2024-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Faith And St. Laurence Harborne

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St Faith and St Laurence Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/2025

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST FAITH AND ST LAURENCE HARBORNE

ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the year ended April 2025 and

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2024

Priest in Charge:

The Reverend David Parker Harborne Birmingham

Bank: TSB plc 537 Bearwood Road Warley West Midlands B66 4BQ

Independent Examiner:

Gee Ark FCA Ark Aurora Ltd Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors The Mal�ngs 2 Anderson Road Bearwood Birmingham B66 4AR

Annual Meeting of Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 11[th] May 2025 at 11.15am and 11.30 am held in the Church Hall

A G E N D A

1. Opening Prayers

Annual Meeting of Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens

Election of Churchwardens

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

3. Apologies for absence

4. Minutes of the 2023/2024 meeting

Business as required by the Synodical Government Measure 1969:

The Annual Meeting shall receive from the Parochial Church Council and shall be free to discuss: -

A report on the numbers entered on the new electoral roll
An annual report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Council and the activities of the parish generally
The financial statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31st December 2024
A report upon the fabric, goods, and ornaments of the church, under section 50 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018
A report on the proceedings of the Warley and Edgbaston Deanery Synod

6. Elections

Parochial representatives of the laity to the Parochial Church Council (3 for 20252028) plus 1 place on Deanery Synod
Appointment of Independent Examiner
Any questions about parochial church matters, or discussion of any matters of parochial or general church interest, or any particular recommendation to the Council in relation to its duties.

8. Final words from the Chair

9. The Grace

MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the year the following served as members of the PCC: -

Priest in Charge: The Rev’d David Parker

Licensed Reader: Sally Griffiths Churchwardens: David Glanvill Corinne Treacy Deanery Synod Caroline Mosley Representatives: Lesley Arkell Alex Robertson

Elected Members: Malcolm Adey

Loleta Atkinson (Treasurer) Angela Collingwood Dee Coyne Alan Jones Helen Setchell (Secretary) Anita Tippin Chris Stewart John Wadman

Co-opted Member Roger Chester

TASK GROUPS AND OTHER GROUPS 2023/2024

The PCC operates through a number of Task Groups, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. The Incumbent is an ex-officio member of all committees.

Standing Committee chaired by the Vicar. This is the only committee required by law. The committee consists of the Vicar, Wardens, Secretary, Treasurer, with two other members of the PCC.

Children and Young People Task Group chaired by Helen Setchell

Church and Estates Task Group chaired by David Arkell

Communications Task Group chaired by Caroline Mosley

Eco Church chaired by Corinne Treacy

Mission Task Group chaired by Pauline Sitford

Socials Task Group chaired by David Glanvill

Safeguarding Sally Griffiths, Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Corinne Treacy, Parish Identity Verifier

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting Tuesday 30[th] April 2024 at 7.30 pm and 7.45 pm

1. Opening Prayers

David Parker led prayers.

Annual Meeting of Parishioners for the Election of Churchwardens

David explained that this meeting is open to all persons on the church’s electoral roll and also all residents of the parish, reminding us that the parish church exists to serve everyone in the parish.

2. Election of Churchwardens

David thanked Malcolm Adey and Corinne Treacy for their work as Churchwardens over the last year. Especial thanks were given to Malcolm, who had served for a total of 8 years, and according to the rule reintroduced in 2023 now gets a well-earned break.

Two nominations had been received to serve as Churchwarden for the year 2024-25:

David Glanvill

Nominated: Helen Setchell Seconded: John Wadman Vote: Unanimous

Corinne Treacy

Nominated: Mark Lawrence Seconded: Caroline Mosley Vote: 27 for/2 against/2 abstentions

David Glanvill and Corinne Treacy were duly confirmed as wardens for the coming year.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

This meeting is open to everyone on the church’s electoral roll.

3. Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Bronwen Jones, Judith and Geoff Bennett and Hilary Shaylor

David commended to the meeting the booklet containing all the reports on the previous year, and extended thanks to Caroline Mosley for all her work in collating the reports and to Peter Stokes for printing the booklets.

4. Minutes of the previous APCM, held on 2[nd] May 2023

The minutes were accepted as a true record of the 2023 meeting.

Proposed : Malcolm Adey Seconded: Corinne Treacy

5. Business as required by the Synodical Government Measure 1969:

a. Electoral Roll – In Judith Bennett’s absence, David Parker reported that that there were 124 names recorded on the roll, 2 fewer than last year. Of these, 63 are residents of the parish and 61 non-residents. Thanks were given to Judith.
b. PCC Report – David Parker drew the meeting’s attention to the report on pp11-13 of the booklet. The two issues raised at last year’s APCM (heating and the audio system) had both received attention: new electrical heaters had been installed in the Lady Chapel and the Choir Vestry, and a new digital mixer had been added to the audio system. The main challenges currently facing the church were refurbishment of the church gutters and finding a permanent organist. There were no questions or comments arising.
c. Financial statements –Loleta Atkinson, Treasurer, referred the meeting to her report in the booklet and the audited statements at the back. David Parker commented that although the accounts showed a deficit of £8.6k over the year part of this was due to repayment of fees accrued during the Vacancy; given the very difficult financial circumstances (and in particular the increased cost of gas) he was not too worried by this deficit, and he celebrated the decision to give 5% of church income to charities. Finances for 2024 are looking reasonable: Hall rentals are up, and if everyone could be encouraged to increase their giving by 10% the situation would be good. The parish has recently received a £10,000 legacy from Priscilla White which will be used for something specific. Peter Stokes commented that our Diocese is likely to ask for a greater contribution from each parish. Currently St Faith and St Laurence is giving £40k annually to the Common Fund.

Ratification of Report and Accounts for 2023

Proposed: Loleta Atkinson Seconded: David Arkell Vote: Unanimous

Thanks were expressed to Loleta for all her work.

d. Fabric, Goods and Ornaments - A report from the Churchwardens had been circulated in the booklet prior to the meeting. There were no questions received. Thanks were expressed to the wardens.
e. A report on the proceedings of the Warley and Edgbaston Deanery Synod was circulated in the booklet prior to the meeting. No questions were received. Thanks were expressed to Caroline Mosley who is currently our only lay representative – it would be good to have more.
f. Other reports . The other reports in the booklet were received: there were no questions.

6. Elections

a. Deanery Synod representatives

The current Deanery Synod took office in 2023 with a 3 year term. The parish is entitled to have 4 lay representatives but currently has only one (Caroline Mosley), to whom thanks were expressed. No nominations to fill the vacancies had been received prior to the meeting. Caroline spoke about the role of the Synod and encouraged people to consider standing.

Pauline Sitford also said that she had previously enjoyed the experience of being a member. Following this, two people offered to stand:

Alex Robertson

Proposed: Malcolm Adey Seconded: Corinne Treacy Vote: Unanimous

Lesley Arkell

Proposed: Caroline Mosley Seconded: Mark Lawrence Vote : Unanimous

These Deanery Synod representatives also become ex-officio members of the PCC.

b. Parochial Representatives of the Laity to the PCC

Before electing representatives to the PCC, the parish needed to confirm its policy with regard to Readers. David suggested that as we only have one (excellent) Reader, it is appropriate that she should be a member of the PCC.

Sally Griffiths

Proposed: David Parker Seconded: Helen Hayward Vote: Unanimous

Each year 4 members are elected to the PCC for a 3 year term. The members completing their term were Helen Setchell and John Wadman and both were willing to stand again. In addition there are 3 vacancies from the previous year, so 7 places are available in total. Chris Stewart had been coopted in July 2023 and was now standing for election. Malcolm Adey had stood down as Churchwarden but was happy to continue on the PCC Roger Chester had also offered to stand but was not eligible as he had not been on the electoral roll for the necessary 6 months – David Parker suggested that the PCC might coopt him at its first meeting.

This meant there were 4 nominations for 7 vacancies:

Name: Helen Setchell Proposed: Corinne Treacy Seconded: Loleta Atkinson Name: John Wadman Proposed: Corinne Treacy Seconded: Malcolm Adey Name: Chris Stewart Proposed: Corinne Treacy Seconded: Loleta Atkinson Name: Malcolm Adey Proposed: Anita Tippin Seconded: Len Myers

As there were fewer candidates than places these were voted in on a single vote: Proposed: David Parker Seconded: Thelma Kettle Vote: unanimous.

c. Appointment of Independent Examiner

It was proposed that we continue with the current Independent Examiner, Ark Aurora Ltd.

Proposed: Loleta Atkinson Seconded: Tim Hayward Vote: Unanimous

7. Any questions

Pauline Sitford asked about disabled access for services via the Hall door for anyone arriving late. One suggestion was to provide a different doorbell – this will be discussed at the PCC.
Helen Hayward asked that special thanks be given to Mark Lawrence for his work in maintaining the quality of church music since Simon Palmer left.
Malcolm Adey asked if the report could be published earlier than a week before the annual meeting. David Parker commented that a lot of work goes into this report and a week should be enough time for people to read the document.
Peter Stokes pointed out that General Synod had recently allowed individual priests to decide whether they will say prayers of blessing for same sex couples. David Parker took the opportunity to declare that he is willing to bless same sexed couples. Brenda Stott commented that this parish has greatly benefited from the contribution of same sex couples so she was sure the parish would fully support David in this matter.
Alan Jones thanked Anita Tippin and her team for the Easter flowers.
David Parker said that several people had expressed disappointment that they could not get to a Tuesday evening meeting. He asked for views on having the annual meetings at another time / day. There was general approval for the idea of having them on a Sunday after the 10am service, possibly followed by lunch.
Peter Stokes thanked David Parker for his role in the parish and the positive impact he has made on church life.

8. Final words from the chair – David referred the meeting to his letter on p27 of the booklet, and repeated his thanks to all who serve the parish. The meeting ended with a sharing of the Peace.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR 2024/2025

Since the last APCM the Parochial Church Council has met on seven occasions to discuss and decide upon matters of business relating to church life. This includes an extraordinary meeting held in April 2025 to approve the audited accounts.

The church exists to promote the Christian Religion, to offer prayer, worship and pastoral care, and to work in such a way as to offer public benefit to all who might wish to use it or its facilities, including the church hall.

The council has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

At its first meeting, in May 2024, the PCC re-elected Caroline Mosley as lay Vice-Chair, Loleta Atkinson as Treasurer and Helen Setchell as Secretary. Caroline Mosley, Malcolm Adey and Anita Tippin were elected to the Standing Committee, joining the Priest-in-charge,

Churchwardens, Treasurer and Secretary who are ex-officio members of the Standing Committee.

The Standing Committee has met four times, in June, October, December and February, and has also transacted business by email.

Following the resignation of Simon Palmer as Director of Music with effect from February 2024, the PCC were delighted that Mark Lawrence agreed to take on this role provided he could have 12 Sundays off per year. Mark was formally appointed with effect from 1[st] August 2024 and, as expected, has proved excellent.

At its July meeting, following some minor vandalism in church and recent thefts from other local churches, the PCC discussed the policy of keeping the church open during daylight hours. It was agreed that this would continue but that all metal objects would be removed with the exception of the cross on the main altar, which is now chained down.

We have spent some time considering our accounting system and financial controls. A number of our suppliers now require online payment, so the bank account has been set up in such a way that any online payment must be authorised by two individuals. The annual accounts provided by our current auditor are unclear and unhelpful, so from 2025 we have agreed to adopt the MyFundAccounting.Online accounts package and the services of their Independent Examiner – this will actually be cheaper as well as providing much clearer information. David Parker has temporarily taken on the role of submitting Gift Aid claims, and in June wrote to all identifiable regular givers to thank them for their generosity.

A major ongoing issue has been the need to tackle the poor state of the church gutters, identified as a priority in the Quinquennial inspection of the church carried out in July 2023. The PCC commissioned the church architect (Philip Waghorn) to draw up a scheme of work for refurbishing all the gutters and downpipes, which was submitted for tenders, and the lowest tender came in at nearly £72k+VAT. In parallel, the necessary approvals were obtained from the Archdeacon in July 2024. While funding was sought, in August a temporary repair was made to the leaking joint to the right of the entrance, which cured the immediate leak. David Parker explored the possibility of obtaining grants for the main work, and was successful in obtaining a small grant of £3250 from the Benefact Trust, but an application for a large grant from the National Churches Trust submitted in stages from September to December 2024 was ultimately turned down in March 2025. Meanwhile an extremely generous gift of £30k from a parishioner has made it possible for the PCC to commit to this project in anticipation of significant fundraising, and it is hoped that work will start in June.

As the existing contract with Clear Business for phone and internet services was due for renewal, in October 2024 it was decided to switch to Daisy Communications, the provider recommended by Parish Buying. Installation of a new full-fibre link took some time but this is now fully operational. The 5-yearly electrical testing of all the circuits in the church and hall was completed satisfactorily in September 2024.

In Summer 2024 Bright Blooms Nursery came up with a proposal to use the hall for 3 sessions per week (the maximum possible given the existing usage). The PCC welcomed this proposal, which would have resulted in significant additional income, but in the end it proved a non-starter. Sadly we recently also lost Slimming World, who have moved to other premises, but we have

gained a BhangraFit group on Thursday evenings and a U3A TaiChi group on Tuesday afternoons. For a time the West Midlands Turkish Association were using the hall for singing and dance classes but this has now ended. The current income from regular hall users totals £440/week, which is supplemented by one off bookings.

A recent request from the Korean Jesus Vision Church to use our buildings on Sunday afternoons is under consideration.

In September and again in March the PCC reviewed the list of roles for which specific Safeguarding training is needed. We still need to produce full role descriptions for all of these.

In November the PCC agreed to give £1000 to each of the four causes recommended by the Mission Task Group: Shelter Box, Practical Action, Buddy Bag and Acorns Hospice. In January 2025 we agreed to increase our annual diocesan Common Fund contribution to £46,000.

Since December 2024 the Vicarage has been occupied by Revd Sam Sieber, priest in charge of St Gabriel’s Weoley Castle, which is an excellent development.

During the 2024 APCM a question was raised about disabled access to the church for anyone arriving late for a service, so a new wireless doorbell has been installed and the warden on duty holds the receiver.

Since 2023 the parish is now grouped in an Oversight Area with the parishes of St Peter’s Harborne, St Michael’s Bartley Green, St Mary’s Selly Oak and St Gabriel’s Weoley Castle. Until a proper Oversight Minister is appointed the Bishop has asked David Parker to act as convenor for this grouping, and a Formation Day was held at the diocesan offices in March 2025.

The PCC notes that one of the PCC members, Corinne Treacy, has an interest in R T Cleaning and Maintenance, who have the contract for cleaning the church and church hall. Corinne was not involved in the appointment decision process.

As always this report has focussed on matters directly considered by the PCC. However, many parish matters are devolved to the various Task Groups, whose work we commend and whose individual reports accompany this report.

The PCC

TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT

All page references are to the Annual Accounts, which are at the end of this booklet.

The Statement of the Current Account for 2024 is on pages 2 and 3.

Income: In 2024 we saw a significant increase in income from lettings, and an increase in Gift Aid.

We had a legacy of £10,163 from the estate of the late, Revd. Priscilla White.

The Grant and Insurance Claim figure includes: A grant of £3,250 from the Benefact Trust and the small grant tax reclaimed, but note, the amount received, £6,665 included the late 2023 claim.

We also received donations that we paid, as required, to the: Food Bank, Christian Aid, Children Society and Shanti Aid.

The Christmas Fayre raised £627 for church funds.

All gratefully received.

Payments: The Common Fund for the year, £40,000 was paid in full. The PCC has agreed to increase the amount we pay next year, 2025, to £46,000. In 2020 we were asked to pay £49K therefore, we are not yet paying the full amount required by the diocese.

We paid initial cost of £2,328 towards essential work to the gutters.

The following costs increased:

Cost of copies (ink) and paper doubled when compared to the previous year.
Cost of minor repairs and maintenance to the church and hall increased when compared to the previous year. This is forecast to also increase in 2025 as there are still important minor repairs that have yet to be undertaken.

The cost of our heating/lighting were down compared to last year: 2023 - £9,065 to 2024 - £6,813.

Overall, for the year we had an excess of receipts over payments of approximately £14,500, excluding investment interest of £922. This is despite making a £4,000 charitable donations:

Acorns Children Hospice - £1,000
Buddy Bag Foundation - £1,000
Practical Action - £1,000
Shelter Box - £1,000

Delegated/Restricted Funds on page 4 and 5.

Church Hall and Repair Fund: No withdrawal made in 2024.
Fabric Furniture and Fittings Fund: No change.

Other Restricted Funds: Women’s Fellowship – Actual balance as confirmed by the Fellowship.

Statement of Assets and Liabilities on page 6.

The first column includes CBF investment Deposit account (i.e The PCC Investment) balance. The PCC investment account is a reserve account mainly to back up the current account. And the current account balance. It shows the total non-restricted funds.

The second column records the Church Hall & Repair Fund Account, a designated fund, analysed on page 4.

Thank You: Thanks to all those who have helped with counting recording and banking the income. Namely, Brenda, Hilary, Anita, Lesley, Peter and Malcolm. To Judith for managing the hall hire. And to the church wardens, Malcolm and Corinne and David for their support.

Thanks to Revd David Parker for making the annual grant claims and grant applications.

Thank you also to those who give generously to the Church.

Parish Giving Scheme: Finally, if you give regularly please join the Parish Giving Scheme. This delivers the Gift Aid, (tax refund) much earlier, monthly, and it avoids the onerous task of completing and submitting the claim forms at the end of the year.

Loleta Atkinson, Treasurer

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

The Churchwardens are Bishops’ officers, chosen by the parish and admitted to their office by the Bishop or Archdeacon. Once admitted they have formal and legal responsibilities to fulfil.

The Churchwardens’ visitation was held on November 7th 2024. We met with Ian Thorley (Deanery Lay Chair) and all went well. This year, in addition to the usual conversations about buildings, governance and safeguarding, they wanted to look at the silverware which was listed in our church’s inventory. We then had to submit online our Archdeacon’s Articles of enquiry. This year, the questions were regarding the mission in our Parish and the Safeguarding.

Fabric and Buildings

The fabric of the Church and the Hall buildings remains in a good condition and are maintained to an acceptable standard. The state of the buildings is monitored on a regular basis and any maintenance and/or repairs needed are agreed through the Church Estate Task Group (CETG), the Standing Committee (SC) and/or Parochial Church Council (PCC).

All maintenance services throughout 2024/25 were carried out in accordance with the regulations i.e. bells, boilers, fire extinguishers and fire alarms, intruder alarms, organ, piano, and sound system. The Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) would be done in due course. The compulsory quinquennial Electrical Report was carried out on September 30th 2024.

The Church

No major works were needed this previous year.

Due to important leaks causing secondary damage, temporary repairs to the south high gutter were made on August 22nd 2024. In addition, as a donation, repairs between the church roof and the bell tower roof were carried out on August 23rd 2024 to eliminate the infiltration of water from the top, running along the wall of the gallery and finally leaking into the Narthex causing secondary damages.

Following the disappearance of the donation boxes, the forcing of the votive candle donation box, the stealing of the brass Eagle from St Augustine’s lectern and the Archdeacon Jenny Tomlinson’s advice, PCC decided on July 9th 2024 that all metallic ornaments i.e. processional crucifixes, crosses, Churchwarden’s staffs, missal stand in addition of the brass candle holders, microphones and organ light would have to be locked away in the vestry after the last Sunday service. The big brass cross in the Sanctuary is chained and padlocked to the table.

The Hall and Committee Room

Minor repairs such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing and general maintenance had been carried out this previous year.

One of the outside doubled glazed glass pane at the bottom had to be replaced on April 11th 2024.

There was an increase of regular and occasional hirers. The rental prices have been made more consistent.

Heating

We have had few problems with the boiler system in the hall building. A new valve was installed on October 17th 2024 and a new pressure gauge was fitted on January 28th 2025.

Eco Church

We are delighted to announce that St Faith and St Laurence (SF&SL) has been awarded the A Rocha Eco Church Silver Award on August 12th 2024.

Vicarage

The Vicarage was vacant from July 3rd 2024. When periods occur that the Vicarage is not rented, utility bills and grounds maintenance have to be taken care of by the PCC whilst the Diocese has to take care of the necessary repairs before renting it.

We are pleased to say that since December 18th 2024, the Vicarage has a new tenant, Revd Samantha Sieber, recently licensed at St Gabriel’s in Weoley Castle.

Quinquennial 2023

Lot of small issues were identified in the report. CETG has tackled a few of them i.e. Oak doors and frames, cellar door, dampness due to hoppers and downpipes being blocked and overgrown vegetation. The major issue identified in the report is the church cast iron gutters and downpipes. Philip Waghorn (Architect), was commissioned to draw up a scheme on these. The gutter project is advancing fast with grants and donations.

Goods and Ornaments

As churchwardens, we are custodians of the church, including any movable furniture, books, vestments, plate and ornaments. Therefore, we have completed a full inventory to this effect in

March 2025 and we can confirm that all the items recorded in SF&SL Terrier and Inventory are in reasonable condition.

Since October 10th 2024, we have a new addition to the Inventory - a frame with the portrait of our king Charles III which is on the wall in the Committee Room.

Grounds

We are grateful to the gardening team, lawn and hedge cutters and all the Eco church working party/litter picking volunteers for keeping the community garden, the front grounds and the church surroundings tidy and well maintained.

Services

Throughout this year, we had in addition to our normal pattern of services, some special services. We welcomed Quinton Co-operative Funeralcare for their Christmas Memorial Service on Sunday December 8th 2024 and Woodhouse Primary Academy for their Christmas concert on Monday December 16th 2024. Mark Lawrence, our Director of Music, mesmerised us with fantastic music and singing with his West House School Choir for the Christmas Carol concert on December 15th 2024 and recently for the Mothering Sunday service on March 30th 2025.

Appreciation

David and I would like to record our grateful thanks and appreciation to:

Malcolm Adey and Sue Glanvill, Deputy Wardens, for their continuous assistance and support given.
The sidepersons/stewards, who are the first point of welcome to the church.
Peter Stokes for compiling and / or printing the Parish magazines, the regular pew sheets, the occasional
orders for service and any supplement needed.
The Readers, the Intercessors, the Servers, the Chalice Administrators
Mark Lawrence our Director of Music, the Bell Ringers, the Singers and the Organists who provide us with wonderful music.
Sally Griffiths, our Lay Reader, for her huge contribution.
The cleaners, the flower arrangers who ensure that the church looks beautiful.
The coffee makers and those who launder the Altar linens and the kitchen cloths.
The Children and Young People (CYP) team who have facilitated the return of Messy Church sessions.
David Parker, our Priest-in-Charge, for all his hard work in the Parish and for ensuring that our spiritual life continues to develop and grow.
All at SF&SL, for their continued willingness to give their time to carry out tasks, duties and offer each other support, encouragement and assistance.

David Glanvill and Corinne Treacy (Churchwardens)

WARLEY AND EDGBASTON DEANERY SYNOD 2024/2025

The Deanery Synod met three times on 5[th] June, 23[rd] October 2024 and 25[th] February 2025. St Faith and St Laurence members of Synod are Caroline Mosley, Lesley Arkell and Alex Robertson. Revd David Parker is automatically a member as priest in charge.

The June Synod at Christ Church Summerfield started with discussions on the financial state of the Church of England Birmingham, following the February presentation by the Diocesan Board of Finance. Frustration stemmed from the budgeted £1.6m deficit for 2024, clergy morale issues, and lack of financial information provided to synod and parishes. The Deanery Synod Standing Committee proposed a motion to Diocesan Synod requesting clearer financial details, plans to address the deficit, and better engagement with deaneries and parishes. After discussion, the motion was passed by majority vote.

Canon Dr Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations for the Bishop of Birmingham spoke about his role. Most parishes in Birmingham Diocese have diverse populations. He focused particularly on the work of the 94 Presence and Engagement parishes where 10% and over of their population are from other faiths. He also provided guidance on discussing our beliefs with members of other faiths. Andrew offered to come and support parishes in any way that was helpful.

Finally, Rev Dr Katie Stock gave a presentation on vexatious complaints against clergy, highlighting the unique vulnerability of clergy to such complaints. She asked for Synod support for a motion to be submitted to Diocesan Synod asking for a review of the current Diocesan complaint policies in regards to vexatious complaints, to incorporate best practice in revised policies and provide guidance on how best to identify and deal with such complaints. The resolution received unanimous support.

The October Synod meeting was held at St Germain’s, Edgbaston. The focus was the climate crisis and how we respond to the challenge. An open invitation to attend had been given to Parish Environment Contacts (PECs) and anyone in the deanery with an interest in the environment. There was an opportunity before the meeting to go on a tour of the church before hearing about St Germain’s eco journey. The church is large and a fractured gas pipe and failing heating system posed major issues. It required creative thinking in how the church space could be used and heated. Some of their innovative ideas were on show.

Caroline Egan, Church of England Birmingham’s Assistant Environment Officer spoke about the Church’s response to the climate crisis. A retired lawyer, she now promotes climate action and has been involved in consultations on A Rocha’s Eco Diocese awards and the Church of England’s renewable energy criteria. Caroline gave an overview of the climate and environmental crises we are currently facing and what the Chrisitan response to this should be. Actions that churches and individuals can do was explored, the support available through the Church of England Birmingham and the types of grants available to churches were highlighted.

Dawn Braithwaite provided a racial justice update, describing work going on in the development of a diocesan racial justice strategy. A document outlining the way forward is due to be issued.

Archdeacon Jenny spoke about progress with the People and Places programme, including the oversight areas and oversight ministers. She also flagged that parishes should be developing and

encouraging lay ministry amongst their congregations. There are a variety of different options for this ministry in People and Places.

St Michael and All Angels, Bartley Green hosted the February 2025 meeting. Mike Sermon, Area Dean reported that the Diocesan finance resolution submitted to Diocesan Synod in June 2024 had been lost. The vexatious complaints measure had been deferred but would be picked up later. The new Clergy Rules should address some of the points raised.

Guy Hordern (St Bartholomew’s, Edgbaston) had been invited by Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, to take part, along with other faith group and community representatives, on the “Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together 2035” initiative which aims to tackle inequality in the city, develop a thriving economy and provide better opportunities for all. It was to be launched on 25[th] March and a series of community roadshows will take place throughout the year.

The Diocesan Finance Team had been invited to the meeting and presented the current financial situation, highlighting the Diocese's lack of historical wealth and significant drops in Common Fund income post-Covid. Most Diocesan spending goes towards clergy and parish support. They shared a strategic plan for future financial sustainability, emphasizing the Diocesan vision of growing the Church of England in Birmingham through Transforming Church initiatives, including structural changes, church planting, revitalization, parish growth, and financial development. Following the presentation, Synod members discussed their own parishes' financial challenges and the issues raised.

Caroline Mosley

REPORTS FROM TASK GROUPS AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TASK GROUP

Children’s ministry work is linked to our neighbouring parish of St Peter’s Harborne and together we work with the aim of sharing God’s love, spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus, God’s Son and helping each other to grow through the Holy Spirit with children in an engaging way.

St Faith and St Laurence hosted 2 Messy Church opportunities during the last year, one linked to a Social Committee event and one stand-alone Messy Church morning. In Spring, we celebrated New Beginnings and St George’s Day with families able to plant seeds for new growth, make cakes, reflect upon nationality through engagement in crafting activities and by joining in our community fun. Our Messy Church at the end of the Autumn Term was linked to St Faith and St Laurence’s Christmas Fair. Everyone was invited to create amongst other things, cards, decorations, door hangers and biscuits using a wide range of craft materials. It was special to be able to hold this advent event in the church by the twinkling Christmas Tree and the children and their families were then able to enjoy the Fair, especially meeting Father Christmas! I was incredibly touched that the Messy Church Team of volunteers continued to cheerfully set up, deliver and pack away the Christmas event by themselves in my absence through ill health.

We are blessed that there is a small number of children who now regularly attend our 10am morning worship on a Sunday. We welcome them to the children’s area in church with a number of weekly activities such as playdough, colouring, card making, sticker work and reading games. We ask for continued prayer that this fellowship opportunity may continue and grow.

Members of our Church Community were warmly welcomed to attend St Peter’s Good Friday and Harborne Family Day in June so it is a continued blessing that there have been some activities available for families during the past 12 months. Messy Church is developing strong links with our Stay and Play group, held on a Thursday morning and more families are being encouraged to join us when we have our Saturday events. Whilst the number of children attending is relatively small, offering opportunities for Christian Fellowship is worthwhile and rewarding and I am grateful for the support given to our Children’s Ministry from those who are willing to run an activity table but also others who provide refreshments and help prepare and clear up afterwards.

In this way, joint events that both parishes share enable the continuation of children being welcomed into our church communities and provide opportunities for all of us to grow in love, deepen our faith and together, work for God.

Helen Setchell

CHURCH ESTATE TASK GROUP

This task group, formerly the Finance and General Purposes Task Group oversees the church buildings, contents (fabric) and its grounds. The seven members of the group have carefully studied the 2023 Quinquennial Church Report in detail and some urgent work has been carried out. The external doors have been repaired, the main noticeboard has been renewed and resited, the church front entrance steps re-laid and also a temporary repair of a bad leak from the high south wall guttering has been carried out. In addition, the car park exit has been widened, the concrete bollard removed and a high-vis protector fixed to the corner wall of the church hall.

The main concern, however, is the overall state of the church gutters and downpipes which require urgent replacement. Grant applications have been submitted to fund this work. Fortunately, the Listed Placed of Worship Grant Scheme, due to end on 31[st] March this year, has been extended indicating that VAT can still be reclaimed for major works. Hopefully, if adequate funding can be raised, this work will be undertaken in the near future.

An additional requirement is that we look carefully at any possible reduction in energy use and associated carbon emissions. The task group has proposed an action plan “Towards Net Zero Carbon” for the PCC from which we hope that the Church will benefit

David Arkell

CHURCHWOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

From March to December the Fellowship had another very good year with a variety of talks from the homeless charity, St Basil's, Life in the 17th Century, an insight into Birmingham Focus,

2 talks of Peter Stokes's adventures to an afternoon of Christmas Music. We held our AGM in September which was followed by a quiz organised by a member. We also enjoyed 2 lunches at The Old House at Home, one in May and the other at Christmas.

Grateful thanks go to Caroline Marshall for arranging the programme, Carole Mason as treasurer, Wendy Watts for looking after the raffle and all members for their support, making drinks and supplying raffle prizes.

We recruited 2 new ladies during the year making a membership of 21. Any lady who would like to come long will be made very welcome - we meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the Committee Room and a copy of the programme is on the Notice Board in the lobby of the Church Hall.

Helen Hayward

COMMUNICATIONS TASK GROUP

The Communications Task Group is chaired by Caroline Mosley with Peter Stokes and Revd David Parker as members.

Caroline Mosley is responsible for website maintenance, Facebook, Twitter (not currently used) and as back up for the weekly email via Churchsuite. Peter Stokes compiles and edits the magazine and produces the weekly pewsheet. David Parker produces the weekly email and is back up for the website maintenance.

The new publishing schedule for the Magazine was launched in March 2024, with it being issued four times a year with Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter issues. The feedback has been generally positive and the revised publishing schedule will continue

As well as reducing the pressure on the editor, the change is a deliberate attempt to make the Magazine more relevant to our parish life. Contributions from people with articles about the church, its activities or of more general interest are welcomed.

The group did not meet in 2024. As each member works to their own specific responsibilities, it has been agreed by the PCC that the Task Group should be disbanded.

If anyone is interested in helping Caroline with the website maintenance and Facebook posting, please do get in touch.

Caroline Mosley

ECO CHURCH REPORT

I am delighted to announce that SF&SL has been awarded the A Rocha Eco Church Silver Award on August 12th 2024. This prestigious award recognises your church's commitment to caring for God's creation, and it is a testament to the efforts you have made to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for the earth. Thank you to everyone involved, your work is much appreciated. Our work now, continues towards becoming Net Zero Carbon and obviously looking at ways to achieve the A Rocha Eco Church Gold Award.

Congratulations to Birmingham Cathedral for their achievement on being awarded the A Rocha Silver Award and to the Church of England Birmingham (CofEB) which has made history by becoming the first Church of England diocese in England to be awarded the prestigious Eco Diocese Silver Award.

Our yearly Energy Footprint report was dully completed. SF&SL has this year slightly increased its carbon footprint from 9.3 net CO 2 emissions (CO 2 e) tonnes in 2023 to 10.4 in 2024. However, our church and hall buildings have been used more often this previous year.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) adopted our Environmental Policy at their meeting on January 15[th] 2025. This policy would be reviewed annually.

We carry on having regular Parish Environment Contact (PEC) meetings. We help each other parishes with Eco Church awards, how to engage the congregation, politicians and neighbours on our journey to net zero carbon and how to work together by sharing ideas and knowledge. At our last meeting, the PECs from St John’s in Harborne and St Mary’s in Bearwood explained in detail the ‘Repair Café’ sessions they held regularly at their respective church. This is a very good concept extending the ‘life’ of an item, which would otherwise being disposed of, by repairing it.

There is a requirement for PCC to adopt an action plan towards “Net Zero Carbon”. Together with the Church Estate Task Group (CETG), we are building a practical path to “net zero carbon”. This is to help SF&SL reducing its energy use and associated carbon emissions. Reports are presented to PCC regularly.

To celebrate the start of the Churches Count on Nature and the Great Big Green Week, we held a litter picking/working party on Saturday June 8th 2024. This was a chance for us to look after ‘God’s Acres’. We were not numerous, but a very good and efficient team. Thank you to all involved. Much appreciated!

Thanks to donation (material & labour), you will soon be able to read all our Eco Church news on SF&SL Eco Church noticeboard, due to be erected at the entrance of the carpark.

We continue to write environmental articles, notices, tips which are included in our weekly emails, pew sheets and quarterly magazines.

If you have any environmental articles/tips and/or if you would like to help on our journey to Net Zero and/or achieving the A Rocha Gold Award, please speak to me.

Corinne Treacy (Parish Environment Contact)

GARDEN REPORT

The garden continued to develop and grow in spite of very challenging weather and was tended by an ever reducing number of volunteers.

The long south border was given a complete makeover by Malcolm Adey and his grandson Jack who battled with brambles and other pernicious weeds. A thick mulch of wood chip was applied in the early Spring 2025. Additional planting is planned for later on in the year.

The rockery which was constructed in late 2019 and slowly planted up, is maturing well and the red pasque flowers looked particularly glorious at Eastertime 2024.

The lawns are cut regularly by a current team member and one other who no longer attends our services but is still able and willing to give his time to help. We do need another regular volunteer to join our small band for this particular job.

The roses in the rear community garden bloomed well for months and were still in evidence in November. The corners of the brick surrounds of the raised beds needed repair which was completed at the end of Feb.2025.

The huge fir trees along the border of the rear of the community garden are to be reduced in height and overall volume and is scheduled for the end of March 2025.

If anyone would like to be involved with the garden volunteer group they would be most welcome.

Lesley Arkell

MINISTRY TEAM

Sally and David meet regularly to plan services and discuss pastoral issues.

The pattern of regular services has remained unchanged over the last year. All age (parade) services were held at 10am on 14[th] July 2024, 13[th] October (Harvest), 8[th] December (Christingle), 26[th] January 2025, and 30[th] March (Mothering Sunday). The Remembrance Sunday service on 10[th] November was very well supported by the local Air Cadet squadron as well as by our own uniformed groups.

The Service of the Word on 12th May 2024 had a special focus on Christian Aid and that on 22[nd] September was on the theme of Creationtide.

Special evening services during the year included the All Souls Memorial Service on 3[rd] November, Music and Readings for Advent on 1st December, and communion services on Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. In a slight break with tradition, the Carol Service on 15[th] December started at 5pm; we were delighted to welcome choristers from West House School to this service and also to our Mothering Sunday service. We have been very impressed by the way Mark Lawrence has maintained the standard of music in our worship, and express our deep gratitude to him.

During Advent 2024 we held a series of discussions based on Paula Gooder’s Women of the Nativity, and in Lent 2025 we used the national church’s Living Hope material. To help us start Lent, on Saturday 8[th] March Fr Jacob Pallet from St Mary’s Selly Oak led a Quiet Morning on the theme “May we know You more clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly, day by day".

Two baptisms were performed during 2024, and a further baptism (of David’s grandson) in February 2025. One wedding was celebrated, in August 2024, and two more are booked in for 2025. Between us, we conducted 15 funerals during 2024 (of which 7 were in church) and, so far, a further 5 in 2025 (of which 2 were in church). Memorial services were held for Sue Wright on 18[th] May and for Anthea Kirk on 2[nd] November.

Sally continues to lead a monthly service at Queen Mother Gardens, and David leads a monthly service at William Lench Court, celebrating communion there in alternate months. David and Sally have taken communion regularly to a number of parishioners who are no longer able to get to church.

In December we hosted several local branches of the Co-op Funeral Directors for their annual memorial service. Also in December we welcomed Woodhouse Primary Academy to church for their Christmas concert and in April David led an assembly for them on the theme of Holy Week.

The parish has begun to work with the other Oversight Area members (the parishes of St Peter’s Harborne, St Michael’s Bartley Green, St Mary’s Selly Oak and St Gabriel’s Weoley Castle). A combined Songs of Praise was held at St Peter’s on 7[th] July 2024, and a joint Ascension Day service in April 2024. The 2025 Ascension Day service will be at St Faith and St Laurence.

David Parker and Sally Griffiths

MISSION TASK GROUP

Chair: Pauline Sitford Secretary: Judith Bennett Members: David Parker, Hilary Shaylor, Sue Glanvill, Angela Collingwood and Peter Stokes.

We were delighted to welcome Angela to our group this year.

A meeting was held to discuss our Annual Away Giving. It was decided to divide the monies between four charities, two overseas and two local. These were:

Shelter Box Emergency Disaster Relief
Practical Actions
Buddy Bags
Acorns Hospice

We continue with Call in for Coffee, Prayer Cards etc., and I’m in contact with our usual Mission Societies.

Since Christmas we were made aware of the near starvation of the people of Liwonde. The PCC sent £1,500 for immediate relief and our amazing congregation raised a further £1,650 for the people of Liwonde.

At this point I would like to thank David Glanvill for his admin support in keeping contact with Louis Majeza, the Priest in Liwonde.

Pauline Sitford

MUSIC

From February 2024, I agreed to be the Acting Organist on a voluntary basis, as well as planning the hymns for each sung service, allowing Revd David Parker and the PCC an opportunity to

decide how they wanted things to be in the future. I played the organ for the majority of services, but we also called upon several of our longstanding friends acting as ‘deps’ on an occasional basis, particularly Richard Lewis and David Griffiths. In August, I was appointed as Director of Music, putting things on a more steady foundation.

We are fortunate that the organ is well-maintained by Philip Cartwright and the PCC has supported the policy of making small repairs as needed to avoid a much larger cost (which neglect would inevitably lead to).

As of February 2024, the only regular choir members were myself and Susannah Palmer (who naturally followed Simon to St Peter’s). Susannah, like Simon, deserved much praise for her dedication to music at the church - for even longer than him. We have to be realistic that recruiting a regular choir is a particularly challenging prospect in this locality. So a new, hybrid approach is more likely. We had some singers for Palm Sunday and Easter Day and I was pleased that a substantial group from my school chamber choir, West House Chorale, sang very enthusiastically at our Christmas 2024 Nine Lessons and Carols service and returned for Mothering Sunday in 2025. Our other services have continued with organ and hymns, keeping the music very much going.

I have taken steps to encourage and bolster the singing of the congregation, including inviting those that are willing to a short practice on Sunday mornings; this seems to have been successful in supporting the hymn-singing and performing responsorial psalms and other simple anthems. A regular group seems to be emerging, so this is a very encouraging development. I would welcome others from the congregation, including children from Year 3 onwards, to join our group as we see where it takes us.

Mark Lawrence, Director of Music

QUEEN MOTHER GARDENS

This building in Elm Tree Rd was opened by the late Her Majesty the Queen Mother in 1991.

It has supported accommodation/ sheltered housing for older people of both sexes, many of whom are sight impaired. There are 25 self contained apartments with on site support if needed, within pleasant surrounding gardens.

Our previous vicar Priscilla White started a small service once a month on Tuesday morning in the communal lounge for residents who may wish to come. Numbers attending have inevitably fluctuated considerably over the years but at our last service we had 6 residents and 6 church members.

Sally Griffiths our Reader leads the short service, her husband David plays the piano for the hymns and there is time for socialisation and coffee afterwards.

Lesley Arkell

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding is the action the Church can take to promote a safer culture and is about protecting people with regards to their health, wellbeing and human rights. It is everyone’s responsibility – every individual who partakes in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a safer Church for all.

We take safeguarding seriously at St Faith and St Laurence (SF&SL) and we try to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, respected and safe.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has complied with its duty to promote a safer church by implementing good safeguarding practice and having due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance.

Our Safeguarding policies adhere to the requirements of the Diocese of Birmingham and the Church of England. The PCC has reviewed and ratified the ‘Safeguarding & Other Policies’ document on March 12[th] 2025. These policies are available to view and / or to download on our website at www.saintfaithandsaintlaurence.co.uk and as hardcopies displayed in the Narthex in the Church and in the lobby of the Hall building.

The policies apply to everyone involved in a working capacity of the church; including all Clergy, Churchwardens, Member of the PCC, everyone carrying out any sort of church activity or nonchurch related activity within the church premises, regardless of whether a person is paid for their work or not, has been elected to a position, or has volunteered.

Necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and Safeguarding trainings for SF&SL Volunteers and Trustees are ongoing but are completed in due course whenever necessary.

All church activities and non-church related activities have been reviewed and authorised by PCC at the meeting held on September 10th 2024.

Work needs to be carried out on Risk Assessments and roles for different groups of people working in a variety of contexts. This is an ongoing action

This year, with Corinne as the Facilitator and David helping especially with the Pastoral side, we were able to offer Face to Face via video sessions of Safeguarding Training to SF&SL volunteers and also to volunteers of other churches.

If at any time you have any concerns about the wellbeing of an individual or need to talk to someone please speak to Sally Griffiths, our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator contact.

We would like to thank you for supporting SF&SL Safeguarding policies

Sally Griffiths, David Parker and Corinne Treacy

SOCIALS TASK GROUP

We held a full timetable of events during this year. The first was a St. Georges Day Skittles Evening with Fish and Chips Supper on 27th April. This was well attended and some people who had never bowled before joined in and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Fish and Chips arrived exactly on time and were enjoyed by everyone. Thanks must be extended to George

and Helens for the food. As a result we were able to make a donation to Rounds Green Methodist Church for the loan of the equipment and another to our local food bank at St. Boniface Quinton.

On the 6th July we embarked on a trip to Middleton Hall, near Fazeley in Staffordshire. The hall has a fascinating history and we were all much more informed by the time we left. My thanks go to Thelma Kettle for her article in the September magazine detailing the trip in more detail.

October 19th saw us holding a Harvest Supper, the first for many years. This departure to a supper, as opposed to a lunch, comprised of a jacket potato with a choice of filling and salad followed by a dessert and was enjoyed by everyone .We raised a sum of £400.06 towards church funds.

Our Christmas Fayre combined with a "Messy Church" was held on 30th November. Whilst footfall at the Fayre was down on the previous year, due in part to there being at least 3 other events in the area on the same day, the Messy Church was really well supported, keeping the helpers busy all morning. My thanks go to Julia Reid and her team for doing a sterling job, made even more demanding by the absence of Helen Setchell, who contracted a seasonal virus on the previous day. The refreshments were in constant demand and thanks go to Gill Hubble and her team for their hard work. As a result, we banked £626.75 which given the reduced attendance was an amazing result.

We started the New Year with a Burns Night Supper on January 25th. The hall was suitably decorated for the occasion and the menu was a traditional one of homemade cock a leekie soup, followed by haggis with neeps and tatties, concluding with cranachan. My sincere thanks go to James Mccarroll for the soup, Brown's the Butcher for the haggis, our Guest of Honour Peter Barnett for his most amusing Address to the Noble Haggis and the members of the Task Group who worked so hard to make it all happen. A tot of whiskey was available for those wishing to join the toast. We were able to bank £294.50 as a result of the raffle and ticket sales so thank you to everyone who joined in and made the night a success.

We have a variety of events planned for the rest of 2025/26 these being:

May	Coffee and Cake morning.
June	Evening Concert
	Visit to the Glassworks in Stourbridge
July	Summer Barbeque
October	Harvest meal
	Autumn Fayre
December	T.B.A.

In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone who supported us over the past year, and the Task Group members who worked hard in so many ways to make the events that you attended possible.

Thank you all.

David Glanvill

STAY AND PLAY

Our Stay and Play session meets every Thursday from 9.30am to 11am, charging £2.00 per family. We meet all year round apart from a short break during the Christmas festivities. Our Christmas party was well attended with David telling the children about the Nativity and Father Christmas visiting.

At the moment we have an extremely friendly group, welcoming newcomers and supporting one another.

We have been delighted to welcome Leslie Arkell to our band of regular volunteer helpers.

Judith Bennett

ST. FAITH AND ST. LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

ACCOUNTS

31 DECEMBER 2024

ARK & CO LTD

Chartered Accountants The Maltings 2 Anderson Road Bearwood, Birmingham West Midlands B66 4AR

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 2 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (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;
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention

which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or
to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

The Maltings 2 Anderson Road, Bearwood Birmingham West Midlands B66 4AR

Gee Ark FCA Ark Aurora Ltd Chartered Accountants

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

RECEIPTS Incoming resources from donors Planned giving Envelopes & SO Parish Giving Scheme Collections Loose Plate Gift Aid Weddings, etc Donation General Fund Garden Fund Votive Candles Fund- Organ Fund Roof Flower Fund Appeals Advent Christingle Lent Other Disaster relief Grants & Insurance claims Other voluntary incoming resources Legacies Income from investments Bank interest Income from charitable and ancillary trading Fees Magazine Hire of church hall Insurance claim Coffee Fund raising events Fair Trade Stay & Play - Printing Sundry Total Receipts		7027 28669 3047 2501 6999 738 - 195 - - - - - - 4026 - - 829 23406 - 703 627 - 876 - 1647	2024 35696 12547 933 4026 10065 59241 13163 922 28088 £105440		33603 - 2675 2535 4810 - - 149 - - - - - 5235 - 1469 1231 16443 - 580 41 - 782 94 233	2023 33648 10020 149 5235 4235 53287 37 540 20873 £74737

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

PAYMENTS Grants/Donations Overseas mission and relief agencies Home mission and other Church organisations Secular charities Operation of facilities Church heat & light Church repairs Church cleaning Church grounds maintenance Hall heat, light & water Hall repairs Hall cleaning Hall telephone Annual Services charges Church management and administration Diocesan Common Fund BDBF Fees Affiliations Clergy expenses Upkeep of services Insurance Stationery and printing Bank charges Wages & Honorarium Accountant’s fees Sundry expenses Total Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments Transfer from/(to) Church and Hall Repair Fund Transfer from Fabric Fund Balances at 1 January 2024 Cash and Bank balances at 31 December 2024		- 4,145 330 308 4389 5805 8167 - 2424 - 285 811 1556 40000 2602 434 2769 2547 4177 2298 220 2377 840 3546 £ £	2024 4783 23437 61810 90030 15410 - - 19313 34723	2023 2684 63 800 1105 4652 6589 2962 2853 428 2659 219 3675 687 - 20072 36000 3460 - 318 2485 3860 1654 193 4758 780 5151 58659 £83383 (8646) 1546 - 26413 £19313

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

CHURCH AND HALL REPAIRS FUND, RECEIPTS
& PAYMENTS ACCOUNT– DESIGNATED FUND
		2024	2023
Receipts
Receipts		-	-
Interest from CBF Deposit Fund		1563	943
		1563	943
Payments
Expenses		-	-
Excess of Receipts over Payments		1563	943
Transfer from/(to) Church and Hall Repair Fund		-	(1546)
Bank balance at 1 January 2024	29449		30052
Bank balance at 31 December 2024	£31012		£29449
FABRIC, FURNITURE AND FITTINGS FUND, RECEIPTS
& PAYMENTS ACCOUNT– DESIGNATED FUND
		2024	2023
Receipts
Transfer from General Fund		-	-
Interest from CBF Deposit Fund		1	1
		-	-
Payments
Expenses		-	-
Excess of Payments over Receipts	(	-)	( -)
Bank Balance at 1 January 2024		18	18
Bank Balance at 31 December 2024	£	19	£18

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)

OTHER RESTRICTED FUNDS

The following groups are affiliated to the PCC and their funds are restricted

Women’s Fellowship Receipts Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments Bank Balance at 1 January 2024 Bank Balance at 31 December 2024	2024 - - 856 £856	2023 - ___127_ - 983 £856

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Monetary Assets

Church Church Fabric Minor General & Hall Furniture Restricted Fund Repair & Fitting Funds Fund Fund £ £ £ £ Cash in Hand - - - Bank Current Account 16427 - - 856 CBOF Deposit Account 18296 31012 19 - Total Cash 34723 31012 19 856	Total 2024 £ - 17283 49327 66610	2023 £ 15 2822 46840 49651

Other assets

Parish Hall

The parish hall has not been professionally valued but is estimated to be have a current market value of £510426 (and has been insured for this amount).

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 using the Receipts & Payments basis.

Funds

General 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 purposes of the PCC. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC.

The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other Church groups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal.

Land and Buildings held on behalf of the PCC.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where the PCC is free to dispose of such assets without faculty and where the original cost exceeded £1,000.

Amounts owing from the Inland Revenue where a formal claim has been made.

Any other amounts owing to the PCC including church hall lettings and insurance claims.

Legacies where formal notification of entitlement and amount has been received at 31[st] December by the PCC.

Investments held beneficially by the PCC.

Closing cash and bank balances are as shown in the receipts and payments account.

The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Any Loans or overdrafts advanced to the PCC.

Any arrears of Diocesan Common Fund.

Creditors for goods or services where the supply has been received and invoiced by 31 December.

ST. FAITH AND ST. LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

ACCOUNTS

31 DECEMBER 2024

ARK & CO LTD

Chartered Accountants The Maltings 2 Anderson Road Bearwood, Birmingham West Midlands B66 4AR

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 2 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (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;
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention

which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or
to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

The Maltings 2 Anderson Road, Bearwood Birmingham West Midlands B66 4AR

Gee Ark FCA Ark Aurora Ltd Chartered Accountants

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

RECEIPTS Incoming resources from donors Planned giving Envelopes & SO Parish Giving Scheme Collections Loose Plate Gift Aid Weddings, etc Donation General Fund Garden Fund Votive Candles Fund- Organ Fund Roof Flower Fund Appeals Advent Christingle Lent Other Disaster relief Grants & Insurance claims Other voluntary incoming resources Legacies Income from investments Bank interest Income from charitable and ancillary trading Fees Magazine Hire of church hall Insurance claim Coffee Fund raising events Fair Trade Stay & Play - Printing Sundry Total Receipts		7027 28669 3047 2501 6999 738 - 195 - - - - - - 4026 - - 829 23406 - 703 627 - 876 - 1647	2024 35696 12547 933 4026 10065 59241 13163 922 28088 £105440		33603 - 2675 2535 4810 - - 149 - - - - - 5235 - 1469 1231 16443 - 580 41 - 782 94 233	2023 33648 10020 149 5235 4235 53287 37 540 20873 £74737

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

PAYMENTS Grants/Donations Overseas mission and relief agencies Home mission and other Church organisations Secular charities Operation of facilities Church heat & light Church repairs Church cleaning Church grounds maintenance Hall heat, light & water Hall repairs Hall cleaning Hall telephone Annual Services charges Church management and administration Diocesan Common Fund BDBF Fees Affiliations Clergy expenses Upkeep of services Insurance Stationery and printing Bank charges Wages & Honorarium Accountant’s fees Sundry expenses Total Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments Transfer from/(to) Church and Hall Repair Fund Transfer from Fabric Fund Balances at 1 January 2024 Cash and Bank balances at 31 December 2024		- 4,145 330 308 4389 5805 8167 - 2424 - 285 811 1556 40000 2602 434 2769 2547 4177 2298 220 2377 840 3546 £ £	2024 4783 23437 61810 90030 15410 - - 19313 34723	2023 2684 63 800 1105 4652 6589 2962 2853 428 2659 219 3675 687 - 20072 36000 3460 - 318 2485 3860 1654 193 4758 780 5151 58659 £83383 (8646) 1546 - 26413 £19313

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

CHURCH AND HALL REPAIRS FUND, RECEIPTS
& PAYMENTS ACCOUNT– DESIGNATED FUND
		2024	2023
Receipts
Receipts		-	-
Interest from CBF Deposit Fund		1563	943
		1563	943
Payments
Expenses		-	-
Excess of Receipts over Payments		1563	943
Transfer from/(to) Church and Hall Repair Fund		-	(1546)
Bank balance at 1 January 2024	29449		30052
Bank balance at 31 December 2024	£31012		£29449
FABRIC, FURNITURE AND FITTINGS FUND, RECEIPTS
& PAYMENTS ACCOUNT– DESIGNATED FUND
		2024	2023
Receipts
Transfer from General Fund		-	-
Interest from CBF Deposit Fund		1	1
		-	-
Payments
Expenses		-	-
Excess of Payments over Receipts	(	-)	( -)
Bank Balance at 1 January 2024		18	18
Bank Balance at 31 December 2024	£	19	£18

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)

OTHER RESTRICTED FUNDS

The following groups are affiliated to the PCC and their funds are restricted

Women’s Fellowship Receipts Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments Bank Balance at 1 January 2024 Bank Balance at 31 December 2024	2024 - - 856 £856	2023 - ___127_ - 983 £856

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Monetary Assets

Church Church Fabric Minor General & Hall Furniture Restricted Fund Repair & Fitting Funds Fund Fund £ £ £ £ Cash in Hand - - - Bank Current Account 16427 - - 856 CBOF Deposit Account 18296 31012 19 - Total Cash 34723 31012 19 856	Total 2024 £ - 17283 49327 66610	2023 £ 15 2822 46840 49651

Other assets

Parish Hall

The parish hall has not been professionally valued but is estimated to be have a current market value of £510426 (and has been insured for this amount).

ST. FAITH AND ST.LAURENCE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 using the Receipts & Payments basis.

Funds

Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

The following assets are recognised but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

Movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal.

Land and Buildings held on behalf of the PCC.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where the PCC is free to dispose of such assets without faculty and where the original cost exceeded £1,000.

Amounts owing from the Inland Revenue where a formal claim has been made.

Any other amounts owing to the PCC including church hall lettings and insurance claims.

Legacies where formal notification of entitlement and amount has been received at 31[st] December by the PCC.

Investments held beneficially by the PCC.

Closing cash and bank balances are as shown in the receipts and payments account.

The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Any Loans or overdrafts advanced to the PCC.

Any arrears of Diocesan Common Fund.

Creditors for goods or services where the supply has been received and invoiced by 31 December.