2021-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and unaudited

Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended �1 December 2021

Incumbent

The Reverend Olly Ryder � St Lawrence Road Plymouth

Bank:

Barclays Bank Plc �� Princess Street Plymouth

Independent Examiner:

Tony Jopson � Co. ��� Peverell Park Road Plymouth PL� �QG

Registered Charity Number:

�������

The Parish Church of Charles with St Matthias

‘St Matts Plymouth’

North Hill, Plymouth, PL� �HF

stmplymouth.org.uk

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THE EVANGELISATION OF THE NATIONS THE REVITALISATION OF THE CHURCH AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL YEAR ENDED �1 DECEMBER 2021

�p�e�en�ed Ap�il �����

‘CHARLES WITH ST MATTHIAS (St Matts) PLYMOUTH’

Diocesan ID - �1�� Registered Charity Number - 11��1��

PURPOSE - St Matts is a City Centre Resource Church with a vision to play it’s part in the

The EVANGELISATION of the nations; The REVITALISATION of the Church; The TRANSFORMATION of society.

MISSION - St Matt’s aims to fulfil this vision through four operating lenses:

KNOW GOD � We want everyone to come into a personal relationship with Jesus. We do this principally through our Sunday Services and encouraging people in their own personal faith journey.

FIND FREEDOM � We want everyone to grow in their relationship with God and to discover freedom and life. We believe this happens supremely in community with others in midweek Small Groups where we can grow in life, faith and friendship.

DISCOVER PURPOSE - We want everyone to discover their purpose in life. We do this through our Join the Adventure sessions providing people with an opportunity to learn how to get the most out of their faith and how God has made them.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE � We want everyone to get up and running living a life of service and blessing. Through our Dream Team of volunteers we hope to connect every person with an area of the church’s life that energises them and blesses others and spills out into other areas of their life.

Background - The church in its current format was launched on 2� September 201� by Revd Olly � Ali Ryder and a small staff � volunteer team at the invitation of the Bishops of Exeter and Plymouth in partnership with Holy Trinity Brompton, London. St Matts is part of the Plymouth City Deanery in the Diocese of Exeter in the Church of England and is based at the top of North Hill, Plymouth, PL� �HF.

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Structure, Governance and Management - St Matts is led by the PCC �Parochial Church Council�. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church of England’s �Ch��ch Rep�e�en�a�ion R�le�� . All church attendees who consider themselves as belonging to the worshipping community of St Matts are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll. All those on the Electoral Roll may stand for election on the PCC. The Church Council should reflect the diversity of the church and local community. The PCC is re�elected every three years. The Church Council has responsibility, alongside the Vicar, staff team, and lay pastors, of fulfilling the church’s vision. PCC members who served from April 2021 until the date this report was approved are:

PCC Members

Ex-Officio Members

Vicar and Chairman Olly Ryder Curate Reuben Crossley Curate Mike Knight

Church Wardens

Adrian Boughton Sally Pearson

Elected annually up to six successive years

Elected ���� Elected ����

Deanery Synod Members

Portia Crossley Vacan� po�i�ion

Elected every three years Elected ����

Safeguarding Representative

Debbie Boughton

Appointed ����

Other Members

Elected every three years

Jonathan Bushby Treasurer Elected ���� �serving second term� Dean Jacobs Elected ���� �serving second term� Tim Hookway Elected ���� Laura Fraser�Crewes Elected ���� Neil Mawson Elected ���� Bob Mills Elected ���� �re�elected serving second term� Jeff Stephenson Elected ���� Teressa Cornish Elected ���� Jesse Leach Elected ���� Beth Horton Elected ���� Janet Stirling Elected ����

Co-Opted Members (non-voting)

Hannah English Secretary

Elected ���� �re�elected annually since �����

Staff Team - as at March 2022

Olly Ryder Vicar Claire Worth Executive Director Jonathan Bushby Finance Director � Treasurer Reuben Crossley Curate � Small Groups Pastor

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Mike Knight Curate � Student Pastor Robin Smith Ordinand � Alpha Pastor Phil Jones Worship � Creative Pastor Julia Johnston Kids Pastor Lucy Gilbert Youth Pastor Noah Gilbert Media � Production Coordinator Hannah English Church Coordinator � Executive Assistant

- ANNUAL REVIEW 2021/22

St Matts has completed its fifth full year as an ‘ HTB Network’ City Centre Resource Church with a vision to play its part in the ‘evangelisation of the nations, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society’ by helping people to know God, find freedom, discover purpose and make a difference. The church has grown from a small group of ����� regular worshippers to ������� every Sunday �pre�pandemic� � post pandemic levels now at ���� every Sunday, and �,���� contacts on the church’s database.

VICAR’S REPORT - Rev’d Olly Ryder � Like the previous year, this last year has been very challenging due to the ongoing turmoil brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. However, it has been inspiring to see the St Matts family weathering the storm with great faith and resilience and many good things happening.

During the year we’ve sought to provide weekly spiritual support and encouragement to our whole church family and visitors through our Sunday Services offering both ‘in�person’ and ‘online’ provision. More recently, following the ease in lockdown restrictions, it has been great to be able to gather together in person � we now have more than ��� people gathering every Sunday as well as around ��� online and ����� children and youth. We’ve also continued providing smaller midweek communities for people to grow in faith and friendship through our Small Groups - this term there are more than �� groups.

Our Love Your Neighbour campaign provided significant support to those most in need in our community and city during the pandemic. Although we have formally finished the project much of the work continues through the Soup Run and our many partner organisations in the city.

Looking ahead � As we look ahead to a new church year there is lots to look forward to including the ongoing exploration of the viability of planting a church into St Simon’s Mt Gould; further developing and improving the site at St Matts; continuing to grow our Sunday Services and church family; rebuilding our Dream Team of volunteers; developing our Small Groups; and continuing to grow the different strands of church life, Kids Church, Youth, Students, Over ��s, Missions.

In the summer we will be saying farewell to our Curate, Reuben Crossley, as he takes on a new role as Rector of St Swithuns, Retford. We’ll also be saying farewell to our Ordinand, Robin Smith, as he takes on a new role as Curate at Holy Trinity Barnstaple. We are exploring the possibility of a new Ordinand joining us this September and a new Curate next summer.

Love South West � We are looking forward to a united weekend of worship, service and invitation as part of Love South West ����, ����� June �https://www.lovesouthwest.org.uk/�. We’ll gather at St Matt’s for a Kingdom Come night of worship and prayer on Fri �� June; run social action projects in our streets and local communities on Sat �� June; and invite people to ‘Try Church’ at St Matts on Sun �� June.

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Creation Fest � We are looking forward to the whole St Matts family attending Creation Fest ��� July � � August � https://creationfest.org.uk/� for an extended weekend with churches across the South West of worship, teaching, prayer, fun and time together.

As you read the rest of this report, I hope you enjoy and are inspired by all that God is doing in and through us. Thank you so much for being part of this family and God�adventure by the sea!

KNOW GOD - Sunday Services

CONTACTS

Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards	Database -primarily through ‘Join the Adventure’ cards
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
201�	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
201�	���	���	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����
201�	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	�	����	�	����	�
2020	����	����	����	����	Data cleanse		����	����	����	����	����	����
2021	����	cleanse	�	�	����	����	����	�	����		����	�
2022	����	����	����
Facebook- ‘Likes’
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201�	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	�	����	�	����	�
2020	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����
2021	����	�	����	�	����	����	����	�	����		����
2022	����	����	����
Instagram - ‘Followers’
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201�	�	����	����	�	����	�	����	�	����	�	����	�
2020	����	�	����	�	�	����	�	�	����	�	�	����
2021	����	�	����	�	����	����	����	�	�,���		����
2022	����	����	����

ELECTORAL ROLL � �membe�� of �he ch��ch�� official �egi��e�� : 11� (as at �� March �����

SUNDAY SERVICES - St Matt’s currently has two main Sunday services � THE TEN � THE FIVE with an average weekly attendance of around ��� people across the two services � ��� adults � �� children � and a further ��� for ‘Church Online’. During the last year, in response to the pandemic and changing regulations, we have had to adapt and offer different Sunday service provision over the year including multiple socially distanced services and ‘Church Online’. As the pandemic continues to ease and people are able to gather in person we hope, pray and expect our Sunday Services to increase in numbers.

Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance	Main Service Attendance
		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
201�	TEN	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
201�	SIX	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	��	���	���	���	���
**TOTAL **	BOTH	2��	�0�	�2�	�1�	�2�	2�1	�1�	2�0	��0	�0�	�01	���
201�	TEN	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
201�	SIX	���	���	���	���	���	���	��	���	���	���	���	���
**TOTAL **	BOTH	�0�	���	���	���	���	���	��1	��2	���	�21	���	���
201�	TEN	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
201�	SIX	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
**TOTAL **	BOTH	��1	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	��0	���	�2�	�0�
2020	TEN	���	���	���	�	�	�	�	�	��	��	�	��

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2020	SIX	���	���	���	�	�	�	�	��	��	�	�	��
2020	NINE-THIRTY	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��	��	�
2020	ELEVEN-THIRTY	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��	��	�
2020	FIVE	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��	��	��	�
2020	SEVEN	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��	��	��	�
2020	TEN ONLINE	�	�	�	���	���	���	���	���	��	��	��	��
2020	SIX ONLINE	�	�	�	��	��	��	���	��	��	�	�	�
2020	YOUTUBE	�	�	�	�	�	�	���	���	���	���	���	���
**TOTAL **	BOTH	���	���	���	�22	���	2��	��1	���	�12	�0�	���	���
2021	TEN	-	-	-	-	10�	��	��	-	-	TEN	1�0	2�2
2021	SIX/Five	-	-	-	-	��	�0	��	-	-	FIVE	�0	��
2021	SEVEN	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	SEVEN	�0	11�
2021	Online	��	��	��	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2021	YouTube	2��	2�2	21�	-	���	1��	1�0	-	-	YouTube	2�0	11�
	Total	�0�	��1	�1�	-	���	2��	�1�	--	-	-	��0
2022	TEN	11�	1�1	1��
2022	FIVE	��	12�	1��
2022	YouTube	1��	121	111
	Total	��0	���	�1�

BAPTISMS - Due to coronavirus pandemic and limits on the number of people who can gather we have had a significant reduction in baptisms and reaffirmations during ����/��. As lockdown eases we anticipate a significant increase in baptisms.

Baptisms and Reaffirmations of Baptismal Vows	Baptisms and Reaffirmations of Baptismal Vows	Baptisms and Reaffirmations of Baptismal Vows	Baptisms and Reaffirmations of Baptismal Vows
	Spring	Summer	Autumn	Total over year
201�	1�	�	1	2�
201�	�	-	10	1�
201�	1�	12	�	��
2020	0	2 (reaffirmations)	0	2 (reaffirmations)/ Covid
2021	0	12	�	1�
2022	�			�(so far)

CHILDREN & YOUTH - Julia Johnston (Kids Pastor) - The vision of Kids Church, under the church’s overarching vision, is: ‘To enable every child to experience a fun and life-giving relationship with Jesus and to grow as Christian leaders in their generation.’ The three pillars of St Matts Kids Church are:

1. Fun � ensuring kids have fun.

2. Love � helping them to know they are loved and to love.

• �. Jesus � meet and grow in faith and friendship with Jesus.

Sundays � It has been a challenging year with a second year of pandemic restrictions but also many signs of life, hope and new life. Despite the difficulties we’ve endured, we’ve also seen children and families growing in life, faith and friendship.

Kids Church Online � During the lockdowns we continued offering a special weekly ‘Kids Church Online’ service with teaching, testimonies, worship, prayer and lots of fun. Huge thanks to Kids Team leader Charlie Kingston who helped to oversee the online content and delivery. And many thanks to so many of our young people and Kids Team helpers who also provided regular content.

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‘In Person’ Gatherings � Following the end of the national lockdowns and easing in covid restrictions there has been a great sense of joy and community as we have welcomed between ����� children each week to Kids Church. We are not quite at our pre�pandemic numbers but, since Christmas, parents and carers have been growing in confidence in attending church with their children and meeting in larger groups. We have seen attendance growing steadily each week and look forward to seeing an increasing number of children and young people across all ages.

Team - Since the pandemic has eased we have spent time rebuilding our volunteer Kids Team of helpers who serve, bless and encourage our young people each week. We currently have around �� helpers ��� female, �� male�. We are currently seeking to grow the number or male volunteers to provide a better balance in leadership. We have recently recruited three more male leaders. We are also seeking to further balance our Kids Church content of art, crafts, activities and sport alongside worship, teaching, discussion and prayer. The boys in particular seem to appreciate space for more energetic games, activities and sport.

Pastoring & Pastoral Calls - During the pandemic and the lockdowns we tried to stay connected with families, kids and the Kids Team through pastoral calls, walks and mentoring. We have sought to continue this post lockdown.

Kids Church Special Events and Activities:

Easter (March) - for Easter ���� there was an easing in the pandemic restrictions so we were able to gather in person. We held a successful Easter Trail in the Church Garden.

Light Party (Oct) - Following an ease in pandemic restrictions we were delighted to be able to host an indoor ‘cosmic themed’ Light Party attended by ��� children, parents and carers. The evening � a positive alternative to Halloween � included a silent disco, giant inflatables, candy floss, face painting, lots of sweet treats and a light themed Christian message.

Christmas (Dec) � Despite uncertainty regarding Christmas covid regulations and changes it was great to be able to host an in person Family Carols with Nativity attended by around ��� people as well as many more online. The Kids Team put together a scratch Nativity performed by around �� young people.

Social Trips (Yrs �&�) - We’ve organised a number of social trips for the young people to grow in faith and friendships outside of Sundays. This year we’ve had trips to Pizza Hut, Frankie and Bennies and Ice Skating at Plymouth Pavilions attended each time by ����� children supervised by members of the Kids Team and some parents. It has been lovely to see the children grow in relationship with one another. We are aiming to hold more regular social outings and encourage the young people to bring their non�church going friends as well as forming lasting friendships with each other.

Schools - We have formed good relationships with Prince Rock School. Julia frequently visits and delivers a short message on the life of Jesus. The school is enjoying the assemblies and Julia is seeing a lot of fruit from this as young children often seek her out and ask further questions.

Mini-Matts - Zoe Wilson and Roxy Knight have been running a weekly parents/carers/toddlers group in the Church Hall on Mondays as restrictions have allowed. It’s been lovely to provide a space for parents and

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carers to connect, enjoy coffee, cake, conversation and mutual support and encouragement and for their children to have a safe and fun place to play and grow in friendships.

Vision/Next Steps � We are anticipating that Kids Church will continue to grow to pre�pandemic levels and beyond. We are seeking to improve the worship experience that the young people enjoy by building the Kids Worship Team. We are also planning on updating and improving some of the Kids Church equipment. We will continue recruiting more Kids Team volunteers as well as continuing to look at ways to best utilise the space in all our rooms for different year groups.

YOUTH - Lucy Gilbert (Youth Pastor) � All parents and young people were contacted when Lucy started the youth role to ensure connection was being made with those who attended St Matts. We received useful feedback which helped to tailor provision going forward.

Younger Youth � For our Year ���’s, we started meeting in person after Easter last year when covid regulations allowed. The group have been able to build relationships together and develop connections with those who serve on the Youth Team. We regularly see between ���� children which can sometimes reach ����� over busier periods.

We provide ‘Youth’ on a Sunday morning during The Ten. This is a place to play games, hear about each other’s difficulties and wins and to grow in relationship with God. This session often follows seasonal topics or books of the Bible. We have also included other topics including: ‘How to Understand Parents’, ‘What does it mean to have faith?’ and ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’. After Easter, our young people will stay in for worship in the main church building as this is a key part of growing them in their faith.

Monday evenings, called ‘Fusion’, have been running since September and has been the more social gathering. Our emphasis on this night has been fun and then growing deeper in what it means to be a Christian. We are currently exploring Youth Alpha with the aim of growing the personal faith and relationship with God in our young people.

Older Youth and Young Adults � Our Year �����’s and Year ��� have been much harder to reach. When discussing with other youth workers in the surrounding area, this has been a common theme. All are facing much lower engagement from this age group. They have been encouraged to attend The Five and we do see them occasionally but attendance at our midweek gathering �Wednesday evening� has been minimal.

Youth Light Party � One of our big events of this year was our Light Party in October. We saw over �� young people between the ages of ����� gather together for an evening of mess and fun. Whilst this did not grow our youth group in numbers, it did solidify growing friendships of our current young people. This has been invaluable in creating a group that has meaning and provides the youth themselves with familiarity and a space to be open.

Vision/Next Steps � As with everything, we are learning that sometimes the best things take time to develop and create those deep roots. It has been an exciting yet challenging year for our youth ministry however we have learnt a lot along the way. Big areas of development over the next year:

• Growing Team � this is essential in ensuring consistency in provision and in relationship building. If provision is consistent, young people remain consistent. This is something Lucy is actively working

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on and putting plans in place to ensure this is strengthened over the next year. With this will come team socials/training to create a strong team of people that care for the needs of our young people. A vision night will be held in April for anyone interested in youth ministry or currently on Youth Team to bring their ideas and see what we hope to achieve and bring to our youth ministry at St Matts.

• Older Youth/Young Adult provision � finding out what would be beneficial to this age group and making it available is a top priority for the coming year. Ensuring they feel valued within church and have space to grow in/develop a relationship with God.

• Events - Being a teenager is tough and we’d love to provide our young people with opportunities to just have fun. That can look like great Christian events such as Creation Fest but it could also be a fun social where they just get to be with their friends. This is something we’d like to build in more as a termly occasion once we have a greater number of team to lean on.

SAFEGUARDING � All those working with children and youth are expected to have DBS disclosures . St Matts has a Child Protection Policy and an Equal Opportunities Policy. Our Safeguarding Representative, Debbie Boughton stood down from her role in January ���� after serving the church in this capacity since ����. We are very grateful to Debbie for all her hard work, care and concern in ensuring our safeguarding processes and procedures are in place. One of our parents and Kids Team helpers, Jen Bradley, has agreed to take on the role. Any concerns regarding children’s safety should be referred to our Safeguarding Representative , Jen Bradley - [e-mail]

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		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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2020	TEN	��	��	��	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��
2021	TEN	��	���	��	�	�	��	��	��	��	��	��	��
2022	TEN	��	��	��
Children & Youth- Total Contacts on Database
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2020		���	���	���	���	�	�	���	�	�	�	�	�
2021		�	�	�	�	���	�	���					�
2022		���	���	���
YOUTH NIGHTS
2020		�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��	�	��
2021		�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�
2022			�	�

STUDENTS - Revd Mike Knight (Student Pastor & Curate) � It has been a joy to serve alongside the student community this year, and particularly to be able to get back to some kind of normality in terms of meeting together. There is a strong sense of family among the students which has grown over the year and has been particularly evident during the particularly difficult periods over the last few months. It has been beautiful in the midst of darkness seeing people join together, get round each other and keep pointing each other back to Jesus.

Students continue to make up a large proportion of our church family �particularly at the Five on Sundays� though we have seen some expected movement around churches post�Covid where, anecdotally, we had

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found many new students joining St Matts very quickly due to the brilliant online provision but have now had the chance to explore other places that are more suited to them. Our student community contribute massively to the life of the church and it has been great seeing so many getting involved on teams and using their gifts in serving the church as well as stepping out leading Small Groups, doing �Preachtastic� talks and leading Sunday Services.

Student Night � In the last academic year ���������we multiplied our student night into Small Groups as a necessity during Covid restrictions. This year we decided to keep a focus on Small Groups meeting separately from Student Night as these provide a great space for students to really get to know and be supported by a smaller community that can know and love them. It also gives more space for student leaders to take on more responsibility in leading and discipling other students. Our student leaders have really taken ownership for this and being the �Student Pastors� to smaller groups within the community. More recently, hoping to provide a bit more consistency week�by�week, we have moved our Small Groups back to meeting separately but together in the building on alternate weeks for time to study God’s word and pray together. We have a wider student community of around ���, whilst numbers at Student Nights tend to be around ����� on any given week and our � student Small Groups represent around ����� students with � leaders.

A highlight of our student nights is our termly �Testimony Takeover� � a chance for students to share their faith story and invite friends along �and they always do!� to experience something of Jesus’ story in our lives. One student was invited along to a �Testimony Takeover� in October � it was her first time in church � at our February ‘Testimony Takeover’ she was sharing the story of her own journey to faith over the last few months. She was then baptised in March!

Vision/Next Steps � We look forward to finishing the academic year well, praying for those heading off to new things and having lots of fun and bbqs as we continue to grow together as a community. I�ll be particularly looking for new team members as we head towards the start of a new academic year, especially among the first years and newer students. Next year I hope to continue to grow our team even more in their leadership so that Student Nights are more and more student led; to solidify our pattern of meeting so that its really easy for new freshers to get quickly embedded in the community; and to re�focus on doing our part in reaching out to the ��,��� students studying in Plymouth.

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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Instagram -@stmstudents
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Student Nights - Thursday nightgathering during term time for food, worship, message, discussion, prayer
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Student SMALL GROUPS	Student SMALL GROUPS	Student SMALL GROUPS	Student SMALL GROUPS	Student SMALL GROUPS
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		AUTUMN	SPRING	SUMMER
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�0� OVER �0s GROUP - Bob & Lin Mills & Olly Ryder � In November ���� we started a new ministry at St Matts called ‘���’ aimed at supporting and encouraging the over ��s in our church family and their friends. It’s a monthly gathering with refreshments, worship, teaching, discussion, prayer and time for conversation and community. There are currently more than �� members of the group with a monthly attendance of around �� each time. We have formed a fledgling over ��s worship band and have enjoyed numerous speakers and testimonies.

- Vision/Next Steps We aim to grow the over ��s Leadership Team and Worship Team and build a growing number of over ��s engaged in the life of St Matt’s and at ��� to provide a supportive and encouraging faith based community. We are planning on some social outings as well as providing opportunities to welcome and invite non�Christian friends or those disengaged from faith to grow in faith and friendship.

�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm	�0� over �0s monthly midweek service - Thursdays, 10.�0am-12pm
	Spring Term				Summer Term				Autumn Term
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
2021	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��	��
2022	��	��	��

FIND FREEDOM - Small Groups

SMALL GROUPS - Revd Reuben Crossley (Curate & Small Group Pastor) � Small G�o�p� ha�e one� �imple

p��po�e � �o b�ing people �oge�he�� We belie�e God c�ea�ed �� �o li�e in comm�ni�� �i�h o�he�� and onl� �hen can �e e�pe�ience �he f�ll life he in�end� fo� ��� Small G�o�p� p�o�ide a place fo� �� �o connect with others � share life � and grow in faith �oge�he�� We belie�e life�change happen� in �he con�e�� of �ela�ion�hip�� O�� belief and �i�ion i� �ha� S� Ma��� i� a ch��ch of Small G�o�p�� no� a ch��ch with Small G�o�p��

It�s wonderful to report that Small Groups have revived and are back in force. The autumn term saw over �� groups with over �� leaders and ��� distinct attendees �total attendees is greater due to some people joining more than one group�. This compares to our record of �� small groups. There remained a healthy mix of in�person and online groups through the summer madness of unexpected isolations and uncertainty in ���� and by the Autumn term more and more groups returned and small group leaders took up the mantle again. There had been some concern as to how quickly leaders would take on groups again, but this was unfounded and the take�up has been as significant as before the pandemic.

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Our small group model continues to foster group gatherings and friendship groups outside of the formal structure as well. We held an autumn Small Group Leaders Celebration and Training in November ���� which saw �� booked in. This was a fun time of renewing friendships, sharing encouragement and tips and also praying for one another. I reiterated the tenets of our Small Group system which are ‘Connect’, ‘Protect’ and ‘Grow’. This re�established our vision to facilitate friendship and connection between the whole community of St Matts, the role of groups in caring for, praying and watching out for each other and for seeking to grow in our faith together.

Despite the common challenges of leading groups during the pandemic there were many stories of the Holy Spirit at work transforming lives and communities. We have continued to see the benefits of our organic, passion�led group model. The flexibility this has created for leaders to respond to what they see happening around them in the St Matts community, the world and what the Holy Spirit prompts is amazing.

I have continued to field emails, texts and requests for coffee meetings to discuss group issues, new group dreams and ideas, tricky interpersonal issues in the groups and complex theological and Biblical questions. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to meet with and pray with our leaders who are always grace�filled and enthusiastic. I have also fielded several enquiries from other church leaders on our model and this has been one way that we can realise our call to be a Resource Church.

SMALL GROUPS	SMALL GROUPS	SMALL GROUPS	SMALL GROUPS	SMALL GROUPS
		SPRING	SUMMER	AUTUMN
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ALPHA - Robin Smith (Ordinand & Alpha Pastor) - We enco��age membe�� of �he cong�ega�ion �o �ha�e �hei� fai�h �i�h o�he�� in �hei� e�e��da� life� We al�o ��n �he Alpha co���e a� a mo�e in�en�ional �a� of p�o�iding an oppo���ni�� fo� people �an�ing �o in�e��iga�e Ch�i��iani�� o� a�e ne� �o fai�h� Alpha con�in�e� �o be a g�ea� place �o help �ho�e e�plo�ing fai�h �o a�k �hei� q�e��ion�� make ne� f�iend� and be in��od�ced �o �he life of S� Ma���� a� �ell a� fo� �ho�e al�ead� a��ending S� Ma���� �i�h fai�h �o be �ef�e�hed� �econnec� �i�h God and o�he�� and g�o� in �hei� o�n e�angeli�m� A ��pical Alpha �e��ion �o�ld incl�de food ��hen mee�ing in pe��on�� iceb�eake��� �o��hip��a�ching �he D�D �oge�he� looking a� a �ange of �opic� �e�g� Who i� Je���� Ho� can I ha�e fai�h� Ho� doe� God g�ide me�� and a di�c���ion� In �he pa�� S� Ma��� ha� ��n a la�ge cen��ali�ed co���e in �he A���mn and Small G�o�p� in �he Sp�ing and S�mme� �e�m��

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Over the past year, Alpha at St Matt’s has transitioned from being online to meeting back in person. Our last ‘Online Alpha’ was January�March ���� where we had �� people join us. The following term from May�July, Tina Bayliss and Sheena McCulloch ran an in person Alpha which �� people attended ��� guests and � helpers�� who were connected to the Love Your Neighbour ministry, some of who had significant addictions, domestic and spiritual challenges. Many were helped through prayer, counselling and listening and a number were baptised.

Following all restrictions being lifted, in September ���� with people getting back to work, church in person and life, the Alpha Team and I sensed it was not right to run an in church Alpha straight away but give people time to transition back into routine and so not overwhelm people with an �� week course commitment. This time was spent instead building and training team, caring for people who had previous done or led Alpha and advertising for a bigger in�person Alpha in January ���� and an extended period of invitation. This was time well spent and since January ���� we resumed Alpha in�person and we have had an average of �� people over � groups attend each week, with �� of them having never attended an Alpha course before or with us at St Matts and we trained � new leaders alongside the other � who had previously helped to lead on Alpha.

Alpha continues to be one of the most exciting opportunities for people to come to faith, experience the power and healing of God �especially on the Alpha Day away and “Does God Heal Today?” sessions� and to connect to the wider life of the church. So far this term we have seen one person’s back healed, one person set free from a smoking addiction, two people get baptised, everyone having the opportunity to receive and be filled with the Holy Spirit and his gifts and to learn and have an opportunity to pray with and for each other.

The Holy Spirit Alpha Day continues to be one of the highlights of every course. Every time we see the Holy Spirit filling people, bringing his healing, peace and presence as we take time to pray for people and to hear God. We often open up a time of response after the second session “How Can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit?” for singing/speaking in tongues, words of knowledge, prophecy and this is often peoples first encounter with the more obvious supernatural elements of the Christian faith.

The Holy Spirit Alpha Day is also a significant time for people to bond and to have fun together. This term in the afternoon groups went out climbing, tobogganing and to a board games café with entertainment in the evening in the form of a quiz, group games and food. There is always so much laugher and a real sense of the kingdom of God breaking in.

Some of the challenges of running Alpha over the past year has been the huge knock on effect of people’s physical, mental and emotional health �and zoom fatigue� which no doubt had a variety of sources. Much more recently, the tragic death of Lewis Fletcher �who some of our leaders knew well� saw a number of leaders step down and away from Alpha entirely. Mental health has had a big effect on the small groups, worship and production, but I am very thankful for Terrassa Cornish who has co�lead Alpha with me this term and Phil Jones for stepping in and up in so many ways to keep Alpha running smoothly.

I cannot recommend this course enough as a great way to draw others into faith and friendship. It

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has been such a huge privilege and joy to serve St Matt’s in this way and as I hand Alpha on after I leave in June, my hope and prayer is that it will continue to be a central part of the life of St Matt’s.

Alpha Testimonies � ‘Alpha has been an inspiration for my confidence, leadership, my continuing growth in faith which is amazing as I learn and try to memorise verses and become fulfilled with God, Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit and The Bible’ � Richie

‘The Holy Spirit day was an amazing session and I now realise I have encountered the Holy Spirit and had guidance from God! What a revelation! I feel so grateful for Alpha for the learning but also in some ways to clarify I am closer to God than I ever realised. I wish I had done the Alpha course a long time ago!’ � Kirstein

‘I love helping on Alpha because you get to meet different kinds of people and see them grow in their questions and depth to life and the purpose of living. It is an amazing way to intentionally have conversations and get to the core of who Jesus is, how we ended up here and who we can be in Jesus.’ � Jess

‘The Alpha group has changed everything for me. As a non�believer or feeling “on the fence” for a long time, Alpha gave me a space to openly talk to other people about life and faith... I have learnt so many things about faith that I didn’t previously know, I have had questions answered, I have cried, laughed, dressed up as a leopard and had love hearts drawn on my face. This course was so much more than what I expected. Coming from a background of avoiding discussions about faith with others, I now feel quite the opposite and I want to speak to others more about it, and learn as much as I can. I don’t want it to end!’� Emily

Alpha	Alpha	Alpha	Alpha
	SPRING	SUMMER	AUTUMN	Total
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DISCOVER PURPOSE - We have a ‘JOIN THE ADVENTURE’ session to help people integrate into the life

of the church, learn about the church’s vision, discover their gifting and take their next step by joining a team. During ‘normal time’ we have run our ‘Join the Adventure’ sessions every month.

During the pandemic we have not been running our ‘Join the Adventure’ sessions � although we have been connecting people to the life of our church through Sunday Services and Small Groups. We will be restarting our Join the Adventure sessions after Easter.

Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions	Join Adventure Sessions
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Totals
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2020	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	�	��

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE - Every member of St Matts is encouraged to serve on the DREAM TEAM whether it’s helping with Kids Church, Worship, Welcome, Cafe, Students, Youth, Small Group Leadership, Prayer Team. An annual Dream Team Party is held each year to thank all team members. There are currently around 1�0 members of the DREAM TEAM. We are in a time of rebuilding all of our teams following the pandemic.

Including All Teams	Including All Teams	Including All Teams	Including All Teams
	Spring	Summer	Autumn
201�	���	���	���
201�	���	���	���
2020	���	�	�
2021	�	�	�
2022	Approx ���

GIVING - Jonathan Bushby (Treasurer & Finance Director) � We would love to help everyone that calls St Matt’s ‘home’ and is part of the DREAM TEAM to develop godly practices with their finances including � �ea�ning diligen�l�� �pending ca�ef�ll�� �a�ing �i�el�� and gi�ing gene�o��l��� We have a growing number of people worshipping God through their finances and enabling the vision of the church to grow through their ‘tithes’ and ‘offerings’. We are very grateful for everyone who gives financially into the life of the church enabling us to flourish and grow as a church family and bless the city, region and further afield.

GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven	GIVING: Number of individual monthly givers & monthly amountsgiven
			Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
201�		Givers	��	��	��	��	��	��	��	��	��	��	��	��
		Amount	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����	����
201�		Givers	��	��	��	���	��	��	��	���	��	���	���	���
		Amount	����	�����	�����	�����	�����	�����	�����	�����	�����	�����	�����	��,���
201�		Givers	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
		Amount	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	�����	�����
2020		Givers	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
		Amount	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���
2021		Givers	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���	���
		Amount	�����	�����	�����	�����	������	�����	��,���	��,���	��,���	��,���	�����	�����
2022		Givers	���	���	�
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OTHER ACTIVITIES/REPORTS DURING THE YEAR

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR � Our Love Your Neighbour project came to an end at the end of December as our grant funding and contracts finished. During the pandemic, in partnership with Holy Trinity Brompton and their national �Love Your Neighbour Campaign� (https://www.loveyourneighbour.uk/) we were able to access match funding from the Government and other funders to enable significant social action and relief to those in need across Plymouth and the South West. St Matts contributed �50k of church funds towards the project. The whole project and supporting partners has spent �500k+ over two years and supported thousands of people in need. The Plymouth Love Your Neighbour campaign has involved:

• S�affi�g - We were able to employ one full time and two part time staff members to oversee the project - full time Hub Leader, Tina Bayliss, part time Hub Coordinator, Sheena McCulloch; part time

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• Finance Director, Jonathan Bushby. A team of 80+ volunteers has been involved in the project. Huge thanks to Tina, Sheena and Jonathan for all their hard work and the whole volunteer team.

• F��d Ba�k - we set up our own weekly food bank operating out of St Matt's Church Hall (providing 600,000 meals over the last 18 months). During the food bank we had volunteers to assist with debt advice and budgeting advice, signposting to our partners Hamoaze House, Shekinah, Chrisitans Against Poverty and Shelter and PATH for those who were experiencing housing issues. We also offered morning breakfasts during the lockdowns for people who were in Bed and Breakfasts. We also created small groups such as Alpha, bible studies, self defence class for vulnerable women, and lunches for lonely vulnerable people.

• O�he� F��d - We also provided food from the St Matt's team, congregation and food bank for homeless people housed in accommodation on North Hill as well as other sheltered housing. This specific project was for the Homes 4 Homeless (H4H)

• Li�ked f��d ����i�i�� - We acted as a conduit for food provision to people across the city and region through other churches and charities including 'Transforming Plymouth Together' and the 'Four Greens Community Trust'. We developed a relationship with a food charity called Fareshare which enabled more food provision. We were given a warehouse from a local business man Fareshare asked if we would be willing to receive and distribute DEFRA Emergency food supplies from December to April. We were distributing about 20 tonnes of food a week to almost 40 different organisations throughout Devon and Cornwall.

• S��� R�� - We started overseeing Tuesday evening on the Plymouth Soup Run (a citywide project that has been running for 20+ years). LYN Hub Leader Tina Bayliss also attended the monthly city wide Rough Sleeper Team meeting each month to provide input. St Matts has contributed to discussions that have led to positive change in the city for homelessness.

• L��e Ch�i���a� - We took part in a national Love Christmas Campaign (building on our annual Christmas �Gift Project� from previous years) providing more than 188 presents to those in need as well as 164 food hampers and 100 student boxes with food and other items. Due to the DEFRA Emergency supplies we were also able to provide frontline organisations with food to give out over Christmas.

• O�he� Cha�i�ie� - Through our connection with the national Love Your Neighbour campaign we enabled other local charities to access match funding to support work amongst the homeless, debt advice, alcohol and drug support, job advice including charities Christians Against Poverty, Trevi House, Shekinah, Hamoaze House. St Matts has collaborated with Shekinah, Hamoaze, PATH, and CAP for service users to get to a point where they would not need to utilise a food bank. Once we were out of lockdown we required service users to engage with our partner services to continue to receive food or be referred from an agency such as the job centre or the council.

L��e Y��� Neighb��� Legac� - Whilst the funding for our Love Your Neighbour project ended there are still obviously many ongoing social needs in our church and city. As a church we continue to seek to play our part in alleviating poverty and hardship and supporting those in need through:

• S������i�g �he V���e�ab�e - We currently continue to offer spiritual, emotional and relational support and encouragement through our Sunday Services and midweek Small Groups. We also signpost people to other more experienced organisations in the city to meet specialist needs such as debt relief, housing advice and drug addiction support. In the future the church could look to employ a �Community Pastor� who can help oversee and develop further support for addiction recovery, mentoring ex-offenders, and other support for those in need in St Matts and the local community.

• Fa�e�ha�e - There is now a permanent Fareshare Hub in Estover. This will continue to provide food across Plymouth and the South West.

• O�he� Cha�i�ie� - Our other partner charities including Trevi House, Hamoaze House, Christians Against Poverty and Shekinah continue to offer care across the city to those in need. We continue to have various links with the charities and continue to give a percentage of our annual church

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'missions giving' to Trevi House and Shekinah. We also welcome many of these regular service users to St Matt's for Sunday services and our midweek small groups for ongoing pastoral care.

• Soup Run � The Church Council agreed to continue funding the Soup Run �around ��k pa� overseen by congregation members Neil � Liz Mawson and Jill and Jerry Morris alongside a group of ����� reliable and committed volunteers. As well as providing physical, relational and spiritual support and encouragement to those in need. The Soup Run also provides a low key bridge to faith and the church. There are a number of regular attendees of the church who have made St Matts their home as a direct result of their contact with the Soup Run Team. The Soup Run also provides an outlet for service and community for those in the church who are motivated to be involved in social action.

MISSIONS - St Matt’s ‘tithes’ ��� of it’s income to other local, national and international charities and mission organisations including �in equal proportion�:

• Shekinah � Shekinah is a Plymouth based charity that provides opportunities for people in recovery or seeking recovery � https://www.shekinah.co.uk/

• Trevi House � Trevi is a nationally award�winning women�s and children�s charity based in Plymouth. The three Trevi Houses �Jasmine, Sunflower, Daffodil� are all in the St Matthias parish. We have very close connections with the charity’s leadership as well as many of the women, children and families who attend St Matt’s � https://trevi.org.uk/

• Church Planting Fund - St Matt’s gives into an internal ‘church planting fund’ with a vision to help plant other life giving anglican churches across Plymouth and the South West. At the beginning of ���� the Church Council agreed to allocate ��k of funds towards exploring a potential church plant at St Simon’s Mt Gould.

• CRT �Church Revitalisation Trust� � The Church Revitalisation Trust is a charity set up in early ���� by St Matt’s parent church, Holy Trinity Brompton to be a catalyst for a momentum of church planting that will see ��� City Centre Resource Churches �CCRCs� and other local churches planted in strategic cities across the country, bringing revitalisation to the Church and seeing communities transformed � https://crtrust.org/about

• Compassion � Compassion is a leading Christian children’s charity seeking to release children from poverty in Jesus name. St Matt’s members currently sponsor more than �0 children across the world but primarily in Ghana � https://www.compassionuk.org/

CHURCH PLANTING - St Simon’s Mt Gould - In December ���� the Church Council agreed for the derelict church of St Simon’s Mt Gould to be transferred into the parish of St Matt’s with a view to St Matt’s exploring the possibility of restoring the buildings, launching a new worshipping community and serving the area. Since then a small team overseen by Bob Mills and Olly Ryder have formed a ‘St Simon’s Interest Group’ �currently ��� members�; launched a midweek service �weekly ����� people�, spent time clearing and cleaning the church building and grounds and formed a ‘Strategy Group.’

A Christmas Carols by Candlelight service was held attended by ��� people. A Spring BBQ was held attended by ����� people. And an Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Service is planned for Easter Sunday, �pm. Electricity has now been installed in the church, significant pigeon mess has been cleared and essential repairs have been made to the building.

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Plans for the Summer Term include continuing to grow the midweek service, continuing to repair, clean and clear the building and gardens, develop a medium and longer term strategy for the church and site for consideration by the Church Council.

HTB NETWORK

• BAY CHURCH TORBAY � During ���� we supported the planting of Bay Church Torbay, led by Matt Bray. The church officially launches on Easter Sunday.

• ASSEMBLE DAY - As part of the HTB Network, St Matts hosted a regional hub for the HTB Network staff teams welcoming two other regional HTB churches, Bay Church Torbay and St Matt’s Exeter, for a day of encouragement, envisioning, worship and prayer.

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT - Portia Crossley (Deanery Synod Representative) � S� Ma��� i� pa�� of �he �Pl�mo��h Ci�� Deane��� in �he Dioce�e of E�e�e�� in �he Ch��ch of England� All Deane�� S�nod Rep�e�en�a�i�e� of �he Ch��ch of England ch��che� in �he Deane�� �e�ml� �o �ha�e info�ma�ion� feedback and enco��agemen��

Next Steps - The Next Steps for the Diocese concerning creating more missional communities has had nearly ��� people take part in consultation events. Feedback was that the culture of ‘Next Steps’ would need to be invitational and attentive to what each mission community said about its own circumstances.

New Legal Form of the Diocesan Board of Education - The Diocesan Synod was required to make a scheme in accordance with the new Diocesan Board of Education Measure ����, to designate an entity as the Diocesan Board of Education for each diocese. It was agreed this would come under the Diocesan Board of Finance.

Report on Women in Ordained Ministry - Numbers are low of Women clergy in our diocese and we need to address the abuse they are receiving both in person and online.

Anna Chaplaincy – � Anna chaplains and � Anna Friends were commissioned.

Keyham - Churches involved with Keyham were thanked and consideration was given to what further help could be administered.

General Synod Election The results of the General Synod Elections for the Diocese of Exeter are as follows: Clergy The Revd Preb. Rosie Austin The Ven. Douglas Dettmer The Revd Preb. Karl Freeman The Revd. Graham Hamilton The Revd Prof. Morwenna Ludlow Laity Mr Luke Appleton Mr Simon Friend Mr Timothy Hamilton Miss Georgia Willis

BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE REPORT - Claire Worth (Executive Director) � The Church site and buildings

have continued to be used in different ways; The Church Hall has continued to be used for AA meetings, cooking and preparation for the bi�weekly Soup Run and providing pastoral care, support, friendship and advice. The Church Building is currently getting back into full swing with Sunday services, Alpha, Student nights, St Mellitus College, Kingdom Come and other ad hoc events.

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Security Funding - We have been successful in our bid to receive funding for additional security measures across the site from a Government Security Fund for Churches. This significant funding includes full system CCTV across the whole site ��� cameras�, new security fencing, security lighting, gates and other security features. We are currently liaising with a contractor in regards to commencing this site upgrade as soon as possible. We are so grateful to have been chosen as this work would cost tens of thousands of pounds to do ourselves.

AV Changes/ Sound Desk - The team continues to improve and upgrade our AV systems and we now have additional provision through the significant investment made. We felt as a Leadership team that we needed to continue with our ‘on�line’ service provision, which is now of an extremely high standard with extensive positive feedback received from the wider St Matts family. We have also continued to improve our social media offering and increase our external engagement and the team is continuing to develop this area of ministry. Recently, our � year old sound desk �which has been extensively used� unfortunately broke. However, through an incredibly generous member of the St Matts family, we have been able to purchase a new desk which is an amazing answer to prayer.

AA - Since lockdown and beyond, we have seen an increase in the number of people attending the Alcoholics Anonymous ‘Road to Recovery’ group in the Church Hall. The group continues to meet � times a week �it was once a week previously�. We didn�t feel that we wanted to increase the costs excessively for them, given the nature of their work and the support they offer the local community. However, this has in turn increased the hall hire revenue to ���� per month �an increase of ���� per month�.

Toilets � We are at the final stage of this very long process, with the application now waiting for approval with the Chancellor. All being well with the application, we will be commencing the tendering process for this development and looking into raising funds to cover the work needed. The updated toilets will bring a much needed revamp to the Vestry area and provide warm, clean, modern toilet facilities which we are very excited about!

Site Maintenance � Noah Gilbert �our Production �Maintenance Coordinator� continues to work very hard in keeping the site functioning safely and securely. With such a large site to look after and given that Noah only works �.� days a week on this element of his role, he is building a team of volunteers to help support all of the maintenance, decorating and gardening that needs doing.

Dale Gardens - The church owns a property in Dale Gardens which is let to long term tenants. Rental income is invested in the life of the church.

FINANCE REPORT - Jonathan Bushby (Treasurer & Finance Director) � Covid relief grants from the Government and other sources significantly boosted financial activity from the usual level in ����, as they did in ����, and this has been shown as restricted fund activity under the Love your Neighbour �LYN� banner in the annual accounts. All grants were fully spent by the end of ���� so will not be a factor in ����.

During the year the charity received a total income of ����,��� split between ����,��� of operating income, a ���,��� donation match funding the employment of a Youth pastor and a Media pastor and ����,��� of LYN/Covid relief funding.

Operating expenditure in the year amounted to ����,��� and in addition ���,��� of depreciation was charged. LYN/Covid related expenditure was ����,���. The overall effect of the pandemic on the

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church’s finances was slightly positive over ���� and the first part of ����, with the reduction in giving at services being offset by reduced costs due to lower activity levels and furlough scheme payments. However as reopening progressed, and the furlough scheme tapered away, in the latter part of ���� operating costs have risen.

The church is currently operating with a monthly deficit of around ��,��� and plans are in place involving further giving increases and/or cost savings that will need to be achieved to bring the budget back into balance over the coming years.

Capital expenditure of ��,��� was undertaken and ��,��� was added to the church planning fund which now stands at ���,���.

An operating surplus of ���� and Investment income of ��,��� helped to increase the general fund and at the year end it stood at ��,���.

���,��� of funds reserved for children’s work, support for those in need and at the discretion of the PCC, were transferred to the general fund to support our children’s work and to help provide much needed Covid relief. This enabled matched funding to be accessed from the Government, as well as helping to cover LYN expenses that did not have grant funding. Over ���� and ���� St Matts released ���k of historic funds and redirected � months of its tithing ����,���� to LYN to provide Covid relief in our city. Overall �� was raised, via Government and other grants and donations, for every �� St Matts provided.

A hardship fund, ‘The Acts � Fund’, available to support members of the congregation in financial difficulty, was started during ���� and stands at ��,��� at the end of ����.

We have been encouraged by the faithfulness of our regular givers in the St Matt’s family �currently ��� members give regularly�, particularly in the face of the uncertainty of the pandemic, but need to encourage more of the church’s members to give in order to ensure a balanced budget going forward and to continue growing and blessing the city and region.

Investment policy - In accordance with the charity’s governing document, the Trustees have the power to invest funds in any investments that they see fit. The policy is to adopt a low risk strategy whilst maximising returns. The Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the investments held and that the policy adopted remains adequate and appropriate. ����,��� of endowment investments, held in � separate charities, are shown in the church accounts on the basis that they are controlled by the PCC. Income was ��,��� on these investments which showed a gain of ���,��� over the year. ��,��� of rent was received on a freehold property, valued in the accounts at ����,���, owned by the PCC.

Reserves policy - It is the policy of the trustees to maintain unrestricted funds, which are free reserves, at a sufficient level to secure the continued provision of normal charitable activities for a maximum period of six months.

Safeguarding - The PCC has complied with the duty under section � of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure ���� �duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults�.

Trustees’ Responsibilities - Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the year and of the surplus or deficiency for the year then ended.

In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies, as described later in the accounts, and then apply them on a consistent basis, making judgements and

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estimates that are prudent and reasonable. The trustees must also prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act ����. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Independent Examination

A resolution to appoint Tony Jopson � Co. as independent examiners for the ensuing year will be proposed at the next APCM during which the financial statements are approved in accordance with the Charities Act ����

On behalf of the PCC ��������� Olly Ryder, Chairman

Mon 11 July 2022 Date�������..

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF CHARLES WITH ST MAftHIAS YEAR ENDED 31, DECEMBER 2021 I report on the attached accounts of the Parochial Church Council I'PCC'I for the year ended 31 December 2021. in respect of an examination carried out under regulation 3 of the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 to 21J)l and Section 145, Charite5 Act 2011 I'the 2011 Act"). Respertive re5pon5ibilities of trustee5 ond examiner The charity's trustees Imembers of the PCCI are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners lundersection 14515llbll of the 2011 Act,. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Exominerfs Stotement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity 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 explanations from the tru5tee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all 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 viev/' and the report is limited to those matters as set out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs Stotement In connection with my examination, no matter ha5 come to my attention.. iii which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirement5: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act, have not been met,. or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. A P Jopson, FCA Date IFellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wale51 Tony Jopson & Co Ltd, Peverell Corner, 246 Peverell Park Road. Plymouth, PL3 4QG

THE PARISH CHURCHOFCHARLES WITH ST MATTHIAS PiYMOUTH FINANCIALSTATEMENTS- Yèarnded ai ￿t￿mber2D21 STATEMENTOF FINANCIAiAcnvrriESISOFAI Unrestrlrted f￿h￿S Restritted Endowment Totsi Funds Toial Funds GEneral De518llatod FuThd5 Fund5 2021 2020 Note Incorne frorn Donions and legacies 215,133 ZIS.133 201.557 216.938 293,470 Other voluntsry receipts 20L557 34,844 29,601 Invesimenis 17 3.051 3,068 3,055 Totsl income 249,994 201,557 3.051 454.602 543,064 Expenditure on 249.078 288.562 537.640 493,511 Totsi expend￿rE 249,078 288.S62 S37.640 493,5a3 Net In¢omel(expend￿tsrÈ} b@for@Irhve5trnent£ain5111055e51 a.051 -sa.039 49,5ai Netgain5111¢)55È51 oh invÈ5tmÈnts 14n6 14.776 6260 Net IncomÈ1lexpÈnd￿UrÈTr 91S 47.ws 17,827 8.263 55,791 Transters betweenfunds -1,534 4,750 .16S -3,051 Tranders in of 3 char￿)eS AsSEtscontrolled by PCC Net mo¥emtnt Infunds -619 4,750 47.170 14,776 8.263 55,791 Total fvnds b￿ght lorward 4,60S 106,292 232A58 103.707 547,062 491,271 Total fvnd5 ￿rrIed fon¥ard 3,986 211,042 145,288 118,483 478,799 547,062 23

THE PARISH CHURCHOFCHARLES WITH ST MATTHIAS PiYMOUTH FINANCIALSTATEMENTS- Yèar*nded ai ￿t￿mber2D21 BAL4NCE SHEET 2021 2020 Note FIXED A&SETS Freehold Investment Propertv 146.wo ,0 43,412 61322 118A83 51,371 Audio Vlsuèl equipment Investtnents 67,577 103,707 370,217 368,655 CURRENT ASSETS io 16.IM6 72.2fj7 36,310 25.022 81.9B3 82,867 Cash gn deposlt IZ4,623 189.872 CREDITOR5.' amD￿ntS191lIfflg due within one year 16.041 11,466 NETCVRRENT ASSETS 108. 178,4 TOTALNSSETS LESSCURRENT 478.799 $47,062 L￿BIL￿E5 CREDITORS.. arnDunt5falli￿8 du alter morethan oneyear 478,799 547,062 FUNDS 12 Endtswmentfunds 118M83 21L042 145,Z88 103,707 206,292 ZSZ,45 Designated Fund5 R￿ICted fund5 Uniestrlctea funds 4,605 TOTAL FUNDS 478,799 547,062 The financial statements were approved by the Parochial Church Council on 171312022 and signed on its behalf by.. Revd Olly Ryder ICh3irl avw (XwoT RydpT Mrjonathan Bushby (Treasurerl JC Eushby 24

AROCHIA URCH COUNCIL OF CHARLES WITH ST MAThHIAS PLYMOUTH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for InV￿￿￿ent assets, which are shown at market value, and in accordan￿ with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORP FRS 102 together with U￿late bulletin l) on Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the financial statements of Church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Funds Unrestricted and designated funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purwses of the PCC. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC. Restricted funds are amounts which have been received by the PCC with speciffic directions concerning the way in which capital and any income arising are to be expended. Endowment funds are sums which are held by or on behalf of the PCC and where only the income can be spent, with the capital being retained permanently, or at the PCC'S discretion. and invested. Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the Ststement of Financial Acbvities when the Church is entitled to the income, there is sufficient certainty of r￿lpt, and the amount can be reliably measured. Voluntary income, including collertions, donations, planned giving and income tax recoverable under Gift Aid is included in full in the Ststement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as they are received. Funds raised and other similar events are accounted for gross. Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstsll are accounted for gross. Income from Investment Investment Income, including recoverable tax, is included when receivable. Resources expended Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is included in the accounts gross of VAT 25

AROCHIA URCH COUNCIL OF CHARLES WITH ST MAThHIAS PLYMOUTH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 ..continued Fixed assets Consecrated propeity and movable church furnishings Consecrated and beneficed propety of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by SIO(2) of the Charities Act 2011. Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Church Wardens on Special trust for the PCC and which requi￿ a faculty for disposal, are considered inalienable property and are now capitalized unless consecrated. For inalienable propety acquired prior to 2000, there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or tkneficed buildings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off. A full year s depreciation is charged in the year of purchase and none in the year of sale. Office furniture, computing and other equipment These items are depreciated on a straight-line basis over five years. Church audio visual and other equipmen( fixtures and fittings These items are depreciated on a straight-line basis over ten years. Investments Investments are valued at market value as at 31 De￿Mber. 26

THE PARISH CHURCHOFCHARLES WITH ST MATTHIAS PiYMOUTH NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL >tATEmENts-￿aren￿￿d 31 DÈcèM￿r202l Unrestrlcted f￿Thd5 Restrlcted Endowment Total Funds Total Funds General Desl8na*d FuThds Funds 2021 2020 ReBul¥rgwing 173,110 1,571 40A53 215,13a 173,110 178,866 l.S71 6,137 31,935 216,9a8 Incometax r￿0verEd 40,453 215.133 OthervDlurrtary reteipt5 Government C(WID relief grants Loveyour neighbour & Covid relief giving Donation to Youth and Medl 110,513 40,117 110.513 40,117 254,715 37,414 50,0 927 927 1,342 293,470 20L557 201.557 In¢omÈ frorn thurÈh artnritie5 5t4tutoryfees- weddings. funerals, etr. 414 414 932 2A18 23,811 7JOO 2.818 23.811 7.8lXI 34.844 1,505 19,365 7,8 29,601 Gr055 incorne (Letting 18 Dale Gardensl Income frorn Investments 3.051 3,051 17 2,991 63 17 17 3.068 454.602 3,055 543,064 Total Income 249,994 201.557 3.051 Expendlture on Charftaljle actlvltle5 Ministry.. common fund Church running eKpense5 Ch￿￿h maintenance Upkeep of Servi￿5 53,194 12,th4 7,539 53.194 12.OD4 7.539 50,183 Ii,ODE 3,016 2,757 7A77 22,122 1,585 6,987 422 2,757 7,877 22.122 1.585 6,987 4ZZ 5,811 4,862 11,762 6,3aa 4,280 1.498 251,222 98,849 3415.26 Parish hÈll- SerVicÈS3nd mÈintenancE Events and Other parish 2xp2nditure Youth15tudenrwork Maintenance c05ts- 18 Dale Gardens COVID reliel-Love your nel8hbour 2S4,788 11640 254,788 12S.273 I.OD5 14,150 20.$45 7.141 250 112,634 I,IXJ5 13,560 590 137CQ 19,812 7,534 250 7,141 250 A(countsnt'5fee5 Total Expenditure 249,1)78 288,562 537.6aO 493,533 27

THE PARISH(HURCH OFCHARLESVMTH STMArrHIAS PLYMOUTH NOTESTOTHE FINANOALSTATEMEpifs-Yearended 31 De¢ember2021 Transactionswfth Pccrnemhersand relatedparties NonèofthÉ members of thÈ PCC rèmunèrated or reimbursedfor thèir in theircapacityas PCC Cl&ireWorthwas pEid £38.2D3 In herrok asEXeC￿￿e Direct Tangible F￿dA£s@t5 CtsstorValuatloTh Prop•Yty Alw& rr EqulF FF&F ToLI1 146.OCKI 79.595 344.121 7,331 351.452 7.331 125.857 At 3111¥21 146.OCK) 79.595 DePr￿latiOn 50,949 12,586 63,535 28.224 Ch3rgeforthe ypar 7.959 20,545 99,71S 36.183 Net Baokvalue 146,orx) 146,0 62,322 67,$77 43,4112 51,371 251,733 264,948 At 3111212020 I￿vestmentS Markeivalue Marketvalue 31112121 31112120 38.039 33,295 34.079 29,829 46.365 40,583 Vittoria Almshouses Charle5 PlyTnouth relief In need 1180&4 103,707 Th￿se Inve&tmÈnts are held in separatecharitiÈ&and aréshownon tho Church'5balancé shoet ￿CaUS￿ theyare undortho control ofthe Vicar, Ch￿￿chwardè￿Sé￿d PCC. in 11nèvvlthg￿id￿￿c￿ from the Dlocèsè. ID Debtors 31112AI 3.090 3.129 6.000 i.oth) 1828 31112120 Prepayments Rent due 4.946 5.360 i.oth) 798 otherdebtDf5 16m6 25.422 li Credltors 3VL2ni 311L2no 250 250 Othercredlto 120 AccruEd expeTr5e5 9288.82 I6￿41 ILA66 Investrnent 12 Fund5 Income Expenditure 249.078 Tr3n51ers Bal cl￿d 3,986 65,042 146,000 37,361 General unrestricted 4,605 60,292 146.0 249,994 -1.534 4.750 Designated Property investment 50.WO 150.630 927 12.640 254.788 590 Restricted Love Your N¢lghbour 73.060 1.142 39.310 118,946 101,707 1,479 -39.310 Restricted FIAed A55et5 20.545 105,731 IIS,483 Endowment Fund53 separate chiritie5 3,051 14,776 -3,￿ I 547W62 454,602 537,640 14716 474759