Stjohn's Brool<lands Extending God's welcome to everyone Annual Report 2022 11 Page
CONTENTS
Page 5 2022 Reports Vicar’s Report ALM Report Bumps and Babies Report Crafty Chat Report Eco Report Flower Guild Report Food Ministry Report Little Blessing Report Messy Church Report Messy Vintage Report Thursday Café Report Welcome Ministry Report Women’s Fellowship Report
- 16 Buildings & Finance Reports
18 Facts and Figures
- 19 PCC Leadership 2022
2 | P a g e
St John’s, Brooklands
We believe that God is calling us to be the missional heart of our community as we invite everyone in Brooklands to hear God’s invitation of a new relationship, belong to God’s family, believe the good news about what Jesus has done for us, and experience the radical hospitality Jesus extends to everyone: an invitation to sit and eat in God’s kingdom.
Our Vision
Extending God’s welcome to everyone
Our Mission
Welcoming you into God’s family as we grow in Christ together
Our Values
We are a welcoming church…
Worship: growing as disciples formed by God’s word and Spirit Evangelism: making disciples as we introduce people to Jesus Liturgical: living lives shaped by God’s story
Community: belonging to our church family
Outward-looking: going out beyond our four walls
Missional: serving God’s purposes for the world
Invitational: inviting everyone to know Jesus for themselves
Nurturing: equipping everyone for ministry
Generous: excelling in the grace of giving
Our Strategy
welcome to the family grow in faith share life together serve in God’s mission
3 | P a g e
Extending God’s welcome to everyone is our vision which sets the general direction of our parish and has been subdivided into four main priority areas to be worked on over three to five years:
-
Integrating newcomers: This is all about welcoming new people into our church family and helping them to explore faith and grow in their relationship with God.
-
Identifying leaders: This is about recruiting new church leaders and training existing ones to oversee the various aspects of our parish life. Some of our church leaders will be serving voluntarily and others will be part of a staff team, but both will be doing what God has called them to do.
-
Increasing worship opportunities: This is about providing a variety of opportunities to gather together at various times throughout the week to worship God and to deepen our faith.
-
Investing in our facilities: We have been blessed with a beautiful church building as well as a hall and hut. As we seek to resource our mission these will need to be maintained and developed appropriately.
4 | P a g e
2022 REPORTS AND MAIN AIMS FOR 2023
VICAR’S REPORT
As we emerge into a post-pandemic world a series of crises were felt during 2022 with ‘polycrisis’ being designated the word of the year.
Throughout the year several changes occurred. A major geopolitical crisis came with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia which added further fuel to the flame of our costof-living crisis. Our national political life was further destabilised through three changes of Prime Minister, all against the backdrop of our mourning the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Looking ahead to 2023 we are living in a very different world than we were five years ago.
We have also experienced some changes here at St John’s. In January 2022 we formed a Mission Community along with six other churches, and I was appointed the Mission Community Leader, my tenure of which continues until January 2025. During the Autumn I was able to visit most of the other parishes in our Mission Community.
We launched our mission Community at a special service on 3[rd] April and a vision day was held in October as we began the process of discerning our priorities as we look ahead.
This work fed into a Deanery Mission Action Plan outlining the direction of travel in forthcoming years and the clergy of our Mission Community will be meeting regularly during next year to work out the details at a parish level and explore those areas where we can work together across parishes.
The next phase, at an organisational level, will be for each parish to identify focal leaders who will, along with myself as the Mission Community Leader, form the leadership team of our Mission Community.
Looking ahead to 2023 we are living in a very different church than when I began at St John’s some five or so years ago.
Amidst all of this change I cannot tell you what the future holds, but it is important that we discern it together. Recognising that we inhabit a new world, I have been struck by the encouragement from our Area Dean for the need to spending some
5 | P a g e
time to think about what our vocation is now. How can we become the church that God is calling us to be in this new world that we find ourselves living?
This year I celebrated being ordained 8 years and as usual I took some time to reflect on my own ministry by re-reading the Ordinal. As I did, I was struck afresh by the line describing the priestly responsibility of being those ‘watching for signs of God’s new creation’.
The language of new creation captures my imagination and stirs my heart with it recalling images of ‘the new heavens and new earth’ and the tree of life (Rev. 21-22).
The call to watch for signs of God’s new creation describes the need to learn to see the unfolding work of the spirit. It reminded me that we need to pay attention to the movement of the Spirit, taking time to notice signs of spiritual life slowly emerging in people and places where seeds of a new earth are beginning to take root and grow.
Looking back over the past year there are various signs of God’s new creation growing in our parish. This is reflected in the expanding number of ministry streams: Bumps and Babies, Crafty Chat, Food Ministry, Little Blessings, Messy Church, Messy Vintage, Thursday Café, and Women’s Fellowship. There are reports from those involved in these ministries so please do read those to discover more about what has been going on.
As we look ahead to 2023 one of the areas that we shall begin to focus our attention on is worship. Our pre-pandemic pattern of public worship was uprooted by lockdown and the various restrictions that followed. As we continue to emerge into a post-pandemic world we shall be giving some thought to reviewing our worship here at St John’s. To help us in this we shall hold monthly ‘alternative’ Sundays to explore different ways of structuring our services and there will be opportunities to provide feedback. We shall have a summer series in where we’ll dig a bit deeper into what worship is all about. A Worship Review Group shall also meet monthly and in early 2024 this group will discuss its recommendations with the PCC for how worship can be developed with a new schedule of worship beginning around Easter 2024.
As we look to what has been and look ahead to the future there is much to celebrate and give thanks for and I am excited and encouraged that together we are on this journey of becoming a new church for a new world!
6 | P a g e
ALM Report
During 2022, as part of my role as ALM, I was involved in the setting up and delivery of Messy Vintage on a monthly basis. ( See Messy Vintage report )
The Lent Prayer book was produced for all members of the church family; those attending and those unable to attend church services. At Christmas-time copies of the Church of England ‘Follow the Star, The Great Invitation’, 12 Days of Reflections for Christmas and New Year were purchased for members of the congregation and posted to those who are no longer able to attend St John’s.
During Holy Week I assisted the Curate, Father Lee Wood, with a service for the Stations of the Cross.
Also, in my role as an ALM I have continued to support church-based activities and groups.
In the wider Mission Community, I am part of a team from St John’s who regularly help at the Saturday foodbank at St Luke’s Foodbank, Wythenshawe.
As part of my personal development, I continue to meet with the Revd Richard Sherratt.
Sue Withenshaw
7 | P a g e
Bumps & Babies Report
Bumps and Babies is our group for babies and their carers. Each week during term-time there are anywhere between 6-12 carers who come along to enjoy meeting up to chat and support each other during this life stage. Sessions include refreshments and typically finish with some singing of nursery rhymes and a sung blessing.
This is a valuable service we have been able to provide to our local community, however due to a change in the circumstances of one of our volunteers Bumps and Babies has been paused (from December) although we are hopeful, we will be in a position to restart in September 2024.
Crafty Chat Report
Crafty Chat meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. We are a very friendly group and growing all the time. The chat is as important as the craft but you can bring your own craft or join in with the latest project. You can even learn how to crochet and knit etc. During lockdown a few members made Hero Bears which we raffled to raise money for the NHS and we were able to donate £440. We also made hearts and twiddle muffs for ICU patients. We made Rainbows and Bees and raised £360 for the Snowdrop Centre at Wythenshawe hospital. We have also been involved in making things for the Special Care Baby units at Wythenshawe and St Mary’s Hospital. In December we raised £252 at the Christmas Fair. We had our usual Christmas get together and all enjoyed a traditional Afternoon tea. We are hoping 2023 will see more new members and become involved with more exciting new projects
Chris Padbury
Eco Report
During 2022 we decided to take on the role of Eco Church Leads.
We conducted research into Eco Church and A Rocha UK and carefully devised a plan to help us become an Eco Church.
We set up a noticeboard about Eco Church and offered some tips on how to be more green as a congregation. We also documented the church's energy footprint.
We also completed the A Rocha UK survey (which was finalised and submitted by Lee) and we were awarded a silver award.
We are now taking steps to improve our score even further.
Nicola and Rob Ashton
8 | P a g e
Flower Guild Report
There are now seven members who place flowers in church as Susan Wildman has joined us this year. We have a rota through the year to put flowers at the altar and around the candle every two weeks.
Through the year we decorated the church for eight weddings, which was quite an undertaking as we had to source the flowers from either the market or local stores. Whilst this was an enjoyable thing to do it had become very stressful and so we have decided that sadly we can no longer provide this service for any future weddings.
In addition, during the year we have put in memorial pedestals for some members of the congregation and will continue to do this. We have arranged displays for all the major church festivals, i.e., Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas, which the congregation seem to enjoy.
It is always joyous to see flowers in church and we feel they enhance our weekly worship.
The flower guild: Ruth Shaw Lynda Tattersall Marcela Payne Judith Harwood
Lilian Swann Hilary Hamblett Susan Wildman
Food Ministry Report
This year we partnered with the Foodbank at St Luke’s in Benchill as we seek to find new ways to work together with other parishes as part of being a Mission Community.
Having been a collection point for foodbank donations for many years this seemed like a logical next step for us to take. A small team of volunteers from St John’s now attend each week on a Saturday morning to welcome those who need help.
As we look to 2023 we hope to continue this ministry, and develop it further as we look to support the new Foodbank opening within our parish later next year.
During half-terms St John’s was also able to serve as a collection point for Holiday Hunger packs.
9 | P a g e
Little Blessings Report
Little Blessings began on Friday 9[th] September, 2022 – originally running from 10am until 11:30am. This after a few weeks of running was extended until 12noon due to it feeling quite rushed once the children had eaten snacks.
We usually have two volunteers in the kitchen, they prepare snacks for the children and also provide hot drinks to adults as and when requested. Each week snack compromises of a breaded item like toast and then a variety of fruit. This is purchased before the session fresh. I am currently in discussions with local stores regarding the donation of fresh fruit for the children weekly. This not only means we are cutting down on running costs but we are also preventing food waste by working with food suppliers. With the current living costs rising, ensuring we have a good and varied selection of fruit available is important for providing the children with nourishment whilst with us at the group but also provides the opportunity to try new things too. Trying to promote not only a healthy but also a varied diet to the children. Cakes are baked by volunteers on a weekly basis and are donated for use at the group. We aim to provide this to parents/carers.
We began the group with the hope that it offered a safe place for parents/carers to come with their children – without financial expectation. The idea is that parents/carers can meet others, create new relationships and feel welcomed, all whilst the children play in a fun and safe environment. Our new online registration form asks parents/carers if they would like to receive information regarding Baptism and other church services. Sessions include a theme and we try to incorporate God and what it is to be Christian into them. A recent example is a session based on the book ‘The Tiger Who Came For Tea’ by Judith Kerr. We are looking at how Sophie and her mum let in a hungry Tiger and without question fed him, and linking it to how we help feed people at foodbanks and we do so without question. We have found that the group now has its own community of parents/carers. They all intermingle and seem to look forward to seeing one another each week at the group. It also appears to have become a space where parents/carers can and are supporting each other.
We are still donation based and there is no set fee for attending the group. It is also not monitored as to who donates and who doesn’t as to us it’s not what matters. If anyone wanted to leave a donation towards the group running costs they can do via our donation points that are out during the group. We use a box for coin/cash donations and also have an electronic card reader available for card donations. We find both are regularly used. The coins/cash get bagged up and labelled weekly and go in the safe to be counted with the rest of the church donations.
When we began early September, 22, we had 9 children attend.
A month on in October we had 16 children attend.
The Christmas party he held on Friday 16[th] December, 22 was pre booked entry only and we had 29 children attend. The children loved that Santa, Minnie and Mickey Mouse were there. Each child received a story book from Santa about the Nativity story. For those who requested a non-religious book they received a story about being kind.
10 | P a g e
On Friday 3[rd] February, 23 we had a massive increase in attendance. We ended up with 50 children in total. This felt very busy and I felt it took away from the personalised approach and welcome we have been aiming to create. As of Friday 10[th] February, 23, we have limited the number of children attending to 40. The sessions are now pre booked via Eventbrite. Recently we have been getting fully booked within days of the session opening for booking. Usually those looking to cancel their place do so by messaging me, which then allows for others to attend in their place. We are unfortunately oversubscribed in terms of those wanting to attend and those who manage to get a place.
We currently have a Facebook page (social media) for Little Blessings that has over 200 followers, with posts reaching up to 10,000 people. We also have a WhatsApp group that has over 50 members – this is used for information regarding the group and it has provided a way for parents/carers to communicate. Parents/carers are given the option to be added to the group on the online registration form. We have also got 93 families registered with us which is kept securely on Google Drive.
Please see below for the feedback received from parents/carers regarding the group.
‘I have been bringing my Grandson for a while, I love it as much as he does. On our first time there we were made really welcome, the playgroup leaders and volunteers are friendly. There is so much space, lots for the toddlers and babies, the wide variety of snacks is brilliant. Best playgroup I've been to, thank you to all you lovely people x’
‘It has been a great pleasure to attend Little Blessings with my granddaughter each week. So well organised and I can see how much thought, planning and care goes into each week’s activities. I have spoken to lots of parents and grandparents who come and they all are impressed with the group and feel very welcome and valued.
The organisers deserve recognition for providing this very valuable Christian service to the community.’
‘As a Christian Mum, I really love that the sessions have a Christian theme. I specifically come to Little Blessings for the biblical aspect, it sets it apart from other 'stay and plays' for me. Another aspect I like is that the helpers/volunteers are really friendly and welcoming. I find going to a new group can be a bit daunting, but Phoebe and I have always been made so at home at Little Blessings - thank you. Little Blessings being free is also a huge bonus for Phoebe and I. As a single parent money is tight, so to have such a great group to go to for free is a real blessing! Thanks for all your hard work and efforts, we love Little Blessings!’
‘We came for the first-time last week and we absolutely loved it.
My children are 3 and 1 so finding somewhere on one level is really helpful as they both run around and it’s easy to lose them when places have different levels.
Little blessings is so welcoming and the choice in activities for the children is amazing.’
‘We really enjoy the group, everyone’s so sweet and lovely and the little snack time is a winner with Ava & Sofia (I just wish they would be so well behaved sitting at their table at home) I always find it a bit tricky having twins as usually I’m restricted where I can go where
11 | P a g e
I can keep an eye on them both but it’s great as they can play safely together or with others if they chose so it works really well. Thank you for organising its fab! xx’
‘It’s only been a few weeks but we love coming. It’s the same thing for us that a couple of people have mentioned. It’s a nice safe place to bring my baby & 2-year-old without having to worry about the difficulties of managing 2 children out & about. Everyone is very friendly which is lovely for the mums. It’s great that it’s free or donations, it can be expensive taking 2 children to playgroups or soft play. The coffee and cake is a winner too! Graziella particularly enjoys the crafts table & the different themes. Thanks for offering something great for the community’
‘To all the volunteers thank you so much for all your effort. Lennon and Evangeline get so excited when they realise we're on our way to Little Blessings every Friday morning. So much thought is put into the activities and the snacks are amazing. It's the perfect place for their age group x’
‘After attending Bumps and babies with my son Alexander, whilst on maternity leave, I was thrilled when I was told that the Little Blessings toddler group would be starting. It has given Alexander the opportunity to engage and develop with other children in an environment that he was already happy and comfortable to be in. It has given me the opportunity to continue to develop my relationship with the church and the local community. As well as meet lots of new people and catch up with people from my past (my teacher Mrs Herd). Sophie has done an amazing job with the different themes that she has incorporated into the sessions. The wide variety of toys, crafts and messy play activities has been amazing. It is always aimed at supporting a child’s development. The format of how snacks are give to the children is great and I feel it has supported Alexander in trying different things and sitting nicely with other children.
I am also incredibly appreciative of the group being donation based. It can be incredibly expensive to go out with a child and with the cost-of-living crisis alongside going part time has meant I am not always able to do all the activities I’d like to do with Alexander.
I’m so grateful and appreciative to be able to attend and particularly to Sophie, Lindsey and the other volunteers for giving me as Alexander this opportunity.’
Sophie Wood
Messy Church Report
Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality, and celebration. In each session there are a variety of activities and crafts based around a theme. At the end of the session we eat together.
During 2022 we met six times including: Messy Lent in March; Messy Easter on Good Friday in April attended by 27 children and 25 adults; Messy Pentecost in May attended by 11 children and 4 adults; and, Messy Advent in November attended by 18 children and 12 adults. In October we held a Pumpkin Party at which 100 children attended.
12 | P a g e
Messy Vintage Report
Messy Vintage is Christ-centred fellowship, an informal, accessible and creative way of church, with hospitality and celebration, and open to all. In February 2022 we held our first Messy Vintage meeting. Messy Vintage takes place on the second Wednesday of each month 2.00pm - 4.00pm. The afternoon begins with Welcome and a short time of worship, Holy Communion or occasionally a Service of the Word, and brings together the theme of the session.
The service is then followed by hands-on creative activities to explore the Bible story. Fun and fellowship are enjoyed through the crafts and activities as we chat and share our experiences. The crafts/activities are followed by refreshments of tea, coffee, biscuits and cake.
Thank you to all who have supported and shared in this new venture of Messy Vintage as we look forward to continuing our journey of faith together in 2023.
Sue Withenshaw
Thursday Café Report
Our Community Cafe started after the COVID 19 Pandemic in a new format and has grown in numbers and support. Since its relaunch in Summer 2021, we have had a regular and like minded group of volunteers who seek to serve the needs of their local community by providing a space where all are welcome. We aim to provide hot drinks and Cake, toast and biscuits on a donation basis. This has provided an effective way of financing the cafe without charging for drinks etc.
Over the past 18 months, volunteers have come to the conclusion that the cafe is a great benefit to those that visit us and we continue to attract new people. The decision was made to remain open as much as possible and so this includes holidays and half term periods. This is because of 2 reasons, both relating to community engagement. Firstly, half term is when we can engage with young families the most and secondly that holidays and half terms have no bearing on those who may be lonely and so seek some fellowship. We have seen weekly numbers rise from around 20, up to as many as 40-50 people on any given week including those who may just “drop in” for a quick coffee.
In the early days, a service of morning prayer preceded the service with a start time of around 0950 hrs for 10 minutes and in July 2022 it was decided to change this to a midweek service of Holy Communion to serve those attending the cafe but also the wider parish and we now have people attending Holy Communion who do not stay for the cafe and on some occasions, this is their only weekly service. It was also originally decided that these services would continue whilst a curate was available in the parish to allow the service to take place and so it was a time limited service, separate from the cafe. The parish Bible Study sessions after the cafe have been equally successful and are in a similar position. We have also had a lot of engagement with families asking about baptism, visits from local nursery groups, Foodbank Managers, Social Workers and local Police Community Support Officers. We
13 | P a g e
installed a small community library where we aim to turn around the books and have an arrangement with a local bookshop and Oxfam. Along with Live music with a great thanks to Angela Murhead playing piano weekly, we started a second-hand bargain stall with occasional (Monthly) raffle. This was intended to be a draw for others and just give them something to look at and browse as they very much missed the “Good as New” aspect. Not only does this add to our Eco-Church award but it has been a huge financial success and our thanks are owed to Carol for this. In late 2022 we also registered with “Warm Space” and “Fair Trade” and we are on their list of registered spaces and activities as well as listed in local and borough wide community publications aimed at particular demographics we seek to serve.
Overall, the Community Cafe is exactly that and is embraced as such by both the community and the volunteers who help so much and run their own rota. Some more long term planning of who picks up supplies will need to be discussed soon but can be done so informally by the current cafe volunteers. However, some wider support around advertising, social media presence and website updates will also be required upon Fr. Lee’s leaving the parish. That aside, this space will continue to run itself with continued commitment of amazing volunteers long term and is a space that can still grow, advertise church activities and embrace the community pastorally.
We take this opportunity to thank all of those who have given their time over the past 18 months to make the Cafe such a success and I am personally very thankful for the support I have received in leading the Cafe and for the continued commitment of volunteers who both keep things running smoothly and engage with the community whilst supporting and enabling myself to do the same. The cafe really does live up to the Gospel message of love of neighbour, hope and support of others as well as a dynamic balance of prayer, spirituality and yet a warm welcome to the whole community, regardless of church engagement. May we continue to be blessed with such an amazing group, run by amazing, Christ-like people.
Lee Wood
Welcome Ministry Report
The Manchester Marathon took place on 3[rd] April and our grounds were used by the organisers. We were also able to connect with residents and other spectators serving them refreshments as they cheered on the runners. We provided space for a couple of Ukrainian families to have a stall to raise funds for much needed supplies back home
Our Garden Party took place on 16[th] July which was brilliantly organised and provided a wonderful opportunity to spend time with new faces and old friends. There was a wide selection of refreshments available including cakes, tea, coffee, and Pym’s which went down well since we were in the middle of a heatwave. There was also plenty to keep the children busy too in the children’s area and we were joined by a few new families who had connected with us through having come along to Bumps and Babies.
On 3[rd] December we held our Christmas Fair which was well attended by members of the parish. We hosted a choir who sang some festive favourites and a certain chap with a white beard made an appearance too! The most moving thing was the fellowship and the amount of time, help and donations given by the stallholders to make this so successful.
14 | P a g e
Women’s Fellowship Report
Women’s Fellowship continues to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month, but we now meet from 2-4pm and not in the evening.
We have had an enjoyable year with a variety of activities. In addition to quizzes, bingo, games afternoons and a Christmas craft meeting with mince pies, Christmas cake and carol singing, we had a classical guitar recital from a member of the congregation, two videos of past events at church – the pageant and various Garden Parties. These were nostalgic and good fun as they brought back memories of members in their younger days.
In December we went to Mersey Farm for our annual Christmas meal which was enjoyed by everyone as usual.
In January we were treated to a taster of Burn’s Night Food. The meetings are pleasurable and friendly. Fellowship is open to everyone, not just church members. It would be really good if we could welcome new members from the local community in 2023.
Carole Herd
15 | P a g e
Buildings Report
Leaks continue at the junction of the two split level roofs in the hall and near the rooflights and we are hoping to replace the hall roof this year. We have now received three quotes though some further assessment is needed by the architect to confirm they all meet the specification required. Total cost (including VAT) is likely to be in the region of £70,000. Grants may be available to assist with this. Once repaired, we can look to upgrade the hall itself, kitchen and toilets which are in a poor state.
Various electrical repairs recently include bulb and light fitting replacement and a new security light on the cellar approach. The step lights outside church (mainly on the North side) are still under consideration from an aesthetic point of view.
Work to replace some tiles and clear gutters on the main roof was recently completed, but this crossed over into 2023, due to the weather.
In the grounds, a new contractor was appointed in 2022 and some savings have been made here. We have now received approval from Trafford Council to prune or remove branches from 5 trees near the roadway. Further pruning of other trees is also required.
The first quarterly grounds working party took place on 18.2.2023. This coincided with a spring clean inside church. A further grounds working party will be schedule for late April/May.
The hut is in a dire state. The kitchen and toilets especially are woeful, so an action plan is needed here. The flooring also receives complaints so consideration is being given to carpet tiles , bearing in mind a potential issue with asbestos in the current tiles , although the most recent inspection declared this to be low risk. Rental charges here are minimal and reflect the poor state of the facility.
Other future works
-
Overhaul of lychgate
-
Cleaning and re-oiling of main doors
-
Pot hole repairs
-
Decision on metalwork over steps near cellar
-
External lighting to north side of church
-
Re-carpeting of church or re-stretching of existing carpet
A good number of hymn books are now in need of some running repairs, which will be effected. The other goods and ornaments of the church appear sound and the wardens are not aware of any missing items, though a full check will be made before the APCM.
Phil Dykes Church Warden
16 | P a g e
Finance Report
2022 represents a continuation of the post-pandemic recovery which was beginning to emerge during 2021. Planned Giving has grown by 6.3% on last year, and we continue to be incredibly grateful to all those members of our community and congregation who are able to contribute and support us.
Our normal community outreach events and church groups have been well-attended throughout the year and particular thanks is owed to those organising Thursday Café, Bumps and Babies, Messy Church, and the Pumpkin Party. Our groups and events income has increased approximately 1.5x on last year as both we and the wider community became more confident in both running and attending events.
Income from life events and rent of our extended premises held up, other than a reduction in premises rent owing to a large, one-off film production which took place during 2021. We were very grateful to receive a legacy from the late Arthur Hargreaves and this has been added to the designated General Legacy Fund to be used for specific items or projects.
In 2019, the PCC agreed to partner with other local churches to support Christians against Poverty with the setting up of a local operation and we committed to paying £1,500 per year for 3 years. The final contribution was made this year and the PCC formally agreed to support food ministry within the local area. Funds are expected to be donated to this end during the 2023 calendar year.
Church Fabric expenses includes the cost of repairing some slates on the church roof and clearing the gutters. Our other costs have remained reasonably level overall against the prior year, with an uplift in premises expenditure beginning towards the end of the calendar year as we began to feel the effects of increased gas costs. This will be a more significant expense in the 2023 accounts which is reflected in the PCC’s budget.
During the year, the PCC agreed to allocate amounts to certain designated funds, as they looked to finance anticipated expenditure deemed necessary for the future growth of the church. These amounts have been set out in Note 19 of the accounts.
James Merryweather Treasurer
17 | P a g e
Facts & Figures
Electoral Roll
| 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| 137 | 124 |
Usual Sunday Attendance
| 2019 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 82 | 56 |
| Children | 9 | 5 |
| Total | 91 | 61 |
| Occasional | Offices |
|---|---|
| Weddings | 8 |
| Baptisms | 14 |
| Funerals | 29 |
18 | P a g e
PCC LEADERSHIP AND MAKE UP 2022
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 Registered Charity. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.
Aim and purposes
St John's Parochial Church Council (PCC) has a shared responsibility in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
Objectives and activities
At the heart of our church life is the worship of God, everything else comes from that worship. We seek to reach upwards to God in worship and adoration, inward to one another in fellowship and outwards to the community and the world in witness and service. The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St John's.
When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular the PCC is committed to promoting the work of the church in the following areas:
-
Worship, prayer and spirituality: the maintenance and provision of regular Sunday and weekday worship, celebration of festivals, preparation for baptism, weddings and funerals and the nurture and teaching of faith
-
Social and Community Outreach: opening the church building to the people of the parish for social and community events, social and fundraising events, the support and involvement in community activities
-
Pastoral: visiting the sick and the housebound, support for those in need, prayer with and for those in need
-
Mission and Evangelism: financial, prayerful and active support of world and national mission agencies, concern and involvement in local needs
-
The wider church: the deanery, diocese and wider Church of England, ecumenical relationships
Main things PCC did in 2022
There have been five full meetings of the PCC: January, March, April, June, and November. Items on the agenda this year included:
-
Approved Annual Report and Accounts 2021
-
Approved Safeguarding Policy (annually) and monitored its implementation (ongoing)
-
Discussed parish priorities for growing, nurturing, and serving
-
Discussed forming links with the St Luke’s Foodbank
-
Use of the chalice at Communion
-
Approved Eucharistic Assistants
-
Become an Eco Church
-
Discussed worship review in 2023
19 | P a g e
| Membership 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Vicar: | Richard Sherratt |
| Curate: | Lee Wood |
| Churchwarden: | Phil Dykes (Vice Chair) |
| Churchwarden: | Janet Hunter |
| Deanery Synod representative: | Wilfred Darlington |
| Elected members (until 2023): | Debbie Gilpin |
| Elected members (until 2024): | Adele Lane |
| Phil Makins | |
| Angela Mather (Assistant Warden) | |
| Nwabugo Ubochi | |
| Susan Wildman (PCC Secretary) | |
| Caroline Windle (Assistant Warden) | |
| Elected members (until 2025): | Nicola Ashton (Eco Champion) |
| Kirstie Lea | |
| James Merryweather (Treasurer) | |
| Rod Tattersall |
Other PCC committees/groups
The PCC at St John’s has a Standing Committee. Membership of this committee along with its duties and is defined by law in the Church Representation Rules, abbreviated to CRR ( CRR M31(6) ). In addition to this committee there are four other committees appointed by the PCC under CRR M32 . Upon joining the PCC each member shall join at least one of these committees, ideally the one which best reflects their gifts, interests, skills, and talents:
-
(1) Operations Committee
-
(2) Finance Committee
-
(3) Governance Committee
-
(4) Safeguarding Group
Buildings Committee Governance Committee Philip Dykes Susan Wildman Philip Makins Nicola Ashton Rod Tattersall Angela Mather Nwabugo Ubochi, Caroline Windle
Finance Committee Safeguarding Group Philip Dykes Nicola Ashton Janet Hunter Angela Mather (Lead for Vulnerable Adele Lane Adults) James Merryweather (Treasurer) Simon Mather (PSO) Caroline Windle (Lead for Children)
20 | P a g e
Administrative Information
St John's is situated in Brooklands, Sale. It is part of the Diocese of Manchester within the Church of England and is in the Deanery of Stretford and Manchester South in the Archdeaconry of Manchester.
The correspondence address is The Vicarage, 186 Brooklands Road, Sale, M33 3PB.
Registered charity number: 1132141
The address of the Parish website is www.stjohnsbrooklands.org.uk
21 | P a g e
PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE, BROOKLANDS
(REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1132141)
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
22 | P a g e
PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE, BROOKLANDS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
I report to the members of PCC St John the Divine, Brooklands on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As members of the PCC, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Parochial Church’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
-
The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
-
The accounts did not accord with those records; or
-
The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair view” which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
E Armstrong FCCA
8 MAY 2023
23 | P a g e
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary giving 1 Church groups and events 2 General income 3 Other income 4 RESOURCES EXPENDED Parish share 5 Clergy expenses 6 Worship 7 Charitable and other dona�ons 8 Church groups and events 9 Church fabric 10 Premises fabric 11 Property fabric 12 Other parochial expenses 13 Net income before investment gains or losses Gains/(losses) on investments Flower fund 14 NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
2022 2022 2022 2021 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total funds Total funds £ £ £ £ - 53,013 53,013 50,015 - 3,197 3,197 1,243 - 23,696 23,696 38,750 237 7,248 7,485 10,686 |
|---|---|
| 237 87,154 87,391 100,694 |
|
| - 30,000 30,000 25,000 - 3,509 3,509 3,608 91 4,979 5,070 4,655 - 1,500 1,500 1,508 - 1,643 1,643 829 - 10,541 10,541 16,889 - 6,838 6,838 5,159 - 472 472 1,822 - 6,648 6,648 7,053 |
|
| 91 66,130 66,221 66,523 |
|
| 146 21,024 21,170 34,171 - (111) (111) 236 |
|
| 146 20,913 21,059 34,407 12,233 387,210 399,443 365,036 |
|
| 12,379 408,123 420,502 399,443 |
24 | P a g e
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
| Note FIXED ASSETS Property – Curate’s House, 39 Dalebrook Road Investments – fower fund 14 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 15 Deposit accounts at CBF 16 Deposit accounts at bank Current accounts at bank Cash in hand LIABILITIES – FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Creditors 17 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES LIABILITIES – FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR Provisions 17 NET ASSETS PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted |
2022 2021 £ £ 200,000 200,000 1,896 2,007 |
|---|---|
| 201,896 202,007 6,005 3,877 142,231 140,384 519 518 85,356 55,696 5 170 |
|
| 234,116 200,645 14,510 2,209 |
|
| 219,606 198,436 |
|
| 421,502 400,443 1,000 1,000 |
|
| 420,502 399,443 |
|
| 408,123 387,210 12,379 12,233 |
|
| 420,502 399,443 |
Approved by the PCC on 29 March 2023
25 | P a g e
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation
The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions, together with FRS 102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at fair value.
Incoming Resources
Planned giving, collections and all other donations are accounted for when received. Gift Aid tax claims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the cash donations to which they relate.
Funds raised by the Summer Fair, Winter Fair and similar events and activities are accounted for gross, as are sales of magazines and books.
Rental income from the letting of the church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment gains and losses includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Provisions are shown at best estimate of the amount required.
Assets
Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of “charity” by Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011 and such assets are excluded from the accounts. The Hall and Hut are similarly excluded from the accounts, being regarded equally as inalienable property of the Church.
No value is placed on church furnishings held by the Church Wardens on behalf of the PCC, and which require a Faculty for disposal. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off during the year.
All other equipment belonging to the PCC is written off at the time of purchase.
The curate’s house is included in the accounts at its carrying value as at 1 January 2015. No depreciation is provided on the curate’s house, as the currently estimated residual value is not less than its carrying value and the remaining useful life of this property is such that any depreciation charges would be immaterial.
Investments are valued at market value at the year end.
26 | P a g e
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| OTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |
|---|---|
| Note 1. Voluntary giving Planned giving Income tax recovered Giving at services Dona�ons to the Ben Nevis Appeal Other dona�ons 2. Church groups and events Winter fair Thursday Café sales Li�le Blessings Bumps and Babies Cra�y Chat sales 3. General income Life events Premises rent – hall Premises rent – hut Property rent 4. Other income Bequests Interest on deposits Flower fund dividend Dona�ons for fowers C-19 Job Reten�on Scheme Sundry income 5. Parish share Paid during the year 6. Clergy expenses Vicar expenses of ofce Curate expenses of ofce Council tax, water charges 7. Worship Altar and choir requisites etc. Staf (choir, verger) Welcome ministry Children’s ministry 8. Dona�ons Mission partners – Chris�ans Against Poverty Toy Appeal – Cost rela�ng to the year |
2022 2022 2022 2021 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total funds Total funds £ £ £ £ - 37,561 37,561 37,034 - 9,377 9,377 9,496 - 3,341 3,341 1,526 - - - 940 - 2,734 2,734 1,019 |
| - 53,013 53,013 50,015 |
|
| - 2,127 2,127 1,025 - 969 969 - - 43 43 - - 58 58 187 - - - 31 |
|
| - 3,197 3,197 1,243 |
|
| - 3,607 3,607 2,261 - 4,104 4,104 21,762 - 4,569 4,569 4,607 - 11,416 11,416 10,120 |
|
| - 23,696 23,696 38,750 |
|
| - 5,500 5,500 8,000 146 1,748 1,894 73 91 - 91 95 - - - 95 - - - 2,314 - - - 109 |
|
| 237 7,248 7,485 10,686 |
|
| - 30,000 30,000 25,000 |
|
| - 30,000 30,000 25,000 |
|
| - 38 38 107 - 48 48 67 - 3,423 3,423 3,434 |
|
| - 3,509 3,509 3,608 |
|
| 91 1,690 1,781 1,531 - 2,436 2,436 2,928 - 711 711 - - 142 142 196 |
|
| 91 4,979 5,070 4,655 |
|
| - 1,500 1,500 1,500 - - - 8 |
|
| - 1,500 1,500 1,508 |
27 | P a g e
| 9. Church groups and events Winter fair - 490 490 150 Bumps and babies - 13 13 55 Pumpkin party - 135 135 516 Other community events - 1,005 1,005 108 - 1,643 1,643 829 10. Church Fabric Gas and electricity - 4,512 4,512 2,055 Cleaning, insurance etc. - 4,769 4,769 4,607 Maintenance and repair - 349 349 887 Organ maintenance and repair - 580 580 454 Roof repairs - - - 5,386 Maintenance of grounds - 331 331 3,500 - 10,541 10,541 16,889 11. Premises fabric Hall Gas, electricity, water, cleaning - 2,874 2,874 2,434 Maintenance and repair - 887 887 580 - 3,761 3,761 3,014 Hut Electricity, water, cleaning - 2,476 2,476 2,138 Maintenance and repair - 601 601 7 - 3,077 3,077 2,145 Total premises fabric - 6,838 6,838 5,159 12. Property (Dalebrook Road) Maintenance, repairs, insurance etc. - 472 472 1,178 Management commission and fees - - - 644 - 472 472 1,822 13. Other parochial expenses Stewardship expenses - 90 90 140 Parish administra�on - 3,672 3,672 3,318 Parish communica�ons - 1,808 1,808 1,913 Hospitality - 806 806 187 Children’s outreach and equipment - - - 156 Evangelism - - - 15 Training, nurture, pastoral expenses - 95 95 45 New logo and banner - - - 786 Sundry expenses - 177 177 493 - 6,648 6,648 7,053 14. Flower fund M&G Equi�es Fund for Chari�es Market value at 1 January 2022 2,007 1,771 Gain/(loss) in the year (111) 236 Market value at 31 December 2022 1,896 2,007 The fower fund was established to provide regular funds for fowers in church. 15. Debtors Tax recoverable 6,078 2,565 Hall and hut rents due (73) 1,312 6,005 3,877 16. Deposit accounts at CBF Fabric Fund Opening balance 108,273 108,217 |
- 490 - 13 - 135 - 1,005 |
490 150 13 55 135 516 1,005 108 |
|---|---|---|
| - 1,643 |
1,643 829 |
|
| - 4,512 - 4,769 - 349 - 580 - - - 331 |
4,512 2,055 4,769 4,607 349 887 580 454 - 5,386 331 3,500 |
|
| - 10,541 |
10,541 16,889 |
|
| - 2,874 - 887 - 3,761 - 2,476 - 601 - 3,077 |
2,874 2,434 887 580 3,761 3,014 2,476 2,138 601 7 3,077 2,145 |
|
| - 6,838 |
6,838 5,159 |
|
| - 472 - - |
472 1,178 - 644 |
|
| - 472 |
472 1,822 |
|
| - 90 - 3,672 - 1,808 - 806 - - - - - 95 - - - 177 |
90 140 3,672 3,318 1,808 1,913 806 187 - 156 - 15 95 45 - 786 177 493 |
|
| - 6,648 |
6,648 7,053 |
|
| 2,007 1,771 (111) 236 |
||
| 1,896 2,007 |
||
| 6,005 3,877 |
||
| 108,273 108,217 |
28 | P a g e
| Interest Closing balance Organ fund Opening balance Interest Closing balance New roof fund Opening balance Interest Closing balance New fabric fund Opening balance Interest Closing balance General legacy fund Opening balance Interest Closing balance Total deposits at 31 December 17. Creditors Falling due within one year Parish share Accrual for u�li�es and other costs Income received in advance Falling due a�er one year Provision for hall foor resurfacing 18. Movement in restricted funds New roof fund Opening balance Incoming resources Closing balance |
1,425 56 109,698 108,273 902 901 11 1 913 902 11,102 11,096 146 6 11,248 11,102 4,944 4,942 66 2 5,010 4,944 15,163 15,155 199 8 15,362 15,163 |
|---|---|
| 142,231 140,384 |
|
| - - 14,510 1,674 - 535 |
|
| 14,510 2,209 |
|
| 1,000 1,000 |
|
| 11,102 11,096 146 6 |
|
| 12,248 11,102 |
The fund is invested in the New Roof Deposit Fund at CBF. The purpose of the New Roof Fund is to build up a fund for the eventual renewal of the church roof and the money retained in this fund was given for this specific purpose.
| Hall refurbishment fund Opening balance Incoming resources Closing balance Total restricted funds at 31 December |
1,131 - - 1,131 |
|---|---|
| 1,131 1,131 |
|
| 13,379 12,233 |
All other restricted income received in the year was expended in the year.
19. Designated funds
During the year, the following amounts were allocated to designated funds from the general fund:
| General legacy – to fund equipment/special expenditure | 5,500 | 8,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Children and families leader – build up to enable recruitment | 5,000 | 20,000 |
| Hall redevelopment – funding for future plans | - | 2,500 |
| Hut replacement – funding for future plans | - | 250 |
29 | P a g e
| Church refurbishment – funding for future plans | - | 1,000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardens – funding for future plans | - | 250 |
|
| Con�ngency – reserves | - | 1,000 |
|
| 10,500 | 33,000 |
||
| During the year interest was received on deposits rela�ng to the following designated | funds: | ||
| Fabric fund – to maintain the fabric of the church buildings | 1,425 | 56 |
|
| New fabric fund - to maintain the fabric of the church buildings | 66 | 2 |
|
| Organ fund – repair or maintenance of the organ | 11 | 1 |
|
| General legacy – to fund equipment or special projects | 199 | 8 |
|
| Balances on designated funds at the year-end: | |||
| Fabric fund | 109,698 | 108,273 |
|
| New fabric fund | 5,010 | 4,944 |
|
| Organ fund | 913 | 901 |
|
| General legacy fund | 28,862 | 23,163 |
|
| Children and families leader | 25,000 | 20,000 |
|
| Hall redevelopment | 2,500 | 2,500 |
|
| Hut replacement | 250 | 250 |
|
| Church refurbishment | 1,000 | 1,000 |
|
| Gardens | 250 | 250 |
|
| Con�ngency | 1,000 | 1,000 |
|
| 20. | Staf salaries | ||
| Total | 5,908 | 5,414 |
The PCC was eligible for support under the Coronavirus Job Reten�on Scheme and a total of £0 (2021: £2,314) was claimed in the year. The support covered staff salaries as follows:
| Worship Administra�on |
- 1,209 - 1,105 |
|---|---|
| - 2,314 |
These amounts have been shown as restricted funds.
30 | P a g e