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2021-12-31-accounts

Report of the Trustees & Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

CONTENTS

Page(s)

The Trustees present their report and the independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2021 . The financial statements have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis as set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011. .

AIM & PURPOSES

St. Stephen’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, Matt Graham, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the St. Stephen’s Church building, St. Stephen’s Church Hall, and the Curate’s house, 89 Prenton Hall Road.

OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible from the parish of Prenton to worship here and to become part of our church family at St. Stephen’s. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can engage and reach the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship enable people to put their faith in Jesus into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

To facilitate our continued worship and witness, caring for the congregation as well as meeting the needs of the parish and reaching out effectively to them, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St. Stephen’s and the Church Halls.

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

Vicar’s Report

2021 continued to be a year significantly impacted by the pandemic. Sunday services resumed following the third national lockdown (Jan to March), but various other events have either been significantly impacted (e.g. the CAMEO group), or not happened. Whenever possible Sunday services have been made available via livestream for those continuing to isolate or finding themselves more housebound than pre-covid. Other activities such as homegroups and prayer meetings have happened in a hybrid format. The Christianity Explored course, and Christmas quiz happened exclusively on Zoom.

Tiny Seeds has continued to be a valued support group throughout, giving us meaningful contact with new mums, and leading into ongoing relationships when Little Seeds also resumed, with a few even testing us out on a Sunday morning.

Following a trial period, survey, and discussions, the PCC resolved in September to keep the time and format of the 10.30am service, with the aim of being as accessible and missional with our resources. This chimes with the national Church of England vision for the 2020’s to be a church that is simpler, humbler, and bolder, focusing on the urgent task of seeking and saving the lost.

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Vote of Thanks - This brief report comes with continued thanks to all those who serve in many ways making our life together possible. A particular note of thanks goes to Rob Vague as he stands down after 14 years serving us as church treasurer.

Concluding Comments - I commend to you the other reports included here, with thanks to those who have prepared them. If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of our life and ministry together, I am always more than happy to discuss, or explain anything as best I can.

Through another difficult time overshadowed by an invisible virus, our verse for the year was a vital reminder to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). May He give us grace to keep doing that as we serve Him and share the good news of Christ here in Prenton. Matt Graham (Vicar)

The Church Wardens’ Report for 2021

If 2020 was a year unlike any other, then 2021 followed closely in its footsteps. Lockdowns continued off and on through the year but we opened up again in the late summer and have been able to continue to meet in person since then without interruption, whilst maintaining live streaming for those who were nervous about venturing out, or were too frail to do so.

Two main issues have affected the fabric of the church. Storm Arwen in November 2021 led to serious damage to the church roof on the southern aspect. We had already engaged a company to provide advice and an estimate for existing damage to the roof and they were able to repair the roof quickly before Christmas. This was essential, as water was coming in through the roof and running down the church wall, causing the electricity to trip. We asked them to do some of the work for which they had already quoted, while they were on site. The damage caused by the storm was largely covered by our insurers.

The other issue was the collapse of gas supplier, CNG, in November. St Stephen’s is not alone in suffering the effects of the crisis in energy supply, and the gas market in particular. We agreed to a contract with British Gas Lite, negotiated by our broker, Bionic. Their unit price was lower than that offered by Ofgem’s recommended supplier, Pozitive Energy, even though the standing charge is more. We have agreed to have an Energy Audit, which will take place in 2022.

I would like to thank everyone who has kept the St Stephen’s show on the road, especially the Vicar and his family, Chris, Emma and Daniel Phillips, Neil Ward and many others. Special thanks are also due to Robert Vague for his long and faithful service as Treasurer and Church Warden, and his support to me – particularly during the transition period of changing gas suppliers. Rosie Earp (Churchwarden)

PCC Secretary Report for 2021

The full PCC, consisting of 21 members until the APCM in May and 20 thereafter, met 5 times during the year 2021, including 2 by Zoom. Each meeting began with a reading and/or Bible thought and prayer and ended with prayer. All meetings were chaired by the Vicar.

Members for 2021 were:

The Rev Matt Graham
Vicar/Chairman
Mr Pete Earp
Lay Chairman/Reader
Mrs Rosie Earp
Church Warden
Chris Phillips
Church Warden
Mr Robert Vague
Deanery Synod Rep/
Reader/ Treasurer
Mr Arron Pilgrim
Deanery Synod Rep
Mrs Joan Potts
Deanery Synod Rep
Mr Daniel Davies
Retires 2022
Mrs Heather Howard
Resigned 11/2021
Mr Steve Vitty
Retires 2022
Mrs Grace Blackmore
Retires 2023
Mrs Paula Horton
Retires 2023
Mrs Louise Martin
Retires 2023		 Mr Marshall Thomas
Retires 2023
Mr Richard Dunning
Retires 2024
Mrs June Macdonald
Retires 2024
Mrs Gill Monteith
Retires 2024
Mrs Julie Newman-Vidler
Retires 2024
Mrs Carol Vague
Reader/ PCC Secretary
Miss Brenda Tollady
Pastoral Worker
Ex Officio Deanery Synod
Mrs Barbara Brayley
Retired APCM 2021
Mr Clive Carter
Retired APCM 2021
Mr Richard Fitzpatrick
Retired APCM 2021
Ms Pamela Roberts
Retired APCM 2021

The PCC has wide responsibilities, each member being a trustee and has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). At every meeting there was an opportunity to look back and look forward at events; reports were received from the various committees entrusted with the responsibility of aspects of the work of the PCC which included:

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Some of the many points covered during the year included:

Due to Covid Lockdowns the following items were dealt with through correspondence/email:

Carol Vague, PCC Secretary

Birkenhead Deanery Synod Report for 2021

As a result of the continuing effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, no meetings of the Birkenhead Deanery Synod were held during 2021. A meeting of the standing committee met at St Saviour’s Parish Hall in November and discussed a possible programme of meetings for 2022.

Robert Vague, Deanery Synod Representative

Outreach Group report

Outreach events of 2021 did not start until well into the year in the interest of safety due to Covid-19, hence this is a brief overview of our activity.

September 18th - A Breakfast, with a video link to Crosslinks in Senegal, allowed us a glimpse of the Maclean’s family and working life. They shared cultural differences, and the patience needed when faced with communication and language barriers. They were encouraged by support & prayer from the people of St Stephen’s.

The Outreach group assisted both Anna, who led The Bright party on 31st October – an alternative to Halloween - for the children; and Matt, with Café carols on 12th December providing refreshments for the relaxed informal all-age worship service.

Flyers, advertising all Christmas events and services, were again distributed by a team of volunteers, to all households throughout the Parish of Prenton.

Finances:

Total income = £13.50 from The Mission Breakfast, (after expenses of £5.00 taken out)

Total expenditure = £83.23 Website domains and monthly fee until October (last payment from The Outreach fund)

The balance at 31st December was £289.06

Outreach members: Rev’d Matt Graham, Rosie Earp, Paula Horton (chair), Gill Monteith, Joan Potts, Dave Bennett, and Anne Wise Paula Horton

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Treasurer’s Report for year ending 31/12/2021

2021 again was not really the year we wanted but we have adapted our styles of worship sufficiently well as to be able to maintain and even grow our finances this year.

Planned giving income this year has risen substantially and much of this comes direct into our accounts thereby reducing the need for counting and banking cash into our account. Until it ended, we continued take advantage of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme by furloughing one of our employees.

As you will see in the accounts, this year we have increased our giving to charities and the payments made have been gratefully received by those concerned. Additionally, an end of service collection brought in £200 for the Tear Fund appeal for Afghanistan.

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Use of our Halls has been affected once more and letting income has suffered as a consequence. In order to assist the Halls the PCC agreed to make a payment to cover 50% of the Halls’ Administrator’s salary. At the end of the year the Halls ended with a deficit of £478 which is very much lower than in 2020.

Towards the end of the year, as everyone is aware, the cost of gas has risen considerably and several gas companies have ceased trading. One concerned was CNG Energy who supplied gas for both church and halls. As nothing was paid for either November or December the Accounts show we have paid £930 less for gas than in 2020. The shortfall will have to be paid during 2022 and at an increased level. From your personal domestic use of gas, you will all know that we as a church face greatly higher expenditure for heating our buildings.

As a charity we are obliged to maintain reserves which are capable of meeting our financial needs for a period of three months and this amounts to approximately £60,000.

My thanks again to Chris Jeans for all he has done in recording the planned giving and making claims to HMRC for Gift Aid, both for this year and all previous years. Another round of thanks to Tim Odell who has the unenviable task of checking our accounts. As a Parish, we should be grateful to him for his expertise in making certain that our accounts are being produced accurately for our use and for wider presentation to the Diocese and the Charity Commission.

Finally, this will be my last report as your treasurer. As I have held the position since 2008, I feel it is time to pass the accounts on. So my thanks to all of you who have trusted me to look after your church’s money and best wishes to my successor. Robert Vague, Treasurer

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Background

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, ecclesiastic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for St. Stephen's church, St. Stephen's church hall and the curate's house, which it owns.

Membership of the PCC and Trustees of the Parish

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The Trustees listed above served as members of the PCC.

Incumbent & Clergy

Revd Matt Graham Vicar and Chair of Trustees

Committees

There are a number of committees that attend to different aspects of the business of the PCC. They are as follows:

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.

Church Halls Committee

This committee has general responsibility for the conduct of church hall business. The day-to-day management is largely seen to by the Administrator in consultation with the vicar and churchwardens.

Outreach and Mission Group

This committee exists to to facilitate growth and reaching out into the community to further our aims and objectives as a parish.

Project 125 Building Committee

A working group to facilitate and progress plans for building works ahead of our 125[th] anniversary.

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity number 1131998

Principal address

Parish Office, St Stephen's Church Hall, 11 Prenton Lane, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH42 8LA Trustees PCC Members for 2020/21 (as listed in the PCC report) Independent examiner Timothy Odell FCA, CA(SA) Bankers HSBC - Grange Precinct, Birkenhead

Approved by order of the board of trustees on: 17[th] March 2022

and signed on its behalf by : Revd Matt Graham (Vicar) Matt Graham

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Parochial Church Council of St. Stephen’s Church

Prenton

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of St. Stephen’s Church Prenton for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed by: Tim Tim Odell on: 10[th] March 2022

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Parish of Prenton, St Stephen – 2021 Accounts

----- Start of picture text -----
Financial Statement for period to 31st December 2021
Unre-
stricted Restricte
Voluntary receipts funds d funds Total 2020
£ £ £ £
Planned giving 85,407 85,407 60,710
Gift aid recovery 15,158 15,158 16,858
Plate collections 2,805 2,805 3,529
Donations 2,545 2,545 5,946
Legacies 5,000 5,000 2,500
Votive candles 87 87 177
111,001 0 111,001 89,719
Activities for
generating funds
Property rent 10,100 10,100 8,900
Fund Raising(100
Club) 1,240 1,240 1,020
Interest/Dividends 54 892 945 1,369
122,395 892 123,287 101,008
Other income
Halls' income 14,215 14,215 20,011
Fees, wedding,
funeral, Banns, etc 5,893 5,893 3,834
Insurance claim 1,081 1,081 0
Catering(Tea & Coffee) 37 37 114
Diaries 10 10 25
Flowers 30 30 0
HMRC Job Retention
Scheme 938 938 2,452
Magazine 0 0 140
Ministry for young people 1,696 1,696 843
Outreach 14 14 184
Online shopping 87 87 95
Photocopying 13 13 16
Project 125 5,000 5,000 30,065
Sale of wooden chairs 2,545 2,545 0
Traidcraft 197 0 197 971
Wall safe 0 0 0 158
Totals 147,440 7,602 155,041 159,915
Payments
Church Activities
Parish Share 68,132 68,132 67,624
Church Running
expenses(1) 28,149 1,150 29,299 33,468
Charitable giving 8,310 8,310 6,810
Halls' expenditure 7,242 7,242 17,979
Staff costs (1 person) 7,452 7,452 10,256
Redundancy payment 0 0 560
119,284 1,150 120,434 136,697
Receipts minus
payments 28,156 6,451 34,607 7,672
Cash in hand and at
bank as at 01/01/21 156,618 56,324 212,942 199,472
Cash at bank and in
hand as at 31/12/21 175,900 62,775 238,675 212,942
----- End of picture text -----

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Unrestricted costs
2021 2020
Boiler installation 0 2,754
Books etc 6 10
Catering 106 76
Council tax- Vicarage 2,423 2,308
Curate's house repairs 833 286
Electricity 1,034 1,012
Fees Retired clergy 45 241
Fees to diocese 3,000 2,801
Flowers 30 0
Fund raising transfer 317 0
Garden 140 138
Garden waste bins 118 92
Gas 1,247 1,713
Insurance 5,285 4,924
Magazine Printing 0 180
Maintenance - Church 2,158 3,098
Organist 2,775 2,700
Payroll 551 634
Petty cash 1,000 500
Phones 1,001 1,162
Postage 8 11
Stationery 120 2
Sundry payments 196 1,590
Traidcraft 131 929
Transfers to Halls 3,692 0
Upkeep of services 578 709
Vicar's expenses 195 114
Water - Church 306 276
Water -Vicarage 795 793
Website 60 0
Sub total 28,149 29,052
Restricted costs
MYP 649 290
OMG 175 479
P125 0 3522
VDF 80 65
Len Ellis 246 60
Subtotal 1,150 4,416
Total 29,299 33,468
----- End of picture text -----*

2021 sundry payments £
LotteryLicence 20
Gift to Independent Examiner 21.95
Publicity 154
Total 195.95

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Bank Accounts, Assets, & Liabilities

Unrestric
ted
Funds		 Restricte
d Funds		 Endow-
ment
Funds
£ £ £ Total
Accounts atyear beginning 1st January 2021
General Current account 14,561 14,561
Development account 33,225 33,225
General Deposit account 32,018 32,018
Fund RaisingAccount 8,318 8,318
MawbyMemorial 22,451 22,451
Len Ellis 648 648
Church Halls 5,067 5,067
CCLA 96,654 96,654
156,618 56,324 212,942
Cash in hand 326 326
Total 156,944 56,324 213,268
Accounts atyear ending 31st December 2021
General Currrent account 42,218 42,218
Development account 39,031 39,031
General Deposit account 32,021 32,021
Fund RaisingAccount 9,241 9,241
MawbyMemorial 23,342 23,342
Len Ellis 402 402
Church Halls 4,589 4,589
CCLA 96,704 96,704
Subtotal 184,774 62,775 247,549
Cash in hand 367 367
Total 62,775 62,775
Property
89 Prenton Hall Road 87,000 87,000
Fixtures and fittings 14,412 14,412
Computer equipment 435 435
Total 101,847 101,847
Other monetary assets
Traidcraft stock 147 147
Propertydeposit 800 800
Total 947 947
Investment assets
CBF Funds 34,980 34,980
Liabilities
Propertydeposit 800 800

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Church Hall Accounts Summary
Income 2021 2020
HMRC JRS 0 1,352
Income from lettings 8,319 7,497
New heating donations 100 0
Noble Room Decorating 1,400 0
Sale old equipment 240 1,162
Water refunds 194 0
General refund(Adjustment) 270 0
Total 10,523 10,011
Expenditure
Cleaning Supplies 83 217
Electric 1,004 1,130
Gas 443 905
Insurance 1,827 1,808
Maintenance 2,082 12,959
Noble Room Decorating 1,385 0
Redundancy payment 0 560
Staff wages 7,452 10,256
Water 384 638
Window cleaning 35 321
14,693 28,794
Transfer from Church/ Deposit 3,692 10,000
Deficit/Surplus -4,170 -18,783
Separate Disclosure
Staff Costs 7451.6
Net Revenue Before Staff 3,281
----- End of picture text -----

Charitable Giving
Year ending31st December 2021		 Charitable Giving
Year ending31st December 2021
Name of Charity £
African Enterprise 811.00
Alex & Susannah
MacLean		 811.00
Charles Thompson
Mission		 811.00
Christian Aid 811.00
LeprosyMission 811.00
Martin Gallier Project 811.00
Safe Families 811.00
St Peter's Church Plant 811.00
Street Pastors 811.00
The Bible Society 811.00
Tear Fund Afghanistan 200.00
Totals 8,310.00

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