8kng acl Grant R8c8ipts from thutth Receipts from thurch hall leitinos 2b 420 3.474 1.807 1,649 9,533 2.186 51.4 118.952 204.359 51.4LNJ 178,952 205.259 99,036 194.387 Church and ministry eynses Other chw¢h ordiary expenses OlherthLtych ordiiary expertses IRI Church hall exper5 ProFerty expse Chaiitabk donab(xis 67.565 55.167 64274 64.274 )0 46.734 6.302 1.712 188.822 6.W2 1.712 189.T22 2.474 173.458 15.537 -25.039 15.537 -25.039 -9.502 Less depwatson Net ineorno 8Rer depreoion -24.T26 -3.797 Income from In$trent lrterest re(Diable 1.117 1.491 2.014 2.014 -6.527 -6,527 -1.189 Sta financial 24 Tangib asGèts In¥e$lment praperty 867,411 200,LY)O 7.411 3(X).W> curre as8016 Debtors Cash daposrt &1.318 29.122 117.787 1WJ227 38.510 28.835 163.4 io 21,451 21.721 Le88 ¢redFtors due Tr1n t y 11 18.376 17.117 185.302 1.128.924 168.039 1.135.450 res•ntsd Reservè. unresirk*8d Reserve. restiicted End(FhTneM. unreslncted 12 13 14 15 8{28 1.219 812,780 1219 21.451 1.128.Y24 21.451 1.135.450 Approved by thè PCC on Mernbar¥"..

Sl Sts hen8 thurth ppc eus FinantAal statements forlhe Enfiebj ber 2025 Notes The finanual Statements of th& Par¢xhkql Churth Counul (PCC}Iw St Mar$ {SW and Sl StephBD¥ ISSI have been prepaFEd in accordarK8 with FRS 102. Finan(ial Repoiting Slandard applKabk In the UK afmj RepublK of Irek9nd" and the r&]uirwnents ofCiryans Acl 2ryA. logthrvrith Church A¢¢ounti ReguktK)ns 2DJ6 aTrJ sectn 43 of Ihe CharlE5 Art 1933. Fun Unrestricted frjnds representthefurnl$ ofthe PCC thaiare aval1thfor Fxupos8. Restricted ftsnds represent the lunds of Ihe PCC Ihat arethjnated forthe 3pplicalbJn of ¥tsft wrpose. Incom resources Voluntary reripts, gran( statutoryfees. inve5trnent in(x)mÈ a1 intertst are reo>Jnis•Y when re1 Tax refurKI. fund actNites. church lettwy 3rvJ thurch hall tin9$ are rto)9ni8•J when d is rNatile. All incorr resour arA)unl forgross. Resour$ e All eyndures a generalty reCts3ne then incuTr&J and a¢£Wr forgross. Fixed a Consecrated prorety ncrt in Ihe arAX)Unts kn xcordaficewilh S.12) of Ihe Charl$ Ad 1993. Tangibk tqxwl assets are incJdgJ at C05t or valuation lÈss deprecAab LPreatn is recognised so as lowrite off Ihe yaue of Ihe assets on a stra¥ht basis orthe exped8d useful en0m¢ lrfe as 10lb.. Freeho>J proFety'_ o¥er50 years Office equry)ment - 0¥8r 4 yEars Investrnwtt ValLd at market 0$ at 31st [cemt2w8. reso Unrestrthd Funds 21Y25 unlencted Fund$ 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Funds 2025 Covenants and planned gMIYJ Non anned gwing Dollatio and bequeaths 13.628 14,591 7,607 3.2) 25,488 6.211 28,808 2b VoSunla Non KAanned gwiThJ 420 420 2¢ Weddiffj and funeral 8aptk5m fegs 3rtd banns 2.186 108 3.474 2.186 Grft amy 1.807 1.807 1.383 28 Fund raisn Lwjhts of lovè QuZ Carol singing Christmas fund raising Saks 1.128 373 1.649 493 page 2

's diurch PPC retKJed 31st HUI Pk 6)rj Finantral FuThts 2025 F1% 2024 Funts 2024 2025 9,533 thurth Rental ircome- Rental irKome- SM h1 Renial Inwrne. orate 2.180 24.0 24.8fy) 51.4CQ m church hal tb Church hall. ontroff Church hall.¥hbawt rr Chutrh hall.with 172 9.318 53.018 37.077 118.952 99,036 Church and mini Minisbry expen Vthr aThY y8geeNpttths rr. of Mi%sb)n- PA Ryr5& MarorS Ver and otherfees 762 5236 15,750 7288 75 3.692 4.050 4,978 11261 7.1) 2.697 Otpanist Performing rights Churchyard and LTtht, heat¥ ¥wd Insuranc 3.687 20.968 13.1 14.456 11.763 3b (Xher churr London dKXS8n fvnd 47.YX) 246 Trade &hmdragNJ General and adminkslra Websde devdowes)t Phort and intwnei P(• & Slthnary 165 3.182 1.24B 2,315 1.035 378 2239 7.070 1.884 55.167 2.347 4.970 MaiDr rewrs- thir MaTr)r repairs-dwtr 64,274 Other chu5th onfThq Repaits & maintenae Church repalrand Tnanten8 repair SundaysLr#Y soo 420 91 1,011 Chu LvJht. hèat and watsr Repairs & fflaintenance General gApenses Ph and internei 12.478 4.2 2.693 320 13265 3,577 174 258 2.207 12.624 2.760 Insuranc Cleaning aTrY *Toler¢ MaiorYll)Fks Perfoming rights 15.223 5.496 46.734 39,809 page 3

Marks and St St Financial Statts urch PPC Bush Hll Park Enr 8ndwJ 31st De{ter 2025 Utrled Re51rithd Furv Furn18 2025 Unrestricted RestrKtsd Funds Funds 2024 2024 2025 en Agentfee$ Insurance Repalrs & maintenar 3.412 2.976 724 3.732 7.432 2.130 6.302 31 charitab dona Nhtinga Trust Donations Chiklren socaety Noahs Ark Nath LoTrlon Hosp -78 1.n5 2,326 1.712 2.474 The reripvdnts ofthe b8 dèL¥J&Y by the PCC [rM5. In year2024 Ihe donatKsr¥s recpEnts were Noah Ark and North LCdOn HospKe. In(x)me from inve51rrEnt CCLA cash deposf( furJ SM 1,117 Intest Cash deposrt interest CCLA cash deposit SM CCLA cash d8posit SS 1,171 1,491 2.014 Fixed assets 2025 2025 Land & equipment Total Cost or valuat As at 1st January 2025 AdditK>nS As at 31st December 25 i.orM).(M)D 22.548 1.ff22.546 1.251 1,251 23.797 1.023.797 1.0.c1)D As at 1st January 2025 Charge for the year As at 31st tCem202s 15,135 20.(NJ) 5.039 360.(¥JO 20.174 355.135 25.039 380,174 As at 31st tcember 2(r24 As at 31st tcember 2025 7.411 3.623 e67,411 .623 Land aThJ buibjing ctxnpnses of the thurth hall is Ihi& year 85 at the martetvalue of 6b Investment 2025 Cost or revaluab.on As at 1st January 2025 Addition and disposal Revaluation gain A8 at 31st tkcembw 2025 Inve5trnent r8presents the foer vjrate house by the at UwJ Ro&1. The l*)use was previousty 5hLywn at (ost in IW aTrJ 15 indLxbJ thts year as althe math81 vahje of Decembef 2fy)8. page 4

St Mark'5 a Finano 's church Bush Hill Pa tetrÉnts for the efided 318t Unrestri¢ted 2024 2025 Debtors Voluntary re(ipts Tax r8COV8rable Fund rai%in9 activ"&S Church h1 letbng Churd) ktting 105 8,376 6.993 11.113 375 450 Vicaiage Church H811 Property. vJrat8 house 700 16.993 1.572 616 38.510 15.812 33.318 2025 2024 Cash de sits DeFX)51t- CCLA SS Dep051t- CCLA SM Balan as at 31st Dec 22,501 6.621 29,122 22,501 6,334 28,835 2025 2024 Cash Bardays bank- rrent Bardays bank- deposrt 37. 80,725 117,787 96,090 Re8trKted 2024 2025 10 Balan(t as at 1st Jan. SM Investment incom& Transfeffad to bank current account Balance as at 31$t Dec 21,721 21.451 1,117 -1.231 21.451 21,721 InV8sont presents the r1 prrAS from the Sa dst Fra15 Hall Imarcth 19781. tt 15 c1jnIty inve5te(l in ihe CBF Church of Enghnd Investsvwrt FuTh1. InctsTE frt¥n the in¥esthxnt of £1,231 is transf8nBd tts the Churth's current bank a(fA)untfor orfinY thur¢h The investnftt of£21,451 ts r8slrict*d to the rnaintenaTKe ofthe church buikying Unrestrictsd 2024 2025 11 ue within o "nisty expens85 Church letbng In advanc Accru ChuTth Hall 350 2.140 11,022 2,615 16,376 11.537 3.090 17.117 Year 2025 Year 2024 12 Re8eN8- un Balan as at 1st Jan Net Income Balance as at 31st Dec 8t2.7 813.378 -598 812.780 8C6,253 page 5

St Math's a Finanaal stat thurth PPC Bush Hill r ended 31st rk Enfiekl 2025 Asat1st January 2025 Net Income Expenses Asat31st December 2025 13 Reserve- restricted Sunday school- St Stephen Vestry upkeep- St. Stephen Organ- St Stephen 810 810 2b&3c 1.219 1,219 Year 2025 Year 2024 14 ndowment fund- uniestrit Balan 88 8t 1st Jan Net movement for the year Balance 8S at 31st Dec 300,(MJJ 3(X).(KK) 300,CM)O Year 2025 Year 2024 15 Endowment fund- restrict Church of England investment ftjnd asat1stJan Net movement forthe year Balance as at 31st Oec 21.451 21,451 21,451 21,451 Investment represents the net pro(xeds from the sale of St Fra15 Hall Imarth 19781 by SM Year 2025 Year 2024 18 Vicarfs discretiona fund Balance as at 1st Jan Lunch wtlh a priesl Leadership team lunch Donation Balan a$ at 31st Dec 1,412 -147 1,776 20 1.412 1.265 Vicar discretionary fijnd 5$ for the vKar to use at hkg disuetion thCJt the PCC approval. 17 Related art Clergy expenses were agreed by the PCC arml annllty. There is a payment of £132 to 8 PCC rnember gnd PCC members rdated person for caretsking duty. page 6