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2022-12-31-accounts

APRIL 30, 2023 ST MARY’S LUTON ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022

INTRODUCTION

By Mike Jones

2022 was a transitional year for us at St Mary’s. When we were praying in the first part of the year we sensed we were like a Phoenix rising from the ashes of COVID and in the latter part of 2022 we were moving into rebuilding again.

We feel like a very different church emerging from lockdown when compared to the church that went into it.

I would like to thank everyone for your hard work, positive approach, devotion to the Lord, continued giving and creativity. Everyone is important to the Lord and together we make the church. I am proud of what we, the people of St Mary’s, have achieved this year and the creativity, kindness and competence that we have shown.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

This year we asked PCC, the prayer events attendees, and some others what their highlights of the year were. This is what we came up with. Maybe you have some more to add?

Young Church and All Age:

Hospitality & Mission

to the public as a warm space on Wednesday mornings with an 11am devotional.

As a church in mission. Mission for us is holistic. We see it expressed in word, deed and symbolism.

The focus of the Peace Centre continued to be engaging with the issues that threaten peaceful relationships in Luton, and contributing to the building of a strong and resilient community. Part of this has been Peter’s ministry for victims at General Synod and Cathy’s wider ministry.

Alpha Course & Baptisms.

Our Building and Seeing the church reflect the town.

Hirings have continued to return to the St Mary’s building. In 2021, we had recognized that we want to increase the use of the main church building so we started a project to replace the chairs in the church. This included congregational chair testing to find chairs which are comfortable, stackable, movable, not too heavy and appropriate for the building. We have received diocesan approval for this.

Welcome Wednesday continues to be a great success. This is where we open up the building

As a church we continued to run the St Matthew’s building until February 2022 when we relinquished the building to the Diocese.

As a church in community , we continued to connect with people through physical and online means, small groups, phone calls and cards and letters and visits and gifts and practical help. Thank you to Sue, Ulrike and the pastoral team & front office who have worked so hard. We recognised that we needed to think about how people journey into church and to welcome people in a way that reflects our multicultural nature so we started a new project to explore that which hopefully will bear fruit in 2022-23.

Fellowship

Worship

Thank you to the worship team, led by Richard Cowling, who are leading us in worship as we develop as a church.

our community so that we can bring social renewal to our town over the next years.

The Current Parish

In terms of the parish, we absorbed St Matthew’s Parish in 2021, but continued to run the building until that was handed over to The Diocese in 2022.

Above: the original parish with the new High Town addition.

I feel a deep gratitude and joy for who you have been and what you have done in 2022.

This has been a year where we have needed to keep running the race set before us. I have been grateful for the energy and initiative in colleagues – paid and non-paid. My life has been enriched by walking with all of you this year and I am confident in our future because I walk with you, and together we walk with the Lord

Our church as a locally financed fellowship.

LOOKING UPWARD

As a church we are a locally financed community. God provides, mostly through the generosity of his people. St Mary’s belongs to you if you have worshipped with us for six months or more; and, if you have worshipped with us for six months, we would ask you to ask the Lord how you can support St Mary’s financially so that the remarkable worship and ministry can continue. We are not subsidised from outside so everything we do is financed from ourselves. Please pray for God to “give us our daily bread” and pray for entrepreneurs to emerge from - 2 -

WORSHIP

by Mike Jones, Richard Cowling

Sunday 9 am - our early gathering.

This is a quieter, more reflective service. It is a wonderful opportunity to encounter God through liturgy, sacrament and stillness. The 50-55 minute service includes elements such as hymns and Holy Communion. We follow the lectionary with

occasional topical series. Afterwards we chat together over tea and coffee.

Our monthly 9 am schedule is:

1st Sunday - Holy Communion 2nd Sunday - Peace Service 3rd Sunday - Holy Communion 4th Sunday - Peace Service 5th Sunday - Holy Communion

Sunday 10:30 am - with children and youth

Blending old and new styles of worship, we open the Bible together to learn more about God and how to live as Christians in the 21st century. We take time to reflect on where we are.,

We enjoy a drink and a chat with one another in the hall afterwards.

Our monthly term-time 10:30 am schedule is:

1st Sunday - All Age worship 2nd Sunday - Holy Communion & Peace Service 3rd Sunday - Morning Worship 4th Sunday - Holy Communion 5th Sunday - variable

Young Church and Youth run concurrently with this service, other than on the 1st Sunday, when we are all together.

In 2022 we offered a crèche facility at the back of church for babies and toddlers. We plan to move that to the Meeting Room in 2023.

Shona Language Service

This service started in autumn 2011 and is based around our members from Zimbabwe, who expressed a desire to worship in their own language. They meet on the 3rd Sunday afternoon of each month, with between 30 and 60 people attending.

Worship Team

The worship team continues to evolve. We are grateful to all who serve. Richard Cowling continues to lead this group and we are thankful for those who serve. As we journey together as a church we ask you to pray for us as we discern the future shape of worship at St Mary’s.

In 2022 we also hosted a Pakistani Congregation in our building. They first came in December 2021 for their Christmas celebration, and were able to use our building for their Easter celebration and at various times throughout the year.

service is followed by the opportunity to sit together and have some refreshments.

OCCASIONAL OFFICES.

by Ulrike Hunt

During 2022, there were 6 infant baptisms.

We also held a baptism and confirmation service on 27 February 2022 at Central Baptist Church, with Bishop Alan in attendance. 4 adults and 1 young person under 16 were baptised and we 1 person had a reaffirmation of baptism. There were 10 confirmations (6 adults and 4 young people under 16)

There were 4 weddings, as well as 2 wedding blessings and a Golden Wedding blessing service.

Our clergy officiated at 5 funerals including that of Sheila Bateman, Joan Wheldon and Jackie Garrand. We also received news that Christine Quilter and Robin Bland died during 2022.

SCREENS-AUDIO-STREAMING

by Jason Hunt / Mike Jones / Adam Whiting

This year has been a time of rebuilding for those of us volunteering at the sound and screen desks in St Mary's.

There are three things we do:

Screens: cuing up the next reading passage, song verse or camera shot to go onto the monitors and projectors around church

Audio: the sound desk, mixing sound from the preachers, readers and service leaders along with the singers and musicians and often

Streaming via YouTube. This can be very easy such as at the 9am service.

The team now comprises of experienced old hands and some keen newbies! (We are grateful to Adam and Mike who set up all the items to go onto the screens for each service.)

Being involved in SAS can be a great way to feel part of the service and of allowing others to make the most of what is happening in church. We are hoping more of you might join us to help out in this way. If you would like to be part of the team, please see Adam Whiting who will be leading this in 2023. We can arrange for training or you could shadow one of our current SASers during a service to see what it is involved.

Welcoming Wednesdays 11am

We have a devotional at 11am led by a wide range of people. Sometimes this is a service of the word, other times, Holy Communion or a devotional. The

LOOKING ACROSS CHURCH

YOUNG CHURCH, ALL AGE AND SCHOOLS TEAMS

YOUNG CHURCH

by Ulrike Hunt with Ruth Boctor and Eleanor Savage

The numbers in young church have doubled over 2022. At the beginning of the year, we had an average of 8 children on a Sunday. By the end of the year our average is more like 17.

Dawn Mortimer, Ruth Boctor and Eleanor Savage have done an amazing job again this year in leading young church. On their heart is very much for the children to hear Bible stories and to engage with these – and the “Energise” materials from Urban Saints are a great resource towards this aim.

The young church leaders are always on the lookout for helpers – people in our congregation who want to invest in the lives of the children, and who can support the young church leaders on a Sunday morning.

Finding enough helpers has been a big struggle for young church in 2022 and we are very grateful for Simon Shirley, who has remained a constant support throughout the year.

Dawn Mortimer stepped down from young church leadership in summer 2022 and we welcomed Emily Shephard as a Children and Family Worker to St Mary’s in September.

Emily brought some fresh ideas and energy to the role. However, the probationary period highlighted to her that at this point in her life she was not in a position to give the role all it needed and tendered her resignation at the end of 2022.

We step into 2023 with hope of growing a bigger team, knowing that Jesus loves children and will enable and equip us to keep this ministry going at St Mary’s

ALL AGE

About 1/3 of our 10.30am services were all age in 2022 whether they were our regular once-a-month services, specials for Christmas or Easter, or the Inter-Generational services over the summer.

We try to make these services fun with a point. A mix of worship, fellowship, teaching and interaction. We are grateful for the All-Age Team of Jason Hunt and Andy Fisher who organized the monthly services and Mike who organizes the specials and inter-generational services. All supported by Ruth Jones, Ulrike Hunt and Carly and Andy Pike with the worship by Richard Cowling and

band an occasional appearance by Gordon Shrosbree and Adam Whiting for the Outside Church which was a highlight.

SCHOOLS TEAMS

The schools’ teams serve both by “going out” and also by hosting and reaching out to schools who come and visit. This year…

YOUTH

by Ulrike Hunt and Fiona Duggan

2022 was not an easy year for the youth ministry at St Mary’s. We began the year working out what we would need to put into place in order for the youth ministry to continue, with Adam and Bethany due to leave us in the summer.

It was a real disappointment when there were no candidates for the youth worker job that was advertised.

We now see God’s hand in this. Following Harley’s birth and in the light of the care he has needed, Adam and Bethany took the decision to stay in Luton. We are so thankful that they are staying and go into 2023 with renewed expectation for what God wants to do in and through our youth in the coming year.

However, as Adam was on extended leave for a big part of 2022 following the birth of Harley, we did have to think about how we keep the youth going in Adam’s absence.

Fiona Duggan stepped into helping out with Sunday youth, and subsequently into leading and coordinating it. She was supported by Tychique Chiamala. We regularly had an average of 6 young people attending Sunday youth.

At Sunday youth, we started 2022 with a 10 week alpha course which worked really well especially as many of the youth were older members of the group and enabled some good discussion and exploration of their faith. Our next theme was “Who am I?” - exploring identity, digging beneath the layers of labels and establishing who they are and how we are made in the image of God. The autumn term was spent exploring prayer and what that looks like.

Impact (the Thursday youth group) is supported by The Feast – a key partner of St Mary’s youth for several years. The Feast youth worker, Kristina Druce, was able to take on the running of Impact, supported by Titilayo Adewale, Jean Godden, Ulrike Hunt and Tychique Chiamala. We regularly have 16 young people on a Thursday.

Impact draws together young people from the town, many of whom do not come to church. The culture of Impact is one where these young people feel safe

to be themselves and to work through questions. At Impact, we usually have some fun and games. But we also spend time in dialogue where each person is listened to as we all bring our thoughts on particular questions. We spent some time in 2022 talking about the questions we might want to ask God if we could.

In 2022 we were not able to take the youth to a summer camp. Having said that, we know some of the youth went to New Wine, others to WEC Camp and some have joined in with Youthscape’s Weekend from Home camps. In October, we were able to put on another Youth Lock in – a whole night of fun and games locked in the church building.

It has been good in 2022 to support Luton Unite. Run by Youthscape, it is the gathering of various church youth groups once a month for activities and worship. In December, we hosted the Luton Unite annual Christmas ball at St Mary’s. As part of that, we served a 3-course dinner in the church, which was really amazing. We finished our own youth programme with a Christmas Dinner (complete with crackers and gifts).

We go into 2023 trusting that God holds the youth in his hand, and that he will continue to provide the resources (human and financial) that is needed to grow this important ministry in our church.

Christingle Service, we held our first ‘Bring & Share Meal’. We thought about 75-80 people would come, so were delighted when over 100 people stayed! Everyone enjoyed being there and good conversations flowed. After the long times of Covid, people really enjoyed getting to know each other.

The Home Communion Team have restarted taking communion to the housebound. If you know of someone from our congregation who would like to receive communion at home, please let us know.

At Christmas we were able to take small gifts and a card to 10 of our elderly members who are no longer able to come to church.

The St Mary’s, Luton: Community Facebook page continues to grow and is a good method of communicating with each other. To join the group – please request via Facebook.

The ‘Meal Train’ sprang into operation a couple of times during the year when one family needed help with meals as the mum was very unwell, and on another occasion for a family with a new baby. If you would like to help with this ministry, or if you’re in need of receiving meals for a short time, please contact Sue Carter via the Pastoral Phone.

It is with sadness that we record the deaths of 4 of our older members during 2022 – Christine Quilter, Robin Bland, Joan Wheldon and Jacqueline Garrand.

PASTORAL CARE

by Sue Carter (Pastoral Care Pastor)

The Pastoral Care Team continue to meet on Zoom or more recently in person about every 3 – 4 weeks. The team consists of Mike Jones, Ulrike Hunt, Anne Adams, Chris Adams and Sue Carter. When we are made aware of church members who have a particular need we try and support them in practical ways. At the end of each meeting, we pray for those we’ve been discussing. The information discussed is confidential. We always mention any Safeguarding issues and liaise with the Safeguarding Office at the Diocese as necessary.

The PrayerNet is a group of about 30 people who have committed themselves to pray for any requests made, as soon as possible. The requests can be passed on by any member of the group, or sent in by individuals via the Pastoral Phone. We have tried to ‘Rebrand’ the Pastoral Phone by saying – “If you need to talk to someone please use this number” - 07483 898276

This year we have started having Shared Meals again after the Sunday Service. Our first meal together was the Harvest lunch – consisting of Soup & a Roll, followed by fruit crumble and custard. This was very successful. During Advent, following the - 5 -

SMALL GROUPS

by Cathy Nobles

Small Groups in St. Mary’s have always seemed to be a part of building our church community. Besides the groups that are listed below, there are many other informal groups that meet. The Men’s Group has met from time to time for a movie together or gathered for a curry or a bike ride or walk together.

Here are the groups that have formally been running. Through this year, the groups have met through zoom and where possible in person.

  1. Ladies Bible Study meets on Tuesday evenings at 8:00

  2. Sunday Get Together Home Group meets on Thursdays at 4:00

  3. Walkers meets fortnightly on Thursdays at 10:00

  4. Monthly walkers meet once a month, depending on the weather, on Saturdays with a long walk and a pub meal.

  5. The Alpha course was offered twice this year. One was at the church and the second met at the Treehouse in the University.

  6. The Seekers meets monthly on Wednesdays at 2pm at the church. It is for those of an older age to get together for fellowship and receive biblical encouragement.

Snippet from ‘The Seekers’

by Alison Elliott

We continue to seek - & to find, however old we get. We never ‘know it all’’!

We’re not terribly active and do have some mobility problems, so we now meet just once a month. (Our combined age is over 1320!) We meet in the Church Lounge to enjoy refreshment together & to be helpfully lead in Bible Study by our Teacher, Chantal O’Donnell. She expertly manages to keep us ‘on track’ & to draw us back when we get all too easily distracted or ‘lose the plot’ completely!

The Group originally started nearly 30 years ago as a ‘Care Group’. While fellowship, prayer & Bible study are important elements, we also care for each other. The membership has inevitably changed a lot over the years, but it never ceases to amaze and delight me how everyone continues to care for and support each other through the ups and downs of growing a bit older. Some are unable to get to Church or to meetings any longer, but they continue under our ‘umbrella of care’ – to be ‘phoned, written to, visited and prayed for.

It’s been a great joy to welcome members from St. Matthews, who have contributed greatly to our fellowship. We do, however, try to keep it as small a group as possible, to enable us to get to know each other well and so to trust each other enough to share deep feelings & concerns. We believe this is an important part of our fellowship.

I’m just so privileged to be a part of such a special group of people!

Ladies Bible Study

by Angela Symonds

This year, apart from relatively relaxing Lent and Advent courses, we also really enjoyed working through Pete Greig’s book God on Mute , and, knowing that the issue of LGBTQI+ marriage was to be an issue at 2023 General Synod, we also tackled the Anglican ‘Living in Love and Faith’ course. For all of us, a pretty traditional evangelical group of ladies, who view scripture as authoritative for doctrine and life and relationship with Christ, it proved challenging to our thinking as we saw others viewing scripture as culturally modifiable in the face of their LGBTQI+ lifestyles. I do not think it changed any of our opinions much, but at least we

began to understand the issues, and hopefully to be more gracious with those whom we disagree.

LOOKING OUTWARD

OPEN CHURCH – WELCOME WEDNESDAY

by Anne Adams

The dedicated team have been able to open the church for 3 hours each Wednesday morning throughout 2022. There is a regular short devotional service at 11.00am.

During the year we have noticed some trends, there are now a regular group who attend the service with quite a number of students who drop in for prayer later in the morning. There are a steady number of people who visit to explore our church building with occasional visitors who have travelled quite a distance to explore in a very intentional way. There have been many helpful conversations throughout the year, and many have received prayer. A highlight was the annual “Carols Round the Piano” service on the Wednesday before Christmas. We were delighted to welcome a record 45 people who joined in with great joy!

Thank you to all the volunteers, Chaplains and clergy who work to make Welcome Wednesday happen.

ST. MARY’S CHAPLAINCY

by Cathy Nobles

Luton Community Chaplaincy and St. Mary’s continued for its second year its partnership, centred around Welcome Wednesday each week.

The team is made up of 3 women from St. Mary’s and was the first church-based team that Luton Community Chaplaincy has sponsored. The agreement would be that our Chaplains would be available to care for the people who might come in our door each Wednesday with prayer or a listening ear.

Having the doors open each Wednesday with an 11:00 service as well, has meant that a small community began to form. We also had several people coming in with a desire to get to know Jesus better which has led to relationships developing and an Alpha Course and Baptisms in 2022.

There have also been the people who come most Wednesdays who want to see the building and those conversations help develop an understanding of the mission of St. Mary’s.

Weekly there have also been people who come in who have deep problems that having someone available to hear them or to pray has been fruitful.

address very challenging anti-Muslim actions by a staff member.

ST MARY’S CENTRE FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

by Peter Adams

Writing a report like this is always a challenge! What have we “done as a centre” during the year? Under that name we have run some services, participated in a few meetings. But as we have noted before, a lot of the activity of the Centre takes place as Peter, Cathy and Mike contribute to the “peace and welfare” of the parish, the town and beyond. Sometimes we go with the centre business card in hand, but often not.

In our monthly Peace and Reconciliation services on the 2[nd] Sunday through the first part of 2022 we explored what that “Peace and Welfare” looked like. The call of God through Jeremiah to the people of Israel in exile in Babylon to “Seek the peace and welfare” of the city is profound. Emerging from the very wide scope of the Hebrew word Shalom are themes that are very much within the remit of the centre – peace, justice and reconciliation, but equally and perhaps less immediately obvious, welfare for all, community cohesion, public order and regeneration. These are the issues that are so important to our life as a multicultural, super diverse and poor town. We will continue to grapple with them Biblically and practically though 2023 as plans for Power Court and the regeneration of the town centre around us emerge, as racial justice continues to be a challenge for the nation, and as a community we deal with the devastating impact of prices rises.

Cathy continues her support of Musalaha , seeking peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. We were delighted the centre could co-host a Jewish Rabbi and a Palestinian community worker from the Holy Land to talk about their work together. Their impact on Luton schools and those attending the meeting at St Marys was lovely to see. Cathy has been wanting for this particular aspect of her work to reemerge here and we hope later in 2023 to host the director of Musalaha , to focus on the closely interrelated themes of Palestinian-Jewish relations in the Holy Land and Muslim – Christian- Jewish relations here.

An extreme right wing white nationalist group visited Dunstable several times in 2022 scaremongering about immigration and “the great replacement” of white British people. This led Peter to start some work with the police, our own council and our Bishops and a few clergy in preparation for release of the 2021 census data. Peter also “crossed the border” to Houghton Regis with a Muslim colleague to help the school leadership there to

The Centre is one of the core members of FACES (Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation) - a Luton Muslim Christian working group. We have been doing quite a lot under that banner this year: addressing threats to our children and young people; research and subsequently training around the teaching of Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) in a faith sensitive way; and ongoing discussion on the safeguarding aspect of anti-extremism work. We produce a podcast weekly on a variety of interesting themes (https://facesluton.podbean.com)

Finally, as a variety of issues in church and society regularly challenge our ability to “disagree well” we have set out to look at this area. Race, climate and environment, gender and sexuality, freedom of speech and movement, public health regulations – all are hotly debated. Peter is a part of an emerging national Peacebuilding Network of people working in community and civic mediation that are looking at how we respond to threats to our nation’s peace. Disagreeing well, will be a theme for our own Peace Services and wider teaching through 2023, especially as the Church of England faces difficult questions in its own life.

You can find out more here: https://stmaryscpr.squarespace.com (normal link to www.stmarysforpeace.org currently broken)

MISSION

by Anne Adams

St Mary’s is a church that seeks to look outwards to Luton and the world through giving, prayer, relationship, serving and sending.

Locally, we are part of Luton Deanery on both the Chapter and Synod . We are active members of Churches Together In Luton and we are on Luton Council of Faiths .

Our outreach is holistic and we seek to serve through the various para church organisations in town which mostly operate within the parish. St Mary’s members are employed, volunteer, give, pray and / or sit as trustees on missions that include:

Foodbank. One of our members is on the board. This has been a very active year for the Foodbank and St Marys hosted food collections during the year.

Luton Community Chaplaincy (LCC) was initiated by St Mary’s and a number of our members are chaplains. This has chaplains in the Mall, the Town Hall, Asda and the Magistrates Court.

LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP

The St Mary’s team of chaplains have been active all through the year enabling welcome Wednesday to function, and most importantly, having many helpful conversations with visitors.

Mission Direct helps people to make a practical lasting difference to some of the world's most vulnerable people by going on 2-week overseas mission trips. One of our members works for Mission Direct.

NOAH , which shows Christian care and compassion to the homeless of Luton and is mainly located in the parish, some of our members volunteer with NOAH.

Street Pastors provide a caring Christian presence in the town centre every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm to 4am. Our building acts as the base when pastors are on the streets.

The Feast - one of our members works for the Feast. The Feast brings together teenagers from different faiths and cultures to build friendships, explore faith and change lives.

Luton & Dunstable Hospital Volunteers – several members volunteer in the hospital.

Youthscape is a nationwide youth charity. Youthscape - Luton seeks to reconnect the Christian community with young people and to make a positive difference to their lives through its work in local secondary schools with young people from all backgrounds. Some church members work or volunteer with Youthscape – Luton.

Prayer for Luton – Throughout 2022 Ulrike Hunt led and coordinated regular prayer initiatives for the churches in the town.

Tree House – this is the University Chaplaincy and during 2022 St Marys has worked with the interim chaplain in a number of ways, notably with running an Alpha course jointly.

St Mary’s gives away 10% of undesignated church income to support mission, both within Luton and internationally. In 2022 we have supported two couples in their work one couple based with Interserve in Birmingham and the other in the Philippines. We have also sent funds to the TEAR Fund Pakistan appeal and supported the work in Luton of the Luton Community Chaplaincy and the Treehouse.

TRAINING

by Mike Jones

St Mary’s continues to be a place for equipping and sending. This year has been a year of training and celebration for clergy and staff.

Congratulations to Adam Whiting our Youth Minister who finished his degree in 2022 with a First!

Congratulations to Rev Andy Pike as he was priested this year and is in his second year of curacy as a SelfSupporting Minister.

We welcomed Rev Joseph Adewale as PTO. He is in training at the moment for officiating in the Church of England. He is transferring from Nigeria.

Martin Watson and Crispen Nyatsuro continue to be on placement with us. Crispen and Martin are both long-term members who have been selected for ordination and will take up curacies in July 2023 elsewhere.

I am thankful for all that Rev Chris Adams our retired minister does.

Sadly, Rev Catherine Moss has paused her ministry at St Mary’s because of ill health.

SAFEGUARDING

by Mike Jones

1 Introduction

Safeguarding is a strength at St Mary’s thanks to the strengths in this area that we have with Martin and Sara Watson long service in this area who have trained Adam Whiting and the rest of the team. We have a rigorous DBS check regime.

We have new guidance for who needs to receive safeguarding training and an increase in the number of short courses which need to be taken which explains the figures in Item 5 below. These figures are not a matter for concern because they are about

training that we need to implement in 2023. Currently the Diocese is focusing on clergy who have not yet done these courses. By the time of the APCM in 2023 all our active clergy will be up to date and we are asking those of us who serve to become more aware of keeping our children and vulnerable adults safe in church by doing these courses.

2 Formal Obligation . PCCs are formally obliged to report to the APCMs on whether or not the PCC ‘has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and clergy discipline measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).’ We have indeed done so.

3 Safeguarding Roles –

Details of Parish Safeguarding Officer: Martin & Sara Watson. Contact them at safeguarding@stmarysluton.org

-Opportunities, challenges and risks in safer recruitment and people management.

6 Concerns Raised.

A. Number of safeguarding concerns shared with Parish Safeguarding Officer.

6 concerns raised - 3 adults, 2 child, 1 parent and child

B. Referral made to Diocesan Safeguarding Team

One referral made.

7. Next Steps -What areas of safeguarding will the parish be focusing on?

Details of DBS Recruiter and Verifier. Martin Watson. This is moving to Ulrike Hunt.

4 Safeguarding Policy, Guidance and Information -Details of Parish Safeguarding Policies here.

We refer to 5 policies.

5 Safer Recruitment and People Management

Which areas of the Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance are the parish compliant with?

The SGO (Safeguarding Officer) believes that we are compliant.

Which areas of the Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance will the parish be focusing on going forwards?

The SGO believes that nothing needs acted on. From the administration side we are focused on increasing the church awareness of safeguarding by asking everyone to do the training.

PCC SECRETARY REPORT

by Angela Symonds

We began the year with the visit of Fr. Paul who introduced the welcome system used in the Qatar church where he served. Many of the points he raised were very relevant to us, and we have been able to implement some of them into the way our welcome team functions. We regularly have new people from different countries and backgrounds, and seeing ourselves as hosts and ambassadors to them was very helpful.

During the year, we welcomed Emily Shephard as the new Children and Family Worker. The contract began in September.

Adam (and Bethany and little Harley) decided after much prayerful thinking to continue with us a Youth Worker.

Healthy and Safety and Safeguarding issues were under constant consideration.

Safeguarding: See above.

Health and Safety: A new Fire Drill policy was passed in November.

We prayer walked the parish in April, and have since decided to try to have a week of prayer twice a year in April and September.

The PCC also supported people’s desire to plant a tree for the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ in the autumn to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. This became especially meaningful with Her Majesty’s death on September 8[th] .

We also agreed to the Bennett family’s request to plant a tree in the churchyard in memory of Gordon & Eileen.

The trees are to be planted trees over the winter 2022-23.

As normality returned, we have been learning to live with new strains of Covid 19.

Communion is now offered every week with both bread and wine. The view of the PCC was that people should be free to make up their own minds up whether to take the wine or not. Gluten free bread and non-alcoholic wine are also always available.

Intergenerational church in person during the summer was very successful with many people involved and lots of variety as we studied passages from the Bible together.

‘Celebrating 900; Building for 1000’

As we look ahead to the next hundred years of St Mary’s in Luton, we are beginning preparations to celebrate the 900[th] anniversary of the founding of our building in which was built by Robert, 1[st] Earl of Gloucester in 1121 and consecrated in 1137.

As we look forward to future ministry, and respond to the enormous changes in our world, we would like to renew and develop our churchyard, increase our heritage offer, make the church more available for others to use, and develop our welcome and hospitality .

To this end, when the Diocesan Advisory Committee visited to discuss the replacement of the present chairs with lighter weight stackable ones (most of the congregation had already sat on a whole range of chairs and voted for their comfort or otherwise), and advise on the problems with the hall heating, they also recommended that we need better toilet facilities, disabled access and a more accessible refreshment area.

Our hope is that the chairs will soon be bought and that the hall will soon be reliably warm.

We ended the year with a renewed determination that, during 2023, all members of St Mary’s would grow in their knowledge of Christ through a renewed focus on personal Bible reading, small group Bible study, and Sunday sermons explaining the scriptures.

‘The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us, full of Grace and Truth’

May this be true for us in 2023.

DEANERY SYNOD

by John Spurgeon

Deanery Synod met as usual in February, June, October and November 2022. Peter Adams, from St Mary’s, remained the Lay Vice-Chair throughout and Christchurch has provided the secretarial support, the vicar being assistant Area Dean.

The Diocesan Environmental Officer spoke to the February meeting at Bushmead and encouraged parishes to join with the national and diocesan Church of England targets of reaching net zero by 2030. The emphasis is on management of church buildings, church land and local community participation. Fr Richard Brown (Marsh Farm) advertised the series of Lent lunchtime talks on the parables of Jesus, which were led by persons from a variety of churchmanship. These also featured a remarkable variety of homemade soups!

We met in Holy Trinity, Biscot hall in June, the former parish now incorporated into the Parish of St Augustine’s. Lynda Logan had to report of the continuing significant stress within the East of England Ambulance Service and that she is finding it difficult to conclude her time serving on the Chaplaincy to the service. The main item this time, introduced by Peter Adams, Lay Vice Chair, was on thinking about mission in Luton. He reported that discussions had already taken place with the Bishop and Archdeacon of Bedford, but in a sense of cooperation rather than “last resort”. In group work during the meeting representatives identified 3 things that they would like to do but were not yet doing in their parishes. Offers ranged from prayer and welcome packs to graffiti removal and community café. Key to the plenary afterwards was the need for us to work together at a time of limited resources. Of concern was the situation with the Deanery’s only supported school, Wenlock School. Having unexpectedly failed its latest Ofsted Review the school will now become part of the Academy Trust of the Diocese so it will retain its C of E status, led by an entirely new Executive. Anne Crosby (St Anne with St Christopher) is still visiting the school as the local priest to ensure they can still enable the Christian journey in the school.

In October we were hosted by St Hugh’s parish and by its “new” vicar Martin Shea. Jessica Rowlands spoke on the Luton Community Chaplaincy, previously known as the Town Centre Chaplaincy, which provides lay chaplains in the town centre and further afield, including the Courts, the Mall, Vauxhall, Asda and St Mary’s. They play an important role in combatting loneliness, going into the workplace to meet people to meet people where they are. They offer a listening ear, build trust with people until a person has the confidence

to approach the chaplain to talk. With fewer chaplains there is a move towards ward-based chaplains based at local churches. The chaplaincy also supports Healing in the Streets at Market Hill. Other chaplaincies gave reports at the meeting including Keech Hospice (where there are several chaplains providing consultations and drop-in work), Luton Airport (where the hub continues to welcome Ukranians), and EE Ambulance Service (where morale was badly affected with the national Ambulance crisis). Peter brought a proposal that the Deanery Mission and Pastoral Committee be disbanded and the remit of the standing committee be expanded. Finally, Peter highlighted the opportunity in the forthcoming Coronation for celebration!

The final meeting of the year in November focused on a presentation by Rev Jairo Nyaongo, vicar of St Augustine’s, on the work of the Diocesan Racial Justice Action Group and his own role as advisor on these issues to the Bishop of St Albans. He had synod discuss a Listening Exercise which parishes are encouraged to carry out with members of different ethnicity, both to gather information and to inform their own practice. We finalised the proposal on the expanded role of the Standing Committee. Finally, we heard of the plans for the final transfer of Wenlock School to become part of the Diocesan Multi Academy Trust following challenging OFSTED inspections. The plan is for completion of the transfer in February. Parishes will no longer be asked for a contribution to capital costs of the school, but it is hoped its governing body will maintain a local membership.

OPERATIONS

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR REVIEW by Ulrike Hunt

2022 was a very challenging year with our staff team stretched incredibly thin at times as many of us wrestled with illness (incl covid) and wellbeing. 3 members of paid staff left us in 2022, without an immediate replacement being possible. The grace of God, the generous help of various volunteers especially with cleaning, and the ways different people cheered us on throughout the year made a huge difference.

2022 was also a year of finding our rhythm and getting used to some new patterns and ways of working post-covid. It has been good to “tidy up” and to examine our process to ensure we are working as efficiently and smartly as we can.

On top of the usual day to day (managing rotas, communication with teams and congregation, planning services and church events, setting up - 11 -

services and hiring out the building), we hosted a couple of big events at St Mary’s. One was, sadly, the funeral of Simon Diffey, attended by over 500 people. The other was the Lord Lieutenant’s service, again attended by over 400 people.

We go into 2023, expectant of new team members that the Lord will bring to us, trusting the Lord will continue to work through St Mary’s for his glory.

WARDENS’ REPORT

by Sue Carter

During 2022 we saw more people gradually returning to worship in person at both the 9am and 10.30am services. The 9am service continued to be live streamed via YouTube with a few people watching live each Sunday, and also available for others to watch on catch-up later. During the year as more people have returned to church, we have noticed the demographics changing gradually, with more people from Africa, in particular Nigeria, and from South Asia. More families with young children started attending the 10.30am service, so a creche was set up in the Meetings Room with a link to the service on a TV in the room. (Thanks to Lee & Trish Pinner for setting this up.)

The ‘Welcome Wednesday’ opening of the church has continued throughout the year which is staffed by at least 3 volunteers including the Luton Town Chaplains. There is a short reflective service each Wednesday at 11am. The time of opening was changed to 10.30-13.30 as the team noticed many students were dropping in during their lunch break to look around and some stayed for private prayer. It is now registered as a Warm Place on Wednesday mornings with the council, as a place where people are welcomed to keep warm during the winter.

The wardens have submitted 2 applications to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) to replace the church chairs with lightweight stacking chairs and to replace the Church Hall heating. Neither of these projects have been completed by the end of the year, but we are hopeful that permission to proceed with these changes will be given early in 2023.

A group from the DAC were welcomed to the church in August. We were able to present missional ideas and opportunities, as the development of Luton Town Football Club’s new stadium is planned on the Power Court site, along with many new dwellings and retail units. The DAC looked at what needs to happen in the short, mid and long term, to meet the needs of the enlarging parish. One suggestion is that we need to have toilets in the church as well as an area for refreshments. Currently anyone needing the toilet facilities has a very long walk to

the church hall and there is no flat access from within the church. It was noted that the staff team does not have the capacity to manage this project at present.

This year we have been able to raise funds to replace the rotten flagpole on the church tower and provide an AED (Defibrillator) which is sited outside the Meetings Room.

In September Queen Elizabeth II died and we were able to keep the church open for the period of mourning up until her funeral so that people could come and write in the Book of Remembrance. We held a Civic Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Queen. Bishop Alan and Bishop Richard, Rachel Hopkins Luton South MP, Luton Borough Council Mayor, and members of different faith groups and voluntary organisations, all attended this service.

The Staff Team has had changes during the year. We said Goodbye to Eleanor Hearing in February as she started a new job with DNA and Lesley Shrosbree in September as she went to work for the diocese. In September we appointed Emily Shepherd as the new Children & Family worker. Sadly, at the end of her probationary period Emily decided that she did not wish to continue in the role and left in January. Adam Whiting completed his degree in the summer and the expected move to Hartlepool didn’t happen as he and Beth became parents of Harley. Because Harley has complex health issues Adam & Bethany decided to continue living and working in Luton. Andy Pike was priested in July and continued in his role as part time Curate. In the autumn he was appointed part-time Hospital Chaplain at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital & Bedford Hospital, so he is now at St Mary’s on only 2 Sundays a month.

Crispin Nyatsuro and Martin Watson continue with

ordination training in their final year.

We continue to be grateful to the staff team for their work through this last busy year. To Mike Jones, our Vicar; to Andy Pike, our curate; to Chris Adams; to Adam Whiting, our Youth Minister; to Ulrike Hunt our Senior Church Administrator; to Marsha Dorgan-Bratt, our cleaner. Our thanks also goes to everyone who volunteers in order to help with the smooth running of the church.

FABRICS AND ORNAMENTS by Anthony Moss

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

In May, our new flagpole was installed. The previous one was in a very bad state of repair and couldn't be used. Many thanks again to the two generous donors who gave the funds so that we could pay for it. It was in regular use thereafter for the late Queen's

mourning period and for the Lord Lieutenant's service to give two examples. The Coronation will see a flag flying from it, I'm sure!

The top tower steps have finally been repaired by Lodge & Sons. This was an outstanding item from the Quinquennial Inspection (2018). The Friends of Luton Parish Church (FLPC) have footed the bill as promised. Again, thanks to them. Flag raisers, photographers, visiting dignitaries, Churchwardens and all others with the puff can now ascend the tower in safety.

There wasn't a rat in the kitchen as far as I know, but there was one under the church who gnawed through a cable which caused an electricity problem leading to the controller of the lighting system to fry and need replacing. We took the decision to upgrade the controller, rather than just replace like for like. We now are able to control the lighting in a way that we never have been able to before. There are 24 circuits, covering all different parts of the church, all of which can be turned off individually, or raised to 100% brightness and anything in between. We are able to create pre-sets for regular occurrences, or tailordesign a new one for a special hirer or occasion. Thanks to that rat for their contribution in providing us with a new system with great potential!

You'll all know how dark and gloomy the chancel has been for a very long time, even before the new system was installed. The bulbs in all the chancel lights have been replaced and are functioning well, thanks to some excellent young electricians with a "can do" attitude. As you will have seen, the chancel now looks beautiful again, and is now perfect for our hirers, particularly those who put on concerts. It really enhances the church and makes the place even more special for worship.

The wifi throughout the hall and extensions has been considerably improved by the addition of a Wi-Fi extender, linked to the router. This has made things easier for those of us who use the place and made it more attractive to prospective hirers, for whom a "Guest" login has been added.

I'm really pleased to say that Alan Holmes has joined the team as an ad-hoc site agent. He is making a great contribution and has completed a large number of jobs which seriously needed doing. Too many to list! His practical skills and experience in this line of work have been utterly invaluable. Welcome Alan! Plenty more jobs on the way....

A LOW LIGHT

Before the Winter, we had hoped to install a new boiler instead of the ancient inefficient one and replace the noisy, useless blowers in the hall with new quiet ones which actually give out a lot of heat,

plus adding some new heaters where there currently aren't any in the Underground and offices. I'm disappointed to report that this plan did hit some obstacles and obviously didn't go ahead. Though this report is about 2022, you'll be pleased to hear that recently those obstacles are being overcome with the support of the Diocese and some tenacity from Sue, my fellow Warden. I'm confident this project will appear in next year's APCM report as the major highlight.

FINANCIAL REPORT

by Anne Adams

The Finance Team is a small group which has met regularly during 2022, reports to PCC and has the delegated role of managing the finances of St Marys.

The trend for the church finances has been a deficit at the end of each year – i.e. we have spent slightly more than we have received. 2022 was no different – but we are pleased to report that the deficit was smaller than in the previous 4 years. When the budget was set the deficit was expected to be about £45,000, but by the end of 2022 it was approximately £10,000 (full details are in the accounts which are part of this report). This is tremendously encouraging. We continue to work to be faithful and obedient to God in our finances, trusting in His provision.

The reasons that our deficit was smaller are:

Quite a lot of work has been happening in the background in which members of the Finance Team play their part:

I am pleased that this is a positive report, but the encouragement is to continue to seek ways so that St Marys church can function in a sustainable way into the years ahead. This will need our prayer, our generosity, our creativity, hard work and faith. There will be new ways to fund raise and innovate in how we use our facilities. Let’s do that together.

Finally, a big thank you to all who work on our financial matters whether directly or indirectly – it is much appreciated. Special thanks to Andrew Rodell our Hon Treasurer and to our auditors (Miller and Co).

HIRINGS REPORT

by Ulrike Hunt

Hirings of our church hall, and also of our main church building, provides us with some income each year.

In 2022 we hosted the University of Bedfordshire graduations three times. We also very much enjoyed hosting the Luton Music Club, who put on concerts on Mondays (here and at St Augustine’s). NGYT has continued to be a regular hirer of our church hall. And it been good to receive a new regular hirer (Salsa classes anyone?) on a Tuesday evening.

The hirings committee (Andrew Beale, Anne Adams, Ulrike Hunt) met twice over the year to review our hiring tariffs and to think through how we can better manage and market hirings into the future.

ELECTORAL ROLL FIGURES

by Ulrike Hunt

In 2022 we had 187 people on the electoral roll, of which 168 live outside the parish. This is an addition of 31 people from 2021.

Year In Parish Out
of
Parish		 Total
on
Roll
2018 5 170 175
2019 8 155 163
2020 11 142 153
2021 11 145 156
2022 19 168 187

WHO WAS WHO AT ST MARY’S:

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS IN 2022

by Ulrike Hunt & Mike Jones

CLERGY, WARDENS AND STAFF

Incumbent: Mike Jones

Clergy: Chris Adams, Andy Pike, Joseph Adewale. Catherine Moss has not been in a position to minister due to ill health.

Churchwardens: Anthony Moss and Sue Carter

Staff Team: Ulrike Hunt (Senior Administrator), Lesley Shrosbree (Admin assistant), Eleanor Hearing (hospitality), Marsha Dorgan-Bratt (cleaner), Adam Whiting (youth minister), Emily Shephard (children and family worker), Anne Adams (staff support), Sue Carter and Anthony Moss (church wardens)

Eleanor Hearing left in February 2022 to step into a fuller role with DNA.

Lesley Shrosbree left for a new role in September 2022 – she leaves a huge gap in the office.

Emily Shephard tendered her resignation in December 2022.

Alan Holmes joined the team as an ad-hoc site manager. We are thankful for all the repairs he is doing around the site.

PCC & SYNODS

On the PCC following the 2021 APCM were

Retiring in 2023 : Gordon Shrosbree, Dawn Mortimer, Richard Bratt (Resigned 2022), Angela Symonds (PCC secretary)

Retiring in 2024 : Yasmin Milligan, Thomas Connelly (resigned 2023), Ruth Boctor (Resigned 2022),

Retiring in 2025: Andrew Rodell, Anne Adams, Alfred Vellah, Sulaman Sunny.

General Synod representative : Peter Adams

Deanery Synod (retiring 2023): John Spurgeon, Cathy Nobles, Clive Barratt.

A-Z OF VOLUNTEERS

PCC SUB COMMITTEES:

Buildings Committee: Anthony Moss. Chair Sub Group: Andrew Beale (chair), Mike Jones, Ruth Jones, Ulrike Hunt.

Finance Committee: Anne Adams (Chair), Andrew Rodell (Treasurer), Andrew Beale (Hirings), Sue Carter, Anthony Moss, John Milligan (insurance), Mike Jones.

HR Group: Anne Adams, Sue Carter, Ulrike Hunt, Carol Stevens (stepped down during 2022).

Standing Committee: Vicar, Wardens, Treasurer, Lay Vice Chair.

Way Ahead: This team, made up of clergy, wardens, former wardens and a few others, prays about the future of church and discusses strategic issues. It is a subcommittee of PCC. Members include Anne Adams, Peter Adams, Sue Carter, Penny Fisher, Ruth Jones, Anthony Moss, Catherine Moss, Andy Pike, Gordon Shrosbree, Sarah Watson.

OTHER VOLUNTEERS

All Age Team: Andy Fisher, Jason Hunt; Occasional All Ages Mike Jones & Andy Pike; Inter-generational Church Mike Jones, Ruth Jones, Andy Pike Carly Pike, Ulrike Hunt, Adam Whiting, Richard Cowling, Gordon Shrosbree.

Evangelism Team: Mike Jones, Sue Carter, Michael Carter, Andy Fisher, Penny Fisher.

Flowers: the flower arrangements we see around church were put together by Jennifer Randall. Other decorations by Ruth Jones and others.

Home Communion: John Mascoll, Andy Pike, Joseph Adewale.

Litter Picking: We are thankful for Yasmin Milligan and John Mascoll who regularly pick litter in our church yard.

Men’s Ministry: Clive Barrett

Men’s Walking Weekend: Andy Fisher, Jason Hunt, Richard Cowling

Missionary Liaison: Michael Carter

Organists: Andrew Rodell and John Spurgeon. We look forward to having Phoebe Yu play for us in 2023. Roy Meek plays for weddings and funerals

Peace Centre: Mike Jones, Peter Adams, Cathy Nobles

Pianists: Malcolm Kirby

Sacristans: Sacristans work behind the scenes to prepare communion each week. Our sacristans in 2022 were Lorna Davitt and John Mascoll.

S.A.S: the wonderful people who sort out our screens, audio and streaming each week in 2022 were: Adam Whiting, Alan Holmes, Angela Andrews, Andy Pike, Chukwuma Jideopor, Graham Eaton, Jason Hunt, Joseph Adewale, Martin Watson, Mike Jones, Paul Connelly.

Schools Ministry: Andy Fisher, Ruth Boctor, Yasmin Milligan, John Milligan, Emily Shephard and Margaret Birthwhistle

Service Facilitators: enable the smooth running of a service by unlocking the building, ensuring security, supporting the welcomers and locking the building up again. They also ensure legal aspects of the service, such as counting people at each service, is done. Service Facilitators were: Anne Adams, Anthony Moss, Alfred Vellah, Clair Griffin, Rachel and Robbie Gill Sue Carter, Sulaman Sunny, Ulrike Hunt

Refreshments: we were able to phase refreshments in again over 2022. On the refreshments team in 2022 were for 9 am: Pamella Aurelien, Jennifer Randall and Clive Barratt. For 10:30 am: Yasmin and John Milligan, Rodica Shirley, Alyssa Blanch, Paul and Michelle Parson and Fiona Duggan (with the youth!)

Service Leaders and Preachers: the clergy have enjoyed the support of Angela Symonds, Anne Adams, Cathy Nobles and Peter Adams, Michael Carter, John Mascoll, Ulrike Hunt and Joseph Adewale over 2022 in leading services or speaking. We also enjoyed various visiting speakers including the Clemisons, Matt Vaughan, Ian Rowlands, Antoinette Mutabazi, Paul Davies and Ruth Robb. A special thanks to Chris Adams who covers so many services.

Adams, Anthony Moss, Sue Carter who did this in 2022.

Welcomers: This team welcomes people on a Sunday morning. They create a warm welcome for newcomers and visitors, guiding them to their seats, letting them know where the toilets are and helping them know what is on for the children. They also do an amazing job at introducing newcomers to more established members of the congregation in order to create connection and belonging. Welcomers were: Albert Timson, Angela Symonds, Cathy Nobles, Chantal O'Donnell, Lesley Grierson-Hill, Margaret Birtwhistle, Paul Parson, Rachel Gill, Richard Bratt

Welcoming Wednesday: the chaplains from the Luton Community Chaplaincy and volunteers from St Mary's who ran this weekly in 2022 were: Anne Adams, Cathy Nobles, John Spurgeon, Margaret Birtwhistle, Marsha Dorgan-Bratt, Ruth Boctor and Yasmin Milligan.

Worship Band: The worship was led by Richard Cowling. Other worship leaders included Ant Noble, Ruth Jones, Alex Du Rand and Jean Du Rand. Musicians and singers included Andrew Beale, Jideofor Chukwuma, Charlotte Cowling, Emily Cowling, Sarah Cowling Rodica Oancea, Andrew Rodell, Rosemary Rodell, Storm Cobain.

Young Church Team leaders and helpers: Young Church was led by Dawn Mortimer, Eleanor Savage and Ruth Boctor with help from: Anna Noble, Fiona Duggan, Lisa Tull, Simon Shirley, Bhavani Duvuri, Titilayo Adewale and on occasions Mike Jones, Ruth Jones. We look forward to the help of Carol Stevens, Wandy Vellah, Sisi Wang, Lizzie Douglas, and Ranjita Shaw in 2023.

Youth Leaders The youth team, headed up by Adam Whiting, was Fiona Duggan, Titilayo Adewale, Manohar Reddy, Tychique Chiamala, Ulrike Hunt. We also had the support of Feast youth worker Kristina Druce to help run Impact on a Thursday evening. We look forward to Andy Fisher returning to support the youth ministry in 2023.

Trust Administration: Agnes Poulton: Joan Turner. Rebecca Orrin managed the St Mary’s Charitable Trusts.

Various volunteers: we are very thankful for various people in our congregation who help with odd jobs that needed doing. We are especially thankful for Shafayatul Islam, who did a lot of cleaning for us in 2022 to cover sick leave.

Vergers: This team opens up for weddings and funerals and other events. We are thankful especially to John Mascoll, Alan Holmes, Anne

CONTACT DETAILS St Mary's Parish Church,

Church Street, Luton, Bedfordshire. LU1 3JF. Registered Charity No. 1132078

Tel: 07928 821995 www.stmarysluton.org Email: admin@stmarysluton.org Twitter: @stmarysluton;

Facebook: facebook.com/stmarysluton

Youtube: www.youtube.com/StMarysLuton

Bank: Barclays Bank plc Independent Auditor: Miller & Co

Investment Advisers: Brewin Dolphin Bell Lawrie Ltd

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

PCC Constitution: The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity, previously excepted but now registered with the Charity Commission.

PCC meets 6 times during the year; The Church Oversight Group (COG) meets monthly, chaired by the incumbent and acts as a reference group, also reporting to PCC. The Churchwardens meet regularly with the vicar and they are supported by a team of appointed Assistant Wardens.

Church Wardens: These are key members of the church with important responsibilities. There are two wardens who are elected every year by what is called the Vestry Meeting. This happens at the start of the annual meeting. They are on the church council (PCC).

PCC Members: Members of the PCC are either exofficio (Clergy, Churchwardens and General Synod, Diocesan Synod and Deanery Synod Representatives); elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or co-opted in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Most PCC members are appointed at the APCM. The number on PCC is determined by Church of England rules as follows:6 representatives where the electoral roll (ER) is less than or equal (≤) to 50;9 representatives when ER ≤ 100; and a further 3 representatives for every 100 (or part thereof) up to a maximum of 15. Our ER is between 101-199 so we have up to 12 places for laity on the PCC to be nominated at the APCM. Church Representation rules require about 1/3 of members retire each year so we elect people so that no more than 4 are scheduled to retire on any given year.

As mentioned above, also on PCC are members of Deanery, Diocesan and General Synod. We have up to three lay representatives on Deanery Synod (the number for church sized 100-199). They are elected every three years. We also have one member of General Synod (a national body of the C of E)

Our PCC membership is therefore: 12 nominated by APCM; 2 wardens; 3 deanery synod representatives; 1 General Synod representative plus the clergy. Membership lists and vacancies are shown later.

Subcommittees and working parties: By law, the PCC has a sub-committee to help the day to day running of St Mary’s, which is the Standing Committee, which rarely meets. It has the power to transact the business of PCC between its

meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. It is comprised of the Vicar, Lay Vice Chair, Wardens and Treasurer. We also have 3 subcommittees: Buildings, Finance and Missions.

Risk Management – is done by PCC, Incumbent, Building Committee, Wardens, Staff and other members.

Accounting Policy: The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies on an accruals basis except for investments which are at market value and comply with statutory requirements and the PCC’s governing document, the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the Charities Act 2011, Accounting and Reporting by Charities - the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 (as updated through Update Bulletin 1 published on 2 Feb 2016) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

FAQ: UNDERSTANDING THE C OF E

One question we get asked is how does the local church fit into the national Anglican Church?

Firstly, we are not funded from the national church. As a church we have to fund ourselves.

We are structurally a part of the Church of England which is organised into two halves called provinces; each led by an archbishop. We are in the Southern Province led by Archbishop of Canterbury;

Each province is built from dioceses. We are part of the Diocese of St Albans. Each diocese has deaneries: we are part of the deanery of Luton. The clergy from each deanery meet together monthly for a packed lunch (no expense spared!). Luton’s deanery works well together and has “deanery values”. Each deanery is divided into parishes.

The parish vicar and the bishop, are responsible for the 'cure of souls' in their parish. That includes everyone. And this explains why parish priests are so involved with the key issues and problems affecting the whole community.

A classic Anglican expression is that the Church of England is “episcopally led (there are 108 bishops) and synodically governed.” St Mary’s members are on Deanery Synod (matters around Luton), Diocesan Synod (matters around St Alban’s Diocese) and General Synod (national matters).

MIKE JONES (CHAIRMAN) MARCH 2022 ON BEHALF OF ST MARY’S PCC

ST MARY'S Accounts for the year ended 31" December 2022

Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

that the value of investments can go both up and down.

Treasurer’s Report

The overall net deficit for the year before gains or losses on investments was £9,494 ( 2021: £23,543 ). This was better than expected mainly due to our ability to hire out our buildings more than forecast and taking into account the increase in utility costs during the year. Below are some highlights as to the other factors affecting the result.

Public Benefit

When planning our activities for the year, the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community.

Fundraising

Income and Expenditure

Some of our church family raised significant amounts during 2022 by doing sponsored activities and the money raised went to church funds. This was amazing and we are very grateful. Is this something you could do during 2023?

Can you help us by fundraising in 2023?

Income rose overall by 24% during 2022 over that in 2021 and this was largely the result of increased hiring income of the church buildings and rent income commencing for Inkerman Street. Expenditure rose but by only 15% over that in 2021 and this was mainly in church and building maintenance cost and utilities. All other costs were very well controlled and mainly below budget even though activities increased in 2022 compared to 2021. Thanks go to those controlling these costs.

Outlook 2023

The outlook for 2023 financially is a deficit again because of our hiring out the church buildings is forecast to be lower and the generally lower level of congregational giving. The PCC accepted a budget that gave a deficit of £33,300 for the year. Can you help us fill this gap? We are able to save some costs due to the lower level of activity during the lockdown period but this won’t return us to positive territory. This underlying level of activity cannot continue for long without the increased support of the worshipping community of St Mary’s. Therefore, the challenge, as before, is to tithe and pledge our income to the Church and Give in Grace for the exciting new developments in the life of St Mary’s church.

Investments

Our projected deficit in 2023 is £33,300. Can you help us fill this gap?

The PCC holds fixed asset investments that are the results of legacies from previous generations of worshippers of St Mary’s. As the PCC derive an income from their investments this will hopefully be higher in 2023 as a result of these investments. The market value of our investments was affected by the events in Ukraine and global energy prices but these have recovered during the early months of 2023.

Reserves Policy

The PCC has a policy on the amount of investments that it holds as a reserve. This states that they will retain reserves at a maximum level of six months expenditure and a minimum level of three months expenditure. This is regarded as responsible stewardship because of the liabilities accepted by the PCC. As at the end of 2022 the value of investments held increased in value and was slightly above the level required in this policy. This was regarded as acceptable as the PCC recognize

I should like to thank all those who have helped in the administration of the finances during the year without whom my tasks would be all the greater.

Andrew Rodell Honorary Treasurer 23 March 2023

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Statement of Responsibilities

The PCC trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the PCC trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the PCC for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the PCC trustees are required to:

The PCC trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the PCC and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the PCC and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Report of the Auditors to the Trustees of Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (the ‘PCC) for the year ended 31 December 2022, which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the PCC in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the PCC’s ability to continue

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information; we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 2, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to these risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK) we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the PCC operates in, focussing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements such as the Charities Act 2011.

In addition, we considered the provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect of the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the PCC’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

Audit response to risk identified

Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Audit/Audit-and-assurance/Standards-and-guidance/Standards-andguidance-for-auditors/Auditors-responsibilities-for-audit/Description-of-auditors-responsibilities-foraudit.aspx. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the PCC’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the PCC’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the PCC and the PCC’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Miller & Co Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 5 Imperial Court, Laporte Way Luton, Bedfordshire 15 April 2023

Miller & Co is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Accounting Policies

General information and basis of preparation

The address of the registered office is given in the administrative details section of the annual report. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and comply with the PCC’s governing document and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern and accruals basis under the historical cost convention modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements include all transaction, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible. They do not include accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years unless otherwise stated.

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the PCC trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the PCC and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the PCC for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund.

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the PCC’s discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used in accordance with the objects of the charity either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.

Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the PCC is legally entitled to the income, the amount can be reasonably measured and it is probable that the income will be received.

Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income 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.

Other ordinary income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Investments

Dividends, interest and tax recoverable on such income are accounted for when receivable.

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised using the performance model and are recognised in other income when the grants proceeds are received or receivable.

Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, when awarded or in accordance with the PCC's mission giving policy.

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable.

Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred over the term of the lease.

Resources expended

Resources expended are allocated to expenditure categories on a time spent, usage or direct allocation basis.

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

Property Improvements

Property improvements on properties held in trust by St. Albans Diocesan Board of Finance are included at original cost. Depreciation is charged at 2% on cost less estimated residual value. As the estimated residual value is not materially different to cost, no provision is made for depreciation of property improvements. The premises at Inkerman St. held in the trust accounts are included at valuation by independent valuers at the time of lease renewal in 1994.

Financial instruments

The PCC only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments.

Investments

Investments are initially recognised at the amount payable that normally includes transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in net gains / (losses) on investments in the SOFA. The PCC has a policy that they will retain investments as reserves at a maximum level of six months expenditure and a minimum level of three months expenditure.

Other Financial Assets

Basic financial assets are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible. Short-term deposits and investments include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell.

Financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade and other payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, as the PCC believe that no material uncertainties exist. The PCC have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from the date of authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of resources to enable the PCC to continue as a going concern.

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Notes to the Trust Accounts

The Parochial Church Council as Managing Trustee and Beneficiary

The Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.) is the beneficiary and/or is responsible for the administration of a number of charitable trusts. Brief details as supplied by the St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance in 1992 are set out below.

1. Ainsworth Bequest

The income from the capital sum is to be paid to the P.C.C. for upkeep of the church and churchyard as long as the grave of S.E. & A. Ainsworth is maintained. The grave must be maintained from the general funds of the P.C.C.

2. Cumberland Grave Bequest Churchwardens’ Charity

The income is to be used for the general purposes of the Parish of Luton provided the family graves are maintained.

3. Cumberland Dinner Bequest Churchwardens’ Charity

In 1993 the Diocesan Advisor advised that the income from the trust could be used to purchase food for previous members of the congregation who are no longer able to come to Church because of age.

4. The Grice Bequest

The Diocesan Board of Finance is the Custodian Trustee of this trust fund. The P.C.C. is the Managing Trustee and is responsible for using the income arising from the sum invested by the Board for the general purposes of the Church.

5. Luton St. Mary 1990 Youth Trust

“The object of the Charity shall be the furthering of the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England in the ecclesiastical Parish of Luton St. Mary” and “without prejudice to the generality…….shall include the advancement of youth work in connection with the Church of England within the Parish of Luton St. Mary or in association with that Parish.” The Diocesan Board of Finance is the Custodian Trustee and the P.C.C. is the Managing Trustee.

6. The Sylvia Ruby Porter Music Trust

This trust was created in 1994 by a gift from S.H. Porter. The objects of the trust are the furtherance of the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England principally by the support and provision of music in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Luton St. Mary or in connection with that Church. Only the income may be used. The Diocesan Board of Finance is the Custodian Trustee and the P.C.C. is the Managing Trustee.

7. Inkerman Street

The Diocesan Board of Finance is the Custodian Trustee and the P.C.C. is the Managing Trustee of an endowment of an ecclesiastical charity. A Scheme made by the Charity Commissioners dated 22[nd] February 1990 provides for the clear yearly income from the lease of premises to be used for the religious and other charitable purposes of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Luton.

The P.C.C. as Beneficiary

8. The Gates Trust

This relates to the John Gates Charity and the Gates and Clemans Charity. The Diocesan Board of Finance is the Trustee and is to pay over the clear yearly income of the charity for application towards furthering the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England. The P.C.C. of Luton St. Mary benefits to the extent of 1/12[th] .

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Luton St Mary’s Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Trusts moved to the Parochial Church Council on merging with St Matthews

Following the merger of St Matthews’s parish into St Mary’s parish in 2021, the following trusts became the responsibility of the P.C.C. as managing trustee and beneficiary.

9. The Holyoak Fund

The income from the capital sum is to be used for the general purposes of the parish.

10. The Hempshall Fund

The income from the capital sum is to be used for the general purposes of the parish.

Six Year Financial Record (excluding Heating Fund)

Total Funds
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Other trading activities
Investments
Charitable activities
Total Income and Endowments
Expenditure
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total Expenditure
Gain/(loss) on investments
Net Income/(expenditure)
Market Value of Investments Held		 2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
(restated)
230,100
212,593
173,744
167,575
146,625
172998
37,881
32,499
35,990
12,197
14,154
54931
60,067
51,358
39,534
32,095
47,555
32207
6,356
5,695
3,738
2,808
3,764
3594
334,404
302,145
253,006
214,675
212,098
263,730
7,769
4,186
4,110
3,729
1,964
4007
316,692
279,563
251,885
241,964
233,677
269217
324,461
283,749
255,995
245,693
235,641
273,224
9,424
(14,055)
17,765
1,627
20,736
(32,739)
19,367
4,341
14,776
(29,391)
(2,807)
(42,233)
178,964
163,645
180,210
180,637
250,051
215,923

----- Start of picture text -----
Six Year Income Trend
(excluding Heating Fund)
250,000
200,000
Donations and legacies
150,000 Other trading activities
Charitable activities
Investments
100,000 Income Trendline
50,000
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
----- End of picture text -----

- 9 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Other trading activities
Investments
Charitable activities
TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising Funds
Charitable activities
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net Income/(expenditure)
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net Income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Note Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds

£
£
£
£		 2022
2021
£
£
TOTAL FUNDS
1(a)
1(b)
1(c)
1(d)
2(a)
2(b)
4		 164,333

7,207
1,458
-
172,998
146,625
49,143
5,788

-
-
54,931
14,154
8,186

15,050

6,445
2,526
32,207
47,555
3,594

-

-
-
3,594
3,764
225,256
28,045
7,903
2,526
263,730
212,098
3,790
217
-
-

4,007

1,964

228,950
40,178
89
-

269,217
233,677
232,740
40,395
89
-

273,224
235,641
(7,484)
(12,350)
7,814
2,526
(9,494)
(23,543)
(32,739)
-
-
-
(32,739)
20,736
(40,223)
(12,350)
7,814
2,526
(42,233)
(2,807)
5,546
1,980
(5,000)
(2,526)
-
-
(34,677)
(10,370)
2,814
-
(42,233)
(2,807)
233,814
216,190
50,127
-

500,131
502,938
199,137
205,820
52,941
-
457,898
500,131

- 10 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock
Debtors
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING
DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds
- General Fund
- Designated Funds
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL FUNDS		 Note 2022
£		 2021
£
5
10(a)
6
7
8
11
9
14
15
16		 36,984
215,923
252,907
-
22,423
133,137
124,694
280,254
64,013
216,241
469,148
11,250
457,898
199,137
205,820
404,957
52,941
-
457,898		 36,984
250,051
287,035
-
22,189
133,128
104,071
259,388
46,292
213,096
500,131
-
500,131
233,814
216,190
450,004
50,127
-
500,131

The financial statements were approved by Parochial church Council on 23rd March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

A G Rodell (Hon Treasurer)

The Revd M C Jones (Chairman)

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Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS

1
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
1(a) Donations and legacies
Incoming resources from donors
Planned Giving:
Gift Aid
Income tax recoverable
Other Planned Giving
Collections at all services
Sundry Donations
Other voluntary income
Grants toward work of church and major repairs
HMRC Job Retention Scheme Grant
Donations, appeals, etc.
Legacies
Total Donations and legacies		 Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Endowment
Funds
£		 TOTAL FUNDS
2022
2021
£
£
92,583
17,350
4,013
7,228
2,112
123,286
33,889
-
2,158
5,000
41,047
164,333		 3,513
694

-
-
-
4,207
-

-
3,000
-

3,000
7,207		 -
-

-
-
-
-
1,458
-
-
-

1,458
1,458		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 96,096
90,889

18,044
18,348
4,013
7,427
7,228
2,800

2,112
1,625
127,493
121,089
35,347
13,303
-
2,551
5,158

9,682

5,000
-
45,505
25,536
172,998
146,625

The income from donations and legacies in 2021 was £146,625 of which £3,000 was attributable to restricted, £2,689 was attributable to designated and £140,936 was attributable to unrestricted funds.

1(b)Other trading activities
Charitable and ancillary trading
Fundraising Income
Church hall lettings
Contributions for use of the Church
Third World Stall
Other activities
Insurance claims
Photocopying receipts
Total other trading activities
1(c)Investments
Dividends and interest
Rent
Total Investments
The income from other trading activities in 2021 of £14,154		 2,116
9,466
37,515
-
49,097
-
46
46
49,143
8,186
-
8,186
of which all was a		 -
-

2,100
-

2,100
3,688

-

3,688
5,788
758

14,292
15,050
ttibutable to unres		 -

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

6,445
-
6,445
tricted funds.		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
2,526

-
2,526		 2,116
2,173

9,466
11,443
39,615

75
-

338
51,197

14,029
3,688

-
46

125
3,734
125
54,931

14,154
17,915
15,153
14,292
32,402
32,207
47,555

The income from investments in 2021 was £47,555 of which £2,427 was attributable to endowments, £6,233 was attributable to restricted, £21,931 was attributable to designated and £16,964 was attributable to unrestricted funds.

1(d) Charitable activities

Fees-weddings, funerals, recitals 3,594 - - - 3,594 3,764

The income from charitable activities in 2021 of £3,764 was all attributable to unrestricted funds.

- 12 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

2 EXPENDITURE

2
EXPENDITURE
Basis of
Allocation
2(a) Raising funds
Publicity
Direct
Third World Stall
Direct
Wedding and funeral fees paid
Direct
Senior Administrator salary
Time spent
2(b)Charitable activities
Grants
Missionary and charitable giving:
Relief and development agencies
Direct
Home missions and other Church Societies
Direct
Secular charities
Direct
Activities relating to the work of the Church
Ministry:
Parish Share
Direct
Clergy expenses
Direct
Clergy house repairs/running
Direct
Senior administrator salary a
Direct
Youth worker salaries
Direct
Chidren & Family worker sala
Direct
Training
Direct
Youth
Direct
Children's Church, Creche, Chimps
Direct
Upkeep of services
Direct
Worship Groups
Direct
Inkerman Street Costs
Direct
Church - running expenses
Direct
Church maintenance - routine
Direct
Church maintenance - major
Direct
Audio/amplification
Direct
Church hall running costs
Direct
Site agent salary
Direct
Outreach
Direct
Pastoral
Direct
Network Groups
Direct
Sundry expenses
Direct
Office expenses
Usage
Events Co-ordination salaries
Direct
Cemetery Administration salary
Direct
Governance costs
Office expenses
Usage
PCC admin. costs
Direct
Hospitality
Direct
Senior Administrator salary
Time spent
Subscriptions
Direct
Bank charges
Direct
Total Charitable activities
The expenditure on raising funds in 2021 of £1,964 was all a		 Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Endowment
Funds
£		 TOTAL FUNDS
2022
2021
£
£
160
-
2,745

885
3,790
8,500
975
-

9,475
74,391
1,398
-
16,407
17,053
-
804
2,317
458
821
940
-
22,559

12,162
19,521
675
15,497
7,696
139
350
137
1,727
5,774
4,231
8,742
213,799
1,989
1,192
809
665
170
851
5,676
228,950
ttributable to unre		 217
-
-

-
217
-
3,000
-

3,000
-
-
7,231

-
-
4,015

-

-
-

-

-
18,000

2,250

5,682
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-

-
-

-
37,178
-

-
-

-

-

-
-
40,178
stricted funds.		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
89
-

-
-
-
-
89
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
89
 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 377
242
-

99

2,745
805
885
818
4,007

1,964
8,500
7,120
3,975

5,440

-
163
12,475

12,723
74,391
74,148
1,398

1,338

7,231
5,546
16,407
15,654
17,053

15,579

4,015
-
804
2,148
2,317

1,578
458
242
821
362

940

780
18,000
3,300
24,809
32,294
17,844
12,935
19,521

-

675

3,230
15,497
9,654
7,696

6,956

139

218
439
351
137

141

1,727
3,179
5,774

7,103
4,231
11,149
8,742
8,417
251,066
216,302
1,989
1,989
1,192

1,205

809

90
665
614
170
140

851
614
5,676
4,652
269,217
233,677

The expenditure on charitable activities in 2021 was £233,677 of which £3,000 was attributable to restricted, £28,452 was attributable to designated and £202,225 was attributable to unrestricted funds.

- 13 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Pensions costs		 2022
2021
£
£
59,034
58,764
1,050
874
60,084
59,638

3(a)STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees in the year was 7 made up of 6 administrative and 1 youth workers none of whom earned £60,000 p.a. or more. The Cemetery Administrator is sub-contracted to The Luton Church Burial Ground Trust for which the P.C.C. received £11,589 during 2022 (2021: £11,177).

3(b)PAYMENTS TO MEMBERS OF P.C.C.

Anne Adams stood down as Churchwarden in 2014 but continues to be a member of the P.C.C. She has benefited from the support paid to her and her husband Peter in respect of their Inter-Cultural Relations work amounting to £3,000 in 2022 (2021: £3,000) and this is fully funded from donations received. Payments were made to members of the P.C.C. in respect of stewarding events in the church fully funded by the hirers. They were to Susan Carter an amount of £175 and Anthony Moss an amount of £350.

4
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
Restricted Funds to Unrestricted Funds
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust contribution to Youth Worker costs
Children in Need
Cumberland Dinner Fund
Fabric fund contribution
Endowment Funds to Unrestricted Funds
Trust Funds
Unrestricted Funds to Designated Funds
General Fund to St Matthews Church Letting
Designated Funds to Unrestricted Funds
Church at 7
5
FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC
Tangible fixed assets
Property Improvements at cost
34 Wychwood Avenue, Luton		 2022
2021
£
£
(5,000)
(5,000)
-
(2,323)
-
(145)
-
-
(5,000)
(7,468)
(2,526)
(2,427)
1,980
-
-
(7,053)
2022
2021
£
£
36,984
36,984

These costs represent the amount spent by the PCC on extending and improving the above property. Whilst the freehold interest in these properties is held under trust by the St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) for the benefit of St Marys, they make this property available for use by the PCC.

6
DEBTORS
HMRC - Gift Aid
Accounts receivable
Prepayments and accrued income
7
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors for goods and services
Choir Fund
Recitals Fund
Mission giving and collections not paid by 31 December
Other creditors and deferred income
8
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
Rent deposit for Inkerman Street
9
GENERAL FUND
Balance b/fwd
Net movement in funds
Balance c/fwd		 2022
2021
£
£
18,026
18,348
2,481
1,990
1,916
1,851
22,423
22,189
2022
2021
£
£
3,386
4,640
777
777

554
554
15,419
13,254
43,877
27,067
64,013
46,292
2022
2021
£
£
11,250
-
11,250
-
2022
2021
£
£
233,814
224,501
(34,677)
9,313
199,137
233,814

General Fund

All transactions relating to the general ecclesiastical and charitable activities of Luton St. Mary are contained in this fun.

- 14 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

10 INVESTMENTS

(a)
**(b) **		 Stocks and Shares
Holding
at 31/12/22 Description
Other UK Fixed Interest
4,500 Nat West Bank 9% Cumulative Preference
Investment Trust
1,000 Merchants Trust Ord 25p
3,000 Mercantile Investment
Unit Trusts
2,075 Ishares Il USD TIPS UCITS ETF GBP DIS
6,822.4 Fidelity Moneybuilder Inc
10,250 Biopharma Credit
5,250 Maitland Institutional
4,250 Link Fund Gresham House
925 Lion Trust Fund Par Special Situats Ins
5,800 Royal London AM Ethical Bond
0 Pimco Global
0 AXA Investment High Yield Bond
3,575 Premier Portfolio PM UK
6,350 Schroder Unit Trust Global Equity
9,500 Schroder Unit Trust Asian Income
3,250 Avi Global
3,137 Polar Capital Global Trust
UK Equities
0 Man FD Mgmt UK Ltd
2,750 Fidelity Special Value
2,500 T Bailey Fund Serv TB Evenlode Income
Global Equities
71 US Industries
1,875 Fidelity UCITS US
100 Vanguard Funds
5,000 JP Morgan AM UK Ltd US Equity Income C
2,025 Premier Portfolio PM European
3,250 Blackrock FM European
3,500 Jupiter Japan
120 Worldwide Healthcare Trust
1,000 Impax Enviro Markets
Commodities
275 Ishares Physical
1,225 Blackrock World Mining Trust
Absolute Return
1,950 Link Fund Sol Ruffer Total Return
Property and Other Investments
2,525 Tritax Big Box Rei Ordinary
0 Home Reit
0 Supermarket Income
4,000 LXI Reit Plc Ord
6,000 Digital 9 Infrastructure
3,225 Hipgnosis Songs Fund
3,725 Gore Street Energy
5,125 Sequoia Economic
3,275 The Renewables Inf Ord
4,000 Triple Point Energy
Cash
£9,867 Brewin Nominees Deposit Account
Cost value
Movements in Market Valuation
Quoted Investments
Market valuation at 1 January
Additions
Disposals
Change in market valuation
Market valuation at 31 December
Cash balances at brokers
Total Market valuation at 31 December		 2022
2021
£
£
Market Value
6,068
7,576
5,610
5,590

5,760
8,055
10,060
11,798

5,369
6,911
8,095
7,325
4,773
-

5,364
6,995
4,310
7,998
5,544
6,902

-
5,387
-
5,935
6,642

8,029

6,496
6,439
7,135
7,475
6,143

7,033

4,790
5,427
-
8,365

7,659

-
6,074
6,421
184
184
12,593
12,879

6,047
-
6,635

15,124
5,295
6,800
5,604
6,255
3,991

-

3,870
-
4,195
10,667
8,093
7,237
4,182

7,215
7,421
4,764
3,500
-
-
5,850
-

4,270

4,504
5,800
5,184

6,828
2,783
4,031

4,135
4,396
4,500

5,525
4,258
4,402
3,190
4,020
9,867
4,143
215,923
250,051
214,294
217,908
2022
2021
£
£
245,908
176,270
40,060
73,366
(47,173)
(23,602)
238,795
226,034
(32,739)
19,874
206,056
245,908
9,867
4,143
215,923
250,051

The fair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the middle market price at close of business at the balance sheet

- 15 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

11 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Gostellow Fund
Set Aside Fund (Designated)
Girls Youth Worker Fund (Designated)
Children and Family Worker Fund (Designated)
Special Needs Children's Fund (Designated)
Fresh Expressions Fund (Designated)
Capital Fund (Designated)
Youth Activities Fund (Designated)
Peace and Reconciliation (Designated)
Wychwood Avenue Renting (Designated)
Inkerman Street Fund (Designated)
St Matthews Church Letting Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews General Fund
Former St Matthews Legacies Fund
Former St Matthews Church Maintenance Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Re-ordering Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Youth Outreach Fund
Total
Restricted Funds
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
Organ Repair Fund
Magnificat Fund
Cumberland Trust Fund
Former St Matthews Music and Instruments Fund
Former St Matthews Acts 2:45 Fund
Former St Matthews Cecilia Robin Fund
Total Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Gostellow Fund
Set Aside Fund (Designated)
Girls Youth Worker Fund (Designated)
Children and Family Worker Fund (Designated)
Special Needs Children's Fund (Designated)
Fresh Expressions Fund (Designated)
Church @ 7 (Designated)
Capital Fund (Designated)
Youth Activities Fund (Designated)
Peace and Reconciliation (Designated)
Wychwood Avenue Renting (Designated)
Inkerman Street Fund (Designated)
St Matthews Church Letting Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews General Fund
Former St Matthews Legacies Fund
Former St Matthews Church Maintenance Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Re-ordering Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Youth Outreach Fund
Total
Restricted Funds
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
Organ Repair Fund
Magnificat Fund
Cumberland Trust Fund
Children In Need
Former St Matthews Music and Instruments Fund
Former St Matthews Acts 2:45 Fund
Former St Matthews Cecilia Robin Fund
Total
Total Funds		 2022
Fixed
Assets
£		 Current
Assets
£		 Current
Liabilities
£		 Creditors more
Fund
than one year
Balance
£
£
252,907
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
252,907
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
252,907		 1,834
708
6,368
10,362
2,126
4,000
8,904
22,913
7,691
600
26,701
12,542
4,302

4,877
5,668
13,765

92,404
4,212
229,977
21,130
21,323
156

2,027

5,191
433
17
280,254		 61,645
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
700
-
-
1,518
-
-
-
-
63,863
-
-
150

-

-
-
-
64,013		 11,250
181,846
-
708

-

6,368

-
10,362
-
2,126

-

4,000

-
8,904
-
22,913
-

7,691

-
600
-
26,001
-

12,542

-
4,302
-
3,359
-

5,668

-
13,765
-
92,404
-

4,212
11,250
407,771
-
21,130
-
21,323

-
6
-
2,027
-
5,191
-

433
-
17

11,250
457,898
2021
Fixed
Assets
£		 Current
Assets
£		 Current
Liabilities
£		 Creditors more
Fund
than one year
Balance
£
£
287,035
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
287,035
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
287,035		 (19,032)
708
6,368
10,362
2,126
4,000
8,904

-
22,913
7,691

600
26,701
12,542
4,302
4,877
5,668

13,765
92,404
4,212
209,111
21,130
21,323
156
2,027
-
5,191
433
17
50,277
259,388		 43,924
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
700
-

-
1,518
-
-
-
46,142
-
-
150
-
-
-
-
-
150
46,292		 -
224,079

-
708
-
6,368
-

10,362
-
2,126
-
4,000
-

8,904

-

-
-

22,913
-

7,691

-
600
-
26,001

-
12,542
-
4,302
-
3,359
-
5,668
-
13,765
-
92,404
4,212
-
450,004
-
21,130
-
21,323
-
6

-
2,027
-
-
-
5,191
-
433
-
17
-
50,127
-
500,131

- 16 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

12 TRUSTS

STS
Income from Central Board of Finance
Ainsworth Bequest
Chancel Fund
Cumberland Grave Bequest
Cumberland Dinner Fund
Grice Bequest (1977-1992)
Sylvia Ruby Porter Music Trust
71 Cardigan Street
Holyoak Trust
Herrod-Hempshall Bequest
Income from Diocesan Board of Finance
Gates and Clemans Charity
Rent for Inkerman Street
Total Trust Income
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
INCOMING RESOURCES
Income from investments
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 1 JANUARY 2022 (2021)
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
AT 31 DECEMBER 2022 (2021)
TRUST ACCOUNTS BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2
FIXED ASSETS
Investments
Ainsworth Bequest - 74 shares
Chancel Fund - 44 shares
Cumberland Grave Bequest - 136 shares
Cumberland Dinner Bequest - 244 shares
Grice Trust - Capital - 632 shares
71 Cardigan Street - Capital - 1629 shares
Sylvia Ruby Porter Music Trust - 1556 shares
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
Capital - Central Board of Finance 10244 shares
Holyoak Trust - 152 shares
Herrod-Hempshall Bequest - 98 shares
Lease of Inkerman Street
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
Creditor - Luton St Mary P.C.C.
Income - C.B.F. Deposit Fund
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
BOOK VALUE OF FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Endowment
Funds
£		 TOTAL FUNDS
2022
2021
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
93
60
-
6,342		 -
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 45
27
84
150
388
956

1,001
-
-
24
-		 45
44
27
26

84
81
150
145
388
376
956

925

1,001
968
93
90
60

58

24

7

6,342
10,532
6,496 -
 -
 2,676 9,171
13,252
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
022		 -
-
-
-

-
-

-
-		 6,295
6,295
-

-
(5,000)
1,295
15,739
17,034		 -
-
-

-
-

-
-
-		 6,295

6,088
6,295
6,088
-
-
-
-
(5,000)
(5,000)
1,295
1,088
15,739
14,651
17,034 17,034

15,739
Market value Cost
31/12/22 2022
2021
£ £
£
1,529
909
2,910
5,041
13,058
33,657
32,149
211,655
3,141
2,025
50,000
356,074
(643)
643
-
356,074
356,074		 50
50

46

46
100
100
1,340
1,340

3,871

3,871
9,975
9,975
10,000

10,000
68,600
68,600

-

-
-
-
-
-
93,982
93,982

(643)
(643)
643
643
-
-
93,982
93,982
93,982
93,982

Income from the various trusts managed by St Mary's P.C.C. is included here together with the Gates Trust which relates to the Gates and Clemans Charity managed by the Diocesan Board of Finance. The P.C.C. of Luton St Mary's benefits to the extent of 1/12th.

- 17 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

13 GRANTS - MISSIONARY AND CHARITABLE GIVING

13 GRANTS - MISSIONARY AND CHARITABLE GIVING
14 Church Overseas
Tearfund
CMS - Kylie & Bhim Bahadur
Dombashawa College
Peter & Becky Clemison
Interserve - Matt & Andrea Vaughan
Unallocated funds 2022
Home Missions and other Church Societies
Youthscape
Noah Enterprises
University of Bedfordshire Chaplaincy
Luton Town Centre Chaplaincy
The Feast
Stopsley Project
Azalea
Wenlock C of E Junior School
Alex Du Rand
Peter Adams Intercultural Relations
Vine Trust
Total
TOTAL GRANTS
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Set Aside Fund
Special Needs Children's Fund
Girls Youth Worker Fund
Children and Family Worker Fund
Inkerman Street Fund
Peace and Reconciliation Fund
Wychwood Avenue Rent Fund
Youth Activities Fund
Fresh Expressions Fund
Capital Projects Fund
St Matthews Church Letting Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Church Maintenance Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Re-ordering Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Youth Outreach Fund
Set Aside Fund
Special Needs Children's Fund
Girls Youth Worker Fund
Children and Family Worker Fund
Inkerman Street Fund
Peace and Reconciliation Fund
Wychwood Avenue Rent Fund
Youth Activities Fund
Church @ 7
Fresh Expressions Fund
Capital Projects Fund
St Matthews Church Letting Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Church Maintenance Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Re-ordering Fund (Designated)
Former St Matthews Youth Outreach Fund		 Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 2022
2021
£
£
TOTAL FUNDS
1,000
-
-
2,400
2,400
2,700
8,500
-
-
35
500
-
-
-
440
-
-
-
975
9,475		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
3,000
-

3,000
3,000		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 1,000
310
-
1,322
-

200

2,400
2,644
2,400
2,644
2,700

-
8,500
7,120
-

200

-
200
35
-
500

200

-
200
-
200
-

200

440
220
-
1,020
3,000

3,000

-
163
3,975
5,603
12,475
12,723
At 1 January
2022		 Net receipts
minus
expenditure		 Transfer
from/(to)
other Funds
At 31
December
2022
6,368
4,000
10,362
2,126
12,542
600
26,001
7,691
8,904
22,913
4,302
13,765
92,404
4,212
216,190		 -
-

-
192
(5,870)
(217)
(931)
-
-
-
(6,282)
10
734
14
(12,350)		 -

6,368
-
4,000
-
10,362
-
2,318
-
6,672
-
383
-
25,070

-
7,691
-

8,904
-
22,913

1,980
-
-
13,775
-

93,138
-
4,226
1,980
205,820
At 1 January
2021		 Net receipts
minus
expenditure		 Transfer
from/(to)
other Funds
At 31
December
2021
6,368
4,000
10,362
407
12,637
600
23,121
7,691
7,053
7,934
22,913
-
13,764
106,014
4,211
227,075		 -
-
-
1,719
(95)
-
2,880
-
-
970
-
4,302
1
(13,610)
1
(3,832)		 -

6,368
-
4,000
-
10,362
-
2,126

-
12,542
-
600
-
26,001
-
7,691
(7,053)
-
-
8,904
-
22,913

-
4,302

-
13,765
-
92,404
-
4,212
(7,053)
216,190

- 18 -

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

14 DESIGNATED FUNDS cont'd

Set Aside Fund

For all non-specific gifts and bequests the PCC has a policy of setting aside 10% of the value in order to provide a fund to be able to give donations to the needs of individuals or churches.

Inkerman Street Fund

Created from the settlement of repair liability incurred by Luton Borough Council, when tenants of Inkerman Street hall, this fund provides for the repairs to the building not falling within the liability of tenants.

Girls Youth Worker Fund

Created to fund the employment of a youth worker to address the specific needs of girls in the parish and neighbouring parishes and funded by grants from trusts.

Children and Family Worker Fund

Created to fund the employment of a person to support the needs of children and families in the congregation and the outreach to school visits funded by members of the congregation.

Capital Projects Fund

Set-up to create a fund for any capital based projects in the future related to our grade 1 listed building funded from the PCC's policy on the allocation of any non-specific legacies in excess of £10,000.

Wychwood Avenue Rent Fund

Set-up to administer the transactions relating renting out the property at 34 Wychwood Avenue

Peace and Reconciliation Fund

Set-up to administer the transactions relating the running of the Peace and Reconciliation Centre which will be self-funding thorugh grants and donations received.

Church @ 7 Fund

Set-up to administer the transactions relating to the develpoment of the Church @ 7 service congregation funded by Diocese of St Albans.

Special Needs Fund

Set-up from a donation to provide additional help to children with special needs in the church.

Youth Activities Fund

Set-up from a legacy specifying that support be given to young people to help them take part in church youth activities.

Heating Project Fund

Set-up to administer the replacement heating system project

Fresh Expressions Fund

Set-up to administer grants from the Diocese in support of an ordination candidate

Former St Matthews Church Maintenance Fund

Set-up to cover the costs of maintenance of the church

Former St Matthews Re-ordering Fund

Set-up from the proceeds of sale of the church hall this fund is designated for repair and upkeep of church owned buildings Former St Matthews Church Youth Outreach Fund

Set-up to promote outreach to youth in the parish.

RESTRICTED FUNDS
Magnificat Fund
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
Fabric Fund
Cumberland Dinner Fund
Organ Repair Fund
Former St Matthews Music and Instruments Fund
Former St Matthews Acts 2:45 Fund
Former St Matthews Cecilia Robin Fund
Magnificat Fund
Luton St Mary 1990 Youth Trust
Children in Need Fund
Cumberland Dinner Fund
Organ Repair Fund
Former St Matthews Music and Instruments Fund
Former St Matthews Acts 2:45 Fund
Former St Matthews Cecilia Robin Fund		 At 1 January
2022		 Net receipts
minus
expenditure		 Transfer
from/(to)
other Funds
At 31
December
2022
6
21,130
-
2,027
21,323
5,191
433
17
50,127		 -
6,295
1,458
61
-
-
-

-
7,814		 -

6
(5,000)
22,425

-
1,458
-
2,088

-
21,323
-

5,191
-
433
-
17
(5,000)
52,941
At 1 January
2021		 Net receipts
minus
expenditure		 Transfer
from/(to)
other Funds
At 31
December
2021
6
20,042
2,323
2,027
21,323
5,191
433
17
51,362		 -

6,088
-
145
-
-
-
-
6,233		 -
6
(5,000)
21,130
(2,323)
-

(145)
2,027

-
21,323
-

5,191

-
433
-

17
(7,468)
50,127

15 RESTRICTED FUNDS

Fabric Fund

All transactions related to maintenance of the fabric of the church building are contained in this fund that receives certain income, including bequests, specific to that purpose. Other persons or bodies have a liability for repairs to the chancel although it is impossible to trace them all. Trinity College Oxford has acknowledged that its responsibility amounts to 58.5%.

Magnificat Fund

The fund was created to administer the transactions relating to the awarding of an Inter-faith work grant.

Luton St Mary Youth Trust

Set-up to control the income and expenditure relating to the employment of a Youth Worker within the church with the funds generated by the endowment trust created after the sale of the church's youth activity premises in Gloucester Road, Luton.

Organ Repair Fund

Created to provide a fund for future repairs to the organ in the church in order to keep it in good condition.

Children in Need Fund

The fund was created to administer the transactions relating to the awarding of a Children in Need grant for youth outreach into Luton.

Cumberland Dinner Fund

This fund was created to provide food support to older housebound people in the congregation.

Former St Matthews Music and Instruments Fund

Set-up from a donation to promote the music in the church

Former St Matthews Acts 2:45 Fund

Set-up from sale of possessions to follow the principle in Acts 2:45 to support the poor

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Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council For the Year ended 31 December 2022

Luton St Mary's Parochial Church Council
For the Year ended 31 December 2022
16
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Trusts Fund
Trusts Fund		 At 1 January
2022		 Net receipts
minus
expenditure		 Transfer to
Unrestricted
Fund
At 31
December
2022
-
-		 2,526
2,526		 (2,526)
-
(2,526)
-
At 1 January
2021		 Net receipts
minus
expenditure		 Transfer to
Unrestricted
Fund
At 31
December
2021
-
-		 2,427

2,427		 (2,427)
-
(2,427)
-

Trusts Fund

This was created to administer the income from the endowment funds where Luton St Marys is the managing trustee and are held by St Albans DBF as custodian trustee. The income is for general ecclesiastical purposes. 17 OTHER COMMITMENTS

The P.C.C. have liabilities under a rental lease for a photocopier with Control Print Solutions and Tower Leasing entered into in December 2020 for a period of five years. The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Later than one and not later than five years
18
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of the charity's financial instruments are as follows:
Financial assets
Measured at fair value through the statement of financial activities:
- Fixed asset listed investments (note 10)
The income, expenses, net gains and net losses attributable to the charity’s financial instruments are as follows:
Income and expense
Financial assets measured at fair value through the statement of financial activities:
Net gains and losses (including changes in fair value)
Financial assets measured at fair value through the statement of financial activities:		 2022
2021
£
£
9,378
12,632
2022
2021
£
£
215,923
250,051
6,541
4,937
(32,739)
20,736

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Luton St Mary Churchwardens' Charities For the year ended 31 December 2022

Thomas and Edward Crawley

Charity Registration Number 810332

Church & Steeple Fund

Church & Steeple Fund
Receipts
Investment Income
TOTAL RECEIPTS
Excess/(Deficit) Receipts over Payments
Balance brought forward 1 January
Balance carried forward 31 December
William Crawley
Charity Registration Number 200354
Distribution & Bread Fund
Receipts
Investment Income
Excess/(Deficit) Receipts over Payments
Balance brought forward 1 January
Balance carried forward 31 December		 2022
2021
£
£		 2022
2021
£
£
Payments
383
393
Luton St Mary P.C.C. - Fabric Fund
383
393
TOTAL PAYMENTS
3
(2)
1
3
4
1		 380
395
380
395
481
442
Payments
485
440
Distribution to Luton Churches
485
440
4
(2)
4
6
8
4
481
442

Certified as correct in accordance with the books, vouchers Miller & Co., Chartered Accountants and information received. 15 April 2023

BALANCE SHEET as at 31 DECEMBER 2022

ASSETS
Investments at Market Value
Church & Steeple Fund
T&E Crawley Charity
M&G Charifund - 441 units
Charinco - 1118.804 units
Distribution & Bread Fund
W Crawley Charity
M&G Charifund - 299 units
M&G Charifund - 214 units
Charinco - 997.816 units
Current Assets
Cash - Barclays Bank Plc
TOTAL ASSETS		 2022 2021
£ £
6,481
1,633
8,114
4,394
3,145
1,456
8,995
12
17,121		 6,863
2,055
8,918
4,653
3,330
1,833
9,816
5
18,739

Notes: 1.The Cumberland Dinner Bequest and The Cumberland Grave Bequest are administered by Luton St Mary's P.C.C. on behalf of the Churchwarden's Charities. A balance of £2,087.56 was held by the P.C.C. as at 31 December 2022 (2021:£2,026.97)

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 23 March 2023

A Moss

S Carter

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