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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Louth

2023-12-31-accounts

The Parish of Louth

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF LOUTH FOR 2023 Presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 22[nd] May 2024

THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH IN THE PARISH OF LOUTH

Objectives and activities

The primary object of the PCC is ‘the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England’. In doing so it ‘co-operates with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical’.[1] In the case of Louth, where a Team Ministry is in place, this co-operation is both with the Team Ministry (Priest-inCharge, Team Vicar) and the Parish Ministry Team that they oversee, and those working in the Districts that make up the wider parish. The PCC held four ordinary meetings during the year. Much of its business is transacted through the District Church Councils or Churchwardens and Sub-committees working to support the ministry of the Church that is exercised by the Ministry Team.

Mission Communities – a vision for the local church

We continue to seek to discern God’s will for the various gathered communities that make up the Parish of Louth. The six locations (spread across five districts) comprise the Parish of Louth Mission Community. Within this St James’ and Trinity Centre fulfil the function of being a Key Mission Church, with a contribution to make to the wider work of the Diocese as well as serving their respective local needs. Each of the other churches in the Parish undertook a process of ‘church type categorisation’ during the year in line with the Diocesan programme of A Time to Change Together – Resourcing Sustainable Church. Stewton and South Elkington categorised themselves as Community Churches. St. Michael’s and Welton le Wold categorised themselves as Festival churches – although both aspire to become Community Churches.

Mission planning

At the beginning of 2013, building on the 2012 Parish Profile, it was agreed that work in the Parish of Louth would focus on building up the whole Church, seen in three different expressions of its life as:

At the core of this was the aspiration that we would make real our commitment that:

“In all we do, we will seek to live out Jesus’ command to draw close to the love of God in worship, and to share this by loving our neighbour”

These aspirations sit within the framework of the wider vision of the Diocese of Lincoln that the Church of England be ‘a transforming presence in Greater Lincolnshire’, embodied in a life that is ‘faithful in worship, confident in discipleship and joyful in service to others’. To help focus our work we identified the following vision for each of the churches within the Parish:

The Ministry Team, supported by the PCC, will seek to encourage the Church to fulfil this calling by:

1 PCC (Powers) Measure 1956.

In the town of Louth…

The Parish Church of Louth St James, Westgate seeks to become…

The Parish Church of St. Michael, Church Street seeks to become…

Trinity Centre, Eastgate seeks to become…

In the villages…

…our churches exist to create an environment where we can worship, listen and grow to become better and more responsive disciples of Christ, so that we can witness to God's presence, and minister the things of God to all people. As we have been building on these foundations, developing our life and work, and it is our aim to continue:

The pages that follow outline the scope of our work, and how we hope to grow a community of faith where all can grow so as to be ‘fully alive’ to God’s presence among us and our communities.

Gloria Dei est vivens homo, vita hominis visio Dei.

The glory of God is a man fully alive, the life of a human is the vision of God.

WHOLE-LIFE LIVING: becoming fully alive THE MINSTER COMMUNITY: A Church engaged in prayer & worship, fellowship, study, and service…

As we seek to build on our existing work, and discover where we are called to grow in the future, we have reflected on the resources we have and the needs of our community. Alongside this we have explored how we can use the riches of our past to help us shape the Church for the future. We are exploring how we can use the language of the ‘minster community’ to describe our life as a Church engaged in mission within the whole local community. This draws on the early origins of our churches as home to a community that proclaimed the Christian message in the earliest years of the English Church in this area. Rather than focusing on a single ‘minster church’ we understand this to call us to look at the different ways our resources (people, places and activities) contribute to the fullness of the life of the local Church.

The Minster Community is made up of…

People (WHO?)

Activities (WHAT?)

Locations (WHERE?)

As an institution, the Parish of Louth consists of the Ministry Team and the Parochial Church Council; the legal custodian of the local resources of the Church. Together, they serve the spiritual needs of those who worship within the parish’s churches, and the wider community who are all God’s people in the Parish. The elements of minster community, familia (‘people’) and parochia (‘place’), come together as component parts of a whole around its activities of Prayer & Worship, Fellowship, Study and Service.

WHO: The People at the heart of the Minster Community

St James’ (Priest-in-Charge, assistant and retired clergy)

St Michael’s (Rev. Robert Mansfield, with Priest-in-Charge)

South Elkington (Priest-in-Charge, with retired clergy and lay ministry team) Stewton (Rev. Robert Mansfield and Rev. Alan Hayday) Welton le Wold (Priest-in-Charge)

Community Outreach Team

WHERE: The locations where the Minster Community focuses its life

At its broadest the Church is present wherever its members are. However, there are a number of focal points for the life of the Church, and the table blow identifies them and the areas of life they tend to be a focus for within the Parish of Louth:

St James St Michael Trinity Centre Sth Elkington Stewton Welton Church House,
Upgate		 Church House,
Mt Pleasant		 Church
Institute		 Keddington
Oratory ●
Civic church ●
Local
chapels		 Gathered
worship		 ❸ ● ● ● ● ●
Baptistry ● ● O ● O O
Marriage ● ● O ● ● O
Burial ● ● O ● ● ● ●
Almonry ●
Hospital O O ● O ●
Study/
Education		 Schools KEVIGS
Kidgate
LGS		 SMS LGS
StB		 GHS
Discipleship ● ● ● O
Retreat/grange ● +
Shrine ●
Chapels		 O + ● + +
Community space O O ●+
youth		 ● ● ● ● O ●

Code: ● – Significant activity for development O – Subsidiary part of activity + – possible area for development

HOW: Becoming fully alive

In order to live life fully, we will seek to structure our life as a community and the activities which are a part of it to encourage everyone to consider four elements of Christian living appropriately expressed in people’s lives and suited to their context:

WHOLE-LIFE LIVING: becoming fully alive

Four + PRAYER & WORSHIP in the presence of God + STUDY to deepen our experience elements + FELLOWSHIP with those who travel alongside us + SERVICE to others in our communities

Each of which is lived as a part of each stage of life

PARISH CHURCH OF LOUTH ST JAMES

The Team

There have been several significant changes since last year’s report, firstly the departure of Revd. Cameron Watt in September led to another long interregnum during which time the local retired clergy and in particular Revd. Keith Dally ensured the regular rhythm of services continued and our thanks go to them for their leadership. At the DCC AGM, Sue Smith stood down as Churchwarden and Kate Roberts agreed to join me as Churchwarden as we move forward. Thanks go to Sue for all she did during the past year. Under new management the gift shop with new ranges of products along with the Coffee shop have raised considerable funds and the welcome which the volunteers, the Guides and the Vergers continue to provide ensures visitors have an enjoyable experience when visiting St James’s.

Significant events like the Coronation of King Charles, the Christmas Tree Festival and the Licensing of Revd. Mike Croft saw the Church at its best thanks to volunteers who cleaned and decorated it and thanks go to the Choir and Master of the Choristers whose music enhanced the events. The DCC continue to be very grateful to the Friends of St James’s for their assistance in funding repairs and for the fantastic fund-raising events they undertake.

Fabric work

The major project undertaken since last year was the replacement of the external lights which was the result of the amazing efforts of Robert Haynes who masterminded not only the fund raising of £25K but also managed the negotiations with the electrical companies and the installation which is now complete and provides a more versatile lighting system which also contributes to our low carbon aspirations.

The Dry rot discovered in the North Porch toilets, was found to be considerably worse than anticipated once the plaster was removed. The treatment to the walls floor and woodwork in the roof space above the toilets has now been done and the refurbishment is underway. The costs for these essential works have escalated and will be around £16,900.

The Quinquennial Inspection was undertaken in October resulting in a detailed report enabling us to make a start on some of the most urgent repairs. The gutters have been cleared of vegetation revealing a number of tears to the leadwork in the Nave roof, which are causing leaks internally. It is recommended that temporary lead underflashing should be installed, with the Nave south clerestory cleaned of water staining redecorated in

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a breathable finish such as limewash.

The stonework repairs are the next most urgent project as there is a health and safety risk to the public and fabric of the building and reroofing should be planned in the next 5-10 years.

At the last Carbon Neutral group meeting in February it was agreed that we should defer any decision on the various options open to us until Mike arrived. Since then we have been offered the opportunity of becoming a Demonstrator Church as part of the Environment Programme of the Church of England - if we are selected the first stage would entitle us to a grant of up to £15K. If successful at Stage One, we would be able to bid into future funding rounds for Stage Two, which would give up to 25% of the costs of the capital project, up to a maximum of £50,000 (the average grant is expected to be around £35,000). The group will meet again on May 28th when we hope we will know the results of the nominations.

There has been a change of tenant in the Church House shop without significant impact on the rental income. During the short vacancy some necessary alterations were made by the service providers to ensure charges are correctly attributed to the various tenants. Denise was appointed as Deanery Administrator by the Diocese and since Mike took up his post as Priest in Charge some changes have been introduced in the office space to ensure safe storage of records and archive documents.

Jane Fletcher - Churchwarden

KEDDINGTON CHURCHYARD

Keddington Churchyard sits within the District of St James and the section of the burial ground that remains ‘open’ is under the care of the PCC of Louth. The DCC maintain this ‘open’ part of the churchyard. A contractor was identified to tidy the churchyard and initial work undertaken at the turn of the year with regular grass cutting planned for 2024.

PARISH CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, SOUTH ELKINGTON

Approval was finally given in January 2024 for us to replace the lead on the South Aisle. It will cost around £29,000 with £5,000 back from the lead so a final bill of £24,000 is expected. Grant aid has not been achieved as yet and a new push on this being obtained is in motion.

Plaster is coming off in the Church in a couple of places and will be repaired in 2024.

The Institute has been painted inside and certainly looks a lot better for it.

Rental Income for the Institute has increased marginally. We still have plenty of unbooked time so please contact me if you wish to hire our marvellous hall.

There are no other issues to report on the fabric of the Church or the Institute.

Our Service schedule of one Morning Praise and one Communion a month is keeping the Church alive.

Charles Dobson - Churchwarden

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARTIN, WELTON LE WOLD

2023 was a very busy year at St Martins Church in Welton-le-Wold.

There were the main festival services as well as a wedding. The dedicated congregation came together to maintain the church with lots of cleaning & fabulous flower arranging coffee mornings and afternoons.

Repairs to a church roof leak were completed.

A rural walk via footpaths was held in aid of St James Church Bells – from South Elkington Church to Welton-leWold and back again. 20 People attended and tea, coffee and cake were provided. £120.50 collected at Weltonle-Wold and South Elkington collected £223.50.

Tree clearing was undertaken to remove dangerous branches and damaged deadwood.

St Martin’s was used for a Polling Station on 4th May.

St Martin’s took part in the Louth “Community Blossoms” with a magnificent crown flower display at St James Church – it was placed on the font with the help of Poppy Dales from “Adore Flowers” in Louth 5th - 8th May.

Participated in the Wolds and Coast Church Festival Weekend – 2[nd] & 3[rd] September with ‘Do it yourself tea and coffee’ offered.

A gardening maintenance and coffee morning was held on 21st September.

Services:

Easter service – 26th March @ 10:30am led by Mother Karen Gooding Cafe Church with Bells - 20th August 2023 @ 11am St Martins' Church, Welton-le-Wold - joint congregation effort. Harvest service – 24th September @4.00 p.m. led by the Revd. Keith Dally Remembrance Service - 11th November @ 10.50am led by Father Terry Steel Christmas Carol Service - 16th December @ 4pm led by Keith Dally and Sue Smith

Rebekah Stubbs - Churchwarden

PARISH CHURCH OF ST ANDREW, STEWTON

The building remains sound in structure with no damage during the autumn and early winter storms.

The churchyard is regularly cut and maintained by the grass cutting team as is the boundary hedge.

We had started to fill in low places and sunken graves but due to the unprecedented wet weather we were not able to do any more, work will continue when conditions allow.

The building is thoroughly cleaned with the help of volunteers, and made available for the monthly Community Coffee Mornings which take place from March to November.

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The fire extinguishers will be checked and serviced on April 17[th] and PAT testing the mobile electrical items two days after that.

Dorothy Mansfield - Churchwarden

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, LOUTH

My involvement with St Michael’s Church in Louth terminated mid-2023 after many years of attempting to hold the situation together in the face of a diminishing congregation. Prior to that I had taken weekly communions on a Thursday until it was agreed that these services be taken monthly. The congregation had fluctuated between 10-12 down to 6. During this time, the chancel had been roped off because of safety issues with plaster falling from the ceiling. At this time, it was agreed by the PCC that the church closure be commenced.

The Greek Orthodox church had left St Michael’s and returned to their chapel at Louth cemetery. I was asked to convene a small working group along with Mike Crosby, Rev Cameron Watt and Lesley Lewis to consider options going forward. And we formed the opinion there was no viable option for St Michael’s apart from closure. Our results were brought back and shared with the PCC. At that time Rev Cameron Watt and the PCC accepted our findings and the decision was voted on for closure. However, Rev Cameron Watt then said he had been approached by Father Terry Steele who had retired to the town and he believed St Michael’s could be saved as a realistic proposition. It was therefore agreed by the PCC that the closure process be started as this could take up to two years. In the interim Father Terry could take services there with the proviso that he would raise the funding for these in order to offset St Michael’s expenses and that would include the Parish Share. Father Terry Steele and the Archdeacon of Lincoln met with representatives of the Greek Orthodox church to discuss future use of the building.

My final act for St Michael’s was to negotiate with a local roofing company to get the chancel roof repaired at a sum considerably lower than previous estimates had suggested.

Discussions continued with a nursery provider for the upgrading of St Michael’s Church House as part of a longterm leasing arrangement.

Rev Robert Mansfield

TRINITY CENTRE

The Centre has seen many changes in the last 12 months – not least with the resignation of the Cameron Watt – Priest in Charge of the Team Parish of Louth. Cameron officially left his post in September of 2023. Since this time, we have been without anyone to fill this post until the appointment of Mike Croft from 11[th] March 2024.

We still have a Community Connector and Wellbeing Hub facility here at the Trinity Centre which continues to offer support groups and services designed to combat both Mental Health and subsequent Health related issues – groups including Safe Place café, Warm Space groups, Peer Support Groups, Friendship Walks and a Night Light Café which runs from both the Trinity Centre in Louth and from ‘The Wong’ at Horncastle for either 1 or 2 nights per week. Funding for all of these groups is secured from the NHS Lincolnshire ICB and from Acts Trust who currently are also providing financial support for the Night Light Café groups.

The remit for the Connectors was always to help to address people displaying mental health issues and to help to combat social isolation and loneliness and to provide a ‘safety net’ to help to stop people accessing Services

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with issues which could be safely resolved at a lower, non-clinical level. This intervention is designed to alleviate the stresses of an already overstretched NHS and of course other public services.

In April of 2023 the Trinity Centre managed to secure funding from the NHS for the appointment of another full time Community Connector post here at the Centre which would have facilitated us receiving funding from the NHS for 3 full time Community Connectors (instead of 2) to be based here at the Trinity Centre. This would mean that we had funding for 2 x Connectors for the East Lindsey PCN area and also for 1 x Connector for the Meridian PCN area. Unfortunately, in the interim period of the funding being secured one of our original Connectors – (Sue Padbury) decided to leave her post here in December 2023 so we then had to recruit 2 x new staff members to ensure that we were back up to 3 full time Connector posts filled. We appointed two new staff members in December 2023 - Rachel Tucker and Gemma Walker. Unfortunately, neither of the newly appointed staff members could be retained - Gemma left in January 2024 and Rachel left in February 2024.

The Community groups which have traditionally run from the Centre – such as the ‘Memories Matter’ (Dementia) group still go ahead. Our ‘Memories Matter’ group is still run by Jane Pegg and continues to be a very popular and consistently well attended group. We also have a ‘Learning Together Babies’ group – an LCC initiative for Mothers and babies to attend weekly on a Wednesday afternoon. The Probation Service and ‘Turning Point’ formerly ‘We Are With You’ – an addiction support group still runs from the Centre, as do Shaw Trust – an initiative to help and encourage people back to employment group. We also have numerous Yoga and Exercise groups and several Art classes and painting groups and Dance classes for children. We are still home to the Louth Explorer Scouts group and Lincs Sensory Services (BID), Slimming groups, Singing groups and rentals for private parties and training groups such as SENSE (a group supporting deaf/blind and those experiencing complex disabilities ) – to name but a few.

Of course – we still run our Louth Churches Together Community Food Larder from here at the Centre and we do enjoy continuing support from our small group of extremely hardworking volunteers who we are always eternally grateful to for their continued hard work and unstinting support. Without these Volunteers to assist us we would be unable to maintain the consistent and enduring nature of the Food Bank provision that we have here.

We do, also continue to provide support and assistance to those families and individuals who are most vulnerable and in need in our local Community - with the option to provide both practical assistance in the form of food and toiletries from our Food Bank etc to ongoing support and assistance through sign posting to our resident Community Connectors or to agencies further afield should the situation require different types of help and assistance or a multi - faceted approach.

Our room rentals here at the Centre are continuing to be a valuable source of income with an increase in recorded revenue received again this year in comparison to last year. Revenue from our rooms rentals provides a welcome boost in Income for the Centre in what is proving to be an ever increasingly difficult financial climate.

One of our strengths as an organisation is held in the efforts of our loyal staff members who are now working much smarter and more efficiently than previously with a shift towards multi-tasking and an emphasis on training and upskilling.

This, however, can only be achieved with the help and continuing efforts of our hard working, committed workforce.

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I know that they are as committed as I am, to ensuring that the Centre will continue to be at the heart of our Communities and to be a stabilizing influence in the life of so many who are supported and indeed rely upon the work that continues to happen here.

Jill Trafford, Centre Manager

REPORT FROM THE LAY VICE CHAIR

2023 presented a number of new challenges in the parish from mid year with Rev. Karen Goodwin on long-term sick leave and Rev Cameron Watt leaving the parish in early September. As a result in the Autumn we were left with no stipendiary clergy in the deanery. The recruitment process to replace Cameron took longer than we had hoped, but we were delighted to welcome Mike Croft to the parish in March 2024.

The richness of parish life is well described in other sections of this report. Our social gospel remains important in the parish and the work which is run from the Trinity Centre continues to develop. Over 1200 adults and children were supported through the work of the Churches Together Community Larder which we host. The support activities run from the centre, and work of the Community Connectors in the wider communities, made a real difference to the lives of many people during the year.

Discussions are ongoing with the Diocese and also the Deanery Partnership Steering Group (covering four deaneries, and roughly equal to East Lindsey) about what the future shape of the organisation of our local churches will be. The Local Mission Partnership (LMP) has been formed, roughly the same size as Louthesk Deanery. The plan, if we get enough Covenant giving in the LMP, is for there to be three stipendiary clergy, based in Louth, who will provide priestly ministry across the LMP, with a focus being at St. James as the Key Mission Church.

A Children, Youth & Families Worker was appointed in the parish in the Spring of 2023, but sadly the post holder resigned in September. The PCC has discussed the need for an Operations Manager. The post has not been progressed during the vacancy, but forms part of a wider discussion on the resources we need as we plan for the future. The parish appointed a volunteer Parish Safeguarding Officer in July after a period of vacancy.

I would like to record my thanks to Rev Cameron and Rev Karen for their ministry in the parish. I’m also most grateful for the support and ministry of the retired clergy and those in lay ministry for their support through this period. My thanks also go to the staff and the volunteers for all their efforts during the year. We look forward to 2024 with optimism and expectation for a period of renewal and growth.

Mike Crosby, Lay Vice Chair

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF LOUTH

Reference and administrative information

This is the annual report for the activities of The Parochial Church Council for the Parish of Louth (the ‘PCC’) for the year from 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2023.

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The churches and chapels in the parish are:

The Parish Church of All Saints, South Elkington The Parish Church of St. Andrew, Stewton The Parish Church of Louth St. James, Westgate, Louth The Parish Church of St. Martin, Welton-le-Wold The Parish Church of St. Michael, Church Street, Louth Trinity Centre, Eastgate, Louth (incorporating the Chapel of Holy Trinity, Louth)

The address for official correspondence for the PCC is: c/o The Deanery Office, 6 Upgate, Louth LN11 9ET.

The bankers to the PCC are: Lloyds Bank, Mercer Row, Louth.

The following people have been members of the PCC during the period being reported: Licensed clergy: The Reverend Cameron Watt (Chair) The Reverend Robert Mansfield (PTO) The Reverend Karen Gooding The Reverend Keith Dally (PTO) Readers: Dr Paul Hill Mrs Sue Smith Churchwardens: Mr Charles Dobson Mrs Dorothy Mansfield Mr Tony Doherty Mrs Jane Fletcher Mrs Jane Rushby Mrs Sue Smith Mrs Rebekah Stubbs Mrs Sylvia White Deanery Synod: Mr Mike Crosby (Treasurer and Lay Vice-chair) (St. James) Mr Tony Doherty (South Elkington) Mr Peter Taylor (Welton le Wold) Dr Paul Hill (St. James) Mr Malcolm Locking (Stewton) Mrs Sue Smith (St. James) Elected Members: Mrs Jill Day (South Elkington) Mr Peter Taylor (Welton le Wold) Mrs Lesley Lewis (Stewton) Mr Fred Popoff (St. James) Miss Julie Markham (St James) Co-opted: Mrs Jennifer Goodwin (Secretary)

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In the normal course of events the day-to-day activities of the PCC are delegated to the appropriate Churchwardens, DCCs or PCC officers who work alongside the various members of the Ministry Team serving the parish.

Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Louth is a corporate body established in law as part of the Church of England. The PCC operates under the legal powers and provisions of the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure[2] and the Church Representation Rules.[3] The PCC exceeds the limits for exception from registering with the Charity Commission, and is therefore registered under the name of ‘The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Louth’ (Charity No. 1132658). The geographical parish which the PCC of the Parish of Louth serves is coterminous with that which is served by the Parish of Louth Team Ministry, which was established by a Scheme made under the Pastoral Measure 1968 in 1974.

The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules, under which a scheme has been drawn up for the representation of five districts within the parish. In line with these provisions, membership of the PCC is provided for as follows:

Ex officio members of the PCC:

All ordained and lay ministers licensed within the parish

Representatives to Deanery Synod (the maximum number is decided by Diocesan Synod and is based upon each district being represented by the number of representatives relative to their electoral roll as if they were individual parishes).

Any member of Diocesan Synod or the General Synod entitled to be a member

One member per hundred electors (or part thereof) within each district

The PCC is entitled to co-opt additional members up to one fifth of the number of elected members.

On appointment/election, members of the PCC are informed of their status as charity trustees and the broad remit of their responsibilities both under church and charity law and must sign the appropriate fit and proper persons declarations. PCC members are informed, via the PCC Secretary, of training opportunities provided by the diocese. As is legally required, the PCC has a Standing Committee that comprises the Priest-in-Charge, two Church Wardens (elected by, and from among, the churchwardens), the lay vice-chair of the PCC, the secretary of the PCC, the treasurer of the PCC, and three ordinary members of the PCC (elected by the PCC). The Standing Committee has the power to transact business on behalf of the PCC between its meetings. In addition to the Standing Committee the following groups have powers delegated to them as described:

District Church Councils for each of the five parish churches have powers delegated under a scheme established in 1995 and are responsible, through their Churchwardens and PCC representatives, to the PCC for the life of the church in the districts for which they are responsible. Their activities are outlined in the individual reports for each District that are attached as annexes to this report.

2 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/Eliz2/4 5/3/contents

3 - - - - - https://www.churchofengland.org/about us/structure/churchlawlegis/church representation rules/church representation ruleshttps://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/churchlawlegis/church-representation-rules/churchrepresentation-rules-online.aspxonline.aspx

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Trinity Centre Sub-committee , established by resolution of the PCC in 2011, which is responsible for the maintenance of the building and provision of ecclesiastical services in Trinity Centre that were formerly the responsibility of the Holy Trinity District Church Council. It also manages the separate funds of the various community outreach programmes.

PCC Report 2023

The PCC met six times in 2023. Areas covered included:

Jennifer Goodwin , PCC Secretary

PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER AT THE COMMUNION

The following have been given permission by the Bishop of Lincoln to administer at the Communion:

Jane Fletcher, Robert Haynes, Matthew Oakes, Dorothy Mansfield, Jane Rushby, Adrian Sales, Julie Markham, Lesley Lewis, Mark Hunkin.

All of these run from the 19[th] November 2023 to the 18[th] November 2028.

SAFEGUARDING REPORT

The Team Parish of Louth has adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. This means that we are committed to:

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The Church of England has a dedicated National Safeguarding Team, NST, who are working to increase the capacity and expertise of parishes, dioceses and other Church of England institutions to respond to safeguarding concerns and support victims and survivors. The diocese has a similar team and their contact details are displayed in all of our church buildings together with the contact details for the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Following the appointment of a new Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), the PSO, Lay Vice Chair and the new incumbent have reviewed the PCC’s compliance with its duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). Our conclusion is that we did not fully comply with the duty in 2023. Progress has been made as the PCC has been working through a series of actions and we aim to be fully compliant in 2024.

Most PCC members and staff are fully up to date with their training and DBS checks. Some additional time may be necessary for those PCC members appointed at the APCM at the end of May 2024 to complete their DBS checks and the required training. There are also issues for any PCC members who are digitally excluded (e.g. don’t have a computer, e-mail, and internet) that we need to resolve supported by colleagues who have access, or through face-to-face training.

Jane Crosby, Parish Safeguarding Officer

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The PCC is responsible for the direct management of accounts relating to those expenses that are parish-wide in nature, and also holds reserves (both restricted and unrestricted). In addition to these directly managed funds, the PCC is responsible for those funds that are managed at a local level by the five DCCs and the Trinity Centre Committee.

Accounts are prepared in line with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The accounts of each District are presented and adopted at the Annual District Meeting and consolidated with the accounts relating solely to the PCC and presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

In 2023 the PCC reported total income similar to 2022. Increases were reported in grants, fund raising and dividends and interest, but with reductions in Gift Aid donations, collections and project income. Total expenditure in 2023 was also similar to 2022. The main increases in expenditure were church running expenses, churchyard upkeep and church hall repairs, with decreases in missionary and charitable giving and staff costs.

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The parish reported net income of £30k (before investment gains) in 2023, but against the backdrop of no major church repairs and a number of staff posts unfilled.

The reserves and investment policies are kept under regular review:

Reserves Policy: The PCC holds reserves to cover peaks and troughs in income and expenditure, to protect against uncertainties in future income and to deliver future charitable activities. The Parish Treasurer reviews reserves with DCC Treasurers to ensure adequate cover for planned activities and to identify future risks for the PCC.

Investment Policy: The PCC holds investments mainly through The Central Board of Finance (CBF) Church of England Funds managed by CCLA Investment Management Limited, deposit accounts including The CBF Church of England Deposit Fund and UK banks, and current accounts with UK banks. The investment funds provide a vital source of dividend income to support the work of the parish. The Parish Treasurer reviews the detail of the investments with DCC Treasurers and confirms the institutions and investments acceptable to the PCC for any investments.

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Trinity Centre undertakes a number of activities that serve the wider mission of the Church to the local community. The assets of these various projects are held by Trinity Centre. Each project is accounted for as a separate fund within the Trinity Centre accounts.

Mike Crosby, Parish Treasurer

THE DEANERY SYNOD OF THE DEANERY OF LOUTHESK

Paul Hill retired as Lay Chair in November after serving for more years than he said that he cared to remember! Steve Woodcock was duly elected as Lay Chair and Paul thanked by members of the Deanery Synod. Dr Ballantyne and Dr Samaan continue as Treasurer and Secretary respectively.

In June the synod welcomed a presentation by Nigel Bacon (one of the Lincoln diocese representatives on General Synod) focusing on the February General Synod meeting and upcoming topics. In November the synod received a written update from Rev. Canon Emeritus Chris Lilley, Partnership Dean for East Lindsey, on “Time to Change Together”, the diocesan initiative shaping the future organisation of ministry in the county. Father Terry Steele, Rural Dean, stressed the importance of timely covenant contributions by parishes to support the planned clergy resource of three across the Local Mission Partnership (LMP) area. Further work is required to shape how the Deanery Partnership will work. The diocese had confirmed plans to employ a Deanery Partnership Administrator in each partnership area, with East Lindsey one of the first areas to appoint.

Paul Hill, Deanery Lay Chair to November 2023

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R¥￿tÈr￿d thartynuthbÈr'.1132SS8 LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNaL Flnaneial Statements Year ended 31 December2023

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNaL Contents of the Financial Statements forthe year ended 31 December 2023 Page Ststetnent of Financial Artivities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 3to7 Independent Examiner's Report

LOUTH PARO¢HFAL CHURCH COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Unrestrltted Re$tri¢ted Endowment Funds Funds Funds Not• Totsl 2023 Ttstal 2022 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Activities for generating Funds Income from Investments Income from church activities Other Incotning ￿soUrceS Sale of fixed ass￿$ 2a 2b 298,551 26,683 35,082 103,500 15,922 29,523 2,382 3,863 1,184 328.074 29.065 38,945 104,684 15.922 331,390 20.053 37,437 108,560 11,565 2d 2f TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 479,738 36,952 516,690 509.005 RESOURCES EXPENDED Church Activthes Fynd Raising Costs Governance Other Resojrces expended 415,188 5.357 2,514 16.674 42.217 io 457,405 5,367 2,514 21.536 454,400 3,761 1,872 16,677 3b 3¢ 3d 4,862 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 439.733 47.089 486.822 476,710 NET INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES 40,005 -10,137 29,868 32,295 NET ILOSSI/GAIN ON INVESTMENTS 33.635 10,964 2.708 47.307 -56,690 NET INCOMING RESOURCES 73,640 827 2.708 77.175 -24,395 TRANSFER BEfwEEN FUNDS 14.227 14.227 NFf MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 87.867 .13,400 2.708 77.175 -24,395 BALANCES BIFWD I JANUARY 2023 8.9,10 639.118 292.872 29.863 961.853 986.248 BALANCES CIF 31 DECEMBER 2023 8.9.10 726.98S 279.472 32,571 1.039.028 961.853 Page I

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL BAU4NCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 Nots8 2023 2022 FIXED ASSETS Tangible Investments 4,234 654,182 658.416 4,248 600,722 604,970 5b CURRENT ASSErs Debtors Short Term Deposits Cash 3t bank and in hand 385 118,690 410,393 529.468 loo 112,013 298,202 410,315 UABILITIES Creditors- due in one year Deferred Income 9,009 139.847 148.856 10,994 42,438 53,432 NET CURRENT Ass￿5/LlAB$LITlEs 380.612 356,883 Total Assets less current Liabilities 1.039,028 961,853 Creditors- due after one year TOTAL NET ASSErs 1,039.028 961.853 PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted Restritted Eftdowment 8,9&10 8.9&10 8,9&10 7Z6,985 279,472 32.571 1,039.028 639,118 292,872 29,863 961,853 Signed on behalf of the board of trustees by.. 09 Al4y2024 Mike Croft- Chair Date 09 MAy2024 Jennrfer Goodwin- Secretary Date Page 2

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPERATION The financial statements have been p￿pared in accordan￿ with Accounting and Reporting by Charit￿$.. Statement of Recommended Practir£ applicable to ¢harit￿S preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Financral Reporting Standaris applicable in thè UK and Republic of Iieland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20151 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211. the Finanual Reporting Standard applicabl& in the UK and Republic of Ir&L4nd IFRS 1021 and the Church Accounh"ng REgulation5 20(￿. Louth Parochial Church Counul meets the definition of a publi¢ benefrtenlity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilits.es are Inrtially recognised at historir31 Nst or transaction value unless Otherwse stated in the ￿leven1 ac¢ounting policy nolelsl. In p￿parIng the accounts. the trustees have wnsidered whether in applying the a¢countiry poli¢K?s required by FRS 102 and the Charib"es SORP FRS 102 any restaiement of the compaiative iterns wa5 required. INCOMING RESOURCES Income is ￿tog￿l$ed wthen the chairty has entitelment to the funds. any perfomance Conditions attached to the Itemlsl of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be rec8vied and lh8 amount can be Tneasureé reliably. RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure ks ￿¢09n1st￿ On￿ the￿ is a ￿81 orconstru¢bve obligation to make a payrn8nt to s third party, rf it is probab￿ that the $8tUem8rntwill b8 r8quir8d 8nd the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the followiro activity headings.. Cost of fundraising- Cornprises the costs assotiated with the fijnd raising activities hekl by the charity Expenditure on charitable activities- includes the costs of church aCt•l￿S undertaken lo further the purpose ol the ¢harity and assouated support and running costs. Other expenditure rtprtsents those items not falling into any other ¢aterg0ry. ASSETS Cons￿rated and benefice property In 50 far as ￿nSe¢￿ted and benefice propety of any kind is exduded from the statutory dèfinition of '¢hariV by Sect¥)n 10121 lal and (¢1 of the Char￿￿$ Act 2011 such assets are not caprtalised the financial 5taternents. Investments Invesbnents quot￿ on a re￿nISed stock exchange orwhose value derives from them are valued 8t m8rket value at the year end. Other investrnent assets are included at the PCC'5 best eslimatÈ of marftet value. Movement in value of investments measured at fair or mark8l value is taken through the ststement of fkqnnaal 8otivile$. Shoritem) deposits These a￿ tt)e cash held on deposit eIther￿th the CCLA or atthe bank. Page 3

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 FUNDS Unrestricted Funds These represent the rernaining income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC. incjuding arnounts designakd by the PCC for fLK&d asset5 for its own use or for spending on a future proje¢t and which a￿ therefore not in¢luded in its'free reserves. a$ disdosed in the trustees, report. Restricted Funds These are income funds that rnust be spent on r85tricted purp058s and detai15 01 the funds and ￿$trictionS provided are shown in the not85 to the accounis. Endowment Fund8 These are restricted funds that must b& retained as trust capital either permanently or5ubject to a discretionary power to Spend eaprcal a5 income, and where thÈ use of any income or benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full detai15 of all their restrictions are shown in the notes to the accounts. 2 INCOAIING RESOURCES Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds Totsl 2023 Total 2022 21al Voluntary Income PlannÈd Giving.. Gift Aid Donations Tax Recoverable Other Collection5 (open platel Grants Donations, appeals, etc. Leg3cles 34,174 9,149 1,238 14,719 214,764 20,176 4,331 298,551 20 34,194 9,149 1,238 14,791 229,085 35,286 4.331 328.074 41,329 8,522 1,416 18,384 214.845 39,925 6,969 331,390 72 14,321 15.110 29,523 21bl A¢tivitie$ for generating Funds Fund raising 26,683 26,683 2,382 2,382 29,065 29,065 20,053 20,053 21 cl In¢ome from Investments Dividends and Interest includingtsx recoverable Rent from land & buildings 18.201 16,881 35.082 3,863 22.064 16.881 38.945 18,475 18,962 37.437 3,863 21dl In¢(W￿ from ¢hur¢h activTrties Church and Church Hall Lettings Fee5 for weddin85 and funerals P8rish Magazine sale5 and advertising Trinity Activities 91.553 11.512 91,553 11,512 17 76,641 12.872 18 19,029 108,560 17 1.167 1,184 435 103.500 1,602 104,684 21el Othèr In¢omlng resources 15,922 15,922 11,565 21f) Sale of fixed a88ets 479,738 36,952 516,690 509,005 Page 4

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Unre5trirted R¢stA¢ted Endowment Funtts Funds Funds 3 RESOURCES EXPENDED Tolal 2023 Total 2022 31al Chur¢h A¢tivities Missionary and Chaiitsbfe Giving Ministry.. Dlocesan Parish Share Ministry Costs Church RunniAe expenses Church Maintenance Upkeep of services Depreciationlequipment Church Yard Up keep Church Hall Running Costs Major Repairs Hall Bank Charg&s Staff Costs Community and Parlsh Prolect 5.308 S5,0￿) 2,809 60,414 25.089 2,179 711 2,341 48,179 4,553 629 188,661 19,315 415.188 370 5,678 55,0(X) 2.809 65,414 31,405 4.841 794 6,341 49.076 4,553 629 199.495 31,370 457,405 8,605 55,000 i.oii 52,586 28,412 2,385 2,247 290 49,624 5,000 6,316 2,662 83 4,000 897 622 220,381 33,237 454,400 10,834 12,055 42,217 31bl Fund Raising Costs Coffee Morning Costslrefreshments Otherfund raising costs 5.342 15 5.342 25 5.367 3,736 25 3,761 io io 5,357 31cl Govemance 2.514 2.514 1.872 31dl Other Rtsour¢es expended 16,674 4,862 21,536 16,677 439,733 47,099 486.822 476,710 4 STAFF COSTS Z023 2012 41al Wages and salaries 199.495 220.381 Duringthe year the PCC employed or paid vergers. a Communlty Centre Manager. Administrator. Caretakerlcieaner, Community Connectors, Master of Choristers, Organists, and a Children Youth and Famlly Worker 41bl RELATED PARTJES No payments or expenses were paid to PCC members In their capacity a5 trustees. Page 5

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 FIXED ASSErs Chuich Equlpment Church Halls 51al Tangtble Totsl Actual COSVNBV At l January 2023 Net Disposals/Additions less depreciation 93 4.155 4,248 1141 1141 At 31 December 2023 79 4,155 4.234 51bl Investments The majority of Investments are held in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund. The market value at 31 December 2023 was É654,18212022 É600,7221 which represents investments for= Unrestricted Funds Restrirted Fund5 Endowrnent Fund5 441,926 179,685 32,571 654,182 fj CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Iunrestricted funds) 385 385 7 LIABILtfiES Deferred income J39,847 148,256 FUNI)S The restricted funds a￿ fund5 grfted to specific churche51 Tiinity Centre. or grants received for restricted purpose5. The sumrn3ry records the closing balance5 for each church, Trinity Centre. and balances held centrally as parish fund5.' Unrertricted Restrirted Endowment Total 2023 Stjames, St Michael's South Elkingttsn Holy Trinity Trinity Centre St Andrew's, Stewton St Martin's. Wetton le Wold Parish 8alance 31 December 2022 41,283 2,787 47,515 11,914 172,970 16,484 9,766 424,266 726,985 107.389 400 29,994 178.666 3.187 47.520 102.191 212,953 49,524 16,813 428,174 1,039,028 90,277 39,983 33,040 7,047 1,331 279,472 2.577 32.571 Page 6

LOUTH PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total 2023 Balance l January 2023 Inctsming ￿$OUrceS Resources expended Investment gains Transfer befv4een funds 8al3nce 31 Decernber 2023 659,118 479,738 439,733 33,635 14,227 726,985 292,872 36,952 47,089 10,964 14,227 279,472 29.863 961.853 516,690 486.822 47,307 2,708 32,571 1,039,028 10 ANALYSIS OF ASSETS BY FUND Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total 2023 Tangible Fixed Assets Investment Flxed Assets CuTrentAssets 79 441,926 410,409 4,155 179,685 119,059 4,234 654,182 529.468 32,571 due in one year due after one year 125.429 23,427 148,856 726,985 279,472 32,571 1,039,028 Page 7

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS REPORTTO LOUTH PAROCHiALCHURCH COUNCIL We report on the accounts of the councll for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages I to 7. Respective ￿POnsibl11bes of the counul and examiner The charty'strustees are responsible forthe preperation of the accounts. The charty's trustees conslderthat an audlt is not requlred for thls year under section 144 of the Charities Att 20111"the Charities Act'l and that an independent exarniDation is needed. It is our responsibility to.. i. ex3rnine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act,. ii. to follow the procedures18id down in the General Directions given bythe Charity Cornrnission nder sertion 145151 Ibl of tho Charitles Art,. and iii tts state whether particular matters have come tts our attention Basisof independent examiner's report Our examsn8tion was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. Ir also includes consideration of any unusu31 items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the Council concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given 3S to whetherthe accounts present a'true and fairview, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Independent examiner's statement In connettion wrch our examlnation, no matter has come to our attention.. 111 which 8ive5 U5 reasonable cause to believe that in any material Te5pectthe ￿QU1￿Ments.. to keep accountlnE records in accordance wiLh section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts whlth accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charitles Art have not been met or 121 to which, in ouropinion. attent￿n should be drawn In orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be ￿a(hed. Djohnson D Johnson MAAT Independent Examlner Dexter & Sharpe (Louth) Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors l Eastgate LOUTH Lincolnshire LNII 9NB Datsd.. 16 May 2024 Page 8

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS REPORTTO LOUTH PAROCHIALCHURCH COUNCIL We reporr on the accounts of the council for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on page5 1 to 7. Respettive responsibilitie5 of the council and examiner The charty'strustees are responsible forthe preperation of the accounts. The char￿v.$ trustees conslderthat an audlt is not requlred for thls year under section 144 of the Charities Att 20111"the Charities Act'l and that an independent exarnination is needed. It is our responsibility to.. i. exarnine the accounts under section 145 of the Ch3rities Act,. ii. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Dlrections given bythe Charity Cornrnission nd@r sertion 145151 Ibl of the Charitles Att,. and iii to 5tste whether particular rnatters have come to our attention Basi50f independent examiner's report Our examsnation was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charty and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also Includes conslderation of any unusual itern5 or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the Council concerning any such matters. The procedures undertèken do not provide all the evidence that would be requlred in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whetherthe accounts present a'true and fairview, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next Statement. Independent examlner's statement In connection wtth our examination, no matter has come to our attention.. 111 which give5 us reasonable cause to believe that in 3ny material Te5pectthe ￿qu1￿mentS.. to keep accounting records In accordance wich section 130 of the Charities Act.. and to prepare aecounts whith atcord with the accounting remrds and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Art have not been met or 121 to which, in our opinion, 8ttention should be drawn Sn orderto enable a proper understanding of the accountsto be ￿athed. Z Djohnson D Johnson MAAT Independent Examiner Dexter & Sharpe (Louth) Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors l E3Stgate LOUTH LNII 9NB Dated.. 16 May 2024 Page 8