2023-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Braintree St Michael

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Information

Address : St Michaels Lane, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1EY Website : htp://stmichaelsbtree.co.uk Email : admin@stmichaelsbtree.co.uk

PCC Membership

Ex Officio Members

Nigel Adams (Vicar, Chair) Lin Terris (Churchwarden)

Ade Odupitan (Churchwarden, from May 2023) Cyril Bamforth (Acting Churchwarden from Dec 2022 until May 2023)

Deanery Synod (also ex-officio)

Cyril Bamforth David Huxter Lin Terris Ade Odupitan (May 2023 - 2026) (May 2023 - 2026) (May 2023 -2024) (May 2023 – 2024)

Elected Members

Jennifer Bailey (May 2021-24)	Roger Cooke (May 2021-24)	Derek Chapman (May 2021-24)
Margaret Kinniburgh (May 2022 -2025)	Peggy Wills (May 2022-2025)	David Birch (May 2023-2026)	Lesley Davey (May 2023-2026)
Adam Grove-Smith (May 2023-2026)	Rachel Huxter (May 2023-2026)	Nick Marsh (May 2023-2026)
1 Year Vacancy ( 1 )	2 Year Vacancy ( 3 )

Co-opted Members

Jo Adams Rachel Grove-Smith Richard Hollis

Volunteer Pastoral Assistant Childrens and youth worker June 2023 – May 2024

Non-Members

Sandra Savill Electoral Roll Officer

Contents of Annual Report

Information	2
PCC Membership	2
Minutes of the Annual Meetings	5
PCC Proceedings 2023-2024	6
Vicar’s Annual Report 2023	6
Churchwardens’ Reports	7
Wider church involvement	8
Mission Support	8
St Michael’s School	9
Schools Work	10
St. Michael’s & John Ray Junior School	10
Home Groups	10
Other Groups	10
Outreach and events	10
We enjoyed a number of events, for the Church family, including:	10
Men@ St Michael’s	10
Women@ St Michael’s	10
Bell Ringers	11
Junior Church	11
Next Plus Breakfast	11
Tiddlywinks	11
SMASH Club	11
Club Nights	12
MEETSS (18-30s Group)	12
All-Age events – Join-in Nativity and Christingle services	12
Data Protection Officer Annual Report 2023-24	12
Safeguarding	12
Finance Summary	13

Our church services at St Michael’s

Our pattern of services has evolved and developed, and we currently offer the following services at St Michael’s:

10am morning services in church – the first Sunday is generally Church Family Worship, with adult services on other weeks. On those other Sundays, the children & young people join us in church at 10am, then go out to Church House for the crèche (0-3s) and Junior Church (3-14s). (See the Children’s & Young People’s report towards the end of this Annual Report for more details).

Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) in the Jesus Chapel. Since February 2023 we have had a 4pm Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, as well as an 8am service on Easter Day and Christmas Day.

6.30pm services – we have a weekly evening service. They are varied in format, including Holy Communion, Evening Worship and All-Age Tonight – a youth-friendly service, “for people who are aged 10 to 100”!

YouTube video recorded services – these are normally the 10am services, video recorded in church, then uploaded to YouTube during the week.

Minutes of the Annual Meetings

Meeting of Parishioners held on Tuesday May 23rd 2023 in St Michael’s Church 7.30pm.

These minutes are incorporated into the Annual Report 2022

They were accepted as a correct record of proceedings.

3. Matters Arising

1. Welcome

There were no matters arising.

Rev Nigel Adams welcomed everyone.

2. Appointment of Clerk for the meeting

Jennifer Bailey was elected.

3. Song: Amazing Grace

4. Opening Prayer:

Led by Rev Stephen Bailey.

5. Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners held on 24[th] May 2022

The minutes of this meeting were incorporated within the Annual Report for the year ending December 2022(circulated and available.)The minutes were accepted as a correct record of proceedings.

6. Election of Church Wardens 2023-2024

Adetola Odupitan proposed by Jennifer Bailey and seconded by Roger Cooke

Lin Terris proposed by Adam Grove Smith and seconded by Jennifer Bailey As there were no other nominations Ade and Lin were duly elected

7. Commendation of newly-elected Churchwardens in

prayer :

Rev Nigel Adams welcomed Ade Odupitan as Church Warden.

Rev Nigel Adams thanked Dave Marriott for his work over the years as Church Warden particularly during the time after lockdown. Thanks were given to Sue Marriott for her support of Dave. Thanks were made to Cyril Bamforth for stepping up as Church Warden since December 2022

Lin Terris was thanked for her for her work over this past year and thanks were made to Dave Terris for his support for Lin.

Rev Nigel Adams commended them to God in prayer.

8. At this point Rev Nigel Adams explained that he is now Vicar of the Parish of St Michael’s Braintree rather than Priest in Charge.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting(APCM) held on Tuesday May 23rd 2023 in St Michael’s Church

1. Apologies for Absence

There were 36 participants and apologies were received from Peter and Hilary Schaad, David and Ann Mahood, Shirley Thompson, Michelle E Sousa, David and Norma Huxter, Audrey Walford, David and Christine Hart, Jim Winning, Julia Allen, Terry Clark, Stan Whitlock, Adam Grove Smith, Jean Bartlett Rawlings, Sandra Savill.

2. Minutes of the APCM held on May 24[th] 2023.

4. Report of Electoral Roll Officer.

Graham Savill on behalf of Sandra Savill reported that December 2020 :185 members.

4 members have been removed

24 new members have been added

May 2023: The Electoral Roll is 205 members.

5. Elections – Vacancies for 4 PCC members.

Rev Nigel Adams explained the vacancies.

The Electoral Roll is 200 plus so from next year we will have four Deanery Representatives and 5 PCC Vacancies each year.

Presently there are vacancies for 3 Deanery Synod Members and 10 PCC Members.

Deanery Synod: David Huxter proposed by Susan Sewell and seconded by Adam Gray.

Cyril Bamforth proposed by Derek Chapman and seconded by Roger Cooke.

PCC: David Birch proposed by Lin Terris and seconded by Jennifer Bailey

Adam Grove Smith proposed by Lin Terris and seconded by Cyril Bamforth

Rachel Huxter proposed by Susan Savill and seconded by Adam Gray

Nick Marsh proposed by Jo Adams and seconded by Jennifer Bailey Lesley Davey

6.Churchwardens Report.

A full report is in the Annual Report but additionally since the report fencing has been completed around Church House and new curtains for the Jesus Chapel. It was noted that we are due a Quinquennial this year.

The churchwardens thanked all those who had contributed to work in Church and Church house including thanks to Church House Gardeners.

7. Presentation of Independently Examined Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022, report of Treasurer and the appointment of an Independent Examiner of our Accounts for 2023

Cyril presented and took us through the Summary Accounts. Copies of the full accounts were available.

Paul Cooke is appointed to be Independent Examiner of our Accounts and thanks were expressed to him.

( Colossians 3.15 )

David Huxter (Sen) expressed thanks to Lesley, Cyril and Paul as did Rev Nigel Adams.

13. Song : Facing a Task unfinished

8. Appointment of Safeguarding Clerk and update on our Safeguarding arrangements.

Rev Nigel Adams thanked Margrit Strathearn for her many years work in this area. Katie Whitlock has been appointed to replace her. Sue Marriott has been appointed as Safeguarding Officer (Children) and John Turton Safeguarding Officer (Vulnerable Adults). Thanks were expressed to them.

Nigel gave an update on our Safeguarding arrangements: that the above named work with Nigel as a team.

As the result of a recent report ( 31-Eight) concerning safeguarding...Phil Bartlett Rawlings, Lin Terris and John Turton will meet to address the recommendations that are made in the report to ensure that safeguarding at St Michael’s is robust.

9. Questions relating to any of the reports contained in the Annual Report.

There were no questions.

10. Any other matters of Church Interest

Ann Harvey (via Kirsty Huxter) expressed thanks for the support that her and David had received from the Church Family at St Michael’s

11. Some Reflections on St Michael’s : Rev Stephen Bailey

Stephen highlighted that although the Church Building closed the Church was not closed and highlighted positive ways that St Michael’s has still been church during these Covid-19 days... He particularly thanked Nigel and Jo for their leadership and Rachel Grove Smith for her work with Children and families

12. Review since October 2020 and looking ahead to the coming year by Rev Nigel Adams

Nigel expressed thanks to all who had contributed to the life of St Michael’s (too many to name) but expressed thanks to Jo Adams, Lin Terris, Cyril Bamforth, Rachel Grove Smith, Dave Marriott, Stephen and Jennifer Bailey, David and Rachel Huxter and David Birch.

Nigel then

Looked Backwards : to all our different ways of worship and communication. Looked Ahead: to restrictions being eased and more in person events.

Looked Up : reminding of us our verse of the year: ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’

14. Closing Prayer

Rev. Nigel Adams closed in prayer committing the future year to God.

PCC Proceedings 2023-2024

We met six times for regular PCC Meetings. These meetings Chaired by Rev Nigel Adams.

We met for three Extraordinary Meetings concerning decisions and discussions re General Synod's decisions regarding Prayers of Love and Faith. These meetings chaired by Rev Nigel Adams.

We met for a further two meetings to discuss Bishop's Rogers request for us to have Rev James Wells to serve a further Curacy time at St Michael's Braintree.

Jennifer Bailey

Vicar’s Annual Report 2023

It has been great to see, post-pandemic, a number of groups, events and activities starting or re-starting at St Michael’s church. Do please spend a bit of time reading through this Annual Report, which summarises how the St Michael’s church community has been active in sharing the love of God in a wide variety of ways.

Our services in church have now settled into a pattern of a 10am & 6.30pm service each Sunday, with a 4pm traditional Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month (see “Update of Services” for more details).

During 2023, the Church of England nationally (through the College of Bishops and a slim majority of General Synod) has agreed to commend some “Prayers of Love & Faith”, blessing couples in same sex relationships. Those of us who hold to a Biblical and orthodox view of marriage and sexuality are concerned about the direction of travel that the Church of England is going in. The PCC has agreed that we will not be offering the prayers at St Michael’s. A group of bishops and others are discussing pastoral guidance and what pastoral provision might be made for churches who, like us cannot in conscience, support the use of these prayers.

As well as discussing these issues with the PCC, we had Congregational Meetings in April 2023 and February 2024 to update the church family. Do please be praying about these things over the coming months.

I am conscious that it has been a tough year for some, as a number of church members have lost close family and friends. There has also been much illness, as well as other

challenges, for many. We are grateful to all who have supported others through this difficult time.

We have been delighted to welcome Angel Joseph-Aung as our Bookkeeper/Administrator in January 2024 and Rev James Wells as our curate in April 2024. It has been great have Angel and James as part of the staff team here at St Michael’s.

I would like to express my thanks to all who do so much at St Michael’s in various ways. Particular thanks to our churchwardens Lin Terris and Ade Odupitan, Rev Stephen Bailey (our Honorary Curate), Rachel Grove Smith (our Children’s & Youth Worker), Jo Adams (our pastoral assistant) and all who do “up front” things in church as well as all those who help behind the scenes.

Our Verse of the Year for 2024 is, “ The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word or our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). As we reflect on the uncertainties of life, we rejoice that we have a God, whose word to us in the Bible, will stand forever.

Wishing you every blessing, Nigel Adams

Churchwardens’ Reports

Church and Churchyard

In the church building the ongoing focus has been on the last quinquennial:

The two North doors have been treated and the metalwork repainted, the South doors and Jesus Chapel floor having been done previously. Our wood restorer, Mark Harrington and David Birch have done an excellent job. The vestry door is scheduled for this month and it is hoped the other three external doors will be done over the summer.

It has taken a long time to get the faculty to repair the creche roof granted because we requested a change in materials to be used. We are hoping to avoid the use of lead as it is in a vulnerable area that can be easily accessed. However, work is now underway. When the copper sheeting was removed and the roof stripped bare there is more rot in the wood than was hoped but our architect, Chris Betts, and stonemason/builder, Rob Wilks, have plans to replace the substructure and improve the drainage, which should keep water ingress at bay. The creche will need time for the masonry to thoroughly dry out before we can refurbish the room. In the meantime the creche is meeting in the large hall, where some of the toddlers are enjoying the large space.

As part of the work currently underway the French drain along the west wall is to be improved, and the joists and floor between the bell tower and church will also be dealt with. We can then hope to treat the rising damp in the toilets.

The churchyard gate [near St Michael’s Lane] is damaged; it was reported to the council. The council have now removed it. The plan is for the gate to be replaced – the council is currently investigating how much it would cost to replace it and this may influence the decision whether it is replaced or not.

Church House

Large hall – all the windows and the two fire exit doors were replaced during the year, which has made the hall a little more comfortable. We are still working on a solution for the poor insulation and continue to explore solutions to the problem of heating the large space.

Small hall – we are working towards decorating the room. The ceiling has already been painted and David Birch has been working hard over the Spring to install paneling to the lower half of the walls, which looks really good, and should protect the walls from the chairs.

Elsewhere in the house – the small counselling room upstairs has been decorated and is awaiting some new carpet. The corridor to the ‘youth rooms’ has been decorated and also needs recarpeting.

Having replaced the fence between the carpark and garden two panels, a concrete post and two gravel boards were damaged by an accident with a car. Insurance claims take a long time, but the damage has been repaired at last.

Another car accident resulted in damage to the wall bordering the carpark. This job is not straight forward as it is a very old wall and requires handmade bricks and specialist mortar. Again, it has taken considerable time to get a settlement with the insurance company but it is hoped that this will be repaired very soon.

Church House garden is looking lush and immaculate, thanks to Estelle and Jonathan Wicks for their hard work.

Sides-persons

The number of people helping with the weekly services has slowly increased, although there is always a need for more if you are interested. We are grateful to Jim Hughes who opens up the church, and greets people each Sunday. Janet and Cyril Bamforth regularly prepare the 4pm communion, and step in wherever they see a need as well as Ed Nash and David Hart. Teresa Lamkin, Margaret Kinniburgh, Adam Gray and David Hart are friendly faces that greet newcomers and regulars. We would not manage without the AV team Ed Nash, Ade Odupitan and David Birch. Thank you for all that you guys do to make our services flow so smoothly.

Lin Terris and Ade Odupitan Churchwardens

Wider church involvement

The five-year electrical tests were undertaken and the required remedial work carried out.

St Michael’s Braintree is an evangelical Anglican (Church of England) church and has a breadth of involvement in the wider church.

Rev Nigel Adams is a member of the Chelmsford Diocesan Synod , which typically meets 3 times per year.

St Michael’s is part of Braintree Deanery , the Church of England grouping of churches in the town of Braintree and surrounding villages. We are actively involved as a member of the Deanery Chapter , whose clergy and lay readers generally meet each month. We also attend Deanery Synod , which meets 3 times per year. Our Deanery Synod reps are Cyril Bamforth, David Huxter and Nigel Adams.

The Churches Together in Braintree is an ecumenical group of Christian churches in the town. There are monthly breakfasts for ministers and church leaders. We have United Services together, typically 3 times per year, as well as a service, Walk of Witness and open-air act of worship in George Yard, on Good Friday.

St Michael’s church is a member of ReNew Chelmsford , a conservative evangelical organisation, whose ministers meet locally as well as holding larger Partnership Synod meetings for like-minded evangelical churches in Chelmsford Diocese.

We have been saddened by the decision, led by a majority of Church of England bishops, and supported by a slim majority on General Synod, to introduce “Prayers of Love & Faith” allowing for the blessing of same-sex relationships. The PCC has agreed that we will not be offering the prayers at St Michael’s.

Partly in response to these developments, St Michael’s has been involved in both the Chelmsford Diocesan Evangelical Network (CDEN) and the national Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) . Both organisations are led by Rev Canon John Dunnett and are seeking to provide leadership, particularly for a broad grouping of evangelical churches, who wish to remain faithful to the Bible’s teaching, and Church of England doctrine, about the nature of marriage.

We continue to play an active role in supporting the following organisations:

Braintree Foodbank
Braintree Workplace Chaplaincy
Braintree Youth Project Charity
Christian Youth Outreach (Schools work)
Hope House Essex (Homelessness Charity)

Nigel Adams

Mission Support

We have eleven Missions of the Month, in addition to a number of local charities and other organisations, that we support.

It has been great to have had a number of mission speakers, both in person and via Zoom, including:

Stone Mpalanyi (Chain Foundation in Uganda) who joined us via Zoom and updated us on the remarkable things God is doing, to help widows, orphans and other children
Ahmad Ayoubi, Executive Director of Stand By Me , who spoke of his difficult early life and how he discovered God’s love for him. He also brought an update about Tsion in Ethiopia, whom Junior Church support
Graham Walker, from Open Doors, joined us for our Suffering Church Sunday sharing about the needs of the persecuted church
Rev Rupert Shelley, Director of Mission Partnerships at Crosslinks joined us and told us about what God is doing through Crosslinks, including an update on our link missionaries, Jirka & Keira Kralovi in the Czech Republic
Andy Malcolm (Fishermen’s Mission) spoke both at our morning service and after our fish & chip lunch about their work among fishermen & women
Colonel Edward Armitstead (Soldiers & Aviator’s Scripture Readers Association) spoke on Remembrance Sunday at our morning service and the Civic Remembrance Service
Rev Mike Duff (Church Pastoral Aid Society) spoke about the work of CPAS, including their summer camps, leadership training and patronage work
Simon Brown (A Rocha) spoke at our Eco Church Sunday about how we can care better for God’s creation and presented St Michael’s Church with our Bronze Eco Church Award

As well as these speakers, we have also had a number of interviews and updates from some of our local and other mission links.

I am very grateful to Adam & Becky Gray who have taken over responsibility as Mission Reps for ACTS in Burkina Faso and to all of our Mission Reps, who keep us informed about their missions throughout the year.

I would encourage each of us to have a few missions that we actively support, both prayerfully and practically.

Nigel Adams, On behalf of the Mission Committee

St Michael’s School

This has been a challenging year for Staff and Governors.

The Improvement Board (Governors and Advisors) set up after the Ofsted Grading have worked hard throughout the year with positive results that can be evidenced throughout the school.

Alongside this it became clear that we would have to begin the process of Restructuring and Redundancy. This has been ongoing throughout the year. The result of this process will be in place in September 2024.

Governor’s, Staff and Parents have been supportive throughout the difficulties. We are especially grateful for the work always ongoing by the Friends of St Michael’s School (FOSM) who contribute so much.

Every Wednesday either Rev Nigel Adams, Jennifer Bailey and Rachel Grove Smith lead Collective Worship. Rachel runs weekly a series of popular Spotlight Clubs.

Governor wise we have addressed well-being of staff, behaviour throughout school, subject areas and financial issues. We have had two Governor Days and a few extra meetings during the year.

We are expecting in the next year to have a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) and are preparing for this.

There will be an Ofsted inspection at some point when hopefully we will be graded Good.

The Governing Board has stayed stable this year but a number of Governors complete their terms of office next year so there will be changes.

Despite difficulties there have been many highlights… visits to France … residential visit for Year 5 … trips to theatres and the Zoo and as always a huge highlight … World Languages Day where 22 languages and cultures were displayed manned by pupils and parents.

Successful Sporting events have taken place… and as always, a successful School Fete…

We as a Church and as Governing Board are grateful to staff for their commitment, loyalty and care and support for the school in difficult days.

Do be in touch with me if you feel that you can volunteer in any way to hear readers, maths passports, outdoor activities…

Next year will not be easy so do continue to pray for Staff, Governors and pupils.

Sadly, recently, a much loved member of St Michael’s School for many years … Betty Cottis died … she will be missed.

Jennifer Bailey

Schools Work

We have again hosted many school services throughout the year including at Christmas, Easter and at the end of the academic year. In addition to these we invite the schools to ‘Experience’ sessions each term… we now run an ‘Experience Christmas’, ‘Experience Easter’ and ‘Experience Church’. Classes visit stations around the church building. At each station they hear and reflect upon some Biblical teaching. A huge thank you to those who create the displays and meet the groups of children.

Rachel Grove-Smith

St. Michael’s & John Ray Junior School

Also run Spotlight/Lunch Clubs each week in the local schools and deliver assemblies weekly at John Ray Juniors.

Rachel Grove-Smith

Home Groups

There are a number of Bible study groups that meet in the evenings – the Rose Hill group (now in Church House), White Horse Tavern , Zoom group and a new monthly Men’s study . Meeting Point is held on Wednesdays at 10am.

Nigel & Jo Adams

Other Groups

Hope Explored – termly, looking at where we find hope, peace & purpose in life
Coffee @ St Michael’s – each month in church
Oasis @ St Michael’s – our monthly informal bereavement support group
Hymns We Love – singing some much-loved hymns and reflecting on the meaning of them
First Priority – our monthly church prayer meeting
Our Lent Course , which this year included video talks by Dr Ros Clarke, reflecting on what the Bible tells us about being human

It has been great to see a number of groups starting or restarting this past year.

Many thanks to all who lead, serve and attend these groups. Please ask if you wish to know more about any of these and do consider joining one of our small groups.

Nigel & Jo Adams

Outreach and events

We enjoyed a number of events, for the Church family, including:

A family Beetle Drive
Our Coronation Celebration in May
A farm walk , with farm trail and refreshments at Adam & Rachel’s farm
A picnic lunch
An autumn quiz
A Welcome Tea for newcomers.

Nigel Adams

Men@ St Michael’s

Bell Ringers

Following the successful completion of the 10-bell refurbishment project in 2022, we continue to ring regularly at Braintree. During 2023 we rang 21 Quarter peals and rang our first peal on the refurbished bells.

As a band we have made strong progress within method ringing. Many of the quarter peals we rang consisted of 1st's in method. We have had 3 new members to our tower as well as other learning guests. All are making good progress and strengthening the band. We are always keen for new ringers so if anybody is considering learning to ring, then please get in contact.

Bradley Hill

We have enjoyed some meals out together, a men’s breakfast where Rev Stephen Bailey spoke about how he had been “collared by God!”, adventure golf at Rivenhall, and a Men’s Conference titled “Firm Foundations” as we reflected on what we are building our lives on. We have also started monthly men’s Bible studies this year.

Nigel Adams

Women@ St Michael’s

We have had many events during the year beginning with a Conference Day last June when we welcomed Charles and Harsha as guests… a day focused on Hope.

Encouraging talks but I think that our workshop Singing Group stole the show! Not forgetting Origami Tulips.

A Saturday School featured the theme that ‘The Resurrection is for Life not just for Easter’.

An Afternoon, Tea was enjoyed by many during August.

Prayer Lunches have been a regular feature …prayer, homemade soup and thoughts are a good combination. Our Outreach Christmas Evening in St Michael’s School was a wonderful beginning to the Christmas Season. Estelle and Jonathan Wicks made the evening really special.

So thanks to all who come and all who plan and contribute and watch for future events.

Jennifer Bailey

Residential homes

During the year, we have had regular monthly services at the following retirement/residential homes in our parish:

The Hawthorns
Bradbury House
Riverdale care home

Nigel Adams

Junior Church

Junior Church takes place in Church House every Sunday (during the 10am service), except for the first Sunday of the month, when we have Church Family Worship. Children and young people join the start of the service (in church) alongside their families. Together with the whole congregation; we sing, pray and celebrate birthdays before heading over to Church House for teaching in age groups. Our groups are... Followers (3+ to Year 1), Adventurers (Year 2 to Year 6) and Next (Year 7 to Year 9). Most recently we have studied many passages from the book of Luke. Each week opportunities are given to ponder and reflect through age appropriate questions, games and activities. Crèche is also currently taking place in Church House too. It will return to the Church building once the building work is completed.

It has been wonderful to welcome many new families to Junior Church and Crèche throughout the year.

I am so grateful to our amazing team of leaders and helpers who get alongside our children and young people, point them to Jesus and make each Sunday a joy!

Rachel Grove-Smith

Next Plus Breakfast

From January to July, we continued to run our ‘Next Plus Breakfasts’ for those aged between 14 and 18 on Sunday mornings before the 10am service. Our time together involved eating bacon rolls and considering a passage from the Bible. However, since September we made the decision to incorporate this time into more regular Thursday Club Nights therefore appealing not just to our larks but our owls too!

Rachel Grove-Smith

Tiddlywinks

Each Tuesday afternoon Katie and I welcome preschoolers and their carers to the Main Hall in Church House. We have lots of toys available and enjoy a Bible story and our favourite song ‘Joy, Joy, Joy’ part way through our time together along with the all important drinks and biscuits!

Rachel Grove-Smith

SMASH Club

At our main SMASH holiday club during the Easter school holiday there is always much excitement! Children join our team of leaders for three action packed mornings! We have daily Bible stories, puppet shows, action songs, crafts and games!

In addition to our main holiday club we have continued to host ‘SMASH extra’ events in the church itself. ‘SMASH extra’s’ are two hour events, where we have various stations (crafts and games) around the church that families can visit and engage with. And then for the final half hour we come together for a 'Praise Party' when we sing SMASH songs and hear a story from the Bible.

These additional events have proved popular and have made it possible for us to make links with a greater number of families.

Therefore, we made the decision to run our annual Light Party in this way too!

A massive shout out to the fab SMASH team who make running all these things possible!

Rachel Grove-Smith

Club Nights

We now run Club Nights for those of secondary school age during all term time (previously it was just during Advent and in the summer). Table tennis, musical workshop, origami, crafts and even baking are just some of the activities on offer! Our time together concludes with a Bible study. These interactive sessions can sometimes become quite lively but finish with a time of individual reflection and the opportunity to pray.

Rachel Grove-Smith

MEETSS (18-30s Group)

We are delighted that this year a group for 18-30s has begun at St Michael's.

MEETSS or ‘Monthly Evening Eighteen to Thirty Social & Study’ has been launched by a team comprising of Lisha, Rachel, Stan and Zac.

We have enjoyed sharing life together at our socials. These have ranged from heading for a drink locally in

Braintree, to venturing a bit further to an entertainingly unpredictable mini golf course…

Our first study together began by looking at the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians and the transformation that comes through our identity as ‘those who belong to Jesus Christ’ (Galatians 5:24a). We are excited to see what future times together in God’s word will hold for us.

Anyone and everyone aged 18-30 connected to St Michael’s is warmly welcome to join us and we usually share updates through a WhatsApp group. Please chat to one of those mentioned above, or James Wells to find out more.

James Wells

All-Age events – Join-in Nativity and Christingle services

During 2023 we also had many all-age events/services including…. viewing the Coronation with celebratory refreshments, a Farm Walk with strawberries, our third ‘Join-in Nativity’ and the popular Christingle Service… we even ran out of Christingle making kits this year!

Rachel Grove-Smith

Data Protection Officer Annual Report 2023-24

The Church continues to ensure that any personal data it handles is in line with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

We have an online cloud system which is encrypted for email and storage. The PCC and Staff all use this to ensure that personal data is kept safe.

To my knowledge there have been no data breaches over the last year and we remain fully compliant with Data Protection laws.

This year, St. Michaels have had the following data requests:

	Subject Access Request	Erasure Request
No of Requests	0	0

Data Complaints:

We have received no complaints about how we deal with personal data.

If you have any Data Protection questions or issues, please email: dpo@stmichaelsbtree.co.uk

David Huxter Data Protection Officer

St. Michael’s Church

The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding, which now involves much more than just DBS checks.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding our children & young people, as well as vulnerable adults, is a vital part of what we do as a church.

I am very grateful for the work of our Safeguarding Team, namely Katie Whitlock, Sue Marriott (Children) and Roger Cooke (Vulnerable adults), who, together with me, oversee our safeguarding arrangements.

Nigel Adams

Finance Summary

----- Start of picture text -----
INCOME
£140,000.00 £132,536.97
£120,000.00
£100,000.00
£80,000.00
£60,000.00
£40,000.00
£23,892.14
£20,000.00
£6,052.12
£2,650.76
£0.00
Donations & Legacies Charitable Activities Investment income Other income
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Expenditure
£100,000.00
£90,472.00
£90,000.00
£80,000.00
£70,000.00
£60,000.00
£50,000.00
£40,000.00
£30,000.00 £27,038.85
£19,793.56 £20,562.81
£20,000.00
£14,547.36
£10,000.00
£0.00
Family Purse Donations Church Church House Other costs
----- End of picture text -----

Our aims

We are a Bible-based evangelical Anglican church, seeking to give glory to God by encouraging each other to …

KNOW

Jesus for ourselves, whatever our background

GROW

----- Start of picture text -----
in Jesus and be
transformed
by Him
----- End of picture text -----

GO

to serve Jesus, locally, nationally and globally

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Braintree St Michael's

Charity registration 1132702

Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Vicar

Revd. Nigel Adams St Michael's Vicarage 10a Marshalls Road Braintree, CM7 2LL

Bank

The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT

Independent examiner:

Ronald W Chivers & Co Accountants 61 Manor Street , Braintree, Essex CM7 3HP

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Informaton

Address St Michaels Lane, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1EY Website htp://stmichaelsbtree.co.uk Email admin@stmichaelsbtree.co.uk

The Church Ofce address is:

St Michael's Church House St Michaels Lane Braintree CM7 1EY Telephone: 01376 321248

The Parish of St Michael Braintree in one of four which make up the town of Braintree & Bocking in North Essex.

The population of St Michael's parish is approximately 15,696

St Michael's Church was founded and Braintree received its market charter in 1199.

Objects and Actvites

Mission Statement:

"To know Jesus and make Him known".

St Michael's is a Gospel believing, Bible preaching Church with a concern for the wider community to which it belongs. We desire to grow as Christians by learning together from God's word.

We long that more people of all ages will come to know and love Jesus, our risen Saviour and Lord. We trust that they will find a welcome in the family of Jesus as well as with the Church family of St Michael's.

More specific information about our activities can be found in our parish profile, which is available on our website at www.stmichaelsbtree.co.uk

P.C.C. Members 2023-2024

Appointed 23rd May 2023

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Nigel Ade Lin Cyril David VACANCY FOR DEANERY SYNOD Adams_(Vicar, Chairman) Odupitan(Churchwarden) Terris(Churchwarden) Bamforth(Deanery Synod) Huxter(Deanery Synod)_	Appointed PCC 1 year from May 2023 1 year from May 2023 3 years from May 2023 3 years from May 2023 3 years from May 2023	To Retre
		2024 2024 2026 2026 2026

ELECTED / CO-OPTED MEMBERS

Adams

Volunteer Pastoral Assistant 2024

Page 2 of 19

Jennifer			Bailey	3 years from May 2021	2024
David			Birch	3 years from May 2023	2026
Derek			Chapman	3 years from May 2021	2024
Roger			Cooke	3 years from May 2021	2024
Lesley			Davey	3 years from May 2023	2026
Adam			Grove Smith	3 years from Oct 2020	2023
Rachel			Grove Smith	Co-opted as C&Y Worker	2024
Richard			Hollis	Co-opted in June 2023	2024
Rachel			Huxter	3 years from May 2023	2026
Margaret			Kinniburgh	3 years from May 2022	2025
Nick			Marsh	3 years from Oct 2020	2023
Peggy			Wills	3 years from May 2022	2025
	3	x	2 YEAR VACANCY		2025
	1	X	1 YEAR VACANCY		2024

NON-MEMBERS

Sandra Savill ( Electoral Roll Officer)

Structure, Governance and Management

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and is a registered charity (Registered number 1132702) Membership of the PCC is constituted in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Wardens are elected annually, Deanery Synod members triennially. One-third of elected members retire each year. The PCC may co-opt up to three members.

Page 3 of 19

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Braintree St Michael

We report on the accounts of the charity registration number 1132702 for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) does not apply. It is our responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, whether particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

(1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or

(2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

RONALD W CHIVERS & CO ACCOUNTANTS

61 Manor Street Braintree

Essex CM7 3HP

Monday, April 15, 2024

Page 4 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

Statement of Financial Actvites (SOFA)

	Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Training & Outreach	Total Funds 2023	Total Funds 2022
INCOME Donatons and Legacies Charitable Actvites Investments Other	£120,206.94 £23,889.14 £5,526.14 £2,650.76	£12,330.03 £0.00 £273.30	£3.00 £252.68	£132,536.97 £23,892.14 £6,052.12 £2,650.76	£126,672.96 £13,614.69 £4,353.39 £915.58
Total Income	£152,272.98	£12,603.33	£255.68	£165,131.99	£145,556.62
EXPENDITURE Charitable Actvites	£150,458.36	£19,069.53	£2,886.69	£172,414.58	£145,352.34
Total Expenditure	£150,458.36	£19,069.53	£2,886.69	£172,414.58	£145,352.34

Net Income(Expenditure) before Investment Gains	£1,814.62	(£6,466.20)	(£2,631.01)	(£7,282.59)	£204.28
Net Gains (losses) on investments	£11,380.12		£933.45	£12,313.57	(£17,305.64)
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)	£13,194.74	(£6,466.20)	(£1,697.56)	£5,030.98	(£17,101.36)
Transfers between funds	(£5,854.75)	£3,071.58	(£9,170.42)	(£11,953.59)	£0.00
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS	£7,339.99	(£3,394.62)	(£10,867.98)	(£6,922.61)	(£17,101.36)
Reconciliaton of funds Total funds brought forward	£213,882.02	£196,576.96	£10,867.98	£421,326.96	£438,428.32
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	£221,222.01	£193,182.34	£0.00	£414,404.35	£421,326.96
For full details see Notes Note 1 Note 2 Note 3

private:stream

10/15/2024

St Michael's, Braintree PCC Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

Balance Sheet

	Balance Sheet
FIXED ASSETS (see note 7) (see note 8) CURRENT ASSETS (A) (see note 9) (see note 10) (see note 10) (see note 10) LIABILITIES (B) (see note 11) UNRESTRICTED FUNDS RESTRICTED FUNDS ENDOWMENT FUND CLOSED FUNDS		Total Funds 2023	Total Funds 2022
	Tangible Assets	£177,727.64	£178,480.64
	Investments	£142,474.23	£130,160.66

	Total Fixed Assets	£320,201.87	£308,641.30

	Debtors	£2,925.24	£590.00
	Prepayments and accrued income	£4,994.53	£4,843.86
	Short Term Deposits	£0.00	£33,884.41
	Cash at bank and in hand	£108,670.60	£88,660.65
	Short Term Loan to Bell Ringers Total Current Assets Creditors - amounts falling due in one year	£2,263.84 £118,854.21 (£13,463.14)	£250.00 £128,228.92 (£15,543.27)

	Net Current Assets =(A) less(B)	£105,391.07	£112,685.65

	TOTAL NET ASSETS	£425,592.94	£421,326.95
	COMPRISING General Fund	£45,312.44	£35,073.89
	Designated Fund: Capital Projects	£131,290.68	£178,808.13
	Total Unrestricted Funds	£176,603.12	£213,882.02

	Bartram Bible		£349.01
	Manna Fund		£1,450.00
	Property Fund Youth Fund	£177,727.64 £22,054.85	£178,480.64 £16,297.31
	Total Restricted Funds	£199,782.49	£196,576.96

	Training & Outreach Capital	£11,183.55	£10,867.98
	Total Endowment Fund	£11,183.55	£10,867.98
	Closed Funds held in Savings Account	£38,023.78
	TOTAL PARISH FUNDS	£425,592.94	£421,326.96

Page 6 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

o Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

with FRS102 (2019a) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2019 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP)(FRS 102). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible by law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. The PCC considers that there are no material uncertainties over their ability to continue as a going concern.

FUNDS

restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established. Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes and designated funds are amounts set aside by the PCC for fixed assets or a future project

INCOME

recognised when received. Tax recoverable is recognised when the income to which it relates is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All income is gross. The value of voluntary help

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

constructive obligation and settlement is probable and quantifiable. Grants and donations are accountable for when paid over, or when awarded, if that creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for used for PCC ordinary purposes and designated funds are amounts set aside by the PCC for fixed assets or a future project.

Page 7 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

o Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2021

FIXED ASSETS

Charities Act 2011. Movable church furnishing held by the vicar (priest in charge) and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the Church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice property and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the financial statements. The Church House and Hall are stated at cost. No depreciation is provided as the depreciation charge and accumulated depreciation would not be material because residual value of the assets is at least as much as their carrying amount. The solar panels on the church hall roof are depreciated on a straight line basis over 20 years.

Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £10,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

CURRENT ASSETS

Short term deposits comprise cash held on deposit with the CBF Church of England Funds held by CCLA

Page 8 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

PCC Proceedings for year 2023

Page 9 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

NOTE 1

Unrestricted Funds - Income and Expenditure account

	General Fund	Capital Projects	Total Funds 2023	Total Funds 2022
Donatons and Legacies Regular Giving Collectons and donatons Appeals and Grants Legacies	£114,657.75 £5,549.19		£114,657.75 £5,549.19 £0.00 £0.00	£104,153.57 £5,560.83 £2,961.06 £0.00
Total Donatons and Legacies	£120,206.94	£0.00	£120,206.94	£112,675.46
Charitable Actvites Magazine sales Fees for weddings and funerals Church House Hire Church House actvites Car Park Fees Feed in tarif - solar panels Refreshments Miscellaneous receipts Grants	£25.00 £1,455.00 £7,313.25 £1,340.00 £2,132.14 £871.73 £752.02 £10,000.00		£25.00 £1,455.00 £7,313.25 £0.00 £1,340.00 £2,132.14 £871.73 £752.02 £10,000.00 £0.00	£35.79 £4,629.00 £6,042.45 £0.00 £240.00 £1,277.70 £613.17 £276.00 £0.00 £0.00
Total Charitable Actvites	£23,889.14	£0.00	£23,889.14	£13,114.11
Investment Income Dividends Bank Interest	£982.06 £704.76	£3,839.32	£982.06 £4,544.08	£1,774.92 £2,233.18
Total Investment Income	£1,686.82	£3,839.32	£5,526.14	£4,008.10
Other Income Donatons to other Charites	£2,650.76		£2,650.76	£915.58
Total Investment Income	£2,650.76	£0.00	£2,650.76	£915.58

Overall Total	£148,433.66	£3,839.32	£152,272.98	£130,713.25
Charitable Actvites PCC Donatons Donaton handed on to other charites Family Purse Vicar's Mileage (net of private use) Church Running Costs Church House Costs Other Ministry Costs Printng	£11,750.91 £2,796.45 £90,472.00 £414.50 £12,421.56 £9,051.81 £3,560.83 £1,107.30	£7,372.00 £11,511.00	£11,750.91 £2,796.45 £90,472.00 £414.50 £19,793.56 £20,562.81 £3,560.83 £1,107.30	£11,958.74 £790.58 £72,000.00 £148.85 £15,295.14 £19,996.27 £4,240.92 £532.59
Total Expenditure	£131,575.36	£18,883.00	£150,458.36	£124,963.09

Net Income/(Expenditure) before investment revaluaton	£16,858.30	(£15,043.68)	£1,814.62	£5,750.16
Revaluaton		£11,380.12	£11,380.12	(£15,918.46)
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)	£16,858.30	(£3,663.56)	£13,194.74	(£10,168.30)
Transfers between funds	(£5,854.75)	(£43,853.89)	(£49,708.64)	(£866.01)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS	£11,003.55	(£47,517.45)	(£36,513.90)	(£11,034.31)
Reconciliaton of Funds Total Funds brought forward	£35,073.89	£178,808.13	£213,882.02	£224,916.33
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	£46,077.44	£131,290.68	£177,368.12	£213,882.02

Page 10 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

NOTE 2

Restricted Funds - Income and Expenditure account

	Bartram	Manna	Property	Youth	Total Funds 2023	Total Funds 2022
Donatons and Legacies Donatons				£12,330.03	£12,330.03	£13,997.50
Total Donatons and Legacies	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£12,330.03	£12,330.03	£13,997.50
Charitable Actvites Church House Actvites					£0.00	£73.00
Total Charitable Actvites	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£73.00
Investment Income Bank Interest	£10.52			£262.78	£273.30	£34.08
Total Investment Income	£10.52	£0.00	£0.00	£262.78	£273.30	£34.08
Other Income
Total Other Income	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00

Overall Total	£10.52	£0.00	£0.00	£12,592.81	£12,603.33	£14,104.58
Charitable Actvites Bibles & Confrmaton Books Music Licences Property Deprectaton Donatons to other charites Church Running Costs Other MinistryCosts	£130.10	£19.30	£753.00	£18,167.13	£130.10 £0.00 £753.00 £0.00 £0.00 £18,186.43	£0.00 £0.00 £753.00 £0.00 £106.00 £17,872.68
Total Expenditure	£130.10	£19.30	£753.00	£18,167.13	£19,069.53	£18,731.68

Net Income/(Expenditure) before investment revaluaton	(£119.58)	(£19.30)	(£753.00)	(£5,574.32)	(£6,466.20)	(£4,627.10)
Revaluaton					£0.00	£0.00
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)	(£119.58)	(£19.30)	(£753.00)	(£5,574.32)	(£6,466.20)	(£4,627.10)
Transfers between funds Ajustment from 2022	(£229.43)	(£1,430.70)		£4,731.71 £6,600.15	£3,071.58	(£130.43)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS	(£349.01)	(£1,450.00)	(£753.00)	£5,757.54	(£3,394.62)	(£4,757.53)
Reconciliaton of Funds Total Funds brought forward	£349.01	£1,450.00	£178,480.64	£16,297.31	£196,576.96 £0.00	£201,334.49
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	£0.00	£0.00	£177,727.64	£22,054.85	£193,182.34	£196,576.96
NB Dates of fund closure 12/31/2023 12/31/2023

Page 11 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

NOTE 3 Training & Outreach/Endowment fund - Income and Expenditure account

	2023	2022
Donatons and Legacies Charitable Actvites Donaton
	(£15.00)	£427.58
Church House actvites	£18.00
Total Charitable Actvites	£3.00	£427.58
Investment Income Dividends		£311.21
Bank Interest	£252.68
Total Investment Income	£252.68	£311.21

Overall Total	£255.68	£738.79
Charitable Actvites
Church RunningCosts		£540.00
Printng	£691.26	£546.01
Other MinistryCosts	£2,195.43	£571.56
Total Expenditure	£2,886.69	£1,657.57

Net Income(Expenditure) before investment revaluaton	(£2,631.01)	(£918.78)
Revaluaton	£933.45	(£1,387.18)
NET INCOME(EXPENDITURE)	(£1,697.56)	(£2,305.96)
Transfers between funds		£996.44
	(£9,170.42)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS	(£10,867.98)	(£1,309.52)
Reconciliaton of Funds Total Funds brought forward	£10,867.98	£12,177.50
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	£0.00	£10,867.98

Fund closed 31/12/2023

Page 12 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Notes to Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

2023 2022 £200.00 £200.00 £200.00 £2,200.00 £1,255.50 £200.00 £200.00 £180.00 £180.00 £2,780.00 £2,035.50 £360.00 £360.00 £200.00 £55.00 £250.00 £2,502.00 £2,502.00 £1,248.00 £200.00 £3,167.00 £4,510.00 £5,803.91 £5,413.24 £11,750.91 £11,958.74	2023 2022 £200.00 £200.00 £200.00 £2,200.00 £1,255.50 £200.00 £200.00 £180.00 £180.00 £2,780.00 £2,035.50 £360.00 £360.00 £200.00 £55.00 £250.00 £2,502.00 £2,502.00 £1,248.00 £200.00 £3,167.00 £4,510.00 £5,803.91 £5,413.24 £11,750.91 £11,958.74	2023 2022 £200.00 £200.00 £200.00 £2,200.00 £1,255.50 £200.00 £200.00 £180.00 £180.00 £2,780.00 £2,035.50 £360.00 £360.00 £200.00 £55.00 £250.00 £2,502.00 £2,502.00 £1,248.00 £200.00 £3,167.00 £4,510.00 £5,803.91 £5,413.24 £11,750.91 £11,958.74	2023 2022 £200.00 £200.00 £200.00 £2,200.00 £1,255.50 £200.00 £200.00 £180.00 £180.00 £2,780.00 £2,035.50 £360.00 £360.00 £200.00 £55.00 £250.00 £2,502.00 £2,502.00 £1,248.00 £200.00 £3,167.00 £4,510.00 £5,803.91 £5,413.24 £11,750.91 £11,958.74
General Fund 2023	Capital Projects 2023	Total 2023	Total 2022
£3,379.57 £4,831.40 £775.27 £62.50 £480.00 £343.32 £256.37 £2,293.13	2,755.00 £4,617.00	£2,755.00 £3,379.57 £4,831.40 £775.27 £62.50 £480.00 £343.32 £256.37 £6,910.13	489.40 £3,130.94 £4,532.33 £3,078.59 £730.00 £1,192.09 £232.58 £2,601.71
£12,421.56	£7,372.00	£19,793.56	£15,987.64

General Fund 2023	Capital Projects 2023	Total 2023	Total 2022
£3,526.43 £1,697.46 £1,769.02 £968.57 £430.33 £660.00	£11,511.00	£3,526.43 £1,697.46 £1,769.02 £12,479.57 £0.00 £430.33 £660.00	£2,996.83 £1,592.56 £1,826.91 £12,457.44 £171.86 £373.35 £577.32
£9,051.81	£11,511.00	£20,562.81	£19,996.27

Page 13 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Notes to Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

During the year, the PCC employed:

Mrs Rachel Grove-Smith as our Youth & Children's Worker Miss Jill Jackson our part-time cleaner

The total wages - including Pension Costs - amounted to £20,834.01 (2021 £19,625.80)

Social security costs were fully covered by the Employment Allowance. During 2023 the Diocese closed its payroll department. Our payroll was moved in-house. The Youth & Children's Worker contributes to the Church of England pension scheme.

During 2023 no payments were made to any PCC member, persons closely connected to them, or related parties.

Page 14 of 19

Page 15 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC

Notes to Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

Notes

FIXED ASSETS

7 Tangible (all restricted)

2023	2023
Freehold land	Solar panels	Total
and buildings
£169,446.64	£9,034.00	£178,480.64
£169,446.64	£9,034.00	£178,480.64
	£753.00	£753.00
£0.00	£753.00	£753.00

£169,446.64	£8,281.00	£177,727.64

	2023	2022
	£130,160.66 £12,313.57	£147,466.30 (£17,305.64)
	£142,474.23	£130,160.66

Cost	Market value 2023	Market value 2022
£5,355.00 £1,339.00 £80,000.00	£10,003.30 £1,180.25 £131,290.68	£9,136.22 £1,113.88 £119,910.56
£86,694.00	£142,474.23	£130,160.66

Page 16 of 19

St Michael's, Braintree PCC Notes to Financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

Notes 9 DEBTORS - unrestricted funds: Church House rental Car Park Fees Funeral Fees Planned giving/Collecton Tax recoverable 10 Prepayments and accrued income Short Term Deposits Cash at bank and in hand Short Term Loan to Bell Ringers 11 LIABILITIES - unrestricted funds: Tithed Donatons to be paid next year Car Park Fees Donaton towards St Michael's School Book 2022 Creditors
	2023	2022
	£90.00 £420.00 £327.62 £2,087.62	£465.00 £125.00
	£2,925.24	£590.00

	2023	2022

	£4,994.53 £108,670.60 £2,263.84	£4,843.86 £33,884.41 £88,660.66 £250.00
	£115,928.97	£127,638.93

	2023	2022
	£5,803.91 £240.00 £44.00 £6,610.23	£5,413.24 £44.00 £9,969.89
	£12,698.14	£15,427.13

Page 17 of 19

From Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF) Draft FRS102 Wording - December 2023 Year End

EMPLOYER participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers.

CWPF has two sections:

the Defined Benefits Scheme
the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections;
a. a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and,
b. a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014.

Pension Builder Scheme

Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes.

Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors.

Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65.

There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme.

The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SoFA in the year are the contributions payable (2023: £XXXX, 2022: £XXXX).

A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2019.

For the Pension Builder Classic section, the 2019 valuation revealed a deficit of £4.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review effective 1 January 2024, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 6.7% to both pensions not yet in payment and pensions in payment in respect of service prior to April 1997; and a bonus on pensions in payment in respect of post April 2006 service so that the pension increase was 5% (where usually it would be calculated based on inflation up to 2.5%). This followed improvements in the funding position over 2023. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the 2019 valuation revealed a surplus of £5.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2022. Calculations for this are currently under way.

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, EMPLOYER could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer’s pension liabilities.

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Braintree St Michael's

Charity registration 1132702

Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Vicar

Revd. Nigel Adams St Michael's Vicarage 10a Marshalls Road Braintree, CM7 2LL

Bank

The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT

Independent examiner:

Ronald W Chivers & Co Accountants 61 Manor Street , Braintree, Essex CM7 3HP

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Braintree St Michael

We report on the accounts of the charity registration number 1132702 for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

Basis of independent examiner's report

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

(1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or

(2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

RONALD W CHIVERS & CO ACCOUNTANTS

61 Manor Street Braintree

Essex CM7 3HP

Monday, April 15, 2024

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