## YEAR OF **IMPACT** 20 25 Registered charity number: 1133105 ## MESSAGE FROM **NATHAN** This report is a yearly invitation for us to pause and recognise the ways God has been at work among us this year. As a church family, we have sought to remain deeply rooted in God, drawing strength and direction from his presence. We have continued to passionately pursue Jesus and his kingdom, allowing his priorities to shape our worship, our decisions and our mission. As I read the reports and snapshots of the year I am blown away, time and time again, by how it is your decision to live sacrificially, giving time, energy, and resources, that enables others to encounter Jesus’ love for themselves. So as much as it is a celebration of what has been achieved, it is also a celebration of you. Community is a big part of our churches and as you read through this you will get a sense of the vibrancy and authenticity of life we share. We are seeing some of the fruit of the Godly risks we take as we step out with bold faith, trusting God as we go. This is just a snapshot of all that Jesus is doing in and through you, these are your stories, so enjoy and give thanks to God with me for everything he is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us. **“THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT OF ALL THAT JESUS IS DOING IN AND THROUGH YOU, THESE ARE YOUR STORIES…”** ## TABLE OF **CONTENT** **07** ## **OUR IMPACT** Year in Numbers Mission Giving Stories of Impact Ministry Highlights Year in Pictures Dreaming Forwards **25** ## **ANNUAL REPORTS** PCC Report Warden’s Report Deanery Synod Report Safeguarding Report Financial Report **37** ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** Trustees Report Independent Examiner Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Cash Flow Notes for Financial Statements # OUR **IMPACT** _Page 7_ ## **YEAR IN NUMBERS** ## **WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL LIFE** **737 DIFFERENT WORSHIP SONGS SUNG** **AVERAGE NUMBERS TUNING IN ONLINE 45** **AVERAGE SUNDAY ATTENDANCE ACROSS COMMUNITIES** **36 223 PRAYER GATHERINGS COMMUNITY & CARE 181 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN 41 30 DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES PASTORAL VISITS** **ATTENDING CONNECTIONS 35 EVERY MONTH 187 PEOPLE SERVING ON 59 VOLUNTEER 42 TEAMS SUMMER SHAKE UP EVENTS** _Page 8_ **OUTREACH & MISSION** ## **620 JOINED US FOR EASTER 110 BIBLES GIVEN OUT ENROLLED IN ENGLISH CLASSES 142** **JOINED US FOR EASTER** **ENROLLED IN ENGLISH CLASSES MISSIONS & CHARITIES SUPPORTED[24] 1417 CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS AT ST MARY’S** **102 ADULTS ENGAGED IN SWCUT CRAFT PROGRAMMES** **CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES** **313 STUDENTS EXPERIENCED OUR EASTER: ALIVE! MISSION WEEK** **CHILDREN ENGAGED IN SCHOOL SUPPORT THROUGH SWCUT 48** **92 FAMILIES ENGAGED IN CATERPILLARS 51** **AVERAGE SUNDAY ATTENDANCE FOR 0-16'S 61 YOUNG PEOPLE REGULARLY ENGAGED WITH FUEL:FRIDAYS** _Page 9_ ## MISSION ## **GIVING** 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 £32,148, which is 10% of the previous year’s giving. This is where our support was donated in 2025. Our mission partners are shown in red. ## **OVERSEAS MISSIONS** **----- Start of picture text -----**
CHURCH MISSION SOCIETY TIM & MIHO WALKER
£500 (OVERSEAS MISSIONARY
FELLOWSHIP)
SIMON & SUE YEOMANS £2,000
(OPERATION MOBILISATION)
A ROCHA OPEN DOORS
£4,800
£100 £1,900
HOPE FOR
JUSTICE
£1,900
FEBA
£100
BURUNDI SCHOOL
(ACTS - EDUCATION
IN AFRICA) DAVID & MARY ROBINSON
£2,400 (THAI MINISTRY)
£1,000
DAN & RACHEL KING
PHILIPPINES OUTREACH CENTRE
(WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS)
£800 £3,000
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_Page 10_ ## **UK MISSIONS** **----- Start of picture text -----**
UK
MISSIONS
BOAZ TRUST
TRAFFORD YOUTH
£2,000
FOR CHRIST
£4,650
CHURCH PASTORAL
AID SOCIETY
£1,200
CHURCHES
TOGETHER IN SALE
UNIVERSITIES
£30
& COLLEGES
TRAFFORD
CHRISTIAN
SOUTH
FELLOWSHIP
FOODBANK
£400
£400
SALE WEST
COMMUNITY URBAN TRUST
£218 NEW WINE
£500
BIBLE SOCIETY
£1,400
EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE
£150
MYRIAD CHURCH PLANTING
FAITH IN KIDS
£400 £2,300
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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. From the Christmas Fair we also donated a total of £6,696: Acts - Education in Africa - Burundi School £658 Philippines Outreach Centre £847 Boaz Trust £1,074 Trafford Youth for Christ £2,894 Sale West Community Urban Trust £383 Oasis Relief Zambia £840 _Page 11_ We also gave a grant of £8,233 to Sale West Community Urban Trust. ## STORIES OF **IMPACT** **“I come here because the team are great! There is something different about this group compared to other toddler groups. I feel loved when I am here.”** _(Caterpillars’ parent)_ **“I serve on the FUEL [youth] team as I love discipleship and helping people learn and grow more confident in God, and partly out of gratitude to God for all the leaders he placed in my life as a teenager and his telling me to pass it on. I have loved watching the group grow in knowledge, enthusiasm and in friendship. Not being with them each week, I see changes each time I attend. They are fun, welcoming and committed to God and becoming committed to each other. It is an honour to be part of the team.”** _(Youth Team, FUEL Small Group Leader)_ **All Nations feels like a big family. Even though people come from different backgrounds, we are united by our faith in God and our desire to grow closer to Him... we support and encourage one another, just like a family. We learn to love God more deeply and to live in a way that glorifies Him and blesses others. For me, it is a place where my faith grows and where I am constantly reminded to walk closely with God.** _(Lili, the All Nations congregation)_ **“I like Junior Church because I enjoy all the games and playing with my friends. I like learning stories from the Bible.”** _(Elizabeth, age 5)_ **“[The best thing about volunteering is] meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, watching them help and encourage each other and laughing together.”** _(Sheila, volunteer for English Classes)_ **“[Connections] is very low key and restful... a bright spot in a gloomy winter!”** _(Beryl on attending Connections)_ **“I love meeting with friends [at FUEL] to discuss our faith and the troubles that might come with it.”** _(Young person in FUEL)_ **“As we shared our Alpha course from business to business through the centre of Sale, we were met with warmth and a genuinely positive response, growing both individually and as a team along the way. Now, as we gather in the open Hiya space in Stanley Square, we’re discovering new opportunities to welcome ‑ passers by, trusting that even though church planting isn’t always a straight path, God is at work and more people will be drawn to hear the message of Jesus.”** _(Danielle, Core Team for Faith Around The Table)_ _Page 12_ **“I have felt so welcomed and loved as part of the home group. I have been inspired by the Godly wisdom in the room, as well as the lived out faith and testimony. It feels such a safe space where I can be myself without judgement. I also feel able to explore gifting and calling. I'm grateful for the prayers of the group. It has helped us root securely within the fellowship and grow and learn.”** _(Wes, Small Group member)_ **“[The best thing about volunteering is] meeting the students, making friends, and supporting them with English language and customs.”** _(Kathryn, volunteer for English Classes)_ ## **“I like spending time with friends close to God at FUEL.”** _(Young person at FUEL)_ **“Our partnership with St Mary’s Church is incredibly important to the life of our school. Through collective worship, and shared events, our pupils gain a deeper understanding of Christian values and the role of faith in the community. The relationship enriches both the spiritual life of the school and the sense of belonging our children feel within the wider parish.”** **“We would like to say a big thank you to the [Faith Around the Table] team who run the coffee mornings here. Your friendly faces, kindness and the time you give really means a lot to everybody in the building. The coffee mornings create a positive, lovely atmosphere and are something people look forward to. Each time lifting their spirit and bringing people together. We really appreciate what you do!”** _(Staff from the Amblehurst Hotel)_ _(Wayne Hitchcock, Headteacher of St Mary’s Primary School)_ **“From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. What struck me immediately was how genuine and inviting the people were. I was not treated as an outsider, but as someone already valued. The love, kindness and authenticity of the church family reflected Jesus in a way I had never experienced before…** **“[The English Classes] help me to improve my listening and speaking in English. The classes are detailed [and] look after the students with different levels of English. They have conversation class and practical class which are great [to immerse] the students in English learning scenarios that we definitely needed to improve our English.”** **…I can honestly say that coming to Sale West Community Church and connecting with the Urban Trust has changed my life. I cannot imagine my life without my church family or my relationship with Jesus. I truly believe He has saved me from many hardships and continues to transform me in mind, body and spirit. I am forever grateful to have found this community, and to have come to know the love of Christ through it.”** _(Bryan, English Class Student)_ _(Courtney, Sale West Community Church)_ _Page 13_ ## MINISTRY ## **HIGHLIGHTS** ## **SALE WEST MINISTRIES** WRITTEN BY CAROL DODGSON As we take a moment to reflect on 2025, we can clearly see how graciously God has been at work among us. What an encouragement this is to us all. Two particular areas stand out: **Discipling** – Our ladies’ Bible Study group and men’s Pizza and Prayer have become foundational spaces for going deeper with God this year. There is a beautiful culture of faithfulness, Scripture, prayer, love, honesty and humility in these gatherings, creating an environment where God is at work and lives are being shaped. **Community Connections** – Our relationship with Firs Primary School, serving the Sale West estate, has grown significantly this year as we began delivering TLG coaching. This provides a safe and caring space where a child is listened to, valued and encouraged to believe in themselves. Through consistent one-to-one time with our trained volunteer coaches, children are building confidence, resilience and the skills they need to thrive. It is not about fixing problems, but about helping each child recognise their strengths and know that they truly matter. _Page 14_ ## **DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES** WRITTEN BY ANN MCBURNEY One highlight of the last year has been seeing the growth in relationships with God and each other within our Discipleship communities. The care and support within groups is a joy to see, alongside a longing to grow in faith together whatever age and stage we are at. In June 2025 Discipleship Communities took on a new look for a month. Alongside some of our usual small groups and huddles we had one off and weekly events including photography sessions, garden picnics, different styles of prayer, treasure hunt, mind mapping and various courses in church - these are just the ones I saw in action or heard lots about. These activities were maybe not all in the original plan, but after talking to small group members during and after the events it was a great way to mix and fellowship with other groups and individuals that we rarely cross paths with on a typical Sunday. **“AN HOUR ON A SUNDAY ISN’T ENOUGH, I NEED TO STRENGTHEN MY BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH DISCUSSION AND IN RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS DRAW CLOSER TO JESUS.”** **“BEING PART OF A SMALL GROUP HELPS ME TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE BETTER. IT BRINGS ME CLOSER TO JESUS THROUGH THE DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE AND ALSO BRINGS OUT THINGS I HADN’T THOUGHT OF. THEN THERE IS THE FUN, FRIENDSHIPS AND FOOD!!”** _Page 15_ ## **CHURCH PLANTING THROUGH MYRIAD** WRITTEN BY STEVE RANKIN At its heart, the Myriad Learning Pathway equips ordinary Christians to plant and grow thriving worshipping communities. It combines spiritual formation, practical training, and strong relational support, helping New Worshipping Communities grow well and stay healthy long term. Our recent cohort of seven teams (40 people) brought together lay leaders and clergy united by a desire to see new expressions of church take root. ## **1.** **Pathway Gatherings – Five Key Themes** Over two and a half years, teams attend five two-day Gatherings exploring different stages of church planting, from vision and team-building to growth and multiplication. Sam, vicar of St Barnabas, Hattersley, says, _Church Planting teams at a Myriad Gathering_ ## **2.** **“BEING PART OF MYRIAD HAS BEEN SO HELPFUL. IT’S ASKED US THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND KEPT US ACCOUNTABLE TO THEM, WHICH HAS REALLY HELPED US DEVELOP A HEALTHY CULTURE IN OUR CHURCH. IT’S BEEN SO BENEFICIAL FOR US — AND WE’VE LOVED BEING PART OF IT.”** This mix of reflection and accountability builds clarity and confidence. ## **Mentoring and Coaching** Each team lead receives regular mentoring from experienced church planters, offering practical, real-world support. **“MENTORING HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF MYRIAD… THE MENTORS HAVE BEEN KIND AND GENEROUS BUT ALSO THOUGHT-PROVOKING, SUPPORTING AND HELPING US ON THIS JOURNEY.”** _(ANDREW, GLO, OFFERTON)_ _Page 16_ ## **3.** ## **Peer Learning and Networking** Teams connect regularly, sharing challenges and successes. **“I’M A MATHS TEACHER AND TO BE PART OF THIS IS SUCH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I’M SO PRIVILEGED TO BE AMONGST OTHER PEOPLE, OTHER PLANTS, THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME COMPLEXITIES AND DIFFICULTIES AND GROWING TOGETHER IN WHAT WE CAN DO FOR OUR COMMUNITIES. I’M REALLY BLESSED TO BE A PART OF THIS.”** _(TYRONE, SALE WEST COMMUNITY CHURCH)_ ## **4.** ## **Contextual Learning** Myriad is not one-size-fits-all. Churches learn within their own settings. The All Nations NWC grew from a small discipleship group into a worshipping community of over 30 adults, many coming to faith and being baptised. **“WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO THINK CAREFULLY AND STRATEGICALLY ABOUT WHAT GOD IS ASKING US TO DO IN THE COMMUNITY. WE HAVE REALLY BENEFITTED FROM BEING A PART OF THE MYRIAD HUB, IT IS JUST FULL OF LIFE, AND WE LOVE COMING TO IT, IT IS SO ENCOURAGING, AND IT HELPS TO POINT US AND KEEP US ON TRACK WITH OUR VISION.”** ## **5.** ## **Ongoing Formation** Formation is woven throughout the pathway through prayer, reflection, and theology. **“AFTER COVID WE WERE DOWN TO JUST 4 OR 5 PEOPLE, BUT SINCE WE’VE BEEN ON MYRIAD WE’RE UP TO AROUND 25 ADULTS AND, REGULARLY, 15-20 KIDS… WE’VE ALL SEEN MASSIVE STRIDES FORWARD – IT’S VERY EXCITING!”** _(CAROL, SALE WEST COMMUNITY CHURCH)_ _(KEWAL & JOY DASS, ALL NATIONS )_ _Page 17_ ## **CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES** WRITTEN BY JULIE LOYND For the CYF Team, our Ministry Highlights over the past year have been continuing to invest in relationships and being able to broaden our outreach work in schools and the local community. In April 2025 we transformed the church to run our first ever Easter Schools week. We invited over 300 children and their teachers from local primary schools to come and experience the resurrection stories and learn about the key themes. Children were invited to join our reporter as she investigated the claims of Jesus’ resurrection, meeting Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Peter and Cleopas’ wife to hear their story of their encounters with Jesus. It was an amazing week and enabled us to deepen our relationships with the children and staff at the schools. Since then we have seen an increase in our RE lessons, covering topics such as baptism, calling to ministry, why the Bible is important and ordination. Forest Park Prep invited Julie to be their guest speaker at their Prize Giving service and in September Julie, Janet, Yona and Nathan hosted our first ever coffee morning at St Mary’s School to welcome the reception parents. _**PHOTOS (clockwise):** Our “Easter Alive!” cast; Investigating the evidence with Thomas; Sitting around the campfire on the beach with Peter; Visiting Cleopas’ home to hear his wife’s story._ **----- Start of picture text -----**
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Over the last year our 0-4's ministry has grown with the Caterpillars team working hard to build a ministry that serves not only the youngest members of our community, but their parents and carers as well. Their ability to come alongside new mums, dads, grandparents, and other carers has created a safe space for families to gather, feel supported and build friendships with others. Alongside Caterpillars, the team have continued to work alongside families through Tiddlers on a Sunday morning and in February 2026, as a result of the hard work and investment in both ministries, our 0-4's community had their first outreach community event seeing Caterpillars and Tiddlers families meet together for a ‘Winter Welly Walk’ at Dunham. It was so much fun with fresh air and good conversation while the little ones explored and puddle jumped, fuelled by Janet’s endless supply of biscuits! In the summer at New Wine Festival it was a joy to see community build and friendships form with our children and FUEL. Since then FUEL has grown with increased outreach at church and in local schools. ‘FUEL: After School’ launched in the Autumn, offering the church cafe as a space for young people to hang out together after school with free hot chocolate and toast. Our lunchtime club at Ashton On Mersey School, ; was competing with the most popular day in the canteen, “Chip Friday”, so we boldly changed the day and have seen an increase in numbers since then. We L/ have welcomed new faces to FUEL: Sundays, and our FUEL: Small Group for Years 10+ is now well ‘ established. This spring our FUEL family is looking forward to lots of fun as they go away on retreat with other churches from the Diocese. We are starting to see the real fruit of having a bigger staff team and we are so thankful to God, to our teams and are super excited for the year ahead! _**PHOTOS (anti-clockwise):** Muddy fun on the Winter Welly Walk; FUEL experiencing life as the persecuted church with Open Doors; one of our young people sharing her testimony with others at a youth event; fun at New Wine._ **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## OUR YEAR ## **IN PICTURES** _Page 20_ _Page 21_ ## DREAMING **FORWARDS** ## **WRITTEN BY NATHAN GREGORY** As I’ve read through this year’s report, I’ve found myself smiling again and again. It’s full of stories that show how deeply rooted in God this church family is. You can see it in the way people have served, prayed, given, encouraged, and quietly carried one another. You can see it in the way so many of you passionately pursue Jesus and His kingdom in the everyday, not just the big moments. It’s been a year of God at work, sometimes in ways we expected, often in ways that surprised us, always in ways that remind us of His faithfulness. Naturally, the question that follows is: “So what’s next? What’s the big new vision?” And the honest answer is… it’s more of the same. More faithfulness. More generosity. More discipleship. More stepping out with bold faith where the Spirit leads. More building authentic community where people are welcomed, known, and loved. And more of the gentle, everyday witness that helps people discover Jesus for themselves. It might not sound flashy, but until the Spirit says differently we will continue on the same course paying particular attention to investing in children and youth, supporting church planting and our worshipping communities and underpinning everything we do with the discipleship pathway. The picture that keeps coming to mind is a sailing boat. When a boat is heading in the same direction as the wind, you don’t need to tack back and forth, fighting for every bit of progress. You make small, thoughtful adjustments to the sails and let the wind carry you forward. When the wind is behind you, the movement is smoother, steadier, and more responsive. _Page 22_ This year, it feels like the wind of the Spirit has been behind us. Not in a loud or dramatic way, but in that quiet, steady push that comes when a church is aligned with God’s heart. We haven’t needed to reinvent ourselves. Instead, we’ve been invited to live sacrificially, to pay attention, to keep trimming the sails, and to stay responsive to where the Spirit is already leading. As we deepen our worship, strengthen our community and invest in our discipleship we also keep carrying the hope of Jesus into our communities, workplaces, schools, and friendships. We long to see more people encounter Jesus. We long to be a church where invitation feels natural, where welcome is genuine, and where faith is shared with humility and courage. So the vision for the coming year is simple: keep going. Keep loving, serving, praying, giving, witnessing, and trusting. Keep making small adjustments to the sails. Keep in step with the Spirit. And keep expecting that God will continue to work in us and through us as we follow Him together. **“SINCE THIS IS THE KIND OF LIFE WE HAVE CHOSEN, THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT, LET US MAKE SURE THAT WE DO NOT JUST HOLD IT AS AN IDEA IN OUR HEADS OR A SENTIMENT IN OUR HEARTS, BUT WORK OUT ITS IMPLICATIONS IN EVERY DETAIL OF OUR LIVES.”** GALATIANS 5:25 (MSG) _Page 23_ # ANNUAL **REPORTS** _Page 25_ ## 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|BM| |Associate Vicar|Revd. Nathan Gregory|Chair, S, F| |Head of Operations (co-opted)|Emma Atkinson|PCC Secretary, HR, BM, P| |Readers|Brian Macfaden|PCC Treasurer, S, F| ||Outi Rankin|| |Pastoral Workers|Mags Holt|| ||Karen MacMillan|| ||Ann McBurney|P| |Wardens|Peter McIlhagger|S, F| ||Yorke Menzies|S, F| |Deanery Synod|Dave Atkinson|| ||Avtar Diggwa|S, F| ||Matthew Kay|| ||Jeff McBurney|F, P| ||Rosemary Sigee|HR| ||Ian Thwaites|M| |Elected members|Ada Adiuku-Brown|| ||Rotimi Bajela|| ||Jeremy Barnes|F| ||Joan Heys|F, BM| ||Frances Hyde|Vice Chair (Sep 25), S, F, M| ||Helen Jarvis|Vice Chair, F| ||Elaine Jones|BM, HR, P| ||Sarah Kostiuk-Smith|PCC Treasurer (Jan 26), F, BM| ||Claire Nathan|| ||Martin Samangaya|| ||John Vincent|| |Co-opted members|Maureen Cain|BM| ||Barbara Harper|HR| _(S - Standing committee, F - Finance committee, HR - HR committee, M - Missions committee, BM - Butterflies Management committee, P - Policies Review committee)_ _Page 26_ ## **PCC MEETINGS** 9 PCC meetings took place during 2025. The APCM took place in April and was held in-person. In addition to these meetings, the Standing Committee met twice. Items discussed at the PCC meetings included: - Safeguarding reports - Mission giving - Approval of youth events Maintenance - Approval of policies - Ministry updates Ephesians Fund - Butterflies Pre-School - Church planting - School Governor appointments A change in the Benefice Trustees was made as Brian Macfaden stepped down from this role and Martin Samangaya was appointed in his place. ## **BUTTERFLIES PRE-SCHOOL** It was with great sadness that the PCC made the difficult decision to permanently close Butterflies Pre-School in 2025. Despite ongoing efforts by both the Butterflies Staff and the Management Committee, it became no longer viable to remain open. Staff and children were notified during August. The PCC would like to extend their thanks to those who have served on the management committee and helped steer the pre-school over the years. ## **STAFFING** ## **ELECTORAL ROLL** The number on the electoral roll at the 2025 APCM in April was 319. 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, and Saturday Cleaner. Six staff were employed to run Butterflies Pre-School until the pre-school closed. Two vergers are also included on the payroll on a zero-hours basis. _Page 27_ ## WARDEN’S ## **REPORT** ## **WRITTEN BY YORKE MENZIES & PETER MCILHAGGER** ## **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 for the sound biblical teaching that they, and others who preach, bless us with week by week. The enthusiasm and dedication of our children and youth leaders and volunteers continue to be an inspiration, and the family services provide a wonderful opportunity for us to worship together as one church family. This year we had our first Worship Night, gathering for an evening of prayer and worship together. A heartfelt thank you to our worship team and all who served faithfully, reflecting Christ’s love in action. This event was a reminder that when we come together in His name, His presence fills the room. ## **EASTER CELEBRATIONS** Easter was another busy season at church with reflective Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services and a joy-filled Easter Sunday service when over 300 joined together to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. A new event this year was Easter Alive in which church was transformed by the Children’s Team to host a schools’ event retelling events from Holy Week. The Chancel became the Garden at Gethsemane, the Prayer Room became the banks of the Sea of Galilee with Peter’s fishing boat and Thomas’s and Cleopas’ homes were constructed in the main body of the church. Over 300 school children and their teachers listened attentively to eye witness accounts from Mary, Peter, Thomas and Cleopas’ wife and became reporters for the Jerusalem Herald. ## **CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS** What a blessing it was at Christmas to celebrate together Jesus’ birth and the message of true joy and hope. The three Christingle services on Christmas Eve were enjoyed by young and old alike and we are so grateful to the dedicated team who blessed us with the 600 Christingles they had prepared. Over 1,000 people came through the doors over Christmas to join us in worship and admire the beautifully decorated church. Many accepted the offer of a Bible and we pray they are blessed as they read God’s word. _Page 28_ ## **NEW WINE** This year we had the biggest numbers we have had, young and old, some returning, some serving on teams, and some there for the first time and being welcomed and looked after by those who have been year on year. This remains a real highlight in the church calendar and thanks go to the many individuals who worked behind the scenes to take the mess tent, transport people, tents, and everything else that is needed for this week away. ## **FABRIC** In addition to the major building and repair projects we are blessed to have a team of faithful and talented individuals who serve on the maintenance team. Thank you to Norman, Philip and Jonathan who, weekly, tackle the list of requests, whilst implementing upgrades to the lighting and other areas. They work with diligence and good humour, and although much of their work may be invisible to the majority of people, it is invaluable and ensures church is a safe, warm and welcoming place. Thanks are also due to Lorna Hitchen and the team who work tirelessly despite the weather ensuring the flower beds around church are tidy and provide year round colour and interest. Nor must we forget those who keep our church clean and tidy and who make sure the brasses are expertly polished. How blessed we are with the floral displays which bring pleasure to all who enter church and which glorify God’s beautiful creation. Thank you for your faithfulness, kindness, and dedication. You are a blessing to our congregation, and we are truly grateful for you. May you know God’s blessing as you serve Him. We were blessed in October with a team of around 40+ people who helped with a clear out and tidy up day and despite horizontal rain we managed to clear out cupboards, deep clean the church centre, and clear some of the outside spaces. ## **TEAMWORK** We would like to express our deep gratitude to our wonderful assistant wardens, sides people and all those who serve on the refreshments. Week after week, you welcome everyone with a smile, offer a helping hand, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for worship. You may not always be in the spotlight, but your ministry is essential. You help make our church not just a place of worship, but a place where everyone feels they belong. We are called by God to be a blessing to others and we pray that He will guide us and give us His grace and wisdom as we welcome all who come to church. _Page 29_ ## **GOD CALLS US TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS** As we look back at 2025, we are thankful for how God has blessed us, as a church and as individuals. The three new worshipping communities have almost completed their training led by Myriad and all three have experienced God’s call and His blessings on their ministries. We were obedient to God’s call to invest in Children’s and Youth work and we have been amazed as to how He is providing the funds for this and are grateful to all those who have responded to His call. The work continues to flourish: Junior Church is flourishing, Caterpillars continues to welcome new families and Fuel is about to depart on its first retreat in 2026. We are seeing new people come to church, willing to take Bibles, be baptised, and hungry to hear more about God. The church centre is busy each week with so many activities: over 90 students attend English lessons on Thursdays and we have recently received a grant from North West Strategic Migration Partnership to support these classes as they continue each week. Several Small Groups meet to share fellowship and enjoy refreshments in the café, Connections meets monthly and there is much fun and laughter as quizzes are completed and friendships formed. God calls each of us to be a blessing to others. He is a Good Master and He equips us for what He has called us to do. Ask Him how He wants you to serve Him in the year ahead. What is He calling and equipping you to do? We have vacancies on pretty much every team in the church and even 30 minutes once a month would be welcomed. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## SAFEGUARDING ## **REPORT** ## **WRITTEN BY MAUREEN CAIN** The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). This includes ensuring anyone working with children and/or vulnerable adults are carefully recruited in line with current guidance, undertaking the relevant training and DBS checks. ## **2025 DBS Applications** - 24 DBS checks processed and completed, with none referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. 11 DBS are awaiting renewal. ## **2025 Safeguarding Training Modules** - 12 people completed the Basic module. - 9 people completed the Foundation module. - 2 people completed the Leadership module. - 2 people completed the Safe Recruitment & People Management module. - 1 person completed the Domestic Abuse module. - 1 person completed the Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking module. During the past year we have sought and taken advice from the Diocese regarding safe practice for adults and the clergy team. This has informed our policies and practice with immediate effect. The two key improvements are: - Clergy and other Church officers will make appointments to deal with concerns rather than be available at all times. When meeting with individuals already showing troubling concerns, this will be pre-arranged and in a place to enable sightings from adults who are made aware of the situation. Although this is not a common situation we consider it a Safeguarding issue and have taken the advice to be used appropriately. - Individuals should not be responsible for locking up and securing the church building alone, particularly at night. Arrangements will be made for an accompanying adult to be present and vigilant. This is good Safeguarding practice and is currently our policy and practice. The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) and Deputy PSO continue to hold regular Safeguarding meetings with Church Officers, reviewing our practice and aligning our commitment to be a Church in which Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. The PSO has met with our Church plants to review the status and good practice of Safeguarding and remind these leaders to share the message within their groups. We attend Diocesan networking meetings and receive knowledge of updated advice which is necessary and valuable to our continuing growth in our Christian service. _Page 31_ ## DEANERY SYNOD **REPORT** ## **WRITTEN BY IAN THWAITES** The **June 2025 meeting** opened with prayer followed by a talk from Rev Steve Rankin who spoke on the subject of 'CHURCH PLANTING IS NOT NEW'. Churches were planted by people with a vision. The talk opened with 3 themes: - The gathered church The sent church Being church The diocese has a vision to reach the 1.5 million in our diocese who don't yet know Jesus personally. We discussed what constitutes church i.e. the people, not the building, gathering around God’s word, worship, pastoral care, prayer, teaching, sharing, discipling, mission and love for one another. Ideas for the future were then discussed. These were: - Inspire - what? Develop - how? Implement - doing The talk concluded with a prayer originally spoken by Sir Francis Drake. I felt that the following two extracts from the prayer summed up what our response should be, _“We ask of thee Lord to push back the horizons of our hopes... To push into the future in strength, courage, hope and love”._ This was followed by a report by The Bible Society called ‘The Quiet Revival’. This report shows that church decline in England and Wales has not only stopped, but the church is actually growing as Gen Z (mainly 18-24 year olds and particularly men) have led an exciting turnaround in church attendance. Last year The National Churches Trust carried out a survey asking church wardens (or others) to record church attendance numbers and other details with a view to help politicians, the media, and the wider public to better understand the challenges churches face, and to highlight the vital work they do. This involved those who work or volunteer at church, chapel, meeting house, or cathedral from any Christian denomination in the UK. _Page 32_ These responses will provide essential evidence to build a clearer picture - to tell a stronger story about our church and others like it, so that together we can address some of the biggest challenges facing churches and help ensure their future. It will help policy-makers, diocese, and funders, to better target their support, so we can see churches thriving for generations to come. The **October 2025** meeting was held at Ashley House, St Peters, Hale. Simon Chester, Director of Ministry for the Diocese of Chester lead a facilitated sharing and discussion on vocations and lay ministry, with an aim of actively promoting both ordained and licensed lay ministries, focusing on leaders, pastoral workers and pioneer ministers to support church mission. The latest meeting in February 2026 was held at St Mary’s, Partington. Evening Prayer was led by Rev Jane Mottram after which we then split into small groups for prayer and reflection considering the following points: - All we had to give thanks for in our ministry and church life over the past few months. - Reflecting on all we repent for in our church local and national, and naming things that hold us back. - Praying into all we look forward to this year, new initiatives, faithfulness and growth. Members found this an insightful and encouraging time and an opportunity to hear and pray into the work of neighbouring churches. We were left with a quote, often attributed to Oscar Romero who stood up for justice for the poor and was martyred as a consequence then awarded a sainthood, but the quote was actually made by Bishop Ken Untenter in 1979 although it did refer to Oscar Romero and others: "WE ARE PROPHETS OF A FUTURE NOT OUR OWN" This emphasises that we are the workers, laying foundations and tending, acknowledging that our efforts are often just a step along the way. Like Capability Brown's landscape creations were planted and tended by others who never saw the outcome of the completed project that Capability Brown had envisaged. _Page 33_ ## FINANCIAL ## **REPORT** ## **WRITTEN BY BRIAN MACFADEN** We started 2025 with a substantial budget deficit as we continued to develop church planting and significantly extend our children and youth work. During the year we have seen growth in those ministries and a generous response from our congregations to enable it to happen. Our 2025 income was slightly lower than our expenditure by £5,186 (£11,246 surplus in 2024). At 31st December 2025 we held cash at the bank, including short term deposits, of £184,689. Of that £137,542 is unrestricted and £47,147 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. We were assisted by grants of £21,290 from the Glebelands Trust towards stonework repairs and £33,877 of new grants towards our work as listed in note 7. ## **COMPARISON TO 2024** Most of the giving we receive comes through regular standing orders and cash collections, and we saw a 17.2% increase from last year (£368,300 in 2025 vs £314,171 in 2024). With inflation of 3.4% over the past 12 months giving increased by 13.4% in real terms. We also received £5,889 in one-off donations (£17,001 in 2024). 14 people started donating regularly to our work during the year, and this financial growth is enabling us to continue growing our work. Butterflies Pre-School Group had a deficit of £15,365 including redundancy costs (deficit of £7,330 in 2024) due to continuing low child numbers. As that was forecast to continue Butterflies closed at the end of July 2025. _Page 34_ ## **LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026** In 2026 the PCC have approved a budget deficit of £29,000 (compared to £63,000 in 2025) to continue to invest in church planting, children and youth, key priorities across the Church of England. Church planting will be mostly funded by a grant received in 2024. Our congregations responded generously to the vision in 2025 and we trust this will continue as we seek to grow God’s work and close the deficit. We approach the challenges and opportunities of 2026 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: 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. The PCC has a policy to maintain approximately 3 months of regular expenditure in our reserves. At the end of 2025 our cash reserves were 2.9 months of regular expenditure (2.8 months at end of 2024). This is a satisfactory level. 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. _Page 35_ # FINANCIAL **STATEMENTS** _Page 37_ # **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 2025** ## **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 Nathan Gregory _Page 38_ ## **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 2025** I report to the PCC on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 set out on pages 40 to 47. ## **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”), as amended by the Charities Act 2022. 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 _Page 39_ **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2025** We implemented a new finance package in 2025 which changed the categories for incoming resources and resources used. The 2024 results have been restated using the new categories. _Page 40_ ## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025** The notes on pages 43 to 47 form part of these accounts. _Page 41_ ## **CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2025** _Page 42_ ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2025** ## **NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES** _Page 43_ ## **NOTE 2 - INCOMING RESOURCES** _Page 44_ ## **NOTE 3 - RESOURCES USED** _Page 45_ **NOTE 4 - STAFF COSTS** ## **NOTE 5 - FIXED ASSESTS FOR USE BY THE PCC** ## **NOTE 6 - ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND** ## **NOTE 7 - RESTRICTED FUNDS** _Page 46_ ## **NOTE 8 - MISSIONARY AND CHARITY GIVING** ## **NOTE 9 - LINKED CHARITY** _Page 47_ ## FIND OUT MORE **PHONE : WEBSITE : ADDRESS :** 0161 291 9283 www.stmarysaom.org 44 Moss Lane, Sale M33 6GD ## OUR TEAM ## **LEADERSHIP TEAM:** **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 ## **MINISTRY TEAM:** **0-4’s Worker:** Janet McIlhagger | 0-4s@stmarysaom.org **Youth Worker:** Dave Atkinson | youth@stmarysaom.org **Sale West Community Engagement:** Carol Dodgson | caroldodgsonsalewest@gmail.com ## **SUPPORT TEAM:** **Parish Administrator:** Carol Martin | office@stmarysaom.org **Finance Officer:** Insook Snudden | finance@stmarysaom.org **Data Administrator:** Danielle Markland | danielle.markland@stmarysaom.org **Treasurer:** Sarah Kostiuk-Smith | treasurer@stmarysaom.org