## **Parish of Holy Trinity Jesmond** ## **2024 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne** Submitted to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday 4[th] May 2025 at 11.00am ## **Bank** Co-op Bank, Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne ## **Independent Examiner** Anita Morris ACMA, CGMA 1 ## 2024 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ## **1. AIMS AND PURPOSES** Holy Trinity Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of collaborating with the incumbent, the Reverend Tim Sanderson, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish and wider city the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. ## **2. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** As a worshipping community in Jesmond, gathered from across the city and beyond, we aspire to be ‘opened up to God and opened out to others’. At the heart of our church is a desire to be Jesus-centred and Jesus-focused and, in reflecting this, being a community of prayerful and missional disciples. The breadth of the mission and ministry of Holy Trinity can be expressed through the 5 marks of mission: Mark 1 'To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God' - Mark 2 'To teach, baptise and nurture disciples’ Mark 3 'To respond to human need by loving service’ - Mark 4 'To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation’ - Mark 5 ‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth’ Each mark helps us organise our resources, activities and priorities as we hold them in balance. ## **3. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 2024 was a year characterised by challenge, change and opportunity. On one level it was a year of journeying with those facing personal difficulties, bereavement and serious illness. In this context it did not feel like the right time to surge forward with lots of new initiatives, but to instead concentrate on deepening our understanding of what it means to be ‘family’ to one another and to put in place stronger reorganised pastoral structures. 2024 was also a year of opportunity both within our established programme of activities and some new approaches. We fully engaged with the Jesmond Community Festival in May, Lifepath in June and the diocese-wide ‘Seeking’ season in Advent, including our 24:7 prayer event. All this should be celebrated, particularly at a time when the number of active church volunteers has dropped and we have seen significant staffing changes. 2 Revd Ali McCarthy moved to the Willington Quays Team Ministry in September to complete her curacy training and Steve Booth resigned from his caretaker role in October. Change is always difficult but we are grateful to God for all Ali and Steve have contributed to the life of Holy Trinity, and we look forward to new staffing opportunities ahead. Alison Edwards completed her training to become our second licenced Lay Minister (joining Ian Farrimond) and we are excited for all God has for her in this new role. Without our volunteers and staff working so hard, we would be a much poorer place and so our huge thanks to everyone at Holy Trinity: staff, volunteers and PCC. The reality is we have volunteer shortages in most aspects of church life and yet still we achieve so much. But we will need to look at sustainability and increased staffing needs as we move into the next year. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) met six times this year to oversee matters pertaining to safeguarding, finance, buildings, health and safety and ministry and mission. As a PCC we devoted much time to the question of how best to redevelop the church hall. In particular PCC reviewed and discussed: safeguarding and church hall re-development (January 24), the Jesmond Community Festival, AV/PA upgrade and plans for Lent (March 24), finance policies and church hall re-development (May 24), staffing changes and church hall re-development (June 24), parish share and risk register (Oct 24), staffing and church hall re-development (Nov 24). Throughout the year, we have tried to work in ways that are highly responsive to the changing context and offer a range of services that we hope our community would find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. We have summarised our achievements and performance below and grouped these around the 5 marks of mission. ## **Mark 1 'To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God'** Proclamation takes place in both words and actions by being good news in the places where we live, work, socialise and worship. It looks different for each one of us and is the foundation of all effective mission. As a church we are involved in a whole range of activities that aim to reach out and engage with our community. Those who express an interest in knowing more about the Christian faith are invited either to join the Alpha course or meet with a church member 1 on 1 to explore their questions further. After a few years of organising a specific ‘ _**Love our Community**_ ’ week in late July, this year the initiative was moved to coincide with the _**Jesmond Community Festival**_ in May which worked really well. It meant we were able to be a major contributor to the festival itself and make good use of the wider publicity for the event. The quiz, ceilidh and Eco-service were well attended and new connections were made. It was also great to have the church open every Wednesday morning 3 for people to have a look round and enjoy tea, coffee and of course cake! As a gathered church made up of people who mainly don’t live in the geographical parish, this is a positive way of playing our part locally and raising our profile. _**Messy Church**_ met bi-monthly throughout the year and continued to thrive and be fruitful with an average attendance of 110 people at each event. Messy Church provides a rich all-age learning environment for all generations to explore the Christian faith together and to feel a sense of belonging and community in Holy Trinity, even if not regular Sunday worshippers. The Messy Church services focused on various parables of Jesus as a theme throughout the year. Messy Church continues to be a safe place where families with young children (in particular) feel welcome and a place where past and present Trinity Tots families can engage more deeply with HT church too. Throughout this year, the _**Open the Book**_ team has continued to visit local primary schools on a weekly basis, sharing Bible stories with the children and staff. Over the past 9 years we have built up good relationships between ourselves, the pupils and the staff and we thank God for this flourishing ministry. The team has grown in size this year however, there are still lots of schools that we would love to be able to visit and that requires more volunteers. Open the Book is a simple but effective way of sharing God’s love with children, many of whom would never find their way into a church on a Sunday. It is our way of taking God to them. One exciting development that sprung from the Open the Book ministry is _**Lifepath**_ , now in its second year at Holy Trinity. This is an interactive and engaging RE curriculum-based day out from school. It focuses on learning about the life and faith of a Northern Saint and how that faith shaped their ‘lifepath’. 169 children aged 8-9 yrs old came to Holy Trinity to learn about the life and faith of St Aidan. They took part in craft and prayer workshops, Bible storytelling and they watched a drama and sang. Throughout the day the children heard how Aidan shared God’s love with others and they were encouraged to think about how they could do the same. At the end of the day, all the children were given a copy of the book called, ‘Diary of a Disciple’, a contemporary retelling of the first three chapters of Luke’s gospel. The team was drawn from four local churches including Holy Trinity. One volunteer said, “To present the life of a Northumbrian saint to a 21st Century child in a post-Christian culture like we live in today, in the way we did, was brilliant.” ## **Mark 2 'To teach, baptise and nurture disciples’** Christian discipleship is about keeping going as a lifelong follower of Jesus, whatever stage of life we find ourselves in. We are called to be a multigenerational discipling community that nurtures and supports each other and where people can feel they belong and also grow as disciples. 2024 was both a time of fresh growth and consolidation as the church family. 4 We welcomed several new people into our church family. At present there are 152 people on the _**Church Electoral Roll**_ . We offered a range of _**church services**_ in a hybrid form of in-person meeting with live-streaming. Our service themes included the Minor Prophets, Romans 8, Joseph and ‘Advent Seeking’ with Bible study materials provided for small groups and individuals. We are so grateful to all who volunteer to help with leading and preaching, children’s work, flowers, welcoming, prayer, wardening, refreshments, service live-streaming and music provision. _**Music**_ continues to play an important role supporting, enhancing and inspiring our Sunday worship. A very special thanks to our Christmas Choir, conducted by Martin Duddy, which lead our carol singing and performed so brilliantly at our Carols by Candlelight Services. _**Prayer ministry**_ , offered during each morning communion service, continues to be appreciated by many and is an important way to respond to God in our services. The average _**weekly in-person attendance**_ at Sunday services was approximately 175 people, higher than in 2023 (160 people). However, these figures do not take into account those joining on-line. Christmas service attendance followed a similar pattern. We estimate the total number of people identified as part of our worshipping community (excluding Messy Church) to be 273 people, with 27% of those being under 18 and 15% aged 70 plus (these percentages have remained similar to previous years). We have celebrated 2 baptisms and no weddings and held 6 funerals in our church or at crematoriums during this year. Through this year our _**youth and children’s groups**_ have been well attended. Most weeks we can have around 58 children and young people. As well as Sunday teaching provision, there have been lots of opportunities for social events. Pathfinders enjoyed a pancake party and a pizza and games night while Explorers had fun carrying out their sponsored shuffle. It was an excellent way to go about raising money for The Leprosy Mission. Two ‘outreach’ events gave opportunities for our children and their friends to find out more about Jesus. Easter Fun included crafts, an Easter trail and an explanation of the real meaning of Easter whilst in October we ran a Light party. The children participated in crafts, games, a light trail and enjoyed eating hot dogs, all with the message that ‘Jesus is the light of the world’. In December, the children and young people did an excellent job leading our AllAge Carol Service. Climbers and Diddy Disciples sang at the front, Pathfinders lead the prayers and Bible readings and the Explorers performed a memorable ‘Nativity production’ using puppets. Once again, it was lovely to see them all enthusiastically take such an active part in the life of our church. 5 A small conscientious group of young people attend _**CYFA**_ (14 plus group). Topics studied have include The Lord’s Prayer, parables and ‘hot potatoes’ issues such as how do we know the Bible is true. Social activities have included a pizza night and food with board games where the leaders lost! The biggest challenge is that we need a bigger team of leaders as the current leaders are overstretched. It is also very time-consuming finding suitable teaching resources. _**Small Groups**_ continue to form a valuable place for discipleship and nurture with nine groups meeting regularly throughout the year across the city with one group meeting out at the Coast. Bible study materials and resources provided have been positively received and welcomed. People who are in a small group value the connection, support and fellowship. ## **Mark 3 'To respond to human need by loving service’** Just as God reached out to us as his valued children in love and compassion, so that same love spills out through us as we see the needs around us and respond. We continue to encourage people to serve where they see the need in the places God has put them: home, school, workplace, networks and leisure activities. In 2024 our activities continued regularly in the hall, despite the need for the building to be redeveloped. The PCC continued the process of exploring the redevelopment of our _**church hall**_ . This has taken a lot longer than any of us imagined due to unaffordable costings but we hope to have proposals to bring to the church in 2025. A new structure for _**pastoral care**_ was set up this year, with Alison Edwards convening a core group that meet regularly to pray and attend to any pastoral needs or concerns. From there, others are invited to pray as appropriate. Creating this ‘hub’ has enabled us to respond in a more co-ordinated way to the needs of others. If you would like to be included in the wider prayer group, please contact Alison. The Parish _**Safeguarding**_ Group (PSG) continued to oversee (on behalf of the PCC) Safer Recruiting and create, manage and maintain environments that are safe for all. We remain at level 3 certification (the top level) in the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard system and use the on-line Safeguarding Hub tool from the Diocese, which enables us to keep track of Safer Recruitment and up-to-date training needed for roles across church activities. The PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. _**Vintage,**_ our senior’s lunch club on Thursdays, offers a place of welcome, warmth and good food for the older members of our community. This year has been hugely encouraging, with steadily growing numbers attending, including a growing contingent from the Leonard Cheshire Home on Rosebery Crescent. It is a 6 joy to welcome them into the Vintage family. We continue to alternate lunches with coffee mornings during term time with our cooks doing a stirling job in providing fantastic food on all occasions despite being very few in number. While the number of attendees continues to grow, more volunteers are needed if this work is to continue to thrive. _**Trinity Tots**_ , our parent, carer and toddler group continues to flourish. The group has a strong sense of community and is greatly appreciated by all who come along. On average, 25 families attend each week. Throughout the year, our programme has included the Teddy Bear’s picnic, summer party with Bouncy castle, Macmillan coffee morning and the Christmas party. We have also held some excellent social events for the parents and team too including a meal out at a local restaurant and Pimms and puddings in July. Trinity Tots is a place where unchurched families can connect with God and us as a church. We aspire to be a ‘distinctly Christian’ toddler group. Many current and past families come along to Messy Church and the various Christmas services (especially the Nativity service). _**HT Walks**_ , our walking group, has many highlights this year, including good support for all walks, the August Lakes weekend was repeated successfully at Keswick convention centre, and new people continue to join the group, many introduced by friends. We have continued to support our local hospitality sector! Thanks to the pubs, cafés and teashops who have welcomed our muddy boots. Again, huge thanks to Phil & Pat Brookes, Christine & David Tully, Steve Sansom & Margaret, Paul Wilkinson, Heather Binmore, Ann & Eddie Smith and Denise Howel for leading the walks. Whilst they all love walking, it takes time to check walks, discern risks and cope with up to 26 walkers! It remains a privilege to enjoy our lovely, and varied, part of the UK and, also, the friendship and fellowship of our group. The **HT Cycling Group** has had another rewarding year, meeting almost every Tuesday at 9:30 am at church to set off on our weekly rides. These gatherings have provided a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, fresh air, and fitness, with our routes typically covering around 20 miles. A highlight of our time together has been the post-ride coffee and conversation, where we often reflect on the current sermon series and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys. These moments have deepened our sense of community and purpose, reminding us of our shared mission both locally and within the wider diocese. Looking ahead, we are eager to welcome more members from Holy Trinity who are free on Tuesdays. We also hope to venture on longer rides in the warmer months, starting further afield and perhaps enjoying lunch together. Thank you to all who have been part of this group—we look forward to more adventures in the coming year! Making our _**buildings**_ fit for purpose to serve the mission of the church and serve the community has continued to be a priority. This year saw general repairs and servicing to boilers and heaters in church and church hall, the testing of all portable devices and replacement of some light fittings within the church and 7 hall. New exterior security lights were fitted to the church hall, fire extinguishers and alarms tested and an energy audit carried out. Roof repairs were carried out to Side Chapel and pointing work on the areas around the flat roofs. Felting repairs on the hall roof, exterior access boards to the cellar were replaced and a scaffolding tower purchased and training arranged for 2 operatives. New cameras were installed and the AV system substantially updated. Repairs were completed on the West Window and replacement polycarbonate coverings installed and a further three windows on North side of church have had replacement polycarbonate coverings installed. A new Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in July 2024. This identifies what needs doing over the next five years to keep the building fit for purpose. Dementia Awareness Training was delivered to congregation in September and Risk Assessments and evacuation plans for the church, church hall and all authorised activities completed November. A Defibrillator was purchased and installed at local community store. The _**Holy Trinity Trust**_ was originally established in 1985 to be the legal owner of a house for use of a curate working at Holy Trinity Church. The Trust was subsequently given the responsibility for managing the funds received from the sale of St Barnabas and St Jude's church buildings when this was sold in 2019. The diocese stipulated that this money was to be used to build a new church hall. The Trust is registered with the Charity Commission and the Trustees are required to ensure that the money is used in accordance with the Diocese's instruction and is invested responsibly and securely. The trustees are Rev Tim Sanderson (chair), Liz Cook (ex-officio as church warden), Paul Wright, Douglas Lovelock and John Matthews (secretary). The treasurer is Lilian Lovelock. No expenditure has been made in 2019, The funds held currently stand at £556,454. We continue to play our part in the wider Church of England structures, offering training placements to Lindisfarne and Cranmer Hall students. _**Deanery Synod**_ met four times over the course of 2024. We are also represented at Diocesan Synod and various other diocesan groups ## **Mark 4 'To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation’** We are called to reflect God’s radical agenda of justice and reconciliation in our priorities as a church through challenging oppression, campaigning for transformation, living ethically and supporting individuals and organisations. In 2024 we continued to support our mission partners, raise money for various campaigning organisations through on-line events and reflect the values of the 4[th] mark in our services and intercessions. 8 As a church we continue to commit to buying fairtrade and other ethically sourced goods for church activities. During the year we have prayed for and supported organisations and charities such as Christian Aid, Tear Fund, Junction 42, the People’s Kitchen and, where appropriate, promoted various campaigns. As a church we have continued to support the work of three main _**mission partners,**_ Eric and Sandra Read serving with CMS in the Philippines, Ben and Sandeep Wildman serving with Sports Friends (Ben is the International Training Director and works globally), and Ian and Anne-Marie Prescott working with OMF, serving the Vietnamese Diaspora. The Wildmans and the Prescotts are both based in the UK. All our mission partners have visited HT recently and supply us with regular newsletter updates. We did have four mission partners but Jes and Jane Bates retired from the mission field in Malawi and no longer require our support. We were also able to give support to three local organisations, Oasis Community Housing, Junction 42, and the Shirley Trust (match-funded from the Big Give). ## **Mark 5 ‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth’** The _Missio Dei_ starts with the cross and the resulting restoration of humanity and then spills out into the renewal of the world, offering wholeness and peace to a broken planet. We are called to promote the wellbeing of the human community and its environment, so that creation may live in harmony. This year we had an energy audit undertaken on the main church building to look at various measures we might take to reduce our carbon footprint and increase efficiency. We continue to hold our silver eco-church award. This means we are improving and widening the ways in which we are energy efficient, thoughtful in our operations, and engaging with sustainability issues. We have also engaged with climate change campaigning initiatives locally and internationally. Through church services and the sharing of resources, we encouraged people to live in ways that are sustainable and intentionally pursue a green agenda. ## **4. FINANCIAL REVIEW** We depend on church members for 90% of our income and the PCC is grateful that in a year of continuing cost of living pressures there was a 25% in increase in our donated income. The pattern of giving has changed with a fall in regular giving but an increase in one-off donations. These donations have contributed to general funds and to various projects including improvements to the AV system, a defibrillator for use by the community and planning for the new church hall amongst other things. Overall expenditure increased in 2024 by 8%. Running costs increased but more positively so did investment in parish mission and ministry. Unfortunately, due to weather and contractor constraints we did not make as much progress on the 9 major repointing work so this cost will be passed through into 2025. In the coming year we hope to be able to employ a new Youth Worker and have responded to a diocesan request to increase our Parish Share. We are committed to using renewable energy as far as we can and in addition to our 100% renewable electricity contract, we are now using 50% biogas. We are pleased to have maintained our commitment to spend 10% of our unrestricted donations on supporting our mission partners and local mission organisations. ## **5. RESERVES POLICY** The Reserves Policy was reviewed by the PCC on 15th October 2024. It was agreed that the Reserve Fund should continue to provide sufficient funds to ensure the continued functioning of Holy Trinity Church in the event of any unforeseen financial problems and that the excess of any insurance claim can be met. The total funds to be held for unforeseen circumstances should be no less than two months running costs (currently £340000) and an additional month of salaries costs (currently £3 500), making a total of £43 500. Reserve funds are required not only for unforeseen problems but also to provide for future planned needs. A Fabric Fund has been built up to meet expected costs of repairs identified in the Quinquennial Inspections (2019/2024). This is estimated to be at least £79 000 and more over the next 5 years. ## MONITORING PROCEDURE The PCC must approve any use of the Reserve Fund and the Fabric Fund. This policy will be reviewed annually and may be amended by the Parochial Church Council at any time. ## **6. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the _Church Representation Rules_ . At Holy Trinity the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, churchwardens, Operations Manager and members elected by those in the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All who attend our services or consider themselves members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members, as our board of trustees have a particular interest in governance, safeguarding, building and finance but also make decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish. The full PCC met six times during the year with an average level of attendance of 85%. Given its wide responsibilities, the PCC has several committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These committees, which include the Parish Safeguarding Group and Mission Partner sub group, are all responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly. 10 ## **7. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** Holy Trinity Church is situated in Churchill Gardens, Jesmond, Newcastle. It is part of the Diocese of Newcastle within the Church of England. The address is Holy Trinity Church office, Churchill Gardens, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 1HB. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission (number 1132722). _**PCC members**_ who have served at any time from 1st January 2024 until the date of this report are: Ex Officio members: Incumbent: Tim Sanderson (Chair) Curate: Ali McCarthy (left September 24) Warden: Liz Cook (also representative on Deanery Synod) Operations Manager: Alison Edwards (secretary) ## Elected members: Ruth O’Hagan representative on Deanery Synod (resigned April 24) Ros Johnson representative on Deanery Synod From 2022 onwards: Christine Dunbar, Rachael Farrimond, Malcolm Curtis, James Smith, John Matthews. From 2023 onwards: Margaret Lawson (Lay Chair), Mhairi Duigan, Alexi Thornhill From 2024 onwards: Diane Bowe, Ian Farrimond (Reader), John Smith, Claire Thomas, Paul Wright Parish Safeguarding Group Christine Dunbar (Parish Safeguarding Officer), Liz Cook, Kim Fewell, Steph Sanderson, Tim Sanderson, ## Licensed Ministers Tim Sanderson (vicar), Colin Smith (retired supporting minister) Ali McCarthy (curate) – moved to Willington Quays team ministry Sept 24 David Tully (retired), Terry Harkin (retired) Ian Farrimond (Licenced Lay Minister) Alison Edwards (Licenced Lay Minister) ## Staff Steve Booth (Caretaker/verger) – resigned October 24 Alison Edwards (Operations Manager) Dot Lee (Discipleship and Youth – voluntary) Steph Sanderson (Children’s and Family Outreach Worker) Approved and signed by the Rev Tim Sanderson (PCC chair) on 27[th] April 2025 11 **APPENDIX 1** FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY, JESMOND FOR 2024 ## **Charity Number 1132722** ## **Bankers** Co-operative Bank SumUp Payments Limited Skipton Building Society Approved and adopted by the Parochial Church Council at its meeting on March 18th 2025 ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF HOLY TRINITY JESMOND** The statement of Financial Accounts for year ending Dec. 31st 2024 has been audited and presents a True and Fair view of the incomings and outgoings for the Calendar Year 2024, with no material misstatements noted. Financial Summary 31st Dec 2024 **Total Income 2024 £291,734 Total Expenditure 2024 £274, 674** ## **BANK ACCOUNTS** **PCC Account 31.12.24 £ 16,883 Salaries account 31.12.24 £ 6,103 SumUp Business Account £ 524 Instant Access Account £ 20,138 Reserve Account 31.12.24 £ 124,224 (assigned to Fabric Fund £78.822, reserves available £44,402)** 12 APPENDIX 2 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 2024 INCOME CATEGORIES Category Voluntwy Income Regulw Gmrthj kncome Category Cxher Income Income R1a 122,870 1.244 26,297 R6a Be9￿1$ R6b Gwts R1b 6.128 4,350 25 R1¢ R6¢ kntwe¥t Re8lricted vol￿tary Inc(wne F2." Stdf Sal•ie 13.900 10.218 5.068 25,000 100 F4." F*xic Furyj F5: giv F6. Cmrth Ix F8: & Co F11: 422 F16: Debrfak 954 15.000 195 F17: AV ￿]r￿Je Fr. Oth Come from Events and Acti¥itie8 R3a Fees fcf W&Ji*ros FLvw* 1.942 637 R3¢ Messy Chwch Wint&Je R3f YwrKJ esEnts & xtmties 115 607 RS) Spe¢id fvn¢t1￿ eat￿.￿j Rth Other in¢crfne IGener811 134 Olhef in¢crfne (￿tn"ctedj 14 Gfft Aid Gift Ak1 (m unrestricbJ gMTrJ R4b Gift restnctgJ 9￿1r￿j 28.008 13.309 Rsa R58 Church & Hal Ld 14.099 Continued in next column TOTAL INCOME 291,734 13 ## **APPENDIX 2** INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 2024 (continued) 14 ## **APPENDIX 3** ## PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY JESMOND **Minutes of the ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING and VESTRY MEETING** Sunday 28[th] April 2024 at 11.00am At Holy Trinity Church ## **Welcome and Notices** This year’s APCM took place during the morning service. Tim welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were 98 adults in attendance. ## **Opening Worship** The meeting began with a time of worship and prayer. The reading was from 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 ## **Vicars Comments** Tim addressed the meeting with an overview of the past year, highlighting times of both challenge and celebration. Tim took 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 as his text. 1. ‘I always thank my God for you because of His grace given in Christ Jesus’ v1. It is important to remember it is not all about what we do, but who we are, as God’s people. Tim thanked the church community for being who they are and giving what they can. He also thanked: - The staff team for all their hard work behind the scenes - Standing Committee for all their support - PCC for being willing to share in church leadership and direction setting - Colin and other retired clergy and lay leaders - All those who take a leadership role in some way. Tim particularly wanted to thank Emily Emmerson-Finch who stepped down as our youth and community worker on her return from Maternity leave. Tim wished Emily well as she explores new forms of ministry. Tim also acknowledged that not everyone is able to help or volunteer at church but that everyone has a role to play, being salt and light wherever they are. Everyone is called to be part of God’s mission and no one is surplus to requirements. Tim recognised that in the 4 years of his ministry as Vicar of Holy Trinity, he does not always get things right and he thanked everyone for being slow to judge, supportive and willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. 2. ‘For in Him you have been enriched in every way.’ v5 Tim acknowledged that compared to many churches, we are relatively rich in provision and resources. Tim thanked everyone for their generosity in giving. This 15 is not something we take for granted and we strive to be good stewards of what we have. We also work hard to ensure that all our activities have a mission focus. This past year has seen many great connections made because of what we do. Examples include Lifepath where local school children explored the lives of the Northern Saints. The Knitting group brought friendship and support to a group of asylum seekers. Trinity Tots, Vintage, Coffee and Connect, HT walks all provide opportunities to share faith and build relationships. While there are always different financial challenges in every year, we do try to do the best we can with what we have. 3. ‘He will also keep you firm to the end’ v9 This past year has seen some people face significant challenges. Many have been affected by illness, bereavement, or difficult personal circumstances. Their trust and faith have been an inspiration to many of us and a testimony to God’s faithfulness and strength when things are difficult. Tim highlighted some of the challenges we face this coming year. 1. Our buildings require attention. More work is required to repoint the stone work and repairs to the roof are ongoing. The sound, AV and live streaming system needs to be upgraded and a decision made about the hall redevelopment. 2. We have capacity issues. We need more people to do more things if we wish to continue offer the breadth of ministry and mission at pre-pandemic levels. Tim asked everyone to think and pray about what God might be calling us to do to help as we move forward. Tim ended his report where he started, thanking God for everyone at Holy Trinity. His prayer is that in this coming year we will have the courage, faith, energy and excitement to say ‘Yes’ to all God might be calling us to do here. ## **VESTRY MEETING** ## **1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on April the 23[rd] 2023.** _Decision: The Minutes of the last meeting were received as an accurate record with one correction._ ## **2. Matters Arising** There were no matters arising ## **3. Finance and Statement of Accounts and Independent Examiners Report** The accounts have been checked by the independent examiner and a summary published in the APCM report sent with the weekly email. A copy of the full accounts is available from John Matthews. There were no concerns or questions about the accounts. _Decision: The Holy Trinity accounts were approved by the meeting with two abstentions._ 16 Tim thanked John for all his work over the past year in keeping the accounts accurate and up to date. ## **4. Appointment of Accounts Examiner** Tim also thanked Anita Morris who acts as the external examiner for our accounts. Anita Morris has been our independent examiner for several years and is happy to continue in that role. _Decision: Anita Morris was unanimously appointed the Accounts Examiner for another year._ ## **5. APCM Report** The APCM Report highlighted some of the things we celebrated and some of the challenges we faced over the past year. A copy of the report was sent out electronically in the weekly email. ## **6. Election of Church Wardens** There was only one nomination for church warden again this year. Tim asked the meeting to pray about who might be willing to serve a term as a second warden. _Decision: Liz Cook was unanimously elected as church warden for another year._ Tim thanked Liz for all her hard work and for the amazing way she carries out the work of warden on her own. He also thanked the assistant wardens for their help and support throughout the year. Tim encouraged the meeting to pray that a second warden can be found soon. ## **7. Election to Deanery Synod** Deanery Synod members are elected every three years. Last year, Liz Cook, Ros Johnson and Ruth O’Hagan were elected. Ruth O’Hagan is now stepping down form this role as she has taken up the post of Deanery Synod Secretary. Tim thanked Ruth for her representation at Deanery Synod on behalf of Holy Trinity. Ruth’s resignation means we now have one vacant position. ## **8. Election of PCC members** We have 15 elected members who serve a three-year term. We currently have 7 spaces and 5 nominations. Paul Wright, Claire Thomas and Ian Farrimond stood for re-election Diane Bowe and John Smith are new nominations this year. Alexi Thornhill’s paperwork was not completed in time for the last APCM, but he was co-opted on to PCC for the past year with a view to standing for election at the APCM. _Decision: Paul Wright, Claire Thomas, Ian Farrimond, Diane Bowe, John Smith and Alexi Thornhill were all unanimously elected onto PCC._ 17 ## **9. Prayer of Commissioning** Ali McCarthy invited all those on PCC, the warden and assistant wardens and Deanery Synod representatives to stand while she prayed for them. Earlier in the meeting all those involved in church leadership of any kind were also prayed for. ## **10. Closing Worship and Prayer** Before the meeting closed, Margaret Lawson, as PCC Lay Chair, thanked Tim for all he is doing at Holy Trinity to help us be effective witnesses to the Gospel here in our parish and communities. The meeting was closed with a final hymn and a blessing. 18 Holy Trinity Jesmond Financial Statements of the Parish of Holy Trinity9 Jesmond for 2024 Charity Number 1132722 Bankers Co-operative Bank Sumllp Payments Limited Skipton Building Society Approved and adopted by the Parochial Church Counci I on 18th March 2025 Signed PCC Meinber Signed Ab PCC Meinber Holy Trinity Jesmond Index Index Independent Examiners Report to the PCC of Holy Trinity Jesmond Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements Reserve Account Salaries Account Restricted & Unrestricted Funds 6>11 12 13 14 Page 2 Holy Trinity Jesmond INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE PCC OF HOLY TRINITY JESMOND 8t For the year ended 31 December 2024 To Whom It May Concern: I confirm that I have reviewed the Holy Trinity Ch urch Income and Expense Statements for 2024. From the information that was provided to me, I believe that these Statements present a True and Fair view of the incomings and outgoings for the Calendar Year 2024, with no material misstatements noted. Sincerely, Anita Morris. ACMA CGMA. Page 3 Holy Trinity Jesmond Statement of Financial Activities For the period 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2024 Unrestricted RestTlcled Total$ Fund$ Funds 2024 2023 Ieee p•3¢8 788. 10&111 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Income from events and activities other i ncoming resources 938R2 150,411 70,857 221,268 177,538 R3 8RSA 17,411 736 18,147 16,534 R4•Sb, R6b,¢8e 32,882 19,437 52,320 73,541 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 200,704 91,030 291,734 267,613 RESOURCES EXPENDED MI￿On Giving Mission & Running Cost Administration Bankj'ng TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED P1 14,963 173,131 3,431 6,345 76,793 21,308 249,925 3,431 10 21,114 1*,651 4,797 18 P2-P11 & P14 P12 P13 191,533 83,141 274,674 222,580 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 9.171 7,889 17,060 45,033 BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 111124 23,640 48,162 71.802 26,769 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31112124 32,812 56.051 88,863 71,802 Page 4 Holy Trinity Jesmond Balance Sheet at 31st December 2024 Note 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible Fixed Assets Investment Assets CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors Short tem depo￿ts (Reserves & Fabric Fund ) Cash at bank and in hand Liablilities.'amounts falling due within one year page 9 page12 p&Je 9 paJe 9 7,548 124.224 43.653 12,075 11,898 95,012 45,195 5,816 NET ASSETS 163,350 146,289 FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted 32,812 130,538 23,640 122,649 Total 163,350 146,289 The notes on pages 6 to 14 form part of these accourts. Page 5 Holy Trinity Jesmond Financial Statements For year ended 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES RESERVES POLICY ThL R¥WLYVLS PoliLy was reNieTh'LxI b!. lh¢ PCC on 15th (k'l(thT 2024. 11 ugrltd thal IhL. Ri.￿%1￿ F'und %hi)uld LolliinuL' (() pri)iid¥ %ulliLnl lund% l() Lll%ufL'. l ) 11]¥ Lontinu¥d lunctioning ol. I l()ly 'l'rinity LhurLh in IhL evuil (Il. Unti)rLXi￿ l inunLial pri>blLm4 2} 'I'hul th¢ ol. any insuran￿ Llaim cun IK. m¢1 3) 'I'hL l(Itul funds lo Ix. h¢ld li)r unlc)rLSLLm LifLum%lanLL% %hould IL. thun Iwc) mimihs rLmning L(bl¥ (CUrrL￿1]y 1411,(XX)) and an additional m()nlh ()I'.%JlMrics (Lurrl￿tIV £3.5tx)), IILXTI'C fiinds arL' rLquird n(A i)nlTr l(T unIl)rLY￿'n probl¢ms bul l() pr()i4d¢ l()r lulure plannthl n￿.d￿. 11 4) A F'abric l."und Nhiiuld dl%(i k built up tii rn￿1 ¢1￿￿1￿,d i)I"rLyairs idc'nlilied in m().51 rLL£￿t QuinquLmni&l Insp￿tIOn (2019). 'fh¢ r¥S'uII c)I' Ihi 2(124 Quinqucnial InstKKli()n nc)I kni)wi at thL limL of ihc rLKryLw. 11 to Inainlain the I. ubriL l.-und al ai le48t £7t) IXXI in ot likLI)' c(i%t%. MO]yrroRIIYG PROCEDURE 1. I'he Par(LhiJl LhurLh Council musl appr()I:¥ any ot'ihe Re.se]ve l."und und th¥ b ubri¢ Fund . 2. 'fhis wlicj. ii'ill be r￿1¢.￿{%1 AnnualI}' and maN' ir amendcd ￿, thL PariKhial Church C()utJciI ul unv lime. Page 6 Holy Trinity Jesmond INCOMING RESOURCES 2024 Unre$lil¢led Reitricted Totals Funds Funds 2024 2023 Ncrte Ip101 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Plann￿ Giving R1a & R2a 122,870 13,900 136,770 150,215 Collections Sundry Donations Sul￿total R1b& R2a 1,244 26,297 150,411 1,244 83,254 221,268 1,136 26,188 177,538 R1¢& R28 56,957 70,857 Gift Aid Prior year donations Current yeaF donations 33,293 35,671 R4a&b 28,008 13.309 41,317 Income from events and activities Fees for wethjings and funerals Messy Church Vinlage Other Church & Hall Lettings R3a 1,220 637 722 1.942 637 800 868 14,099 635 R3c 580 500 1,305 13,514 R3d 600 855 14,099 R3f,g.h,I R51 14 Income from investment Bank interest R8¢ 4,350 4,350 192 Other income Other income R6a,b, h 525 6.128 6.653 4,318 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 200,704 91,030 291,734 267,547 Page 7 Holy Trinity Jesmond RESOURCES EXPENDED 2024 Unrestricted Retstricled Totals Funds Funds 2024 2023 Notes RESOURCES EXPENDED Grants and charitable giving: MI￿On Partners Short-tenn & Local rriFAon Pla Plb 11,713 3.250 4.650 1,695 16,363 4,945 15,448 5,666 Ministry Costs Mission & Ministry Youth Work Staffing Clergy Housng Cost Parish Share Diocesan Fees P2a-g P3a-e 117a-8"Fl)4a-¢ P5a-b+l)()d-li 3,717 1.455 24,131 5,078 98,800 2,352 1.081 16,814 6,069 2,536 40.945 5,078 98,800 722 2,526 2,880 42.071 5,213 95,000 301 Plla Pxb 722 Running expenses Church Hall GeneTal Expenses P9a-g P I Ila-d Plla-c 23,426 14.610 1,915 11,649 35,075 14.610 5,383 20.483 16,020 10,657 3,468 Administration Administrative Expenses P12a-e 3.431 3,431 4,797 Capital expenditure Caytal developmenvimprovements Pl.la&b 40,707 40,707 Banking Bank charges Transfer to Holy Trinity Trust P14a P14d io 18 1,500 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 191,533 83,141 274,674 221,080 Page 8 Holy Trinity Jesmond 2024 2023 DEBTORS CAF & Stewardship HMRC Chimney Sweep Theatre Company Total 179 11,719 7,438 110 11,898 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND PCC Account (Co-operative Bank) Salaries Account (Co-operative Bank) Instant Access Account (Co-operative Bank) Business Card Account (Sum-up) Totsl 16,883 6,103 20,138 529 43,653 36,018 8,987 190 45,195 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Mission & Ministry PAYE & Nl Contributions Cleaning Maintenance Expenses Electricity Architect fees Total 630 130 1,055 4,000 951 251 3673 7200 12,075 5,816 Page 9 Holy Trinity Jesmond INCOME CATEGORIES Category Voluntary Income Regul¥ Giwng Colknlio Income Code Category other Income Income R1a 122.870 1,244 26,297 R6? Bequests SCK) 6,128 4,350 25 R1b R6b Grants Rlc sUr￿ry OonatTh R6c Interest R6h Other irKom• Restricted Voluntary Incoff F2.. Stslf Sal¥nes R2a 13,900 10,218 5,068 25.000 100 422 954 15,000 195 F4.. Fabric Fund FS.. Mi88ion gmng F6.. Church nthv buld F8,, Splrq & Co F11. Fk)vMB F16.. Debrilkstor F17., AV upgrade Fx.. OtIKr Income from Event8 and Actlvltre8 Fee8 for Wedding8 and FLmeral$ Mestsy Church Vintaje Ywng pojple e￿￿tE 8 1,942 637 600 115 607 R3¢ R3e R31 R3g R3h SpErial functlcn cateriTrJ Other incLyne (Genwall R31 Other InC￿e Ire6tri¢tedl 14 Gift Ald Glft C￿ ￿Te￿trICt￿l gNing 28,008 13,309 R4b Gift Akl rs$tricted givir#J Lettlngs Rsa Church & Hall L￿1r￿a8 Rsa 14,099 Contlnued In next column TOTAL INCOME 291,734 Page 10 Holy Trinity Jesmond EXPENDITURE CATEGOAIES Code Category Ex￿nditUre Code Category Ex￿ndIture Grants and Charitable GiviNJ M￿810n PwtrRrB DI0￿$an payments Par18h s￿re Pla 16,363 4,945 P1b Sh¢)rt-lem & L￿1 mK8bn Fee PwyrrEnt8 Mission & M ini$lry 0i8cipleship & Nurture Ctsmmunty Engagunerrt Vintage Swvke Co8t8 Church P2a Heallng 8 ￿gh￿r￿j Mairtenan¢* & Minty Repaire Quirq￿la1 Expenseslmajor rep•r8 ch￿￿h deanlng Chur¢h insurnr%e 8,925 I,X)1 11,228 5,493 7,932 P2b 2.101 P9b P2¢ P2d P2e Muatc & c￿1r 1,548 P21 Flrh%tr8 P2g P21 sp￿lar Fun¢11￿ CattyiryJ Weddin9 8 Funeral expens 478 Hall 721 P1C0 Heating & Lighting P1CO MairtenarKe & Minor Reparn P1(k Hall ¢I￿ning P1CYJ Hall nsurance 4.433 314 Youth Work 8,463 1,4CQ P3a Diddy D%¢iples, Cllmbern 8 Expbrers P3a1 PathliTrJern & CYFA 246 P3¢ Mestsy Church Other outreach wtrrrts Lilepath General Expens•s Ground8 upkeep P11b Water rates P3d P3e 337 P11a 1,782 1,081 P11c EqUip￿Ent 3,4e8 Staff Expons•i VicarfB WorfrirrfJ Expen6eB Cur*¢s Exwr4t$ Staff Ex￿se8 Administration Total P4b P12a Supplie6 & Admin. Expenses P12b Comms (Web Slle, brcojband. em•ll P12c AdministratKn Equipnwrt P12d Governan¢¢ ¢c41fy P4c 412 1,fU2 Clergy Housing Costs P5a&b Vicarfs water rates 8 ¢¢unal tsK P6a&b Cur&e'8 water rate8 & c￿￿11 tax 4.377 701 Capital devekjpmenvlmprovements Church IAV system upgrade Church Hall development p13a p13b 9,1 31,X)7 Salar P7xl Salarteb 39,428 P7e Ernp￿￿r NIC & Pension Payrdl seryica Banking P14a Bank CthaTgV• P79 107 10 Contlnued In next column TOTAL EXPENDITURE 274,674 Page 11 Holy Trinity Jesmond Reserve Account Statement of Financial Activities For the period 1 January - 31 December 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Catsgory Note Unre$lri¢t¢d Reslrlcl•d 2024 Fund Funds TOTAL 25,000 4,212 Transfer from PCC Account Skj'pton 8uilding Soaety Interest 25.000 4,212 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 29,212 RESOURCES EXPENDED Category Note Unreslrictod Reslri¢ted 2024 TOTAL Fundi Funds None Total resources expended NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 29,212 Opening Bank Balance 95,012 Total Closing Bank Balance 124,224 Assigned to Fabric Fund 79,822 Reserves available 44,402 Page 12 Holy Trinity Jesmond Salaries Account - (Previously known as the Associate Minister'slsocial Acc) Statement of Financial Activities For the period 1 January - 31 December 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Category Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 TOTAL £8,987 OpenlngBalance Salaries Fund Donations Other £8,815 £8.815 £0 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES £8,815 RESOURCES EXPENDED Category Note Un￿triCt￿l Refytrlcled 2024 TOTAL Funds Fund8 SaLaries £11,699 £11,699 Total resources expended £11,699 Net movement in Fund5 -£2,884 Opening Bank Balance Closlng Bank Balance £8,987 £6,103 Page 13 Holy Trinity Jesmond Balance Sheet - All Funds Statement of Financial Activities 31 December 2024 Fund Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 2023 F1 General F2 Salaries F3 Reserv8 F4 Fabric Fund F5 Mission Giving F6 Church Hall New Build F7 Centenary F8 Spring & Co F9 Refugee Support F12 Grounds maintenance F13 LifeFath F16 Def ibrillator 241 24,156 3,031 44,402 81,509 91 2,243 1,800 15335 3,031 44,402 81,509 91 2,243 1.80) 2410 44402 77725 2500 1800 72 145 930 971 240 78 5,801 240 78 5.801 F17 AV system upgrade Total Resources 24,156 139,194 163,350 146,289 Page 14 Holy Trinity Jesmond INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE PCC OF HOLY TRINITY JESMOND st For the year ended 31 December 2024 To Whom It May Concern: I confirm that I have reviewed the Holy Trinity Church Income and Expense Statements for 2024. From the information that was provided to me, I believe that these Statements present a True and Fair view of the incomings and outgoings for the Calendar Year 2024. with no material misststements noted. Sincerely, Anita Morris. ACMA CGMA. Page 3