STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH (worshipping in Stockton Heath & Antrobus) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31°, AUGUST 2024 Chaiily Number 1134148 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31sI AUGUST 2024 CONTENTS PAGE Trustees Annual Report.. Our purposes and aclwities Achievements and performance Financial review Plans for future periods R&fergno8 and administrative details Structure, governance and management Trustees. responsibllities relating lo the financial statements Independent Examinels report to Ihg Trustees standard Form of Accounts: Church re￿iptS and payments Summary of Church Accounts and Inteinal Organlsations statement of Assets and Llabllities Declaratlons 10 Notes to the Financial Stalements 11 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024 The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financlal statement8 of the charity for the year ended 31 Bt Augu812024. On 1S1 April 2023 Stockton Heath and Anlrobus Methodist Church65 merged to form a single society worshipping on two siles under the lille of Slocklon Heath Meth(￿1$1 Church. Our purposes and actlvltles The church adopted 2 vlsion and mlsslon statement in January 2015. This slates- Th& mission of Stoclrton H8&th M8thodist Chunh is to make and nurtur8 disciplas of Jesus Christ and exploie and build the Kingdom of God. We alm to become.. A vibranl church lo whloh all our members are pleased lo belong and where everyone feels able to contribute for the grealer good of all. A chur¢l? wh￿￿ is growing numerically and spiritually in which the lov8 of God is shown lo all and ministry is supportive, challenging and outward looking. Having agreed the above statement the Church Stewards and other groups were tasked wth setting tsrgets and objectives, which could then be measured. Our m8in activities include- Holding acts of worship open lo all to enable ordinary people lo come to know the Lord Jesus,, Meeting together in fellowshlp., and Yb Providing space for and faGililaling community activities. We confirm that we have had regard lo the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, and, specifically, the guidance relating lo charities for the advancement of religion. The Charity wishes lo Ihanl( all those who volunteer their Ilme lo ènable th8 Charity to Carry out ils activities and look after its buildings. Achievements and performance Stockton Heath As COVID, or at loasl the restrictions, for praGtscal purposes became a bad m6mory, all actlvilies al our Ch￿￿h continued lo roll along. An announcement board in the Hall listed about twenty outside organvz2tions u8lng the Hall, from Alcoholics Anonymous lo Yoga. The Church offered regiJ12r worshlp every Sunday with occasional AFI Age Worship. We continued to offer services on Zoom wilh aboul len folk walchlng on average. Our church was also on the rola for CirGuII Live Slrtsaming of Sunay setvices. Reverend Jeremy Tresise is well-lnlegraled and well-liked in the Slocklon Heath Communily and also preached al our sister Church in Antrobus. The Anlrobus Churth steward, met with Page 1 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 3151 AUGUST 2024 the Sloclcton Heath stewards. Jeremy kept both sides aware of the other church's needs and doings providlng for excellent Gommunication. Many of the Stockton Heath congregatlon allended the Harve51 Festival and the Book Sale at Anlrobus Church. Good fellowship and excellent eating were enjoyed by all. The Chrlstmas Angels program, organized by Hazel Bradley and Jane Ollerson, Is a scheme in which our church members were abl& lo help prisoners provide gifts for their children. About twenty children were helped to a Happy Christmas through OLJr effortts. In July, several Slocklon Heath congr￿antS acted as marshals for Walking Day whlle many -lianity up and down thè of our Church walked that long parade in the rain celebrating Chri" streets of the Village. Our Church was involved with several pmgrams for young people,. Tol's Time for the very young, Sunday Club, and a young peoplo's drama group, lo name just three. Tot's Time has seen soma reduction In tha number of children seen, due il is thought to a néw Government scheme offering financial support for nursery lime for children nine months and older. Our Church conlinued lo participate in Bridgewater Churches Together IBCTI, an ecumgnical counoil, whlch organises various religious celebrations, SUGh as an annual Christmas Carol servi￿ al Sl Thomas led by preachers from varioLts BCT churches. BCT also cDnrdinales a scheme in which ministers preach to another Ghurcli's congregation and lay people have 3 chance lo meet each other in Christian Fellowbhip. Our Church was very aolive in 'We Are The Church" at Creamfields Fe9￿Val this year. Six people (up from three) volunteered as Pdsturs with a member loaning the Creamfields Church an onormous m8rqiJee, which was unlortunalely damaged in a horrific windstorm. St(Kklon Heath hosted a prayer gel-logelher for Ihe volur]leers where J&remy stopp&d by lo offor a blessing. Just FYI, more Ihan 1,400 packets of Jammy Dodgers wore distributed this year. Slooklon Heath Methodisl conllllues lo be a very charitable congregation, collecting for., Halton Haven Hospice, Warr1r￿t0n Food Bank, Embrace, Christian Aid, Lend with C8re, World Mission Fund, Action for Ghildren, and a Leprosy charity. In addition, donations were made through the Disasters Emèrgency Committee in support of tragedies in Llbya and Gaza. In July, a magnificent celÈbration of Isaac Watt's 350th birihday was held al our Church wth one of our lay preachers or9ar¢izing a circuil-wide celebration in song. The choir had some forty voices singing lo a packed Church. An excellent time was had by all. A retiring Golleclion was directed to the Circuit charities. Anlwobus At our church at Antrobus we held our annual jumble sale for church funds Involving the whole village IFeb 20241. We carrled out carol singing throughout the village with members of Sl Mark's chumh and other villagers (Dec 20231. We hekl a wèll-atlended Harvfjsl Service with donallons $8nl to the local Food Bank. A Summer Book sale was held In August 2024. We continued lo hold a unlled act of worship once a month wllh Sl Mark's Anglican Church, allomalely at each localK)n,' and Iry to keep a varloty of Service slylas over the year. We actively worked together with Sl ￿alk'S on Village Ev8nls. Annual joint serVi￿S include Mothering Sunday, Easter,. Good Friday Frugal Meal and the Rose Queen Fete service. We continue to use the Screen technology when needed and have an excellent WI-FI reception In the church building. Page 2 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT st YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Flnancial review There was an overall surplus of £17,000 in the year, which inoluded a r8fund of the £20,000 donation lo the Methodist Church ministe￿ Pension Fund Reserve made in January 2022 whiGh the Connexion no longer needed. The 2023124 surplus compares with a surplus of £60,000 in 2022123, which had included transfèrs from Antrobus Church when the two chui'ches united. On our General Fund, we had a surplus in 2023124 of £8,000 after transferring £16,000 into Ihe Repairs Fund lo cover the quoted cost of a repla￿￿ent healing boiler In the Slod nAed. "He has distributed freely., he has glven lo the poor,, his righlaousness endures forever., his strength 1.% pxallg.d in honoiJr.' {Ps5Jlm 112:9} Our Circuit at present Is in a period of Discernment, initiated through the help of the Methodist Learnintj Network. This is an opportunlly lo deepen our attentiveness to God, lo better develop a more prayerful and God-centercd approach as we discuss how we see the church of the future and determlne the changes necessary lo enable Ihls lo happen. We will continue lo strengthen our lies with our neathy primary school, with visits by Year 1 and 2 pupils lo the ¢hur¢h al Christmas and Easter, arkd regular visits by our Minister to School to lead school assemblles and help in RE lessons. In June 2025, we will participate once more in Bible Monlh, when we will be using the resources published by the Melhodisl Church lo study in greater depth, the gospel of John. In November 2025, we will celebrate 120 ygars of our church building's present location. This will include a weekend of special events lo mark the occasion and a k)oking forward lo Ihe fulure. We are also worklng actively to complete tho refurblshment schemè for our worshlp space In lime for these special events. These refurbishments Include an upgrade of our audio-wsual equipment and IT resour¢es. These will enable us to improve the quality of our Iwe-slreamed services as well as improve the worship experience of those attending In person. Refurbishmenl of Ihe décor is also envlsaged with a fresh colour scheme and carpeting Ihroughoul. Antrohus We are now an integral part of Stockton Heath Methodlst Church and plan to join In varlous joint services through the year. We alm to b@ an actlve Christian presence in our community, wllh member8 of our congregallon Involved in the life of the Village School, Shop and Tea Room, the W.1. the F￿endship Club and events al the Community Village Hall. One of our members is a regular voluiile8r in the Village Shop whlch creates arh ex￿lIent village h￿b. Another member continues to be a Foundation Governor al the Federation of Anlrobus St Marks 2nd Great Budworth and co-runs th8 Village Friendshlp Club. Page 4 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 We are enjoying our new relationship 2s part of Slocklon Heath Metrodist bul pleased that we still have a local identity in Antrobus Village. We feel that we are open lo new ideas and approach6s within the context of the church family and how best lo support discipleship and Christian support Ioc811y. Reference and administrative details Registered charity name Charity registration number Principal Office Slocklon Heath Melhodisl Church 1134148 Slocklon Heath Melhodlsl Church He81h Street Slocklon Heath Warringlon WA4 6LP Our trustees The Trustees as at 31 August 2024 were.. Circuit Superintendent Minister (Appointed by Circulll Revd Andy Moffoot Circuit Minister (Appointod by Circuit) Revd Jeremy Treslse (Chair) Circuit Minister IAppointed by Circuill Revd Nlark Hamood CirLull Steward (Appoinled by Circuit) Mr Alan R￿erS Church Council Secretary Mr Trevor Rhodes ChLJrch Stewards Mr David Maki (Senior) Mr Chris hrdern Mrs Ann Bolshaw {Anlrobus) Mr Geoff Clarke rs Fiona Thloiton Mrs Vivien Palmer MrJohn Humbles Mrs Chris Park MrJohn Stott Mr Richaré Verrill Mr Chris Arder Mrs Karen Mak] Mrs Hazel Bradley Mrs Chris Park Mrs Margot strong Miss Julia Whitfield Mrs Kath Hank8y (Anlrobusl Mr Stephen Bentley IAnlrobusl Church Treasurer Pastoral Secretary Property l Redevelopment Convenor Worshlp Consultation Convenor Health & Safely Safeguarding Elected Represenlatlves (Appolnted by Church Meetings) Except where indlcatad, Trustees are aFwointed by the Church Coundl. The Trusleas for Melhodisl Church Purposes act as Cus(odlan Trusteés for the ch￿ity'S propety. Page 5 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 315¢ AUGUST 2024 structure? governance and management stocl(ton H&alh M8lhodist Church comprises buildings in Stockton Heath and Anlrobus. It is part of the Sank8y Valley Methodist Circuit and is governed by the Deed of Union 1932, Methodi81 Church Act 1932 and by the Methodist Church's Standing Orders. It is a registered charity. The decision making body for the Charity Iwho are ils Trustees) is the Church Council which Is made up of the Circuit Superintendent Minislsr, another Circuit Minister, a Circuit Steward. the Church Stewards and Church Treasurer, Pastoral Committee Seore18ry, representatives elected by tha General Churoh Meetings, and othérs10 6nsure Ih8t all areas of church life ara adèquately represented. Al least one Church Steward musl be from Anlrobus together with two elected representatives from their Ganeral Church Meeting. The Church Gouncil is rèsponsible for settlng the strategy for the Charity and monlt(*lng Ils achievement. In additlon, there are committees lo lake forward our work in specific areas - Flnance & Property, Worship and Pastoral. Trustees responsibilities relating to the financial statements The Charit￿S Trustees are responbible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial slalemenls in accordanc8 with applicable law and Unlled Kingdom Accounting Standards (Unitad Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable tu charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a Irlte and lair view of the stale of affairs ol Ihe charity and ofthe incoming resources and application of resources of the charityforthat period. In preparino these flnanclal slalemenls, the trustees are required to.. select suitsble aGGounting polici8s and then apply them consistently,. observ6 the methods and prinGiples in the Charilies SOFiP', make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent-, slate whether applicable accounllng standards have boen followed, sublecl lo any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., prepare the financial statements on the going C￿ncern basis unless il is inapproprtate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with roasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charily (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. The TTuslees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the oharity and hence for taking reasonable sleps for the preventlon and delection of fratjd and other irregularities. Signed on behalf of the Trustees.. circuit Mlnlster I Chair of Church Council Date., 20th February 2025 Page 6 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024 I report on the accounts of the Charlty for the year ended 31st August 2024 get out on pages 8-9 and 11-12. Respectlve responsibilities of trustees and Independent examiner The Charills Tmslees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and consider that an audit is not required for this yaar under section 144 of the Charilles Act 2011 Ilha 2011 Acti and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to... examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act., lo follow the procedures lald down in the Genergl Direotions given by the Charity Commission under seclK>n 145(51(bl of the 2011 Act., and to stale whether particular matters have come to my allentior). Basis of independent examiner's statement My examination was carried out In accordancp with the General Directions glven by the Charity Commission. An cxamlnallon includes a review ol the acenunling records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the aCC(￿nts presented with those records. 11 al80 Indudes consideration of any unusual items or dlsclosuros in the accaunts, and seeking oxplanations from you as Trustees con¢eming any such mallers. The procedures undprtaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requlrod in an audit, and consequonlly no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'lrue and fair view, and the report is limited lo those matters set out in th8 statement. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come lo my atlenlion.. which gives me reasonable cause to bélieve that in any material regpe¢l the reqLJirements'. lo keep accounilng records in accordance with section 130 of the Charllies Act 2011.and to prepare accounts whlch accord with the accounting records and comply wllh the accounting requirements of the Charitles Act have not been met., or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order lo enab16 a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. I havelhave not. obtained independonl verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes I'TMCP") or held in other Trusts, Bank balances and Funds al the Central Finanoe Board of the Methodlst Church I'CFB"), which are individually in 8XC8ss of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) al the balance Sheet dale. 121 {3) Name.. Mr G Psgg Qualificallon.. FCMA Signed- Date.. Address-. Lymm, Cheshi Page 7 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 3151 AUGUST 2024 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR YEAR Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Prevlous Yèar RECEIPTS Offerings and tax recov8red Bank, CFB interest And Investment inoome 54.898 54,898 51,094 9,629 9,629 4.366 Letlings Sal& of Investments 21.408 2fA08 24,296 30,011 32,860 Olhgr rèceipts Total Receipts 24.977 6,591 31.568 10,912 6,591 117,503 142,627 PAYMENTS C1rcult assessment 50,500 4,500 25,264 10,343 3.312 50,51JO 9,406 27.031 10.343 40,350 11,061 18,225 8,526 Donations 4,906 1,767 Repairs and malntenance Insurance and ulillties Other payrnents 3.380 3,306 Total Paymenls 93.919 6,741 100.660 82,468 NET RECEIPTS I PAYMENTS 16,993 11501 19,448 16,843 60,159 Total funds brought fonvard 150,986 170.434 110,275 SUB-TOTAL 167,979 19,298 187,277 170,434 Transfe￿ belween Funds TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR 167,979 q9,298 187,277 170,434 Page 8 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31" AUGUST 2024 SUMMARY OF CHURCH ACCOUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS REPORTIMG TO CHURCH COUNCIL Rec$ipt5 Payments Net recelpts I Payments Openlng Balance5 Closliig Balances Badminton Club Dramatio Society Loving Hearts & Hands To18 Time Others 301 13351 19,1631 13.1791 18851 1341 2,628 1961 330 688 654 11,791 3,083 1,215 5,531 616 8,159 520 2.190 502 2,520 502 Total Intemal Orgs. Funds Church Accounts 16,390 117,503 113,5621 1100,0601 1828 16,843 9,527 170,434 12.355 187,277 TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH 133,893 1114,222 19,671 479,961 199,632 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES CASH FUNDS HELD As at I Sep. 23 As at 31 Aug. 24 Current Accounls 40,837 104,279 25,318 36,392 CFB . D8POSIt Account TMCP . Trustees Interest Fund 131,457 19,428 187.277 12,￿5 Sub Total- Church Accounts 170,434 9,527 Funds hèld by Internal Org8nisatlons TOTAL CASH FUMDS HELD BY CHURCH 179.961 199,632 OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at I Sep. 23 As al 31 Aug. 24 Inve51men15 INole 41 Land and Buildings Other A5SetS 41,708 5,178,848 70,743 45,791 5,390.967 179.098 Loans & Other Liabllities Page 9 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS 31 YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 DECLARATIONS Church Treasurer I confirm that I have prepared the accounts from the reGords of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church Council. Slgnalure of Treasurer Dale 23rd October 2024 Name J D Humbles CPFA Presentatlon to Church Council for Approval I confirm th21 the accounts have been presented to the Stockton Heath Ghurch Council on FebrLkary 2025 and were approved. Signatur8 of Ch8lr of Meetlng Dale February 2025 Name of Chair of Meetlng Revd Jeremy Treslse Page 10 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024 RESTRICTED FUNDS (excluding Investments) Balance Receipts Payments Transfers 1-Sep.23 Balance 31.Aug-24 Benevolsnce FLJnd Capital Reserve Charity Fund Defibrillator Fund Emmanuel Sale Fund FIDwer Fund M&morial Fund Special Collections Fund Tech Grant Total Restricted Funds 200 6,785 1,801 731 4,700 680 2,186 1.790 575 19,448 {481 11,7671 11.8001 152 5,018 1.956 731 4.700 660 2,186 3,320 15 19,298 1,955 (201 4,636 {3,1061 6.591 6,741) es of Restricted Funds: Bengvolence Fund - This fund is malnlalned for the relief of poverty and distress In accordance with Standing Order 651 of the Methodlsl Church. A separate collecllon is r¢0 longer taken at the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion so once this Fund is oxpended, costs will be charged to the General Fund. Capltal Reserve - These monies relate lo the balanoe of the sale of some land in 1975, the capilal for which can only be used for major works lo our proporLy. The monies ar6 being ulilised to partly fund redevelopmenl of the Slocklon Heath ISHI Church bulldlng. Charity Fund- Monies ralsed by the church for extern81 charitable purposes. Charities lo be supported from the fund are proposeiy by the Annual General Church Meeting. Defibrillator Fund morkies given lo purchaselmainlain defibrillalors at Stockton Heath. Emmanuel Sale Fund- monles from Antrobus Methodlst Church which can only be spent on a capital Scheme approved by the Methodist Church Property division. Flower Fund . Monles given at Stockton Heath for buying flowers lo decorate the church each Sunday which are then taken out lo the unwell, housebound or bereaved. Pjlemorlal Fund- Monie5 given In memory where the donor has speclfied either how the money is to be used or that they wish to approve ils proposed use. Special Collections Fund- Thls fund holds monies from rellring collections ar¢d other fund-raising acNvities. The balance held at 31 August 2024 Included monies for 'Actlv8 Hope" which will bg avallable for use durfng 2024125. Tech Grant- This fund holds monles received from the Circuil which musl be spent on tjpgradlng the Stocklor Heath Church's facilities for streaming Ils services. The funds held by our Internal Organlsations are also Restricted Funds. Page11 STOCKTON HEATH METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31sI AUGUST 2024 2 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS lexcludlng Investments) Balance Recelpts Payments Trartsfers 1-Sep-23 Balance at 31-Aug-24 Deslgnated Funds.. Capital Reserve Memorial Fund Music Fund Refreshmenls Repairs Fund 3,375 34,516 263 2,437 69,313 109,9G4 41,082 150,986 9,500 {3,1651 9,710 34,546 263 3.572 74,087 122,148 45,831 167.979 1,267 3,000 13,767 97,145 110,912 {1321 14,2261 (17,5231 76,3961 (93,9191 16,000 General Fund Total Unrestricted Funds 16,000 Pur oses of Unrestricted Desi nated Funds: Capital Reserve- These monies arose Irom the sale of two collages and is designated for church Improvements and employing a lay worker. During the year. monles donated in January 2022 to the Melhodisl Ministers Pension Fund Reserve were returned. Memorial Fund - Money givèn in memory where the donor has not specified how the money is lo be spent. The fund is used for purchasing Items of furnllure and equipment. Music Fund- Monies lo be used lor the purchase of music. Refreshments . Monies from individuals and groups towards provlsion of fair-tr2de refreshtnenls in the SH Church and Community Hall. Repairs Fund - £16,000 was transferred into this fund in respect of the quoted cost of replacing the SH church boiler. £14,000 was expended on the SH Community Hall boiler. The r(4maining balance is in respect of the refurbishment of the SH organ, resurfacing of the SH car park and various other anticipated repairs lo the SH Church building. 3 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS The reasons for the transfers belween funds was as follows.. From Fund To Fund Reason Amount General Fund Repalrs Fund Quoted (x)st of replacement of SH Church boiler £16,000 4 INVESTMENTS Th8 Church's inv8stments ar8 held by Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes and relate to.. a} the balance from the sale of two cottages In SH {£41k) which is an Unreslricled Capllal ReseNe- bl a Memorial Gift lo Antrobus Church {£2kl- Reslricled Capital Reserve a Permanent Endowment to Anlrobus Church1£2kl- Restricted Trusl The value of the investments increased by £4,000 in the year, aller falling £10,000 in 2022123. Page 12