2024-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mary Rawtenstall

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Parish of St Mary

Rawtenstall

Annual Report & Financial Statements

For the year ended 31[st] December 2024

St. Mary’s Parish Church Rawtenstall – Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

Administrative Information

St Mary’s is situated in Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire. It is part of the Diocese of Manchester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is via the PCC Secretary; Maureen Heys, 18 Peel Street Cloughfold, Rossendale BB4 7LJ.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Registered Charity number 1134155.

PCC members who have served from the 1[st] January 2024 until the date of this report are:

Team Vicar The Revd Samuel Hameem

Associate Priest/ The Revd Julie Barratt Focal Leader

Wardens Jean Lang Peter Terry

Representatives on the Deanery Synod

Terry Bird Jayne Wilkinson-Smith (resigned 10[th] August 2024) Elizabeth Finn (from 28[th] April 2024)

Elected Members

Margaret Ashton Chris Cottrell Anne Dean Jay Dempsey Maureen Heys Brittany Kershaw Ann Laytham (from 28[th] April 2024) Ruth Metcalf Catherine Pedley (from 28[th] April 2024) Andy Roberts (resigned 10[th] April 2024)

Co-opted Members

Paula Smithson (co-opted 2[nd] September 2024)

P.C.C. VICE- CHAIR’S REPORT - Peter Terry

A regular pattern for taking services here is now established with support for us from Revd’ Janet O’Neill and more recently Rev’d Laura Brinicombe in addition to Samuel and Julie. The average weekly attendance at our regular services was 50 adults with 8 in the Sunday School, 12 children were baptised, and there were 5 funeral or thanksgiving services. In addition, we hosted the Archdeacons Visitation, the Mothers Union Deanery Festival, a Deanery Synod and the Mayor’s service. We also continued to support the Remembrance Sunday service in the Library Gardens and the annual Flag Civic Raising.

Samuel has continued to build his wider connections with the church and wider community, and in particular the day school and the ministers in other denominations with a presence in the town.

Julie has continued to be available to take monthly Communion services, and we remain very grateful that Julie has been able to work this round her caring responsibilities for David.

We have set out in the Wardens report the many thanks that are due to the lay members of our congregation who have ensured that the church has continued to offer weekly services, including Sunday School activities, as well as posting prayers and talks online, or physically distributing them to housebound members. We are also grateful that the church has flowers and displays for weekly and special services and our thanks go to those who make that possible. It has also been encouraging to see good attendance at Make & Take once again and thanks are due to all those involved in those activities as well as the work Team St Mary’s having been doing, and in particular the continuingly popular monthly Soup & Sandwich lunches. We have been able to continue church parties, with more to come. Of course, all of this work is supported by prayer, both individual and collective, including the continuing work of the Prayer Chain.

As noted above, the Rossendale Team do support individual churches more effectively and we see that both in support for services, including online services through the Team You Tube channel, as well as team-based prayer meetings and courses. The reality though, is that we will always be reliant on our lay team for some services, bible study groups and other outreach as we remain faithful and continue to serve God and our community in the best way we can.

CHURCH WARDENS’ REPORT - Jean Lang and Peter Terry

Church Fabric

The inspection of the electrical system and the lightning conductor was completed in 2023 in line with our insurers requirements. The fire alarm is tested and serviced twice a year, and a maintenance contract is in place. The boilers and heating system are serviced annually.

The architects completed the Quinquennial review during the latter part of 2023, and we now have a significant list of jobs, both large and small that we need to plan for and fund.

The major part of the work is the Tower. A specialist team have looked at immediate safety issues with the tower, and there is work needed as a result, but the main project is a substantial undertaking.

Graveyard

The frequency of grass cutting by the Council in 2024 continues to be less than we would like, although it has improved in 2024, but Civic Pride do help to keep the area tidy and have planted a variety of flowers and shrubs in containers around the site. We are grateful for the good working relationship we have with them.

Working Parties

From time to time volunteers from the congregation undertake extra cleaning and work in the church and churchyard. We continue to be grateful for their help. We will need more help as we tackle those issues in the Quinquennial report that we can undertake ourselves.

Church Finances

The accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 show a deficit of £1,808 in the year after the revaluation upwards of our endowment funds by £800. This means that the total funds of the church amounted to £79,726 at the balance sheet date.

Parish Share payments of £24,000 were made to the Diocese and we would like to thank everyone for their continued giving which allowed us to maintain this payment at the same level as last year. This represented payment of the Parish Share in full following the negotiations with the Diocese in the year, the result of which is Parish Share payments were agreed for the next three years at amounts less than the £28,000 we have paid in recent years.

£35,849 of the church funds relate to the capital value of legacy investments that provide an annual income to the church. £17,494 is the remaining balance of the legacy given to the church by the estate of Geoffrey Bradshaw and the new legacy gift received in 2021. The other main element of church funds is the gift aid due on the giving in 2024 amounting to £11,454.

Members of the congregation have continued to give towards the cost of our Family and Children’s Worker, that cost being shared with St Paul’s and Goodshaw churches.

Whilst the overall funds position is satisfactory, the church continues to face expenditure on the fabric of the building in 2025 and beyond. The urgent repairs to the clock tower together with expenditure necessary following the Quinquennial inspection will more than absorb the available cash funds unless other sources of funding for these repairs can be accessed. Add to this the funds needed to meet the annual running costs, which have increased substantially after our four year Gas contract expired in 2023,plus the demands of the parish share (albeit reduced) and it becomes clear that the level of giving from the congregation needs to be maintained, and hopefully increased, if we are to meet all our obligations in full.

Worship

The churchwardens would like to thank all those who helped in the day-to-day running of the church during the year. Thanks go to all those who have continued to provide input to our services, by writing and leading prayers, reading lessons, preparing and giving talks, providing music (including Theo who reduced the average age of the music team significantly – sorry couldn’t resist that! - Peter) and the

team on the technical desk. It has been great to have the Sunday School come back into church at the end of each service to show and tell us what they have been up to. Also, thanks to those who have ensured the Mothers Union continues to meet regularly.

We also thank Claire for the work she has maintained with families, children and schools.

We would also like to thank all those members of our fellowship who have maintained contact, in various ways, with those less able to get out and about.

Finally, but not least, thanks to Chris who continues to organise our Lent and Harvest Project collections.

Safeguarding

We confirm that the PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.

SECRETARY’S REPORT – Maureen Heys

During 2024 the PCC met six times, under the chairmanship of Peter Terry (Vice Chair). All meetings were held in the foyer, although attendance by video link has been used by some PCC members when unable to attend in person. This hybrid method of meeting does not affect the PCC’s ability to discuss and make decisions on all matters affecting the church, both mundane and practical, pastoral and at times, spiritual. And, our Team Vicar, the Rev’d Samuel Hameem has been able to attend most of the meetings.

The objectives of the Mission Action Plan, agreed in 2018, continued to be considered throughout the PCC’s deliberations and the leadership team have been actively working to revise it, along with input from the PCC. A copy of the previous Plan is available at the back of church for perusal, and the new one will be provided in due course. Please read and prayerfully consider your own involvement. The future of the church family at St Mary’s is the responsibility of each and every one of us, as we work within the Rossendale Team Ministry. Our Focal Leader, Leadership team, Team Vicar and Parochial Church Council need our full support.

At the Annual Parochial Church meeting in 2024 one member of the PCC retired, and thanks were expressed to Andrew Roberts who resigned after many years’ service to St Mary’s, due to moving away from the Parish. Tributes to Duncan Ramsbottom, who passed away during 2023 were expressed, and thanks given for his long and faithful service to the Lord, especially on the PCC. One member was reelected, and two new members were elected. During 2024 a Diocesan Synod representative (Jayne Wilkinson) resigned and we co-opted a new member to the PCC. Thanks are expressed to Jayne for her service to St Mary’s over the years.

During 2024 the members of the PCC, as required by the Diocese, have continued to update their Safeguarding training.

Since the last APCM Sunday worship has continued with talks provided in part by church members, and with twice monthly Holy Communion conducted principally by Rev’ds Samuel Hameem and Julie Barratt and we are looking forward to input from the Team curate, Revd Laura Brinicombe in the coming year, as

she returns from maternity leave. The church’s online presence has continued, with talks and prayers published online and on social media. Bible Studies, Mothers’ Union and other non-worship meetings have continued, with social events organised for New Year and Harvest. Team St Mary’s have, along with their ongoing pastoral support, continued the monthly free lunch open to the community, with many regular, non-congregational, attendees.

Our Family and Community Worker, Claire Wood continued her work across the three churches of Goodshaw, Constable Lee and Rawtenstall especially her schools’ work.

The church building has regularly been used as a venue by outside organisations with concerts by Rotary, the Rossendale Male Voice Choir, the Scouts, N.S.P.C.C. and the Hospice Light up a Life, and events held by the local Ukrainian society, besides the ladies’ meetings for Renew.

The church family at St Mary’s has continued to worship and fellowship together, and a heartfelt thanks must be given to all those people who have worked, and continue to work so hard, in all aspects of life at St Mary’s, especially the Wardens, Peter and Jean, and to everyone who has contributed in any way, great or small to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel of Christ.

The PCC look forward to continuing to work within the Rossendale Team, and to spreading the message of Christ Jesus with the church family at St Mary’s, and to the community of Rawtenstall and Rossendale.

ELECTORAL ROLL – Nigel Bond

PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025

PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025	PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025	PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025	PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025	PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025	PRESENTATION OT THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 11th May 2025
	16 - 39yrs	40 - 59 yrs	60 and over	TOTAL
Men	1	9	13	23
Women	1	16	22	39
TOTAL	2	25	35	62

The total number of members for April 2025 is					62
100.0% Electoral Roll Completed Application Forms					62
Members are resident in theparish					23
Members live outside theparish					39
Nigel Bond Electoral Roll Officer

SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR’ REPORT – Vicky Rhodes

Our Parish of St Mary’s Church Rawtenstall is still very much following and implementing the Manchester Diocese and the Church of England Child Protection & Vulnerable Adult Policies.

The Manchester Diocese online safe church training course is still a requirement for all members who wish to work with our children, young adults and vulnerable adults. Here at St Mary’s we renew DBS checks every 3 years and due to Data Protection laws all our completed documentation, of applicants that have applied and has been processed through the Thirtyone:eight systems, is kept securely on church premises.

The PCC follow The House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Guidance and Safeguarding Code of Practice. https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-e-manual

All PCC trustee members must take a DBS check where parishes undertake regulated activities with children or vulnerable adults.

This year new Declaration Forms for roles that meet the criteria for DBS Checks were introduced by The Church of England. I have implemented these new forms for our use at St Mary’s. The Dioceses have brought in the use of a type of database called “Dashboard “ for each church to use, to keep up to date and enter information about DBS Checks and Training. I am still getting to grips with this new tool and may need to have some training on using it from the diocese.

At the moment there are 20 active church members with DBS certificates.

Online Diocese Training is an important part of keeping church members up to date with the latest safeguarding knowledge and Training must be completed by each DBS certificate member. Well done & thank you to all those people who have completed their training.

Many Blessings, Vicky Rhodes St Mary’s Rawtenstall CPO.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY WORKER – Claire Wood

Schools

I have continued to help to organize a weekly Rota of clergy and other helpers to lead whole school worship at St Mary’s School each Wednesday, following values that are set by the school, such as “Peace” and “Respect”, and which change each half term. Whilst some people have been unable to help in the same way this year, new people have come forward with offers of support, and this has been welcomed by the school. The children look forward to coming into church for their Harvest, Christmas and Easter services in church, which are always well-attended by family members, offering a good opportunity for conversation about the different church events that follow these school services; for example, “Soup and a Sandwich” and upcoming “Make and Take” events.

Bibles were gifted by church to those Year 2 and Year 6 children who wanted them this year. They were presented in school by clergy and governors, and those children who did not want their own copy have still been able to benefit from a loaned edition that will be theirs for their time in school.

Balladen School invited me in to help with an RE lesson; I was able to take in a collection of Bibles including a very large and very old church copy that the children were fascinated by. Helen P also joined me, and the children asked us lots of questions about God and Jesus, including “has anyone ever seen God?” One class also enjoyed a visit to church where the children had a good look around and asked us more questions before settling for a drink and snack before returning to school. Although the Year 6 teacher was hopeful for me to lead some Year 6 outdoor sessions, the school’s timetable restrictions meant that, unfortunately, this could not take place. However, I was able to spend some time with Year 6, in class, presenting each child with a Good News Bible and a Scripture Union booklet and gift pack from the church, to wish them well as they move on to secondary school. Their enthusiasm for these gifts was very encouraging.

Tiddlers/Make & Take/Big Church Party

Tiddlers very sadly came to an end due to very low numbers, which may in part be due to changes to childcare provision in the Valley. Some weeks there were no children and this was – unfortunately – unsustainable. Make and Take afternoons continue to be popular, although some are more well attended than others. The Big Church Party saw a return this October, led by Jay D and a group of helpers who made this an enjoyable event for the children and adults who came. As always, posters and flyers for these events are delivered to schools, the library, families, as well as advertised via Facebook to try and reach as many people as possible.

Claire Wood – Family and Community Worker

DEANERY SYNOD – Elizabeth Finn

The Deanery Synod met 5 times this year, some meetings in person and others on Zoom.

The usual format is discussion of the titles below, a speaker or video and then breaking into groups for further discussions.

ECO CHURCH

Kath Pollard, who is in charge of Eco Church, stressed the continued importance of pushing Eco matters in our churches, especially considering the many natural disasters around the world at the moment.

An Eco stepping stones event will hopefully take place in June at St John’s House, details will follow in due course. All churches need an Eco Champion and need to be in place as soon as possible. We are all encouraged to push towards Silver awards.

GROWING YOUNGER

We have been encouraged to look at the ‘PRAY’ booklet –

P -practising

R - resourcing

A -adapt

Y - you

THE MISSION COMMUNITY discussion on May 7th 2024

Rossendale led by Revd Rod Bevan – the group felt there was a need to draw the Mission Community (MC) together. They want to make 5th Sundays ‘MC Sunday’ and draw up a list to share skills of all kinds within the MC. To my knowledge this has not happened.

Donna Williams shared targets for 2030 and compared them with where we are now (data from her recent questionnaire) There will be money from Church Commissioners to achieve these goals.

	2024	2030
FOCAL LEADERS	12	41
MISSION COMMUNITIES WITH M.A.P.	5	5
NEW CHURCH PLANTS	2	5
PRE SCHOOL-CONGREGATIONS	3	10
FRESH EXPRESSION CONGREGATIONS	3	8
YOUTH SACRED SPACES	2	5
REVITALISATION OF SMALL CHURCHES	1	3
No of CHURCHES CLOSED	2	4
No of ENQUIRERS COURSES	3	7
No of LIFE EVENTS	399	550
(marriage and funerals only)

Several events are being planned to help with this growth. A Clergy Vision Day with Archdeacon Rachel and the Lay Leaders Conference on 1.3.2025 (venue and time to be confirmed.) No information regarding this Conference have been published.

Donna referred to her Questionnaire on Growing, Nurturing & Serving.

She stressed the ongoing need for growth and was pleased with the growing number of groups for children and young people and their link to worship. The deanery Hubs will help with this. Growth in church attendance is also important. We need to increase by 6 people a year in each worship centre! There are positive signs of growth, and we need to pray that this continues.

We continually discuss ‘where are there signs of growth in our churches?’ but have had no feedback from the last session which was on Zoom

NEW PERSONNEL

Amelia Brummitt (Assistant Deanery Enabler.) Amelia has just been appointed and is setting up a Deanery Hub for youth workers. Her main focus is facilitating Deanery Hubs. These will be a meeting point for families and children and to connect with schools, on a termly basis.

We were informed that the process of nominations/elections to all Diocesan Boards, Councils and Committees, in readiness for the triennial period beginning on 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2027.

Currently I have no information regarding the elections.

BUDGET

At the end of September our Deanery had paid 65.8% of Parish share compared to the Diocese average of 62.8%. Half our parishes had paid 75% of their total. Barbara was involved in the Discussion and Agreement meetings and for most parishes it resulted in a more realistic amount being negotiated for parish share than the original ask. Despite this positive move, there will still be an overall deficit of £1.6 million within the Diocese

The minutes of all meetings can be provided.

Elizabeth Finn

ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN

RENEW: for women – Suzanne Moriarty

There is a core team of about ten ladies on the Renew Team, not all from St. Mary’s but from a variety of churches in the local area.

We aim to give a word in season to ‘strengthen and refresh the weary ones’ through the Name and Spirit of Jesus. (Isaiah 50:4)

A tithe of the offering goes to a different charity each time.

We held two Renew meetings in 2024.

March Renew was called ‘A Spring Clean for your heart’ and the Speaker was Rev. Janet O’Neill from the Team in Bacup.

The speaker for the September meeting was Rachel Shelley from St. James’s church Clitheroe who told us about how she had been physically healed after being prayed for.

Approximate numbers are 220 at each event.

Renew is going from strength to strength and we are grateful to God for bringing along the ladies each time!

ST MARY’S MOTHERS UNION – Jean Lang, Anne Johnstone, Maureen Heys, Anne Dean.

The Mothers’ Union’s aim is to support Family Life, membership is open to anyone.

We meet on the third Monday of the month at 7:30pm in the foyer and we started 2024 with fifteen members plus one indoor member. During the year we have welcomed members from the congregation at St Paul’s church and St Mary’s Goodshaw.

In January we had a bring, show and tell evening, which was very interesting, especially Margaret’s sharing of how she arranges her Christmas cards. This was so interesting that we decided to have her share it again with everyone nearer Christmas!

In February we had a speaker from Carers Link Lancashire who told us about their work in the community and the AGM was in March.

In April we prepared for the Mothers’ Union Deanery festival which we hosted in May, when the new Area Dean, Revd Donna Williams spoke and 8 of our members were enrolled.

In June we enjoyed a splendid meal and fellowship, at the Fence Gate, and in July, Carol Acton gave us an update on the work of her charity, ‘Maralissa Christian Church’ who work in Gambia.

After the August break, Kirsty Braithwaite (nee Stannard) spoke to us in September about her work on Mental Health Support for students at Preston College and in October, Dan Theobald joined us to speak about his Life and Faith, and the charity, The Cancer Bank, that he set up.

In November we had a very enjoyable craft evening making items for the Scout Christmas Fayre.

In December we enjoyed a delicious Christmas meal at the Whitchaff, and hosted our annual Mince pies and Carols evening, when Margaret shared her Christmas card arrangement again, to everyone’s delight.

When we have speakers the evenings are opened up to the wider congregation, family and friends.

During the year we presented 12 bibles to children who were christened at St Mary’s.

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Jacqueline Dungworth

Where to begin!

A lot has happened since last April.

We’ve had lots of fun and food in a bid to learn more about God and Jesus, using familiar and not so familiar stories and crafts to enhance the theme. Numbers vary, but we have new families who come with their children and they join in with lots of enthusiasm.

A real blessing has been the teenagers who help with the younger ones.

We have taken part in a Nativity play, Christingle, Harvest and some of the children are very good at ‘public speaking’, when sharing with the congregation at ‘Show and Tell’. This has been a real encouragement to the children, being able to share in the service.

To look forward to: Palm Sunday (with real Palm leaves) Easter, an Egg Hunt, Easter hats to decorate and I’m sure as the year progresses there will be much more to share.

Thank you for all your prayer and encouragement.

The Sunday school – children, Jacqueline, Graeme, Suzanne, Nick, Janet and all the helpers.

TIDDLERS

Sadly due to ill-health concerns and low numbers the decision was made to close Tiddlers.

MAKE and TAKE – Jean Lang

This is primarily a craft afternoon, originally started a few years ago by Julie Barratt, on the lines of Messy Church, but without the meal. It takes place on the Saturday before certain Church Festivals: Mothering Sunday, Pentecost, Harvest, Nativity and Christmas Eve.

The afternoons have been well attended by junior-school aged children, we have had up to 26 children with parents at any one time.

Refreshments are served and the afternoon is free of charge.

Each afternoon has various crafts on the theme of that event, with cakes and biscuits to decorate (although how many actually get home and shared we don't know!). There is also an appropriate story to link into the Festival.

This year we included a session on the Nativity as Sunday school and the children were performing the story in church on Advent Sunday. The children made some of the props, the Wise Mens’ gifts and crowns plus Headdresses for Shepherds and Angels.

Thanks to all who help without whom this outreach wouldn’t be possible, especially Rosemary Bobbi, Jacqueline, Paula Sue, Jan, Barry, Claire and Jay.

BIG CHURCH PARTY – Jay Dempsey

The Big Church party took place on Thursday 31st October 2024. It is an alternative to Halloween, highlighting the goodness and radiance of Our God, this being the opposite of the Halloween theme. The Big Church Party is mainly for Infants and Primary-school age children. But we have an open door to all ages.

About 20 Children along with parents/grandparents and carers attended. The children and adults played games like musical mats, the chocolate game and various other games suitable for all ages and abilities. There is a craft table and a table with pictures to colour, songs are sung about God's light and a story told on the same theme, God’s light and love.

Hot dogs and cold drinks are provided in the interval.

It was very pleasing to see that all of the adults took part in most of the games and the children seemed to enjoy them doing so. All of the children left with a ‘Goody Bag’ and a smile on their face. Every parent, grandparent and carer made a point of thanking the Helpers and said that they and the children had enjoyed the party.

Last, but not least events like these do not just happen, I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Big Church Party.

Jay

St MARY’S SCHOOL GOVERNORS – Nigel Bond

During my time as School Governor since 2017, I have actively attended the Full Governing Body meetings three times a year, along with the Curriculum and Standards meeting, also held three times a year. The main role of the Governor is to ask appropriate and challenging questions of the school, to ascertain development and improvement. One of my key achievements has been the giving of Bibles to years 2 and year 6. If you visit the school, bibles are now visible in all classrooms and the library and are used for reference and teaching. Obviously with a school of multi faiths then only a proportion of pupils take home the Bibles for their personal use and keeping.

The School regularly holds services at St Mary’s Church for Harvest, Christingle, Carol Service, Easter and the leavers service.

The Full Governing Body has three representatives from the church, myself Nigel Bond Foundation Governor, Elizabeth Finn Manchester Diocese Governor and Rev Samuel.

Please see the following strengths and areas for future development.

Strengths:

The school 's Christian values are firmly embedded across all aspects of the school. This includes Daily Collective Worship, relationships between all stakeholders in school and also the implementation of the school behaviour policy. This has been highlighted in the schools recent OFSTED inspection of March 2025.
St Mary's CE Primary School is an inclusive and caring community and as a result of this all pupils including SEND and disadvantaged pupils thrive and achieve well.
St Marys school have effective relationships with St Mary's Church in Rawtenstall, which includes the local clergy attending Collective Worship in school each week. In addition to this the school attend church on a half termly basis for a variety of services including Harvest, Christingle and Easter.

Areas to develop:

Further enhance and develop the links with the local church including the promotion of events being held in church.
Develop a shared understanding of spiritual development so that planning for this enriches all aspects of the curriculum and collective worship.
During the academic year 2024-25 and 2025-26 school leaders and staff will attend a range of training provided by Manchester Diocese, that will assist in enhancing the Christian Distinctiveness of St Mary's CE Primary School.

Compiled by Nigel Bond Foundation Governor.

PASTORAL ACTIVITIES

PRAYER CHAIN – Ann Laytham

The number of requests for prayer again increased this year and the number of Prayer Chain members remains at 26 . One person left the group, and one joined us.

We again took part in the Rossendale Team 24 hours of Prayer initiative on May 18th.

With their permission we continued to pray for many people affected by illness or bereavement , not all known to us. There were also prayers for our church members and volunteers and for all the activities held in St Mary’s as well as some local events.

We received many messages of thanks for prayer and we gave thanks that so many of our prayers were answered.

FLOWERS FOR THE HOLY TABLE - Susan Halliwell

Flowers for the Holy Table have been provided weekly by members of the congregation and distributed to members of our fellowship suffering ill health, bereavement or for a special occasion.

Thanks are extended to all of those involved in this ministry, supplying, taking out and organising the rota.

AUTUMN CLUB

Due to various reasons, activities have ceased.

TEAM ST MARY’S (Pastoral Support Group) – Maureen Heys

The ‘Team’ has been running for over four years now and it has continued to evolve and grow. We have had a couple of new members, and the WhatsApp group now totals 26.

During 2024 the work of the group continued practical help such as lifts being given, and contact maintained with those members of the congregation unable to attend in person. The talks and prayers are still distributed weekly to two or three non-attendees, and thanks to those who continue this work. Support within the group itself has deepened and Team members have continued to help at and organise church events, regularly providing assistance to outside users of the church, especially with refreshments.

‘Team St Mary’s’ members organised delivery of a dozen ‘encouragement’ bags at Easter, and at Christmas fourteen more were distributed to those elderly, unable to attend church or unwell. We also distributed invitations for events at Easter, Christmas, and Harvest with daffodils taken out to some of those not able to attend the Mothering Sunday service. Our aim is to maintain contact with people who

have a connection to the church, and to provide encouragement and fellowship when gifts are delivered or received.

Social events, such as New Year and Harvest parties, have been led by members of the Team and were well-attended and enjoyed by the congregation and friends. Team members were also instrumental in providing tea and coffee in support of the Civic Pride Bank Holiday Tea Party event, the Hospice Light Up A Life event and several concerts at Christmas and during the year, plus Rossendale Team events. Members are also involved in Make and Take and other activities with the life of the Church.

During the year a small number of our members have continued to provide the monthly Soup and Sandwich lunch, open to anyone, and the number of customers has risen to between thirty and forty, on a regular basis. The food is offered free, however donations are shared between the church, to cover expenses, and RAFT (the food bank). We see several ‘regulars’ each month being a mix of congregation members and people from the local community. Our aim is to provide a warm space and company and we’ve received feedback regarding the warmth of welcome. The helpers themselves have enjoyed increased fellowship during these times too.

Moving into 2025 we continue to seek God’s will for the Team, both for the pastoral support, and on the social side. We look forward to continuing to work with the church leadership and the wider Rossendale Team in this aim.

A massive thank you to all the ‘Team’ who’ve helped make everything happen, those fully active, and those vitally supporting us through prayer and encouragement.

SMALL (House) GROUPS

TUESDAY AFTERNOON – Jean Lang

The group meets in the foyer on alternate Tuesdays 1 - 2pm with on average eight people attending regularly.

At the beginning of the year we worked with the study of J. John’s ‘The Lord's Prayer’ book discovering how much the teaching of the Old Testament is within the prayer and that God will provide for our needs if we ask Him every day. It also highlighted how much Jesus came to serve.

We joined in with the church’s weekly Lent Course.

Our new study Is ‘Angels Standing Guard’ by Douglas Connelly through which we are finding out how Angels are God's messengers and are all powerful for God.

WEDNESDAY GROUP – Nigel Bond

Our house group was established in 2017 as we studied “The purpose driven life: what on earth am I here for?” and over the past eight years we have regularly held meetings in our home. Since last year’s report we have continued to meet once a month, on a Wednesday, at 1.30pm. Our meetings are founded on prayer, fellowship and studying the bible. More recently our sessions have focused on ‘Hymns we Love’.

Hymns We Love is an evangelistic series designed to introduce seniors to the good news of the gospel. Over eight sessions we covered the following hymns

How Great Thou Art Rock of Ages Amazing Grace The Lord’s My Shepherd And Can it Be Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Thine Be the Glory My Song is Love Unknown

In December we held an afternoon tea. The friendship and fellowship of the Group continues, this being an important part of each meeting.

The Group joined in the weekly meetings for the Lent Course in 2024. We have continued with the majority of our group joining the 2025 Lent Course.

Many Blessings Nigel & Sue.

LENT COURSE - Peter

Building on the Lent course held in 2024, the 2025 Lent course based on Holy Habits- following Jesus, was very well attended including attendees from other churches, with an active discussion and sharing amongst those who came along. Thanks to those who took the lead in each of the weeks of the course. A smaller evening course for people with work commitments during the daytime, was also held using the same material.

ST MARY’S WALKING GROUP

Sadly activities ceased during 2024

Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Mary's Church, Rawtenstall, Parochial Church Council

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 18 to 25

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and Independent Examiner

As members of the charity, the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (tr.e 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.

1 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
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

David Stott

Metcalfes Certified Accountant 3 St Mary's Place Bury Lancashire BL9 0DZ

2 April 2025

Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
INCOME & ENDOWMENTS FROM Note Donations & Legacies 2a Charitable activities 2b Other trading activities 2d Investments 2c Other 2e TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3b Charitable activities 3a Other 3c TOTAL NET INCOMING /(EXPENDITURE Transfers between funds Gains/(losses) on investment assets On revaluation NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS B/FWD AT 1 JANUARY TOTAL FUNDS C/FWD AT 31 DECEMBER	Unrestricte d Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 58,056 15,170 0 0 2,660 0 1,292 0 1,068 0	Endowment Funds £ Total 2024 £ Funds 2023 £ 0 73,226 75,691 0 0 0 0 2,660 5,941 183 1,475 976 0 1,068 4,777
	63,076 15,170	183 78,429 87,385
	0 0 65,288 15,750 0 0	0 0 0 0 81,038 86,497 0 0 0
	65,288 15,750	0 81,038 86,497
	(2,212) (580) 0	183 (2,609) 887 800 800 3,021
	(2,212) (580) 34,290 8,848	984 (1,808) 3,909 38,396 81,534 77,626
	32,078 8,268	39,380 79,726 81,535

The notes form part of these accounts

Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ (0) 0	Endowment Funds 2024 £ £ (0) 35,849 35,849	2023 £ (0) 35,049
(0) 0	35,849 35,849	35,049
0 0 9,864 1,590 0 0 22,214 6,678	0 0 0 11,454 0 0 3,531 32,424	0 12,281 0 34,205
32,078 8,268	3,531 43,877	46,486
(0) 0	0 0	0
32,078 8,268	3,531 43,877	46,486
32,078 8,268	39,380 79,726	81,535
0 0	0 0	0
32,078 8,268	39,380 79,726	81,535
32,078 8,268	32,078 8,268 39,380 39,380	34,290 8,848 38,397
32,078 8,268	39,380 79,726	81,535

Approved by the Parocial Church Council on 3rd March 2025 and signed on its behalf by Peter Terry, Lay Chair and Maureen Heys, Secretary. The notes form part of these accounts

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31st December 2024

ement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31st ember 2024
Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities 10 Cash flows from investing activities 10 Cash flows from financing activities Change in cash in reporting period Cash at 1st January 2024 Cash at 31st December 2024	2024 £ (3,256) 1,475 0 (1,781) 34,206 32,425	2023 £ (2,087) 976 0
		(1,111) 35,317
		34,206

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations together with the current Charities SORP and applicable accounting standards (FRS 102).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognized when received. Tax refunds are recognized when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognized when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognized when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2005 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

2 INCOME & ENDOWMENTS 2a Donations & Legacies Planned giving: Gift Aid donations Tax recoverable Family Worker Other Collections (open plate) Gift Days Legacies Donations, appeals Legacies 2b Charitable activities 2c Income from investments Dividends and interest including 2d Income from church activities Hire of church Fees 2e Other TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 3 EXPENDITURE 3a Church activities Missionary and charitable giving Overseas: CPAS Crosslinks Bible Society Barnabus CAP Debt Centre Home Student & Easter Gifts Other Evangelical Alliance	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 30,890 0 9,910 1,590 13,580 4,620 0 2,311 0 0 0 2,194 0 7,340 0 790 0	Endowment Total Total Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ 0 30,890 33,405 0 11,500 13,407 0 13,580 15,148 0 4,620 4,840 0 2,311 2,052 0 0 0 0 2,194 0 0 7,340 6,062 0 790 778
	58,056 15,170	0 73,226 75,691

	0 0	0 0 0
	1,292 0	183 1,475 976
	1,292 0	183 1,475 976
	1,100 0 1,560 0	0 1,100 1,175 0 1,560 4,766
	2,660 0	0 2,660 5,941
	1,068 0	0 1,068 4,777
	63,076 15,170	183 78,429 87,385
	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 1,400 0 750 0 1,400 0 0 0 0 0 80 0 145 0 90 0	Endowment Total Total Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ 0 1,400 950 0 750 750 0 1,400 950 0 0 950 0 0 750 0 80 80 0 145 406 0 90 90
	3,865 0	0 3,865 4,926

Ministry: Diocesan parish share Other ministry costs Church running and maintenance Depreciation church equipment Vicarage Costs Family Worker Fees Paid General Expenses 3b Raising funds 3c Other TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 4 STAFF COSTS	24,000 0 1,105 0 23,709 0 0 0 1,957 0 15,750 1,160 0 9,492 0	0 24,000 28,000 0 1,105 3,684 0 23,709 22,091 0 0 0 0 1,957 1,764 0 15,750 15,681 0 1,160 2,686 0 9,492 7,665
	65,288 15,750	0 81,038 86,497
	0 0 0 0	0 0 0 0 0 0
	65,288 15,750	0 81,038 86,497

£16,490

4a Wages and salaries

During the year the church employed two part-time cleaners but no payments were large enough to attract social security costs.

Together these employees relate to less than one full-time employee.

On 1st December 2019 the church commenced the employment of a Family & Community Worker

4b Payments to PCC Members

Other than Verger Fees totaling £120 and organists’ fees of £120, no payments or expenses were paid to members of the PCC.

No payments were paid to persons closely connected to PCC members or to related parties.

5 FIXED ASSETS

FIXED ASSETS
5a Tangible ACTUAL/DEEMED COST At 1 January 2024 Disposal Additions at cost At 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Withdrawn on disposals Charge for the year At 31 December 2024	Moveable furnishings £ 26,140 0 26,140 26,140 0 ~~26,140~~	Total £ 26,140 0
		26,140
		26,140 0
		26,140

Moveable furnishings comprises the sound system, the chairs and the noticeboard.

5b Investments Endowment Fund Market value at 1 January 2024 Revaluation gain (loss)	£ 35,049 800
	35,849

6 DEBTORS VAT Recoverable Tax recoverable 7 LIABILITIES Amounts falling due in one year Accruals for utilities and other costs Amounts falling due after more than one year	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 9,863 1,590	Endowment Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ 11,453 12,281
	9,863 1,590	0 11,453 12,281
	-0 0 0 0 0
	(0) 0 0 0 0
	0 0 0 0 0
	0 0 0 0 0

8 FUNDS

The restricted fund comprises money donated to pay the Family and Childrens worker. The endowment fund is the Lord, Pilling and Buckley Charity fund.

Funds Movement Balance at 1 January 2024 Incoming resources Transfer between funds Resources expended Balance at 31 December 2024 9 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS by fund Tangible fixed assets Investment assets Current assets Liabilities Amounts falling due in one year Amounts falling due after one year	Family Worker £ Total £ 8,848 7,382 15,170 16,988 159 159 (15,750) -15,681 8,427 8,848 Unrestricted Restricted Endowmen t Total Funds Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ (0) 0 0 (0) 35,849 35,049 32,078 8,268 3,531 46,486 (0) 0 0 0 0 0 0
	32,078 8,268 39,380 81,535

£17,494 of the Unrestricted Funds represent legacies received from former members of the church. Although the gifts are unrestricted the PCC have decided that where possible the money should be used only for projects that improve the facilities within the church building or in reaching out to the community in accordance with the church's development plan.

10 Cash Flows Net Income/(expenditure) for the year (Decrease)/Increase in debtors increase in creditors Depreciation Funds transferred out Net cash provided by operating activities Interest received Purchase of fixed assets Net cash in investing activities	This year £ (4,084) 828 0 0 0 (3,256) 1,475 0 1,475		Last year £ (89) (1,998) 0 0 0
			(2,087)
			976 0
			976