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2023-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Mark's, Kensal Rise

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 December 2023

1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk

Legal and Administrative Information

Governing PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules 2011 Document Charity Number 1132172

Working Name St Mark’s Kensal Rise

Address Bathurst Gardens, NW10 5HX

St. Mark’s Church is based at the Church and Hall on the corner of Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise, and All Souls Avenue, Harlesden. It is part of the Brent Deanery, in the Willesden Area, in the Diocese of London within the Church of England.

Trustees

Katie Barringer Sue Bush

Church Warden (until May 2024) Appointed May 2024 Resigned May 2024 Deanery Synod Rep & Church Warden (from Appointed Oct 2023 May 2024) Church Warden Appointed May 2024 Treasurer & Deanery Synod Rep Appointed May 2024

Flora Dugbartey Shantel Earle Rosabel Johnston Paul Kidner

Maria Mak Vivienne McKoy-Salt Michael Mclean Alan Meakin

Douglas Morton Latham Noble Appointed May 2024 John Palmer Michelle Percharde Secretary Rev Dave Roberts Vicar & Chair Appointed July 2023 Siobhan Scott Appointed May 2024 Gillian Thompson Resigned May 2024 Caroline Winterburn Appointed May 2024

Safeguarding Lead

Kellie Jarret

Independent Sarah Crispin ACA Examiner Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited 1 Lambs Passage London EC1Y 8AB

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

Executive Summary - The Vicar’s view

by Revd. Dave Roberts

Seasons, and vicars, come and go in the life of a church, but what binds them together does not. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and the heart, values, and mission of St. Mark’s church remains the same. I, as the new vicar of the parish, am overjoyed to recognise the care, love, and generosity of the people of St. Mark’s not only in the activities reflected in this annual report, but personally as they have been extended to Rachel and I when we arrived to the parish. We want to thank everyone for their welcome and celebrate that this is a church which welcomes the whole community.

We arrived at the end of two heroic efforts. First, the church had to reorganise and innovate to serve the community of Kensal Rise and East Harlesden through the pandemic. Then, after Will left, the PCC and other leaders stepped forward in prayer and action to seek a new vicar. The volunteers and staff leaders, who worked, prayed, and served in this time deserve gratitude and recognition; God’s work to build strong core foundations in this season has been shown, for which we rejoice in Him. That season also included celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III, a well attended volunteer ‘thank-you’ evening, a Youth talent performance, and hosting part of the Brent Interfaith Night Shelter.

I was installed as vicar of the parish, and trustee in July 2023. Listening to my fellow leaders on our Parish Council I heard of challenges, new opportunities, and hope for the future. 2023 finished with a wonderful series of Christmas events, celebrating old traditions and creating new memories. In keeping with our vision of ‘living and sharing the love of Jesus in Kensal Rise and beyond’ we opened up to our community for services and our Christmas Craft Fair with a great response and also distributed 60 care packages to those in need. Both events crystallised for me the joy and diversity of worship here at church. For a small core team a great deal of community action takes place at this church, but I am more impressed by the love and connection across all differences of age, race, and cultural background. These are the deep roots which provide sustaining life to the parish

Another key reflection is our connection with local partners and schools, which I hope to see deepen and develop. While we had no employed children’s worker for 2023, a team of about 40 volunteers means that we can sustain a busy and well-loved Sunday School as well as memorable community events in church. I hope that this energy can be matched with funding and resource because I see ministry to young people as a vital area of our church’s vocation. We have a strong connection with Princess Frederica School, where I sit as a governor, but we don’t have the capacity to build bonds with Kenmont, Furness, and College Green Nursery.

Financially, St. Mark’s is blessed through its generous congregation whose giving provides 2/3rds of our income. This, combined with rental income, covers most of our expenditure. We are, however, still losing money each month and are seeking sustainability in our finances to allow us to serve our church and community in a sustainable way. He who has called us is faithful; He will do it!

Revd. Dave Roberts,

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

1. Our Vision (Aims & Purposes)

St Mark’s Kensal Rise is a local church family and the parish church of Kensal Rise and East Harlesden. We are seeking to live and share the love of Jesus by:

The Church Council has the responsibility of working with the incumbent, Revd. Dave Roberts, and the staff team in promoting the mission of the Church - pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC, through prayer and discussion, seeks to discover how best to encourage the church to fulfil its mission of ‘Living and Sharing the Love of Jesus’.

Public Benefit:

When planning its activities for the year the PCC gave consideration to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. As a church, we exist for the benefit of the whole community and look to love and our neighbours as ourselves and be of service. This is what it looks like to be “good news for Kensal Rise and Beyond”.

Practically, our projects and partnerships include:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

2. The Ministry of St. Mark’s (Objectives & Activities)

The general functions of the PCC are stated within section 2 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. In 2023, these activities manifest in the following ways:

2.1 Ministry Activities

Services:

Morning Prayer

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

Small Groups:

Life Events

As the parish church for Kensal Rise and East Harlesden, we are privileged to officiate for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. In 2023 we had fewer due to the period of interregnum

Pastoral Care

2.2 Children’s Ministry

by Caroline Winterburn

Sunday Services

St. Mark's is blessed with the number of children and young people we have within our church family. Over the course of each month we average 20 little ones in the creche, 30-40 in the Explorer group which is Reception-year 2 (ages 4-7 ) and another 30-40 in our Adventurers group which is years 3-6 (ages 7-11.) This means we have up to 100 children coming through our doors and in our care over the course of a month. We are so thankful for the energy and vibrancy they bring to our church family, and it’s our prayer that each one of

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

these children, through attending Kid’s Church, will come to know how deeply loved they are loved by God, how each of them are unique and how God has given each of them special gifts to be used for him. Our prayer is that they will each come to accept Jesus into their lives and go on to serve him as they grow up here and then through their lives wherever they may be.

It is such a responsibility and a privilege to be teaching and nurturing our children and to lay down these firm foundations in Jesus. We have an absolutely incredible team of 30 volunteers who selflessly give up their time to prepare and deliver exciting sessions in their various groups and who nurture and care for our children week by week. This is such an important and vital ministry and as a leadership team at St. Mark's we are so very grateful to every one of our wonderful volunteers.

During this year the children have been coming back into the main church every week rather than just for Holy Communion. On the third Sunday of the month one of the groups have shared with the congregation what they have been learning about. This has been really good for the children to be able to share what they’ve been doing, and also good for the congregation to hear from the children. We hope and pray that this fosters the sense that we are all important parts of God’s family here at St. Mark's from the youngest through to the oldest.

Seasonal Events

As well as our Sunday Kid’s Church sessions we ran the Light Party at the end of October last year. We had 50 children attending, many of whom are not part of our usual congregation. It was a wonderful opportunity to have lots of fun – with massive inflatable basketball hoops, light related crafts, bouncy castle, face painting and food, but the most important part was when Katie Barringer gave a fantastic talk about Jesus being the Light of the World and how he encourages us to shine His light in the darkness around us. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the truth of the gospel with many children and their families (many of whom stay) that don’t usually come to church.

Christmas and Easter have also been opportunities for the children to get involved more in our main services with Carols around the Crib on Christmas Eve and at the Family Hour on Good Friday when the children and young people were involved in acting out the events of that first Good Friday.

Toddler Group

As well as our kid’s church groups on a Sunday, we also have our Parent and Toddler Groups which run in term time on Tuesday lunchtimes and Wednesday mornings. We average about 50 children per session per week – so 200 under 3s and their parents and carers each week and the hall and church are both buzzing with the sounds of chatting and playing. There are different areas set out with different types of toys which enables different skills to be used – fine motor skills with the puzzles, sharing, listening quietly to a story and joining in with the singing. “It’s not just a toddler group” is the name of research that has shown that children who attend parent and toddler groups are so much more ready for school because of what they have learnt through being at toddlers. Also many of the adults have said that coming to toddlers has “been their lifeline” so it’s not just about providing a safe space for children to play, but a safe space for the adults where they can be encouraged, supported and if necessary signposted to other agencies that might be able to help further with a

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

specific issue if necessary. This is a place where people are finding a community that cares about

them. Parents and Toddlers is an incredible opportunity for us to “Show the love of Jesus to our community” – the heart of our values and mission statement. There are 3 of us that volunteer on Tuesdays, and 4 on Wednesdays, and a big shout out to Pete who comes every Tuesday to help us set up. This is such an important part of our mission and ministry, but we desperately need more help! If you feel you can help out – even on a rota and not every week – then please speak to Sue or Caroline.

2.3 Youth Ministry

by Vanessa Richards

Grounded Youth Group

‘Grounded Youth’ changed its name from ‘Rise’ in January 2023. The values of the youth group are guided by Ephesians 3:16- 19 , so our young people will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

To enable God to dwell in their hearts through faith, that they may be rooted and grounded in love.

Our focus is for our youth to have a personal relationship with God, whilst supporting each other to know the breadth, length. height and depth of God’s love. To encounter a personal relationship through God’s love, that surpasses what they see and what they know.

What do we do and how?

Grounded Youth Group consists of youth in Pathfinders (Year 7-9) and Older Youth (OY, year 10+).

Pathfinders meet every Sunday morning during the service, except on All Age Service which is 1[st] Sundays of each month. The group meet in the upper room after the first worship segment and return during the peace for communion. This change in September 2023 has helped to increase youth participating in worship, sound and projection on Sundays.

Pathfinders also meet every other Friday until changing to every week from September 2023. Older Youth were meeting every other Friday until September2024. Then began to meet every week from September. The format of both sessions consists of various team activities, games and bible teachings with refreshments (tuck shop or pizza’s).

Average attendance on Sunday was from 4 to 15 youths. Fridays can be from 2 to 13 between both groups . During the past year we had to say goodbye to three youths who have moved on. However, we welcome 18 new memberships across Pathfinders and OY.

We also ran a monthly Boy’s/girls only group. The boys group is run by Justin and Michael, and the Girls events included welcome, Cake & Fizz, and Identity trip to Aloha.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

We are delighted to have the following nine regular volunteers who support on Fridays at least once a month . On Sunday 24[th] April we were able to meet for the first time for lunch to discuss the vision and priorities for Grounded Youth.

Ad Hoc support from: Vicar (Support), Olu (Art), Wayne (DJ)*, Alan (Support), Rosa and Mernell (Cook), Destiny (Dance), Kellie (Support) & Dehlia (Cook)

Shantel (PCC) Monthly meetings with Caroline.

Thank you all for your time and support for making the youth group a pleasurable experience for all. I also want to also take this time to thank our church family for their support and love in caring for our youths.

Priorities for 2024: Our Focus

  1. Increase capacity of youths

  2. Increase the capabilities and capacity of volunteers

  3. Safeguarding

  4. Support and encourage youth to have an understanding of who God is and to go deeper with their faith via teachings/events (incl. social media)

  5. Motivate and inspire youths to experience God through serving their church and community.

  6. To be support youths to be confident disciples in every area of their lives

I just want to thank the Lord for his grace and his undeniable love and guidance he has shown throughout this past year. I am aware there is no growth without roots, therefore help us Lord to keep you at the centre of everything we do.

2.4 Partnership and Community Activities

Special Events:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

contributions but the whole church came together to create something wonderful.

Night Shelter

On Friday nights in the Spring term the night shelter was opened up to a large number of guests in the hall. An enthusiastic team was led by Alistair Campbell. The Night Shelter was run in conjunction with the Brent Multifaith Forum and was a great success.

In Winter 2023, the Nightshelter took up one permanent location and so did not require use of our site. We were still able to support with a volunteer team and hope that this project will continue to serve the needs of the homeless community in a sustainable way.

Community - schools:

St Mark’s continues to work with the parish primary school Princess Frederica, hosting services, assemblies and some RE lessons. Dave took bi-weekly assemblies following his appointment and sits on the governing board. We also made one visit to Kenmont where the Headteacher is very open to partnership if we had more capacity.

Community - Love Christmas:

by Alex Thornton

This year as a church we reached out to the local community to deliver Christmas Hampers to 60 local families. We focused on helping families from two local primary schools with the largest numbers of children receiving free school meals - Kenmont and Furness. This was the first time we’ve partnered with Kenmont, so it was a great initiative to begin. Having sent letters out to families in the schools through the teachers we had a number keen to receive a Christmas Hamper.

Myself and Billy arranged the purchase of food required and arranged around 20 volunteers to help pack the hampers and distribute them. We also phoned all the families individually to check their availability for our delivery days. Billy did a great job of securing some freebies from some big stores and presents for children in the families, whilst other items were bought in bulk. We also included a Nativity story book and invites to our Christmas services. We successfully delivered all the hampers over 2 days with YWAM also helping massively and delivering a number locally on foot.

There were challenges of finding addresses and arranging times for delivery but mostly volunteers were able to connect with the families they delivered to. There was some good feedback with many families appreciating this gesture of kindness and Jesus’ love in action at this time of year and during this cost of living crisis. One parent emailed, ‘we have just received your hamper and it’s amazing!’ Another parent said she was hoping to join us all at St. Mark's for Christmas in response.

Mission Partners:

The PCC are continuing their commitment to supporting mission partners outside St. Mark’s and maintain the aim grow our external giving so that we reach a figure of at least 10% of congregational giving, to that end we supported the following partners financially:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

‘Project Stork’ initiatives have continued to be well supported this year, collecting clothes and gifts – as well as Easter Eggs - for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Hall Bookings:

We continue to host partners and create income from our hall bookings. Most notably, we have a permanent tenant, Into University, in our second office and classroom, as well as regular bookings from local charities, including Young Roots - a refugee youth charity, Wildfires - a children’s Christian weekly event, the dementia cafe, and two creative arts groups

IntoUniversity Brent (IU) based at St. Mark’s continues to provide educational and mentoring support for local primary and secondary school children through Focus Weeks held in the Church and Classroom, school visits, homework clubs, and university and cultural trips.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

3. Achievements and Performance

In this section we reflect on the data submitted to the Church of England for reporting, known as ‘Statistics for Mission’. Financial performance is shown in section 4.

3.1 Parish Statistics

As can be seen on the Parish Dashboard below, 2023 has shown a recovery of levels of attendance and engagement compared with the previous few years. The graphs suggest a decline in most key metrics through COVID and the period of interregnum but we are pleased to see that the increased size of worshipping community and attendance in 2023 has been backed up by an increase of 20 in our Electoral Roll this year (not shown in the graph). We maintain a higher percentage of under 18s in our congregation, but would like to see better retention of teenagers and a higher number of single people in their 20s and 30s.

Figure 3.1: Church of England Parish Dashboard

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

3.2 Environmental Impact

As we modernise our buildings we are mindful of our environmental impact. In 2023 we saw a reduction in our usage of Gas and also switched to a green energy provider for electricity. Our net CO2 emissions therefore fell from 20.8 tonnes to 17.4 tonnes for the year.

Late in 2023 we also investigated the use of Infra-red heating for our church building which will have a dramatic impact on our winter fuel usage.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

4.Financial Review

By Alan Meakin, Treasurer

Over the year there was a small excess of £8,583 (2022 a deficit of £7,360). Voluntary income in 2023 was very similar to 2022, but this was supplemented by three generous legacy donations, rental income from our Herbert Gardens property, and an increase in hall lettings. Expenditure also increased, principally due to additional energy and salary costs.

The legacy receipts mask the fact that our income is not sustainably covering our running costs. We have Gift Aid to claim which will supplement income over the next few years, nevertheless, we would hope to build our voluntary income now that the interregnum has ended, and as the congregation grows and aligns with the emerging refreshed Vision for St. Mark’s.

2022 numbers have been re-stated following a switch from an Accrual to a Receipts and Payments basis.

4.1 Receipts

Total receipts were £197,883 (2022 £164,312)

Voluntary income increased to £133,843 (2022 £122,893).

Fundraising income from property lettings rose from £40,975 to £53,016. Hall lettings increased from £17,008 to £20,217, we received £26,199 from IntoUniversity and £6,600 of rental income from Herbert Gardens, after it was vacated by our previous curate.

Church Activities for generating funds rose to £10,395. This includes £2,592 generated at the Christmas Fair, plus one off amounts as we subsumed the Parents & Toddlers (£3,190), Wednesday Fellowship (£381) and a dormant Pathfinders account (£2,441) into ours.

4.2 Expenditure

Our expenditure totalled £189,300 (2022, £171,673) to provide the Christian Ministry from St. Mark’s Church.

Of this, £70,000 (2022 £80,000) was our contribution to the Common Fund to provide stipends and employment costs for the clergy and a contribution towards Diocesan costs and the costs of the wider Church. This was reduced to reflect potential risks to our income during the interregnum. Our offer for 2024 is £73,500 which compares with the request from the Diocese of £91,300.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

Clergy and staffing costs increased by £17,673 to £56,564, reflecting a full year’s salary for our Youth Pastor and an enhanced role for our Administrator arising from the interregnum. We also incurred costs of £4,268 associated with the vicarage, during the course of the interregnum, which has since been recovered.

Running expenses totalled £48,523 (2022 £41,782). The increase is entirely attributable to higher heating costs, despite decreasing our gas usage by nearly 10%. Church repairs and maintenance at £8,160 (2022 £7,866) were consistent with last year, with no major works being undertaken. At the end of the year work commenced to upgrade our electricity supply with a view to installing electric radiant heaters with a consequent shift away from gas. The budget is c.£15k with a concurrent appeal to the congregation for funding.

Missionary & Charitable Giving totalled £14,214 (2022 £11,000). In 2021 the PCC agreed a formula to tithe 10% of our income (after agreed deductions) to our Mission Partners.

4.2 Assets

At the year-end our Cash funds had risen by £8,582 to £119,993. Other monetary assets amount to £81,389. This includes outstanding Gift Aid, estimated at £74,185, recoverable for the years 2020-2023, of which 2020 has since been received. Amounts falling due within one year total £10,524, this includes an overpayment of £4,955 relating to one of the 2023 legacies.

4.3 Reserves Policy

In 2021 we reviewed our Reserves Policy and this provides that we should aim to sustain 5 months of expenses (based on a 5 year rolling average) and never dip below 1 month of expenses except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the PCC. On agreement of the PCC Reserves can be utilised but must aim to be replenished thereafter from all sources of income until the threshold is again reached, with the aim of replenishing not later than 3 years from utilisation. We currently seek to maintain reserves of £78,875 (2022 £71,530) and to not go below £15,775 (2022 £14,306).

4.4 Risk Management

Our Financial Control Procedures have been reviewed and are due to be formally adopted by the PCC following the forthcoming 2024 APCM. Revenue budgets are prepared in the autumn prior to each financial year and care is taken to limit contractual commitments to one year.

Within the Church building, we have paid particular attention to risks of fire and escape routes, and the appropriate insurance is in place. At the beginning of 2024 our electrical systems were given a thorough overhaul.

4.6 Finance and Treasury team

We are grateful to our Finance and Treasury team – Alan Meakin, who assumed the role of Treasurer in 2021 and Sinitta Falconer who continues to work diligently as our part-time bookkeeper.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

5. Structure, Governance and Management

St Mark’s is led by the Parochial Church Council, among whom are two appointed church warden’s, treasurer, secretary, and the Vicar who make up the Standing Committee.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees who consider themselves as belonging to the worshipping community of St. Mark’s are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll. All those on the Electoral Roll may stand for election to the PCC. The council should reflect the diversity of the church community.

5.1 Electoral Roll:

The electoral roll - the formal voting members of St. Mark's Church - now stands at 198, with 6 people having come off the roll and 26 people joining. The Electoral Roll Officer is Kellie Jarrett

5.2 PCC members (trustees)

Ex Officio Members (Ordered Alphabetically)

At the APCM on 5 May 2024

5.3 Staff:

Kellie Jarrett – Church Administrator with a special focus on bookings and community partnerships. On top of Kellie’s 20-hour permanent contract, she is on a fixed term contract to add extra administrative help for service planning. The initial period was for the interregnum and the need for this role is being reviewed by the PCC now that the new vicar is post

Vanessa Richards – Youth Pastor. Vanessa worked 34-hours a week pastoring our young people and holding regular groups and Youth church. This role was set up as a fixed term role as it depended on funding to be sustainable in our church. As of December 2023 we had extended until March with a view to include support of Children’s work in the scope and to assess the size of role the parish could support.

We are incredibly grateful to Kellie and Vanessa for their commitment to church life and

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

love for those they serve. This was especially true in the interregnum which is always a period with extra demands and uncertainty. We are very blessed to have their humour, prayers, and passion. During the interregnum, a lot of responsibility falls on the officers of the PCC, and the whole PCC. Our broard church leadership is fantastic and deserves recognition: Thanks especially to Sue, Viv, Alan, and Caroline for all they do and the wisdom they bring us.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

6.Administrative Information

6.1 Safeguarding:

St. Mark’s has a Child Protection Policy and an Equal Opportunities Policy. Any

concerns regarding children’s safety should be referred to the Children’s Safeguarding Officer , Kellie Jarrett. In accordance with Diocesan guidelines St. Mark’s also has a Children’s Champion , Sue Bush, whose responsibility is to make sure children are nurtured within the worshipping life of the church.

With regard to the PCC's obligations to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, the members of the PCC confirm that they have complied with their duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.

6.2 Buildings and Maintenance:

St Mark’s has stewardship over the site on Bathurst Gardens, including, Church, Hall (with kitchen and stage room), classroom, upper room, and 2 offices. We also have stewardship of the ‘Curates House’ property at 82 Herbert Gardens which is currently occupied.

Fabric & Church Warden’s Report

This report covers the period Jan 1st – Dec 31st 2023

Since joining us as Vicar in July, Dave has taken a very active part in reviewing the state of the buildings and in applying for grants to improve the garden, the kitchen and for an ecological assessment to advise on options to improve our carbon footprint. We were unsuccessful with the kitchen funding but the re-ordering of the garden is now in progress. Acting on advice from the eco report Dave applied for a Faculty to improve our heating and you will be aware that this work has now been completed. In future we aim to use the electric heaters with the gas boilers for backup in very cold weather.

We have managed to decrease our carbon footprint over the year and have used 10% less gas. Our electricity is supplied by SSE who use renewable sources to generate electricity. Paul Kidner joined John Palmer, Kellie Jarrett and Sue Bush on the building group during the year. We continue to seek advice from Glenn Ford as needed and have benefitted from advice from Ann Katrin and Annette Cleary on developing sustainable solutions to heating and maintenance.

As reported last year the quinquennial (5 yearly) inspection of the Church was carried out by Ross Perkin on 16[th] March 2023. He commented that the Church was well cared for and had a great feel to it! One of his concerns was the crack over the war memorial which could be the result of movement in the ground beneath or of subsidence. We have since become aware that this crack is a long standing feature and therefore more likely to represent the results of movement than subsidence. We still have to carry out roof repairs and attend to areas of damage to the floors in the church.

During the year our hall has continued to be well used by the community and the Dementia Café now meets here every Monday from 11.00 until 3.00 and we host Irish Dancers and the Vessels of Honour group on Monday evenings.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

Viv and I would like to thank the PCC for all their hard work and support over the last year.

At the last APCM we were still awaiting Dave and Rachel’s arrival and we would like to thank Dave for the enormous amount of hard work he has put in since joining us in July and for his energy and enthusiasm and strong leadership. God truly answered our prayers and sent us the Vicar we needed!

Sue Bush and Vivienne McKoy – Salt Churchwardens

Projects

Infra-red Heaters: The PCC signed off a motion to apply for permission to hang infra red heaters in the main church building to address the generational problems we have had with low Winter temperatures. We have been given advice that the current heat delivery method of radiators is not sufficient for the space and have applied to install 8 high power Infra-red lights.

Garden Refresh : We have been awarded £3,500 to safeguard and diversify our Church Garden. This is an exciting way to relaunch interest in this space in the New Year and we are very grateful to Brent Towards Net-Zero for the funding

City Bridge Trust Eco-Audi t: In November we heard that our application for an ‘Eco-Audit’ from the City Bridge Trust had been excepted and we were, therefore eligible for a professional environmental audit and then to apply for funding to fulfil the recommendation of this audit. We look forward to receiving this document to shape our future building maintenance and use.

6.3 Deanery Synod Report 2023

by Paul Kidner

The Deanary Synod is an elected group from all the Church of England churches in Brent. As a church we are allowed up to 3 members of Deanery Synod, plus any Clergy who sit ex officio. It meets 3 times a year, usually to address a particular theme.

In September 2023 the Deanery Synod meeting took the form of a 'roadshow' which introduced and shared with us the 'Diocesan Vision 2030'. A meeting in November addressed ‘Intercultural worship’. Here are a few thoughts as to how it might impact us at St. Mark's in the coming months and years.

. The overarching vision is 'For Every Londoner to Encounter the Love of God in Christ'. This is backed up by three ambitions and three priorities

The Ambitions:-

The Disciplines

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

I am pleased to report that your PCC has met a number of times since the Deanery Synod meeting and is addressing all aspects of this 'Vision' now - you will hear more over the coming months as to how this might affect you and indeed all of us at St. Mark’s.

Specifically we are planning a Community Listening programme in summer 2024, and have set up a working group to monitor Racial Justice here and ensure we meet our aspirations.

Many of the ideas and proposals in the 'Vision' we have in place and are working here already but there is much more to do to ensure we continue to develop and grow our love of God within the local community.

6.4 Responsibilities of trustees

Charity law requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.

The PCC is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.

We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on

Jul 25, 2024

Signed on their behalf

by Revd Dave Roberts (Chair)

Revd. Dave Roberts Revd. Dave Roberts (Jul 25, 2024 10:22 GMT+1)

19

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mark, Kensal Rise Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise NW10 5HX - Charity number 1132172

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK, KENSAL RISE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mark, Kensal Rise ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2023 on pages 21 to 25 following.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.

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

Sarah Crispin

Sarah Crispin (Jul 25, 2024 14:10 GMT+1)

Sarah Crispin ACA

Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

Date: Jul 25, 2024

20

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK, KENSAL RISE

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Income receipts
Voluntary receipts
2(a)
Fundraising income
2(b)
Church activities
2(c)
Investment income
2(d)
Total receipts
Payments
Church activities
Common Fund
Clergy and staffing costs
3(a)
3(b)
4
Total payments
Transfers between funds
6
Net movement in funds
Cash funds as at last year end
Cash funds at this year end
A
Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers
Mission giving and donations
Church running expenses		 General
Designated
Funds
Funds
£
£
83,538
40,338
53,016
-
3,872
6,122
650
-
141,075
46,460
141,075
46,460
70,000
-
52,268
-
47,372
118
169,640
118
12,764
180
182,404
298
182,404
298
(41,329)
46,162
67,872
(68,167)
26,543
(22,005)
40,938
68,167
67,481
46,162
Unrestricted Funds		 Restricted
Funds
£
9,967
-
381
-
10,348
10,348
-
4,296
1,033
5,329
1,270
6,599
6,599
3,749
295
4,044
2,306
6,350		 2023
£
133,843
53,016
10,375
650
197,883
197,883
70,000
56,564
48,523
175,086
14,214
189,300
189,300
8,583
(0)
8,583
111,411
119,993		 2022
£
122,893
40,975
283
162
164,312
164,312
80,000
38,891
41,782
160,673
11,000
171,673
171,673
(7,360)
-
(7,360)
118,771
111,411

The notes on pages 23 - 25 form part of these accounts.

21

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK, KENSAL RISE

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

A Cash funds
Cash at bank with immediate access
Petty cash
B Other monetary assets
Gift aid due to charity
Loan
Amount recoverable for interegnum expenses
Other debtors
C Liabilities
Falling due within one year
Other creditors
Fee for Independent Examination
Agency creditor
Accrued expenses		 General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
67,193
46,162
287
-
67,481
46,162
74,185
-
1,790
-
4,589
-
825
-
81,389
-
5,962
-
1,590
-
1,318
-
1,653
-
10,524
-
Unrestricted Funds		 Restricted
funds
£
6,350
-
6,350
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
£
119,706
287
119,993
74,185
1,790
4,589
825
81,389
5,962
1,590
1,318
1,653
10,524		 2022
£
General
funds
£
67,193
287
67,481
74,185
1,790
4,589
825
81,389
5,962
1,590
1,318
1,653
10,524
110,896
515
111,411
-
1,790
-
-
1,790
-
1,680
1,000
-
2,680

The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Revd. Dave Roberts

Revd. Dave Roberts (Jul 25, 2024 10:22 GMT+1)

_____Revd Dave Roberts

Date: __ Jul 25, 2024

The notes on pages 23 - 25 form part of these accounts.

22

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK, KENSAL RISE

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.

As the charity's income is less than £250,000, it has taken advantage of the option to prepare its accounts on a receipts and payments basis and the results reported previously have been restated; further information is given in note 6 below.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.

2
a) Voluntary income
Planned giving
Collections
Legacies
Other grants
Other donations
Gift aid recovered
b)
Activities for generating funds
Property lettings
c)
Church activities
Church events & activities
PCC fee income
3
a)
Clergy and staffing costs
Staff & contractor costs
Running costs for clergy accommodation
Clergy expenses		 Unrestricted Fun
General
funds
£
77,650
3,957
-
-
1,930
-
83,538
53,016
53,016
2,860
1,012
3,872
Unrestricted Fun
General
funds
£
51,155
942
170
52,268		 ds
Designated
funds
£
420
-
39,500
-
418
-
40,338
-
-
6,122
-
6,122
ds
Designated
funds
£
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
3,500
6,467
-
9,967
-
-
381
-
381
Restricted
Funds
£
-
4,268
28
4,296		 Total
2023
£
78,070
3,957
39,500
3,500
8,816
-
133,843
53,016
53,016
9,363
1,012
10,375
Total
2023
£
51,155
5,210
199
56,564		 Total
2022
£
80,147
1,009
1,000
-
4,600
36,136
122,893
40,975
40,975
15
268
283
Total
2022
£
35,437
1,908
1,546
38,891

Revd Dave Roberts (who is a clergy member of the PCC) receives a stipend from the Diocese; the cost of this stipend is not included in the above payroll cost however it should be noted that some of the Parish share is used to help pay the stipend. Revd Dave Roberts was provided with accommodation (which is customary for clergy) and the cost of this accommodation is disclosed in the above note, along with expenses incurred whilst serving as clergy.

b)
Church running costs
Ministry expenses
Insurance
Independent examiner's fee
Printing, postage and stationery
Telephone, internet and IT
Church light and heat
Church running expenses
Church repair & maintenance		 6,264
4,456
1,542
4,674
2,879
12,484
6,913
8,160
47,372		 118
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
118		 1,033
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,033		 7,415
4,456
1,542
4,674
2,879
12,484
6,913
8,160
48,523		 9,138
4,806
5,395
3,914
3,215
2,141
5,307
7,866
41,782

23

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK, KENSAL RISE

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4
Mission giving and donations
Home mission
Overseas mission
Social & development
Hardship		 5,250
4,014
3,500
-
12,764		 -
-
180
-
180		 -
-
-
1,270
1,270		 5,250
4,014
3,680
1,270
14,214		 1,500
6,000
3,000
500
11,000

5 Acting as agent

On occasion the charity receives money on behalf of other charities or community groups, which it banks and then pays out to these organisations. This income is received as agent for these other organisations and the income, and the related payments, are excluded from the Receipts & Payments account and from the cash reserves. Any money that has not been distributed by the year end is noted as a liability in the Statement of Assets & Liabilities.

During the year the charity acted as agent for Kensal Warm Spaces and, in that capacity:

During the year the charity acted as agent for Diocesan fees and, in that capacity:

6 Movement on designated, restricted and endowment funds

General funds
Designated funds
Reserves fund
Legacy fund
Youth & children's work
Parent & Toddler fund
Restricted funds
Love Christmas fund
Night shelter
Hardship fund
Wednesday Fellowship
Vicarage Interregnum
Garden Fund
Heating system fund
Total funds		 Opening
balance
£
40,328
68,167
-
-
-
68,167
1,842
82
740
-
(358)
-
-
2,306
110,801		 Change of
basis
(note 9)
£
610
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
610		 Receipts
£
141,075
-
39,500
2,861
4,099
46,460
120
-
1,050
381
-
3,500
5,297
10,348
197,883		 Payments
£
(182,404)
-
-
-
(298)
(298)
(656)
(377)
(1,270)
-
(4,296)
-
-
(6,599)
(189,300)		 Transfers
£
67,872
(68,167)
-
-
-
(68,167)
-
295
-
-
-
-
-
295
-		 Closing
balance
£
67,481
-
39,500
2,861
3,801
46,162
1,307
-
520
381
(4,654)
3,500
5,297
6,350
119,994

Restricted funds

Love Christmas fund - a specific fund to collect donations to be expended on providing Christmas hampers to people within our community who are experiencing hardship. The opening balance has been corrected for an error in the 2022 accounts when agency funds for Kensal Warm Spaces were included here.

Night shelter - representing funds donated specifically for night shelter use

Hardshipfund - collection and dispersal of mones for the practical support of individuals/ families in the community who are experiencing hardship. Wednesday Fellowship fund - Subscriptions collected from our Over 60s group that meets on Wednesday afternoons, for use on any group activities/outings

Vicarage interregnum fund - To record expenses incurred on the vicarage during the course of the interregnum which are subsequently recoverable. Income to cover this deficit was received in 2024.

The Garden fund - A grant of £3,500 from Brent Council to improve the biodiversity of the church garden.

24

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK, KENSAL RISE

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Reconciliation with previously reported funds

As explained in note 1 'Accounting Policies' , in the previous year the charity prepared its accounts using the accruals basis; in the current year the charity's income was less than £250,000 and the charity has taken advantage of the option to prepare its accounts on a receipts and payments basis. The comparatives presented in these accounts have been re-stated using the receipts and payments basis and an adjustment has been made to exclude agency transactions. A reconciliation with the reserves and results reported previously follows:

Reconciliation of reserves
Previously reported reserves, at 31 December
Adjustments arising from use of receipts and payments basis:
Exclusion of previously included fixed assets
Exclusion of previously included debtors
Exclusion of previously included creditors
Exclusion of previously included agency funds
Re-stated reserves, at 31 December
Previously reported results
Adjustments arising from use of receipts and payments basis:
Previously capitalised expenditure, less depreciation, now expensed
Excluded movements in debtors resulting in the recognition of more / (less) income
Excluded movements in creditors resulting in the recognition of less / (more) expenditure
Excluded movements in agency transactions
Re-stated results
Reconciliation of results		 2022
£
111,801
-
(1,790)
2,400
(1,000)
111,411
2022
£
(1,039)
-
10
(6,313)
(18)
(7,360)		 2021
£
112,840
-
(1,800)
8,713
(982)
118,771

25