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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Mary Magdalene, Ashton Upon Mersey

2024-12-31-accounts

St Mary Magdalene wlth Sale West Community Church 202 ANNUAL REPORT REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1133105

ANNUAL REPORTS (pages 4-13)

REPORTS (pages 4-13)
Vicar’s Report 4
PCC Report 7
Warden’s Report 8
Financial Report 10
Mission Giving Report 11
Safeguarding Report 12
Deanery Synod Report 13

MINISTRIES AND MISSION (pages 14-23)

Church Planting 14 Children, Youth & Families 16 0-4’s 17 Children 18 Youth 19 Sale West Community Ministries 20 Care Team 21 Connections 21 Mission Partners 22 Discipleship Communities 22 English Classes 23

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (pages 24-33)

Statement of Responsibilities 24 Examiner’s Report 25 Statement of Financial Activities 26 Balance Sheet 27 Cash Flow 28 Notes on Financial Statements 29

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WRITTEN BY REVD. NATHAN GREGORY

VICAR’S REPORT

Do we believe that Jesus and his gospel has the power to change and transform lives?

‘For I am not the least bit embarrassed about the gospel. I won’t shy away from it, because it is God’s power to save every person who believes: first the Jew, and then the non-Jew. You see, in the good news, God’s restorative justice is revealed. And as we will see, it begins with and ends in faith. As the Scripture declares, “By faith the just will obtain life.”’ (The Voice)

I do, and hopefully you do to.

It is why we exist; it is why the church is here. But it is good to remind ourselves of that because that truth shapes everything you are about to read in the reports in the following pages. You will read about some wonderful things that are happening within the life of our church, and even then this document won’t capture everything that you are doing in response to that truth that Jesus changes lives. So from the outset can I say thank you for being part of this family, and for what you have, and are continuing to, contribute to St Mary’s. It can’t happen without you.

St Mary’s & Sale West has, for a long time, been a place that has not been ashamed of the gospel but instead has recognised the power of it. If I am honest, I can’t say that I have always been in a place to be able to say that ‘I am not the least bit embarrassed about the gospel’. There have been times when I have been embarrassed, where I have shied away from presenting Jesus to others. I’m not proud of that. In those times I have always been grateful to be part of churches that have helped to encourage me, refocused me and helped me regain confidence. St Mary’s & Sale West is such a place that helps to keep that focus.

Do we believe that Jesus and his gospel has the power to change and transform lives?

The reason I started with that question is because we can easily become so focussed on what it is we are doing that we forget why we do it. So, as you read about everything that is happening please hold onto the why: We believe that Jesus changes and transforms lives, he has with ours, he is continuing to do so, and will continue to in the future. That is why we do what we do.

In 2024 we celebrated 150 years of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Ashton upon Mersey! It gave us opportunity to look back with thanksgiving for the people who have gone before us: those who did not shy away from talking about Jesus and demonstrating his love, those who may have been known to us personally, and those who were before our time. The fact that we have a church that is active and vibrant today is not something we can or should take for granted. P There are many churches in our nation whose story is different and whose buildings are now used for different purposes. So it was with great thankfulness that we celebrated those who have gone before us, who stood firm and did not shy away.

Romans 1:16-17 says, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”’ (NIV)

I read these verses in the ‘The Voice’ translation of the Bible; it is not a translation I would usually use but reading these familiar verses in a different translation challenged me...

Celebrations for our 150th Anniversary

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Amongst those 150th anniversary celebrations

we talked about, and have made significant changes in order that we continue to be a church that does not ‘shy away’ from the gospel and so that we can reach more people with the good news of Jesus which is the power to save every person who believes. Two areas we particularly focused on (and will continue to) are investing in children, youth and families, and investing in church planting. They are what we believe God has called us to give attention to in this season. So through 2024 we began to put in place people and structures that would enable us to build capacity to grow in these areas.

but releasing them to build capacity in this area has been a joy to be part of.

Another example of how we have built capacity to reach more people is through investment in Children, Church Planting Youth and Families. At the last and Children, Youth APCM Julie had started her new and Family ministry... role as Children, Youth & are what we believe Families Director, but the team God has called us to wasn’t complete. We had Janet, give attention to in who continues to lead the this season. ministry with 0-4s and their families, but I was still leading the youth work (not ideal!!) and Julie was still doing her old role as Children’s Pastor whilst trying to shape her new role. In the course of the last year Yona joined the team, focusing on Junior Church and our work with St Mary’s School, and not long afterwards Dave started as our Youth Worker.

One example is that I am writing this report rather than Steve. At the beginning of 2024 Steve and I swapped roles. Steve remains the legal incumbent but we wanted to release him, with his gifts, skills, passions and experience, to focus on the significant area of mission and ministry that is church planting whilst I oversee the day to day running of St Mary’s. It has been a real joy to see how much God has done in the last year in our three church plants/new worshipping communities, all at different stages but all moving forward to reach more people with the life transforming good news of Jesus.

The purpose of creating a children and youth team of four people (mix of part and full time) is to enable us to increase the impact we have and reach more children, young people and their families with the life transforming news of Jesus. We have shared, discussed and prayed about the national picture of decline in the number of children being in a place to hear the good news of Jesus and attend church, and we had to acknowledge that the church has perhaps become embarrassed by the gospel and shied

At the start of 2024 we had our “28. « ~~ 4 Ss ™~, first Myriad Hub Gathering. Steve PRS: OMS and Outi are journeying , Kas. aio aS = het alongside ten churches as we seek to bless others and it was ees, ~=S vi, a privilege for me to observe from the sidelines the ways in which we are able to The Children, Youth & Family Team being commissioned by Nathan and Bishop Sam resource, refresh

away from it. So we have increased the youth worker role from part time to full time to build capacity to reach out to older youth and to make and build connections with local secondary schools. Yona was brought into the team to release Julie to be able to shape and steer

the vision for our children and youth ministries, to shape the team, to reach out to families, and to build new relationships with primary schools we don’t yet have contact with.

and equip other churches, through our involvement with Myriad, as they seek to plant new worshipping communities in their own contexts. This has been something that we as a church have sacrificially given to God in order to bless the wider church. It has been sacrificial because we know that the teams planting our own new worshipping communities could, and have, offered so much to the life of St Mary’s,

Both Church Planting and our investment in Children, Youth and Families acknowledge the fact that we are long passed the time where we can expect people to just turn up to church;

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instead we have to go and meet people where they are and take the good news of Jesus to them. We have to be more intentional in the way we do that, not just through planned church programs but in our everyday, day to day life.

A highlight of the year for me was our week of mission with the Anglican Youth Fellowship team from Uganda. During the course of the week they were able to share the good news of Jesus with about 1,000 people, most of whom probably wouldn’t encounter it otherwise, through schools visits, taking part in local community groups and the packed concert in our building. Thank you again to those who enabled this to happen.

As my word count runs out I would like us to be thinking about what our personal contribution is to sharing the power of the gospel that transforms lives in the coming year. Firstly, to reflect on the verse from Romans above and ask “what am I doing?”. As followers of Jesus it is the responsibility of all of us to make Jesus known. So, I would be really keen for you to email me about how you think we, as the church, can equip, resource, and encourage you to do this better in the places God has called you.

regular expenditure which is obviously something that cannot be maintained. The money we have for our mission and ministry comes from each and every one of us, please do earnestly pray and consider whether you are able to give regularly or increase your giving to the mission and ministry of our church.

And thirdly, prayer is absolutely vital; it is how we stay in step with the Spirit, where we draw our courage, strength and wisdom from. In the last year we have focused more on our corporate prayer life and praying for the mission of the church. Please continue to pray for all God is doing in and through St Mary’s, and for our wider communities as we seek transformation in the lives around us. Spending more time in conversation with your loving heavenly father is something you will never regret.

Nathan Gregory nathan.gregory@stmarysaom.org

Secondly, let’s ask “what am I giving towards the mission?”. As we build capacity to reach more people with the life transforming news of Jesus we need to also build our financial capacity. Currently we have a gap of around £60,000 between our regular giving and our

(photos clockwise) The Anglican Youth Fellowship Band meeting our young people at

FUEL:Fridays, ready for their packed-out concert, performing in the 9.30am Service

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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
Incumbent
Associate Vicar
Head of Operations (co-opted)
Readers
Pastoral Workers
Wardens
Deanery Synod
Elected members		 Name
Revd Steve Rankin
Revd Nathan Gregory
Emma Atkinson
Brian Macfaden
Outi Rankin
Mags Holt
Karen MacMillan
Ann McBurney
Yorke Menzies
John Vaughan
Dave Atkinson
Avtar Diggwa
Matthew Kay
Jeff McBurney
Rosemary Sigee
Ian Thwaites
Ada Adiuku-Brown
Rotimi Bajela		 Office held
BM
Chair, S, F
PCC Secretary, HR, BM, P
PCC Treasurer, S, F
P
S, F
S, F
S, F
F, P
HR
M
Jeremy Barnes F
Janet Darlow
Joan Heys Assistant Treasurer, F, BM
Frances Hyde M
Helen Jarvis Vice Chair, S, F
Elaine Jones HR, P
Claire Nathan
Barbara Shimmings
John Vincent
Co-Opted Committee Members Maureen Cain BM
Barbara Harper HR
Sarah Kostiuk-Smith BM

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

PCC MEETINGS

9 PCC meetings took place during 2024. The APCM took place in April and was held in-person. Items discussed at the PCC meetings included:

STAFFING

The PCC employs a Head of Operations, Receptionist & Parish Administrator, Data Administrator, Parish Finance Officer, Children, Youth & Families Director, 0-4’s Worker, Children’s Worker, Youth Worker, Café Manager, Church Centre Caretaker, Saturday Cleaner, and six staff to run the Pre-School Group ‘Butterflies’. Two vergers are also included on the payroll on a zero-hours basis.

ELECTORAL ROLL

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The number on the electoral roll at the 2024 APCM in April was 409

WARDEN’S REPORT

WRITTEN BY JOHN VAUGHAN & YORKE MENZIES

A Year of Growth and Celebration

2024 has, as ever, been a year of growth and development but this time with a 150th anniversary thrown in for good measure. The key changes of the development of new worshipping communities and the investment in children and youth ministry will be considered in more detail by others, but we note them here to evidence the dynamic nature of our congregations.

Services

The pattern of three services each Sunday continues, each offering something different to their congregations. The 9.30 service averages around 120 people with approximately 75 at the 11.15 and 30-40 at the 7pm. The wardens want to record their thanks for those who operate the tech desks and act as worship leaders. We give

thanks too for Steve, Nathan and Anees and a r p the sound teaching that they, and those = others who YD its,“" Po ow preach, offer us each week. The ~ 4 enthusiasm and a, s JS4 dedication of > ; Wa 4 our children » 6) o*. >a,. ay q and youth og ¥?aeé uf leaders and volunteers are an inspiration, A packed out Christmas Service and we pray for a significant increase in youth participation and engagement. Another pattern of three was the annual Christingle. As previously, Christmas Eve saw three Christingle services. This year we experimented with having one which was not ticketed which seemed a successful idea. Close to 1,000 people came through the doors over Christmas to join in worship and admire the wonderfully decorated church.

Celebrating Milestones

Last year, St Mary’s celebrated the 150th anniversary of its consecration on 25th March, and we decided to hold a ‘Season of Celebration’ to mark the occasion. A timeline was set up in church, and we would like to thank

everyone who contributed pictures and written messages. Special thanks also go to Barbara Shimmings, who produced an informative and engaging quiz to help us discover more about the church building.

The celebrations started by serving commemorative cakes at all services held on Palm Sunday. The next major event was a BBQ with a bouncy castle and family games on 4th May. Thank you to the McIlhaggers for their enthusiasm and impeccable organisational skills and vision to make it such an inclusive and fun occasion. The weather was kind, and it was lovely to welcome so many familiar and new faces.

The celebrations continued inside with a joint worship event led by John Vincent. Revd Graeme Skinner kindly returned to deliver the address and shared one of his prayers for the church. There was much flag waving and singing, and it was a memorable and joyous afternoon.

In July, Graham Fosh and the Swing and Swing Again Band entertained us with an uplifting and stylish performance, and once again we celebrated with cake, in true St Mary’s fashion. Bishop Sam preached at both morning services on 15th September and brought our celebrations to a close.

Revd Graeme and Philippa Skinner with us for our 150th Celebrations

Fabric

We are blessed in that the people who designed and built our church knew their trade but after 150 years it shows sign of wear and tear. A substantial sum has been spent this year on external works. These have only recently been completed. There is very little visible to show for this but what has been done should future proof the stonework and guttering for the next decade at least. A second large project was the renewal

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of tarmac at the rear of the hall for use by Butterflies. Those are large projects but there are many smaller ones that are undertaken on a weekly basis by the maintenance team. Thanks are due to Norman, Alec and Phil. Alec has this year decided to retire from the role. We give thanks for his faithful service and pray a blessing on him as he moves into new roles. We also thank those who work every Friday keeping the grounds neat and tidy and ensuring that we have colour in the flower beds. The church does not clean itself and a small group of committed people work to ensure that it is clean and tidy, that the brasses shine, and that flowers evidence God’s glory. Bless you all.

Reflecting on God's Faithfulness

Our focus on developing new worshipping communities and investing in children and youth ministry has been a pivotal aspect of our growth. These initiatives are not just additions to our activities; they are the core of our mission to foster a nurturing environment for future generations of new Christians. God has provided us with so many willing to serve our community and as a result the church and church centre are often busy with a variety of groups such as Sale West Community craft groups, Connections which meets monthly, and the weekly English lessons as well as a number of small groups who all benefit from our facilities.

Gratitude to the Team

The wardens want to thank the sidespersons and assistant wardens, and those on the refreshments rota, who so generously give up their time so that our services and events can take place and our church family, friends, and visitors be welcomed. We can never underestimate the importance of a smile, a warm welcome, and an encouraging word. Thank you to our hardworking team who so selflessly serve God in this important ministry. David Kellett, after many years, has retired from his role. David has been a rock to the current and many previous wardens; cheerful and dependable and a safe pair of hands. Thank you David.

How blessed we were to be able to reminisce and reflect on our church’s history, God’s faithfulness and provision, and St Martin’s obedience to God’s call to plant a church on what were once rhubarb fields. We look forward to the future as we work to ensure we have a healthy, vibrant church that continues to be a faithful witness to Jesus in the next generations.

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FINANCIAL REPORT WRITTEN BY BRIAN MACFADEN

FINANCIAL REPORT

At the start of 2024 the PCC again agreed a budget with a substantial deficit as we continued to develop church planting and significantly extend our children and youth work.

During the year we received a grant of £60,000 from St Michael le Belfrey Church York Northern Church Planting Fund which will support church planting for the next three years. We also received a grant of £61,000 from the Glebelands Trust which covered the costs of major stonework repairs and other major maintenance. As a result in 2024 our income exceeded our expenditure by £11,246. At 31st December 2024 we held cash at the bank, including short term deposits, of £205,934. Of that £148,641 is unrestricted and £57,293 is deferred income from the church planting grant.

We give thanks to God for His ongoing provision for his work in Sale and support for missions around the world. We also thank the many people who support His work.

At the same time we recognise that the two grants totalling £121,000 and legacies of £25,530 are one off income and without these we would have had a deficit of £78,000.

COMPARISON TO 2023

Most of the giving we receive comes through regular standing orders and stewardship envelopes, and we saw a 4.0% increase from last year (£314,171 in 2024 vs £ 302,037 in 2023). This was greater than inflation of 2.5% over the past 12 months. We also received £17,001 in one-off donations (£15,059 in 2023). 12 people started donating regularly to our work during the year, and this financial growth is enabling us to continue growing our work.

England. Church planting will be mostly funded by the grant received in 2024, but a significant increase in giving is needed to be able to sustain our current children and youth investment. We trust that our congregations will respond to this vision.

We approach the challenges and opportunities of 2025 with confidence in God’s continuing provision and your support.

RESERVES

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

The PCC has a policy to maintain approximately 3 months of regular expenditure in our reserves. At the end of 2024 our reserves were 2.8 months of regular expenditure (3.0 months at the end of 2023). This is a satisfactory level, but if our balance were to decrease below this level it would begin to impact our day to day operations.

The trustees are confident that, with continuing regular income from church members, there are sufficient reserves to support ongoing commitments for at least twelve months from the date of approval of these accounts.

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.

Butterflies Pre-School Group had a deficit of £7,330 (deficit of £18,145 in 2023), primarily due to lower numbers than expected in the Autumn Term. The surplus or deficit varies year by year depending on the number of children attending.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025

In 2025 the PCC have again approved a budget with a large deficit of £63,000 to continue to invest in church planting, and children and youth, key priorities across the Church of

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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 £31,044, 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 2024.

OVERSEAS MISSIONS
Church Mission Society £600
Tim & Miho Walker - Overseas Missionary Fellowship £1,800
Simon and Sue Yeomans - Operation Mobilisation £4,600
Open Doors £1,600
Philippines Outreach Centre £2,600
Hope for Justice £1,600
Simon & Amelie Latham – Mercy Ships £3,500
Acts - Education in Africa - Burundi School £2,000
David & Mary Robinson - Thai ministry £700
Dan and Rachel King - Wycliffe Bible Translators £700
A Rocha – Christian conservation £100
FEBA (Arab world gospel radio) £100
Tearfund (Relief & development work) £100
Anglican Youth Fellowship Choir Uganda £964
UK MISSIONS
Boaz Trust £1,800
Trafford Youth for Christ £4,200
New Wine £500
Bible Society £1,400
Church Pastoral Aid Society £1,200
Universities & Colleges Christian Fellowship £400
Trafford South Foodbank £400
Churches Together in Sale £30
Evangelical Alliance £150
From the Christmas Fair we also donated:
Simon & Amelie Latham – Mercy Ships £1,059
Acts - Education in Africa - Burundi School £507
Boaz Trust £792
Trafford Youth for Christ £882
Open Doors £158
Home for Good £736
Sale West Community Urban Trust £308

We also gave a grant of £10,600 to Sale West Community Urban Trust.

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SAFEGUARDING REPORT WRITTEN BY MAUREEN CAIN

Our growing church

Our church community of St Mary Magdalene and Sale West continues to grow and build new communities particularly with the introduction of Church Plants in our district. This growth of church ministry, involving new members and reviving existing groups, provides a need for extending our reach to include all new leaders and ensure their knowledge and understanding is consistent with our message and our practice.

These sessions have proved invaluable in both raising awareness of the reach of Safeguarding in our church community and the sharing of a common vocabulary which helps to provide increased knowledge and understanding. All advice from these events has been discussed at Safeguarding meetings and fully implemented. The Safeguarding team meets bi-monthly with representation from church leaders and lay

We continue to follow the guidance and documentation issued by the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy from the House of Bishops and comply with the requirements imposed under section 5A of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. Administrative responsibilities associated with DBS procedures, training and development organisation and oversight of the Parish Dashboard etc. are fully undertaken by members of the church office. Training events and on-line modules are attended and disseminated from in-house and Diocesan providers.

members.

Monthly reports compiled by the Parish Safeguarding Officer are presented to the PCC with updates on training and appropriate guidance for implementation of policies. We continue to offer support, guidance and advice within our capabilities and capacity with dedicated phone numbers and email addresses to ensure safe and confidential communications for all.

An overview of training and development received in the last three years is shown here;

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Maureen Cain 07539 849 698 safeguarding@stmarysaom.org

Chester Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser

07704 338885 (available during office hours) safeguarding@chester.anglican.org

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DEANERY SYNOD REPORT WRITTEN BY JEFF MCBURNEY

with those families through all stages of life. We also discussed the CofE Growing Faith initiative which aims to put children, young people and families at the heart of our ministry.

The Deanery Synod meets three times a year in different Churches and gives an opportunity for members of different parts of the Deanery to share local news and events from their parishes and to hear reports from the wider Church. The meetings have four parts. 1. Refreshments as people arrive give an opportunity for general catch up. 2. A short service of worship led by the clergy of the host parish. 3. An address, usually by an external speaker, with an opportunity for questions and discussion. 4. A business meeting with previous minutes, reports, including any available reports from Diocesan or General Synods, and an update on news from parishes.

The meeting on 11 February 2025 was held at St Anne’s Church, Sale Moor and the talk was from Nadene Wright, Diocesan Racial Justice Officer. Nadene’s talk was about how to breakdown cultural barriers, where culture meant the ideas, customs and social behaviour of places and people. We then discussed the barriers, such as language, costume for women and social actions (e.g. shake hands or hug when you meet), which may stop us from connecting. There may be unconscious bias, or we may prefer to be with like people. We may be fearful of being rejected, causing offence or losing our own culture. We need to be aware of cultural norms and pray for God's love and Spirit to guide us.

The meeting on 23 May 2024 was held at St Mary’s Church, Partington and the talk was given by Revd. Peter Froggatt, the Diocesan Director of Outreach, along with Jon Pocock, Diocesan Strategic Program Director. Peter addressed the meeting summarising the new Diocesan Vision and encouraged our initial feedback.

We also had a report on a recent mission to Pakistan led by Revd. Daud Gill of St Albans, Timperley.

Peter leads the Department for Outreach and associated team to support mission in the diocese, and thus now works closely with Jon and the emerging Strategy to implement the Diocesan Vision. Peter stressed how we must remember that all the various roles we play and contributions we make in our church or parish are all vital to achieving this vision. Emerging from the Vision, the Strategy process has commenced with the aim of encouraging and helping us in all churches across Chester Diocese to be more effective in our mission, reaching new people and places with the good news of Jesus.

The Deanery Synod also receives reports from General Synod and from the Diocesan Synod meetings that have taken place. The Rural Dean provides information about the deanery including clergy changes, events around the Deanery and other Deanery news.

The Deanery Synod finances are reported at each meeting. This year the Deanery have purchased a sound system for outdoor use which can be borrowed by Churches.

The meeting on 10 October 2024 was held at St Alban’s Church, Broadheath and was an open meeting to which all those in Bowden Deanery who work with children and youth were invited. The Diocesan Family, Children and Youth Adviser, Katy Herrera facilitated a session where she presented the five ambitions within the Love Matters report from the Archbishops Commission. She then posed questions for discussion. Synod members sat around tables to enable this discussion and thoughts from the various groups were passed back to Katy. Amongst other things we looked at what we might know about the families living in our Parishes and how we might build relationships

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CHURCH PLANTING WRITTEN BY STEVE RANKIN worship (warden, verger, organist, reader, prayer leader, vicar, sidesperson) that there's barely anyone there who isn't there because they're on a rota. CofE average weekly attendance in 2019 was 854,000. By 2022 this had are we here for? fallen to 654,000. Of that 654,00 only 157,000 of these were under 18 (24%) & Great 350,000 were over 70 (53%). §}) Commission In 2019 the CofE baptised & 9% of children, married 17% : Great of couples getting married, Commandment and taking funerals of 25% of those who die. Each of these is down 30-40% over the last 10 years. Gathered v Sent is about how a church approaches MISSION The Gathered Church model which historically provided a fringe of seekers within the church is no longer present. The focus of outreach has shifted to the Sent Church part of the model. Our Response – then and now In our area the arrival of the railway in 1849 led to a population boom (In 1851 there were 1,700

Our Mission – what are we here for? Why do we exist?

Our mission is to be a growing church – this is shaped by our understanding of the great commission to make disciples and the great commandment to be a community marked by love.

The Great Commandment is shown within the ‘Gathered Church’ – there is an inward focus to care, nurture and disciple existing believers.

The Great Commission is revealed in the ‘Sent Church’ – there is an outward focus to proclaim and demonstrate God’s Kingdom, giving regular opportunities for people to come to faith.

Our Values – why we do what we do The core things that shape us as a church – the seeds that are planted deep within us from which our actions grow. Each of our existing congregations has an intentional mission with a worship style that is appropriate to that mission. We seek opportunities to extend our boundaries further through congregational or church planting.

Our Response – then and now In our area the arrival of the railway in 1849 led to a population boom (In 1851 there were 1,700 people in the greater Sale area. By 1901 there

were 12,000 and in 2021 there were 55,000 folks.)

Our Situation – a snapshot of the challenge

The missional response of the Church of England in the late 19th and early 20th century was to build church buildings. The Sent Church response meant church buildings that would Gather believers & seekers alike.

Less than 8% of people now go to church in the UK. Less than 1.6% go to Anglican churches regularly. In 2019, around half (8,000) of all UK Anglican churches had 26 adults and 2 children or fewer on a Sunday.

So, 5 churches were built over 50 years (at a cost of over a million pounds per church in today’s money). St Anne’s (1854), St John’s Brooklands (1868), St Mary’s (1874), St Paul’s (1883), and St Alban’s (1900).

If you had 26 people to form a Christian presence in a community, you wouldn't start from here. You wouldn't have a listed building which costs thousands to heat and insure. You wouldn't have the protocols for running the church written into law. You wouldn't have so many aspects to Sunday

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The recent Chester diocesan vision consultation

highlighted the 1.5 million people across the diocese that do not yet know Christ. Our bishops’ have spoken about church planting as far and away the most effective form of evangelism. “Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.” (C. Peter Wagner).

A "New Worshipping Community" (NWC) refers to a newly established Christian community, designed to reach people who are not already part of a traditional church setting. It is a fresh expression of the church tailored to a changing culture, often with discussion-based learning, a more informal and relaxed form of worship, in a setting which members of the community find familiar and accessible. New Worshipping Communities best reach new generations, new residents, new people groups and the unchurched.

The Church of England has set an ambitious target of 10,000 NWC’s by 2030. Some key points about NWCs:

There is always a cost involved for the sending church – good and talented people leave existing ministry in established churches to focus on the church plant. Team members at the plant are missing from the main church. There is often a financial impact. Research suggests that this ‘thinning out’ often gives space for new growth in the mother church as new people step into the gaps.

Our Vision – how we go about achieving our mission to be a growing church through church planting

outreach to young families and working in the local school with a 1 to 1 mentoring programme from Transforming Lives Together. We have seen around 8 adults come to faith, 5 adults and 5 children have been baptised. All the adults are engaged in weekly bible study and coming to church regularly with their children. 18 months ago there were fewer that 10 adults and 1 young person – now there is an average of 25 adults and 17 children each week. We start with people where they are and then develop faith.

All Nations has a Core Team of 5 people. Their strategy is to work through small group bible classes and an extensive hospitality ministry. The aim is not to gather all the internationals already at St Mary’s but to have a ‘sent church’ focussed on the unreached international community of Sale. They have recently begun meeting weekly at 9.30am to utilise the existing Junior Church ministry. New people from outside of the church are joining regularly and they have already outgrown their meeting space in Mulberry, growing from 14 people each week to around 25 at present. One man has become a Christian in the last couple of weeks.

Faith Around the Table has a Core Team of 3 people. They have just finished running the 321 course in Jackalope café in Sale on both a Thursday and Sunday morning. Two or three folks want to carry on and look at the I am sayings of Jesus from John’s gospel.

Our role as a Resource Church – how we are supporting mission in the diocese and other churches

Steve Rankin is part of a Diocesan Strategy group looking at rolling out church planting across the diocese. The Sale Myriad Hub is seen as a pilot project that may form part of the diocesan strategy – it is seen as affordable, sustainable, flexible to context and raises up new leaders, energy and vision. Steve is expected to be a key part in any roll out of church planting Hubs across the diocese.

Steve is also now part of wider networks with church planters across the North under the leadership of Mark Powley, the Archbishop’s Mission Enabler for the North.

Sale West Community Church has a Core Team of 4 people, including a full time Children & Families Development worker and a curate. Their strategy is to revitalise the church through

15

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY WRITTEN BY JULIE LOYND New Beginnings

Each spring when the snowdrops come into bloom around the church, I am reminded by one of our church members of their arrival and the beauty of new beginnings. As I think back to this time last year, God was definitely preparing the ground, and I am so thankful to our church family for taking the bold step to invest in and expand our children’s and youth team. It is wonderful to begin to witness how those seeds of faith are starting to grow into new things. Here are just a few of the highlights:

The vision statement for our Children, Youth and Families Ministry

EQUIPPING OTHERS

Children and youth work would not be possible without our team of volunteers who embody what it is to serve and to show Jesus’ love to others. This year we have been able to offer more training to help

16

equip and support them in their roles.

…and all this is only the beginning, there is more to come! We are so thankful for how God has grown this team and ministry over the past year and for all that is to come in 2025. Thank you for your support and for keeping us in your prayers.

“This is only the beginning, there is more to come!”

0-4’S MINISTRY WRITTEN BY JANET MCILHAGGER

This year has been one full of excitement, growth and development in our preschool ministry.

Tiddlers has focussed on the amazing truth that God wants to communicate with each of us and, that no matter our age, He is a kind and wonderful Father that chats with us in a way appropriate to our age or stage in life. We have been thrilled that some of our youngest children have received pictures from Jesus and that parents have spent time encountering Him too. One little girl even delighted in sharing that she knew Jesus loved her because she could feel love bubbles in her tummy when she chatted with Him!

Each Tuesday during term time, Caterpillars has continued to welcome 20-30 families each week for craft, songs, bible stories and snacks! As a team, we have been encouraged by the depth of relationship which we have been able to build with some of them. We have seen adults join the 321 course, try church services as well as asking for prayer for significant life events. It is a real privilege to have such a front-line ministry which welcomes a large number of non church families into our church centre each week.

“Some of our youngest children have received pictures from Jesus and parents have spent time encountering Him too.”

We have run a Parenting for Faith course focussed on parenting babies and toddlers. This was well attended and gave us real opportunity to build relationship with those families. Julie and Janet led a group each which gave time for parents to share their journey with each other in a small setting.

God is so kind. He chooses to have relationship with us. We have been encouraged to see that relationship develop not only with the 0-4 year old children but also their grown ups and the wider community.

Some of our fantastic volunteers helping children at Caterpillars

17

One of our Junior Church children sharing why she loves being part of St Mary’s at our 150th Anniversary Celebration Service

Two of our young people serving on team at our Light Party

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WRITTEN BY YONA OYEGUN-MASADE

JUNIOR CHURCH

What an exciting year it has been at Junior Church! We’ve had the joy of getting to know our amazing God better through His Word. Whether we were exploring His promises, learning about Heroes of the Faith, or discovering Who God Is, our focus has always been on His incredible love for us and the invitation to a close relationship with Him through Christ. We’ve also been building our Bible reading and prayer skills during our sessions, which has been truly enriching.

ST MARY’S SCHOOL

This year, we had the wonderful opportunity to work more closely with the children of St. Mary’s School during our joint events. From Christmas celebrations to Day School Sunday, the children helped reenact the Gospel story from Genesis to the birth of Christ and shared their own stories of God’s goodness. These events have been a beautiful way to see God’s work in their lives.

JUNIOR CHURCH TRAINING

We also dedicated time to enhancing our support skills for children with additional needs. We held a training event where we benefited from Christian resources on neurodiversity provided by Growing Hope and Parenting for Faith. The training highlighted our strengths and offered new strategies to improve even further. The lively discussions and great ideas shared were inspiring. We also nominated four volunteer leaders with prior experience in additional needs to act as champions, supporting other leaders during sessions as needed.

We look forward to another year of growth, learning, and sharing God’s love with our wonderful children!

Children enjoying the craft activities and joining in the fun at the front during our Light Party

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YOUTH MINISTRY

WRITTEN BY DAVE ATKINSON

Over 2024 we have seen the FUEL family grow and adapt with the young people we see each week, and we have taken risks in how we communicate the Gospel and meet with the young people within our reach.

Over the last year we identified that, although we were making waves with the Years 7-9s, there were a whole bunch of older youth who were not being provided for and so, in October,

we set up a FUEL Small Group specifically for GCSE and A- Level students who meet on Sunday evenings. We started by running the 321 Course before Christmas, and then the Alpha Youth Series started in January, and so far we have seen 8 attending and exploring faith together.

Back in January 2024, we decided to invite the youth along to the New Wine Worship Night instead of cancelling our usual program due to the clash of day. That evening became a catalyst for

some of the young people to explore their faith and engage with the Holy Spirit together, some for the first time. This led to 3 of our youth being baptised on mo) Pentecost Sunday later that year, sharing their commitments % through testimony with the rest of i the church family. We have another young person who’s currently exploring being baptised in May of this year.

We have also kept in touch with those who have gone off to University, including them in a Q&A panel at FUEL:Sundays and meeting with them over Christmas. Although : they are no longer part of St Mary’s youth, it’s been fantastic to be able to support them as they transitioned to uni life and encourage them to continue walking with Jesus.

Over summer, a number of our young people came along to New Wine with their families, returning with an excitement about God and what a relationship with Him can achieve. Using this excitement, and reflecting on some feedback we’d gathered from the youth before the summer holidays, a joint worship event was AY J organised with another local church. We took our youth to LifeChurch where they mixed —— = with their young people and worshipped together (akin to the New Wine Worship Night). This event sparked at least one new WhatsApp group amongst some young people who have since messaged each other regularly with encouraging Bible passages and prayer requests. At the time of writing, there’s another joint youth worship event being planned, this time we will be welcoming other churches into St Mary’s.

Across all our groups (FUEL, FUEL:Sundays, FUEL Small Group) numbers have been gradually increasing, with some feedback being that the young people feel we offer credible groups that they feel comfortable inviting their friends to. We are already seeing new young | people join us after being invited by friends and we’re % 4 encouraged that our young people feel confident to invite friends to church!

Our young people are awesome, and we have a fantastic team of volunteers who love spending time with them each week, nurturing their spiritual growth and walking alongside them in their faith. A big thank you goes to the volunteers for the time they give each week to serve this vital ministry.

Photos: (top) One of our students sharing about the impact being part of St Mary’s church family has had on his life during our 150th Anniversary celebrations, (middle) one of our young people being baptised, (bottom) some of our young people being confirmed by Bishop Sam

19

SALE WEST COMMUNITY MINISTRIES WRITTEN BY CAROL DODGSON

During the year, we have continued to engage our local community in activities which bring them together, thereby reducing isolation, making lasting friendships which extend beyond the groups, learning new skills and building selfconfidence. We constantly review and refine what we are doing so that we provide the best possible and most targeted interventions to our local community, helping people to understand that they are accepted, loved and worthy. We gently introduce people to Christians and this can lead to invitations to events, prayer opportunities, and people coming to faith or rekindling their faith.

We saw over 340 people during the year across various locations using creative activities, school holiday activities, a mens’ support group, bereavement support and work in school.

Some key measures for us are:

This year has seen the development of our work with young people in The Firs Primary School. We are there three days a week, helping support children who may struggle to come into school or with their self-confidence. We are their biggest encouragers! We teach new creative skills, picking up on maths needed for the activities with the aim of improving their selfconfidence and resilience.

Our main focus is Sale West (in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England) families and children with around 66% of people attending our groups being residents of Sale West.

Most of our 30+ volunteers are members of St Mary’s with Sale West Community Church. They lovingly and graciously give their time to volunteer with our groups, serving, engaging with and loving people where they are at. Our volunteers talk about the ‘atmosphere’ we create, using words such as: positive, caring, lovely. They say that everyone feels welcome, there’s a sense of belonging and that people feel that others are interested in them.

We have excellent working relationships with a number of partners including, the Bluesci Social Prescribers who support local GPs in engaging people in community activities, Calm Connections (wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people), Transforming Lives for Good (a national Christian children's charity that helps churches to bring hope and a future to struggling children), BMS Wellbeing CIC through our work with the mens’ group and in running wellbeing workshops, Directions for Men, the Sale Community Hub/Our Sale West, Trafford Conservation Volunteers and Firs Primary School.

20

CARE TEAM

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINE SWAIN

As a church, Jesus has given us all the responsibility to do our part to be a loving and caring community. St Mary’s is clearly a friendly church as the buzz of conversation shows, before and after services over coffee! However, there are always people who slip through this loving net. This is where the Care Team aims to step in.

The Care Team began a year ago and has gradually developed, and continues to develop. The aim is to notice, and come alongside, anyone in the church who may be going through a particularly tough time. A considerable part of this involves visiting people in hospital or who are housebound. Members of the team arrange regular times to visit and lots of happy links are being established. The members of the team have all passed the essential DBS checks and have also all received training about safeguarding. We are all committed to confidentiality and make sure we do not discuss who we are visiting or coming

alongside. Any problems are mentioned to me, in confidence, as the leader and coordinator. The clergy are then called in to give further help if needed.

The church’s Small Groups are the ‘primary carers’ for people in these groups but the Care Team is happy to offer help if someone is not in a small group or if the small group needs some extra help. Not taking over - just supporting the Small Group in their caring role. If you become aware of a need, something that you feel is beyond your own capacity for care, please contact the office or any of the clergy or speak to me, confidentially and quietly. We will then follow up and act.

Jesus said, ‘By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples; that you have love for one another’ (John 13:35)

Christine Swain

christine.swain58@gmail.com, 07967 489 002

CONNECTIONS

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN CAIN

This group has now been in operation for over a year and has grown both in quantity and quality, that is to say we have increased in both number and in value. We meet each month on the 1st Friday from 2.00pm - 3.30pm. We gather together in the cafe area of church, which is very convenient as we start our afternoon with refreshments provided by members of the group. Although there is no ‘plan’ for the afternoon except to make contact with friends, old and new, the time tends to pass very quickly.

We enjoy watching or participating in Healthy Hearts and Hips run and encouraged by Gill Bate who does amazing things with stretchy bands, balls and equipment from the safety net of a chair.

Dominos, jigsaw puzzles and a quiz always provide entertainment and have reduced many of us to tears of laughter! I couldn’t possibly divulge the cause of the fun!

One of our highlights was a Christmas event at which Mary Lou Macfaden and her team showed us how to create a Christmas table decoration and then left us to our own devices with a glue gun, holly, candles and ribbon. Nathan joined us and lead us in an Advent reflection and we ended the afternoon by singing Christmas carols and admiring all the very different Christmas decorations.

Everyone is welcome to join, bringing with them an open heart for friendship and good company. And I know many feel blessed by this group, I know because they tell me so.

21

MISSION PARTNERS WRITTEN BY MARY ROBINSON

We thank the Lord for the ministry of our Mission Partners around the world over the past year! Much to report

We hear of new believers in the Philippines, Bible translation progress in Tanzania, improving school facilities in Burundi and life changing surgery performed on the Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone,

Nearer to home Youth for Christ are expanding their work in the Trafford Schools. Japanese students are coming to faith in the UK and returning to strengthen the church in their country. Manchester Asylum seekers are getting good legal support and hundreds are rescued from modern day slavery through the work of Hope for Justice.

CMS mission partners continue to support the church in war torn areas and Open Doors support the persecuted brothers and sisters in the hardest corners of the World. The Yeomans in Canada encourage a new generation to go

out in Mission.

The Latham family will soon return after 2 years in Sierra Leone. We look forward to hearing about their work first hand and pray that others may be called to reach out in Mission,

We pray for our Mission Partners on a weekly rota with a special Mission focus on the 3rd Sunday each month to bring the ministries to life before the congregation. Fund raising events continue and small groups are encouraged to pray and support our Partners personally . The latest Mission Partners News is kept up to date on the missions page of the church website which is accessible to all.

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His Name. Make known among the Nations what he has done.” Psalm 105:1.

May we have an ever increasing part in sharing the glorious gospel world wide!

DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES

WRITTEN BY ANN MCBURNEY

Our Small Groups are going well, with another group starting up over the summer on Friday evenings. More people are considering an afternoon group and this is something we hope to accommodate soon. The small group notes which fit with the sermon series have once again formed the basis for groups to study. The Bible Project has also been a useful link to give an overview before delving deeper into the Word.

From those I have spoken to recently, praying for each other and looking out to the wider community and world has been a very important part of meeting together.

It is wonderful to hear how groups care for each other and walk through life together, some have been meeting for many years, others welcoming new members to journey alongside.

Huddles work differently, usually three or four (occasionally five) people forming a Huddle, meeting mostly fortnightly. The material used varies with each Huddle; some follow the sermon series in the same way as small groups, others choose to read and discuss a book, and some have used a couple of John Mark Comer books (other authors are available!). Nathan has also been putting together some material for Huddles and Groups to use.

Discipleship Communities are so much more than another midweek meeting; relationships are built and we are able to discuss, learn and have fun together. I don’t know about all groups but from my experience and what I hear from others sharing food and fellowship - afternoon tea, meeting in a pub, pancake parties or simply a drink and catch up on the week help build the trusting relationships which form strong bonds.

22

ENGLISH CLASSES

WRITTEN BY LORNA HITCHEN & CLAIRE CAMPBELL SMITH

St Mary’s English Classes have gone from strength to strength since they were started in July 2022 by Amelie Latham, in response to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Trafford. We currently have an average of 60 students attending and the buzz in the Heartbeat Café, with lots of laughter and conversation, suggests that the classes provide an important social, as well as educational, opportunity.

The classes take place on Thursdays, 10.0012.00. Ukrainians have largely been replaced by people from Hong Kong, mainland China, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Poland. Some are working, some looking for work, some studying and some retired. Several students have been referred to us by Trafford Council, who have a long waiting list for ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages). However, most hear of us from existing students.

Levels of English vary greatly. A team of 4 teachers (currently Claire Campbell Smith, Lorna Hitchin, Yorke Menzies and Barbara Allwood) provide lessons for Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced students. Martin Haywood provides great support as student coordinator and facilities manager – he manages all the registers and sets out the classrooms! The students have a 60-minute classroom lesson plus an hour of informal conversation in the

Café with native English speakers from St Mary’s, other churches and the wider community, who’ve formed a committed and enthusiastic group of volunteers.

I think it’s true to say that Thursday mornings have become a high point in everyone’s week. The atmosphere is so positive and it’s been a joy to get to know people from so many different countries and cultures and to see them learning together. It’s also been great to see students come along to other activities at St Mary’s and some have become part of our congregation. Connections have been made with the All Nations group – we’ve shared a Christmas lunch for the past three years, enjoying an amazing feast of international cuisine – and students and their children have volunteered in the Café or at events such as the Christmas Fair.

Teachers and volunteers pray together before the classes begin; we pray for students who are ill or facing difficult situations and we also pray that students will catch a glimpse of Christ’s love while they are with us. We’ve received some wonderful notes of appreciation from students who’ve felt supported and cared for, which has encouraged us in what we feel is a valuable ministry and outreach to St Mary’s wider community here in Sale.

Students and teachers at our English Classes

23

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 2024

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:

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 Nathan Gregory

24

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 2024

I report to the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 26 to 33 .

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:

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

25

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2024

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
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
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Balances brought forward at 1 January
Transfer between funds
Balances carried forward at 31
December
 Unrestricted
Funds 2024
£
Restricted
Funds 2024
£
TOTAL
2024
£
TOTAL
2023
£
320,283
1,200
321,483
310,435
108,412
2,707
111,119
18,469
136,314
-
136,314
128,537
20,306
-
20,306
21,038
52,452
-
52,452
46,204
3,864
-
3,864
3,907
£641,631
£3,907
£645,538 £528,591
46,086
-
46,086
39,212
70,743
1,271
72,014
49,453
442,437
2,636
445,073
378,191
556
-
556
425
70,563
-
70,563
65,452
£630,385
£3,907
£634,292 £532,733
11,246
-
11,246
-4,142
-
-
-
-
£11,246
-
£11,246
-£4,142
£579,980
-
£579,980 £584,123
£591,226
-
£591,226 £579,980

26

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note 2024 2023
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets 5 437,128 437,128
£437,128 £437,128
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 8,636 11,834
Short term deposits 102,593 97,422
Cash at bank and in hand 103,341 35,123
£214,570 £144,379
LIABILITIES
Amounts falling due
within one year 8 -60,472 -1,527
NET CURRENT ASSETS NET CURRENT ASSETS 6 £154,098 £142,852
NET ASSETS £591,226 £579,980
FUNDS
Unrestricted 9 591,226 579,980
Restricted 10 - -
£591,226 £579,980

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 24th March 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

The Revd Nathan Gregory (Chairman) Miss Helen Jarvis (Vice Chair)

The notes on pages 29-33 form part of these accounts

27

CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2024

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
Increase(+) / decrease(-) 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		 2024
£
2023
£
11,246
-4,142
-3,864
-3,907
-
-
3,198
-4,291
58,945
-145
£69,525
-£12,485


3,864
3,907
£3,864
£3,907
-
-
-
-
73,389
-8,578
132,545
141,123
£205,934
£132,545

ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand
Short term deposits
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2024
£
2023
£
103,341
35,123
102,593
97,422
£205,934
£132,545

28

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2024

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).

revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Application of Resources

Grants - Grants and donations are accounted for when paid.

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

Fixed assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

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.

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

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.

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.

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 £50,000 is capitalised.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary income and capital sources

Collections are recognised when made.

Other fixtures, fitting and office equipment -

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

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.

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 Current assets the amount due.

Funds raised by a church fair, garden party and similar events are accounted for gross.

Sales from the church bookstalls, Cafe, or other activities are accounted for gross.

Other ordinary income

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.

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.

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

29

NOTE 2 - INCOMING RESOURCES

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
Church Bookstalls
Pre-School Group
Flower Fund
Social Fund
Café
Caterpillars
2(d) Other ordinary income
Service fees
Administration service charges
VAT recovered
Rent received
Insurance claims
2(e) Income from trading
Church Centre lettings
2(f) Income from investment
Interest received
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES		 Unrestricted
Funds 2024
£
Restricted
Funds 2024
£
TOTAL
2024
£
Total
2023
£
244,659
1,200
245,859
234,659
54,932
-
54,932
52,587
13,380
-
13,380
14,790
7,312
-
7,312
8,399
320,283
1,200
321,483
310,435
4,381
-
4,381
3,410
17,001
-
17,001
15,059
25,530
-
25,530
-
61,500
2,707
64,207
-
108,412
2,707
111,119
18,469

63
-
63
-
118,856
-
118,856
113,778
900
-
900
769
802
-
802
240
14,228
-
14,228
11,873
1,465
-
1,465
1,877
136,314
-
136,314
128,537
1,856
-
1,856
2,608
400
-
400
400
10,450
-
10,450
-
7,600
-
7,600
7,200
-
-
-
10,830
20,306
-
20,306
21,038
52,452
-
52,452
46,204
52,452
-
52,452
46,204
3,864
-
3,864
3,907
3,864
-
3,864
3,907
£641,631
£3,907 £645,538 £528,591

30

NOTE 3 - RESOURCES USED

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 Planting
Church Centre running costs
Church Bookstalls costs
Pre-School Group costs
Social Fund costs
Flower Fund costs
Café 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
TOTAL RESOURCES USED		 Unrestricted
Funds 2024 £
Restricted
Funds 2024
£
TOTAL
2024
£
TOTAL
2023
£
12,400
-
12,400
12,009
3,571
-
3,571
2,450
18,806
-
18,806
17,353
11,309
-
11,309
7,400
46,086
-
46,086
39,212
6,089
-
6,089
3,856
2,101
71
2,172
2,865
45,906
1,200
47,106
27,855
16,556
-
16,556
14,066
91
-
91
811
70,743
1,271
72,014
49,453

143,154
--
143,154
136,338
4,519
-
4,519
3,694
7,175
-
7,175
7,098
13,563
1,490
15,053
14,992
10,175
-
10,175
7,657
1,397
1,146
2,543
-
26,360
-
26,360
24,326
-
-
-0
-
126,186
-
126,186
131,923
241
-
241
172
603
-
603
423
14,417
-
14,417
12,077
1,337
-
1,337
1,162
8,937
-
8,937
7,913
84,373
-
84,373
30,416
442,437
2,636
445,073
378,191
556
-
556
425
556
-
556
425
68,076
-
68,076
63,539
2,487
-
2,487
1,913
70,563
-
70,563
65,452
£630,385
£3,907
£634,292
£532,733

31

NOTE 4 - STAFF COSTS

Wages, Salaries, National Insurance and Pensions 2024
£
242,953		 2023
£
212,461

During the year the PCC employed a Children Youth & Families Director, Children’s Worker, Children’s Assistant, 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.

NOTE 5 - FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC

Freehold land and buildings – balance at 31 December 2024
£
437,128		 2023
£
437,128

The freehold land and buildings as at 31 December 2024 comprise the houses located at 23 Rydal Avenue, Sale, and 109 Ascot Avenue, Sale.

NOTE 6 - ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Fixed Assets
Current assets
Fund balance		 Unrestricted
Funds £
Restricted
Funds £
Total
£
437,128
-
437,128
154,098
-
154,098
£591,226
-
£591,226

NOTE 7 - DEBTORS

2024 2023
£ £
Debtors 8,636 11,834

32

NOTE 8 - LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Accruals
Accrued Income
Accrued Agency		 2024
£
2023
£
2,357
200
57,293
-
822
1,327
60,472
1,527

NOTE 9 - UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

Balance brought forward at 1 January
(Deficit)/surplus in year
Transfer from restricted
Balance carried forward at 31 December		 2024
£
2023
£
579,980
584,123
11,246
-4,142
-
-
£591,226
£579,980

NOTE 10 - RESTRICTED FUNDS

Local – spend at St Mary’s
Plants – church planting		 Balance at
1/1/2024
£
Receipts
£
Payments
£
Balance at
31/12/2024
£
-
1,200
1,200
-
2,707
2,700
-
-
£3,907
£3,907
-

The Local fund receives income that the donor wishes to be used within our church and not sent to the wider church.

The Plant fund manages a grant of £60,000 from St Michael le Belfrey York Northern Church Planting Fund for church planting. We received the total amount in 2024, but the expenditure is planned to take place over 3 years. Income is being matched to expenditure.

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 2024 were £154,472 (£177,623 at 31 December 2023).

33

stmarysaom.org @stmarysaom FIND UU! MOR 0161 291 9283 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 | srankin@stmarysaom.org Associate Vicar: Nathan Gregory | nathan.gregory@stmarysaom.org Curate: Anees Gill | anees.gill@stmarysaom.org Head of Operations: Emma Atkinson | operations@stmarysaom.org Children, Youth & Families Director : Julie Loynd | julie.loynd@stmarysaom.org 0-4’s Worker: Janet McIlhagger | 0-4s@stmarysaom.org Children’s Worker: Yona Oyegun-Masade | children@stmarysaom.org Youth Worker: Dave Atkinson | youth@stmarysaom.org Sale West Children and Families Worker: Carol Dodgson | caroldodgsonsalewest@gmail.com Treasurer: Brian Macfaden | treasurer@stmarysaom.org St Mary Magdalene 44 Moss Lane, Sale M33 6GD 7