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2025-12-31-accounts

Seven Saints Team NEW BURY WITH GREAT LEVER SEVIN SAINTS PAKISH, BOLTON ST MIIHAIL'S S S SIMON & IUDE 5T GEORGI WITH ST JAMES SI IAIHIRINI'S Annual Report April 2026

Contents:

Team Rector’s Report

As I look back over the past year, my heart is full of gratitude. God has been generous to us, and the life of the Seven Saints Team continues to grow in depth, joy, and community engagement. There is so much to give thanks for far more than can be captured in a single report, but I hope this gives a glimpse of the blessings we have shared.

Across the parish, our involvement with schools has increased significantly. Relationships are strengthening, and I am slowly becoming more present in community initiatives. It has been encouraging to see doors opening and partnerships forming.

A major change this year was the adjustment of service times and the introduction of a new Wednesday morning Holy Communion. During Advent and Lent, we offered study courses, and as a team we have provided a wider range of worship styles; traditional, contemporary, and contemplative allowing many people to pray, reflect, and participate in ways that nourish their faith.

In 2025 we held our first Animal and Pet Blessing Service at St Michael’s, which was a wonderful success. Two members of the congregation have begun their Authorised Lay Ministry training, and two people who originally attended Messy Church as participants are now part of the leadership team—an encouraging sign of discipleship in action. We also celebrated a joyful team confirmation service where ten members were confirmed by Bishop Matthew.

Our relationships with schools continue to flourish. Regular collective worship now takes place in four of our schools, and the mentorship programme at St James’ High School has been a real blessing. It will be repeated in April, May, and June. We have also begun regular work with the newly appointed school chaplain and assistant chaplain.

Baptisms have grown significantly across the team, and we now have our first two weddings booked for 2026. So much of the ministry that happens in the Seven Saints Team is unseen acts of service, kindness, prayer, and dedication offered quietly by many faithful people. I am deeply grateful for all who support the life and mission of our churches.

It has also been a great privilege to be supported in ministry by Revd Stuart Smith, Revd Alison Comber, Sister Dorothy Needham, and Adrian Yapp. Their gifts and commitment have helped bring the gospel alive within the Seven Saints Team and the wider community.

This coming year we look forward to a special celebration at St Catherine’s for their 25th anniversary, which will be marked at a team service. We will also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union with a service of Holy Communion in May, alongside our annual Animal Blessing Service and Memorial Service.

On a personal note, I will be joining the Brothers of the First Order of the Society of St Francis as they make a pilgrimage in the North, marking 800 years since the death of St Francis. I am looking forward to walking with them over three days as part of this significant anniversary.

As we journey together, each on our own pilgrimage within the Seven Saints Team, let us remain mindful of the presence and help of our Lord. The words of Psalm 121:1–2 speak powerfully into our shared path:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

May we continue to walk in hope and faith, trusting that God goes before us and walks beside us.

In hope and faith, Revd Andy Team Rector

Administration Report

The Seven Saints team is currently composed of four worship communities across three churches in the Farnworth area of Greater Manchester:

The parish operates within the Diocese of Manchester in the Church of England.

Correspondence Address: As above for each church

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Our PCC has a full complement of members representing the four worshipping communities. There are two Parish Wardens with responsibility for the parish, and all three worship centres have Deputy Wardens and Deputy Treasurers. An overall Parish Treasurer collates parish finances. The parish is also represented on Deanery Synod and has two Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Team Rector: Revd Andrew Jones (in post from November 2024)

Parish Wardens: Rachel Bridge | Rob Tyler

Deanery Synod Representative: Samantha Bowerbank

Elected and church officer Members:

Lesley Durosomo (Parish Treasurer) | Deb Lyons (Deputy Treasurer & Safeguarding Officer) | Andrew Gibbons (Deputy Churchwarden & Deputy Treasurer) | Margaret Moulton (Deputy Warden) | Kathryn Fox (Deputy Treasurer) | Stella Crank (Electoral Roll Officer) | Joy Fairbrother (PCC Secretary) | Rob Tyler (Parish Churchwarden) | Rachel Bridge (Parish Churchwarden) | Sandra Bromley | Mary Quayle | Andrea Gibbons |

Tim Goddard | Catherine Lee | Margaret Brockie | Marilyn Wren, June Atkinson- now retired from PCC.

Structure, Governance, and Management

PCC members are appointed in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and consider standing for election.

Electoral Roll

Electoral Roll Officer: Stella Crank

Financial Report– Year Ending 31 December 2025

In 2025 we have seen our carry forward balance increase because of improved income albeit an aligned increase in expenditure. Rental income is crucial for this improvement and whilst increased rental use increases costs (utilities and repairs) there is still a benefit to the Parish to promote renting where possible.

2025 saw us into year 2 of the renegotiate the Parish Share with the diocese and this resulted in us paying 100% of the share £25400 our second year of paying 100% – 2024 – £24150. We again qualified for a reduction of 2% in 2026 because of meeting the payment requirements for the encouragement scheme.

Income for 20245 was £80129 (£59191) which is an increase of £20938 after a reduction in income in 2024 (£10288). This in the main relates to substantial new rental income received by St Georges. Giving for 20245 is £37755 (£38300) a reduction of £545 so giving is sustained at very similar level to 2024.

We now administer our own Gift Aid claims, and we received £8146 (£7482) reflecting the receipt of 5 quarters Gift Aid in the financial year.

Expenditure for 2025 was £74392 (£66247) which is £8145 up on last year. This reflects that during 2025 we now pay for the clergy property and further increased cost of living pressures including reduced utilities costs.

Expenditure was £5736 less than our income whereas in 2024 expenditure was £7056 more than our income and this position of spending more than we have coming in is not sustainable.

The balance on accounts at end of the year is £103185 (£97767) and needs to be viewed in terms of funds still held for the special projects such as SSSJ Insurance Funds and restricted funds held by St Michaels for graveyard and organ, rather than funds available for use by the Parish, and the continued restricted funds held for St James graveyard.

There are currently no liabilities outstanding.

We continue to try to have funds restricted for the graveyard at St James’s released for use in the Parish £26213 (£26414) reduced after the payment of a grave to make safe where the owner could not be identified.

An accounting error in 2019 failed to show £24.33 of petty cash held by St Catherine’s. To resolve this, a fund showing a debit balance of this amount is shown in the accounts – there is no petty cash held now, and this is a correcting entry on a funds basis and does not impact bank account balances and is carried forward into 2025.

It should be noted that the accounting system Expense Plus started in 2019 is proving to be very helpful and we have seen the benefit of this system this year in delivering the accounts more efficiently. I would like to record the Parish thanks to all the Treasurers and the Gift Aid Secretary who work tirelessly to ensure the financial running of the Parish.

Lesley Durosomo PCC Treasurer

Seven Saints, Bolton Statement of Financial Activities- Summary CILise FIn￿￿1￿YEar. 2025 ]llJDD 2tr.lyy Bo9)Jf<¢jLwY (han￿E￿ oth 5uyrt 72 FL￿Tr￿.1￿ O IthwThrr(WngiuLG￿I J3852fj 4e43luè 4JL5 SS9(Lr¢￿fff(W.' .(. 4Tbi96 SIM(￿eb[￿Lfth￿dlppea 1lE5trK￿] l30W 5JCIN I, 94111 1.0

Buildings and Fabric Report

All three churches have been well supported by congregation members in the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. At a recent PCC meeting, it was suggested that rotating working parties could be established to help address minor repairs and cleaning tasks as they arise.

As always, regular maintenance and monitoring are essential—from PAT testing to addressing items highlighted in the quinquennial reports. Thanks to the many volunteers who give their time, these responsibilities are often supported by congregation members when appointments or works need to be carried out. The support provided is deeply appreciated by all three churches.

One proposal put forward is for each church to maintain an itinerary of outstanding work. This is now in place in two churches. This would allow tasks to be reviewed, prioritised, and addressed based on urgency and severity.

Two of the churches currently have ongoing external hire arrangements in place, which contribute both to financial sustainability and community engagement.

The churchyard at St Michael’s has also benefited greatly from the efforts of the Community Payback Team, who have completed excellent work in maintaining the graveyard and surrounding environment.

At the time of this report’s submission, no concerns or issues have been raised for inclusion.

Health & Safety Report

At the time of writing this report, there are no health and safety issues to report across all three churches for 2025/26.

Deanery Synod Report

The Deanery Synod continues to be an important gathering where we hear, share, and are encouraged by all that is taking place across the Bolton Deanery, as well as receiving updates on the wider diocesan strategy and the work of the national Church.

We have benefited from several excellent presentations this year, focusing on clergy wellbeing, lay wellbeing, growing younger, and developing missional leaders. These sessions have offered both insight and inspiration as we seek to grow healthier, more vibrant churches.

We have also welcomed several guest speakers, and there has been valuable time for us as a deanery to come together in prayer. We have prayed intentionally for our shared priorities—such as vacancies, collaborative work across the deanery, and the ongoing mission of our parishes.

Above all, we have prayed for the Holy Spirit to be active among us, guiding, strengthening, and helping us to thrive in the work God has called us to do.

The Deanery Synod remains a place of fellowship, encouragement, and shared purpose, reminding us that we are part of something larger than ourselves and that God continues to move powerfully in our midst.

Safeguarding

The Seven Saints Team of churches is committed to safeguarding children, young people, vulnerable adults, and those in abusive relationships. We aim to create safe environments where children and young people are nurtured and protected, and where all people—especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason—are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.

Safeguarding Officers: Deb Lyons & Lesley Durosomo

An overview of safeguarding procedures across the team was discussed, and notices are displayed on all church noticeboards, including the Safer Church Poster and Who’s Who details.

Deb and Lesley have completed the Safeguarding Leadership Certificate, which is required for all Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Following recent training, they are reviewing safeguarding procedures across the team and will update the PCC throughout the year.

Any groups hiring church halls are required to agree to our safeguarding policies and to share their own procedures with us.

The Seven Saints website hosts our safeguarding policy alongside a range of other documents and links to support agencies should people have concerns or need to seek help.

There have been several reported safeguarding concerns during the year. Revd Andy has reported on these and has received support from the diocesan team where required.

A folder has now been set up in the St George’s safe to store paper safeguarding records alongside our online records.

All PCC members are required to have DBS clearance. This process is supported by the Parish Safeguarding Officers to ensure compliance. All members have completed basic safeguarding training and are working towards full compliance with the Foundation Course. The PSOs maintain a training log to ensure parish compliance.

From 2026, the aim is for all church officers to be clearly identified in each church, supporting congregations in knowing who is available to help.

The Parish Safeguarding Officers have completed a safeguarding checklist and can confirm that the Seven Saints Team has complied with its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding.

All safeguarding concerns are reported through the appropriate channels as directed by the Diocese of Manchester and the Church of England.

Gathered Worship in the Seven Saints Parish

There is a regular pattern of worship across the parish, serving both long-standing members and newcomers.

St Catherine’s

We welcome both long-standing members and new families exploring faith. This is particularly evident on Thursday evenings, where family-focused worship has grown in congregational numbers. Our liturgy follows Common Worship and is presented using PowerPoint, with recorded hymns and worship music enhancing worship.

With worship led by both Methodist and Anglican ministers, the breadth of worship is exciting and varies through the year, for example the Covenant Service in January.

A Filipino church, Lord Jesus Our Redeemer Church, meets at St Catherine’s on Sunday afternoons.

There has also been a long-standing Tuesday Friendly Hour, which has been a valued source of support and fellowship in the community.

St George’s with St James. St Simon and St Jude.

(St Simon and St Jude suffered a fire in August 2023. The church family now worships with St George’s with St James. As part of a period of consolidation and renewed focus, the two congregations are proceeding towards official approval through D.M.P.C for a new name which has been consulted and voted upon combining both churches and a new name, incorporating both church families and identities.)

We welcome both long-standing members and new families exploring faith. The liturgy follows Common Worship and is presented using PowerPoint, with recorded hymns and worship music. We are also privileged to have musicians who play regularly, including a pianist and a tuba player.

Once a month, Messy Church takes place in the church and church hall, supported by volunteers from across the team. This continues to be a thriving and well-received ministry.

The Lighthouse Church meets in the building on Sunday afternoons and some Saturdays. There has been an increase in external church hire, supporting community engagement, including dance groups and police community engagement events.

Successful social events have included afternoon tea, chocolate bingo, and a Christmas meal.

The church has benefited from the installation of a new rear fence, improving both security and appearance. Future plans include applying for new front doors and officially dedicating the church once the amalgamation and new name are approved.

St Michael’s with St Bartholomew’s

Deputy Wardens: Margaret Moulton

Assistant Treasurers: Kathryn Fox

PCC Members and officers include Margaret Brockie, Sarah Kay (Noticeboard), Lee Oldfield, Pat Darwell, Chris Moulton, Caelum Oldfield, Rose Peterkin, June Syddall, and Lynn Williams.

The Sunday service time changed to 10.30 am from 03/08/25. The Thursday morning Service of the Word continues at 9.00 am.

Special services well supported by the congregation and wider community included:

Our organist, Nicola White, plays at two services per month. Links continue with a local care home through prayer time and fellowship visits. Kathryn Fox is currently undertaking an ALM course.

Eco Church

The Churchyard Conservation Project continues, including the establishment of a bee-friendly wildflower bed.

Children from St Michael’s CE Primary School took part in an environmental study day “Green Day,” planting flower beds and tubs using funds they raised themselves.

Within the church, aisle lamps have been cleaned and bulbs replaced with eco-friendly LED lighting. Further environmental improvements are planned for the chancel.

Kathryn Fox attended diocesan webinars:

Churchyard

The churchyard remains open for burials. Community Payback Scheme groups work in the churchyard most Fridays from late March to October.

St Michael’s CE Primary School

Our relationship with our linked primary school is much valued. Three members of our congregation serve as school governors, and the Team Rector acts as Chair. The school uses the church building and grounds for learning experiences, concerts, and worship throughout the year.

A Friends of St Michael’s School group has been established, and two meetings have taken place in school. Joint school/church fundraising events include the Summer Fair and Christmas Fair.

Messy Church

We have a thriving, lay-volunteer-led Messy Church service that takes place on the third Saturday of every month at St George’s. There continues to be a core group of regular attendees, along with some new families who have recently begun coming to the Saturday morning sessions.

Recent themes have included stories from The Lion Storyteller Bible , a Christmas carol concert, and an Easter focus. Each session includes a mix of craft activities, worship, and shared food. The families who attend consistently give positive feedback about their experience, and the atmosphere remains warm, welcoming, and engaging.

The Messy Church team has also begun creating a scrapbook to capture the activities from each month. This will include both written and pictorial content, and a copy will be placed in each church to showcase the focus and highlights of every session.

Messy Church could not take place without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers, who give so much of their time and energy—not only during the sessions themselves, but also in the planning and preparation that happens throughout the month.

Two members who originally attended Messy Church as participants now serve as leaders, which has been a joy to witness as they continue their journey of discipleship.

Friendly Hour & Mother Union – St Catherine’s

Every Tuesday, Friendly Hour takes place at St Catherine’s. It has around 15–20 attendees, most of whom are retired, and it hosts a variety of speakers. Each session includes a hymn and a prayer, followed by refreshments. A recent trip went to Blackburn cathedral to view an exhibition on the Turin shroud has taken place and enjoyed by all who attended.

The Mothers’ Union, which meets once a month, will be admitted two new members in May 2025. The Mothers’ Union is active in outreach work, with initiatives such as putting together backpacks for the local domestic violence refuge, collecting toiletries for people released from prison and for those who are homeless, and providing premature baby bonnets for the neonatal ICU at the local hospital. The Mothers’ Union is always open to and welcoming of new members. This year celebrates 150 years of the mother union, with a celebration service in May 2026.

School links

Our schools are an integral part of our Parish, and we are committed to providing engagement and support through assemblies and collective worship, governance, pastoral care, and the encouragement of links and shared activities between schools and their local church.

Parish Schools

Other Schools in Our Parish

St Michael’s C of E Primary School

Our much-valued relationship with our linked Primary school continues. The school uses the church building and grounds for learning experiences, concerts and worship throughout the year. three of our congregation are school governors. Revd Andy is now chair of Governors.

Members of our congregation attend special worship services in school and members of staff attend our Sunday services. The school has enjoyed a close relationship with the church and regular come into church for RE lessons and more recently the easter experience.

St James' Primary School

The Team Rector, Andy, has built some positive links with St James' Primary School and is now regularly visiting to lead collective worship. Attended school trips for events in the Bolton area.

The first Café Church took place in April 2025, with support from the Changing Places team. Children and families responded enthusiastically to both the worship and activities, and this initiative will continue into the summer term. This continues to be well attended and supported by the school.

Revd Andy is the of Chair of Governors at the school. Collective worship, school visits, and close collaboration with the Headteacher and Head of Religious Education will continue, with the aim of further strengthening the relationship between the church and school.

St Simon and St Jude’s Primary School

St Simon and St Jude’s have been very welcoming in introducing Revd Andy to the school, and relationships are growing. Collective worship and support with the school worship team take place on a regular basis, with the young people now taking a leadership role in the collective worship.

Revd Andy serves on the Board of Governors and is Vice Chair of the Governing Board.

St James’ High School

At St James’ High School, strong links have been established. A successful mentorship programme was delivered with Revd Andy taking part and supporting during the autumn term, with another programme planned for the spring and summer terms which Revd Andy will be involved in. Regular support has now begun with the newly appointed school chaplain and assistant chaplain. Two successful whole-school worship services have also taken place.

The Orchards

Revd Andy had the privilege of leading Christingle worship with 120 Year 3 and Year 4 students from The Orchards School. It was a joyful occasion and another example of deepening relationships between the church and local schools and led at Advent worship for the whole school

Other Church Groups & Community Connections

Several voluntary sector groups use our church premises including the following:

Seven Saints, Bolton

Statement of Financial Activities - Summary

Financial Year: 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Incoming Resources
Donations & Legacies 36,644.69 1,110.00 37,754.69 38,300.25
Charitable Activities 41,386.63 394.29 41,780.92 20,199.04
Investments 266.32 0.00 266.32 288.60
Trading Activities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Other 279.60 47.22 326.82 403.16
Total incoming resources 78,577.24 1,551.51 80,128.75 59,191.05
Resourc es Used
Charitable Activities 67,515.59 312.00 67,827.59 61,079.52
Raising Funds 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Governance Costs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Support 0.00 0.00 0.00 15.00
Other 5,181.24 1,383.68 6,564.92 5,381.79
Total resources used 72,696.83 1,695.68 74,392.51 66,476.31
Net Incoming / Outgoing Resources (before transfers) 5,880.41 -144.17 5,736.24 -7,285.26
Fund Transfers In 23,275.93 0.00 23,275.93 20,623.86
Fund Transfers Out 19,631.66 3,644.27 23,275.93 20,623.86
Net Incoming / Outgoing Resources (before gains/losses) 9,524.68 -3,788.44 5,736.24 -7,285.26
Investment Gains (or Losses) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Net Incoming / Outgoing Resources (before Asset Revaluation) 9,524.68 -3,788.44 5,736.24 -7,285.26
Asset Revaluation 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Net Movement of Funds 9,524.68 -3,788.44 5,736.24 -7,285.26
Total Funds Brought Forward 47,484.93 49,963.55 97,448.48 104,733.74
Total Funds Carried Forward 57,009.61 46,175.11 103,184.72 97,448.48
Represented By
Seven Saints (Unrestricted) 6,313.43 0.00 6,313.43 7,284.85
SSSJ (Unrestricted) 390.02 0.00 390.02 881.02
St. Catherines (Unrestricted) 866.81 0.00 866.81 860.49
St Georges Building Fund (Restricted) 0.00 783.10 783.10 783.10
St. Michaels (Unrestricted) 2,101.13 0.00 2,101.13 5,840.31
St. Georges with St.James (Unrestricted) 19,089.12 0.00 19,089.12 2,862.14
St James Churchyard Account (Restricted) 0.00 26,212.80 26,212.80 26,414.19
St Georges with St J Designated (Designated) 4,764.96 0.00 4,764.96 4,764.96
St Michaels Churchyard Appeal (Restricted) 0.00 881.78 881.78 871.78
Grave Yard Maintenance (Designated) 10,156.69 0.00 10,156.69 10,916.87
Church Yard Legacy (Restricted) 0.00 13,000.00 13,000.00 13,000.00
Seven Saints Toddler Group (Restricted) 0.00 541.14 541.14 541.14

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Generated at 11:03 on 19/01/2026

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Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
St Michaels Organ Fund (Restricted) 0.00 4,756.29 4,756.29 4,709.07
St Michaels Renovation Designated (Designated) 5,308.04 0.00 5,308.04 5,308.04
Job Club (Restricted) 0.00 0.00 0.00 944.16
Heritage Project (Restricted) 0.00 0.00 0.00 866.30
Petty Cash (Unrestricted) -24.33 0.00 -24.33 -24.33
Community Champions (Restricted) 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,833.81
Messy Church & Family Activities (Designated) 533.53 0.00 533.53 873.18
St Catherine's Building Fund (Designated) 367.21 0.00 367.21 774.40
SSSJ Insurance Claim (Designated) 7,143.00 0.00 7,143.00 7,143.00

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Generated at 11:03 on 19/01/2026

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Independent Examlner's Report to the PCC I rewTrrt to the tn￿tee5 on my examination of th¢ aco)unts of the PCC for the year ¢nding 31 Dccembcr 2025. Respective responsibilities. As the charity trustees of the PCC you are responsiblc ftlr thc preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('thc Act,) I re￿rt in re8pect of my Cxamination of th¢ PCC accounts. carried out under section 145 of th¢ 2011 Act, and in ¢arrying out my examination I have followed all the applicablc Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. B4s1s of thts reporL The examination includcs a rcvi¢w ofth¢ accounting records kcpt by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those r¢￿rds. It also includes considering any unusual items or dis¢lcisures in the a¢counLs and seeking explanations from you as Iwstees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not providc all thc cvidence that would bc requircd in an audit, and consequently I do not ¢xpress an audit opinion on thc vicw givcn by the accounts. Ind¢penden¢ ¢xamlner'8 $tatemenL I hav¢ ¢omplet¢d my examination. I ￿Thfim7 (hat no rnatLYial matters have come lo my attcntion in connection with thc cxamination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: l. Accounting records were not kept in reSp￿t of the PCC as rcquirgj by section 130 of thc Act. OT 2. the accounts do not accord with thosc r¢¢ords: or 3. thc accounts do not comply with Ihc applicable requirements conccrning the rorni and content of accounlb set out in thc Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2(K)8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'ttue and fair, view which is nol a mattcr considered as part of an independent examination. I have no conccrns and hav¢ come across no other rnatters in connection with the cxaminalion to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a propcr understanding of the accounts to b¢ reached. SUTCLIFF .C.C.A Torevell Dent Llmited Chartered Certified Accountants C¢ntre of Ex¢¢ll¢nce Hope Park Trevor Foster Way Bradford BD5 8HH Date