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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Simon Zelotes Upper Chelsea

2023-12-31-accounts

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Charity No. 1132264

St Simon Zelotes’ PCC

Upper Chelsea

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2023

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ST SIMON ZELOTES, UPPER CHELSEA

ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

INTRODUCTION

The year ended 31 December 2023 was another eventful year in the life of our parish and one for which we rightly give thanks to God.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVIES OF THE PCC

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St Simon Zelotes has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

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

Worship and prayer;

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish;

Missionary and outreach work.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Parochial Church Council is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, charity number 1132264. Members of the PCC are either ex officio (i.e. The Vicar, the Wardens, and Deanery Synod Representatives), or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, or co-opted by the PCC, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The Annual Vestry Meetings (which elects the Wardens) and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting were held on 14 May 2023.

The functions and purpose of the PCC are outlined in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended and the Church Representation Rules. Decisions are taken by majority vote. The members of the PCC, as trustees, are responsible for the preparation of financial statements, keeping proper accounts and records, safeguarding assets, maintaining the structure of the church buildings in good order, and preventing or detecting fraud. In addition to the church, the PCC has responsibility for the maintenance of the attached church hall. The London Diocesan Fund holds the freehold of the church hall on behalf of the PCC and acts as Custodian Trustee.

The church address is 40 Milner Street, London SW3 2QF. The parish office is in the vicarage at 34 Milner Street, London SW3 2QF.

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PCC COMPOSITION

St Simon Zelotes operates under the triennial system for electing lay members to the PCC. From 1 January 2023 to 14 May 2023 (the date of last year’s APCM) the composition of the PCC was as follows:

Vicar: Rev’d Mike Neville Curate: Rev’d Joe Ammoun Wardens: Edward Rose and Susan Wajih Deanery Synod Representatives: Philip Grundy, George Huntley and Susan Wajih Elected Representatives: Susan Badman, Nicholas Dunhill, Victoria Gallagher, Richard Miller, Tom Miller, Shayne Pope, Sarah Too, George Walker, Albert Yu

The table on the next page shows the composition of the PCC from the APCM on 14 May 2023 until December 2023 and from 1 January 2024 to the APCM which is to be held on 12 May 2024 (i.e. immediately prior to the elections). The table also indicates the members’ terms of office under the triennial system and the results of the elections.

St Simon’s is entitled to have three lay representatives on the Deanery Synod and twelve PCC lay representatives.

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PCC COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF OFFICE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO ANNUAL MEETINGS IN 2024

Name Term started
at APCM in:		 Term started
at APCM in:		 Term to
end at
APCM in:		 Status following APCM in 2023
Rev’d Mike Neville - Chairman Ex-officio
Rev’d Joe Ammoun - Curate Ex-officio
Churchwardens
Edward Rose 2023 2024 Elected
Susan Wajih 2023 2024 Elected
Deanery Synod
Sue Badman 2023 2026 Elected
Tom Miller 2023 2026 Elected
George Walker 2023 2026 Elected
Elected
Representatives
Nicholas Dunhill 2022 2025 Elected
Victoria Gallagher 2021 2024 Elected
Richard Miller 2022 2025 Elected
Shayne Pope 2023 2026 Elected
Sarah Too 2022 2025 Elected
George Walker 2021 2024 Elected
Albert Yu 2021 2024 Elected

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MEETINGS OF THE PCC IN 2023

The schedule below lists the PCC meetings held in 2023, together with a note of the main business discussed.

23 January 2023

20 March 2023

9 May 2023

14[th] May 2023

26 June 2023

11 September 2023

13 November 2023

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE REPORT ON THE YEAR 2023

VISION

Jesus Christ defined the church’s mission when he commanded ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Inspired by John Stott’s book ‘The Living Church’ we have identified five ‘Values’ to shape our mission and vision. These are: Knowledge, Love, Worship, Outreach, Stewardship.

At the start of 2019 the PCC adopted the ‘St Simon Zelotes Mission Action Plan 2019-2024’, which fleshes out what these five Values mean and some Goals and Strategies which we may follow in order to give these Values practical expression.

In all of this our goal is to live out our motto ‘standing firm in the true grace of God’ (1 Peter 5:12).

ACTIVITIES

We recognise that all genuine gospel growth is the work of God by His all-surpassing power.

We also recognise that much of the work of God is hidden from our sight and may only be revealed at the Last Day. Especially this is true of that most important work, the renovation of the human heart in the image of Christ.

Nevertheless, we are privileged to be ‘co-workers’ with God, and these are some of the things St Simon’s achieved in 2023.

Worship and Prayer

Our regular Sunday services at 10am and 6.30pm are the backbone of our life as a church community. Expository Bible preaching centred on the person and work of Jesus Christ is at the heart of these services, strengthening us to trust and worship God in all of life.

The Valentine’s Day service is an important part of our annual programme of services. It is an opportunity to celebrate marriage and God’s good design for it, and we hope it helps couples in their marriages.

There have been several weddings during the past year at St Simon’s. These have included the weddings of several members of our congregations. Adam and Evangeline were married in March, Lucy and Guilio in April and Henry and Dizzy in December. During the year Mike also presided at a service of Thanksgiving for the Marriage of Alex and Malin, and a service of blessing for the marriage of Simon and Sara. Danny, the Lennox Gardens security guard, also got married to his fiancée Kelly at St Simon’s in July.

On 7 May 2023 we held a special service in honour of the coronation of King Charles III. This service included an expanded choir. We had around 35 visitors in addition to our usual Sunday morning congregation.

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We held a Saturday morning Seminar on 4 November on the roles of men and women in marriage and in the public ministry of the church. This seminar was held in connection with our process of thinking about passing a resolution to come under the episcopal oversight of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Rob Munro. The seminar was attended by a wide range of men and women from both congregations.

Our Sunday School and creche continues to thrive, with an average attendance of around 25 children each Sunday. We also encourage older children to attend Christian summer camps and five children from our own congregations, or with links to them, attended such camps this summer.

Our monthly Hour of Prayer is of great importance to us. It is our conviction that God chooses to weave our prayer requests into the fulfilment of his purposes to build his church and redeem the world. This year we have introduced the practice of sometimes starting this time of prayer with a short, informal service of Holy Communion.

We have continued our pattern of holding monthly church breakfasts on the first Sunday morning service of the month. We have also continued our pattern of putting on termly church suppers and an annual ‘black tie’ dinner . Sharing food and time together at these events helps us build deeper relationships and to live in obedience to one of the most frequently repeated commands in the New Testament – ‘love one another’.

In October we held our Weekend Away . Speaker Andy Mason delivered profound and encouraging teaching from Romans 8, and 74 adults and 23 children attended. Newer members of the church family were warmly welcomed, and there was a good mix of evening and morning congregation members present. We believe these ‘communal retreats’ help us go deeper in our walk with God and strengthen the bonds of love between us.

Our six mid-week Home Groups have continued to meet during the year, one online and five in person. In total, there are around 60 people in these groups. These groups learn from the Bible and members care and pray for one another, helping each other to follow Christ with joy and strength.

In June Joe led two Sunday afternoon seminars on ‘how to read the Old Testament’, with attendees from both our morning and evening congregations.

Mission and Evangelism

Connecting with those who are sceptical of or exploring the Christian faith is integral to our mission to ‘make disciples of all nations.’ Our Sunday services have the ‘outsider’ or visitor in mind and we seek to ensure that in each sermon there is some point or application that is relevant to those who would not yet call themselves believers.

This year we ran both ‘Hope Explored’ and ‘Christianity Explored’ courses . These courses are aimed at introducing Christ to those not yet professing Christian faith, and allow for reflection on big questions about hope, peace and purpose in life. This year we ran three such courses, including one led by lay members of the congregation. These courses provide those exploring with time and space to ask questions and engage with the claims of Jesus.

We held special services this year for Harvest festival, Remembrance Sunday, Advent, Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. These services were attended by a number of people who do not otherwise come to St Simon’s and during them we sought to hold out the good news of the Christian message in an inviting way.

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Our ministers and congregations have numerous opportunities to share something of Christ and the life of faith through weddings, funerals, memorial services, and in conversations with our neighbours, friends and visitors to church.

Community and School

We continue to have a close link with Sussex House School . Mike acts as Chaplain to the school and attends many events such as parents’ meetings, exhibitions, sport events, plays, concerts, the Leavers’ Dinner, Speech Day and Prize Giving. The whole school comes to St Simon’s each Friday morning in term time for a short service and a talk from the Bible, led by Mike or Joe. On separate occasions this year, Mike and Joe each spoke on a Christian theme at a lunchtime meeting for older boys.

Members of St Simon’s played a significant role in the organisation of the Lennox Gardens Coronation street party on 8 May. The church was open and used as the base for a cake baking competition, which Mike judged.

The Milner Street Residents Association once again held its Annual Meeting at St Simon’s in November. This is a great opportunity to love our neighbours by providing hospitality and engaging with matters of local interest. It also opens up opportunities for conversations on spiritual matters.

Mike continued to serve as the Chaplain to The Saddlers Livery Company until July. This involved him giving a short talk before quarterly meetings, leading services and saying grace. He has had many opportunities to discuss matters of faith at gatherings. Lucy Atherton, who has served as the Saddlers’ Prime Warden this past year, was invited to one of our morning services and was interviewed.

In December, Mike hosted, lead and preached at the yearly RNLI London branch carol service and Joe hosted the annual Live Twice charity carol concert .

We continued to host Free English classes attended by 20-32 guests on a weekly basis. This is a mission of hospitality, welcoming students to the UK and helping them learn the English language and about British culture. It is also an evangelistic ministry. We share a short Christian message and take opportunities to discuss matters of faith with those who are interested.

Governance and Wider Church

In January 2023 St Simon’s hosted Deanery Synod, starting with an act of worship.

In July Joe was ordained a presbyter (priest) by Bishop Rob Munro at All Souls, Langham Place. It was a joyful occasion marked by profound teaching on the nature of ordained Christian ministry.

The clergy of St Simon’s and many members of the PCC and congregation hold to what is known as a complementarian understanding of ministry. That is, while recognising that there is as strong theme of male and female equality in the Scriptures, there has been a long history of believing that the Scriptures also teach that the ordained leadership of the church should be male. In view of the appointment of Bishop Emma to the Kensington Area of the Diocese of London, the PCC discussed passing a resolution to take advantage of the provision made for those who hold to the traditional teaching. After months of extensive consultation and discussion at six PCC meetings, a Resolution was passed to come under

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the episcopal oversight of Bishop Rob Munro, the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, and to establish that only male priests shall be invited to take up the incumbency of St Simon’s.

Bishop Emma held two Vision Evenings for churches in the Kensington Area of the Diocese of London. Joe and Mike each attended one of these evenings. We believe it is good to support and get behind the four priorities Bishop Emma outlined: 1, Revival, seeing more people believe. 2, Discipleship, seeing Christians mature. 3, Ministry, continuing to raise up ordinands. 4, Kindness.

The Church of England’s introduction of prayers of blessing for those in same-sex relationships raise difficult issues for many, including for the clergy and many congregation members at St Simon’s who believe that this is a departure from the Biblical and longstanding and universal doctrines of Christian marriage, sin and sanctification. In light of this situation, we had a short sermon series in the New Testament letter of Jude on the theme of contending for the faith from the New Testament letter of Jude. These prayers of blessing will not be offered at St Simon’s and we are prayerfully considering further responses and monitoring the progress of related Church of England proposals.

Over the last few years Mike has informally mentored younger clergy, meeting with a mentee a few times a year to discuss ministry and to pray. He continued doing so in 2023.

Stewardship and Administration

The policy of the PCC is to support several charities with an annual sum of £5,000 each.

In 2023 we continued to support the following five charities: ‘Home for Good’ working to encourage Christian families to foster and adopt children in care; ‘Elam’, supporting Christian ministry in Iran; St Barnabas Bible Church in Cape Town with whom we have developed links through their Minister Simon Clegg; White Zhibope who we are supporting as he undertakes his PHD studies and looks to start a Bible College in Milawi.

We also met Mark and Rebekah Fox when they visited St Simon’s in January. We began supporting them as prayer partners in January 2023 and we will support them financially when they become overseas missionaries in a South East Asian country in 2024. Mark and Rebekah visited two of our home groups who have committed to praying for them in summer 2023.

We continued to support the work of the Happy Home Orphanage in southern India via a number of individuals in the congregation who sponsor children and young people to receive an education in a Christian context.

The main terms of the Lease of the Church Hall to Duke’s Education have been agreed. Miss Daisy’s Nursery will continue as our tenants.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is central to all our activities. Key information is posted on the St Simon’s website and on the church noticeboard. We have a full programme of training for all staff & volunteers (40 people) and comply with safe recruitment guidelines and DBS legislation. We work closely with the Diocese to ensure our safeguarding procedures are in line with best practice. Safeguarding is an agenda item at every PCC meeting and a full report is made at the APCM meeting.

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FUTURE PLANS

We will investigate, and hope to create a new access route between the main church building and the church hall.

We will finalise the Lease of the Church Hall.

Subject to the agreement of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, we intend to appoint our Curate as Associate Vicar, the role to begin at some point after Easter 2025.

We hope to begin a new in-person home group in autumn 2024.

We will consider how we can develop the evening service and revitalise the evening congregation.

We will continue to monitor and respond to developments around the Church of England’s proposals for services for same-sex blessings.

Mike will serve as chaplain of St Peter’s Zermatt for two weeks in March, leading Sunday services and focusing on opportunities for pastoral care and evangelistic conversations.

We will prepare for the triennial ‘Archdeacon’s Visitation’ taking place in August, which involves an inspection of St Simon’s documents and administration.

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FINANCE

The reduction in funds of £36,346 for the year, shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 2, was lower than anticipated given building work, activities and other commitments undertaken during the year.

The income and expense of the biennial residential church weekend away in October 2023 affects comparability of the figures a little. After stripping out the extra support for the weekend away of £1,914 after venue room contributions and specific donations for it, the analysis for unrestricted funds is as follows:

Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Other
Total income
Expenditure
Net movement before weekend away
Extra support for weekend away
Net movement in funds
Funds at 1 January
Funds at 31 December		 2023
2022
Change
£
£
£
%
227,298
224,900
2,398
1.1%
174,980
158,667
16,313
10.3%
15,622
3,550
12,072
417,900
387,117
30,783
8.0%
452,332
330,034
122,298
37.1%
(34,432)
57,083
(91,515)
(1,914)
-
(36,346)
57,083
(93,429)
450,340
393,257
413,994
450,340

The activities which most affected our results are highlighted by analysing the movement on our expenses of £122,298 above.

Prior to Joe Ammoun’s appointment, the PCC committed to funding and housing him and his family. They had a half-year with us in 2022, and 2023 was the first full year we supported them. We are very grateful for all they do; we are also very grateful that their flat has been made available at a reduced rate.

The main movements on expenditure before our commitment to fund and house Joe and Zannie Ammoun are shown below:


annie Ammoun are shown below:
2023
2022
£
£
Reduction in grants
24,350
28,200
Building development costs
67,698
5,590
Accounting assistance
15,989
10,015
Legal and professional
21,420
430
Full year support for curate
Other movements
Movement on expenditure above		 Change
£
(3,850)
62,108
5,974
20,990
85,222
41,541
(4,465)
122,298

The reduction in grants was only because Mark and Rebekah Fox didn’t start their missionary assignment until later in the year. A grant of £6,000 was made to the Happy Home Orphanage in January 2024 in addition to the grant of £6,000 in 2023 (please see Note 7).

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The rise in other costs was due to various projects we were undertaking.

The split of building development costs in round sum amounts was £16,000 for the gate to the gallery which our insurers had recommended after the fire in the church the year before; £48,000 for necessary repairs to the roof above the north-east corner of the church (prior year costs were for planning for roof repairs); and £4,000 for early planning for a direct ‘church to hall’ connection through the south wall of the church. We had hoped the connection might have been built in the summer of 2024, but after a delay with approvals, we now expect the work to be done in the summer of 2025.

Our lease of the church hall to Miss Daisy’s Nursery School ended in July 2023. We agreed an extension then and a new ten-year lease was finalised in July 2024. There were various professional fees involved in the negotiation for our property agent and solicitors; as the process spanned more than two calendar years, the costs are recorded in different years. £20,600 of the legal and professional fees charges have been allocated to 2023, when the main work was done. We are pleased to have agreed the new lease with Miss Daisy’s and we are very grateful to Anthony Clake for helping us at an important stage of the negotiations. Approximately half of the charge for accounting assistance also relates to the lease negotiation.

Most of the other legal and professional fees were for an architect’s inspection of Miss Daisy’s refurbishment of the church hall in July 2023.

As the lease was extended from August 2023, the nursery school income includes 5 months under the new increased rent, as shown below.

Nursery school income
Hall running expenses
Net hall result		 2023
2022
Change
£
£
£
%
166,426
150,338
16,088
10.7%
(15,740)
(15,668)
150,686
134,670
16,016
11.9%

This represents 37.6% of the total church income net of income for the weekend away, and after deducting utilities and rates paid for by Miss Daisy’s (2022: 36.3%).

The PCC approved a salary increase of 11% for our Directors of Music, Children’s Worker and Administrator for 2023 (2022: 2%) to help with cost of living increases.

The breakdown of Income from donations (taken from Note 2 after adjusting for donations for the weekend away) shows that overall general donations increased by just over 1%. Although Gift Day donations decreased, this was more than offset by an increase in Other donations and Planned giving.

Planned giving
Collections
Gift Day
Income tax recoverable
Other donations		 2023
2022
Change
£
£
£
%
133,827
128,186
5,641
4.4%
12,419
12,032
387
3.2%
12,376
38,660
(26,284)
29,151
28,405
746
2.6%
39,525
17,617
21,908
227,298
224,900
2,398
1.1%

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The proportion of Planned giving made by standing order or othef regular giving remained high 850h {2022'. 840/ts), which is encouraging Giving in services and at events InC￿aSed a little. by 70A. 2023 2022 Ch8n Planned giving by envelopes Collections Total giving in services 10.405 12,419 22,824 9,307 12,032 21,339 1.098 716% 387 3.2% 1.485 We are very grateful to all those who give finanually to St Simon's. as this supports all our ministry. alongside those who give of their time. Our tolal income benefitted from significantly higher interest rates in the year. Future plans As noted above under building development costs, the 'church to hall, connection is now expected to take place in the summer of 2025. In December 2023. we paid a deposrt for major renovation of the organ, with a view to the work being Ca￿led out in 2025. It has been recommended thal this to be done after the 'church lo hall, connection building work has been completed, which might set the timetable as the latter part of 2025. As these are the two main projects the PCC has approved and the work will not take pla until 2025, 2024 looks to be a year without significant Pfoiect expenses The results for 2024 will include a full year's rent under the new lease with Miss Daisy s Nursery". Ihere will be some further professional costs for arranging the revised lease. Rasorves Policy Our reserves policy in recent years has been to keep reserves of approximately 50% of total expenditure from unrestncled funds in the previous year. with additional reserves to cover capital expenditure expecled in the near future Using the figures for unrestrtcted funds as shown above for regular expenditure and for funds Ca￿led forward, the surplus of reserves above 500/0 of our regular expenditure is £221.001 {2021. £285.323). We have committed to supporting our curate, and we have two major projects planned for 2025, so this level of reserves seems reasonable. This ￿port was approved by the PCC onZ2odoter 2024 and signed on their behalf by: Rev'd Mike Neville Chairman

ST SIMON ZELOTES INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Independent examinerfs report to Ihe PCC members of St Slmon Zelotes (Ihe church'l I report lo the PCC members on my examinatson of the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2023. Responslbilitles and basis of report As the PCC Members yOLb are responsible for the preparatson of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charibes Act 2011 1.the 2011 Acri. I report in respect of my examination of the church's accounts carried ovl under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have folbwed the appI￿able Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the church's gross income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified lo undertake the examination because l am a membef of Institute of Chartered Accountants In England and Wale5. wh￿h 15 one of the listed bodies. Your attentson is drawn lo the fact that the church has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accountsng and Reporting by Charityes.. Stslement of Recommended Practy"ce applicable lo chanlies PTepanng their accounts in accordance with the Finanaal Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 in preference lo the Accountsng and Reporting by Chanlie5" Statement of Recommended Practiee Issued on 1 Apnl 2005 which Is referred lo In the extant regulatsons but has been ￿thdravffl. l understand that this has been done In order for the accounts to Pfovide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reFk)rting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. I have completed my examinats"on. I confirm that no matters have come to my attenbon in connection with the examination giving me cause lo bdieve that in any matenal respect" aecounting records were not kept in respect of the church as required by secbon 130 of the 2011 Act.. or the accounts do not accord wrth those records", or the accounts do not comply ￿th the appIl￿ble requirements concerning the form and content of accoijnts sel out in the Charits'es (Accounts and Reports) Regulabon$ 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf view which Is not a matter eonsidered as part of an Independent examination. I have no concem5 and have come across no other matters in conneth'on with the examination to which attention should be drawn In this rewrt in order lo enable a proper understsnding of the accoLtnts to be reached. This report is made solely to the church's PCC members. as a bc#Jy. in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities {Accounls and Reports) Regulabons 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the church's PCC members those matters l am required to state lo thern In an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent perrnitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the church and the church's PCC members as a body, for my work or for this report. Signed.. Richard Hill Fl;11 Dated zp Ocl>l& FCA Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co Chartered Accounianls 21 27 Lamb's Conduit Street London WC1N 3GS Page 1

ST SIMON ZELOTES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
7,317
-
-
-
7,317
6,042
6,042
1,275
7,162
1,275
8,437		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
232,532
186,707
15,437
185
434,861
471,207
471,207
(36,346)
450,340
(36,346)
413,994		 Total
funds
2023
£
239,849
186,707
15,437
185
442,178
477,249
477,249
(35,071)
457,502
(35,071)
422,431		 Total
funds
2022
£
230,705
158,667
3,550
-
392,922
330,034
330,034
62,888
394,614
62,888
457,502

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 4 to 23 form part of these financial statements.

Page 2

ST SIMON ZELOTES BALANCE SHEET AS AT 310ECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Note Flxed assets Tangible assets 3,800 8.162 3,800 8.162 Current assets Debtors Short-term deposits Cash al bank and in hand 10 68,393 354,840 34.961 46.290 300, 187 133, 959 458.194 480,436 Creditors". amounts falling due wthin one year 12 139,S631 (31,096) Net current assets 418,631 449.340 Total as$•ts less Current liabiliti 422,431 457.502 Net asset8 422,431 457.502 Charlty funds Restrieled funds Unrestricted fvnds 13 8.437 413,994 7.162 450.340 13 Total funds 422,431 457, 502 The financial ststements were approved and authorised for issue by the PCC members and signed on their behalf by. Re¥'d Mlke Neville (Chair of Trusleesl Date. L tli?1 lo l + The notes on pages 4 to 23 form part of these financial statements. Page 3

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

St Simon Zelotes meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the PCC members in furtherance of the general objectives of the church and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the PCC members for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the church for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 4

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.3 Income

All income is recognised once the church has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the church has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the church, can be reliably measured.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the church has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the church of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of members of the congregation is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the church which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the church's mission, as well as any associated support costs. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

VAT recovered under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is set against the original building and repair expenses for which it was claimed. Where VAT on expenses cannot be claimed or is otherwise irrecoverable, it is included in the relevant expenditure.

Page 5

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by section 10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011.

No value is placed on moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, which require a faculty for disposal, since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. For inalienable property acquired prior to 2001 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Items acquired since 1 January 2001 have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their anticipated useful economic life on a straight line basis.

All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2001 is written off.

Depreciation on equipment used within the church premises is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over the useful economic life on a straight line basis between three and seven years.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

1.6 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the church; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

1.7 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.9 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Page 6

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The church only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.11 Pensions

The church operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the church to the fund in respect of the year.

2. Income from donations and legacies

==> picture [8 x 11] intentionally omitted <==

Planned giving
Collections
Gift Day
Other donations
Income tax recoverable
Legacies
Total donations and legacies
Planned giving
Collections
Gift Day
Other donations
Income tax recoverable
Total 2022		 Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
5,979
133,827
-
12,419
40
12,376
-
43,525
1,298
29,385
-
1,000
7,317
232,532
Restricted
funds
2022
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
£
4,725
128,186
-
12,032
-
38,660
-
17,617
1,080
28,405
5,805
224,900		 Total
funds
2023
£
139,806
12,419
12,416
43,525
30,683
1,000
239,849
Total
funds
2022
£
132,911
12,032
38,660
17,617
29,485
230,705

Page 7

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Weekend away
11,727
Nursery school income
166,426
Church letting income
912
Income from weddings, funerals and baptisms
7,642
Total 2023
186,707
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Nursery school income
150,338
Income from weddings, funerals and baptisms
8,329
Total 2022
158,667		 Total
funds
2023
£
11,727
166,426
912
7,642
186,707
Total
funds
2022
£
150,338
8,329
158,667

Page 8

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Bank Interest
15,437
15,437
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Bank Interest
3,550
3,550		 Total
funds
2023
£
15,437
15,437
Total
funds
2022
£
3,550
3,550

Page 9

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2023		 Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
6,042
453,640
-
17,567
6,042
471,207		 Total
2023
£
459,682
17,567
477,249
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2022		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
312,036
17,998
330,034		 Total
2022
£
312,036
17,998
330,034

Summary by expenditure type

Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2023
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2022		 Staff costs
2023
Depreciation
2023
£
£
43,986
5,318
-
-
43,986
5,318
Staff costs
2022
Depreciation
2022
£
£
39,438
5,860
-
-
39,438
5,860		 Other costs
2023
£
410,378
17,567
427,945
Other costs
2022
£
266,738
17,998
284,736		 Total
2023
£
459,682
17,567
477,249
Total
2022
£
312,036
17,998
330,034

Page 10

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2023
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2022		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
356,546
17,567
374,113
Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
241,290
17,998
259,288		 Grant
funding of
activities
2023
£
30,350
-
30,350
Grant
funding of
activities
2022
£
28,200
-
28,200		 Support
costs
2023
£
72,786
-
72,786
Support
costs
2022
£
42,546
-
42,546		 Total
funds
2023
£
459,682
17,567
477,249
Total
funds
2022
£
312,036
17,998
330,034

Page 11

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Diocesan Common Fund
Diocesan fees
Clergy and vicarage expenses
Curate's accomodation costs
Curate's stipend
Ministry and training material
Church service expenses
Weekend away
Church events
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Major church repairs
Running expenses
Other charitable donations
Choir and music
Sound system
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Website development costs
Broadband costs
Sundry, including gifts
Total 2023		 Church and
ministry
costs
2023
£
20,653
5,318
88,887
1,302
12,861
46,324
40,150
568
6,605
18,875
281
4,777
1,159
67,698
14,609
2,550
22,396
161
2
333
812
225
356,546		 Church hall
costs
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
712
1,115
-
15,740
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17,567		 Total
funds
2023
£
20,653
5,318
88,887
1,302
12,861
46,324
40,150
568
6,605
18,875
281
5,489
2,274
67,698
30,349
2,550
22,396
161
2
333
812
225
374,113

The curate's stipend charge includes pension contributions and employer's National Insurance contributions. The standard pension contribution for clergy was at a rate of £8,730 pa (2022: £10,000 pa).

VAT has been reclaimed for certain eligible building, maintenance and repair costs under the Listed Place of Worship Grant Scheme and has been set against those costs; the amount set against direct costs was £14,587 (2022: £827).

Page 12

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Depreciation
Diocesan Common Fund
Diocesan fees
Clergy and vicarage expenses
Curate's accomodation
Curate's stipend
Ministry and training material
Church service expenses
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Building development costs
Running expenses
Other charitable donations
Choir and music
Sound system
Livestreaming and website
Broadband costs
Ski trip
Sundry, including gifts
Total 2022		 Church and
ministry
costs
2022
£
18,634
5,860
90,000
908
14,162
24,929
20,004
1,265
6,253
4,125
4,062
5,590
15,445
2,110
23,025
2,175
888
749
956
150
241,290		 Church hall
costs
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
615
1,715
-
15,668
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17,998		 Total
funds
2022
£
18,634
5,860
90,000
908
14,162
24,929
20,004
1,265
6,253
4,740
5,777
5,590
31,113
2,110
23,025
2,175
888
749
956
150
259,288

Repairs and maintenance in 2022 includes renovation costs of £71,724 to repair the church after a fire at the back of the church in December 2021, less receipts of £71,224 from our insurers. There was no insurance claim in 2023.

Page 13

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Printing, postage and stationery
Computer costs
Bank charges
Other parish office costs
Telephone costs
Accounting assistance
Legal and professional
Governance costs - independent examination
Total 2023		 Total
funds
2023
£
23,333
5,052
2,247
935
216
990
15,989
21,420
2,604
72,786		 Total
funds
2022
£
20,804
3,884
2,975
683
216
1,067
10,015
430
2,472
42,546

Page 14

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7. Analysis of grants

Grants to institutions
Grants to institutions		 Grants to
Institutions
2023
£
30,350
Grants to
Institutions
2022
£
28,200		 Total
funds
2023
£
30,350
Total
funds
2022
£
28,200

The church has made the following material grants to institutions during the year:

Name of institution
Breadline, Eastern Europe
Crosslinks
Elam Ministries
Home for Good
St Barnabas Bible Church, Cape Town
Happy Home Orphanage, Southern India
OMF, South East Asia		 2023
£
-
600
7,500
5,000
10,000
6,000
1,250
30,350
30,350		 2022
£
2,500
3,200
7,500
5,000
10,000
-
-
28,200
28,200

A further grant of £6,000 was made to the Happy Home Orphanage in January 2024.

Page 15

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2023
£
43,884
102
43,986		 2022
£
39,317
121
39,438

The average number of persons employed by the church during the year was as follows:

Ministry
Administration
Children's Worker		 2023
No.
2
1
1
4		 2022
No.
2
1
1
4

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The church employs two Directors of Music, one of whom also gives administrative assistance, a parttime Children's Worker and a Parish Administrator.

The PCC members are considered the key management personnel of the church. The church contributes to the Diocesan Common Fund and the incumbent is remunerated directly by the Diocese.

Page 16

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Office
equipment
£
35,657
502
-
36,159
30,969
3,094
-
34,063
2,096
4,688		 Computer
equipment
£
10,113
456
(365)
10,204
6,639
2,224
(363)
8,500
1,704
3,474		 Total
£
45,770
958
(365)
46,363
37,608
5,318
(363)
42,563
3,800
8,162

Page 17

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. Debtors

Due within one year
Other debtors
Prepayments
Income Tax recoverable		 2023
£
25,907
11,949
30,537
68,393		 2022
£
10,373
7,062
28,855
46,290

11. Short Term Deposits

Short Term Deposits
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
354,840
354,840
2023
£
3,642
-
6,889
29,032
39,563		 2022
£
300,187
300,187
2022
£
2,377
454
152
28,113
31,096

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Included within accruals and deferred income is £422 of deferred income (2022: £12,796).

Page 18

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Fund
General funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Happy Home Mission
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2023
£
300,956
149,384
450,340
7,162
457,502		 Income
£
15,437
419,424
434,861
7,317
442,178		 Expenditure
£
-
(471,207)
(471,207)
(6,042)
(477,249)		 Transfers
in/out
£
40,000
(40,000)
-
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
356,393
57,601
413,994
8,437
422,431

The Designated Fund is an unrestricted fund whose assets are primarily held as short term deposits and are available for general use.

The Happy Home Fund is a restricted fund used to sponsor children at the Happy Home Orphanage in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, in Southern India.

Page 19

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Fund
General funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Happy Home Mission
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
67,435
325,822
393,257
1,357
394,614		 Income
£
3,521
383,596
387,117
5,805
392,922		 Expenditure
£
-
(330,034)
(330,034)
-
(330,034)		 Transfers
in/out
£
230,000
(230,000)
-
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
300,956
149,384
450,340
7,162
457,502

Page 20

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at 1
January
2023
£
300,956
149,384
7,162
457,502		 Income
£
15,437
419,424
7,317
442,178		 Expenditure
£
-
(471,207)
(6,042)
(477,249)		 Transfers
in/out
£
40,000
(40,000)
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
356,393
57,601
8,437
422,431

Summary of funds - prior year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
67,435
325,822
1,357
394,614		 Income
£
3,521
383,596
5,805
392,922		 Expenditure
£
-
(330,034)
-
(330,034)		 Transfers
in/out
£
230,000
(230,000)
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
300,956
149,384
7,162
457,502

Page 21

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
-
3,800
8,437
449,757
-
(39,563)
8,437
413,994		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,800
458,194
(39,563)
422,431

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
7,162
-
7,162		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
8,162
473,274
(31,096)
450,340		 Total
funds
2022
£
8,162
480,436
(31,096)
457,502

16. Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2023 the church had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years		 2023
£
42,000
17,500
59,500		 2022
£
42,000
59,500
101,500

Page 22

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. Related party transactions

N Dunhill & Co, a business controlled by Nicholas Dunhill, a PCC Member, charged £17,411 (2022: £9,666) for accountancy services provided to the church for the year. Nicholas also charged £137 through ParcelSpace Ltd, a company he controls, for assistance with website changes, maintaining credit card donations and other computer assistance in the year (2022: £900).

Total donations made to the church by PCC members during the year amounted to £29,740 (2022: £25,892), including Gift Aid where appropriate.

An immediate family member of Philip Grundy, a PCC member, is employed by Elam, a charity to which St Simon Zelotes made a donation of £7,500 (2022: £7,500). Philip did not take part in the decision making process for choosing Elam.

Page 23