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2020-12-31-accounts

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH Year ended 31 December 2020 Annual Report

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church, and regularly reviews how our services can appeal tc and involve the many groups that live within our parish. We strive to put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament, In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through: * worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel, and deepening their knowledge : and trust as disciples of Jesus Christ * provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish, and * missionary and outreach work.

The church hall (The Ark) is an important asset to us in achieving our objectives. When planning its activities, the PCC has regard to the Charity Commissioners’ guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

The covid-19 pandemic from 23 March 2020

This report is subject to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic from the government announcement on 23 March 2020. Two lockdowns were required and any services in church were subject to the restrictions of the current pandemic restrictions. The same restrictions have severely limited the activities in the Ark during the pandemic. The precise restrictions and their duration are a matter of government record and public knowledge, and therefore will not be recited in this report.

We are grateful to those church members who very quickly mobilised to assist the Rector and our lay leadership in producing a weekly recorded service on YouTube; our recorded services have continued throughout the pandemic, together with special recorded services for Ascension Day, Remembrance Sunday, and Christmas Carol Service, Christmas Eve Nativity Service and Christmas Morning Service. We are very grateful to all those who have contributed to these services online, particularly Mark Linton and Martin Allen who edit and produce the services.

Following the beginning of the pandemic restrictions, a weekly bulletin was sent out by e-mail to church members, with a fortnightly newsletter by post to church members who were not online. This has proved to be an invaluable way of maintaining communication and contact. Network groups were also established amongst members of the various congregations so as to encourage the maintaining of connection as far as possible during this very unusual and difficult period.

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

The PCC aims to offer a range of services each week and over the course of the year that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. For that reason, the PCC is keen to continue the full range of Sunday services which provide both intimate and reflective worship, and more outgoing forms of worship. Up until the imposition of the coronavirus lockdown family service at 9.30am continued to attract young families, especially with an active Sunday Club which provided teaching for the children and young people. Up until the start of the covid restrictions, The Parish Eucharist was at 11.15am, and the two main Sunday morning congregations had the opportunity for fellowship over refreshments in the Ark between the two services. Up until the first lockdown, as regards Sunday evening worship, Evensong was available on the first, third and fifth Sundays, with a United Service (with Churches Together in Alvechurch and Rowney Green) on the second Sunday of the month ( alternating round the 4 denominations in the parish),and on the fourth Sunday of the month there was a more reflective service called Sacred Space: it was not possible for this service to take place following the imposition of thing first lockdown. 8am Sunday BCP communions took place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, until the first lockdown prohibited this. Through the range of talks and sermon series, both online and in in person services in church we aim to offer teaching which connects with those present and encourages a deepening of discipleship.

Everyone is welcome to attend our regular services. At the end of 2020, there were 98 parishioners on our Electoral Roll. Typical weekly attendance was 73 adults plus 12children, but this reduced following the imposition of the Covid restrictions: from the start of the first lockdown our weekly online service was watched on average by approximately 100 households. Our worshipping community numbered 130 including 25 children and young people.

In addition to our regular services, and as permitted by government restrictions and in accordance with government and Church of England regulations, in the best way permitted by the restrictions, we welcome members of our community as we enable them to come together before God at key points in their lives through baptisms, thanksgivings, weddings and funerals. This year we were subject to covid restrictions and we celebrated 1 baptism, 0 thanksgivings,1weddings, and held 5 funeral services in our church, with 15 interments of ashes.

In addition to praying for those mentioned on our weekly Pew Leaflet (when in person services are permitted) and on our Prayer Board, there is a confidential prayer chain for private prayer requests. At the major festivals we hold services especially for the whole of Alvechurch Middle School, subject to what is permitted by the coronavirus regulations.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020 Deanery Synod Three members of the PCC, together with our Rector, sit on the Deanery Synod. This provides an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church.

The Fabric of the Church

Phase Two of our Capital Projects — repairs and refurbishment of the church tower and clocks — has now been granted a faculty and work will start once we have secured sufficient funds, from a combination of asset sales and grants, for which we shall shortly be applying. The sale of land in School Lane Alvechurch, the site of the former parish rooms, is at an advanced stage. Although we have carried out essential repairs as they have arisen, most of the remedial work arising from the Quinquennial Review has been put on hold during the pandemic as both the church and The Ark have been closed for long periods. However, the churchyard continued to be maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, and tree surgery has also been arranged to deal with any trees that might present a hazard to visitors or the general public.

Pastoral Care

The Thursday Ark Cafe continued to provide a valuable meeting place for those living on their own and the elderly, as well as an excellent lunch at a very reasonable price. Up to 60 people attended each week, and the whole event was run by church volunteers. Very regrettably this had to come to an end at the start of the pandemic The Ark Café also contributed towards the cleaning and maintenance of the Ark facilities. During 2020 funds from the Ark Café paid over £750 for a new refrigerator and towards cleaning costs.

The Mother and Toddler Group met in The Ark on Thursday mornings and special “Tiny Tots” Services were held in the church for members of this group, until the covid restrictions prevented such activities. The children’s Sunday Club ran during the Sunday morning Family Service and remained popular, with adult helpers bringing considerable skill and imagination to this activity, until this also was no longer possible under the covid requirements. All who work with children have been DBS checked.

St Laurence's is a caring community. The pastoral care group and others endeavour to visit or keep in contact with those who are no longer able to come to church due to sickness or infirmity or covid restrictions. Regular services in local residential homes at The Lawns and The Leys have had to be suspended after the start of the pandemic.

Mission and Evangelism

Up until the start of the pandemic, we had a regular stream of visitors on a Sunday morning, and the talks and sermons sought to connect with those who do not necessarily have a church background.

Helping those in need is also a demonstration of our faith in action. Financial, practical and prayer support was once again given to those we are linked with in the churches in Peru. We have also supported the work of the orphanage at Montgomery Heights Christian Care Centre in Zimbabwe, together with Faith at Work in Worcestershire — four members of our congregation are workplace chaplains in Alvechurch and Redditch. We give on a regular basis to the food bank run by Newstarts in Bromsgrove, with donations also to Birmingham City Mission.

Our monthly parish magazine, The Grapevine, has been available free of charge across the parish — this has continued through the pandemic after the first month of the initial restrictions. As well as giving information about the village of Alvechurch, the magazine deals with matters affecting the church, and reminds readers of our activities, as well as seeking to develop knowledge and trust in Jesus Christ. Special services, including our recorded services, are advertised across the parish.

Ecumenical Relationships

St Laurence is a member of Churches Together in Alvechurch and Rowney Green, and until the start of the pandemic we continued to hold joint monthly services in each of our four member churches. The ecumenical house groups were a joint church initiative during Lent, most of which were able to take place before the start of the pandemic. Over Easter at the start of the pandemic our recorded services were appreciated by other members of CTARG

Safeguarding

The PCC has had due regard to the House of Bishop’s guidance in relation to safeguarding. DBS checks are up-to-date, as is mandatory safeguarding training for those who deal with vulnerable parishioners. The Mandatory CO course for members of the PCC is being undertaken currently. The yearly Toolkit for the Archdeacon is now an online dashboard which is coloured red, orange, green depending on whether or not we are compliant with the requirements and if not our action plan. We are green in all areas except for the training which is referred to above. There are no outstanding safeguarding issues.

Financial Review

Income for Unrestricted Funds in 2020 was £95,568 (2019- £124,472), which reflected a reduction in cash donations while the church was closed for in-person services due to pandemic restrictions and included a legacy of £1,000. 37 members of the congregation now donate to the church through the Parish Giving Scheme. Income for Restricted Funds was £4,137 (2019-£108,660), which, this year, largely represents donations made by the congregation in support of our charitable giving. Expenditures from Unrestricted Funds in 2020 were £99,162 (2019- £111,002). A Parish Share of £50,000 was paid, equalling that paid in 2019. Expenditures from Restricted funds in 2020 were £14,355, which included some repairs left over from the major renovations of 2019 and the purchase of a new office computer which was funded from specific donations. Cash reserves of General Unrestricted funds stood at £29,418 at the end of 2020, representing less than 6 months’ expenditure which is the PCC reserves policy.

2

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH Year ended 31 December 2020

Reserves Policy
It isPCCpolicytomaintain abalance intheGeneral Unrestricted Fundwhich equates toapproximately sixmonths’ expenditures, excluding
Parish Sharepayments.
Administrative information
Please see above for the suspension ofservices as a result ofthe covid restrictions.
Members ofthePCC are eitherex-officio
Representation Rules.
orelectedby theAnnualParochialChurchMeeting (APCM) inaccordance with theChurch
During the year, the following served asmembers ofthePCC:
Rector Revd Richard Bubbers
LicensedLayMinisters Ms Susan Phillips Wardle
Mrs HelenAyling
Church WardensMrGraham Clark
MrMichael Fletcher (Vice-chairman)
Deputy Church WardensMr Colin Bennett
MrAndrew Notley
MrDavidRichmond
MrRogerWardle
MrMichael Davenport
Treasurer Mrs JanetWright (andElectoralRoll Officer)
Representativeson theDeanerySynodMrsHelen Helen Ayling
MrRobertDale(retired October 2020)
Mrs Alison Smith (retired October 2020)
MrMark Linton (elected October2020)
ElectedMembers DrMartin Allen
DrKate Birchall
MrTom Birchall
Mrs Lynne Clark
Mr Robert Dale
Mr Peter Freeman
Mrs Sue Lambert
Mrs SarahLinton
Mrs Lysandre Notley (Secretary)
Mr Gordon Parsons
MrsElizabethRichmond

Aims and purposes

St Laurence Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of promoting the whole mission of the church - evangelistic, pastoral, social and ecumenical - within the ecclesiastical parish of Alvechurch.

Structure, governance and management Appointment of members to the PCC conforms with the Church Representation Rules. Everyone attending church is encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC.

3

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

Committees

The PCC operates through a number of committees, which meet between full PCC meetings, and which meet as necessary on Zoom following the start of the pandemic:

Finance and Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has powers to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to directions given by the Council. It oversees the general financial dimension of the work of St Laurence by monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting and co-ordinating the review of planned giving.

Buildings, Fabric and Churchyardfor Mission Committee

This committee is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of church property (the church, the Ark and the churchyard). It also now plans, co-ordinates and budgets both capital and maintenance projects. It is also responsible for work arising from the Quinquennial Inspection and the Asset Management Plan.

Children and Youth Work Committee

This committee is responsible for overseeing church groups which are dedicated to helping children develop faith. It also considers the wider work of the church and community in relation to children and young people.

Mission Committee

This committee fosters the links with the Anglican Church and Christians in Peru, and the orphanage at Montgomery Heights Christian Care Centre in Zimbabwe, and other missionary work, including Faith at Work in Worcestershire.

Statement of Responsibilities of members of the PCC

The PCC is responsible for preparing the Annual Report in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity, and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements the PCC is required to: e select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

° prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that they comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding the assets,and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other — irregularities. “ ' 7c Approved by the PCC on and signed on their behalfby: - J Lb J

Mr Michael J Fletcher: PCC Vice-chairman

4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2020 2019
Notes Unrestricted Restricted
Incoming Funds Funds Total Total
Resources
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntaryincome 76,464 3,644 80,108 152,301
Activities for generating funds
Investment income
1,073
990
237
424
1,310
1,414
43,023
1,793
er
78,527 4,305 82,832 197,117
Incoming resources from charitable
activities 18,718 254 18,972 36,755
Total incoming resources 2 pp
se
97,245
4,559 101,804 233,872
Resources Expended
Charitable activities 102,072 14,355 116,427 351,443
Total resources expended ee
™~—~—CS
102,072
14,355
116,427
351,443
Net incoming resources before
otherrecognised gainsand losses 3 (4,827) (9,796) (14,623) (117,571)
Adjustments
Transfers
- - -
-
(3,294)
-
Netmovement infunds eee
(4,827)
(9,796)
(14,623)
(120,865)
Accumulated funds b/f 42,769 231,498 274,267 395,132
Accumulated funds c/f 5 eee
37,942
221,702
259.644
274,267
a
EE
OL

There were no recognised gains or losses except as shown above.

5

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Notes 2020 2019
Fixed Assets
Tangibles 4 100,000 100,000
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand 37,942 42,769
Investments - restricted funds 121,702 131,498
159,644 174,267
Net Current Assets 159,644 174,267
Net Assets 259,644 274,267
Reserves
Unrestricted funds 6 37,942 42,769
Restricted funds 6 221,702 231,498
Totalchurchfunds 6 259,644 274,267

Theseand signed financialon its statementsbehalf by were:approved by the Parochial Church Councilon

3/[2] 20. /

Michael Fletcher, PCC Chairman

6

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Convention

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the the Charities Act 2011, on the receipts and payments basis.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when received. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Grants are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are received, and the church has fulfilled all conditions for its receipt. Investment income is included when it is received.

Qutgoing Resources

Resources expended are recognised in the year in which they are paid.

Funds

The Unrestricted fund are incoming resources which are used for the objects of the church, without any specified purpose or further restriction. Restricted funds can only be used for the specific purposes as decided by the donor, within the objects of the church. Designated funds are unrestricted funds, which have been earmarked by the PCC for particular purposes.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and beneficed property ofany kind are excluded from the accounts bythe Charities Act Consecrated and beneficed property ofany kind are excluded from the accounts bythe Charities Act Consecrated and beneficed property ofany kind are excluded from the accounts bythe Charities Act
2011. Freehold properties are stated in the balance sheet at cost. Depreciation is provided
so as to write offthe cost ofthe assets in equal instalments overthe estimated useful lives ofthe
assets.
The depreciation rates used are :- ;
Freehold property Nil.
Investments
Investments are stated at cost.
2 INCOMING RESOURCES 2020 2019
Voluntary incoming resources
Planned giving
Collections
Donationsand legacies
Heritage Lottery Fund grant
National Churches Trustgrant
Alvechurch Parish Council grant
59,541
16,201
3,663
-
-
500
52,816
29,086
6,255
56,850
5,000
500
Advent purses/Bibles forSchools 203 268
Fundraising - 1,526

7

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |80,108|152,301| |Incoming|resources|from|charitable|activities| |Ark|café|1,677|7,537| |Fees|for|special|services|10,961|12,627| |Church|and|annex|lettings|6,334|16,591| |18,972|36,755| |Investment|income| |Rent from|field|990|4,005| |Dividends|and|interest|2|48| |992|4,053| |Others| |VAT|recovered|250|39,571| |Model|railway|exhibition|-|902| |Grapevine|and|website|1,060|2,550| |:|1,310|43,023| |Total|incoming|resources|101,382|233,132| |3|NET|INCOMING/OUTGOING|RESOURCES|2020|2019| |Depreciation|-|=| |Independent|examiner's|remuneration|900|900| |Salaries|14,543|14,187| |Average|number|of employees|4|4| |Council|members'|expenses|‘|72| |Council|members'|remuneration|-|-| |There|were|no|related|party|transactions.| |4|TANGIBLE|FIXED|ASSETS| |For|charitable|use| |Cost|or|valuation|Freehold| |Property|Total| |100,00| |Balance|b/f|100,000|0| |Additions|-|é| |Correction|om|-| |Scrapped|=|=| |100,00| |Balance|c/f|100,000|0| |Accumulated|depreciation| |Balance|b/f|-|.| |Charge|for|the|year|-|e| |Scrapped|Fs|=|=| |Balance|c/f|-|.| |100,00| |Net|book value|b/f|100,000|0|

----- End of picture text -----

8

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

Year endedended 31 December 2020
Net bookvalue c/f 100,000 100,00
0
5 MOVEMENT ON ACCUMULATED FUNDS
B/F at the
Start of Incoming Outgoing
Unrestricted Funds The
year
Resource
iS
Resource
S
Transfer
S
Adjustment
s
Total
General Unrestricted Fund
Ark Café Designated
33,812
8,957
95,568
1,677
(99,962)
(2,110)
29,418
8,524
Restricted Funds 42,769 97,245 (102,072) - - 37,942
Churchyard
Ark Fittings
Youth Fund
Fabric Fund
Bells Fund
Clock Fund
Others
3,476
595
8,747
7,385
994
1,790
9,182
100
580
39
369
275
20
2,754
(3,564)
-
(190)
(7,494)
(126)
(2,981)
12
1,175
8,596
260
1,143
1,810
8,955
Restricted Funds/Invested 32,169 4,137 (14,355) - - 21,951
Recoupment
Churchyard Maintenance
Restricted Assets
58,624
249
-
-
-
58,873
40,705
173
-
-
-__
40,878
CC
ABB
99,329
422
-
-
-
99,751
ee
Ark/Church Car Park 100,00
0
- = = - 100,00
0
100,00
100,00
0
-

i
-
0
ee
ee,
a
274,267
101,804
(116,427)
-
-
259,644
9
044

The 'Others' Fund is used to hold donations restricted to specific church and charity uses on a short term basis. Some of the Fund Names have been amended to clarify their use.

6 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN THE FUNDS

Invest- Fixed Cash at
ments Assets Bank Total
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Restricted funds
Restricted investments
Restrictedassets
-
-
21,951
99,751
-
-
-
-
-
100,000
29,418
8,524
-
-
-
29,418
8,524
21,951
99,751
100,000

9

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

121,702 100,000 37,942 259,644
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTACCOUNT
2020 2019
Incoming Resources
Planned giving 59,541 52,816
Collections
Donations and legacies
16,201
3,663
29,086
6,255
Heritage Lottery Fund grant - 56,850
National Churches Trust grant - 5,000
Alvechurch Parish Council grant 500 500
Advent purses/Bibles forSchools 203 268
Fundraising
Ark café
-
1,677
1,526
7,537
Fees forspecial services 10,961 12,627
Church and annex lettings 6,334 16,591
Rentfrom field 990 1,005
Dividends and interest 2 48
VAT recovered 250 39,571
Model railway exhibition - 902
Grapevine and website 1,060 2,550
Total incoming resources 101,382 233,132
Resources Expended
Fundraising
Ark administration/Diocesan Fees
800
4,274
936
3,317
Charitable giving 6,822 10,104
Diocesan parish share 50,000 50,000
Church and annex running costs 14,238 17,387
Church and Ark maintenance 6,225 5,103
Major repairs 4,449 226,309
Worship
Churchyard upkeep
986
4,724
984
4,141
Grapevine 3,804 4,105
Administration
Equipment repairs
16,035
1,150
15,109
1,462
Organists’, Choir, Bells fees 325 3,105
Otherexpenses - 279
Ark café 1,611 8,202
Independent examiner 984 900
116,427 351,443
Available Deficit forthe year (15,045) (118,311)
Interestreceivednotyetavailable

7 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNT

Recoupment fund

249

437

10

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ALVECHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2020

----- Start of picture text -----
Churchyard Maintenance fund 113 303
422 740
Overall Deficit for the year (14,623) (117,571)
----- End of picture text -----

Parish of Alvechurch for the year ended 31st December 2020.

| report on the accounts of the PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Alvechurch for the year ended 31st December 2020, which are set out on pages 5 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of PCC and the examiner

The PCC is responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

Basis of independent examiner's report

| report in respect of my examination of the PCC's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and in carrying out my examination, | have followed the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come come to connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

| confirm that no material matters have come come to my attention in

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

DAC heeds pae!2/4/r)

M.A. Edwards For and on behalf of :-

M. A. Edwards Accountants Limited, Chartered Accountants, 26, The Green, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B38 8SD.

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