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← PCC of Birstall Parish Church in the Diocese of Leeds

2023-12-31-accounts

Parish of St Peter's Birstall

Annual Meetings Booklet - 2024

Prepared By Miles Lawson (Churchwarden)

Parish of St Peter's Birstall - Annual Report 2024

for the

Annual Meetings 2024

to be held in the Church on Sunday 28th April 2024 at 12:00pm.

Agenda

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

PCC Membership

Ex Officio Retire
2024		 Retire
2025		 Retire
2026		 Deanery
Synod
(Retire
2026)
Priest-in-Charge:
Rev’d Jess Davis		 Martin
Price		 Alison
Sowden		 Alan
Graves		 Raymond
Gallagher
Reader (LLM)
Wendy Harper		 Rosie
Price		 Janice
Mitchell		 Chris
Taylor		 Kathleen
O’Shea
Reader (LLM)
Vacant		 Vacant Solly
Wilson		 Jonathan
Keer		 Vacant
Churchwarden:
Vacant
Churchwarden:
Vacant

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2. Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Parishioners on 23rd April, 2023

Present: Forty-eight attended the meeting and they were:

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Present: Forty-eight members attended the meeting (listed above)

  1. Apologies for absence (listed above)

  2. The Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd April,2022 were read and passed. Proposed Miles Lawson and seconded by Jack Leeson. Unanimous.

  3. To receive and consider the Electoral Roll

  4. Dorothy Gallagher’s report was included with the agenda. Jess offered a vote of thanks to Dorothy. It was proposed by David Chatman and seconded Leif Wilks to accept the report. Unanimous.

  5. To receive a report on the proceedings of the PCC

  6. Denise Gosling’s report was included with the agenda. Jess offered a vote of thanks to Denise. It was proposed by Alan Graves and seconded by Solly Wilson to accept the report. Unanimous

5a To receive a report on the financial affairs of the Parish

Jess offered a vote of thanks to Alan for doing an excellent job as treasurer. It was

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proposed by David Barker and second by Wendy Harper to accept the reports. Unanimous

A vote of thanks was offered to Stephen. It was proposed by Raymond Gallagher and seconded by Janice Mitchell to appoint Stephen Lister as independent examiner. Unanimous

Denise was retiring and she was presented with a gift and flowers. She offered a vote of thanks to everyone who had helped her and added it was a pleasure and privilege to be churchwarden.

  1. To receive a report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod

  2. Jess’s report was included with the agenda. It was proposed by Raymond Gallagher and seconded by Jack Leeson to accept the report. Unanimous. A vote of thanks was offered to Jess for her report.

  3. Management of Health and Safety

  4. Pat Caunt report was included with the agenda. Raymond offered a vote of thanks to Pat Caunt who worked alongside Denise and Miles with matters regarding Health and Safety, It was proposed by John Frankland and seconded by Judith Hartley to accept the report.

  5. To receive a report from Priest in Charge

  6. Jess’s report was included with the agenda. It was proposed by Sue Charlton and seconded by Margaret Bell to accept the report. On behalf of the congregation Raymond Gallagher offered a vote of thanks to Jess for her excellent service to the church and its congregation.

10 To receive any other reports of parochial or church interest.

a. St Peters Playtime

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commented the number of children attending were not like pre-covid numbers. Thanks were offered to the playtime team.

b. Bellringers

The Tower Captain’s Report was included with the agenda. A vote of thanks was offered to Miles and his team.

c. Safeguarding

Janice Mitchell’s report was included with the agenda. A vote if thanks was offered to Janice.

d. Junior Church

Sue Lawson’s report was included with the agenda. A vote of thanks was offered to Sue for preparing the work for junior church which made it easier for the helpers.

e. Church Wood

f. Verger’s Report

12. To elect three members to the Deanery Synod

Three people were needed.

13. To elect up to three members of the laity to the PCC to serve three years and one person to serve on year

Raymond Gallagher resigned as a member of the PCC, and he was now one of our representatives at Deanery Synod.

After a draw it was decided Chris Taylor, Alan Graves and Jonathan Keer would serve three years and Denise Gosling would serve one year.

Being no further business, the meeting was closed with Grace . End of Minutes of meetings of 23rd April, 2023

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Report of the Proceedings of the PCC - April 2023

3. To receive and consider the Electoral Roll - 2023

On Sunday 16[th] April 2023 there were 99 names on the roll. Sadly, 2 people have died and their names have been removed.

On 21[st ] April 2024 the roll now stands at 97 names.

Dorothy E Gallagher

Electoral Roll Officer

4. To receive a report on the proceedings of the PCC

We have had nine meetings this year with the attendance being 89%. There have been five Standing Committee meetings. Denise Gosling

5. To receive a report on the financial affairs of the parish including:

Treasurer’s Report for the year from 1st January to 31 December 2023

All comments and figures referred to below relate specifically to the year ended 31st December 2023 and to the financial Accounts which are shown in Appendix 1.

The Accounts have been independently examined by Stephen Lister to whom I am most

grateful and were approved by the PCC at a meeting on 7th April 2024.

On behalf of the PCC, I would like to thank everyone who donates to our Church by

regular giving, without which we would not be able to continue our mission in the

community, our evangelism, our worship, or to maintain our beautiful Church building.

There are many ways you can donate, either by Standing Order, via the envelope scheme

as covenanted giving, by cash on the collection plate, via the contactless giving machine,

by the QR code, or by the donations button on our website. If you could consider

increasing your donations, particularly in line with the cost of living, it would be very much appreciated.

If you are a taxpayer and as yet you do not use the gift aid scheme, please have a word with me, Rev’d Jess, or one of the wardens. Gift aided giving means that we can claim a payment from HMRC of 25p for each £1 given by

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you, at no extra cost to you. All we require from you is a Declaration form.

I would also extend a thank you to all volunteers who give freely of their time and to

everyone within the Church family who supports us in any way. We held many successful events throughout the last year raising a substantial amount of very welcome funds as detailed in Section d) on page 2.

Like any household, or business, our costs continue to rise. As can be seen from page 1 of my accounts, the total Church expenses for the year amounted to £79,527 and our income was £78,153 leaving a deficit of £1,374.

I appreciate our financial affairs are complicated and just looking at the total value of

Investment Assets and Cash Funds listed at the bottom of page 1, in isolation, it shows we have a total balance of all funds amounting to £121,610. A breakdown of this figure is given on page 4 of the Accounts, however, by way of explanation, this figure is made up as follows:-

  1. Endowment or Permanent Endowment Funds. These total £80,900 and applies to

money which has mainly been given in the distant past, usually via a Will, with the express instruction that the money must be retained and invested and only the income is to be used for specific named purposes.

  1. Restricted Funds totalling £15,429 where money has been given to the Church by the donor for a specific purpose with the intention that their donation is to be used only for that purpose.

  2. Designated Funds totalling £18,391 being money set aside by the PCC to be used for specific purposes and expenses as detailed in the Fund description.

  3. The General Fund with a balance of £6,890 is available for the general running and

mission of the Church. The balance of this General Fund has been falling year on year

since Covid. Income is generated chiefly through donations and gift aid recovered totalling £59,732. Other income includes statutory fees predominately from funerals of £7,468, fundraising activities net of costs of £5,983 and investment income and interest received of £2,823.

Our major expense is the ‘Parish share’, of £47,815. This covers the costs of clergy within our diocese including their stipend, housing costs, national insurance and pension contributions.

Other major costs included general church running costs of £ 14,497 of which £5,749 related to building insurance premiums. Utility bills totalled £7,547, tithe

payments to charities of £4,706 and major church repairs totalling £2,499.

F. Alan Graves

Treasurer

5.a Please see Appendix 1 at the end of this document

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5.b to appoint an independent examiner;

Stephen A. Lister kindly agreed to undertake the duties of Independent Examiner in accordance with the Charity Commission regulations. A copy of his report is attached - please see Appendix 2. Stephen has again volunteered to act as Independent Examiner for the coming year.

5.c to receive a report on the financial affairs of the Governors of St Peter's School.

Report from St. Peter’s School Governing body

Another school year is now in its final term, and your governors have continued to work hard behind the scenes in a variety of roles.

Governors work to help children to care for the communities where they live as well as the wider world, all while having a sense of God through knowing Jesus as a special friend.

Governors also visit school to observe lessons, talk to children and staff, and we are always delighted to see how engaged children are, how much they enjoy school and how inclusive our classes and the teaching is.

Financially the school manages its budgets extremely well, and this year has been challenging, with increased costs in fuel and on salaries.

Governors are still supporting school financially - we are steadily paying back to the budget, money that was paid for us as we could not meet the 10% that was required from us towards some windows that needed to be replaced.

We were delighted with the Ofsted inspection in December with an overall GOOD result, and some outstanding features. Governance was commented on very positively.

We are building on the church/school links in a variety of ways, the children very recently were involved in hedge planting and building the bug hotel, and of course the choir continues to sing at the Christingle service each year, volunteers from church continue to give time as reading friends and soon a new project Open the Book will begin (please see Jess for more details}

There are vacancies on our governing body, and we are happy to talk to anyone who might be interested in this role.

We continue to be grateful for the 5ps that are given and would ask that you could consider supporting us in this way.

Our new school building work began in January and currently resembles a giant Meccano kit, however the hope is that the new building will be completed by Easter 2025. I have added some pictures to this report for you to have a look at, but please ask me or Jan or Jess for more information.

Please continue to support our school with your prayers, as we face a year or more of building work.

A Sowden

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6. To receive a report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church.

The Churchwardens have checked and identified all items in the Church Inventory and can confirm that all were present in the church and signed off accordingly.

Churchwardens’ Report

26/04/2023—Drain at front of church cleared

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for church. This is nearly finished.

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plans which have already been drawn up – hoped we may be able to modify and raise funding. Plans have been provided to Jess shortly after meeting.

Miles Lawson & Andy Rhodes

Churchwardens

7. To receive a report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod.

Deanery Synod Report 2023 – 2024

The Dewsbury and Birstall Deanery Synod meetings include information and administration. Reports are received from Diocesan and General Synod; there is also a guest speaker. This year three meetings were held.

In June, Janet Edmond the Leeds Diocesan Stewardship Officer talked about the Parish Giving Scheme. This allows donations made by direct debit to be administered centrally by the PGS allowing Gift Aid quickly to be claimed and returned to the church.

The Bishop of Huddersfield, Smitha Prasadam was the speaker in October. She spoke of her life and work as a priest.

Lastly in February 2024 the meeting was held at the Community of the Resurrection. Mirfield. We were told about the work of the College of the Resurrection which offers residential training and St. Hild College which provides more flexible learning for lay people and those seeking ordination.

Kath O'Shea

8. To receive a report on Health and Safety

1. Review of Documents

Over the past year, the following Health & Safety Documents have been reviewed:

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(g) Management of Asbestos in the Church Building.

It is suggested that a copy of these be kept in a Ring Binder at the Welcome Desk, so they are accessible, rather than in the Vestry.

2. Dealing with Intruders

At the request of Rev Jess Davis and Andy Rhodes, Church Warden, a new Health and Safety Document has been written; which is a Policy for dealing with Intruders. The Document covers (a) when the church is closed and not in use (b) when the Church is open and in use and (c) when the Intruder is armed with a weapon. It was delivered electronically to Jess and Andy on February 1 2024.

A paper copy of the Document has been included in the Ring Binder which I have suggested should be kept at the Welcome Desk.

3. Food Preparation

I understand that food is now being provided once again, on a regular basis, for people from the Community. This means that the Policy for food preparation in the kitchen will need to be reviewed.

4. Ongoing Monitoring of Health and Safety Risks

4.1 Electrical Installations

The 5-yearly Electrical Inspection of the church installations was due in January 2024. I have been informed that this has been carried out, but have not been involved and have no knowledge of the findings.

4.2 Trees in the Burial Ground

In order to manage the Action Plan written by JCA Ltd in 2021, at last years AGM it was noted that:

(a) Eight trees showed defects which needed monitoring

(b) Two trees were in need of a follow up inspection

(c) Nine trees needed growth removing from their base so these could be inspected and

(d) 18 trees needed pruning.

have not been informed about progress on any of this work, so cannot make any further comment.

5. Other Matters

I have had no request for help with any other health or safety matter during the course of the year, so this completes my Report.

Pat Caunt, Church Member with oversight for Health and Safety. Report dated

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2 April 2024.

9. To receive a report from Priest-In-Charge

Priest in Charge – report

I write this year’s report with a mixture of joy and sadness. There is so much to be grateful for, new people joining our church family, people coming to faith, people experiencing healing and answers to prayer, a growing and thriving Eco church which has captured the imagination of the community, and worship services that are continuing to develop in two different styles enabling a growing number of people to encounter and worship God to name but a few of the joys.

There are also things are great sources of pain and sorrow; those who have decided that they no longer wish to journey with us, times when we have hurt one another, those among us who are suffering on a personal level, and most recently the death of our dear friend and brother, Leif. He is sorely missed, and his loss will be felt by us all for a long time to come as we sense his fingerprints throughout the life of the church and are aware of all the places where he once was and is no longer. And yet we trust in the hope that we have in Jesus that this is not the end of his story.

It is this hope that continues to drive us forward in the service of the gospel and of our Lord Jesus Christ whom we worship. Last year, I laid out a direction of travel for us as a church. Here’s a reminder of what I said:

  1. Strategy – making sure that we are working towards growth and that there is joined up thinking across the life of the church so that our energies and priorities match our vision.

  2. Communications – making sure that our message is clear both inside and outside the church.

  3. Youth – making sure that we are a church where our teens and young adults can thrive and grow.

  4. Church at Home – making sure that those who are part of our church but cannot attend in person are included in the life of the church and their spiritual needs met.

We’ve made a start on all of these things but there is still work to be done.

Area of Focus What we’ve done What next
Strategy •The PCC embarked
upon a program called
PCC Tonight to help
us to become more
focussed
on
our
mission as a church
(this is still to be
completed).
•The events group now		 •To
identify
and
set
realistic priorities when
Jess is being shared
across two churches as
per the Deanery plan.
•To grow the worship
team (especially for the
10:30am service)

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meet in an evening
and have a program of
events for the year
with specific aims for
each event and an
overall
fundraising
target.
Communications •We’ve added a notice
reel on the screens
before
and
after
services.
•We’ve revamped and
reintroduced a weekly
notice
sheet
(St
Peter’s Post)
•We’ve
changed
the
monthly news mailing
to a quarterly mailing
to
make
it
more
manageable to put out
as a regular bulletin
(St Peter’s Post Extra)
•We’ve
invested
in
attractive
flyers
for
Christmas and Easter
and deliver these to all
of the schools as well
as encouraging people
to use them to invite
friends,
family
and
neighbours to services
and events.
•We’ve
introduced
a
new contact database
called Community.
•We’ve
introduced
Keeping in touch cards
for visitors and new
people.		 •To update our website
and our A Church Near
You page so that the
information is accurate
and useful.
•To appoint a volunteer to
look
after
our
social
media
pages
and
to
ensure that we maintain
a good and consistent
digital presence.
•To
revamp
our
noticeboards
to
make
them
more
useful,
attractive,
and
user
friendly.
•To explore the possibility
of
additional
external
noticeboards to advertise
events and service.
•To invest in new banners
for events.
Youth •We have tried and
been unsuccessful in
recruiting volunteers to
a youth team.
•I am currently trying to
regularly chat to our
young
people
to
ensure that they know
that they are still a
priority within church
and that their voices
are heard.		 •To continue to try to
recruit volunteers to be
able to start a youth
group.
•To apply for funding to
resource the group.
•To contact young people
who
have
previously
been part of church to
invite them to join the
group once volunteers
have been recruited.
Church at Home •All church at home
members
were		 •To grow the pastoral
visiting team to ensure

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In addition to these priorities, I am keen that we increase our offer for children and families and would like to look at whether we can reintroduce Messy Church and potentially Muddy Church which is all about experiencing and worshiping God in outdoors. I am also keen that we increase our contact and support for those who come to us for baptism, weddings and funerals. Hopefully later this year we will begin running the bereavement course to help those who are grieving.

This all looks like an ambitious plan, and we may not achieve it all in the coming year, but the point that I want to make is that even though the Deanery Plan is for me to be shared over two churches in the future, I don’t want that to stall our momentum. To make all of this possible, we will need more of us to get involved in more areas of church life, but I am confident that we have all the gifts and skills between us to make this happen.

As ever, I am so thankful to all of those who take on the many, many roles and responsibilities that keep our church functioning and thriving. We are a family; it is our love for one another and our shared faith in Jesus Christ that will ensure that we continue to thrive and grow through good times and bad. To him be glory forever.

Rev’d Jess Davis

Priest-in-Charge

10. To receive any other reports of parochial or church interest.

10.1 Tower Captain's Report for AGM 2024

We have practiced most weeks throughout the year on Thursday evenings. We rang the bells for Carols by Candlelight service and Easter Sunday.

I have been training ringers from St John's Cleckheaton. Unfortunately the tower ringing room floor there has woodworm and for safety reasons they are having to stop ringing for a while. So they have joined us most Thursdays and are doing well in supporting us.

Many of those that started to learn to ring bells have stopped as they have

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realised it is not for them. We hope that one day they may return.

Miles Lawson

Tower Captain

10.2 Safeguarding Report for AGM 2024

Safeguarding continues to be a priority and a strong focus for the Church of England and St Peter’s Church. We want to make sure that we have a safe, caring environment for everyone who attends by ensuring that we have strong procedures in place to protect everyone.

Over the past year training has been undertaken on Safer Recruitment and new procedures have been drawn up and followed when appointing anyone to new roles in church, particularly in Junior Church.

We have adopted the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy which is reviewed annually by the PCC and was reviewed on 6th March 2023. The Policy and contact details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team are on display on the noticeboard in the fellowship area. We have strong links with our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Nikki Rose who is always available for help and advice.

Leeds Diocese provides a very comprehensive list of online training which is available for all concerned and most of the PCC has now completed this training. As the training is online we are looking at alternative ways to ensure that those who are not able to access training online can still receive training.

I have now completed Safeguarding Leadership Pathway Training and am awaiting further Induction Training which was delayed due to the pandemic.

DBS checks and Confidential Self Disclosures are up to date.

Completion of the digital Safeguarding Dashboard is still ongoing. When it is completed it will provide a regular report and action plan for the PCC to keep track of safeguarding and ensure that we are fully compliant at St Peter’s Church

It is up to each and every one of us to play our part in keeping our church a safe place for all, by adhering to the guidance, being vigilant and reporting any concerns that we might have immediately.

Report prepared by Jan Mitchell March 2023

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10.3 St Peter’s Church AGM 2024 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AND JUNIOR CHURCH

We have seen many new children and families at St Peter’s Church over the course of the past 12 months, thanks to special events, and St Peter’s School Choir performing during services.

We have also seen an increase in regular attendees at Junior Church during the second service on Sunday mornings. However, it remains the case that many families who have visited us do not find it easy to commit to coming every week due to other demands.

Our lovely Junior Church volunteers have continued to show enthusiasm and faithfulness in meeting the challenges of not knowing week by week how many children will attend, and also catering for a wide age range with very different needs.

Earlier this year Church members helped us to clear out the Tower Room, which is now able to be used for as a quieter and more focused space for Bible reading and prayers by the children.

Activities vary from week to week as we continue with a “mixed economy” of some structured group sessions, as well as themed crafts and activities around the Children’s Table.

All Junior Church volunteers have been recruited following the Diocese’ Safer Recruitment polices, including appropriate Safeguarding checks and relevant training. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please have a word with me or with Rev Jess.

We have continued to minimise spending by recycling and re-using whatever and whenever we can and we thank all those who have helped with contributions of materials, support, time and encouragement!

Sue Lawson

Junior Church Lead Co-ordinator

10.4 Church Woods

Church Wood Annual report. 2023/24

(On behalf of the trustees of Church Wood -by Andy Rhodes)

This year has been a more of a normal year at church woods. Maintenance in terms of controlling invasive species and bramble thinning has been the main areas of work on the ground. Once again this was done with local community

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involvement as well as church and committee members.

In addition to this work we have engaged the professional help of Liam Plumber of the Woodland trust to embark upon a subsection of his report – Halo thinning and the establishment of veteran trees and encouragement of native species such as Field Maple.

At the time of this report 3 quotes have been obtained to fell 5 trees , the wood of which is to be left in the woods to enrich the Flora and Fauna. In addition to this a grant has been obtained from the Woodland Trust to enable the halo thinning work to go ahead.

No progress has been made with involving the youngsters from school but there is opportunity for this to happen latter perhaps when Hazel is planted to help with bramble suppression.

In addition to this the eco church committee are arranging for the school and community to be involved in hedge planting around the church periphery which by the time of this report may have concluded.

As always there is much to do in the woods in order to maintain an ancient woodland environment and we are still awaiting confirmation that the wood has been registered as protected ancient woodland site. All of this will be guided by the work of the woods committee under the supervision of the woodland trust.

A big thankyou to everyone who has helped with the woods this year.

10.5 Report from Verger 2024

This year as Verger I have continued to respond to requests for information on the location of family graves and ashes plots, facilitated funerals , burials and burials of ashes. Liaise with relatives and funeral directors, shown visitors round church and given out literature and information about St. Peter’s. Also sent follow up cards and phone calls.

It’s not unusual for those attending a funeral to comment on the warm welcome they receive. Many times they recall attending St. Peter’s years ago in the choir , Sunday school , Brownies or youth group. In some way they connect with the church and God. So I'd like to thank the team who help make this possible, Jess, Wendy, David, Dave, and Elaine who are always supportive, calm and welcoming ensuring that the funerals go smoothly and that the church is a caring place that can meet needs.

One of our team is missing. Leif will be missed for his empathy and words of comfort to the many families that he helped at a sad time in their lives. I will miss his constant support, help, kindness and friendship.

Solly Wilson

10.6 Playtime Report 2024.

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Playtime attendances vary weekly but there is a lovely group who return weekly. At Easter we made Crafts, held an Egg Hunt, wore Easter Bonnets and all the children received an Easter Egg. In July we had a small party and gave out goody bags and to those leaving to start school we gave books. In November we held a Cake sale which raised, with the addition of donations from of our congregation, £50 for BBC Children in Need. In December we held a Christmas Party and received a visit from Santa who gave all the Children a Christmas Present, gleefully accepted by all, thank you Santa. Linda Rhodes has now returned on a regular basis to play her guitar for the Playtime sing along. This is enjoyed by everyone. We hope to continue successfully and increase our attendances.

Thank You and Regards, the Playtime Team.

10.7 Audio/Visual Report for AGM 2024

It's been an exciting year with the church audio-visual systems. You will appreciate it's not often we have reason to say those words!

In October 2023 we retired the system which runs the screens in church.

ZionWorx has served us faithfully for (at our best guess) nearly 20 years, but really started to show its age. We upgraded to a much more modern system called WorshipTools which presents words, pictures, and videos better - hopefully everyone is finding the bright yellow text on a dark blue background much easier to read.

WorshipTools also allows us to prepare the screen elements of a service - liturgy, prayers, hymns, songs etc - from home, enabling much easier collaboration and greatly reducing stress on Sunday mornings. The new system is also much more stable, and there are several other features we will start to use over the coming months.

We also offer our thanks to Stephen Lister who has donated a number of larger screens inherited from a recent office move. These screens have replaced many of the ones hanging on pillars, and should also help to make the words displayed easier to see.

Stephen, Alexander, and Andy Rhodes, have also ‘manned the desk' for services and their help is greatly appreciated. It's really good to see the team growing in size and skill, and our thanks go especially to Elaine who continues to faithfully serve the church in this vital behind-the-scenes role. If anyone is interested in serving in this way - particularly for the 9AM services - please do get in touch. Full training will be provided.

Over the coming months we hope to upgrade other parts of the system to ensure that services and other events run smoothly.

Chris Taylor and Martin Price

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Through the A Rocha UK Eco Church award structure we have been guided and encouraged to think about and become more aware of the importance of caring for God’s creation. https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/

Achievements since the Eco Church group was formed:-

We have been working hard over the past year & were delighted to be awarded the Bronze Eco Church award in December 2023!

We will now continue to work together as a church towards the Silver award. The A Rocha scheme provides a road map towards a more sustainable future as a church. It involves everything from our heating to our land management to our detergent use to our banking.

Plans for 2024

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Christian Aid etc.

There’s lots of work to do! Eco Church is a whole congregation effort. If you would like to know more and get involved speak to Martin & Rosie Price, St Peter’s Environmental officers, or Rev. Jess.

11. To receive a report by the Readers

First of all; we all want to say how sad we are that Leif is no longer a part of the Reader’s team. Ann says how well we moulded together with each one of us finding our role within the leadership team and Leif’s passing will leave a gap which will be hard to fill.

We don’t have that much to report; other than how pleased we are that the Healing Ministry is up and running again and I intend to put a Rota up beside the service one so that people can check whether they’re on duty any particular month. I have emailed a copy of the rota top members of the ministry team but it’s always useful to have a copy in church.

As for outreach, thanks to Alison; Solly; Jan and Joanna for starting up the Welcome Space sessions on Wednesdays. Outreach is a very big part of Jesus’ call on our lives and it’s all too easy to become insular and to get into a “Holy huddle”. We all want to say a grateful thanks for the support and encouragement we receive from the whole fellowship. We ask God to bless you all.

Wendy; Philp and Anne

12. To elect three representatives to the Deanery Synod

13. To Elect up to three members of the Laity to the PCC to serve for three years and two to serve for one year

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APPENDIX 1 - Annual Statement of Financial Affairs

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH

IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS REGISTERED CHARITY

NUMBER 1133854

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

PREPARED BY: F. ALAN GRAVES TREASURER TO THE P.C.C.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: STEPHEN LISTER

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BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

RECEIPTS
Note
Voluntary Receipts:
Regular Giving
Misc. Collections at Services a)
All other giving
b)
Gift Aid Recovered
Grants Received
c)
Fundraising Activities:
d)
Investment Income
e)
Statutory Fees
Income from lettings:
Sundries
f)
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Costs of Fund raising Activities:
h)
Church Activities:
Mission Giving/Donations
i)
Diocesan parish Share
Clergy & Staffing costs
Church Expenses:
Mission & evangelism costs
j)
Church Running Expenses
k)
Church utility bills
Major Capital Expenses:
l)
TOTAL PAYMENTS
Excess of Receipts over Payments
Transfers between funds
Cash at Bank as at 1 January 2023
Cash at Bank as at 31 December 2023
STATEMENT OF ASSETS
Assets
Cash Funds
Bank current account
CBF Deposit Fund
Investment Assets
Diocese – Chancel Fund Deposit
C of E Investment Fund shares
TOTAL ASSETS – see Fund Analysis
Cash Funds as above
Investment Assets as above		 Unrestricted
Funds
43,744
2,024
3,103
9,856
160
58,887
7,488
545
7,468
270
372
75,030
1,505
4,706
47,815
415
542
14,497
7,548
77,028
(1,998)
2,240
242
20,629
20,871
Unrestricted
Funds
11,031
14,250
25,281
0
25,281
0
25,281		 Restricted
Funds
510
335
845
38
883
2,499
2,499
(1,616)
0
(1,616)
13,815
12,199
Restricted
Funds
7,789
7,789
7,640
7,640
7,789
7,640
15,429		 Endowment
Funds
0
2,240
2,240
0
2,240
(2,240)
0
0
0
Endowment
Funds
0
93
80,807
80,900
0
80,900
80,900		 TOTAL
2023
43,744
2,024
3,613
9,856
495
59,732
7,488
2,823
7,468
270
372
78,153
1,505
4,706
47,815
415
542
14,497
7,548
2,499
79,527
(1,374)
0
(1,374)
34,444
33,070
TOTAL
2023
18,820 *
14,250
33,070
93
88,447
88,540
33,070
88,540
121,610		 TOTAL
2022
44,071
2,649
1,881
9,311
2,500



































60,412
7,022
2,343
8,509
130
3,115

81,531

1,466
4,596
47,071
698
726
14,611
7,082
3,211

79,461

2,070
0
2,070
32,374

34,444

TOTAL
2022
20,194
14,250

34,444

93
82,063

82,156

34,444
82,156

116,600

Page 1

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS – NOTES

Unrestricted
Funds
RECEIPTS
a)
Collections at Services:
Cash received
1,424
Sundry collections
195
Weddings, Funerals etc. - not G/A
405
2,024
b)
All other Giving/Voluntary Receipts:
Disadvantaged families
0
Donation from bell ringers
0
Sundry Donations – Gift Aided
255
Sundry Donations – Not G/A
2,315
Charitable Donation
500
Turkey/Syria earthquake
Amazon Smile
33
Sunday School Bouncy Castle
3,103
c)
Grants Received:
Listed Places of Worship
160
Church Commissioners
0
160
d)
Fund Raising Activities:
Book sales
90
Brass Band concert
1,223
Card sales
209
Christmas Fayre
1,529
Easyfunding
17
Heritage Day
45
Meet ‘n’ Eat
0
Merchandise sales
28
Murder Mystery
790
Pete’s Produce
311
Play Group
400
Sale of marmalade
13
Summer Fête
1,670
Sponsorship
365
Swing Band concert
478
Table Top sale
20
Tea & coffee
300
Miscellaneous
0
7,488
e)
Investment Income:
Bank/NS&I Deposit Interest
0
Income on CBF Deposit
545
Income on CBF Investments
545
f)
Sundries:
Bridge Club transfer
0
Cheque not presented
200
Refund on broadband
32
SSE goodwill payment
100
Miscellaneous
40
372		 Restricted
Funds
0
20
375
115
510
335
335
0
38
38
0		 Endowment
Funds
0
0
0
0
2,240
2,240
0		 TOTAL
2023
1,424
195
405
2,024
0
0
255
2,335
500
375
33
115
3,613
495
495
90
1,223
209
1,529
17
45
0
28
790
311
400
13
1,670
365
478
20
300
0
7,488
0
545
2,278
2,823
0
200
32
100
40
372		 TOTAL
2022
1,573
276
800










































2,649
188
20
20
1,349
0
304
0
0
1,881
0
2,500
2,500
52
1,608
73
1,579
47
0
412
14
345
427
200
13
1,628
0
610
0
14
7,022
1
79
2,263
2,343
3,115
0
0
0
0
3,115

Page 2

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS – NOTES

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
PAYMENTS
NOTE
h)Costs of Fund raising activities:
Brass Band concert
650
Christmas Craft Fayre
76
Murder Mystery
373
Summer Fete
386
Miscellaneous
~~20~~
~~1,505~~
~~0~~
i)
Mission Giving and Donations:
Tithe Payments to Charities
~~4,706~~
~~0~~
~~4,706~~
j)
Mission & Evangelism costs:
Collection re Bishop
Disadvantaged children
Sunday School prizes
Turkey/Syria earthquake
375
Christmas flyers/booklets
97
Yorkshire Ass. of change ringers
10
Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust
40
Churches Together in Birstall
20
Miscellaneous
~~167~~
~~375~~
k)Church Running Expenses:
Church Building running expenses
10,358
Costs of Services
2,916
Office Expenses
~~1,223~~
~~14,497~~
~~0~~
l)
Major Capital Expenses:
Alarm system replacement
960
Heating maintenance and repair
1,539
Roof repairs
~~0~~
~~2,499~~
ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS OF PAYMENTS:
Church Building Running Expenses (see k) above):
Building Insurance
Organ repairs
Fire Extinguisher service
Grass cutting
Kitchen and boiler service
Light bulbs/fittings
Security marking for roof
Telephone/internet
Temporary graveyard wall repair
Non slip mat for doorway
Electrical
Plumbing
Sundries		 Endowment
Funds
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~		 TOTAL
2023
650
76
373
386
20
1,505
4,706
4,706
0
0
0
375
97
10
40
20
0
542
10,358
2,916
1,223
14,497
900
1,539
0
2,499
5,749
167
288
3,167
450
10
151
254
38
20
15
20
29
10358		 TOTAL
2022
671
94
345
280
76
1,466
4,596
4,596
50
160
151
305
10
40
10
726
10,358
1,150
1,028
12,536
1,200
2,011
3,211

Page 3

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

FUND ANALYSIS

Reference
Endowment Investment Funds held by the Diocese:
No. of
Shares
Chancel Fabric Fund
3016985-001
834
Choir Fund
3016986-001
134
Church Cottages Fund
3017016-001
1787
Curate Fund
3016984-001
328
Sunday School Prizes
3017013-001
110
Chancel Fabric – Deposit
3017011-001
Endowment Investment Funds held by the PCC:
Curacy Fund
640002003S
128
Longbottom Bequest
640002001S
298
Total of Endowment Funds
Restricted Investment Funds held by the PCC:
Altar Linen Fund
640002004S
62
Birstall Schools Building Fund
640002002S
276
Restricted Cash Funds held by the PCC:
Community Fund
Disadvantaged families at school
Kitchen Renovation Fund
Re-ordering/Maintenance Fund
Sunday School Prize Fund
Tower Room/Bells Fund
Total of Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Designated Cash Funds held by the PCC:
Altar, Linen, carafe & organ
refurbishment Fund
Energy Reserve Fund
Environmental Fund
Flower Festival Fund
Graveyard Fund
Parish Training Fund
St Peter’s Playtime Fund
Tithe Fund
General Fund held by the PCC:
Total of Unrestricted Funds
Total Assets:*
Endowment Funds
Restricted Funds
Designated/unrestricted Funds		 Reference
Endowment Investment Funds held by the Diocese:
No. of
Shares
Chancel Fabric Fund
3016985-001
834
Choir Fund
3016986-001
134
Church Cottages Fund
3017016-001
1787
Curate Fund
3016984-001
328
Sunday School Prizes
3017013-001
110
Chancel Fabric – Deposit
3017011-001
Endowment Investment Funds held by the PCC:
Curacy Fund
640002003S
128
Longbottom Bequest
640002001S
298
Total of Endowment Funds
Restricted Investment Funds held by the PCC:
Altar Linen Fund
640002004S
62
Birstall Schools Building Fund
640002002S
276
Restricted Cash Funds held by the PCC:
Community Fund
Disadvantaged families at school
Kitchen Renovation Fund
Re-ordering/Maintenance Fund
Sunday School Prize Fund
Tower Room/Bells Fund
Total of Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Designated Cash Funds held by the PCC:
Altar, Linen, carafe & organ
refurbishment Fund
Energy Reserve Fund
Environmental Fund
Flower Festival Fund
Graveyard Fund
Parish Training Fund
St Peter’s Playtime Fund
Tithe Fund
General Fund held by the PCC:
Total of Unrestricted Funds
Total Assets:*
Endowment Funds
Restricted Funds
Designated/unrestricted Funds		 2023
Valuations
18,853
3,029
40,396
7,415
2,486
72,178
93
72,271
2,893
5,736
80,900
1,401
6,239
7,640
3,115
40
2,057
708
867
1,002
7,789
15,429
(1,939)
2,500
2,215
189
11,625
1,940
498
1,363		 2023
Dividends/
Interest
515
83
1,104
203
68
1,973
4
1,977
79
184
2240
38
38
0
38
0
0
2,240
38
549
2,827		 2022
Valuations
17,296
2,779
37,060
6,802
2,281
66,218
93
66,311
2,655
6,180
75,146

1,286
5,724
7,010
3,115
40
2,057
2,872
799
982
6,710
16,875
(1,977)
2,500
1,215
189
10,456
2,000
498
1,373
16,254
8,324
18,391
6,890
25,281
80,900
15,429
25,281
121,610
24,578
75,146
16,875
24,578
116,599

Notes:

1 * Dividends on the Birstall School’s Building Fund are paid directly to the School

2 Based on the mid market price of the shares held in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund income units the price per share as at 29 December 2023 was 2,260.53p and at 1 January 2023 was 2,341.81p

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

MOVEMENT OF FUNDS HELD UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PCC MOVEMENT OF FUNDS HELD UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PCC MOVEMENT OF FUNDS HELD UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PCC MOVEMENT OF FUNDS HELD UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PCC
Balance Income/ Expenses/ Balance
01/01/23 Donations Transfers 31/12/23
MOVEMENT ON RESTRICTED FUNDS HELD BY THE PCC
Community Fund
Movement 3115 0 0 3,115
Disadvantaged families at St Peter’s
School
Movement 40 0 0 40
Kitchen Renovation Fund
Movement 2,057 0 0 2,057
Re-Ordering and Maintenance Fund
Movement 2,872 335 2,499 708
Sunday School Prize Fund
Movement 799 68 0 867
Tower Room and Bells Fund
Movement 982 20 0 1,002
9,865 423 2,499 7,789
MOVEMENT ON DESIGNATED FUNDS HELD BY THE PCC
Altar Linen, Carafes & Organ Refurbishment Fund
Movement (1,977) 38 0 (1,939)
Energy Reserve Fund
Movement 2,500 0 0 2,500
Environmental Fund
Movement 1,215 1,000 0 2,215
Flower Festival Fund
Movement 189 0 0 189
Graveyard Fund
Movement 10,456 4,335 3,166 11,625
Parish Training Fund
Movement 2,000 0 60 1,940
St Peter’s Playtime Fund
Movement 498 0 0 498
Tithe Fund
Movement 1,373 4,696 4,706 1,363
0 10,069 7,932 18,391
MOVEMENT OF GENERAL FUND – GENERAL CHURCH INCOME AND EXPENSES
Movement 8,324 67,585 69,020 6,889

Page 5

BIRSTALL PARISH CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

Notes to the Accounts:

Signed

F. Alan Graves

Treasurer, Birstall Parish Church of St Peter

Appendix 2 Independent Examiners Report

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES IndÈpw4kntt examlner's report on the acc&w Report to the trustees1 members of On accounts for the year ended Charity no (if any) 1133854 31 December 2023 Set out on pages Numbered 1 to6 I reportto the trustees on my examinalion ofthe accounts ofthe above charity {'the Trusf) for the year ended .ResporEsibilrties and As the ianty'Lii4Stees vf •the Trust, Joil are responsi basis of report of the account5 in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under seclion 45 ofthe 2011 Act and in carrying out my examinzlffon, I have followed the applicable Directs"on5 given bythe Charity Commission under section 14i(5)(bl of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confinn Ihat no material matters have come to my attent.on (other than that disdosed below") in connection wth the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with seth.on 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records iortiie prep- <aiai Independent examinerfs statement I have no ￿0￿c&m5 and have iome across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper iinderstanding of the accounts to be reached. "Please delete the w0￿S in the brackets if theydo not apply. Dae: Signed: Name: t7ry ng< Ph 4AÉ.u Us.'T((e Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): MA c. £EG_ OIS&fr V411 T Ht (LLAAfg. 9rf1- IL Address: October 2018 IER

Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern {see CC32, Independent exrlminatiori OJ chatity accoui Ils. difrbLivnS and giiidarikne for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the exam iner wishes to disclose. Ohlr£ IER October 2018