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← Gracious Street Methodist Church

2025-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2026

‘Your church for your whole week’

The Annual Report of Gracious Street Methodist Church (Knaresborough) Published April 2026

Registered name: Gracious Street Methodist Church Registered Charity Number: 1133967 Address: Gracious Street, Knaresborough, HG5 8DS Office Telephone: 01423 860166 Email address: graciousstreetmc@gmail.com Website: https://graciousstreetmethodist.org.uk

If you would like to know more about the church and our activities, please contact:

Reverend Gordon Hay Tel: 01423 863298 / 07852 817475 Email: gordon.hay@methodist.org.uk

INTRODUCTION and MISSION STATEMENT

Gracious Street Methodist Church is one of fourteen churches in the Nidd Valley Methodist Circuit

GRACIOUS STREET METHODIST CHURCH

A growing church with a friendly welcome in the centre of Knaresborough

Believing that God has shown his love for all in

Jesus Christ we seek to be a:

embracing a wide variety of styles both traditional and contemporary

providing biblically based teaching and opportunities to explore and grow in the Christian faith through small groups

sharing with others by word and deed the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ

MINISTER: Rev Gordon Hay
 01423 863298
CHURCH NOTICES: Mrs Hilary Wilkinson 01423 865545
BOOKINGS: Ms Jackie Daysh 01423 860166
LEADERSHIP TEAM: Mrs Eleanor Borkett
 01423 862345
Mrs Libby Cook
 01423 867077
Mrs Jeanette Mowat 01423 867511
Mrs Julie Parker 07908 608317
Mr David Rochester
 01423 865816
Mr Bill Rodham (Treasurer) 01423 865846
Miss Sue Walkington 01423 547086

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Gracious Street Methodist Church is governed by its Church Council together with the Minister, with guidance available from the Yorkshire & North East District of the Methodist Church. It is also part of the local Nidd Valley Circuit of churches. The church has a Leadership Team which meets regularly and reports to the Church Council; its members are automatically part of the Church Council. Church members can put themselves forward to join the Church Council and elections are held every year at the Annual General Church Meeting in May. There are also Church Council appointed members who are representing groups within the church life. Church Council meets three times a year plus the Annual General Meeting and has good attendance by members. A list of Church Council members is shown in Appendix 1.

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MINISTER’S REFLECTIONS

Dear Friends,

I recently read the autobiography of Dr. Suzanne Simard who is an internationally renowned ecologist. In the book, Finding the Mother Tree, she retells her story of discovering the interconnectedness of forests. Through the wood wide web the diversity of trees cooperate, heal and share their wisdom.

Finding the Mother Tree reminds me about stories of trees in the books of Genesis (Gen 2:8-9) and Revelation (Rev 22:1-2). These stories symbolise God’s physical and spiritual provision that sustains life and is echoed in the Psalms, ‘God covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills’ (Ps 147:8). Yet we often find ourselves swept up in narratives of decline. Scarcity has become a familiar word that creates a culture of fear. The anxious mindset fuels insecurities that we do not have enough, we haven’t done enough and we are not enough ourselves. In our competition for the scarce resource we can compete and become disconnected from others, nature and God.

This scarce narrative has been woven into the church where we despondently discuss not having enough volunteers and ministers, the challenges of

resourcing services and due to decline the need to reorganise the circuit for mission.

Yet I wonder whether this narrative is faithful to the Christian belief that God’s provision is enough. I do not deny the truth of our experiences but I wonder whether we need to reorientate our perspective from scarcity to enough.

I am humbled to write that Gracious Street Methodist Church has over 90 amazing volunteers! Thank you for being a gift from God.

So as we read the report, I encourage us to discern how a narrative that God’s provision is enough could reshape our connectedness. At the same time let us celebrate stories of how God’s provision sustains our physical and spiritual needs as we connect in living the way of Jesus.

For instance, we can celebrate Knaresborough Community energy connected Gracious Street with local homes and business, as we share electricity from God’s provision of sunlight. The Grand Weekend Away joyfully connected us to nature, one another and my son declared ‘God is here’.

I would like to end my reflection by celebrating friends who have joined Gracious Street and the beauty of new connections that are formed. At the same time, we bring before God friends who are struggling with difficult situations, friends who have become housebound and our friends who have died. We remember that our connectedness can help to sustain us and that we live in God’s eternal presence.

Peace be with you

Rev Gordon Hay

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding is an important expression of Jesus’ command, “Love one another. As I have loved you” (John 13:34). Therefore at Gracious Street Methodist Church we value the significance of safeguarding because we welcome all people and desire all people to be safe.

This requires us to have a respectful curiosity where we need to ask ourselves, does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it feel right? If the answer is ‘no’ we should respectfully speak to our Church Safeguarding Officers or myself.

I am delighted that Leanne Paulauskas and Jackie Daysh have agreed to be our Church Safeguarding Officers. They will work with Reverend Ron Hicks who is the Circuit Safeguarding Officer and Ruth Lloyd who is the Regional Officer of Safeguarding. Their contact details can be found below.

Reverend Gordon Hay gordon.hay@methodist.org.uk
07852817475
Leanne Paulauskas safeguarding.graciousmethodist@gmail.com
Jackie Daysh safeguarding.graciousmethodist@gmail.com
Reverend Ron Hicks safeguarding.nvmcircuit@gmail.com
07377 422184
Ruth Lloyd lloydr@methodistchurch.org.uk 07817749626

The implementation of our safer recruitment policy continues to be a key focus, as will be the implementation of the Pastoral Visitors policy.

Please contact me for questions, information about safeguarding or reporting a safeguarding concern.

Rev Gordon Hay

WORSHIP & PRAYER

The Church exists to increase awareness of God’s presence and to celebrate God’s love

WORSHIP

Worship is central to the life of Gracious Street Methodist Church. Through different expressions (Sunday service, Pause for Thought and Lego Church) we celebrate the love of God that calls us to live faith in our daily lives. We also have special services, at Harvest, Christmas and Easter, with the children, families and staff of Noah’s Ark and Playbox. In addition to these special

services, we have shared worship with Knaresborough’s Silver Band for a wonderful Carols by Candlelight service.

It is equally important to recognise other aspects of worship that are practised across the life of Gracious Street Methodist Church. This ranges from baptisms, weddings and funerals; to the prayer chain and personal devotions; to the retelling of Bible stories at Who Let the Dads Out and our house group meetings. There are of course many other ways that we worship God.

There has been much discussion across the Nidd Valley Circuit and Gracious Street Methodist Church about resources because there are fewer people leading services. This is a significant challenge that will most likely involve more local arrangements. This challenge needs to be addressed with optimism and creativity as we reflect on our worship life.

It has been wonderful to see the diversity of people leading the music for our services. I am sure we would all wish to thank the ministries of our musicians, Worship Leaders, Local Preachers, Worship and Welcome Stewards, Screen Operators, Sunday Club & Crèche leaders, refreshments team and everyone who participates in the worship life of the church. The ministry of each individual is an act of worship and we are deeply thankful for you.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or wish more information about worship.

Rev Gordon Hay

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT & PRAYER

This group continues to meet on a Wednesday from 11.15am til 11.45am. We usually meet at the front of church (a semicircle of chairs are put out). We take it in turns to lead the session, the first half being a Christian reflection and the second half devoted to prayers. Some folks are comfortable praying aloud whilst others prefer to pray in the silence of their own hearts. Every month one of the sessions includes Holy Communion. Between 10 and 20 folks attend but we are actively encouraging others to give it a go.

Lyndon Parker

PRAYER CHAIN

Approximately 100 people receive messages on the Prayer Chain - the majority by email and one or two by phone. We wonder if there might be others who do not use email and would prefer to receive messages by a phone call or a text. We are very grateful to Sue Walkington who has come on board to help with the Prayer Chain. Would you please send all email requests to both Sue and Joyce and phone requests to Alan. One of us will then circulate the prayer request to everyone on the Prayer Chain.

The frequency of prayer requests varies - sometimes we receive two or three in a week but occasionally one or two weeks pass without any at all. We always try to circulate requests straight away so please do keep sending them either for yourselves or for others (always with permission please) keeping details to a minimum and respecting confidentiality.

Please contact one of us if you are interested in joining the Prayer Chain as we are always happy to add new members.

Joyce Hoare - joycehoare@sky.com Alan Middleton - 01423 863780

Susan Walkington - susan.walkington@ntlworld.com

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LEARNING & CARING

The Church exists to help people to grow and learn as Christians through mutual support and care

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PASTORAL REPORT

The pastoral team aims to maximise the number of our congregation who receive pastoral care. Whilst this care may take different forms, a principal aim is to ensure that, ultimately, each person has at least 2 or 3 people within the congregation to whom they can talk or on whom they can rely in case of emergency. The principal ways in which we have tried to achieve this over the last year have been:

Home groups which have been at the core of support for around 90 members of the congregation. There are currently 8 active Home Groups, each containing between 6 and 12 members, and which meet at least once a month. Activities may differ from one group to another but each of them has a common element

of prayer, bible study and development of personal relationships within the group.

Pastoral visitors make regular visits to people who are not part of a Home Group or may be unable to attend church. We presently have 7 Pastoral Visitors registered as undertaking this valuable work and over 30 more people are visited in this way. I am aware that there is also a degree of “unseen” pastoral support from kind people within the congregation who make telephone calls or take out for coffee those people who may be experiencing a challenging time. Much of this work is not documented but appreciated nonetheless.

Ministry at Home which encompasses care for the housebound and those in Care Homes. This has come under closer scrutiny in the last year so that visits, as well as the taking of communion, can be undertaken by our minister, Gordon Hay, and also Peter Whittaker. A further 15 people are cared for in this way. In addition to the above pastoral work, it is important to note that some charity lunches have also been arranged independently by Home Groups and individuals within the church to raise both awareness and money for valuable causes.

Welcome Lunches have been arranged traditionally for new members of the church to enable them to feel included within our church family. Whilst only one such lunch, attended by 6 people, was given during the last year, there are plans for a further lunch to be organised during the summer of 2026, as we now have 7 or 8 new members who can attend.

It is also encouraging to report that we have recently been able to establish a firm relationship with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) who run free professional Money Coaching courses three times a year at Harrogate Vineyard church. Pastorally, this could be of assistance for those within our church who may have challenges in managing money, particularly if on a limited budget.

In addition to the Home Group leaders and Pastoral Visitors for their hard work, I would like to thank Gordon for his continuing support. In trying to improve what we offer pastorally, I have also received valuable help from Joyce Hoare and Alan Middleton on the Prayer Chain, the Welcome Stewards, Jackie Daysh and Nick Garrett, the Pioneer Pastor.

It is difficult to make sure that every member of our congregation is catered for, so please make me aware if anybody notices that any member of our congregation is being isolated or has been overlooked. Additionally, if anyone

feels they can devote an amount of time, however small, to be a Pastoral Visitor, please contact me directly.

Rod Moxley Pastoral Secretary

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ALPHA

An Alpha course started in early May 2025 – held in the Forest room - and ran for 10 weeks exploring the Christian faith in an informal setting using video clips, discussion time and cake! A core group of about six people regularly attended, and others dipped in when possible. The course was facilitated mainly by the Taylors’ home group and friendships were made, earnest discussions held and faith renewed.

Sue Whalley

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CAMEO

CAMEO has had another good year. By the end of the session in June we will have met 19 times. Our year runs between September and June, meeting once a fortnight in the Bridge at Gracious Street.

We have 2 parties a year - one at Christmas and one at the end of the session in June - lovely food and lovely company!

In some sessions we cover serious topics - Guide Dogs for the Blind, Starting a Charity, Horticap. Other sessions are more light-hearted; we made Christmas cards, listened to people's favourite music, had a quiz. In the summer we are going to visit Morag's garden again.

We have a subscription at every meeting and the money collected during the year goes towards Church funds and a charity chosen by the members. CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) is open to everyone. Do come and join us in the Bridge. Contact Janet Smith (01423 860131) or Rachel Watson (01423 866323). We would love to see you at any of our meetings. Rachel Watson

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CHURCH FLOWERS

Gracious Street has a wonderful group of people who arrange flowers in church and then distribute them to members of the church family.

Money for flowers is generously donated by people within the church.

Flowers are bought and arranged on a weekly basis (usually a Friday) and then distributed on the following Monday.

Since my last report 168 bunches of flowers have been delivered to people - for celebrations, big birthdays, special occasions, to say "thank you" and to people who have been bereaved or have been ill.

My personal thanks go to the Flower Team who make all this possible. Rachel Watson

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CTiK EASTER CLUB

On the Wednesday and Thursday mornings of Holy Week 2025 Christians Together in Knaresborough held another successful Easter Club on Gracious Street premises. Enthusiastic leaders from several local churches shared in fun, games, singing and crafts with approximately 60 excited primary school children and keen young teenage leaders. The theme was based on ‘The Greatest Show’, focusing on Peter and turning our lives around. For circus crafts, the children made stilts on strings. Wooden fish keyrings were made as a reminder of the disciples as fishermen and their obedience to Jesus, when having caught nothing all night, they threw their nets over the other side of the boat and caught in abundance.

Easter Club 2026 will have taken place by the time of publishing. This year’s theme has a Commonwealth Games link, exploring ‘running the race’. We will be learning about the life of Saul and how God transformed him as he became known as Paul.

‘Let us run the race before us and never give up. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.’ Hebrews 12:1-2

Debbie King

FUN & GAMES FOR SENIORS

The group continues to meet each Monday morning and has developed a real bond of friendship between the dozen or more members, most of whom are very regular in their attendance. They comprise a few church members, a few from other churches, but mostly people from the wider community. It is pleasing that a couple have now become regular attenders at our morning worship services and others are beginning to join in other church activities and events.

We meet for coffee in The Bridge from 10.30am onwards, served by students and staff from UBU, and this year we have moved from the upstairs Dales Room to remain in The Bridge and the Priory Room for table games for an hour from

11..00am to 12 noon. Table games include dominoes (still the most popular), bagatelle, shove ha’penny, road pairs (a card memory game), Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, ‘Shut the Box’ and a more active game of tossing bean bags into a target. There is always a good deal of hilarity and members tell us it’s a really good way to start the week.

We have led this activity for more than a dozen years now and It would be very helpful to have one or two more of our own church members to help us with the organisation and leadership. If anyone is interested please have a chat with us about what is involved.

Brian & Joyce Hoare

GSYG

Gracious Street Youth Group meets fortnightly on a Monday evening. In each session we eat pizza, discuss topics of faith and play games. A key vision of GSYG was the empowerment of young people to become leaders and take ownership of the group. We now have six young leaders and 18 young people attend GSYG. The young leaders attend planning meetings, facilitate discussions, share their testimonies and lead games.

The Bible Society has recently published a report entitled ‘The Quiet Revival’. The report highlights significant growth in young people attending church and living the Christian faith. At Gracious Street Methodist Church, we have witnessed baptisms of young people and there are other young people who wish to be baptised. We know that some of the young people are reading the Bible at home and the young leaders of Gracious Street Youth Group want more opportunities for prayer.

GSYG has taken part in Sleep out for Homelessness and helped the following morning to lead the Sunday service. At Easter Club many of the young people volunteered as presenters and group helpers.

The young people have attended Venture, a District residential weekend for young people, and we are considering the possibility of a pilgrimage to Holy Island.

Furthermore, an ecumenical Teen Café will start at URC after Easter. It will be open every Monday between 3:15 - 4:45pm.

Please contact me for further information about GSYG.

Rev Gordon Hay

HOME GROUPS

Alpha Plus

Each month on Wednesday evenings Alpha Plus Group meets in the Forest Room at Church. There are usually about ten of us and if you are an ‘Alpha Course Graduate’ and are interested in joining us - please contact either Joyce or Alan. We are a friendly, informal group and are very happy to welcome new members.

From September 2025 we have been using ‘The Way of the Cross’ a group study book by the late Rob Frost and although primarily a Lent book the six sessions have helped us focus on different biblical themes, symbols, people and events.

A group of twenty including guests enjoyed a pleasant evening meal at Cafe de Lucca last July. We take a break during the summer and start meetings again from the autumn. We value our fellowship and friendship and look forward to our monthly sessions together.

Joyce Hoare 07731 629944 and Alan Middleton 01423 863780

Baker’s Dozen

We have 12 members, 9 of whom regularly attend meetings, and the other 3 are very much part of the group as they help and support all that we do.

We meet fortnightly using appropriate studies centred around Christian Festivals/events during the year.

We share the leadership at our meetings and are blessed by all who volunteer to take this leadership role.

Harrogate Homeless Hostel is our charity and during the year we have arranged very successful and fruitful Coffee Mornings at church, and also appeals for necessary and much-needed items at the Hostel. A coffee morning is planned for Harrogate Homeless Hostel at the end of November.

As a group we listen to each other, share our stories, laugh, and meditate on whatever comes up in our meetings.

Christine Baker

Charlie’s Angels

Our thirteen members have continued to meet on a monthly basis on Wednesday evenings throughout the year, although sadly illness has made it difficult for some to be as regular as they would have wished. We shall be sorry to lose two of our members, Max and Sandra, who are planning to move to

Ripon shortly and we wish them God’s blessing in their new home. Their move will mean that we have space for others to join us if there are people not currently in a home group but who would like to be. Please have a word with me if you are interested.

Our fellowship this year has centred around two biblical books, one from the Old Testament and one from the New. First we used the Methodist Church’s ‘Bible Month’ material in Genesis about the life and work of Abraham, and more recently we have been studying the book of 1 Peter. Both studies led by different members of the group have provoked some interesting and helpful discussion.

Some close bonds have been formed within the group, helped not only by the study and fellowship we have shared but also by the occasional social events we have enjoyed together.

Brian Hoare

Learning Curve

Learning Curve Home Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month in three different homes of members. Until more recently Max and Sandra have joined us. We will miss them when they move to Ripon. The Group has provided an opportunity to get to know each other better and build friendships.

I would highly recommend Paul Smith’s booklet ‘Faith in Life’ which we have been using all year. It has been an ideal tool for various members of the Group to take turns to lead our meetings. We have found that the topics within the booklet have provoked thought in such a way that conversations and debates have been instigated which have usually drawn in the whole group.

Once again we enjoyed our summer meal at the Kestrel and our New Year meal at Alan and Margaret’s home.

Rosemary Coggrave

New Shoots Home Group

New Shoots is a home group and we meet every month in various homes for fellowship, encouragement and study and twice a year have a social get together, sharing food and fun.

We have welcomed some new members into our group this year which has been amazing and has added to the dynamics of the group. We have spent time getting to know each other more with informal discussions using Christian Talking Point and followed a study on justice.

We did manage an Advent study and a Lent study from Embrace the Middle East. We occasionally visit the home of Brian S who chooses some seasonal religious artwork and ‘opens’ it up to us with its symbolism and message.

We hope to continue our friendship and fellowship and be open to new ways, supporting each other as we deepen our Christian faith, and we would welcome anyone to join us as we learn and laugh alongside each other. Sue Whalley

Open Doors

Sadly 2026 has seen the reduction in membership of our group from 11 to 9 with the deaths of two members. Of the remaining nine, three are now covered by pastoral care leaving a core of 6 attending meetings. So we are looking for more members to join us. If anyone is interested in joining our afternoon meetings once a month, please let us know.

During the year we completed our study of John 1 “It’s all about Jesus” which we started in 2024. This was followed by shorter studies using the “Upper Room” daily prayer book and “Life with Lucas” prayer book – tracing Paul’s journey to Ephesus.

We continue to support each other physically and spiritually, as we continue to serve Jesus as Lord in all the ways we can. Alan Middleton

3 Dogs and the Pilgrims

We continue to meet every Thursday evening from 7:30pm until 9pm. We have studied a variety of different topics over the last year to help us grow in our faith and learn more about the Bible. The evening starts with a social time and a cuppa and then we end in prayer. We have between 3 and 8 people attending a session. We are a mixed group in terms of age and time as a Christian. Our aim is to support and encourage each other, in living our lives as Christians. Vicki Taylor

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LUNCH LINK

We continue to serve our lunches on a five week rota with willing volunteers. Julie P has taken over the leadership role from Margaret S who continues as a valued member of the cottage pie team.

Team members met together for tea and very good cake one afternoon recently and shared ideas on how we could move forward. Our client numbers are sadly down due to illness and death but we all felt our lunches were very much appreciated. We decided we would like to invite Church couples to join us. We will continue to explore the publicity aspect of what we do.

Thank you to everyone who gives up their time on a Tuesday - it is much appreciated by all who attend. Eleanor Borkett

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MEMORY LANE CAFE, KNARESBOROUGH

Memory Lane Café, Knaresborough continues to provide an inclusive, supportive environment offering social engagement and enjoyable activities for older people in the community. The café remains open to all, including individuals in the early stages of dementia, and upholds a strong dementiafriendly ethos.

The programme offers a varied range of activities such as demonstrations, singing sessions, crafts, and games. Highlights from the past year included balloon tennis during Wimbledon fortnight and decorating ceramic figures for Christmas with “Painting Pots”

A well-attended visit to Lotherton Hall took place last summer and planning is underway for this year’s outing. The café gratefully acknowledges the Knaresborough Lions Club and Knaresborough Rotary for their generous financial support, which supports the cost of these trips. We also received a grant from the Two Ridings Community Foundation which contributed to our annual Christmas party

Dot Rodham and Chrissy Richardson once again represented the café at the Day for Older People event held at Stockwell Community Hub, providing an opportunity to promote the café and raise awareness of its activities.

We are delighted to have welcomed a good number of new members but we do have some capacity to welcome new attendees. Anyone who may benefit from a few hours of social interaction in a warm, safe, and friendly setting is encouraged to get in touch.

Sincere thanks are extended to volunteers Verona, Tess, Margaret and Chris whose ongoing support ensures members are well cared for and enjoy refreshments during sessions.

Further information and updates can be found on Facebook by following Memory Lane Café, Knaresborough .

Dot Rodham and Chrissy Richardson

MEN’S BREAKFAST

The Men’s Breakfast meets in the Castle Room at Gracious Street Methodist Church on the first Saturday of each month from 08.45-10.30. Men of all ages and from any church or none are most welcome to join us for a cooked breakfast and fellowship followed by a talk. Subjects for the past year included ‘ The Easter story in art’ and ‘ How I lost my beard’. We continue to be ably supported by a small team of cooks and helpers for setting up and clearing away. Our speaker finder Brian H has engaged a wide variety of speakers for the coming year. With around 24 attending each month, the surplus from donations to the cost of breakfast allows us to make occasional donations to the Church and a variety of other charities. Details of meetings may be found in the Church Notices. For further information contact Peter Wilson (01423 862553) Email: pnw6@sky.com

Peter Wilson

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NOAH’S ARK PRE-SCHOOL

It has been another challenging but worthwhile year in our pre-school. We have a new Lead Practitioner – Lauren - and other new staff members as we rebuild the team for future service. They are enthusiastic, professional and imaginative. They are supported, on your behalf, by the Noah’s Ark Committee meeting regularly to review the work and report to the Church Council. Many thanks to all involved. The buzz in the setting is infectious.

Our grateful thanks also to the Church. You have demonstrated your support for the setting in words of encouragement, prayers and deeds of support, in particular the “wish tree” around Christmas. Many thanks for your generosity in response to requests. The response to the book appeal was really strong and imaginative demonstrating how so many of our folk value books and reading as essential in the early development of children.

Let us not forget the generous response of money [coffee morning approaching £750 at last count] and the interest shown by our families and the church at the Saturday morning event held recently.

Your support, prayers and interest are all gratefully received. This Christian community demonstrates its commitment to the nurture of small children

through the support of Noah’s Ark and in other ways. In such we demonstrate God’s love and care in action. Thank you.

Doreen Whittaker on behalf of the Noah’s Ark Committee.

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PLAYBOX

Playbox meets on a Friday morning in term time in the Castle Hall at 10am until 11:30am. We provide a safe place for children under school age and their carers (parent / grandparent / great-grandparent / aunty / whoever looks after them) to come and play and make friends – that’s adults and children! We have between 15 and 20 families attending each week, where we provide a variety of different activities: including a quiet space, physical area, craft or sensory table, home corner, construction activity, small world toys and an area for babies who are not yet moving around. In the middle of the session, we stop for a drink and a snack and at the end everyone helps to tidy the toys away and we have some singing time. We are a relaxed, friendly group, run by Helen, Sheila and Vicki. After Playbox, we put tables up in the hall for families to stay for lunch at Res Bites, and it is lovely to see how our younger members have progressed from highchairs to having a low table and chairs for them to eat at together. Vicki Taylor

SUNDAY CLUB

Sunday Club continues to meet every Sunday morning for children and young people of school age. We have more than 20 on the register but the number attending each week is very variable which can make planning the session quite challenging!

Everyone worships together in church for about the first 15 minutes before Sunday Club leaves to meet in the Castle Room where they can learn and have fun in a way that’s appropriate for them with a Bible story, discussion, prayer, crafts and games. Sunday Club also enjoyed being involved in the Christingle Service. The wide age range (from 4 -14) continues to be a challenge! We have a range of activities to suit different ages and the older children help the younger ones. There is also an opportunity for the older ones to spend time in their own small group which they seem to appreciate.

We have one leader and one helper each week but it would be good to have an extra helper so that we could give time to the different age groups especially the older group. We would love to hear from anyone who is prepared to help occasionally – no preparation is needed– just come along and join in.

However, despite the challenges, Sunday Club is going well and helping the children and young people to grow up learning about Jesus, developing their own faith and playing their part in the church community. A big thank you to our hard working leaders and our helpers.

Libby Cook

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THURSDAY BOOK CLUB

The Thursday Book Club is currently meeting in the Priory room from 10.30 to 11.30 on the fourth Thursday each month during term time. We have 21 names on our list with about 12 to 15 attending regularly and several who are unable to come to meetings at present but value the lists passed onto them.

We are different from most book groups as instead of reading the same book and discussing that, we each chat briefly about a book we’ve read recently and enjoyed or perhaps a long-time favourite. We then make a list of all the titles and authors which is circulated to all our members. This gives us an opportunity to read books which are recommended by our group and new authors which we might not normally choose for ourselves.

We either borrow books from the library (printed or digital), buy them on Kindle or from charity shops, supermarkets, etc. or sometimes swap them between ourselves, making a small donation to the Ukraine Appeal.

We meet over coffee and are a friendly, relaxed and informal group – always happy to welcome new members or visitors. If you’re interested please contact me or just come along.

Janet Ball

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SERVICE & EVANGELISM

The Church exists to be a good neighbour to people in need, to challenge injustice and to make more followers of Jesus

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FAMILY EVENTS

We have continued with a more holisitic approach to our children and families work, advertising all the events on a termly poster. We have found that Le t’s GO 2 Church has been going well and have held three sessions during the autumn and spring terms. The families watch a Lego animation of a Bible story and then respond to the story using Lego. It is lovely to see their creativity and while they are building there is time to chat. We finish with drinks and cake which are always popular! We are very grateful to St Mark’s Church for lending us the Lego.

We have also held regular Film nights where we serve hot dogs, popcorn and drinks before watching the film. Everyone seems to enjoy the evenings although numbers have been lower than in the past.

At Christmas we repeated ‘Step into Christmas’ which once again proved very popular and was a lovely way to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. We had a story trail around the building with a series of Nativity scenes to visit and stickers to collect. There were also crafts and games before a short Christmas service followed by a party tea. We really appreciated the help of several members of the youth group. It was lovely that they were able to be involved.

In addition we held our usual Lantern Workshop as part of the Bright Friday celebrations in Knaresborough. Once again the church was packed with about 400 people making lanterns and eating pizza before joining the lantern parade. It is such a good opportunity for Gracious St to take part in the town celebrations. Many thanks to our team of dedicated helpers. Libby Cook

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WHO LET THE DADS OUT? (WLTDO)

WLTDO is a fresh expression of church – a chance to build relationships, share food, play, create and ponder on God’s word through interactive Bible stories. It takes the form of a stay-and-play session for dads/granddads/male carers and

their 0-7 year old children. We generally meet on the second Saturday morning of each month in the Castle room, although in the summer we sometimes go to the Kingfisher Kiosk at Conyngham Hall. In April we will also be holding an allday outdoor session at the Community Festival, based at Henshaw’s Arts and Craft Centre - a great way to make new contacts.

Due to the nature of the group, we have a steady turnover of families. As children become too old for our Saturday morning sessions, we try to stay in contact via our other family activities, like Easter Club.

Advertising what we do to reach new families is important. Increasingly, Facebook and the digital screens are used, alongside physical posters, to spread the word. It seems to be working well - WLTDO is flourishing and we’ve welcomed many new families over the last year. In the three sessions so far in 2026, we have had 25 different families attending; for many of these people this is their only or first experience of Gracious Street.

I’m very grateful to Gordon Hay and Vicky M for helping to run WLTDO. Thanks must also go to the dads and children, who are remarkably efficient at tidying everything away. It’s a joy to spend Saturday mornings with them. Liz Rochester

PIONEER PASTOR

Purpose of the role

The Pioneer Pastor role is funded by the Circuit to provide faith-driven community outreach to people in Knaresborough and surrounding villages. The purpose is to support people on the margins in their lives and their faith. Places where people are encountered

Places Activity Number
of
People
over a year
Knaresborough Bus Station Flowers
for
Carers		 23
McDonalds on St James retail park Conversations
with
lorry
drivers		 13
Gracious Street Methodist Church
Resurrected Bites community cafe		 Offering help 12
Stockwell Community Centre Offering help 6
Chain Lane Community Centre Drop-in 8
Barney’s Bakes Drop-in 3
Caravan Parks Visiting 5
Forest School Visiting 1
Care homes Visiting 1

These places have been identified as where people on the margins spend their time.

Stories

Steve

“Mate, I can’t thank the church enough. Just having something decent to sit on made a difference.” - Steve.

Steve comes to the Resurrected Bites cafe on Fridays at Gracious Street. He has a decent meal and a food shop helping the environment by reducing food waste. He’s type 1 diabetic and experiences health issues which affect his mood and ability to cope. During the 14th encounter with me he eventually told me about his life and what he was struggling with. The next time we met Jackie, the church administrator, had left out some chairs for people to help themselves to as they were no longer needed. Steve asked me for them and I took them to his house. After receiving this practical support he now opens up more about what his needs are and I always remind him of his God-given strengths. He now sees he can make a difference to other peoples’ lives by using his experience of type 1 diabetes to help others.

Dave

“It’s tough on the road but it’s warm in here and if you pick right, the food’s actually not that bad. I generally have a group of drivers I speak to on the radio and we keep each other going. I used to go to church when I was a kid and sometimes those old hymn tunes bounce around my head when I’m driving.”

Dave is a lorry driver who stops regularly at McDonalds on the St James retail park. We chatted a few times and I told Dave about who St James was which he

was interested in. We talked about the hymn tunes he still had in his head from childhood and I encouraged him to download them and play them in his cab. I thanked Dave for cheering up other drivers and keeping their spirits up as mental health for lorry drivers is often poor.

Other work

Done

Still to do

Request

Please continue to pray for people on the margins. Please especially remember families with children with special educational needs for whom life is very stressful.

Thank you to all the members of the church who do so much to support people. And a special thanks to Jackie, Gordon and Don for keeping me safe. Nick Garrett

==> picture [455 x 70] intentionally omitted <==

LEADERSHIP, PROPERTY & FINANCE

==> picture [455 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

LEADERSHIP TEAM

It’s been another busy year for Leadership, with Circuit being a key area of discussion. A number of new models for the organisation of Circuit were put to us; these were discussed by Leadership, and then with the wider church. We’re still awaiting the formal outcome at this point.

Our solar panels and batteries have become operational, which have been a game changer for our church in reducing our energy bills, protecting us from market price shocks, and enabling us to make an offer to some of our near neighbours that seems too good to be true: free electricity! Well, when the sun’s shining, anyway. This is a truly modern way of loving our neighbour and offering witness to our town.

We have agreed a Social Media Policy for our church: another very important modern way to be good neighbours. Social media is extremely useful for communication of what we are doing, but does come with risks, and we wish to ensure that our church, and everyone associated with it, is kept safe.

We were particularly pleased with the variety and quality of worship and activities that the church offered at Christmas. Overall, worship has been going well and it’s fantastic to see new people leading our music.

We held a Grand Weekend Away in May, which was a huge success and brought everyone there much closer together; it was a real joy and deep fellowship. Youth Group has also continued to go well: our young people are a huge credit to our church. The sleepout for homelessness was a particular highlight. David Rochester

==> picture [455 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

CENTRE MANAGER

Gracious Street remains a lively hub, supported by a healthy mix of active church groups and community hirers. We are grateful for the many charities and community organisations working in areas aligned with the church’s ethos who continue to choose Gracious Street as their venue.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Forest School, who recently began running the Bridge Café on Tuesdays. Gracious Street now proudly offers a safe and welcoming gathering place every weekday morning. This would not be possible through our volunteer workforce alone. Please join us in praying thanksgiving, protection, and success for our vital partners: UBU, Forest School,

Henshaws, Personalised Learning College, and Resurrected Bites. Resurrected Bites, who pay to hire, play a particularly significant role. Alongside serving a morning café and hot lunches, they run a community grocery and pay-as-youcan food stand, helping to tackle both food poverty and food waste. As a result, Friday has become our most popular day of the week. We are still exploring ways to provide cover on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer and school holidays. This could involve additional partnerships or perhaps a rota from our church groups. We would value your thoughts on this.

We were grateful to receive grant funding that helped cover some operating costs and enabled us to purchase new tables (safer and easier to use than the Go-Pak), a high-capacity, energy-efficient freezer, and a kitchen worktable. Noah’s Ark also received funding for their new Grow and Learn Garden. We continue to apply for appropriate grants as time allows.

Finally, I am always looking for ways to improve our facilities and develop new programmes or partnerships that serve our community. If you have ideas or would like to help please do get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you. Jackie Daysh

==> picture [455 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

– TASK FORCE buildings maintenance

The aim of the role, which I have developed during my tenure, is to form a first response to building issues, many of which can be solved simply and quickly without (expensive) professional involvement. My thanks go to management and admin in giving me responsibility in this regard.

During the year I have responded to 96 reports of building faults, spending a logged time of 78.25 hours during the year. £210.50 has been spent on materials, parts and tools, which has been donated and 'gift aided' (thanks to the treasurer). Details are logged in the notebook.

The system of reporting to me via the spotty 'Task Force notebook' (held in the shelves outside the office) works well but urgent requests should be emailed to me at phlpmsn@gmail.com. Phil Mason

TREASURER’S REPORT 2026

The accounts for 2024/25 were signed off by the independent examiner in February and were agreed by Church Council by correspondence as they were

awaiting sign off at the date of the physical meeting. The 2024/25 accounts show that our net current assets are £200,913 comprising £152,306 of unrestricted funds and £48,607 of restricted funds. Restricted funds are mainly the funds held by Noah’s Ark and are restricted to the use by Noah’s Ark. This is an increase in the position compared to financial year 2023/24 of just under £49,000. This is mainly due to a generous legacy of £40,424. Leadership team are considering proposals for the use of the legacy which will be put to Church Council in due course. One idea is to establish a specific benevolent fund to help those facing particular hardship in the community.

Our opening position, on a cash basis is set out in table 1 and or current position as at 28[th] February, the half way point in the connectional year, is set out in table 2.

Table 1: Opening Position 01-Sep-
25		 Table 2: Position at 28th
Feb 2026		 28-Feb
26
Virgin Money £13,946 Virgin Money £12,584
Trustees for Methodist
Purposes		 £28,706 Trustees for Methodist
Purposes		 £28,706
Central Finance Board £76,219 Central Finance Board £65,522
Cash £354 Cash £354
Total in General Fund £119,225 Total in General Fund £107,166

Summary of Income & Expenditure to date

==> picture [505 x 152] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Income 2025/26 to 28/02/26 £77,233 Expenditure 2025/26 to 28/02/2026 £89,291
Church Groups, Church Groups,
£3,486 Other expenditure, £2,316
£25,557
Other Income, Offerings,
£12,725 £32,441 Circuit
Assessment,
£42,292
Lettings, Insurance, Utilities
£27,235 etc, £10,292 Grants &
Interest, Repairs and Donations,
£1,346 Maintenance, …
£1,250
----- End of picture text -----

The charts above show the breakdown of income and expenditure so far this year, up to the end of February 2026. This snapshot shows that our expenditure exceeds our income by just over £12,000; however this is just a snapshot, and

my more detailed forecast is that by the end of the financial year we will be showing a cash deficit of around £9,000. The forecast recognises the financial pressures currently being experienced by Noah’s Ark and assumes no contribution to the Church’s running costs from Noah’s Ark. The Leadership Team and Church Council are keen to support Noah’s Ark financially as this is regarded as a key mission priority for the Church. In the short term this deficit can be met from our reserves but we do need to develop a future funding strategy both for Noah’s Ark and for the wider Church income.

We have yet to see the full impact of the reduction in electricity costs as a result of the installation of the solar panels; it may be that reduction in electricity usage as through spring and summer will reduce the deficit from the current forecast.

Whilst there is no doubt that the financial situation remains challenging, we continue to invest in our mission across a wide range of events and activities, across all age groups that keep the Church visible and appreciated by the community.

I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in looking after the Church finances particularly Jeanette M, Alan M, Dot R and Hazel C who bank the money week by week.

I am extremely grateful that following taking on the role of treasurer during my sabbatical last year, Lee Daysh is continuing to support the work of the treasurer. Specifically, Lee has taken on the job of chasing room rental payments to ensure they are paid in a timely manner and none get overlooked. Lee will also be taking over the role of Gift Aid Secretary for this year’s submission. I am indebted to Ed Walton who has fulfilled the role for two years after giving up the role.

If you would like to know more about the Church’s financial position, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Reserves Policy

Our goal over the medium term is to maintain reserves that cover about six months of our operating expenses, which amounts to roughly £90,000. As of 31/08/2025, our reserves exceed this target, thanks primarily to a legacy gift of £40,424. We plan to dedicate these legacy funds to creating a benevolent fund aimed at supporting community members experiencing hardship. Our reserves

will also be used to provide matching funds for any grants we receive and to support the ongoing mission of our Noah’s Ark pre-school whenever necessary.

Looking ahead, we anticipate a deficit of approximately £9,000 in 2025/26, which will be covered using our reserves. These strategies ensure that our financial resources are managed responsibly while allowing us to continue making a positive impact within our community.

Bill Rodham Church Treasurer March 2026

==> picture [455 x 496] intentionally omitted <==

Church Council Membership & Managing Trustees at April 2026

Office holders

The Superintendent Reverend Ben Clowes The Minister Reverend Gordon Hay Church Council Secretary Hilary Wilkinson Church Finance Officer Bill Rodham Pastoral Secretary Rod Moxley Safeguarding Officers Jackie Daysh/Leanne Paulauskas

Leadership Team

Eleanor Borkett (Property Secretary) Libby Cook Jeanette Mowat Julie Parker David Rochester Bill Rodham Sue Walkington

Church Meeting Elected Members

Michael Borkett Morag Ross Rosemary Coggrave Alan Shankster John Cook Tim Webster Simon Pringle Sue Whalley

Church Council Appointed Representatives

The Bridge Lynne Bullock CAMEO Rachel Watson Men’s Breakfast Alan Middleton Mission Team Reverend Peter Whittaker Noah’s Ark/All We Can Doreen Whittaker Playbox Vicki Taylor Who Let the Dads Out Liz Rochester

==> picture [455 x 138] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [455 x 53] intentionally omitted <==

CHURCH ACCRUALS ACCOUNTS 2024-25

THE METHODIST CHURCH

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS

(Accruals Basis) For the Year Ended 31st August 2025

Gracious Street Methodist Church ~~pT e~~ Nidd Valley Circuit ~~s~~ Circuit no 29/26 Registered Charity - Charity Registration number 1133967 ~~ee |~~ Minister: ~~PO~~ Rev Gordon Hay Church Stewards: Sue Walkington Libby Cook Eleanor Borkett Jeanette Mowat David Rochester Treasurer: Mr Colin William Rodham ~~pT~~

Date 04/03/2026

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Accounts 2024-25

Notes to the Accounts

Introduction

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with SORP(FRS102) as updated, being the current version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice. As was the position for last financial year, the accounts are prepared on an accruals basis as our income in financial year 2024/2025 is above the threshold of £250,000.

The accounts show that we have debtors and prepayments of £37,346, mainly as a result of paying the circuit assessment in advance and for room hire in August not paid for until September, and we have creditors of £1,295.

Note 1 Depreciation

It is the policy of the trustees to keep the structure and fabric of our premises in such good repair that the property continues to have an indeterminate useful economic life. We therefore consider that depreciation can be disregarded as immaterial. We have had an independent valuation of our properties undertaken by Nick Kay BA(Hons), pgDip, MRICS, a partner in Stephenson's Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors which confirms this position. The value of the Church and associated halls is given as £650,000 and the land on which the buildings sit is valued at £500,000. The value of our investment properties is £245,000 for No 10 Gracious Street and £225,000 for No 4 Chapel Street. These values remain unchanged from last financial year.

Other Assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on a 20% reducing balance method. At the year end the Net Realisable Value of Other Assets was £87,910.

Date 04/03/2026

Accounts 2024-25 Page 1 of 3

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Name of Church: Gracious Street Methodist

Church No

292604

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025

Notes to
the
accounts
Income
1 Offerings
2 Donations
3 Gift aid
4 Interest and investment income
5 Income from investment properties
6 Internal organisations
7 Other charitable income
8Total income
Expenditure
9 Circuit assessment or share
10 Grants and donations
11 Property maintenance
12 Insurance,utilities etc
13 Office expenses
14 Other expenditure
15 Internal organisations
16Total charitable expenditure
17 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
18 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
19 Net income/(expenditure)
20 Transfers between funds
21 Other gains/(losses)
22 Depreciation on fixed assets
1
23Net movement in funds
24 Total funds brought forward
25 Total funds carried forward		 General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(unrestricted)
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total 2024-25
£
£
£
£
£
67,371
-
67,371
41,011
-
41,011
20,576
-
20,576
3,309
-
3,309
16,200
-
16,200
-
86,778
86,778
76,985
-
76,985
-
225,452
-
86,778
-
312,230
80,556
-
80,556
1,010
-
1,010
21,567
-
21,567
28,252
-
28,252
22,008
-
22,008
33,963
-
33,963
-
75,778
75,778
187,356
-
75,778
-
263,134
-
-
-
-
-
-
38,096
-
11,000
-
49,096
10,496
10,496
-
-
100
-
0
100
-
20,478
-
-
20,478
-
28,014
-
504
-
28,518
1,832,202
48,103
1,880,305
1,860,216
-
48,607
-
1,908,823

Date 04/03/2026

Accounts 2024-25 Page 2 of 3

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Name of Church: Gracious Street Methodist
Church No
292604
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
Notes to the
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Totals 2025
Totals 2024
Accounts
£
£
£
£
£
£
~~Teac~~
Fixed Assets
Church buildingand otherproperty
1
1,150,000
1,150,000
1,150,000
Investmentproperties
1
470,000
470,000
470,000
Investments
-
-
-
Other Assets
1
87,910
-
87,910
100,388
Total fixed assets
1,707,910
-
-
-
1,707,910
1,720,388
Current Assets
Debtors andprepayments
37,346
37,346
32,880
Loans bythe Churches
0
0
-
Investments with TMCP
28,706
0
28,706
3,549
Central Finance Board Deposits
75,719
500
76,219
70,045
Cash at Bank and in hand
11,830
48,107
59,937
59,863
Total current assets
153,601
0
48,607
0
202,208
166,337
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year)
1,295
1,295
1,125
Grantspayable within 2025-26
0
0
5,295
Total current liabilities
1,295
0
0
0
1,295
6,420
Net current assets/liabilities
152,306
0
48,607
0
200,913
159,917
Total assets less current liabilities
1,860,216
0
48,607
0
1,908,823
1,880,305
~~SSS SSE~~
~~===> ===> =~~
~~===~~
Long term liabilities
(due
after more than one year)
Grantspayable after 2025-26
-
-
Loans to the Church
-
-
-
Net assets
1,860,216
-
48,607
-
1,908,823
1,880,305
~~===~~
Funds of the Church
General Fund(Unrestricted)
1,860,216
1,860,216
1,832,202
Designated Funds(Unrestricted)
-
-
-
Total Unrestricted Funds
1,860,216
1,832,202
Restricted Funds
48,607
48,607
48,103
Endowment Funds
-
-
-
Total Funds
1,860,216
-
48,607
-
1,908,823
1,880,305
Signed
~~=~~

Church Treasurer

04/03/2026

Page 3 of 3

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Name of Church ......Gracious Street Methodist..................c0..cecceeeeeeeeeeeee

NO...292604........

Declarations and Scrutiny

| confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees.

Signature of treasurer ............ {eeKs C exlle—ah vesessessseeeeee Date...28/01/2026........ Name and address oftreasurer ...Colin William Rodham. ..............0....0ccececececenceeeeeeees

58 Aspin Park Road, Knaresborough ............................ Post Code......HG5 8HG....

Presentation to the Church trustees

| confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 wereAwill be* presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on .\wne.... tole 2 Moreh | Signature of the Chair of the meeting: GMA. ccntssinsininnnnninnne Name of the Chair of the meeting: EY SORKIN WAT Date 2:3 -26

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Charity Number 133967

Responsibilities and basis of report

| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Gracious Street Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 1 to 4. As the Church’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Name of Church ...... Gracious Street Methodist

No...292604...

|

Independent Examiner’s Statement

The Church’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in | connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

|

| 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.

| have obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church | Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner Wee ss

Nameof independent examiner ..... .@EN WRTTWHAM

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Roc ceceeceveeeee

Name of firm (where appropriate) Jackson, Whishen Acounkanks Ln oan. Address Unik. A... Inaovekion... Gates, 8 Goaymalocn ves Hal ef Mnaresbereng hrn ceed cee teseeeceeeseeeeesueecettetstttssescresesssesttttmsssstttsresereeee, Post Code .HOS..9AY.. Ded

CHURCH ACCRUALS ACCOUNTS 2024-25

THE METHODIST CHURCH

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS

(Accruals Basis) For the Year Ended 31st August 2025

Gracious Street Methodist Church ~~pT e~~ Nidd Valley Circuit ~~s~~ Circuit no 29/26 Registered Charity - Charity Registration number 1133967 ~~ee |~~ Minister: ~~PO~~ Rev Gordon Hay Church Stewards: Sue Walkington Libby Cook Eleanor Borkett Jeanette Mowat David Rochester Treasurer: Mr Colin William Rodham ~~pT~~

Date 04/03/2026

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Accounts 2024-25

Notes to the Accounts

Introduction

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with SORP(FRS102) as updated, being the current version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice. As was the position for last financial year, the accounts are prepared on an accruals basis as our income in financial year 2024/2025 is above the threshold of £250,000.

The accounts show that we have debtors and prepayments of £37,346, mainly as a result of paying the circuit assessment in advance and for room hire in August not paid for until September, and we have creditors of £1,295.

Note 1 Depreciation

It is the policy of the trustees to keep the structure and fabric of our premises in such good repair that the property continues to have an indeterminate useful economic life. We therefore consider that depreciation can be disregarded as immaterial. We have had an independent valuation of our properties undertaken by Nick Kay BA(Hons), pgDip, MRICS, a partner in Stephenson's Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors which confirms this position. The value of the Church and associated halls is given as £650,000 and the land on which the buildings sit is valued at £500,000. The value of our investment properties is £245,000 for No 10 Gracious Street and £225,000 for No 4 Chapel Street. These values remain unchanged from last financial year.

Other Assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on a 20% reducing balance method. At the year end the Net Realisable Value of Other Assets was £87,910.

Date 04/03/2026

Accounts 2024-25 Page 1 of 3

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Name of Church: Gracious Street Methodist

Church No

292604

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025

Notes to
the
accounts
Income
1 Offerings
2 Donations
3 Gift aid
4 Interest and investment income
5 Income from investment properties
6 Internal organisations
7 Other charitable income
8Total income
Expenditure
9 Circuit assessment or share
10 Grants and donations
11 Property maintenance
12 Insurance,utilities etc
13 Office expenses
14 Other expenditure
15 Internal organisations
16Total charitable expenditure
17 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
18 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
19 Net income/(expenditure)
20 Transfers between funds
21 Other gains/(losses)
22 Depreciation on fixed assets
1
23Net movement in funds
24 Total funds brought forward
25 Total funds carried forward		 General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(unrestricted)
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total 2024-25
£
£
£
£
£
67,371
-
67,371
41,011
-
41,011
20,576
-
20,576
3,309
-
3,309
16,200
-
16,200
-
86,778
86,778
76,985
-
76,985
-
225,452
-
86,778
-
312,230
80,556
-
80,556
1,010
-
1,010
21,567
-
21,567
28,252
-
28,252
22,008
-
22,008
33,963
-
33,963
-
75,778
75,778
187,356
-
75,778
-
263,134
-
-
-
-
-
-
38,096
-
11,000
-
49,096
10,496
10,496
-
-
100
-
0
100
-
20,478
-
-
20,478
-
28,014
-
504
-
28,518
1,832,202
48,103
1,880,305
1,860,216
-
48,607
-
1,908,823

Date 04/03/2026

Accounts 2024-25 Page 2 of 3

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Name of Church: Gracious Street Methodist
Church No
292604
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
Notes to the
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Totals 2025
Totals 2024
Accounts
£
£
£
£
£
£
~~Teac~~
Fixed Assets
Church buildingand otherproperty
1
1,150,000
1,150,000
1,150,000
Investmentproperties
1
470,000
470,000
470,000
Investments
-
-
-
Other Assets
1
87,910
-
87,910
100,388
Total fixed assets
1,707,910
-
-
-
1,707,910
1,720,388
Current Assets
Debtors andprepayments
37,346
37,346
32,880
Loans bythe Churches
0
0
-
Investments with TMCP
28,706
0
28,706
3,549
Central Finance Board Deposits
75,719
500
76,219
70,045
Cash at Bank and in hand
11,830
48,107
59,937
59,863
Total current assets
153,601
0
48,607
0
202,208
166,337
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year)
1,295
1,295
1,125
Grantspayable within 2025-26
0
0
5,295
Total current liabilities
1,295
0
0
0
1,295
6,420
Net current assets/liabilities
152,306
0
48,607
0
200,913
159,917
Total assets less current liabilities
1,860,216
0
48,607
0
1,908,823
1,880,305
~~SSS SSE~~
~~===> ===> =~~
~~===~~
Long term liabilities
(due
after more than one year)
Grantspayable after 2025-26
-
-
Loans to the Church
-
-
-
Net assets
1,860,216
-
48,607
-
1,908,823
1,880,305
~~===~~
Funds of the Church
General Fund(Unrestricted)
1,860,216
1,860,216
1,832,202
Designated Funds(Unrestricted)
-
-
-
Total Unrestricted Funds
1,860,216
1,832,202
Restricted Funds
48,607
48,607
48,103
Endowment Funds
-
-
-
Total Funds
1,860,216
-
48,607
-
1,908,823
1,880,305
Signed
~~=~~

Church Treasurer

04/03/2026

Page 3 of 3

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Name of Church ......Gracious Street Methodist..................c0..cecceeeeeeeeeeeee

NO...292604........

Declarations and Scrutiny

| confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees.

Signature of treasurer ............ {eeKs C exlle—ah vesessessseeeeee Date...28/01/2026........ Name and address oftreasurer ...Colin William Rodham. ..............0....0ccececececenceeeeeeees

58 Aspin Park Road, Knaresborough ............................ Post Code......HG5 8HG....

Presentation to the Church trustees

| confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 wereAwill be* presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on .\wne.... tole 2 Moreh | Signature of the Chair of the meeting: GMA. ccntssinsininnnnninnne Name of the Chair of the meeting: EY SORKIN WAT Date 2:3 -26

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Gracious Street Methodist Church

Charity Number 133967

Responsibilities and basis of report

| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Gracious Street Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 1 to 4. As the Church’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Name of Church ...... Gracious Street Methodist

No...292604...

|

Independent Examiner’s Statement

The Church’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in | connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

|

| 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.

| have obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church | Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner Wee ss

Nameof independent examiner ..... .@EN WRTTWHAM

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Roc ceceeceveeeee

Name of firm (where appropriate) Jackson, Whishen Acounkanks Ln oan. Address Unik. A... Inaovekion... Gates, 8 Goaymalocn ves Hal ef Mnaresbereng hrn ceed cee teseeeceeeseeeeesueecettetstttssescresesssesttttmsssstttsresereeee, Post Code .HOS..9AY.. Ded