2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 - ST PAUL’S & HOLY TRINITY SKETTY

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025

HOLY TRINITY SKETTY PARK

’ ST PAUL S SKETTY

’ ST PAUL S PARISH CENTRE

Part of Swansea Ministry Area

Parish of Sketty

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 - ST PAUL’S & HOLY TRINITY SKETTY

CHARITY NUMBER 1133995 PARISH MISSION, VISION, AIMS AND GOALS

“The Parish of Sketty invites all to practise Christian faith, together serving God and our community by sharing the good news of Jesus”.

We seek to increase our knowledge and sharing of Christ, doing all in His name for His glory. We continue to build on established mission activities while being open to embracing new ideas and initiatives.

Within our Parish we aim to offer:

welcome, worship, prayer, fellowship, listening, caring, and teaching

whilst also obeying Christ’s command “to go out into the world” to share His Word and compassion.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Thursday 1[st] May 2025 at 7:00pm at St Paul’s Church Sketty,

Dear friends,

During 2024 we became fully integrated into the Swansea Ministry Area with a new CIO charity being formed. The Annual Vestry of the Swansea Ministry Area will be held on Sunday 8[th] June at 4:00 pm.

Can I express my thanks to all of the church officers and the Parish Council who have served the Sketty over the last year. Sister Marian and Alan, Derk, wardens Jane and Claire, worship leaders, musicians, council members, treasures, group leaders, Jayne in the Parish Centre - the list goes on and on in our so active church family.

As you can see below, in the parish reports, we were able to achieved so much more during the year. Thank you to all the leaders and helpers for your hard work over the year and I commend these reports to you.

Sunday worship is such an important part of our Christian lives in the parish and it is a wonderful team effort. I have been ably helped as always by Sister Marian, Derk and Alan. We make a wonderful team and I am so grateful of their support and help, they are such a blessing.

Richard on the organ and Noel leading the music group have given our worship such colour and depth helped by Pete on the mixing desk and so much more. The Young Explorers team Wendy, Andrea and Katheryn work so hard and the young people clearly enjoy it so much.

We continue with streaming services on zoom so the house bound, those away and even those in hospital are able to join us and Sister Marian has done wonders with her zoom ministry holding services each day.

Café Church with Sister Marian and her lay team, the music and catering have also managed to create a service that people want to and love attending. We are slowly pushing the limits of the Parish Centre, which is a good problem to

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have. Our ministry area and ecumenical youth group and Messy church have been meeting over the year and is a great team effort with Sian at the helm.

A big thank you also to Fran, Mike and Ken our treasurers and all who helped with the counting and banking. Also members of the flower group especially Anita who is retiring after may years of dedicated service.

I think you would all agree that the grounds and graveyard are in an exceptional condition. Ray, Roger, Steve and Will who work so hard week in week out to maintain them.

Thank you all for your support over the year.

Every blessing

Vicar Robert

OUR PARISH AND CHURCHES

The Parish of Sketty is a Church in Wales Parish situated in the City of Swansea within the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. Sketty is located about two miles to the west of Swansea and the Parish is made up of two churches.

St Paul’s Sketty, a traditionally built church in the centre of Sketty itself and Holy Trinity a multiuse church at the centre of the Sketty Park estate.

The Parish is part of the Swansea Ministry Area (MA) which covers 5 square miles of the city centre with a population of 60,000. We are part of the 9 churches that serve this MA.

The Vicarage and Parish Centre are located at St Paul’s Church, De la Beche Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9AR.

OUR SERVICES

We offer a range of services. We have a combined service at 10 am with Young Explorers (Sunday School) which starts a little earlier than the service at 9:30 am then ends by joining the main congregation in the church. Holy Trinity does not open every Sunday for services but is used for seasonal services and our outreach program on the Sketty Park Estate.

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care and its associated ministries are central to our mission. As well as our ordained parish priest and curate we have a dedicated team of lay workers specialising in a variety of areas. Prayer, spiritual direction, visiting and support at the major hinges in lives such as baptism, marriage, illness and funerals are all part of this ministry.

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CHURCH COUNCIL 2024-2025

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

Incumbent/Chairman Canon Robert Davies-Hannen Curate Rev. Sister Marian Thomas Vicar’s Warden: Jane Watkeys (St Paul’s Church) People’s Sub Warden: Clare Hazell (Holy Trinity Church) Licenced Lay Reader Alan Griffiths Ordinand in Training Derk De Neve

MEMBERS:

Elaine Gale, John Hamilton Gale, Kathryn Helliwell, Noel Isherwood, Philippa Nash, Sian Parkhouse, Steve Jones, Fran Steadman, Wendy Thomas, Mark White, Andrea Gould & Sally Mora

CLERGY

Rev. Robert Davies-Hannen Vicar Rev. Sister Marian Thomas Curate

RELIGIOUS AND LAY MINISTERS (Ex Officio PCC):

Rev. Sister Marian Single Consecrated Life and Oblate (SCL), Sister of the Society of the Sacred Cross (SSC) Alan Griffiths Licenced Lay Reader.

EUCHARIST ASSISTANTS (HC - Home Communion):

Elaine Gale (HC), Liz Jowett (HC), Alan Griffiths (HC); Biddy O’Kane, Janet Vine and Jane Watkeys.

LICENSED LAY WORSHIP LEADERS:

Andrea Gould, Liz Jowett and Wendy Thomas.

INTERCESSOR PRAYER LEADERS:

Liz Jowett

PARISH EMPLOYED STAFF:

Jayne Cooper Part time Parish Administrator Mark Davies Part time Parish Centre Cleaner TREASURERS: REASURERS: : Fran Steadman Parish Consolidated and St Paul’s Church Kenneth Owens Holy Trinity Church Michael Johns Parish Centre

TREASURERS: REASURERS: :

PARISH WEB-SITE

www.parishofsketty.org.

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SERVICES AND CONTACTS

We extend a warm welcome to all to our services. Full details of which are in our weekly newsletter, on the church door and on our website – www.parishofsketty.org

ST PAUL’S CHURCH:

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH:

9:30 am Young Explorers (finishes in the 10:00 am service)

For services and events see our website

10:00 am Family Communion (also on zoom link on website)

1[st] Sunday of the month

9:30am for 10:00am Café Church - follower by Holy Communion in the church at 11:00.

MIDWEEK EUCHARIST:

11am Wednesday St Paul’s Church

Our Church Services are complimented by these online services :-

Rev. Sister Marian holds a Zoom Compline each night at 6:00 pm

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This is healing focused on a Sunday Night

Links are on the Parish Website www.parishofsketty.org

We have a range of mid-week activities, please see our website for more details. or contact one of the following Parish Officers:

Vicar and PCC Chairman Sister Marian Alan Griffiths Vicar’s Churchwardens PCC Secretary PCC Treasurer and Gift Aid Parish Centre Bookings Holy Trinity Church Bookings

Canon Robert Davies-Hannen 202757 Curate & Religious SCL 208724 Lay Reader 208269 Jane Watkeys 208203 Wendy Thomas Fran Steadman 413163 Jayne Cooper 208779 Sian Parkhouse 07805091994

PARISH REPORTS

Anna Chaplaincy

Sr. Marian coordinates our Anna Chaplaincy work and is in the process of developing this ministry in the parish with the help of many parishioners who themselves keep in touch with the elderly and frail in the parish. Theirs’ is a very valuable and vital ministry including links and work with care homes within Sketty.

For information on the Anna Chaplaincy Ministry please visit their website at:

www.annachaplaincy.org.uk

Anna Chaplains are named after the widow, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s gospel; both are good role models of faithful older people. Anna Chaplains are there for people of strong, little or no faith at all.

Our vision is to see an Anna Chaplain in every small- and medium-sized community in the country, and for the Anna Chaplain name to become synonymous with spiritual care for older people.

For information, please contact Rev. Sister Marian .

House Groups

Three house groups met throughout 2024– one in the Parish Centre, one in a parishioner’s home and another in Maxime Court studying a whole range of topics. There is something for everyone. House Groups are open to all so if you are interested then contact me or Vicar Rob.

House Group Co-ordinator

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Bible Study Group (Maxine Court)

Maxime Court is a purpose built complex of retirement flats, and by kind permission of the warden, we meet in their lovely communal lounge once a fortnight, on a Monday morning.

About half the members live at Maxime Court. Though the group is ecumenical and is open to anyone, most members attend St Paul’s. Age is no barrier to fellowship and the deepening of our faith, and at least three members are in their 90’s.

I am grateful to Peter Bowen and Alice Rutter for overseeing the group while I recovered from heart failure and stroke early last year. Having looked at the Sermon on the Mount, we started this Easter to work through Mark’s Gospel.

Meetings are both lively and informal. They start 10:30 with refreshments and scrumptious biscuits and aim to finish by 12:00.

I always print off the Bible passage for those who, like me, find it easier not to use their own Bible. If you would like to give us a try, you would be most welcome and either Peter Bowen or I can give you further details.

Alan Griffiths [e-mail] Tel: [phone]

Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF)

Fundamental to being a Christian is the regular study of the Bible and then putting into practice what is learned into everyday life. To help with this Bible Reading Fellowship publications are available through our church to order through me. Those currently available are New Daylight and Guidelines. L iz Jowett (BRF Coordinator)

Sharing Together

The Sharing Together group met regularly throughout 2024 on Wednesday lunchtimes sharing food and offering support, friendship and encouragement to all those attending always based on Christian values and in a very informal and friendly setting. Again this year 20 plus shoeboxes were put together for the Operation Christmas Child appeal run by Samaritan’s Purse. Towards the end of last year we were pleased to welcome residents from a local car home and we hope this will continue into 2025

Liz Jowett and Anita Stock

The Wattley Walks

The group met throughout the year and enjoyed walks mostly on Saturday mornings including walks on South Gower and also Penllergaer Country Park and Lliw Valley reservoirs.

The opportunity is never missed to include people outside our church family and to provide support and fellowship on these walks. The absolute joy felt at God’s creation makes a huge impact on us all as we chat about faith, church and countryside matters. What a joy!

Contact Liz Jowett 07968 231192 or www.parishofsketty.org

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PARISH CENTRE 2024

Thankfully, we have had another busy year hosting many different activities, organisations as well as our regular groups. The Parish Centre has approximately 17 regular groups including the NHS, Sketty Market and Thursday House Group.

In March ecumenical Youth Club was launched with five Swansea Churches taking part and in April the monthly Youth Club continued.

In April the Soroptomists held an evening called ‘Hope for Spring 24’. Also in April sadly Swansea Ostomy decided to finish as their group numbers were dwindling. On April 11[th] Debra John presented an evening here called ‘Coal Out, Copper Home’ with monies raised going towards Church funds.

In June the last Sororptomist meeting was held and on 22[nd] July the start of our Summer Holiday Club with an Olympic theme. This year some of our older children, who used to be attendees, came back as leaders/helpers so that was lovely to see. A very large Sonic the Hedgehog also joined in the fun!

In August we hosted a drumming group called One Heart Drummers and ActionAid held a fund raising coffee morning in September.

In November Ray Bennett hosted a Church Quiz with all the proceeds going to the Church and finally on 1[st] December a large community Christmas Fayre was held in the hall with a concert and many activities taking place in the Church.

Jayne Cooper (Parish Centre Administrator)

Altar Flower Guild

Members of the Flower Guild have made arrangements at the Altar and Memorial Book throughout the year. They have met together to decorate for the important church festivals and have been pleased to receive appreciative comments on their work. Posies were made for Mothering Sunday and handed to members of the congregation. The Guild was only involved in one wedding over the past year and it is hoped that in future more brides will ask for our services.

We are very much in need of new members. Experience is not necessary as existing members are willing to give training. If you would like to join us please contact Barbara Pyott (206008) or Angela Ball (412701).

Anita Stock

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Alpha Group

Each year we hold an Alpha Course for explorers into the Christian faith. The latest course was held in our Parish Centre on Sunday evenings from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. This included kicking off each week with the Alpha Supper, prepared by the excellent team of willing members of the congregation. The course took place in the Autumn term of 2024. An away day took us to the delights of Reynoldston Village Hall on the Gower. This really brought the group together, challenged, questioned and encouraged faith as well as cementing relationships.

There will be another course stating later in the year.

Music Group

The congregations and multiple styles of worship have been combined into one main service on a Sunday at 10.00am.

The music team have developed a blended approach to include traditional and modern forms of music and worship styles. The current mix includes the popular Cafe Church lead by the music group on the first week of the month. This is followed by two weeks where our gifted organist plays traditional hymns, with one song being provided by the music group. The music group includes instruments such as guitars acoustic and electric, electronic keyboards, the occasional violin and drums and up to an average of 4 to 5 singers. From time to time Richard the organist is able to join in with the singers on certain songs bringing together the two musical traditions in a way that seems to be much appreciated by the congregation. The combined congregation now seems quite supportive of both approaches judging by the regular positive feedback. The fourth and occasional fifth week are led completely by the music group. The group includes; a classical trained guitarist; a self taught acoustic guitarist; experienced church worship leaders and singers and two pupils from Olchfa School playing electric guitar and singing. The music group is open to others wishing to take part in leading worship through the use of their musical talents.

Young Explorers (formally the Sunday School)

It has been another joyful year for everyone at Young Explorers. The children have worked incredibly hard on their faith journey – as you can see from their work which is displayed in the Parish Centre and at the back of the church. It is heartening to see our youngest Christians at the heart of our church. We also want to say thank you to the volunteers and families who help to make Young Explorers such a positive experience as we grow in faith together.

MA Youth Club

We have hold a twice monthly youth group in Holy Trinity for young people aged 9-14. It is the first Thursday of every month, 7-8:30pm and is currently supported by 4 churches across two ministry areas. We are working as a team to fulfill the need that was asked for by several churches and parents and is also a response to a young person at Spree camp not realizing that there were other 11 year olds in Swansea who believed in Jesus! We provide a safe and welcoming space for young people to have access to social activities, craft and a ‘God slot’. Our aim is to give a

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taster of God and then be around for them to have chats and question time with us when they feel ready and comfortable. We have a number of 14+ young people who are coming along as young leaders.

Impact -quarterly youth group

We help run and host a quarterly youth group for young people in secondary school with our hosted session in St. Paul’s and Holy Trinity. We have a football cage, pool table air hockey, video games and craft . All the young people are fed and there is a worship element.

This group too started from the conversation with the 11 year old at Spree, but the fantastic thing about this group is that we are currently 8 ecumenical churches from all over Swansea, we meet regularly to pray and plan to bring lots of different youth groups and churches together.

Spree Wales

Spree’s strap line is ‘One amazing weekend with God!’

It is on the second weekend in July at Carmarthen show ground. Churches from all over Wales bring their youth groups, children aged 8-15 are provided with a huge array of entertainment, including a climbing wall, swimming pools, trampolines, bouncy castles, craft and a huge variety of ball games. Young people aged 16+ are offered the opportunity to come and work with the Spree team to gain experience and confidence taking part ion the ‘jobs’ that interest them. In return they are fed, worship is provided, free time and camping.

It is accessible to everyone and even has a sensory marquee for those who like a quieter time. Everyone camps in all weathers, the site is completely locked down to just Spree people, everyone on site has a DBS and the entrance gate is manned 24/7 this gives the adults sending their children the piece of mind that their young person can gain independence in a very safe environment. Spree has a theme each year and this is shared via two worship sessions a day offered to the young people in two vey different ways. One is The Shack a ‘Sunday school’ style with craft, bible stories, games, singing and challenges. The other is Fusion which is testimonies, bible stories, games, and live Christian bands.

Sian Parkhouse is leading a group again this year and supporting several churches from across the diocese.

Holiday Club

Our annual holiday club is the first week of the summer holidays. 10-12 each day. Each year it has a theme that the children can relate to and in that theme, we introduce bible stories and songs. Each day there is plenty to entertain them with Open the Book, physical games, craft and something science based that all links to the bible story of the day. We usually have 30+ children each day, with many of them attending for the whole week! It is a huge team effort, volunteers are always needed and run various parts of the morning. We are blessed to have a team of young people who are our young leaders who help with the planning of each session this year! To make this year successful again we are looking for volunteers!

Messy church and special occasions

We have been lucky to have a lot going on throughout the year. Services adapted and aimed at families, Messy churches and school holiday events. We have spent a lot of time with the community listening to theirs needs and then adapting what we can offer to encourage them to come along, all our activities have a ‘God slot’ Carol praise and Good Friday were the busiest that they have ever been with young children and families mixed in with the church family.

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Holy Trinity

There is a lot of repair work that has happened again this year with the flat roofs being repaired, new kitchen floor and dishwasher. We continue to use the space for outreach through youth club, messy church as well as the weekly tots group.

The hire of Holy Trinity is booked every day with a few free mornings and afternoons still to fill, but it is bringing in money to pay the bills and keep the church open and active.

Holy Trinity Tots (Thursdays 9:30am)

The group has new leaders joining the team which has been a great help. Sian supports the group when needed. Each week there are 15+ children attending. It is a free play session, with craft and breakfast provided. We are blessed with an enclosed garden for safe outdoor play. We always need volunteers, especially those who can either support with the session or come and chat to the parents whilst having a cuppa, this is a very important part of the outreach that we sometimes fail to do due to the lack of volunteers.

ToTs on Tuesdays in the Parish Centre

ToTs on Tuesdays continues to be a very successful Parish outreach group. Each meeting we make a small charge of £2 per family and average 15 families attending each week. We follow a tried and tested pattern commencing at 10am with a short informal service giving an opportunity to hear (and sing) some Christian stories. This is followed by a time for refreshments, play and fellowship and after nursery rhyme singing time the meetings finish at 11.30am. We are grateful for the input and support of all our volunteers and to our Vicar Robert and Sian.

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AGENDA for ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

To be held at St. Paul’s Church Parish of Sketty (reg Charity no1133995) 7:00pm Thursday 1[st] May 2025

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer

2. Apologies for absence

3. Minutes of last vestry meeting

4. Chairman’s Report (see above)

5. Receipt of Annual Parish Report

6. Sub Wardens - St Paul’s and Holy Trinity

7. Ministry Area Warden – do we want to put one of ours forward?

8. Election of Parish Council 2025-2026

9. Two Trustees for MA Council - one St Paul’s and one Holy Trinity

10. 10.Appointment of Independent examiner (may be done by Parish Council)

11. 11.Treasurer – Fran Steadman to be handed over to Michael Parkhouse at some point during the year

12.Treasurers reports

13.Any other Annual Vestry Business (of which notice has been given and to which

the meeting consents)

• 14.End with the grace

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PARISH OF SKETfY SWANSEA STATEMENT OF FINANCIALAcnvmES. BALANCE SHEET AND FUNDS At4ANCING THE TOTALASSEfs 2024 Note for more detalls ¢)n al ofthe Partsh a¢¢ounts pkase see the individual Church and Paflsh Centre accounts 2024. published separatety Small ¢knnisations' A(c￿nts exduded Throughout the tables rounding anomal￿5 rnay appty due to figures inpLrt from other source5. STATEMENfoF APIAPKIAL A￿E5 315r OECEMBER2024 Genenl 2024 Total 2,023 Total Don¢ INCOMING RESOVRCESIINCOME Volunts Income Planned Gwi I￿Se Collertion5 Oon*ions Donations for Church ard For Mi55ion Tax Refvnds acy Grants Money Raisi Fees Fees Church ard Restrittedl Investment incorne 42.045 6.136 2557 42,045 6.126 6,828 1.265 46.380 4,422 3,524 $04 907 12,222 4.271 1265 2tKI lo￿5 2.2rM) 12,192 2.200 7.5(M) 27,325 2.260 2.262 12,436 95 6,¢YJO 25.09S 2.640 3.784 11.067 Gen¢rated Inrom¢ 27.325 2260 2,262 Investment Intome O¢her Income Sources TOTAL INCOMING REsoUR￿lINCOME 12,436 95 5375 f I13￿7 119,18S RESOURCES EXPENOED I EXPENDMJRE Catqory Gerwal Churthya Chrr5tmasCrlb F¥•Jre5 20Z4 Total 2011 Total Funds Su rtfpr Ministry Ministry share Parochial expenses ol clerits Mainteriance of Service5 GeneT41 Parish Expenses Maintenance of Churches Maintenante of Other Pro Exceptional Expenditure Mission".Parish Mission.'HomelWorld Cost of Money Rai51nB TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDEOIEXPENDmiRE NEf MOVEMEIIT IN FUNDS Unrealtsed itsl Galn or Loss iti 70.651 2.265 2.553 16,490 14.4B3 10,481 15.392 70,651 2,265 2.553 16.490 14,483 17.160 20,767 583 2,057 73,813 2,354 1,446 14.158 15,486 8.955 ParSsh Acilvtitts Church Propertv 6.679 5.375 Grant& Other 509 6,965 1.997 so £ 134.945 -É21.128 60 6.679 -2852 5,375 £ 147,059 -£ 23.840.￿7 123,685 IL304

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF SKETTY SWANSEA

/ report as an Independent Examiner for the year ended 31 December 2024

Respective responsibilities of the Church Council and Independent Examiner As members of the Church Council you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and following guidance from the Church in Wales that an Audit is not required for this year under Section (142) of the Charities Act 2011 an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Act;

follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under Section 145(5)(b)of the 2011 Act; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out with reference to the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Parish and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from the Parochial Church Council, concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all of the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below

Independent Examiner’s Statement

• Following my examination of the Parish records, no matter has come to my attention :

• a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements (i to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act and (ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act , have not been met: or

• b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

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Matthew Walters FCCA

1 Eliot Close, Killay Swansea SA2 7DN

Date: | t/4 />°