2022-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Mary Magdalene, Ashton Upon Mersey

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022 St Mary Magdalene wlth Sale West Community Church Registered Charity No. 1133105 44 Moss Lane, Sale, Cheshire, M33 6GD stmarysaom.org

ANNUAL REPORTS (pages 4-11)

Vicar’s Report 4 PCC Report 7 Warden’s Report 8 Financial Report 9 Mission Giving Report 10 Safeguarding Report 11

MINISTRIES AND MISSION (pages 12-16)

Children 12 Youth 13 Sale West Community Ministries 14 Discipleship Communities 15 Mission Partners 15 Discipleship Communities 15 Come Fly With Me 16 Heartbeat Café 16

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (pages 17-26)

Statement of Responsibilities 17 Examiner’s Report 18 Statement of Financial Activities 19 Balance Sheet 20 Cash Flow 21 Notes on Financial Statements 22

VICAR’S REPORT WRITTEN BY REVD. STEVE RANKIN

Left ‘footed’ horses and the Kingdom of God

I love watching most sports, but horse racing is not one of them. It doesn’t help that I’m allergic to horses but that is another story. That’s not to say there is nothing to admire or learn from horseracing – every day is a school day, so they say, and I was recently reading about the origins of the saying horses for courses.

It is not a bad framework to use for this review of our church life in 2022 and to look forward to the challenges and opportunities of 2023…

UKRAINE, ORANGES AND THE WORLD ON OUR DOORSTEP

Horse racing courses in the UK are not standardised in the way that, say, an athletics 400 metre track is. Some are fairly straight with sweeping bends. Some have tighter bends. Some are clockwise, others are anti-clockwise. Some are fairly flat, others have rises and dips. Some have uphill finishes which can really test stamina. Add in whether a course tends to be firm or on the soft side depending on the weather. Combine all those possible variables and you can get a great variation in racing conditions. Racehorses also tend to gallop with either the left or right leg leading and a horse which favours a clockwise course may perform less well going anti-clockwise. A horse with a long stride but poorly balanced will do better on a straight, flat, course and loathe tight bends and sharp rises or dips which upset the stride. So racehorses may do a lot better on some courses than others, Therefore it is up to the trainers and owners to select the most suitable course for their horses to give them the best chances - horses for courses.

In February 2021 Russia invaded Ukraine. Apparently, the expectation in the Kremlin was that it would be a relatively quick and easy operation akin to what happened when they annexed Crimea in 2014. Back then there was little fight within Ukraine itself along with international outrage and bluster but no action. Not this time. As millions were displaced and fled the country Europe mobilised in support, through governments but more especially through the compassionate action of ordinary, everyday folk. Churches throughout Europe prayed not just for Ukraine but their best response to the situation.

For St Mary’s and SWCC the church was able to get behind the initial response of Inga Lee, a native Ukrainian but long time church member with us. Inga was able to travel out to Poland several times to act as a translator at a church run hostel near the border. As a church it gave us a focal point for prayer and financial giving. Inga

An English Language class well underway

continues to be involved in the housing of Ukrainian refugees in her role with Samaritan’s Purse.

Figuratively the phrase means picking the best person for a particular job, the best response for a situation, or the best means to achieve a specific end.

The second phase of our response was when Ukrainian refugees started arriving in Trafford. Simon and Amelie Latham galvanised the church to prepare Welcome boxes. This was followed up with offering English Language classes at St Mary’s. A team of volunteers and helpers have provided a warm welcome, help with the language, and a safe place to interact with

I think that is a fair reflection of church life; encourage those with the God given gifts for a particular job or ministry, pray for the best response for a situation or the best means to see God’s kingdom coming.

others. These incredibly popular courses have expanded to include many different nationalities. We have an All Nations (international) Small Group. At their annual bring and share lunch just before Christmas the invitation was extended to the language classes. It was a wonderful afternoon as folk from 11+ nationalities joined together.

investigation show we have over 25 nationalities as a part of our church (as well as the 4 nations of the UK, there are French, Ukrainian, Brazilian, Egyptian, Indian, Jamaican, Pakistani, South Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Hong Kongese, Nigerian, Ghanian, Zimbabwean, Iranian, Turkish, Lebanese, Malay, New Zealanders, Thai, Filipino, Zambian and not forgetting Finnish!).

The world is now on our doorstep… What might that mean for our mission and ministry going forward?

One Turkish lady was there with her family. She was invited to the Christingle service and loved the sense of celebration and life. Hats off to the Ferro’s and their amazing team for the annual preparation of hundreds of oranges – it has grown to a much loved and valued ministry in itself. It was from the Christingle service that our Turkish lady joined the Faith Matters course to explore the Christian faith (one of around 35 people to do the course in the past 12 months or so). In the meantime, she has joined the Heartbeat Café team and helps occasionally at Caterpillars. I love this story – it highlights the role of gifted and passionate Christians, praying for the best response for a situation and a good means to see God’s kingdom coming.

The world is now on our doorstep - that is remarkable and a significant shift over the last 10 years or so. What might that mean for our mission and ministry going forward?

THE BUFFET CONUNDRUM

How do you choose in a buffet restaurant when faced with an array of goodies? When there is just too much to have everything, what is your method for selecting something? First thing you come to? What others seem to be going for? Or surveying all the options first and then prioritising? You probably won’t be surprised to know I have it down to a fine art… and I’ve passed on my wisdom in this area to my children, so it is now a part of family folklore when we go out together.

In the course of the year there are literally thousands of stories that church members are a part of. Many times, we are not even aware of our role – it is the small moments of a welcome, or invitation, or a smile or a prayer or an act of service. In such actions we display our faith and partner with God’s Spirit to see His kingdom coming. Thank you to each and every one of you, for who you are in Christ and all that you do to serve Him and see His kingdom come. We are the church; a diverse group of people brought together in Jesus. We have flaws but our heart is to follow Him, whoever we are, whatever our gifting, wherever we are from.

International celebrations at theAll Nations Christmas Lunch

When there are so many good things happening around St Mary’s and Sale West, how do we choose what to invest out time in? Thinking back to horses for courses for a moment can help us make wise choices. What are your God given gifts and what is your fit for a particular role or ministry? What is a good response from the church for a particular situation or what is an effective means to see God’s kingdom coming?

In such actions we display our faith and partner with God’s Spirit to see His kingdom coming.

One of my aims in this past year was to put in place diverse, thriving ministry and fellowship opportunities which are attractive and open to all adults in the church. They cover people of all ages and stages of Christian development who are actively participating and growing in their faith. Stock the buffet abundantly!

At a recent 9.30 service, I asked people about their nationality – it was wonderful hearing the responses ring out around the church. Further

There are some obvious financial challenges facing us in the year ahead; the cost-of-living increases that also impact us as a church mean that we need to see some financial breakthroughs this year.

There are now 4 Ministry Event Teams made up of 3-5 people covering First Encounter, Family, Workplace and Spiritually Mature. Their role is to plan events that add to the buffet and provide good food to nourish folk in that stage of their faith journey.

If you consider St Mary’s your church home and are not yet giving financially will you consider joining our Stewardship scheme? And if you are already giving but have not reviewed it this year, could you prayerfully assess whether there is scope to adjust your giving?

First Encounter events are for folk new to church or exploring faith; events like the Christmas Tabletop Sale, Faith Matters and the ‘I am Mark’ performance.

Family events have included the summer church picnic, the Parenting course and the Light Party.

The ministry of our church changes lives both in our church and in the wider

Shoppers browsing the Christmas Tabletop Sale

Workplace events are being planned for this coming year to encourage and support folk in their work environments.

world. There is much for which we as a church can rejoice and be thankful and we continue to look forward to an exciting and challenging time under God.

Events for the Spiritually Mature aim to equip people to serve well in ministry. A recent prayer ministry training event has allowed us to start up prayer ministry teams at all of the St Mary’s services once again.

With every blessing, Steve

Hopefully there is something for everyone but without overwhelming or overcommitting people. There is a choice based on both faith and life stage.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

We choose to invest our time, loyalty and money in things that will have an impact for ourselves, families, and wider world. Thank you for being a part of St Mary’s and Sale West Community Church – it wouldn’t be the same without you!

Giving - of ourselves and our money is all about ministry; it is every service we have, each sermon preached, baptism families welcomed, Junior Church or Fuel sessions run, and the Gospel preached through Faith Matters and our Small Groups. Ministry is every bereaved family supported, each visit and home communion to the sick and housebound, School assemblies and classes held. Giving, in all its forms, makes ministry possible.

The ministry of our church changes lives both in our church and in the wider world.

PCC REPORT

WRITTEN BY EMMA ATKINSON

St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of working with the incumbent, the Revd. Stephen Rankin, in furthering the mission of the church in the whole parish: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and Church Centre.

PCC members and deanery synod representatives are elected each year at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Roles on the PCC are then elected at the first PCC meeting following the APCM.

Role Name Office held Incumbent Revd Steve Rankin Chair, S, F Church Plant Associate Vicar Revd Nathan Gregory Head of Operations (co-opted) Emma Atkinson PCC secretary, HR, BM, P Readers Brian Macfaden Treasurer, S, F, HR BM Outi Rankin Pastoral Workers Gill Hart Mags Holt Ann McBurney P Wardens Anne Keast S, F, BM John Vaughan S, F Deanery Synod Avtar Diggwa Jeff McBurney F, P Ian Thwaites Rosemary Sigee F Elected members David Atkinson M Jeremy Barnes F Janet Darlow Graham Fosh HR Joan Heys Assistant Treasurer, F, BM Lorna Hitchin Vice Chair, S, F, P Francis Hyde Helen Jarvis F Elaine Jones S, M, P Matthew Kay Barbara Shimmings

(S - Standing committee, F - Finance committee, HR - HR committee, M - Missions committee, BM - Butterflies Management committee, P - Policies Review committee)

PCC MEETINGS

8 PCC meetings took place during 2022, 6 were in-person, and 2 were over zoom. The APCM took place in April and was held in-person. Items discussed at the PCC meetings included:

Safeguarding reports
Missions giving
Maintenance
Ministry updates
Quinquennial Report
Butterflies Pre-School

STAFFING

The PCC employs a Head of Operations, Receptionist & Parish Administrator, Data Administrator, Parish Finance Officer, Children’s Pastor, Parish Youth Worker, Café Manager, Church Centre Caretaker, Saturday Cleaner, and nine staff to run the Pre-School Group ‘Butterflies’. A verger is also included on the payroll on a zero-hours basis.

ELECTORAL ROLL

The number on the electoral roll at the 2022 APCM in May was 431

WARDEN’S REPORT

WRITTEN BY JOHN VAUGHAN & ANNE KEAST

The two previous Wardens’ Reports have started by referencing the problems of the Covid pandemic but they seem to be behind us now despite the fact that individuals continue to be struck down by the virus. We continue to have a small section of the church reserved for mask wearers although those who use it are now very small in number. The return to normality has not taken us back to preCovid times. Numbers attending our services are stabilising at around 100 for the 9.30 service, 65 for the 11.15 and 50 for the

our church would be like the aftermath of the collapse of the Tower of Babel. But that was something that divided people, what we have is something that brings people together and we

give thanks for the initiatives that support multi-culturalism here including the language classes run so successfully.

One of the joys of St Mary’s is the multi-cultural, multi-generational congregations that we have.

This year saw the delayed Quinquennial Review. As expected, a number of premises issues were revealed some of which will require remedial work this year and other items being things that we can defer until a future date. A building of the age of this church takes a considerable amount of energy and money to maintain. We are grateful to Norman and Alec for all that they do in keeping the place in such good condition. Two major items of work were carried out in the last year: repairs to the roof of the hall and improvements to the car park and external drains. This year we need to address some stonework issues and do some extensive guttering renewal. These are not easy things to do given the listed nature of the building and the physical problems of accessing parts of the structure and the PCC has committed a sizeable budget this year to the work although, inevitably, more could be spent. We also face in the coming year a huge increase in our energy costs as fixed price contracts come to an end and we need to address the energy efficiency of the church and consider how that might be improved.

7pm service. Our 9.30 livestreamed service sees around 65 tuning in each week. The pandemic also caused a number of people to reset and withdraw from previous duties or change the way they served in the church. In consequence we have a number of vacancies on our service teams and continue to pray that these will be filled.

In addition to our normal services we were blessed, again, with some wonderful Christmas services. The high standards set for the decoration of the church were maintained and we are fortunate that we have so many committed people. The wardens would like to thank all those volunteers who help make our church work so effectively. The cleaning and gardening teams; Deputy Wardens and sidespeople; pastoral workers; technical support; and those who make refreshments. We also give thanks for the skill of our worship leaders and musicians, who bring us such joy, and for those on the intercessory rota. A great joy on Sunday morning is to hear and see the children running about the place. Great thanks are due to the many wonderful people who nurture and guide our young people. We have also been blessed this year by Nathan’s arrival and we continue to pray for the success of his wider role in church planting. We add our thanks to the whole of our Ministry team, to Steve and Julie and Alex and for the sterling service provided by the office staff.

As we move forward into 2023 we do so from a position that many other churches would be envious of. We have strong service numbers; a building which is fundamentally sound; committed volunteers; and a brilliant clergy team. We cannot be sanguine though and all of us need to consider how we can serve to further our mission here.

All of us need to consider how we can serve to further our mission here.

Finally, Church Wardens don’t go on for ever and this year Anne Keast, who has served in the role for four years, retires. She has been a wonderful asset in the role. Hard working and dedicated, a ready smile and a wonderful friend to work alongside. Thank you Anne.

One of the joys of St Mary’s is the multi-cultural, multi-generational congregations that we have. If everybody spoke their own language at once

FINANCIAL REPORT WRITTEN BY BRIAN MACFADEN

We give thanks to God for His ongoing provision for our work in Sale, through the generosity of His people. In 2022 many parts of church life recovered following the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations increased, our children and youth work grew, and we increased the hours of our youth worker.

With Revd Nathan Gregory joining us as our new Associate Vicar at the start of 2022, we paid the full Parish Share for two clergy throughout the year.

In 2022 our expenditure exceeded our income by £22,536. At 31st December 2022 we held cash at the bank, including short term deposits, of £141,123.

As our vicar writes there are some obvious financial challenges facing us in the year ahead; the cost-of-living increases that impact us as a church mean that we need to see some financial breakthroughs this year. If you consider St Mary’s your church home and are not yet giving financially will you consider joining our Stewardship scheme? And if you are already giving but have not reviewed it this year, could you prayerfully assess whether there is scope to adjust your giving?

We approach the challenges and opportunities of 2023 with confidence in God’s continuing provision and your support.

As planned we were able to catch up on major maintenance items following the COVID-19 restrictions in 2021.

Butterflies Pre-School Group had a deficit of £3,867 (surplus of £8,018 in 2021). The surplus or deficit varies year by year depending on the number of children attending. The PCC as Treasurer of the Glebelands Trust made a donation of £40,000 to Butterflies Pre-School Group following a challenging year.

RESERVES

All charities are expected to hold an appropriate level of reserves, which we use for:

Working capital to balance our income and
expenditure streams.
Planning ahead by accommodating
variations in our income from year to year.
Meeting maintenance needs and responding
to opportunities as they arise.

In January 2021 the PCC adopted a policy to maintain approximately 3 months of regular expenditure in our reserves. At the end of 2022 our reserves were 3.3 months of regular expenditure (4.8 months at end of 2021). The reduction is primarily due to planned maintenance.

The trustees are confident that, with continuing regular income from church members, there are sufficient reserves to support ongoing commitments for the next twelve months.

COMPARISON TO 2021

Most of the giving we receive comes through regular standing orders and stewardship envelopes, and we saw a 4.7% increase from last year (£280,244 in 2022 vs £267,633 in 2021). 31 people started donating regularly to our work during the year, and this financial growth is enabling us to continue growing our work.

INVESTMENT POLICY

Cash not required for day to day operations is held on deposit with the CBF Church of England Investment Fund.

No funds are held as custodian trustee.

Income from Collections, the Cafe, and Church Centre lettings have recovered well following the pandemic.

In a year of significant energy cost increases we are fortunate to be on fixed price electricity and gas contracts. These end in mid 2023 and mid 2024 respectively.

MISSION GIVING REPORT

WRITTEN BY BRIAN MACFADEN

As a church we donate 10% of the giving we receive to missions, both here in the UK and overseas. We see this as our stewardship, or good management, of the money we receive from God, just as we encourage church members to steward their income.

This year we donated £27,248, which is 10% of the previous year’s giving.

The Missions Committee oversees how we distribute these funds, together with the PCC. Most of the mission budget is given as regular support to organisations and individuals where there is a link with our church. We also retain some funds to allocate flexibly during the year.

This is where our support was donated in 2022. Our mission partners are shown in bold.

OVERSEAS MISSIONS

OVERSEAS MISSIONS
Church Mission Society Tim & Miho Walker - Overseas Missionary Fellowship Simon and Sue Yeomans - Operation Mobilisation Open Doors Philippines Outreach Centre Hope for Justice Acts - Education in Africa - Burundi School David & Mary Robinson - Thai ministry Dan and Rachel King - Wycliffe Bible Translators A Rocha – Christian conservation FEBA (Arab world gospel radio)	£800 £1,800 £4,600 £1,600 £2,500 £1,500 £1,600 £700 £500 £100 £100
Tearfund (Relief & development work)	£100
Hope Centre Poland supporting Ukranian refugees	£1,200
UK MISSIONS
Boaz Trust	£1,600
Youth for Christ	£4,000
New Wine	£500
Redeeming Our Communities	£240
Bible Society	£1,400
Church Pastoral Aid Society	£1,200
Universities & Colleges Christian Fellowship	£300
Trafford South Foodbank	£428
Fusion	£300
Churches Together in Sale	£30
Evangelical Alliance	£150
mas Table Top Sale we donated:
Tearfund	£363
Sale West Community Urban Trust	£363
Care for the family	£31

From a Christmas Table Top Sale we donated:

We also gave a grant of £7,000 to Sale West Community Urban Trust.

SAFEGUARDING REPORT WRITTEN BY MAUREEN CAIN

Promoting a Safer Church

Policy Statement of the Church of England

The word ‘safeguarding’ refers to all aspects of keeping people safe, primarily children and young people but also vulnerable adults. This is a really important aspect of safeguarding as many of us can be considered as vulnerable during our lives. So a vulnerable adult

In conjunction with the office I provide a report at each PCC meeting containing the numbers of people completing on-line training modules and also the numbers of concerns which have been reported.

is not just someone who is considered vulnerable because of their mental or physical condition which may be permanent. A person experiencing trauma in their lives such as illness, divorce, bereavement, redundancy, financial hardship etc will be vulnerable in many circumstances and this situation, if known, should be respected in conversations and other association.

MONITORING AND Connect the ACCOUNTABILITY Church’s mission & theological foundations with what good Christian behaviour & community looks like in a safeguarding context

We have Safeguarding teams comprised of Church staff and volunteers. We meet to discuss issues arising, changes required and to refresh our understanding of recent guidance. For example at our recent team meeting we have been putting guidance in place for Mentoring programmes, Young Helpers Consent Forms and a Code of Conduct for young people relating to keeping themselves safe with particular reference to the use of social media.

TRAINING AND RECORDING SYSTEMS

We follow the Diocesan advice regarding training and we can report that a substantial numbers of our Church members have completed the required on-line training modules. The office keeps effective records of these and other regulatory requirements with prompts for the necessary renewals every three years.

With this in mind, and with our developing work with international communities, I am Integrate our own asking that many more people faith, beliefs, and in our church complete the values with those Basic Awareness and underpinning good Foundation on-line training safeguarding courses so that they are aware of behaviours. this responsibility in all circumstances, particularly relating to their own responses.

We have confidential systems for recording Safeguarding concerns and the actions taken. We keep these records updated and reviewed appropriately.

CHILDREN

WRITTEN BY JULIE LOYND Together at Last

It’s safe to say that it has been a busy year for Children’s Ministry! Here is a flavour of what has been going on…

GROWING FAITH

We know that faith doesn’t just happen on Sunday so our vision is also to help, equip and support families in how they can help build faith in the home throughout the week. Church

SCHOOLS WORK

members and visitors can find help and top tips on our “Family Life” board in the foyer. In Junior Church, children receive “take-home” sheets throughout the year with passages and prompts of what they could chat to God about and Family Devotionals to get the whole family talking. In September, some of our parents and Junior Church volunteers joined BRF’s online “Parenting For Faith” course where we heard the

Schools work has returned to its prepandemic ”busy” level with a steady stream of workshops, weekly assemblies, Christmas, Easter, Harvest and End of Term services booked in throughout the year. We have especially loved welcoming school year groups from Firs Road to come and explore our beautiful church building, hear more about God and ask questions.

Ministering to local families and seeing the children grow is an absolute joy.

We love working with St Mary’s School and this year we are working together towards a Diocesan Church and School Partnership Award. The award will look at how our church and the school currently work together and how we can help children and their families grow faith, worship together and love our neighbours.

wisdom of Rachel Turner and her team on how we can help equip, support and nurture our children as they journey in faith.

JUNIOR CHURCH

What an awesome group of children we have in Junior Church! We have had so much fun together it is hard to think of just one highlight, but I think the general overall blessing from this past year was just how wonderful it was to feel part of a big church family again. We have worshipped together, celebrated together, prayed together, learnt about God together, camped together and had the occasional water fight!

CATERPILLARS PARENT & TODDLER GROUP

Our Tuesday afternoon Parent and Toddler Group has been growing steadily since we reopened in September 2021. Since the beginning of this year, our numbers have increased so much that we have had to extend our hall space into Willow to accommodate the number of families/carers who come from all over South Manchester to chat, rest, recharge, play and wiggle! I think I can speak for the Caterpillars team when I say being part of this group, ministering to local families and seeing the children grow is an absolute joy.

Love or hate the “St Mary’s Birthday Song”, it has been great to bring the children into the 9.30am service on the second Sunday of each month to celebrate birthdays as a Church Family.

The hall waiting for our Caterpillars to arrive!

Last year we did a series on prayer and asked our wider Church Family if Junior Church could pray for them. The children were (a little

terrified) and amazed when we received over 100 prayer requests! It was just beautiful to see how the children chatted to God, listened, painted and drew the prayers. What a blessing it is to intercede for others, we loved praying for you and to hear of testimony afterwards of answered prayer has helped the children grow in confidence knowing that God listens to them too.

these children and sees them as spiritual warriors. This is such an exciting prophecy and is shaping our vision, to find ways to help our children not only learn more about who God is, but also to experience and deeply connect with a God who loves them beyond measure.

We can’t wait to see what God is going to do in 2023! Please keep Children’s Ministry in your prayers; for our children, their families and our lovely volunteers.

As we look ahead to this year, we know through prayer and prophetic words that God loves

Junior Church exploring ways to pray together

Families enjoying the Light Party

YOUTH

WRITTEN BY ALEX STEWART

Last year saw a lot of great things happen; we started a Sunday morning group, Fuel Sundays, which has been amazing and we’ve seen so many young people grow in their understanding of church and faith. We used resources produced by NUA which really encouraged young people to think about what they believe, value, and understand about their faith.

placement students. This was a fantastic night filled with fun, laughter, and good food!

The big picture for our youth, and the vision God has set before us following New Wine, is to bring the youth and the church together, becoming even more of a church family. We want to see young people becoming engaged in the wider church; serving in Sunday services or through the social action projects we have done, such as the Christmas cakes we decorated to give away to Sale West at Christmas. I pray we see this vision come to light, through God’s guidance, and that we see Him be glorified even more next year.

Cross-Roads has grown in fellowship, and we have looked at the Gospel of Luke and the book of Ruth. We hope to expand our young people's Biblical knowledge whilst showing how the Bible is still relevant today!

Fuel on Friday had its annual Christmas meal organised by Beth, one of our Nazarene

A selection of Christmas Cakes decorated by our young people and donated to Sale West

SALE WEST COMMUNITY MINISTRIES WRITTEN BY CAROL DODGSON

We have been bringing people together in community and creating a wonderful ‘family feel’ this year through activities, resources, mentoring, and learning opportunities and through integrating people from all walks of life. The impact has been reduced social isolation, peer support, friendships, help with life’s struggles and experiencing Christians who are living out their faith by loving their neighbour – who wouldn’t feel drawn to that?! We are bringing people into a place of mutual support and encouragement - it makes no difference who you are. Everyone is welcome and everyone receives unconditional positive regard.

MENTORING SUPPORT

We have a number of trained volunteer mentors who offer support to people to help them with a particular issue or to set and achieve a life goal over 12 months or more.

The impact has been reduced social isolation, peer support, friendships, help with life’s struggles and experiencing Christians who are living out their faith by loving their neighbour

We are very closely connected with other partners in our community and have been able to signpost people into other support where appropriate.

Since January 2022, 371 adults/children have engaged in our face-to-face activities with a support network of over 20 wonderful volunteers.

Our current model of support includes:

The results of a recent questionnaire showed that 92% of those attending our groups said they felt supported, 77% said that they felt less isolated, and 85% said that their self-confidence had improved. 100% of people said they had made friends.

CREATIVE GROUPS

We encourage and motivate people to learn new skills, talk, and create friendships. We make soup together with people (who can) bringing a vegetable or two to throw in!

We were fortunate to be able to take two of our families to New Wine in the summer – and what an amazing experience!! Being part of the church family, receiving excellent teaching, experiencing physical and emotional healing and deciding beyond doubt that God is real and good. Awesome!

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

There was a lack of provision in the area so we have partnered with the social prescribers linked to the local GPs, as well as St Martin’s Church to create a structure and purpose to life for people who have lost a loved one. We do this using creativity, nature, music, a structured course, community, and finding a place of peace.

MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

In response to a need in the community we have created a men’s support group. This is facilitated by a trained counsellor who creates a supportive space for men to drop in, chat and benefit from being a part of weekly peer support sessions.

One of the Creative Groups crafting together

DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES WRITTEN BY ANN MCBURNEY

SMALL GROUPS AND NEW LIFE GROUPS

We have 16 Small groups and 2 New Life groups, this year most are meeting in person, with just a couple of groups finding zoom meetings more convenient. In January Steve and I met with the group leaders, we had a fantastic turn out with all groups represented. This was an evening of shared ideas, prayer, challenges and chocolate. At the leaders meeting we also heard more about the All Nations New Life group, and the amazing food which was shared at a pre Christmas social gathering. Social events are such a valuable asset to all our groups, making stronger bonds with group members. Perhaps you could consider a social and extending the invitation to other friends or family members who don’t attend the usual Bible study group. This might need some inventive thinking as I know many groups are a tight squeeze!

HUDDLES

There are 14 Huddles at present with another hoping to start up soon. The various Huddles work in different ways, using faith based books on a variety of subjects, or delving deeper into a book from the Bible. The one I am part of is trying out the Lectio five-session course run by Peter Greig from the 24/7 prayer team, this uses video clips and discussion.

There is a strong sense of community and drawing closer to God coming out from all areas of Discipleship, If you would like to connect with a group, are considering being part of a four person huddle, or would like to know more about any of our Discipleship communities please do contact Ann McBurney by emailing ann.mcburney@hotmail.com or complete the form which can be found on our website, www.stmarysaom.org/communities.

MISSION PARTNERS WRITTEN BY MARY ROBINSON

We read of famine in Africa, earthquakes in Turkey, and desperate immigrants arriving on our shores. At St Mary’s we have a small part in bringing a message of hope to our needy world.

The church financially supports main 9 mission partners in a variety of ministries. These include Philippines Outreach Centre supporting destitute orphans, and Herridge Trust training needy Burundi youth in practical work skills. Dan King in Tanzania helps African linguists translate the Scripture into numerous African dialects. Sue and Simon Yeomans mobilise Canadian missionaries for Europe and beyond. Open Doors supports persecuted Christians worldwide and Church Mission Society supports the Anglican Church providing quality training for clergy.

In the UK, Hope for Justice has a growing work rescuing trafficked people around Europe, Boaz Trust supports needy asylum seekers in Manchester, Tim and Miho Walker are reaching Japanese students and Trafford Youth for Christ support young people on our doorstep.

Church members also help with Betel Trust, Barnabas homeless ministry, Thai Outreach UK and other missions.

Church members are updated through the monthly mission updates with a weekly mission prayer in most services and on the intercessions page on the church website. There’s a Mission Display in the church foyer (please look!), and a dedicated page on our website for mission.

We’ve welcomed the visits of Chrissy from the Philippines, Tim and Miho talking about their Japanese ministry, and Sue and Simon from Canada.

The Mission Group meets regularly to learn, pray and think how to support our Mission Partners better. ‘The fields are ripe unto harvest, but the labourers are few!’ Matthew 9:37. May we keep looking outwards, sharing the message of hope!

COME FLY WITH ME

WRITTEN BY FIONA PALMER

We have had an exciting twelve months at Come Fly With Me. We met on Zoom on the first Thursday evening of each month during term time. Using Zoom continues to enable many more people to join than might be able to commit to an in person meeting and the numbers attending have remained very encouraging. Being on Zoom we have welcomed various folk from all four services at St Mary’s and also from other churches.

The aim of the evenings is always for folk to grow in confidence in hearing from God. At each meeting we started by worshipping the Lord together, we then listened to a short teaching slot with a different theme each month. This was always followed by breakout groups where, with an experienced leader and in a safe environment, we practiced some aspect of

listening for words of knowledge for each other or different situations. At feedback we heard of some amazing words that were so accurate the recipient could not doubt that the Lord was speaking to them through a member of their group. The Lord has also released new gifts in folk throughout the year, with people hearing from God in completely new ways.

Everyone is most welcome at Come Fly With Me. If you would you like to grow in the gift of the prophetic please come and join us for an evening: each session stands alone and there is no commitment or need to sign up. If you are not too sure about it, you could come and observe and weigh it up for yourself to see if this is an experience and opportunity in prophetic prayer of which you would like to become part. Please do come and be blessed…

HEARTBEAT CAFE

WRITTEN BY CATHY SNOWDON

The Heartbeat Café has welcomed both regular and new customers back now that Covid restrictions are fully lifted. It has been particularly encouraging to meet new people whether they come for the food or possibly needing a listening ear.

Caterpillars parent and toddler group brings in young parents, and their children often enjoy the “Child’s Packed Lunch Bag”. Loyalty cards were offered to encourage new parents into the café. Occasionally Butterflies also use the café area.

It’s been lovely to see the return of Pictor School pupils enjoying their toast and drink with their teachers. We have also been visited by pupils and staff from Manor High College, more cake was needed on those days!

The monthly afternoon teas have been proving to be popular with bookings taken for future dates. The introduction of our “Kindness Coffee” board has been well received. It gives customers the opportunity to bless others by gifting or enjoying a drink bought by someone else thinking of them.

In November the Café opened during the Christmas Tabletop Sale and it was very well attended. The fantastic volunteers

The committed, loyal, hard working team of volunteers

----- Start of picture text -----
The Kindness Coffee board ready for action
----- End of picture text -----

worked all morning serving a slightly limited menu, but nevertheless still popular. The conversation group have practised their English language ordering drinks on Thursday mornings for a number of weeks. It has been great to be a part of that outreach, so much so we now have a volunteer from that group!

have been amazing, each bringing their own skills and talents. We enjoyed a Summer afternoon tea and New Year get together as a thank you to them. New volunteers are always welcome.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE, ASHTON-ON-MERSEY WITH SALE WEST COMMUNITY CHURCH, CHURCH OF ENGLAND DIOCESE OF CHESTER

Registered Charity No. 1133105

Year ended 31 December 2022

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Under charity law, the trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements for each financial year which properly present the state of affairs of the charity and of the excess of income over expenditure for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, generally accepted accounting practice entails that the trustees:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether the financial statements comply with the trust deed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its activities.

The trustees are required to act in accordance with the trust deed of the charity, within the framework of trust law. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, sufficient to disclose at any time, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the charity at that time, and to enable the trustees to ensure that, where any statements of accounts are prepared by them under section 132(1) of the Charities Act 2011, as amended by the Charities Act 2022, those statements of accounts comply with the requirements of regulations under that provision. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of the PCC

Revd Stephen Rankin

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARY MAGDALENE, ASHTON-ON-MERSEY WITH SALE WEST COMMUNITY CHURCH

Year ended 31 December 2022

I report to the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 December 2022 set out on pages 19 to 26 .

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mrs Susan Suchoparek FCA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2022

There were no restricted funds in 2022.

Note INCOMING RESOURCES 2 Voluntary income (direct giving) Other voluntary income Gross income from events and activities Other ordinary income Income from trading Income from investment Other income 4 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED 3 Grants Support costs Directly relating to the work of the church Fund raising and publicity Church management/administration TOTAL RESOURCES USED Net incoming resources before gains/(losses) on investments Net gain/(losses) on investments: - Transfer of investment (see note 9) - Release of endowment (see note 9) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Balances brought forward at 1 January Transfer between funds Balances carried forward at 31 December	TOTAL 2022 TOTAL 2021 288,893 272,480 2,634 4,158 138,573 133,232 10,316 10,571 41,542 28,226 971 27 347 7,806
	£483,276 £456,500 35,005 39,112 40,088 26,588 368,836 302,265 295 107 61,589 60,194
	£505,812 £428,266 -22,536 28,234 - - 131,420 -131,420
	-£22,536 £28,234 £606,659 578,425 - -
	£584,123 £606,659

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets 5 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year 8 NET CURRENT ASSETS 6 NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted 9 Restricted 10	2022 £ 2021 £ 437,128 437,128
	£437,128 £437,128 7,543 5,904 74,820 73,849 66,304 90,946
	£148,667 £170,699 -1,672 -1,168
	£146,995 £169,531
	£584,123 £606,659
	584,123 606,659 - -
	£584,123 £606,659

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 23rd March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

The Revd Stephen Rankin (Chairman) Ms Lorna Hitchin (Vice Chair)

The notes on pages 22-26 form part of these accounts

CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2022

ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash flows from operating activities Deficit/(Surplus) for the year Adjustments for: Interest receivable and similar income Interest payable and similar charges Increase/decrease in other debtors Decrease/increase in other creditors Net cash from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Net cash from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities (Interest paid) Net cash from financing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December Cash at bank and in hand Short term deposits Total cash and cash equivalents	2022 £ 2021 £ -22,536 28,234 -971 -27 - - -1640 821 +504 -391
	-£24,643 £28,637 971 27
	£971 £27 - -
	- - -23,672 28,664 164,795 136,131
	£141,123 £164,795
	2022 £ 2021 £ 66,303 90,946 74,820 73,849
	£141,123 £164,795

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2022

NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations together with Charities Statement of Recommended Practice Financial Reporting Standards 102 (SORP FRS102).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

Income from investment - Dividends and interest are accounted for when due. Tax recoverable on such income is accrued for on the same basis.

Investment gains and losses - Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Application of Resources

Funds

Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC.

The purpose of any restricted funds is noted in the accounts.

The accounts include transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe an affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Incoming Resources

Grants - Grants and donations are accounted for when paid.

Fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(c) of the Charities Act 1993.

No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be an inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off.

Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections are recognised when made.

Amounts receivable under covenant are recognised only when honoured by the covenanter.

Income tax recoverable on covenanted or gift aid donations is recognised when claimable.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its entitlement and the likely amount due.

Other land and buildings - Other land and buildings held on behalf of the PCC for its own purposes is valued at cost. No depreciation is charged against such properties but any expenditure on maintenance or minor improvement is written off as incurred. Improvement expenditure in excess of £40,000 is capitalised.

Other fixtures, fitting and office equipment - Individual items with a purchase price of £5,000 or less are written off in the period in which the asset is acquired. Equipment with a purchase price of more than £5,000 is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years.

Funds raised by events are accounted for gross.

Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.

Other ordinary income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is accounted for when earned.

Parochial fees due to the PCC for weddings, funerals etc are accounted for on an event by event basis.

Current assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less any provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the Central Board of Finance or at the bank.

NOTE 2 - INCOMING RESOURCES

There were no restricted funds in 2022

2(a) Voluntary income (direct giving) Planned giving Income tax recovered on Gift Aid Giving received gross of Income Tax Collections (open plate) other than planned giving 2(b) Other voluntary income Fund raising income Donations, appeals Legacies Grants received 2(c) Gross income from events and activities Lunch Fellowship Church Bookstalls Pre-School Group Flower Fund Social Fund Café Caterpillars Off Limits 2(d) Other ordinary income Service fees Administration service charges VAT recovered Rent received Other income 2(e) Income from trading Church Centre lettings 2(f) Income from investment Interest received 2(g) Other income Job Retention Scheme TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES	Total 2022 £ Total 2021 £ 218,547 204,879 48,161 45,604 13,535 17,150 8,649 4,847
	288,893 272,480
	836 1 812 658 - - 986 3,499
	2,634 4,158
	- - 26 - 125,697 129,782 125 - 585 595 10,062 2,456 1,370 355 708 44
	138,573 133,232
	2,716 2,353 400 400 - 888 7,200 6,430 - 500
	10,316 10,571
	41,542 28,226
	41,542 28,226
	971 27
	971 27
	347 7,806

	£483,276 £456,500

NOTE 3 - RESOURCES USED

There were no restricted funds in 2022

There were no restricted funds in 2022
3(a) Grants Overseas missionary societies Overseas relief and development agencies Home missions and other church societies Secular charities 3(b) Support costs Parish training and mission Junior Church/Youth Children’s Pastor Youth Pastor Equip Interns 3(c) Directly relating to the work of the Church Parish Share Clergy expenses Clergy housing costs Church & Services costs Church Utilities Church Centre running costs Church Bookstalls costs Lunch Fellowship costs Pre-School Group costs Social Fund costs Flower Fund costs Café costs Off Limits costs Caterpillars costs Administration Major repairs 3(d) Fund raising and publicity Cost of stewardship/fundraising 3(e) Church management and administration Secretarial/administration salaries Employer pension costs Professional Fees	TOTAL 2022 £ TOTAL 2021 £ 12,300 13,400 3,263 1,900 11,651 11,788 7,791 12,024
	35,005 39,112
	2,930 424 2,542 2,454 23,454 21,725 10,290 1,782 873 203
	40,088 26,588
	132,367 108,960 2,579 2,132 8,230 6,516 13,356 13,658 6,508 4,331 21,862 19,582 - - - - 129,564 121,764 501 339 56 - 10,807 5,521 - 44 1,115 474 6,571 6,163 35,322 12,781
	368,836 302,265
	295 107
	295 107
	59,964 58,759 1,625 1,435 - -
	61,589 60,194

£505,812 £428,266

TOTAL RESOURCES USED

NOTE 4 - STAFF COSTS

Wages, Salaries, National Insurance and Pensions	2022 £ 198,165	2021 £ 174,551

During the year the PCC employed a Children’s Pastor, Youth Worker, Pre-School Group Manager and Assistants, Café Manager, Head of Operations, Parish Finance Officer, two Receptionist & Parish Administrators and two Cleaners, none of whom earned £60,000 p.a. or more. Procedures set out in our Conflicts of Interest Policy have been followed in any matter involving a related party to a trustee.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim February This is shown under “Other Income”	2022 £ 2021 £ 347 7,806

NOTE 5 - FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC

Freehold land and buildings – balance at	31	December	2022 £ 437,128	2021 £ 437,128

The freehold land and buildings as at 31 December 2022 comprise the houses located at 23 Rydal Avenue, Sale, and 109 Ascot Avenue, Sale.

NOTE 6 - ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

	Unrestricted	Restricted		Total
	Funds £	Funds £		£
Fixed Assets	437,128		-	437,128
Current assets	146,995		-	146,995
Fund balance	£584,123		-	£584,123

NOTE 7 - DEBTORS

2022	2021
£	£
7,543	5,904

Debtors

NOTE 8 - LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

OTE 10 - RESTRICTED FUNDS Balance brought forward at 1 January Income in year Resources used in year Balance carried forward at 31 December Balance brought forward at 1 January (Deficit)/surplus in year Transfer from restricted Balance carried forward at 31 December OTE 9 - UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Accruals Accrued Income Accrued Agency		2022 £ 2021 £ - 185 - - 1,672 983
		1,672 1,168
		2022 £ 2021 £ - 6,573 - - - 6,573 - £0 2022 £ 2021 £ 606,659 571,852 -22,536 34,807 - - £584,123 £606,659

NOTE 9 - UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

NOTE 10 - RESTRICTED FUNDS

There were no restricted funds in 2022. The restricted fund in 2021 was closed that year.

NOTE 11 - LINKED CHARITY

The PCC is the trustee of an unregistered charity called the All Saints Church of England School, known as the Glebelands Trust. The charity owns a piece of land and property on Glebelands Road Sale which is rented out. Net income is applied at the discretion of the PCC. Total reserves as at 31 December 2022 were £139,077 (£146,996 at 31 December 2021). The PCC as Treasurer of the Glebelands Trust made a donation of £40,000 to the Butterflies Pre-School Group during the year.

To find out more about St Mary’s and Sale West Community Church, find us online:

stmarysaom.org @stmarysaom

To speak to a member of our team:

CHURCH OFFICE:

Telephone: 0161 291 9283 General enquiries: office@stmarysaom.org Finance enquiries: finance@stmarysaom.org

STAFF:

Vicar:

Steve Rankin, 0161 973 5118 | srankin@stmarysaom.org

Church Plant Associate Vicar:

Nathan Gregory, 0161 425 6796 | nathan.gregory@stmarysaom.org

Head of Operations:

Emma Atkinson, 0161 291 9283 | operations@stmarysaom.org

Children’s Pastor :

Julie Loynd, 07579805797 | childrens.pastor@stmarysaom.org

Youth Worker :

Alex Stewart, 07883 383 063 | youth.pastor@stmarysaom.org

Sale West Children and Families Workers:

Carol Dodgson, 07579805623 | caroldodgsonsalewest@gmail.com Shauna Hancock, 07579782880 | shaunasalewest@gmail.com

Treasurer:

Brian Macfaden, 0161 962 0375 | treasurer@stmarysaom.org