St Paul New Beckenham Registered Charity No. 1133108 Annual Report And Financlal Statements Of the Parochlal Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024 Bank: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue King5 Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examlner: Ernest Kabera, Bsc Accounting 35 Goscote Lodge Crescent Walsall WS3 IRZ
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL NEW BECKENHAM ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024 Badround St Paul's PCC has the responsibility for promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic. social and ecumenlcal. It also has maintenance responsibilitles for the Church buildin8 and halls of St Paul's New Beckenham. In Decernber 2009 the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Paul Beckenham was registered with the charlty Commission under registered charity no. 1133108. In 2023 St Paul's adopted the mlsslon statement "Growing In Christ together. one step at a time", Membershlp Members of the PCC are esther ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM} in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Within these Rules, St Paul's at its APCM in 1997 resolved that no representative of the laity to the PCC andlor Deanery Synod should hold office for more than slx years contlnuously, followlng their current term of office, but that they may stand for election after a one year break. At Its APCM In 2012 St Paul's resolved that Sectlon 3 of the Churchwardens Measure 2CM)I, whlch states that a person who has served six successive years as churchwarden for the same parish may not serve again as churchwarden for a further two years, should be reinstated and apply to the parish of St Paul New Beckenham. Durfng the year the followin8 served as members of the PCC: Vicor.. Rev SSmon Couper Re¢d Rachel Winn (resigned with effect from 30" September 2023). (with effect from Il. July 2024) Reader.. Mlss Sarah Butler Wardens.. Miss Anne Harkness Mrs Anthea Prender8ast Representatives on Beckenham Deonery Synod.. Mr Keith Howick Mrs Sandra Horner. (from APCM 2024) Elerted members.. Mrs Maria Adu Mr David Charlesworth Mr Andrew Grlffiths Mr Wesley Guy Mrs Clarissa Harrington. Mrs Sandra Horner Mrs Anne Howick Mr Keith Howick Mr lan Johnson Mr Paul Lashmar Mrs Nomsa Moldovan. Mr Ro8er Wells. (from APCM 2024) (from APCM 2024 (from APCM 20241. (from APCM 2024>
Appolnted Secretory." Mrs Anne Howick Standing Committee.. This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings. subject to any directions given by the Council. In December 2020 the vicar reported to the PCC that he was hoping to make areas of the church life more accessible to people, to help people to understand how the church operate5, where they could mentor or support the teams, and he encouraged people to take ownership, and to contribute thelr talents and glfts. The PCC agreed that people should serve on a team for a certain length of time rather than for a long time. Church attendance At the end of 2024 there were 140 members on the Electoral Roll, of whorn 58 are resldent within the Parlsh and 82 are not resident within the Parlsh. The avera8e weekly attendance on a Sunday in October 2024, which are the statisiics we are required to return to the Dlocese each year, was 95 adults and 7 children. 237 adults and 85 children attended the Chrlstlngle service In December 2024. Safeguardln8 and Clergy Dlsclpllne Measure 2016 As required by Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Cler8y Dlscipline Measure 2016, the PCC agreed at its meeting in November 2020 the Parish Policy Statement for Safeguarding Adults when they are Vulnerable and the Parish Policy Statement for Safeguarding Children. Coples of these statements are dlsplayed on the noticeboards In the main entrance porch and in the Church hall. In December 2022 Sandra Horner was appolnted the Parish Safeguarding Offi'cer. D8S Lead Recrulter The PCC appolnted Marlan Sewell as the Lead Recrulter and the Vicar as the Deputy Recrulter Officer. Revlew of the year The full PCC met ten ttmes In 2024 to deal with church matters, with an average attendance of 70%. Individual reports from the PCC teams follow later in this report, but thls review needs to men11on varlous areas of church life whlch are hugely important. There had continued to be servlces at 8.CKI am {8CP) and 10.30 am (Morning Worshlp or Holy Communion), with a creche and Sunday Squad during the 10.30 am service5. The 10.30 am servlces had continued to be livestreamed and available on the webslte. During the interregnum the 8.00 am services were either Mornlng Prayer (BCP) or Holy Communion (BCP). Following the appolntrnent of the new Incumbent, the 8.00 am servlces had returned to weekly Holy Communion (BCP) from January 2025. Sunday Squad had continued to meet in the halls on a weekly basls during term time (see report on page 9). Members of the Prayer Ministry Group were available in the Chapel at the end of every 10.30 am service. The Group was kept informed by email of any urgent requests, and a time of prayer had continued to be held on Thursday evening, by Zoom, for anyone to attend. The vicar (from July 2024), two wardens, Reader, Pastoral Assistant, Evangelist, the trainee Licensed Lay Minister and the Church Administrator had continued to meet each week during 2024, either in person or vla Zoom, to review the previous Sunday services and to plan for the coming weeks. In 2024 there had been three weddings at St Paul's, and three baptisms.
The Teams All formal teams report to the PCC, which shares, with the Wicar, the leadership and oversight of the parish. Please see each team's terms of reference and reports on pages 4- 11. Terms of reference: The Bulldlngs Team is responsible for maintaining and Improving the church buildings, grounds, and facilities. The work ranges from mlnor repairs to Si8niftcant proJects. The team meets monthly to discuss and progress work, perform jobs withln house if possible, and obtaln quotes from contractors If the work Is beyond the team skill set. Report to the APCM for the calendar year 2024 In 2024 the team completed several mlnor repalrs themselves. We also arranged regular work including quarterly cleaning of the windows on the halls and south facade of the church, annual cleanlng of the gutterin8 and downpipes on the halls and church, and emergency fixln8 of toilet and sink leaks. Thanks to Anthea Prendergast for her help wlth the latter. In January 2024 we organised a deep clean of the church and halls. The church wardens a very grateful to everyone who helped wlth thls. In 2024 the team also obtained quotes and arranged for suppliers to perform larger works: In July 2024 Rolins restored the worn wooden floor at the rear of the church. In Oct 2024 Simmons perfom)ed repairs on the maln church roof. In Nov 2024 the two yew trees at the church entrance were reduced In size for better vlslbility. During 2024, after obtainlng several quotes, PCC approval, a faculty from the Dlocese, and planning permission from Bromley Council, we engaged CES to install new118htin8 at the church and hall entrances. This work will be cornpleted in Aprll 2025. We are very grateful for the anonymous donation of £IO.000 + £1,000 gift aid which will cover most of the cost. In 2025 the team will apply to the Diocese for a Mlnor Repairs and Improvement Grant to cover the remainin8 Cost and try to recover the VAT from the Government's Listed Places of Worshlp Grants Scheme. In 2025 the tearn will arrange for the halls kitchen to be repainted, clean and fit pigeon deterrents to the west wlndows, perform more roof cleaning and repalrs to the south porch and main roof, and repair two blocked downpipes. We will also look to repair and repaint some of the doors and wlndows. repair the broken garden wall, remove moss from the garden walls and church buttresses. We will also start to explore making good the failed plasterwork In church and replacing the edging on the path and around the church. We are deli8hted that we now have five people on the team. If you would Ilke to joln us. or help with the occaslonal odd job, please contact Anne Harkness.
Tem15 of Relerence: The Clirnate and Ecolo8y Team Is responsible for encouraging St Paul's a5 a church, the congregation as Individuals and our wider community, to think differently and live more lightly, in order to serve and steward well. We work under the aim of one of the Church's 5 Marks of Mission; To strlve to safeguard the integrity of creotion and sustoln and renew the lift of the earth. Our remit involves meetin8 regularly as a team, planning events, contributing to worship and teachin& and completin8 Eco Church surveys. Report to the APCM for the calendar year 2024 The Team contlnued to encourage Inte8ration of care for God's creatlon into all our actlvltles at St Paul's. This also extended to having a Green Corner at the Connect Café for people to browse Informatfon about environmental concerns and what we can all do, even in small ways, Ilke recycling. The Team produced a Procurernent Policy which was agreed by the PCC and a copy placed on the website. We took part in No Mow May again, leaving areas of the grass uncut to encourage Insects and biodiversity. In June, as part of Great Blg Green Week, the fllm 'Our Planet: Too Big to Fail,. produced by WWF was shown on a Saturday afternoon in the chapel, with tfme for a discussion afterwards. It was attended by a few local people as well as members of the con8regatlon. Also in June, the London Instltute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) published a booklet entitled "Jesus Died to Save the Planet" wrltten by Paul Kunert who had worshipped wlth us at St Paul's for a time. The booklet was mainly aimed at church leaders, and coples were given to the PCC and other members of the congregation who requested it. This book is to form the basis of Home Group studies in the new year. Creatlon Sunday wa5 celebrated on 29 September wlth members of the Team tsking part In the Service. In October the Team organised a Planet-Frlendly Autumn Fair with stalls including pre-loved items, a book give-away, and environmentally friendly products. Money ralsed from the Fair was donated to the charity Ripple Effect who work with farmers in eastern Africa to help reduce poverty and counter the effects of cllmate change. A Rocha produced a new version of the Eco Church survey which went live in November. It will provide a challen8ing framework for the work of the Team In 202S. Term5 of Reference.. The Communlcatlons Team was established in 2020 and has oversight of the various channels of communication used at St Paul's, both in contacting and connecting with the immediate church family, but also in sharing news and events with the wider parlsh and beyond. The team ensures the website is kept up to date, makes good use of social media, and has effective measures in place to stay in touch with those who are not online. This tearn also has responsibility for the technicalities of broadcasting our online services, advertisin8 special and seasonal Services and events and designing all publications. Report to the APCM for the calendar year 2024 The team continued to meet occasionally through the year to consider communicatlons strategies/plans, but the practlcal work of the team Is ongoing. Communications Team workload had increased, due to our increased community en8a8ement. The effort required to
produce the Christmas and Easter parish 'Connect' leaflets and the In¢ased poster/flier publicity for church events had been substsntial. More of the advertising (via flyers and posters) was being done in-house followlng the purchase of a new printer; this had been more cost-effective than usin8 printing companies but heavier on admin time. Llkewise, the workload had increased in keeplng the website up to date and maklng more frequent posts on our Facebook page. The Team had also.. Reached the point of orderlng new external notlceboards. Seen major improvements in the use of internal noticeboards Supported the process creatin8 the new Electoral Roll and a Church Dlrectory compliant with GDPR. Started gainin8 the necessary permissions for more tar8eted church emall communicatlons. Continued to provide Sound and Ilve streaming for regular services as well as provided cover for speclal seasonal servSces and occaslonal offices, such as weddings and funerals . Whilst not strlctly a 'Communlcations Team, item, the Team had been leadlng In the dellvery of the IT/AV project tackllng the inadequacies of the church internet and Wi-Fi systems, not least the Impart on our Service streaming, access for the Pre-school and reliabillty of the new 'CollecTln' for on-llne giving. Into the future thls work wlll continue. but the Team also Intend to look closely at: the physical aspects of visltors feellng welcomed into the bulldlng- the foyer and entrance doors, the attractlve presentation of 'who we are, and 'what we do,, hospltallty provision etc. how we Improve the general lrnpression from our graphical 'brandin8' including a replacement of our1080. A communications 'Guidelines' for how church members can more effectively use the skllls we have, and also contribute to our on-line presence In the community. Wlthout mentioning numerous names, we can be very grateful for all the team's effort behind the scenes as well as the more obvlous faithful week-ln, week-out technical input that facllltates the Sound for servlces and enables us to live stream to the community. Terrns of Reference: This team Is responsible for all matters relating to finance and stewardship at St Paul's. This involves drafting the annual budget for the approval of the PCC, and working with the vicar to make sure financial news and concerns are communicated regularly and transparently with the wffider fellowship. The report from the Flnance Team for the calendar year 2024 can be found on pages 13 - 20, including the financial statements.
Temis of Reference: This team has responsibility for developing relatlonships with St Paul's mlssion partners, both in the UK and overseas, and with the organisatlons they are connected to. This team supports our partners through regular correspondence and prayer, and ensures that any updates either from our partners, or their respective organisations, are shared with the wider fellowship. This team is also involved in sug8esting new partners to the PCC as and when a link with an existing partner comes to a natural close. Report to the APCM for the calendar year 2024 Six regular mlssions were supported by the Church during 2024 with a donatlon of £1,632 each. They were: Wycllffe Bible Translators, 5UPPOrtin8 Julian and Catherine and translation In the Caucases SAT-7- Broadcasting to the Middle East and North Africa, Christlan pro8rammes In Arabic. Turkish, Farsl, and English Overseas Mlsslon Fellowshlp- supportrng Julla 8lrkett in Thailand Church Mlsslonary Soclety- sUPPOrting Ben and Katy Ray with disabled people in Tanzanla Chrlstlan5 Agalnst Poverty - especially in the local area Bromley Welcare - Welcare raised money last year at a mince pie tastln8 held at St Paul's Church, and also by singing carols In the Glades 8romley. A Christmas tree festival at St Frances of Assisi church in West Wickham also helped to support the charity. Welcare Bromley contSnues to provide a service to families in the Bromley borough through Indivldual and group work. In all the Mission Team met three tlrnes over the year. For ContSngencles- supported from funds set aslde for emergencles - £1,225 each were sent to Tear Fund for their Middle East Emergency appeal, and to Open Doors for persecuted women's projects. All the above are thought most worthy causes. The donations for Christmas ta8s in lieu of a Church member sending lots of cards to other Church members were given this Christmas to Hope Into Actlon Bromley and amounted to £115,00. This team had met quarterly to pray and plan the service rota, decide upon sermon series and resources and plan special occasional and seasonal services. In 2024, durin8 the interregnum, the team had met and organised the leadln8 and preachlng rota based on the Church of England lectionary, The rota had been put together and distributed by our Parish Administrator. Followin8 the appointment of the new incumbent, the team had continued to meet and primarily followed the lectionary, although this had altered for certaln servlces, such as Safeguarding Sunday in November, Mlsslon Partner Sundays and a sermon series on 'Mountains' in the autumn. Other alternatSve services had Included a Taizé service one afternoon in October. an outdoor Remembrance Service on Ilth November and a Dress Up Nativity service in December.
St Paul's started 2024 without an Incumbent, but with support from our former Archdeacon, Rev'd Paul Wright who had presided and preached at many of our 10.30am Communion services. At 8am. MomSn8 Prayer alternated with BCP Holy Communion, wlth occasional help from Rev'd Neil Fairlamb from Bromley College. and Rev'd Rachel Winn, who was serving a curacy at St Augustine's with St Luke's, Bromley Common. In January, Rev'd Cllve Grinham preached on our Verse for the Year: "Humble yourselves, therefo, under God's mlghty hand, that he may Ilft you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (I Peter 5: 6-7). In February Blshop Jonathan had visited us to lead a servlce markin8 Raclal Justice Sunday. On Sunday 17 March the Church Wardens announced that Rev'd Rachel Wlnn had been appointed as the next vicar of St Paul's. The announcement was greeted with a spontaneous burst of applause. Rachel's installation was held on 11 July, wlth a packed church. A servlce of All A8e worshlp was held at approximately monthly Intervals, led by members of the Minlstry team and Sunday Squad team. We We also delighted to be able to welcome children from Worsley Bridge School for'Experlence Christmas, in December (a multi-sensory experlence involving a Journey around the church wlth volunteers actSn8, Story-teller5 to gulde and craft activities to enjoy). We also hosted the Worsley Bridge Carol concert, which Rev'd Rachel spoke at. As a follow-up Years 2 and 3 were invited to 'Experience Easter, for 3 days in March 2025. Durlng the year our worshlp was enhanced by an Increasln8ly varled mlx of music. As well as Marion and John 81akely and Davld Storey, on organ and piano, we were pleased to see the music group led by Pete and Ingrid Glenister expanding to Include new members. Two members of the Prayer Mlnistry Group were available at the end of every servlce to pray with anyone who requested it, and many people took the opportunity to do thls. From September Rev'd Rachel Introduced Mornlng Prayer worship every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. these times of worship included music, open prayer and a shared time of scrlpture Reflectlon. Morning Prayer had been well attended, and on average of 23 people attended each week over the three days. In October on a Sunday afternoon a Taizé Service was heid In the Chancel, which almost exceeded seatlng capackty; this kind of alternative service has been requested again for a Sunday afternoon. In November as well as the usual Remembrance Day service on the Sunday. a short, well- attended service, including a 2-minute silence was held on Monday 11 November outside the church. followed by refreshments inside. The "nativiv service this year was a chance for everyone of all ages to come dressed up as a character from the Christmas story: an opportunity most of the congregation embraced wlth enthuslasml Christmas services were well attended, and the Communlty Carols, ontr again accompanied by members of the Crystal Palace Brass Band, proved popular. although this year the weather meant that these were held Inside the church. Home Groups had contfnued to meet, primarlly on a fortnightly basis, and as always thls has been an Important time for study, discussion and nurture outside Sunday worship. John Blakely put tO8ether a series of 8ible Studies for Home Groups based on Paul Kunert's book, -Jesus dled to save the planet..
Plans were made to create a music Worship Planning Team to coordlnate and combine the various worship Styles and traditions of services at St Paul's. Sunday Squad was run on most Sundays in term time, wlth the odd Sunday off for an all-age worship service, such as Mothering Sunday. Children were encouraged to attend communion wlth their parents and occasional all age worship services were aimed at inclusion for children and youn8 people, where some of the older children were encouraged to take the Bible reading In the main 5ervlce during All A8e Worship. There Is a small but dedicated group of leaders who are usin8 the Stepping Stone resources for activlties and craft, discussion and prayer had taken place each week. afterward5, children's work was displayed on the church notlceboard in the child-friendly area withln the church. All leaders and helpers were required to be DBS checked and undertake safeguarding training and updates. (We ore Glwoys on the lookoutfor more leaders to help with our important Childn,5 work, please speak to Alison Chorlesworthfor detalls). Earlier In 2024 5ix- eight school age children, aged between S and 11, had regularly attended. Sadly the numbers had reduced when we had to say farewell to two familles last summer, we still mlss them. Subsequently there were fewer chlldren this year In the group, which ran8es from recept5on to year 6 in primary school. Most weeks there were 2-5 children on a fairly regular basis. A 'stay and plav crèche was set up running alongside the Sunday Squad, with the service being streamed on the mobile TV; this had required parents to stay with their very young children under school age. The Sunday Squad leaders and helpers had rnet for about three meetings a year when they had review the pro8ramme and had planned any future events. Some of the leaders had volunteered their gift of workSng with children to support our Experi•nc• ChriFtmas and Easter events. Lo. The team contlnues to pray for a growth In the numbers of young children and are encouraged by the increase in baptisms which Swell our numbers occasionally. The team hope to have a family day In October half term. The team would like to say a huge thank you to Liz Spencer, who declded to stand down In July 2024 and our ongoing appreciation and thanks go to all the team who are committed to teaching our chlldren about falth in Jesus and the gospel. The Youth Group was run by Jash Masih and his team of Supporters, on alternate Sunday mornings durlng the interregnum. Due to being unable to continue to use the vicarage space, meeting on Sunday mornings discontinued after July 2024. Re¢d Rachel and Eric Barney loined the team and in December 2024 a Christmas Youth Group was held on a Sunday afternoon. Subsequently links were forged with Holy Trinity with St John's parish and two Youth Group events were held by both churches, alternatlng the locations where we meet.
10 Loati' The team had continued to work with Rev Jessica Smith to connect our young people and to separately grow our two youth groups; we are expecting an increase in numbers when more Year 7's can join us in September. The team is planning an after-exam BBQ at St Paul's on Sunday 29th June, and are conscious that we would like to have a venue to meet on a Sunday morningl Huge thanks go to all involved, especially Jash, Ollvia and Maz, who have worked hard and given of their tlme and skills to keep offering our youn8 people spirltual guidance, connection and fun. St Paul's had promoted a pro8ramme of 'community facing, activities as part of our engagement wlth the parlsh. These were open to people of all falths and none. It was part of our commitment to being a good nelghbour, but also that the community has a window Into the church family as a form of witness. It was relationship-building but aimed to have programme alongside for those considerlng a journey of faith. Under this umbrella the following activlttes were organised by the 'Champions' who made them happen. Most were very well attended and were building a real link with our wider community One-off Events 'The Beloved Son, one-man theatrlcal event on the LArche founder. A 70's themed social nlght Resolve - a new year reflective course for those considering a falth journey BBQ and Band Autumn Falr Community Carols Regular events Saturday Connert Café. Thls had taken place on the fourth Saturday of the month when everyone was encoura8ed to attend, to bring the5r friends and neighbours, when there would be good coffee and chat, bacon butties and pastries ready for the hungry. The community Iltter-picking team had gone out on the Saturdays when the Connect Café had met. Babies & Toddlers.: Thi5 group had continued to meet weekly during term-tlme on a Thursday morning. In December there were 49 adults and 65 chlldren registered. The organlsers felt it was really gratifylng to see new friendships being made by adults and children and they hoped to see this continue as the group grows. FriendshSp Group: This group had continued to meet every Thursday throughout the year. with only rare exceptions when the halls were unavailable. Thls growin8 group had very well-or8anised programme of events and offered a variety of guest speakers, music, exercise, prayer and growing friendships. In 2024 a number of girls from Harris Academy came regularly to develop links between the generations, to talk wlth
11 members of the 8roup and to help serve refreshments. A huge thank you to Judith Freeborn and the leaders and servers who had faithfully run this thriving group. Knit & Natter, Craft and Chatter: This group was launched in Ortober 2024, developing a regular rneeting and friendshlp community who had blessed others with their creat5ve gifts, such as crocheted or knitted poppies, Easter decorations and knitted blankets. Souper Soup Lunch: thls lunch had taken place each month in the autumn and wlnter when people had met for delicious homemade soup, and a relaxlng time with frlendly company and conversation. The actfvlties had followed a general rule of bein8 'free but donations welcome" except for those marked * Members were also cognlsant of their relevance in a parish with an unusually high proportion of slngle person households, wlth all that potentially entails re lonellness and Isolation. Activities would be continuing in 2025 but some thought would be needed as to how the Christian message might sensStively be increased without damagin8 the 'open ' philosophy. The commltment of the 'Champlons' to thelr respectlve actlvitles should be applauded and thanked. During the Interregnum Sandra Homer. the Parlsh Safeguardln8 Officer, had worked to ralse the proflle of safeguarding in the church communlty, and Sandra had continued that work wlth Re¢d Rachel Winn since her arrlval in July 2024. Trainlng for those who needed it had been achieved, and refresher courses had started for those who had trained three years a80. Most of the training was on-line and very well presented. Rev'd Rachel and Sandra would be offering In-person group training for those who would prefer not to undertake the Individual on-line method. In Novernber 2024 there had been a well-received Safeguarding Sunday service. Rev'd Rachel, Keith Howick and Sandra Horner had promoted the mes5a8e that safeguarding Is everyone's business and that it was important to have a culture of good safeguardln8 practlce, Sandra had continued to report regularly to the PCC about current inft>rmation coming from the Dlocese, and at each PCC meting a scenario had been discussed by all to ralse awareness. The notlceboard had been kept up to date wlth Informatlon about wh•re help 1$ available. The wardens would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, particularly durin8 the interre8num. They are grateful to the Mlnistry team, staff and volunteers who do so much to keep church life going throu8h the year: our talented musicians and singers,, the Creche and Sunday Squad team and Youth Group; all our preachers. service leader5, Scripture readers and intercessors; the PCC members and Anne Howick our PCC Secretary; our A551stant Treasurers, especlally Rosemary Dear. the Communications team: our Church Administrator Stephanie Fox who, among many other duties. prepares the regular rota of volunteers for servlces and the vldeo presentation. the AV team who provide live streamin& video and sound; Ron and Pauline Barrett, who keep our church buildings clean and beautiful; the flower arrangin8 team; brass cleaners," those who decorate the church for Harvest Festival, Christmas and other special days, make Christingles and put up the Chrlstmas trees and lights Outside and in the hall; the sidesperson team who help make St Paul's a welcomlng place,. the catering team and those who provide coffee and tea after Sunday morning services," our hard working gardening team, who ensure the garden looks at its best through the year.
12 Judlth Freeborn who keeps the first aid boxes stocked and up to date,. the Babies and Toddler Group. the Friendship Group. Homegroup leaders for their hospitality, tirne. prayer and encouragement in the faith of the members of their groups. Olivia Masih for her enthusiasm and development of the creative Knit and Natter group," lan Rodgers for his dedication to and leadership of prayer ministry and Christfan reading materlal at St Paul's and Marion Lowe for her leading on Bible devotional material. All of this Is so important In helping St Paul's to thrive as a worshipping community and a beacon of hope and encouragement for our nei8hbourhood. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, NEW BECKENHAM I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024 Respectlve responsibilities of Trustees and Independent Examlner As trustees of the charSty, the mernbers of the Parochlal Church Council are responslble for the preparation of the accounts. The members consider that an audlt Is not required for thls year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The 2011 Att)) and that an Independent examlnation is needed. It Is my responslbillty •to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act: •to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions glven by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act; and •to state whether partlcular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance wlth the General Directions glven by the Charity Comm5sslon. An examinatlon includes a revlew of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requlred in an audlt. and consequently no opinlon is glven as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair vlevi" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below Independent Examlner's statement In connectlon wlth my examinatlon. no matter has come to my attentlon l. which glves me asonable cause to believe that, in any materlal respect, the requirements: to keep accountlng In accordance wlth sectlon 130 of the 2011 Act: and to prepare accounts whlch accord with the accounts records and to comply with the accountlng requirements of the 2011 Act, Have not been met: or 2. to whlch. in my oplnion. attention should be drawn In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Emest KABEFL4 Bsc Accounting
13 35 Goscote Lodge Crescent WS3 IRZ Walsall th Date '. April 6 ,2025 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW I. REGULAR INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Income, less one-off legacies, was £167,000, an Increase of 2%. Expenditure less one-off vlcara8e costs was £192,600 an Increase of 1.4%. The defi'cit before one-off iterns increased to £29,600 from £22.600 in 2023. To cover the deficit would require an increase of 15% in regular income. The deficit equates to 17,7% of the funds held on account by the church. In 2024 we received two 8enerous legacies totalling £43,700 The two largest expenditure Ilnes are.. Parlsh Offer (previously called Parlsh Share) of £73,500, which is paid into the Dlocese Common Fund, in return for which our vlcarf5 stipend, pension and housing are provided, and we recelve Diocesan support (e.g. training, admin, safeguarding). Thls Is calculated by a formula addlng total ministry costs (64% of the total figure), Diocesan Support Costs (16%) and a figure to contribute to wider Diocesan Mlssion120%). Parish Runnlng cost linc office and admln) of £6S.400. In 2025 regular costs will only Increase, notably church and halls running costs (mostly being utility costs on fixed term contracts) and Parish Administrator & Office costs, partly because we are doing more as a church. 2. Church Funds held on Account. Effectively these are the reserves held by St Paul's. At the end of 2024 they come In two forms: £ 91,240 held as 'Designated Funds, which the PCC has set aslde for planned purposes. but which the PCC can also decide to 'un-designate' if It needs to cover deficits or switch expenditure to changed intentions. £58,600 of these funds are held in the Diocesan Repair Fund for future building repairs whlch can be substantial given our Listed Buildin8 Status. £75,237 in 'Restricted Funds, where a donor or legator specifies what thelr donation or legacy is to be used for. They cannot be added to general incorne.
14 A number of these funds have been held unused for many years, declining in value through inflation. These funds increased in 2024 through the generous new legacies. The PCC has now committed to a number of expenditure items in 2025 from these fund5, e.8. the ITIAV project, Noticeboards, Entrance Lightin8. 3. PLANNING AHEAD St Paul's has a significant deficlt in regular income versus expendlture, but through generous one-off legacies we have strong flnanclal reserves avallable for projects. There Is a need to: Increase regular glving to fund regular expenses. Spend restricted and designated funds accordln8 to the wlshe5 of the donors. Raise additional funds in line with God's Vision for St Paul's for the future. The PCC has started to Involve Liz Mullins, the Rochester Dlocese Generous Givlng Advlsor, to help guide our financSal plannlng and how we raise necessary funding. The PCC Is holding an awayday as part of the proce55 of determining God's VSsion for St Paul's. In essence, if God calls us to do more, we shall need more Income and resource to enable us to meet that call.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH C¢XINCIL OF ST PAUU NEW BECKENHAM lanc• Sheet a• at 31 Docember 2024 31 O•¢•fflb•r 2024 31 D•¢•fflb•r 2023 FIXED A&8ETS CIJIREPtr A8SETS BIL¢ b•nk 58,821 128.200 6.249 80.712 124.314 4.$17 6.792 1ee,336 199.379 (8.416) 112,10 MET CIMRENT ASSETJ TOT•L Asseis LESS CUIIAENT UAWUTIES $92,114 3,034 $92 414 FUND3 e&9 Unr•thd•J txrt tJ•r*J 425,137 91,740 75,fJ7 394,1gS 84,877 03. w• Ibjrwd on Rtv Wffin. PCC CI
PAROCHIAL CHURCH CQUNCIL OF ST PAUL NEW 8ECKENHAM stst•m•nt of Flnanclal Aellvlll Incom• and Expondltur• ft>r y•af endlng 31 D•c•mb•r 2024 Fw 24 OMWIG IIESOURCES ?( 2(bl 21¢) 120.442 10.613 IS.$49 18•.61• 19.271 210,e17 lItSlAcEs EXPW40eo 185,114 27,192 7,1 159.970 26372 4,717 JL9 110.ae1) IOJ61 12, as,thxJ ,942 84.877 SllJ97 &IL*J4Cel CARNleD PQRWMID AT J1 DECEM 2024 425.137 91.740 s.114
Dotalled Inc(xn• for year ondlng 31 Dec•mbor 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES TOT 2023 Fund• 2024 73.423 312•3 31 4J707 159 n1 14S 418 41S 3.lQ 12.eBS 21 12.370 3.179 Is 10 FM• 1•,1S2 SA37 1•,182 16mY 9101 4,175 CM¥¥*n Ald 247• 010 TOTAL Re8OUR¢E8 210
Nots• to tho Flnanclal Statoments RESOURCES EXPENDED Detailed Expendlture for year èndlng 31 December 2024 Unrn•lrlct•d Fund• G•n•rnl D••lgn•t•d Il••trlcl•d TOTAL Fund• 2024 TOTAL 2023 Mlwonary & dblrfIab gmng: Ov¢rne88 sod•iiBs A•1 & devW¢nt 49gnciÈi missiC & 8.121 8.121 7.7CKI 2.092 2.128 6286 Mthty. Dwajon Parfsh Shw• IAc•ts •Up• 73.480 313 ?,ooi 13 1.281 r2,441 Vkw•g• Co Howlty Olher 1SOih Annlvwry Expm•i Men's Group L4d# Grwp Churth.. Run141 costs 4knt•n•ru 0. qJnd1) Coil of 8•r¥•i FI0¥T (¥0 CNldM & y(wth •cl Cat•rtro & loca (Yuch hdl8' Costs 3 Ashforo HtyJ80- Wietp & In$wan¢ urch Aw8y D4y l Away Weekff Pjnsh new8lotter. putAldly. bookntsn & lth r••d noto• Tr•lnlr4J, Alth Cr8•$ & gr• 88ck¢nh•nb Tog•th•r FoMrdirwJ hjnds r•l8•d a10&1 & olhw rn•lor rnp*lr¥ 313 9,089 53 1.261 4,727 260 1.48S 23,110 23.850 9.257 4.753 553 5,793 3,593 7.883 7.839 20.878 13.402 8.176 251 4,724 3,593 2.485 4.733 7.839 1.079 227 1,491 1.557 3,431 1.848 155.824 38 P•rf8h P4trrAnl•trts & Ollk• (Ind. gownml 27.192 27,192 19,421 31909 72 TOTAL RE8OUR¢ES EXPENDED 183018 19S.588
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL, NEW BECKENHAM Nots• to th• Flnanclal Sltsm•nts Not• 4: STAFF COSTS 2023 19.421 971 14.782 739 20.392 15,521 N¢t• 6.. FIXEO ASSET 24 2023 31 Dec•mbv 21Y23 G•kn on rnv•lu•lth k 31 Dwnbw 2024 3500 385 Ofy) Tr• of1 •tv4• yopwty. #¥n 20 t41 b• •xtethd 10 125 frifv 24 Jun• iwi. CtsT¥Yty•1 3 AShId Abboy Park Estsle Th• ftwrkel v•futr In 2024 r4>a •nd FIMlng• Tot•l• N•1 bL)k •1 $1 O•C•rt 2023 18.a68 D•pr•)BIrn thfino y•w N•¢ book w•1• •13t l)•¢•mb•f 2024 471 14,151 FMI A41• cw8ts h•ll co¥•r I1¢ £1,470). new frx Chwth. • •h•d for v•e ty tr (£1.0971. cth ky th• ¢hW1£2,3741 filbwl AY lftv••trn•rt WryWty1£2,2341, • Ib>y pcdithr (£1,1. • Phlipj p¥ nt•r IQ6101 • Th•W •LJkJ vuil tyit•rn1É47.1711. IJ to wnt• off IM cw Ilx•d al• c#.0 fft oxc•M uf£1,CQJ ovw pMd of tts •&bmW I onc• h ••Mt l# wylt•d Th• rth uma l•y¢hJthng Ih• Ighlry •u&) •yfftl w 21YA lty•Kh •Kh >•r wrnt•d frtyn th•1kn•1141 I• F(Y th• •r•S •JLtr ¥u•l IM lh• uJ IA IO%. 1401• l." ANALYSIS OF NEf ASSETS 8Y FUND unl••¢1•d Fund• G•n•ral RMtrl¢l•d Fund• Total CLYrnrnI 385.OQ) 40,139 14,1$1 77.589 399,151 192,964 7*238 11
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL. NEW BECKENHAM Noto8 to th• Flnanclal Statements N¢kn 7, DEBTORS I PREPAYMENTS 2024 2023 H&11 Rental IllMe Prepayffonts 8,249 720 5,582 12.551 4.517 1,750 5.042 11,309 8: UABiullES: AIIOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Olher wdllorn Bank 0¥dft 10.769 12.169 6,416 Not• 9: FUND DETAIL8 2024 2023 Th• 0•8lgnat•d Fund•: Dlocoson chUh Ropalr Fund Leglcy lor Doveloynenl CpaI De¥doleft1 Audlo Vts4J81 Eqwrfkn1 Organ R8p8lr8 Parlsh Wtek•nd r•tr8•18uipIu• FMd Ass8tB (net boc4( ¥aluo) Chldren and Youth 58.628 00.712 14.162 9,205 18.1159 9.205 5,255 91.740 84.879 Th• RMtrkt•d Fund•: 2024 2023 FiY•d a88•t (Iyhtyrfj) Gardèn grwp Lighting Improvem•rt Fund.. 8leY Ro•d to Church EntrarKe m•Intsan(wlmprO¥Orn?n( Of Sl Vauf• Organ Repolr8 Devobpmont 1501h knnfvw6ary Fund Ho•pllalW Fund 456 24,978 12,478 20.625 4.269 12,989 75,237 13,574 Dlo¢•Aon Ctturch R&Ir Fund Evory Ilvo yoarn • Jurv•wx apwntod by lh• Olocev th• Church. H•ll• •nd 3 Ashford Hou and K1enttfie8 any r6p8irn he conshJ8r8 to maintaln the tlIdNIg• at the requlr•d &landard He eslimatss Iho mlnlmum eyponditure roquyed for Such r8palrs aThJ Dioc8s0 requires the amounts to P8KI into sp¢ deposrt •CC4)unl8 at Roc111 over the f01kn.n9 five yearn. Thè Quiwuannlal Inip•¢tson of 3 A8hforO House took Pla In 2024. Tho irweckn of Iho Churc wa8 In Juty 2023