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

2024-12-31-accounts

Charity No. 1132264

St Simon Zelotes’ PCC

Upper Chelsea

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

i

ST SIMON ZELOTES, UPPER CHELSEA

ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INTRODUCTION

The year ended 31 December 2024 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 12 May 2024.

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 2024 to 12 May 2024 (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: Susan Badman, Tom Miller, George Walker Elected Representatives: Nicholas Dunhill, Victoria Gallagher, Richard 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 12 May 2024 until December 2024 and from 1 January 2025 to the APCM which is to be held on 11 May 2025 (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 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Term started Term to Status following APCM in
Name at APCM in: end at 2024
APCM in:
Rev’d Mike Neville - Chairman Ex-officio
Rev’d Joe Ammoun - Curate Ex-officio
Churchwardens
Edward Rose 2024 2025 Elected
Susan Wajih 2024 2025 Elected
Deanery Synod
Tom Miller 2023 2026 Elected
Sue Badman 2023 2026 Elected
George Walker ge Walker e Walker 2023 2026 Elected
Elected
Representatives presentatives resentatives
Harry Biggs y Biggs Biggs ggs s 2024 2027 Elected
Nicholas Dunhill 2022 2025 Elected
Victoria Gallagher gher her 2024 2027 Elected
Faye Grundyye Grundye Grundyy 2024 2027 Elected
Richard Miller 2022 2025 Elected
Shayne Pope 2023 2026 Elected
Sarah Too 2022 2025 Elected
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Churchwardens
Edward Rose 2024 2025 Elected
Susan Wajih 2024 2025 Elected
Deanery Synod
Tom Miller 2023 2026 Elected
Sue Badman 2023 2026 Elected
George Walker ge Walker e Walker 2023 2026 Elected
Elected
Representatives presentatives resentatives
Harry Biggs y Biggs Biggs ggs s 2024 2027 Elected
Nicholas Dunhill 2022 2025 Elected
Victoria Gallagher gher her 2024 2027 Elected
Faye Grundyye Grundye Grundyy 2024 2027 Elected
Richard Miller 2022 2025 Elected
Shayne Pope 2023 2026 Elected
Sarah Too 2022 2025 Elected
Fred Wilkinson 2024 2027 Elected
----- End of picture text -----

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MEETINGS OF THE PCC IN 2024

The schedule below lists the PCC meetings held in 2024, together with a note of the main business discussed.

Safeguarding and Health and Safety are standing agenda items.

15 January 2024

4 March 2024

7 May 2024

12 May 2024

1 July 2024

9 September 2024

11 November 2024

 Music Fees

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE REPORT ON THE YEAR 2024

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 2024.

Worship, Word Ministry 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 the triune God in all of life.

We held our Valentine’s Day service this year, celebrating marriage and God’s good design for it. We hope this service was an encouragement to those who attended.

There have been four weddings during the past year at St Simon’s, including the weddings of congregation members Jonny and Georgia in November. Four members of our congregation were also married by our clergy away from St Simons - Fred and Hetty in April and James and Becky in October. Between them our clergy also conducted two services of blessing following a civil marriage, one in France for congregation members Bob and Prue and another at St Simon’s.

Over the course of the year, our curate Joe and his wife Zannie held two marriage preparation courses for couples at St Simon’s, and met once with another couple to support them in preparing for marriage.

We had ten baptisms at St Simon’s in 2024, including the baptism of an adult member of our evening congregation, Liv Jani.

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We held a Saturday morning Seminar in November on sex, marriage and sexuality. This seminar was held to give attendees more time for reflecting on the good news message of Scripture in this area and its application in the complexities of life. The seminar was attended by over 20 people from both congregations.

Our Sunday School and creche continues to thrive, with an average attendance of around 28 children each Sunday. The older group (those 9+ in age) has grown and developed its own pattern of activity each Sunday and a team of volunteers has grown to support it. We also encourage older children to attend Christian summer camps and four 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 continued with the practise of sometimes starting this time of prayer with a short, informal service of Holy Communion. In Lent we held Friday Evening Prayer services on Zoom.

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’.

We started a new home group in autumn 2024, and there are now seven mid-week Home Groups that have continued to meet during the year, one online and six in person. In total, there are around 78 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.

This year a monthly women’s bible Study group started meeting at Joe and Zannie’s flat, with around 13 women meeting to apply the previous Sunday’s sermons to their lives and grow in love and prayer for one another.

This year a termly Saturday women’s brunch began , drawing women of all ages and stages from both congregations to hear from God’s word, consider inspirational Christian women and deepen meaningful Christian friendships with each other.

In June Joe led a seminar on ‘Christian parenting in a confused world’, which was attended by around 10 parents. This was a time of mutual encouragement, sharing wisdom and advise and considering the role of a parent from a biblical perspective.

In September, we conducted an extensive survey and held a series of ‘vision suppers’ to refresh our vision for the evening service and develop plans for the growth of the evening congregation in faith, fellowship and numbers.

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.

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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 two such courses. 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.

We held our Christingle and Nativity service on a Saturday this year . The change of day was well received by visitors and guests.

We introduced a more traditional, choral evening service to celebrate the beginning of Advent . This change well received by regular members of the congregation.

Mike served as a chaplain at St Peter’s in Zermatt in March, holding services and speaking to holidaymakers about the good news of Jesus Christ.

Tom Miller was recommended for training towards ordination as a self-supporting minister in May and began a two-year training placement at St Simon’s in the autumn under the supervision of our curate.

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. Mike and Joe have attended and participated in the Sussex House Ascension Day ceremony and led special end of term services.

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.

In December, Mike hosted the annual Live Twice charity carol concert . Joe hosted the Sovereign Singers annual Christmas concert .

We continued to host Free English classes attended by around 25 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 English 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.

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Governance and Wider Church

After PCC discussions and an interview with Bishop Rob, Mike and a Church Warden, the PCC invited our curate Joe to take up the post of Associate Vicar from 1 May 2025.

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 clear departure from the Biblical and longstanding and universal doctrines of Christian marriage, sin and sanctification. In light of the introduction of these prayers, in November the PCC passed a resolution reaffirming its support for the biblical and traditional teaching of the church on sex and sexuality as expressed in the 1998 Lambeth conference resolution 1.10. It also voted to express its solidarity with the Church of England Evangelical Council and the Alliance, a network of orthodox leaders and churches in the Church of England.

In August, the Archdeacon’s triennial visitation took place. This was an encouraging opportunity to reflect with the Area Dean on the work of God at St Simon’s in the past three years.

In November, Mike and PCC member Richard Miller were elected to the Diocesan Synod, and Joe was elected to the Diocese of London’s Kensington Area Council. Subsequently Mike was elected to the Diocese of London’s Bishop’s Council.

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 2024.

Stewardship and Administration

The policy of the PCC is to support several charities with an annual sum each of either £5,000 or £7,500, with an aspiration for our ‘away giving’ to be 10% of our income.

In 2024 we supported the following four charities or charitable causes:

Additionally, the PCC gave £600 to Anglican missionary society Crosslinks. It also gave £10,000 to St Michael’s Melksham, the church at which a previous St Simon’s curate, Charlie Thompson, is Rector. This gift is to support the refurbishment of a property so that it can be used for children’s ministry.

In 2024, White Zibophe, who we have previously supported as he undertakes his PHD studies and looks to start a Bible college in Milawi, did not need our financial support. However, he expects that the project to establish a Bible college in Malawi will need support in the coming years.

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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 Lease of the Church Hall to Duke’s Education was agreed this year. Miss Daisy’s Nursery will continue as our tenants. In 2025, the PCC will continue discussions with the Nursery regarding a possible alteration to the lease to allow for the temporary and restricted use of CCTV cameras for safeguarding purposes during nursery hours.

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.

FUTURE PLANS

Our curate will be appointed as Associate Vicar and take on week-by-week responsibility for overseeing the church and staff team. He will begin his appointment as associate chaplain at Sussex House school.

We hope to begin work on the restoration of our organ in Summer 2025 or early 2026.

We will continue to develop and adapt the evening service following our Autumn 2024 suppers and survey re-establishing our vision for the service and clarifying our approach to pursuing the congregation’s growth in Christ, in number and together.

We will hold a church weekend away in autumn 2025.

We hope to employ new members of staff to secure the long-term stability of the Sunday School and our free English ministry, and to further develop the discipleship of women, families and young people.

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

We will consider what teaching, training and fellowship opportunities we can provide to further encourage congregants in their Christian faith and discipleship.

We will continue to develop Home Groups and consider how best to support home group leaders and those who lead Bible studies.

We will continue to support the pre-ordination training of Tom Miller and support George Walker’s discernment of licensed lay ministry.

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FINANCE

Unrestricted funds increased by £25,340 in 2024, as shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 2. 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 net cost of 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		 2024
2023
Change
£
£
£
%
218,272
227,298
(9,026)
-4.0%
196,286
174,980
21,306
12.2%
17,702
15,622
2,080
432,260
417,900
14,360
3.4%
406,920
452,332
(45,412)
-10.0%
25,340
(34,432)
59,772
-
(1,914)
25,340
(36,346)
61,686
413,994
450,340
439,334
413,994

The activities which most affected our results are highlighted by analysing the decrease in our expenses of £45,412 (shown above and analysed below, with figures taken from Notes 6 and 7 to the accounts).

2024
2023
£
£
Building development costs (hall)
22,173
-
Building development costs (church)
-
67,698
Accounting assistance
9,211
15,989
Legal and professional
11,457
21,420
Grant: St Michael’s Church, Melksham
10,000
-
Other movements
Movement on expenditure above		 Change
£
22,173
(67,698)
(6,778)
(9,963)
10,000
6,854
(45,412)

There were two main projects in progress during the year, both in relation to the hall. The first was the agreement of a new ten year lease with Miss Daisy’s Nursery in July 2024; as much of the work had been done in 2023, the costs in 2024 were much lower. This explains the reduction in accounting assistance and legal and professional costs shown above.

The second main project in 2024 was the progression of the planning for a new ‘church to hall’ connection at the front of the south side of the church; the costs amounted to £22,173.

This planning work is contrasted with the costs of roof repairs, a gate to the gallery staircase and initial costs for the ‘church to hall’ connection of, in a round sum, about £4,000, which make up the building development costs in 2023.

In addition to the cost implications of these projects, the PCC approved a grant payment of £10,000 towards a building project at St Michael’s Church, Melksham, where Charlie Thomson, one of our previous curates, is now the Rector.

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The PCC approved a salary increase of 6% for our Directors of Music, Children’s Worker and Administrator for 2024 (2023: 11%) to help with cost of living increases.

In the analysis above, after stripping out venue room contributions and specific donations for the weekend away in 2023, total income increased by £14,360 or 3.4%. A modest decrease in donations was covered primarily by increased income from the nursery school rent.

The lease was extended with effect from August 2023, and the nursery school income includes the first full year’s rent under the new agreement, with the increase shown below.

Nursery school income
Hall running expenses
Net hall result		 2024
2023
Change
£
£
£
%
187,081
166,426
20,655
12.4%
(13,741)
(15,740)
173,340
150,686
22,654
15.0%

This net hall result represents 41.6% of the total church income shown above after deducting the contributions made by Miss Daisy’s for utilities and rates (2023: 37.6%). This analysis is before other church hall costs, including building development costs, shown in Note 6.

The breakdown of income from donations (taken from Note 2 after adjusting for donations for the weekend away) shows the comparison of donation income with 2023. The movement between planned giving and other donations was largely because one larger donation, the same amount being received in both years, was given in a tax efficient way in 2024, when it hadn’t been in 2023, and so was reclassified between the two lines.

Planned giving
Collections
Gift Day
Income tax recoverable
Other donations		 2024
2023
Change
£
£
£
%
143,301
133,827
9,474
7.1%
11,094
12,419
(1,325)
13,220
12,376
844
27,623
29,151
(1,528)
23,034
39,525
(16,491)
-41.7%
218,272
227,298
(9,026)
-4.0%

Giving in services and at events was largely the same in both years.

Planned giving by envelopes
Collections
Total giving in services		 2024
2023
Change
£
£
£
%
11,639
10,405
1,234
11,094
12,419
(1,325)
22,733
22,824
( 91)
-0.4%

We are very grateful to all those who give financially to St Simon’s, as this supports all our ministry, alongside those who give of their time.

Our total income also benefitted from an increase in interest income in 2024.

Future plans

In March 2025, the PCC decided to look to recruit staff to assist with ministry to women and children. They have now appointed a Women’s Ministry Co-ordinator as an employee from

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January 2026. and decided to support a student ministry traine8 for the academic year 2025-2026, who will engage with ministry to children, youth and women when not studying. The organ refurbishment which we commissioned at the end of the 2023 is now planned to take place in early 2026. In January 2025, the build cost for the 'church to hall. connection was estimated to be considerably more than had been originally envisaged. Given the PCC'S decision to support ministry to women, children and families, and the increase in the project costs for the 'church to hall, connection, the PCC has decided not to proceed with this building project in the short term, but to complete the plans and to reconsider completing the project in a few years, time. The PCC is considering replacing the boiler as it has been unreliable in recent years, with a view to the work being done in 2026. Some roof leaks have been identified and will need to be repaired in 2026. The Buildings Committee of the PCC is also considering some repairs to the exterior stonework of the church. Reserves Pollcy Our reserves policy in recent years has been to keep reserves of approximately 500/0 of total expenditure from unrestricted funds in the previous year, with additional reserves to cover capital expenditure expected in the near future. Using the figures for unrestricted funds as shown above for regular expenditure and for funds carried forward, the surplus of reserves above 500/0 of our regular expenditure is £235,874 (2023: £221,001). We have committed to supporting Joe Ammoun, now our Associate Vicar, and his family, we are supporting a student ministry trainee and we have appointed a Women's Ministry Co-ordinator, we will be repairing our organ in 2026 and we may well have other buildings and infrastructure projects in the near future. In the light of these commitments and projects, some of which are effectively 'designated', this level of reserves seems reasonable. This report was approved by the PCC on 3otctober 2025 and signed on thelr behalf by: Rev'd Mike Neville Chairman

ST SIMON ZELOTES INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Independent examinerfs report to the PCC members of St Slmon Zelotes ('the church,) I report to the PCC members on my examination of the accounts of th8 church for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responslblllties and basls of report As the PCC members you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordanc8 With the requirements of the Charrfcies Act 2011 ('the 2011 Acl'l. reporl in respect of my examination of the church's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions gtven by the Charity Commission under seclion 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statem8nt Since the church's gross income exceeded £250,000 your 9xamin&r must b8 a m8mb@r of a body listed In section 145 of th8 2011 Act. I confirm that l atn qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. Your attention is drawn to th8 fact that th8 church has prepared th8 accounts in accordsnce with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Stalement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which 18 referred to in th8 extant regulations but has been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a Irue and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effèctlV8 for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 Janijary 2015. I have completed my examination, l Confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo beli8ve that in any material re8pect- accounting records were not kept in respect of the church as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records., or the accounts do not cornply with the applicable requirements concerning Ihe form and content of accounts set out in the Charities {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'tru8 and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come acr08s no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. This report is made solely to the ohurch's PCC members, as a body, in accordance with P8rt 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the church's PCC members those matter5 1 am required to state to thèm in an Independent 6xaminer's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permilted by law, I do not ac￿Pt or assume responsibility to anyone olher than the church and th8 church's PCC members as a body, for my work or for this report. Signed. Richard Hill Dat8d'. 30 Ockb. Zo2S FCA Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co Chartered Accountants 21- 27 Lamb's Conduit Street London WC1N 3GS Page 1

ST SIMON ZELOTES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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
2024
£
5,810
-
-
-
5,810
6,043
6,043
(233)
8,437
(233)
8,204		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
218,272
196,286
17,195
507
432,260
406,920
406,920
25,340
413,994
25,340
439,334		 Total
funds
2024
£
224,082
196,286
17,195
507
438,070
412,963
412,963
25,107
422,431
25,107
447,538		 Total
funds
2023
£
239,849
186,707
15,437
185
442,178
477,249
477,249
(35,071)
457,502
(35,071)
422,431

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 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note Flxed assets Tangible assets 2,815 3, 800 2,815 3,800 Current assets Debtors Short-term deposits Cash at bank and in hand 10 11 50,537 352,216 82,237 68,393 354,840 34,961 484,990 458,194 Creditors., amounts falllng due within one year 12 (40.267) (39,563) Net current assats 444,723 418,631 Total assets less current Ilabllltles 447,538 422,431 Net assets 447,538 422,431 Charlty funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 13 13 8,204 439,334 8,437 413,994 Total funds 447,538 422,431 The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the PCC members and signed on thei behalf by: Rev'd Mlke Nevllle (Chair of Trustees) Date: 30 Och6fv Zois 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 2024

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 2024

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.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

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.

Page 5

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.4 Expenditure (continued)

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.

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 2024

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

Planned giving
Collections
Gift Day
Other donations
Income tax recoverable
Legacies
Total donations and legacies		 Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
4,820
143,301
-
11,094
-
13,220
-
18,034
990
27,623
-
5,000
5,810
218,272		 Total
funds
2024
£
148,121
11,094
13,220
18,034
28,613
5,000
224,082
Planned giving
Collections
Gift Day
Other donations
Income tax recoverable
Legacies
Total 2023		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
5,979
-
40
-
1,298
-
7,317		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
133,827
12,419
12,376
43,525
29,385
1,000
232,532		 Total
funds
2023
£
139,806
12,419
12,416
43,525
30,683
1,000
239,849

Page 7

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Nursery school income
187,081
Church letting income
782
Income from weddings, funerals and baptisms
8,423
Total 2024
196,286
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		 Total
funds
2024
£
187,081
782
8,423
196,286
Total
funds
2023
£
11,727
166,426
912
7,642
186,707

Page 8

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Bank Interest
17,195
17,195
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Bank Interest
15,437
15,437		 Total
funds
2024
£
17,195
17,195
Total
funds
2023
£
15,437
15,437

Page 9

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2024
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2023
Summary by expenditure type
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2024
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2023		 Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
6,043
369,004
-
37,916
6,043
406,920
Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
6,042
453,640
-
17,567
6,042
471,207
Staff costs
2024
Depreciation
2024
Other costs
2024
£
£
£
45,428
2,985
326,634
-
-
37,916
45,428
2,985
364,550
Staff costs
2023
Depreciation
2023
Other costs
2023
£
£
£
43,986
5,318
410,378
-
-
17,567
43,986
5,318
427,945		 Total
2024
£
375,047
37,916
412,963
Total
2023
£
459,682
17,567
477,249
Total
2024
£
375,047
37,916
412,963
Total
2023
£
459,682
17,567
477,249

Page 10

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2024
Church and ministry costs
Church hall costs
Total 2023		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
276,467
37,916
314,383
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
356,546
17,567
374,113		 Grant
funding of
activities
2024
£
41,600
-
41,600
Grant
funding of
activities
2023
£
30,350
-
30,350		 Support
costs
2024
£
56,980
-
56,980
Support
costs
2023
£
72,786
-
72,786		 Total
funds
2024
£
375,047
37,916
412,963
Total
funds
2023
£
459,682
17,567
477,249

Page 11

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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
Church events
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Building development costs
Running expenses
Other charitable donations
Choir and music
Sound system
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Website development and livestreaming costs
Broadband costs
Sundry, including gifts
Total 2024		 Church and
ministry
costs
2024
£
20,695
2,985
91,300
1,163
13,778
46,665
41,140
944
7,176
447
5,060
3,732
-
12,728
2,590
24,111
467
43
436
831
176
276,467		 Church hall
costs
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
754
1,248
22,173
13,741
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
37,916		 Total
funds
2024
£
20,695
2,985
91,300
1,163
13,778
46,665
41,140
944
7,176
447
5,814
4,980
22,173
26,469
2,590
24,111
467
43
436
831
176
314,383

The curate’s stipend charge includes pension contributions and employer’s National Insurance contributions. The standard pension contribution for clergy in the Diocese of London was at a rate of £7,480 pa (2023: £8,730 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 £857 (2023: £14,587).

Page 12

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 costs
Curate's stipend
Ministry and training material
Church service expenses
Weekend away
Church events
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Building development costs
Running expenses
Other charitable donations
Choir and music
Sound system
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Website development and livestreaming 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

Page 13

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 2024		 Total
funds
2024
£
24,733
4,722
1,978
900
216
991
9,211
11,457
2,772
56,980		 Total
funds
2023
£
23,333
5,052
2,247
935
216
990
15,989
21,420
2,604
72,786

Page 14

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7. Analysis of grants

Grants to institutions
Grants to institutions		 Grants to
Institutions
2024
£
41,600
Grants to
Institutions
2023
£
30,350		 Total
funds
2024
£
41,600
Total
funds
2023
£
30,350

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

Name of institution
Crosslinks
Elam Ministries
Home for Good
Happy Home Orphanage, Southern India
OMF, South East Asia
St Barnabas Bible Church, Cape Town
St Michael's Church, Melksham		 2024
£
600
7,500
5,000
6,000
5,000
7,500
10,000
41,600
41,600		 2023
£
600
7,500
5,000
6,000
1,250
10,000
-
30,350
30,350

Page 15

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2024
£
45,308
120
45,428		 2023
£
43,884
102
43,986

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

Ministry
Administration
Children's Worker		 2024
No.
2
1
1
4		 2023
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 some administrative assistance, a part-time Children’s Worker and a Parish Administrator.

Page 16

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Office
equipment
£
36,159
-
(829)
35,330
34,063
1,502
(785)
34,780
550
2,096		 Computer
equipment
£
10,204
2,044
-
12,248
8,500
1,483
-
9,983
2,265
1,704		 Total
£
46,363
2,044
(829)
47,578
42,563
2,985
(785)
44,763
2,815
3,800

Page 17

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10. Debtors

Due within one year
Other debtors
Prepayments
Income Tax recoverable		 2024
£
9,706
12,015
28,816
50,537		 2023
£
25,907
11,949
30,537
68,393

11. Short Term Deposits

Short Term Deposits 2024
£
352,216
352,216		 2023
£
354,840
354,840

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
3,643
439
460
35,725
40,267		 2023
£
3,642
-
6,889
29,032
39,563

Included within accruals and deferred income is £15,675 of deferred income (2023: £422)

Page 18

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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
2024
£
356,393
57,601
413,994
8,437
422,431		 Income
£
17,195
415,065
432,260
5,810
438,070		 Expenditure
£
-
(406,920)
(406,920)
(6,043)
(412,963)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(20,000)
20,000
-
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£
353,588
85,746
439,334
8,204
447,538

The Designated Fund is an unrestricted fund, the assets of which 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 2024

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
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

Page 20

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at 1
January
2024
£
356,393
57,601
8,437
422,431
Balance at
1 January
2023
£
300,956
149,384
7,162
457,502		 Income
£
17,195
415,065
5,810
438,070
Income
£
15,437
419,424
7,317
442,178		 Expenditure
£
-
(406,920)
(6,043)
(412,963)
Expenditure
£
-
(471,207)
(6,042)
(477,249)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(20,000)
20,000
-
-
Transfers
in/out
£
40,000
(40,000)
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£
353,588
85,746
8,204
447,538
Balance at
31
December
2023
£
356,393
57,601
8,437
Summary of funds - prior year
Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds
422,431

Page 21

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
-
2,815
8,204
476,786
-
(40,267)
8,204
439,334		 Total
funds
2024
£
2,815
484,990
(40,267)
447,538

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period

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

16. Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2024 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		 2024
£
17,500
-
17,500		 2023
£
42,000
17,500
59,500

Page 22

ST SIMON ZELOTES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17. Related party transactions

N Dunhill & Co, a business controlled by Nicholas Dunhill, a PCC Member, charged £10,052 (2023: £17,411) for accountancy services provided to the church for the year. Nicholas also charged £137 through ParcelSpace Ltd, a company he controls, for assistance maintaining credit card donations and other computer assistance in 2023 (2024: £Nil).

Total donations made to the church by PCC members during the year amounted to £29,268 (2023: £29,740), including Gift Aid where appropriate.

Page 23