## **Saltburn Parochial Church Council** **Emmanuel Church Annual Report 2024** ## **Introduction – Rev Adam Reed (Vicar)** Welcome to the Annual Report for 2024. Here you will find some wonderful reports reflecting the life of the Emmanuel Church family in 2024. There are encouraging updates on the Church Shop, the Arts Space, the Foodbank & Warm Hub, and the ministry of Open the Book & The Party among many others. As you read through the reports, I would like to encourage you to pause to pray for the ministry or group you have read about. Pray for all involved, especially the leaders and helpers, to be given wisdom and strength, and for our Heavenly Father’s blessing upon their endeavours to bear fruit for his kingdom and his glory. ## **THE JOY OF THE BIBLE AT EMMANUEL CHURCH** Personally, I want to highlight the joy of seeing the Bible being so central to our common life at Emmanuel during 2024. And not only for those of us who are members of Emmanuel but also our brothers and sisters from other churches in our town. Together, we delved deeply into the Bible on two occasions: The Romans Course (Lent & Easter) and The Bible Course (Autumn). Both courses have inspired and nurtured a growth in a living faith in God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ and have increased trust in the Bible as the Word of God. Alongside these courses, the Bible has been read and preached with passion and discernment on Sundays and Tuesdays, with various sermon series. These sermons were recorded and can be listened to on the church SoundCloud page. Lastly, the importance and power of the Bible’s place in our lives, both personally and corporately, was emphasised by Matt Smethurst’s book ‘Before You Open Your Bible’. In it we were taught to approach our Bible _prayerfully, humbly, desperately, studiously, obediently, joyfully, expectantly, communally_ and _Christocentrically._ Inspired by this little book everyone at Emmanuel was given a bookmark to help combine a prayerful reading of the Bible with a Bible inspired prayer for 5 people to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. In 2025 may we all see the fruits of our Bible reading and prayer. ## **THANKSGIVING** Thank you to everyone who played a part, large or small, to the life of Emmanuel in 2024. There are too many people involved to thank everyone by name, but I need to particularly thank Linda our churchwarden, George and Margaret for attending to our finances and Church Shop, Christine our parish administrator and Authorised Lay Minister, and the members of the te 2 OG ege, Lh © li PCC. I want to pass on my thanks to all who maintain ays On ies the worshipping life of the church, including the musicians, welcomers, intercessors, eucharistic ministers, and especially the retired clergy. ## **LEADERSHIP:** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Emmanuel Church has the responsibility of cooperating with the vicar in promoting, in the parish of Saltburn by the Sea, the whole Mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, and striving to ensure that all the Church’s activities and energies promote the aims of the Church’s agreed Mission statement ‘ _To grow in the love of God, and to share it with others’._ The PCC also has maintenance responsibilities for the fabric of the Church building on Windsor Road, and for the adjacent Church Hall and grounds. ## **SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:** ‘Saltburn PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishop’s guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults)’. ## **MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC):** Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected for a three year period by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting with the exception of the Treasurer and Secretary who are elected for an annual term of office, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year 2024, the following served as members of the PCC: **Incumbent:** Revd Adam Reed (From June 2011) **Churchwardens** : Mrs Linda Johnson (elected June 2019) **Representatives on the Deanery Synod** : (from APCM 2023) Mrs Christine Pollard (PCC Secretary), Mr Norman Pictor (also on Diocesan Synod), Mrs Anne Findlay **Elected Members** : Mr George Brignall (Treasurer) **Elected APCM 2021** : (Until APCM 2024) Mrs Margaret Brignall, Mrs Drisc Wardle **Elected APCM 2022** : (Until APCM 2025) Ms Maureen Payne, Mrs Jayne Holland (1 year only) **Elected APCM 2023:** (Until APCM 2026) Mr Joe Murphy, Mrs Sue Wheatley (appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer), Miss Veronica Govenlock (resigned December 2024), Mrs Caroline Scales, Mrs Ann Brignall (2 year vacancy) **Elected APCM 2024:** (Until APCM 2027) Mrs Angela Smelt (resigned November 2024), Mr Richard McElheran, Mrs Margaret Brignall (co-opted) ## **LEADERSHIP COMMITTEES:** ## **Leadership Review of the Year:** The full PCC met six times during the year. At the meetings there were regular briefings on the financial state of the church as well as reports from our Deanery and Diocesan synod representative. ## **Standing Committee:** This is the only Committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the Council. The Standing Committee is responsible for drafting the Annual Budget for approval by the PCC. It comprises the Vicar, the Churchwardens, the PCC Treasurer and one PCC Member ## **Churches Together in Saltburn:** Three parishioners represent Emmanuel Church on the ‘Churches Together in Saltburn’ Committee. ## **CHURCH ATTENDANCE:** The Church Electoral Roll stood at 127 members. The average adult attendance on a Sunday was 82 and 5 children and Tuesday saw an average of 20 adults. The Church employs an invaluable part-time Administrator Christine Pollard. The Verger is Peter Jones, ably assisted by Betty Jones. Sue Scope is employed part time as Caretaker/Cleaner for ECHO. ## **COMMUNITY GROUPS, COMINGS AND GOINGS…** The social gatherings, breakfasts, PCC, the church shop, morning prayer, evening prayer, Bible Studies, Lent Course, 321 Course, Movie Nights, Games Night and Home Groups are where we build **community** and grow in **discipleship** . Heather Ainsley organised a coach trip away for a small group in November. Christine Pollard led the Ladies Retreat with Laina Donker-Fowler to Lindisfarne in June staying at Marygate House; a time of creativity, exploring the island, prayer and reflection. Rev Adam led the Men’s Weekend Away to Lindisfarne in July once again staying at Marygate House; a good time of fellowship, learning and prayer. Visitors continue to respond to invitations to join events and services publicised on our website: www.emmanuelsaltburn.co.uk and Facebook page. **Rainbows, Brownies & Guides** comprising approximately 60 children, made use of the Church Hall on Wednesday evenings. A **Seated Exercise Class** led by **Harry Simpson** met each Tuesday morning attended by a mixed age group as well as **Estelle** with **Zumba Gold** on a Monday evening and **G&J Fitness** on a Wednesday morning. The **U3A** continues to hire ECHO regularly for meetings and classes including: poetry, play reading, creative writing; French, singing for pleasure, music appreciation, paper and card crafts, Spanish, craft and sewing, earth studies, Russian and a discussion group. Other community groups such as Saltburn Allotment Association, Friday Friends, Befrienders, individual small groups and businesses use ECHO for various meetings and training sessions throughout the year. Our **ArtSpace exhibition area** was used for several exhibitions (please see separate report). The exhibitions always attract many visitors to the church enabling us to express our journey of faith to the wider community. **Open Church** has continued on Saturday afternoons to coincide with the exhibitions in the Artspace. Visitors always express how grateful they are to be able to spend time in the church. Members of the church continue to be involved in the work of **Doorways** along with members of other Churches in the town. Doorways employs a part time worker Michelle Fewsdale. Please see separate report. We held our **Christingle** service which encouraged families attending the local primary school to support the **Children’s Society** . The **Week of Prayer for Christian Unity** is always well supported across the town with Churches Together gathering each day at the Methodist Church, Emmanuel and Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Our monthly page **Spirit Matters** in Talk of the Town reached every home in the town and across the world via their website. ## **REPORTS** ## **Artspace@Emmanuel:** At Emmanuel, we believe that Art in all its many forms is a gift from God, who is himself an artist and creator. During the year we have provided opportunities for exploring technique, creating artworks and exhibiting the work of our community. Each exhibition has sought to celebrate both the handiwork of the artists and the heart of our creator God and has also provided an opportunity to welcome visitors into the church. With the help of volunteers, we started the year with a good clean and repaint of the Artspace. Their hard work was much appreciated as it is a constant challenge to keep the space clean and free of debris due to the condition of the brickwork. It turned out to be a rather musical year with five of the six exhibitions being inspired by a song. **“The Glass”** (26[th] February – 6[th] April) – Celebrating the special properties of glass which allow the viewer to gaze at the surface or peer deep within. This exhibition was inspired by a verse of a George Herbert hymn: _A man who looks on glass,_ _On it my stay his eye._ _Or, if he pleaseth, through it pass_ _And then the heav’n espy._ **“Dark Into Light”** (21[st] April – 2[nd] June) A retrospective exhibition of photographs by John McElheran ARPS, was a wonderful opportunity to see just how detailed the art of developing photographs at home can be. The exhibition was accompanied by a booklet written by his son Richard. The family donated the prints and £274.50 was raised for the charity Sight Savers. **“Summertime”** (17[th] June – 5[th] August) – This brightly coloured, eclectic exhibition had a retro feel and _“the living was easy”_ as visitors enjoyed the chilled summer music provided by Kim and Tim during the week of the Saltburn Arts Festival. **“I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside”** (17[th] August – 7[th] October) A joyous mix of seaside fun, nostalgia and a celebration of the natural world under the waves. The opening evening was well attended with many artists, friends and lots of visitors. A blind auction of a beautifully painted silk kimono and scarves raised £70 to support the staging of future exhibitions. **“Music”** (25[th] October – 18[th] November) The diversity of this exhibition was greatly admired and each Saturday afternoon visitors were entertained by live music provided by Toxic Sofa, Terry Dickinson and Zac Sievert. The combination of art and music was much appreciated by all who came along. **“A Christmas Carol”** (7[th] December – 3[rd] January) We finished our exhibition season with a celebration of the heritage of Christmas Carols and Carolling, despite the very bad weather the opening event was reasonably attended and throughout the month of December, the Artspace was open during the services. There was an opportunity for carol singing and the youngest visitors particularly enjoyed adding their star to the nativity scene. Thank you to Barbara Murphy for arranging a contribution from the Tiny Tots. There were between 20 and 45 people at each of the opening events and open church attracted many visitors over the 39 sessions. This is due to the dedication of Linda Johnson and Marjorie Wieland taking responsibility of opening and closing the building, and to all the volunteers who steward the open hours. Their support is much appreciated. The number of contributors has increased to 58 and good contacts have been made with other artists in the community. The Art Club which meets on the second Sunday of every month, is well established with regular participants who explore a variety of techniques and the works of famous artists. The group have enjoyed learning and the challenge of creating items for the exhibitions. The aims for 2025 are: - to increase the scope of publicity for Open Church and the exhibitions, - to continue to build relationships with the artistic community in Saltburn and the surrounding area, and - to explore the development of art experiences as part of the church’s outreach to families and children. I am grateful to all those who support the Artspace, all the volunteers, contributors, hosts and encouragers, but a special thank you to Mike Sivewright who patiently hangs all the artworks and to Christine Pollard for her administrative support. _Pat Sivewright_ ## **Buildings Fabric Report:** Aside from the regular annual maintenance, 2024 was a quiet year regarding the fabric of the church and ECHO buildings. The one important area to report on was the discussion and decision to explore the possibility of installing solar panels and batteries on the ECHO building. This would be looked at further in 2025. A few different people help with cleaning and tidying, but I would like to thank Andy Pollard in particular for his time and commitment to looking after the fabric of both buildings. _Rev Adam on behalf of the Standing Committee_ ## **Children & Young People: Treasure Seekers** The aim of Treasure Seekers is to provide ageappropriate engaging activities and Bible teaching to any children or young people who are at the 10.45 service, on the first three Sundays of the month. It has been challenging to do this effectively during the past year, as there is little consistent attendance of families with children or young people. Quite often there have been no families at 10.45. Clearly this is a matter of concern, and for prayer, for the whole church. On a practical level, this lack of continuity means that it is no longer suitable to run series of sessions on a theme, such as the life of Joseph, with the All Engage service on the fourth Sunday building on the previous three weeks’ programme. It has also meant that leaders have often spent time preparing sessions which have not been used. Leaders met with Adam at the start of February to review how we operate. We decided that in future we would prepare stand-alone sessions instead of episodes in a series. It is essential we have good quality provision available for the young of all ages, remembering that sometimes families from other parts of the country visit the church, and all need to experience a full welcome. We are very grateful to Jess Nix for co-ordinating and planning the Treasure Seekers programme this past year, and for all the work she has done to maintain attractive displays in ECHO and the Rainbow Room. Jess has stepped back from this now, in order to deal with other commitments. Under the new arrangements there will be less need for overall co-ordination of session themes. Pat Sivewright will oversee the rota of leaders and helpers. We encourage everyone to pray for wisdom that the church will know how to respond to the challenge of dwindling numbers of children and young people attending regularly on Sunday mornings, as well as how to develop our outreach to non-church families, which is an altogether different challenge! Treasure Seekers team: 1st Sunday - Robert, Christina, Pat and Estelle 2nd Sunday - Laina, Alli and Rob 3rd Sunday - Barbara and Alison (with Michelle when needed) _Robert Dring on behalf of the Children’s Ministry Team_ ## **Youth Group** Although numbers have dwindled from 8 to 4 young people over 2024, youth group met once a month on a Sunday evening for a couple of hours. Starting with games (supersized paper planes with boosters, ‘Colditz’ outside in the freezing cold) - always finishing with 30 mins of discussion of a Bible passage and prayer…and hot chocolate. _Rob Noel_ ## **Church Charity Shop:** 2024 was an important milestone in the life of the Church Shop as we celebrated 50 years of trading on Milton Street and 20 years in the present premises. Forty-two volunteers past and present gathered in ECHO for an afternoon of memories, a quiz and food. Throughout the year opening times remained at four days a week and Monday mornings open for donation, changing displays and restocking shelves and rails. We are very grateful for all the generous donations we have received this year which has included items from several people who had houses to clear. We continue to sell good quality recycled good at realistic prices. The window displays attract many people to come into the shop and are warmly welcomed by the volunteers. We have a group of twenty-four volunteers who support the work of the shop in various ways. We continued to support the Great North Air Ambulance and once again we appreciate the help of Mike and Helen from Guisborough who collect and store the bags for collection by the Air Ambulance team. We have donated to Saltburn in Bloom, the town Christmas Lights and support the annual Food Festival. The net income of £55646 generated shows a slight increase on 2023 and supports the mission and outreach of Emmanuel including donations to charities. The card machine has been mastered and accounted for approximately one-third of the takings. _Margaret Brignall on behalf of the Shop Team_ ## **Drop in Breakfast:** The church breakfast continues to be immensely popular and IN 4 YOUR valuable to our community with 80 to 120 people coming to BREAKFAST each breakfast. Catering for our diverse community, the more than tea & toast breakfast richly blesses those who serve and are being served. Personal stories have been shared including “this is the first thing I’ve eaten for over a day; the children had their tea last night and breakfast this morning…. I’m so grateful.” We continue to run the breakfast each half term and every month in January, February and March. If you’d like to be part of the team please let us know! There are jobs to do prior to the breakfast if you’d like to help. And if you haven’t dropped in for your breakfast in 2024, please do in 2025 to build relationships and share the love of Jesus. _Sharon Gerrard on behalf of the Breakfast Team_ ## **DoorWays:** Doorways is still going very strong. With a presence in Freebrough Academy, Huntcliff School and Laurence Jackson School we have a great relationship with staff to offer one to one emotional support, drop ins and workshops. This past year Neil helped with some RE lesson input from a Christian perspective at Huntcliff. Adam and Neil also spoke at their carol service held at Emmanuel. Debbie Thornton has joined our school team as a volunteer on a Thursday morning and has been well received. Our Monday youth club has a stable membership. We also enjoyed a summer of activities including Sea Life Centre Trip, beach sports day and a water sports day at Alpermare in Scarborough. Our volunteer team Matthew, Tony and Mary are our heroes giving up their time to assist Neil and Michelle. Thanks to those who faithfully gave donations and helped organise fundraisers. We are working on a longer-term financial strategy as we only now have 18 months solid funding left, as well as a storage solution for our bulky items. _Rev Neil Harris DoorWays_ ## **Finance:** Our finances at the end of 2024 were sound to the extent that we did not have to use any of our reserves. Voluntary income has once again decreased by approximately £5000. However, income from church activities including shop and hall income has cancelled out that decrease. Thus, incoming resources are almost the same as 2023. There were no large expenses on the church building in 2024, but the general expenses have increased by approximately £5500. We have maintained our freewill offering to the Diocese of £62500. The shop income increased by £247 to £55646 and greater use of Echo has resulted in an increase of £2228. To maintain and administer the church during 2024 cost approximately £3230 per week. Charitable donations included Barnabas Fund £1000, Joshua Community Care £1000, Bible Society £500, Speak Life UK £500, Christian Aid £500, Foodbank £1000, Doorways £1060, OMF (Adam Young) £2000, Water Aid £500 and other charities £1710. _George Brignall (Treasurer)_ ## **Foodbank/WarmHub:** Foodbank continued throughout 2024, every Tuesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, with volunteers from Emmanuel, Our Lady of Lourdes and from Footprints, and is now in its fourth year. It continues to serve a wide range of people from across East Cleveland, especially many families. Demand continues and so will Foodbank. Numbers of people fed have grown from just over 200 in its first year to over 500 in the last financial year. Food comes from the Footprints central warehouse in Dormanstown, where we also have Church volunteers working, and from Church donations, Emmanuel and Our Lady of Lourdes. As a result of a donation from Sue Welburn’s Homegroup Xmas coffee morning we were again able to provide Gosnay’s Vouchers to help families with Christmas. Additionally, there have been some individual donations to be used to purchase items which are in short supply usually cleaning products and washing powder. We regularly have a representative from Citizens Advice Bureau which can be of great assistance to clients. Additionally, during the colder months Foodbank works in conjunction with the WarmHub. New volunteers are always welcome to join the team. WarmHub started at the end of 2022 to offer some respite from the increase in energy costs at that time and ran until the end of March 2023. It then restarted in November 2023 and ran to the end of March in 2024. And then restarted in November 2024 and will run to March 2025. It operates alongside Foodbank and offers a warm welcome, in a warm place, with warm soup and a roll, plus tea and coffee, cakes and biscuits (and Mince Pies and Hot Cross Buns depending on the season). It services both Foodbank clients and many others who drop in or join from Church activities. In a relaxed and friendly environment, it proves very popular and needed. Sometimes just having something to eat, and a gentle chat, can be very therapeutic for both young and old, and we have some very regular customers. _Richard Smelt on behalf of the Foodbank Team_ ## **Guisborough Deanery Synod:** The Deanery Synod is one of the levels of the Church of England’s (C of E) Synodical structure which comprises: The General Synod; Diocesan Synods; Deanery Synods; PCCs. The first meeting was in February. Paul O’Neal (Diocesan Lead for Stepping Up) gave a presentation. Steve Weatherill, who is doing outreach work in the area, introduced himself. Information was given about the Upleatham School Trust. The trustees had approved grants to parishes for education and youth work; the cheques had been issued. There was a Deanery Day in June with guest speaker Gram Seed at St Helen’s Church in Carlin How. The next meeting was in July. Updates were given on the Diocesan Synod elections. There was news from General Synod and Diocesan Synod. There was feedback from the Deanery Morning in June and the Area and Lay Deans Meeting. In the October Synod there was information about the forthcoming visit of the new Bishop of Whitby (Bishop Barry). There were also further updates about the Upleatham School Trust. During the year the Area Dean updated the Synod on various matters including pastoral reorganisations, vacancies, appointments, etc. There was also news from the churches in the Deanery. The Deanery Financial Adviser provided updates on the parish financial contributions to the Diocese. The Deanery Treasurer gave updates on the Deanery finances. There were safeguarding updates. _Norman Pictor, Deanery & Diocesan Synod Representative_ ## **Home Groups, Small Groups + the 321 Course:** 2024 was another encouraging year for our five regular Home Groups, as well as for the Young Men’s Group and a new Young Women’s Group. Across all these groups over 50+ people met weekly or fortnightly for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, with many groups joining together for the Romans Course and the Bible Course. I would like to express my thanks for the leaders and coordinators of these groups, and the time and energy they give to nurturing them. A new and welcome addition to the life OToessewsOmnia =ESS Gt,6.30pm 13th, =une20th,8.30pm 27th of discipleship at Emmanuel was the 321 Course. Between 12-14 people gathered in ECHO on the four Thursday evenings in June. Beginning with a meal the group explored the basic beliefs of the Christian faith in an engaging, thoughtful and supportive way. Those attending formed such a good bond with each other that three further sessions were held in July, September and December respectively. It is my intention that the 321 Course will become a wellestablished feature of the life of Emmanuel as we seek to meet the growing interest in the Christian faith in our society and community. _Rev Adam_ ## **Men’s Breakfast:** Men’s Breakfast meets at The Victoria at 9am on the first Saturday of the month, for breakfast. But the meat of the morning is the prayer time after breakfast. The prayer time is the main reason we gather together and, although limited in time, it is a real blessing. We pray for shared personal concerns, for the Saltburn area, and global injustices - whatever is on our hearts. Numbers steadily growing. We would encourage more people to come and pray. _Rob Noel on behalf of the Men’s Breakfast_ ## **Music:** The 9am service has been blessed by having several musicians - Charles Knowles, Elizabeth Lester, Robert Dring and Caroline Scales, who have played the music for each service on a rota basis. Caroline Scales and Charles Knowles have been practising with the 9am choir twice a month to enable them to lead the singing at the 9am service. We could do with more members, so please see Caroline if you’d like to be part of this group. There have also been some joint 10am services which have been very successful, combining the music and musicians of both the 9am and 10.45am services to provide a varied service, and the best of each tradition. The pop-up choir sang at a lovely service just before Christmas which was written by Djenane Watkins. The choir’s singing was beautiful and really added to the occasion. Everyone is welcome to join in the pop-up choir. If you’d like to join in, please see Caroline. _Caroline Scales on behalf of the 9am Musicians_ Music for the 10:45 service continues to be provided by a small but talented collection of musicians, working week-by-week with the preachers, teachers, and hosts designated for each Sunday. The objective remains as before: to bring, to the best of our combined abilities, a consistent and confident lead to the congregation in the selection and presentation of music for worship. We are always open to speaking with any accomplished and capable musicians/leaders interested in joining the team. _Tim Bastock on behalf of the 10.45am Musicians_ Terry Dickinson, Elizabeth Lester and Robert Dring have played at the Tuesday communion service which is much appreciated by the congregation. ## **Open the Book:** Open the Book is a programme which comes within the Bible Society. It enables stories from the Bible to be presented in primary schools by teams of volunteers from local churches. There are thousands of teams in the UK. We take assembly at Saltburn Primary School. One person introduces the story, which is then presented by members of the team taking roles, with a narrator doing most of the storytelling. The story concludes with a practical application and the session finishes with a song. Most weeks a few children are required to be part of the cast or to assist with props. There is always an abundance of enthusiastic volunteers. We attend fortnightly on Wednesday morning to take assembly for years 1,2 and 3 and meet the Wednesday we are not in school for preparation. The team finished the year with six members. This is a sufficient number if everyone is available but illnesses and other demands arise, and it is often the case that there are fewer than six of us present. If one or two others were interested in joining, they would be welcome. The team also participated in the school’s Easter, Harvest and Christmas services held in Emmanuel and have been invited into classes to contribute when matters of faith arise in the curriculum. The team have been disappointed at the introduction of new material by the Bible Society. The stories are not as active as the previously used Storytellers Bible. Several members of the Emmanuel team participate in a new Open the Book team at Skelton Primary School linked with Skelton Methodist Church. _Mike Sivewright on behalf of the OTB Team_ ## **Pastoral Ministry:** The whole team feel privileged to be part of this vital ministry within our church family; our calling to reach out into the wider community, we consider a true gift from God. We are a small team and do our very best to visit those who are unable to attend church regularly. This could be due to sickness, bereavement, long or short-term health issues, mental health struggles, issues with mobility, loneliness. Really whatever the concerns, and whatever is brought to our attention. The team continue to keep connected via WhatsApp and face to face meetings. Adam oversees our ministry, and we meet regularly to update or share any specific concerns. We also seek the support of the whole Body of Christ. We rely on you to bring to our attention anyone who maybe in need of a visit or who may be struggling. Visits vary depending on need and circumstances. They may be in the home, hospital, respite care. Wherever we are needed We continue to offer a listening ear, help with practical issues (such as shopping), support with grief and loss, home communion, prayer, or it could simply be a smile and a hug. We love smiles and hugs too. This year I would like to include some of the thoughts and reflections from a few of our church family members who have received Home Communion: “Home Communion is very special, very personal, but also helps make me feel part of our church family and of course part of God’s family “ “We really appreciate having Home Communion whenever we have it “ “It means everything to me. It brings alive something inside of me that lies dormant when you are cut off from your church family. You get this lovely warm feeling in your heart “ “It is important and means so much when you are in hospital. You feel disconnected from the Body of Christ and your church family. You become bogged down in hospital routine …..” As a giver of Home Communion, I feel extremely privileged and humbled to be able to offer the Sacrament in this beautiful and heartfelt way. It is personal and very moving. God’s presence is evident, and his hand of mercy, grace and compassion is upon us. A special thanks goes to Marjorie who works tirelessly to serve the Lord. She makes sure that all the communion boxes are resourced and good to go. So many unseen things happen in our beautiful Emmanuel and huge thanks to everyone who serves so willingly. We all feel immensely privileged to serve God in this ministry and thank him for his blessing of grace, love, humility, compassion and kindness. We have a great and glorious Father. _Yours in Christ, Sue Welburn on behalf of the Pastoral Team_ ## **Prayer Chain:** The Prayer Chain continues to grow and is a lifeline and a constant source of hope and comfort to our church family, friends and the wider community. One again, this year has been challenging in light of the great loss amongst our body of Christ. Many, many texts have been sent round the chain, and these reach our members very quickly and are responded to immediately. Regular updates keep our prayers focused and relevant. Thanking God for the many answered prayers and thank you Lord for hearing the earnest prayers of our hearts. We put our complete trust in you and give thanks for your faithfulness. Thank you to everyone who is part of this vital ministry. Thank you for your support, care, compassion and perseverance in prayer and petition on behalf of many. You are amazing Prayer Warriors. _Sue Welburn_ ## **Prayer Ministry:** Prayer ministry has not been available at Sunday services. If you need prayer for physical or inner healing, or anything else that concerns you, please text or phone Ian Guy on 07472 700 750. ## **Psalms & Stretches:** Psalms & Stretches has had another good year, as a monthly session it does attract people of our Church, surrounding Churches and people from the community. Having refreshments after class has helped people to get to know each other, have time and space to be together and therefore create a sense of fellowship. In January we ran our first retreat day, it was really well attended, a real mix, a lot of the attendees were new to class. Most of the regular participants had a role for the day (refreshments, lunch, welcomers, prayer buddies, etc). I invited Pat and Steve to run sessions as part of the retreat and all our sections worked very well together. Given the success of the day, I am planning on running another one. I thank Emmanuel Church and the PCC for supporting this ministry. _Estelle Reed_ ## **The Man Cave:** The purpose of the Man Cave is to have a LAM wat yen meeting place for a social and activity group for men in Saltburn and surrounding areas. We want to build a community through ongoing fellowship, support and just putting the world to right! The group meets weekly at ECHO Hall with the emphasis on fun and friendship. Activities include table games, table tennis, snooker, cards, scrabble and quizzes. Tea, coffee and biscuits supplied. There are also occasional outings. When anyone new comes they are welcomed straightaway and offered the chance to participate in any activities that are available. All this is achieved without being too in your face. If you need space, you will get it. Here is a place where you’re valued as a person, where your opinions count, you feel more than just someone who is isolated or lonely. The vision for The Man Cave group is to make friends, feel safe and listened to and have fun and maybe try something new. Myself, Terry Dickinson and a new volunteer Bob Hartley are representatives that run the administration. Bob, whose background is in health and safety, has taken the responsibility of running this area for the Man Cave. Like last year, our members have taken up the ownership of the Drop In and all are taking part in setting up, making coffee and any chores that need doing. Our attendance is very fluid with about 6 to 15 men a week, but we have 24 men on the books. Leaflets have been printed for a recruitment drive around Saltburn and surrounding areas in the coming weeks. Many of our men come from Hazelgrove Park so this will be a targeted area for us. The outreach of the Man Cave has already had effects in the community, we are now supporting men from The Building Bridges project. Mark who runs the project regularly brings in 2 to 4 of his clients to play pool, dominoes and table tennis. The other men of the Man Cave are really welcoming of these lads. A Redcar and Cleveland council support worker also brings clients for a time of socialising and games. Another success of the outreach is that four or five men are attending the churches men’s breakfast mornings and engaging with the prayer time. I would like to thank Djenane for the donation of the bean bag game in remembrance of Geoff; Veronica for regular provision of biscuits for the lads and Julie Martin for leaving us the milk from Tiny Tots. All these deeds are truly appreciated by the lads. Activities such as movies, Holey Moley’s and tenpin bowling are on the agenda for the year ahead. The group meets weekly each Thursday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm and there is wheelchair access and accessible toilet. _For All Our Men ….come as you are and just be yourselves, drop in any time between the opening times._ _Joe Murphy on behalf of the Man Cave Team_ ## **Tiny Tots Family Drop-In** : Tiny Tots family drop in, is a parent and carer toddler group, for children aged 0 to 4 years. We meet weekly on a Wednesday 1pm to 3pm, term time only. Tiny Tots is about bringing families together, especially those new to the area for friendship, meeting other cares and relaxing over a hot cup of tea or coffee, while their children play in a clean and safe environment. Tiny Tots has been a great opportunity for church volunteers to build relationships with families in the community, where they can feel safe to share and open about any problems that may have. This has been evident, where there has been those who have wanted prayer, and helps with food parcels, and material items for those in need. We have also had the privilege to invite the families into the church building, where they have been able to walk, look around and visit the art space, where the children have exhibited their art, to the delight of the children and their carers. On the back of this, several families have attended Church at Christmas, as well as the Light Party. It's been good to see more dads and grandads present at Tiny Tots more recently. Occasionally Adam pops in for a coffee and it has been great to see him engaging and in conversation with the parents. Our Christmas Party was a great success, Adam gave the children the nativity story using his woollen puppets, much to the enjoyment of everyone. Nativity books for the children with their individual names written on them were also handed out. Books of Hope at the Light Party as well as the Easter Story will be gifted to the children again this year. Most importantly are the prayers we lift to the Lord led by Julie Martin before we open up, and we pray for God's presence, his peace and love to be poured out amongst us. Finally, a big thank you to all the volunteers and great appreciation for all their help and support at Tiny Tots, Julie Martin, Chris Bland, Alison Donelly, Jackie Franks and most recently Ruth McElheran, who has been a great addition to the team, and we also welcomed back Angela Smelt. _Barbara Murphy on behalf of the Family Drop In Team_ ## **The Party@ECHO:** The Party continues to serve a handful of families in our community. Running on the third Sunday of the month from 4pm to 5pm. It is aimed at children of primary school age. We have continued with the same format which has proved popular, of games, a message from the Open the Book Team and party food. We usually have around twelve children attending and rarely are these the same children. Each month there is always a new face. It is definitely a good time to offer a children’s (and parent/carer) ministry, and they leave having heard the message and see God’s love in action. If you’d like to help for this event there are jobs to do before the Sunday as well as the event itself. One of the important roles is just to sit and chat to the adults who are there accompanying their children. We have a great team who are passionate about seeing these youngsters become part of God’s Kingdom. Do continue to pray for them, thank you. _Sharon Gerrard on behalf of The Party Team_ ## **Waiting Room:** The Waiting Room is now in its second year. It is held alternate Thursday mornings, 10am-12noon, at The Orangery, Victoria Terrace, and regularly attracts 10 plus participants. The aim is to offer a quiet space to enable reflection, reading, personal prayer, listening to Taizé style and other reflective music, and for a moment just being, rather than doing. Whether people sit in the orangery, work on reflective crafts in the dining room or sit in the summerhouse and marvel at God's creation, it offers an opportunity to be still in God's presence. It ran throughout 2024 and continues in 2025 and attracts a wide range of people including both church members and non-church members. _Angela Smelt on behalf of The Waiting Room Team_ ## **Women’s Fellowship Breakfast:** The Women’s Fellowship Breakfast began two years ago. Being able to gather together, women of the community, to enjoy fellowship, sharing and supporting one another if there is a need. We meet in a relaxed atmosphere in the Hub at the Spa Hotel on the first Saturday of the month between 9am and 10.30am. Transport is available for anybody with mobility issues. _Barbara Murphy_ ## **Word Search:** Quite simply this is an opportunity to search God's word. It is held on alternate Mondays from 2pm to 3.30pm at The Orangery, Victoria Terrace. The current focus is exploring characters in the Bible, both Old and New Testament, and assessing what we can learn from their life stories and spiritual journeys. A wide range of participants, both young and old, attend and it is open to anyone church members or non-church members. _Angela Smelt on behalf of The Waiting Room Team_ _March 2025 Charity No: 1131197 On behalf of the PCC Church Office 01287 622251 emmanuelchurchsaltburn@gmail.com www.emmanuelchurch.co.uk_ PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF EMMANUEL, SALTBURN STATEMENT OF FINANCAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Note General (Blank) 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Income from donors Other voluntary income Total 2a 2b 64,781 1,030 65,811 64,781 1,030 65,811 68, 660 2,048 70, 708 Activites for generating funds Income from church activities Income from trading activities Total 2c 2d 2,331 92,834 95,165 2,331 92,834 95,165 2,507 87,888 90,395 Other non-recurring receipts Interest on bank deposits 2e 1,445 1,445 1,231 Total incoming resources 162,421 162,421 162,334 RESOURCES USED Charitable activities Activities relating directly to the work of the Church Grants Church management and admin. Total 3a 3b 3c 110,523 9,770 26,259 146,552 110,523 124,959 9,770 11,407 26,259 25,300 146,552 .Al 161,666 Fundraising trading Costs of generatirig'voluntary income Depreciation of fixed assets 3d 3e 13,727 77 7,554 13,727 77 7,554 11,099 70 7, 554 Total resources used 167,910 167,910 180,389 Net incomingl(outgoing) resources," (5,489) (5,489) (18,055) Balances brought forward at 1 January 2024 343,301 343,301 361,356 Balances carried forward at 31 December 2024 337,812 337,812 343,301 Page 1 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF EMMANUEL, SALTBURN BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed Assets, 279482 287,036 Current Assets .,Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets 9,842 50,006 59,848 9,178 48,162 57,340 Liabilites payable in 1 to 5 years -1,518 -1,075 NET ASSETS 337,812 343,301 Funds Unrestricted General, 337,812 343,301 Restricted TOTAL FUNDS 337,812 343,301 Page 2 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF EMMANUEL, SALTBURN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PCC FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Note 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared, on the accruals basis, in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the latest Charities SORP. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Funds Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. Restricted funds are those which have initially been given to the PCC for a particular purpose. For these accounts, the Millennium Fund has been reclassified as unrestricted because the PCC is able to choose the purpose for which it is to be used. Endowment funds arise when money is given with the specific instruction that only the income may be spent, the initial capital sum remaining intact. There are no endowment funds recognised in these accounts. These accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Incoming Resources Voluntary income and capital sources. Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under covenant is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on covenants or gift aid donations is recognised when the donation is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Funds raised by the church shop, antique fairs and similar events are accounted for gross. Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross. other ordinary income. Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Income from investments. Interest is accounted for when receivable. All interest is received gross, without deduction of Income Tax. Page 3 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF EMMANUEL, SALTBURN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PCC FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Note 1 (continued) Resources Used Grants Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Activities directly relating to the work of the Church. The diocesan freewill offering is accounted for when paid. Fixed Assets Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings. Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by sections 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011. No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the chuchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed. other land and buildings Extensions and refurbishment of the church hall are included in these accounts as a fixed asset at cost less a depreciation charge of 2 % per annum, intended to write off the value of the works over their estimated useful life ( see note 5). , other fixtures, fittings and office equipment Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Current assets and liabilities Debtors include amounts owing to the PCC at the balance sheet date in respect of fees, rents or other income, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Page 4 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF EMMANUEL, SALTBURN Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Note INCOMING RESOURCES General (Blank) Town Clock 2024 2023 2a Income from donors Planned giving Gift Aid bankers orders Gift Aid envelopes Income tax recovered Non Gift Aid envelopes Other planned giving Cash collections Grants/legacy Sum Up Sundry donations Total 27,066 6,085 9,998 3,859 7,480 6,059 1,500 1,155 1,579 64,781 27,066 6,085 9,998 3,859 7,480 6,059 1,500 1,155 1,579 64,781 26,744 6, 766 9,994 3,331 6,720 7,119 2,000 5,986 68,660 2b Other voluntary income Social events Total 1,030 1,030 1,030 1,030 2,048 2,048 2c Income from Church activities Church fees Total 2,331 2,331 2,331 2,331 2,507 2,507 2d Income from trading activities for raising funds Church shop sales 69,373 69,373 66,498 Church hall Photocopying Total 23,095 366 92,834 23,095 366 92,834 20,867 523 87,888 2e Non-recurring receipts Insurance claims VAT recovered Bank loyalty bonus Total RESOURCES USED 3a Activities directly relating to the work of the Church Ministry: Diocesan freewill offering Parsonage cost Upkeep of services Church heat, light, insurance, rates Church repairs, maintenance and equipment (grounds) Grounds Parish working expenses Children and youth work Training Choir and music Mission Resources Refreshments Church hall heat, light, insurance, rates Church hall repairs, maintenance and equipment Professional fees for church buldings Total 62,500 583 580 12,208 1,973 62,500 583 580 12,208 1,973 62,500 523 827 10,223 21,775 726 1,867 1,258 1,935 714 90 996 2,364 406 433 8,936 14,207 2,598 110,523 1,935 714 90 996 2,364 406 433 8,936 14,207 2,598 110,523 962 2,029 315 425 7,244 13,322 963 124,959 3b Grants Church overseas Missionary societies Relief and development agencies Home missions and other Church societies Other charitable societies Total 4,000 2,000 1,401 2,369 9,770 4,000 2,000 1,401 2,369 9,770 4,000 2,200 2,175 3,032 11,407 Page 5 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF EMMANUEL, SALTBURN Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Note RESOURCES USED General (Blank) Town Clock 2024 2023 3c Church management and administration Office equipment Postage, stationery, telephone and bank charges Staff costs Total 3,039 2,168 21,052 26,259 3,039 2,168 21,052 26,259 2,341 2,045 20,914 25,300 3d Fundraising trading Church shop 13,727 13,727 11,099 The net profit from the shop's activities for the year was £_ 55,646 2023 (55399) 3e Costs of generating voluntary income Stewardship envelopes 77 77 70 4 Remuneration and benefits Gross Pay National Insurance Pension contributions (note 9) 28,862 28,431 1,460 1,460 30,322 29,891 The average number of employees during the year was 2 (2023-24). One (2024) employee was also a member of the PCC and received a total of £20947 (2023 £20447) in remuneration from the Council (salary £19487, pension contributions £1460). 5 Fixed Assets Freehold land and buildings Cost at 1st January 2024 Additions/(disposals) Cost at 31st December 2024 377,683 377,683 377,683 377,683 Depreciation at 31st December 2023 Depreciation charge for the year Depreciation at 31st December 2024 90,647 7,554 98,201 90,647 7,554 98,201 Net book value at 1st January 2024 Net book value at 31st December 2024 287,036 279,482 287,036 279,482 6 Debtors Funeral Fee Income Tax recoverable on Gift Aid Total 158 9,684 9,842 158 9,684 9,842 9,178 9,178 7 Cash at bank and in hand General fund at bank Cash in hand General fund at CBF 20,401 100 29,505 20,401 100 29,505 20,002 100 28,060 Total 50,006 50,006 48,162 8 Analysis of net assets by fund Fixed Assets 279,482 279,482 279,482 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets 9,842 50,006 59,848 9,842 50,006 59,848 9,178 48,162 57,340 Liabilities payable in 1-5 years Energy accrual -1,518 -1,518 -1,075 Total net assets 337,812 337,812 335,747 Page 6 Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF) Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31" December 2024 Saltburn PCC participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers. CWPF has two sections: l. the Defined Benefits Scheme the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections; a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and, a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014. Pension Builder Scheme Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes. Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors. Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65. There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme. The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme's assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SOFA in the year are the contributions payable (2024: £1460, 2023: £1460). A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2022. For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £34.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review effective l January 2025, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 6.7% to both pensions not yet in payment and pensions in payment in respect of service prior to April 1997. and a bonus on pensions in payment in respect of post April 2006 service so that the pension increase was 2.7% (where usually it would be calculated based on inflation up to 2.5%). This followed improvements in the funding position over 2024. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2025. For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £8.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, Saltburn PCC could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer's pension liabilities. Page 7 Parochial Church Council, Emmanuel Church, Saltburn by the Sea I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31st December 2024 As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Michael Sivewright ACIB 15 Cormorant Drive, Redcar Page 8 ## **Parochial Church Council, Emmanuel Church, Saltburn by the Sea** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Michael Sivewright ACIB 15 Cormorant Drive, Redcar