ST FAITH'S GREAT CROSBY ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Great Crosby St Faith Registered Charity No. 1134518 Diocese of Liverpool Administrative Infomiation The Parothial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Great Crosby St Faith is a charity registered wrth the Charity CommissiC￿ for England and Wales. Chanty Registration number. 1134518 St Faith's Parish Churth is situated on the comer of Kingsway and Crosby Road North, Liverpool. L22 4QQ and its Churth Hall is located on Milton Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 4RE. It is part of the Diocese of Liverpool in the Church of England. The co￿eSpOndenCe address is: The Vicarage, Milton Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 4RE. Website: http:IAvww.stlathsgc.org.uk For the period 1 St January 2023 until the date this report was approved, the following seTved as members of the PCC: Wicar Fr. John Reed (retired 2WI1r23) Church Wardens Mr. Gareth Griffiths (res*Jned 15/1 If23) Mrs Brenda Cottarel (resigned 30/10f23) Mr. Rick Walker (Ading Chaimian of the PCC) (elected 7V11r23) Clergy Representative Fr. Dennis Smith (from 18/1r24) Reader Representative Mrs. Paula Lampard Deanery Synod Representatlves Mr. Gareth Griffiths {￿SIgned 15/11r23) Mr. David Jones Vacan Elected Membe Mrs. Euni￿ Lth (to APCM 2023) Mrs. Irene Taylor (to APCM 2023) To retire 2024 Mr. Hary Huyton Vacancy Mr. Richard Woodley To retire 2025 Mr. David Jones (Treasurer) Ms. Corinne Hedgecock (Assistant Warden & Electoral Roll Officer) Mrs. Christine Spence {A&*"stant Wanlen) Mrs. Vwienne Shillitoe (PCC SeGretary) Ms. Mari Griffiths Vacancy To retire 2026 Page 2 of 14 st Falth's ChuKh. Gmt Crosby is a Registsred Charlty No. 1134518 The Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance acted as Custodian Trustee for th8 inalienable property of the Church. Bankers: TSB plc, PO Box 373. Leeds, LS14 9GQ. Indepondent Examiner. Mr Raymond Bissex FCA St. Mary's Annexe. 32 Brooklands Avenue, Waterloo, Liverpool. L22 3XL Architect: Rebecca Grimshaw, Anthony GrimshaH Associates LLP, 6 Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan, WN11 SX. Day-to-day management Control of the Church is exercased by the Incumbent. Fr. John Reed, until 26111123 and by the Churchwarden. Rick Walker, from 27111123. Structure, Management and Governance Th8 PCC of Great Crosby St Faith is a body corporate arKI operates under the P8nKhial ChurGh Councils (Powe￿) Measurp 1956 and Church Representation Rules (2020). The method of appointment of PCC membern is set out in the Church Representation Ruth. All those who attend our serviceslmember5 of the congregation are en¢ouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The full PCC met five times during the year an average level of atterthnce of 75%. From the APCM 202Y, the PCC operated the foll(Ming sutK¢xnmitt08S: Standing Committee: Fr. John Reed (Chair), Mr Gareth Griffrths (Warden and PCC Lay V￿e Chair), Mrs Brenda Cottarel VNarden), Mr David Jones (Parish Treasurer). Mr Richard Woodley. Finance Commlttoe: Mr David Jones (Treasurer) {Chair), Fr. John Reed. Mr Gareth Griffiths, Mrs Brenda Cottarel, Mr Rick Walker. Mr Peter Gamer. Fabric Committee: The Standing Committee oversee fabric issues. Social C¢>mmlttee: Fr. John Reed, Mrs Christine Spen￿, Mrs Irene Taylor, Mrs Eileen Matthews, Ms Corinne Hedgecock. Note." membership of the commfttees changed follow7ng the Vicarfs Trtirement and the re&gnation of the Wardens in November. PCC members receive infomiation on trustee responsibilities. basic health and safety, risk management and safeguarding procedures. Aims and Purposes St Faith's Parochial Churth Councal (PCC) has the responsibilty of promoting in the ecGlesiastiGal parish the whole mission of the Church. pastoral. evangelistic. social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specific211y responsible for the rna1ntenan￿ of the Parish Church of St Faith, located on the comer of Kingsway and Crosby Road North. Watedoo, Liverpool, L22 4QQ and its Churth Hall. located on Milton Road. V4aterloo, Liverpool, L22 4RE. Page 3 of14 St F*lth'$ Churth. Gmtcrosty o a Reglstered Ctorfty No. 1134518 Objectives and Activities The general functions of PCCS are stated within section 2 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. The PCC is commttied to enabling as many people as possible to worship at the Parish Chur¢h and lo become part of the communty of faith at St Faith's. Th8 PCC maintains an overview of worship in the Parish and diswsses how our semces can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our worship wts faith into practice thr<)ugh prayer and scripture. music and sacrament. Statemgnt of Public Beneflt IAlhen planning the activities for the year. the PCC have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefft, and in particular, the specific guidano for charities for Ihe advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable people to live out their fabth as part of our parish communty through: Worship and Prayer, regular public worship that is open to all. and the provision of sacred space for personal prayer armj contemplab'on. Enabling people to leam about the Gospel and develop their knowledge of, and trust in, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through sernions, courses and small groups. Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish and for members of the congregation. induding visiting the sick, housefyjund and bereaved. Mission and OLrtrea¢h work Taking of religious assemblies in schr 2023 To welcome the chiklren and families we have Whether achieved Children and families have always be8n welcomed and encouraged. Children have recently read the lessons in church and this should be a regular occu￿enCe. Several baptisms have been arranged and the Junior C1￿1r have taken part in the Sunday Eutharist, supported by th8ir parents and friends. 'Rainbows' have recently re4tarted in the Church Hall. Engaging with the unrfonned organisations. To develo the Waterloo Grou To increase the focus on Lent To engage with the 'Leading Your Church into Growth. Course ress No progress Page4 of14 st Falth's Chur¢K Grn* Cro•by Is a Reg18tered CtrATity No. 1134518 To increase our links wilh St John's School Fr John and Paula Lampard are on th8 Board of Governors of the School and the new Vicar would be invited to "oin the Board. Fr John supported a termly Eucharist with Fr or Cuff. Thanks to Eileen Matthews who set up a Bible StudylPrayer Group in her home and thanks to Judy Riley and Paula Lampard who are re-buildi the Walsi ham Grou To consider supporting the 'Messy Church, To increase supportfor new prayer initiatives Church Attendance The average weekly attendance counted during October 2023 was 55 and the average Sunday attendance during the same period was 46. These figures do not include baptism services, weddings or funerals but th8 numbers are higher because of the Patronal Festival in Odober. Electoral Roll The Electoral Roll is a list of those who are entitled to attend the Annual Parothial Church Meeting and take part in its proceedings. This includes voting in elections for the Parochial Church Council, Churchwardens and Deanery Synod members and eligibility to be e￿ted to these roles. The Roll is completely renewed every six years (last renewal was in 2019) and is revised each year before the APCM to make sure that it is accurate. For 2024, the revision period was behveen 24 March and 2 Aprtl. Following the revision. corrections may be made, bLrt no names may be added or removed between the time that the revised Roll is completed and the dose of the Annual Meeting. Foll¢Mng the revision for the APCM 2024, there are currentty 62 names on the Church Electoral Roll, 19 of whom are resident within the parish and 43 of whom a￿ not resident within the parish. No names were added to the Roll and 3 names were removed under Church Representation Rules 2020 Rule 4. Pastoral Care The clergy and ministy team visit. on behalf of the Church. those who are unwell or are unable to leave their houses on their own. Those who wish it will re￿1ve regular cornmunion either at home or in hospital and those who are bereaved are visited when it seems appropriate. Occasional 0￿1¢89 From January- December 2023. there were: 4 baptisms 2 weddings. and 8 funerals Mlssion and Evangelism Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faiih. We are grateful for donations and fundraising efforts that resulted in £349 being given for missionary work It is go¢Jd that these efforts on behalf of others can be combined with opportunities for fellowship. P￿e$Of14 St Faith'8 Chyr¢h. GrKt Crosby i¥ a Regisl¢rnd Clwrlty No. 1134518 The parish website is upjated regularfy with details of sep41￿8 and social events and is in the process of being re-buitt. The "Friends of St Faith's Great Crosby" page on Facebook has 230 members and is updated daily. The "St Fatlh's Crosby Music. pa9e has 257 followers on Fa￿book and 74 follow￿rS on Instagram and posts photographs and videos of musical events in the church. A °NewsLite° leaflet is published occasionally and distribLrted at the Sunday services wrth nev￿ about our church and artides of general interest. Safeguarding The PCC has complied with tho duty under section 5 of the Safeguardlng and Clergy Discipllne Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops. uidanGe on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). We are committed to: The care, nurture of, and respecthil pastoral minth with, all children, young people and all adults., The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults., The establishing of safe, caring ￿MMunitieS which provNJe a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disdose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contrilxrtes to the wevention of abuse. To this end= We will carefully seleGt, support and train all those with any ￿ponsibilty within the Church, in line with the principles of Safer Recruitment. We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, Cooperating bwth the polio and local authority in any investigation. We Vlryll seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing viith them an appropriate ministry that recognises th8 importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and l or isolation. We will seek to protect survtvors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse. We will seek to challenge any abuse of power. especially by anyone in a position of respect and responsibilty, where they are trusted by others. We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, induding supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our Church community known to have offended against a ¢hild, young person or adult who is vulnerable. The Parish Safeguarding Offiw is Ms. Helen Kibbey. In all these principles we will follow leg￿latIon. guidanc8 and recognised good practice. Other Policies Th8 PCC affimied its commitment to holding policies that follow Diocesan and national church guidance on Dats Protection, Volunteering, HR, the Environment, Health and Safety and Risk Managèment. Links to ttle Di¢Jcesan guidanc% are to be found on the church website. The Page 6 of 14 St Falth's Chur¢h. G￿t¢r03￿ 5s a R¢glst8red Ch*iity 1134S18 PCC Secretary holds copies of this in hard copy and ekctronic form and they are available on request. The PCC of Great Crosby St Farth complies with ts obligations under the"GDPR° by keeping personal data up to date.. by storing and destroying ti securely: by not Collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data.. by protecting personal data from loss. misuse. unauthorised access and disclosure and by ertsuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data. Report of the Parochial Church Council To date, there have been five meetings of the PCC (nominalty every two months with a b￿ak for the summer). There was also a short, extraordinary meeting held after the moming seNice on the 15 October to darfy an insurance matter. Attendance has been just above 75% (77.6% to be exact). The number of PCC members has been reduced due to the resignation of two church wardens, and the Vica¢s retirement. Vacancie5 remain for a Church Warden, tsvo Synod Representatives, one Clergy Representative, one eleded PCC member, and of course, a vicar. Matters discussed induded maintenance, particularty the long-awaited improvements to ac￿ssibl11tY in the front porch area, and the new t￿hting system, instsllation of which has just begun. Running costs, particularly the alamiing increases in fuel costs have been discussed. A comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment for the Hall was Gompleted in October 2023 which raised several areas where improvements need to be made. The Music Department has been busy. They have SUC￿ss￿lIY established a Junior Choir (7 to 11 years of age) whose numbers are increasing week by week, a Girfs, Choir (11 to18 years of age) and six Lay Clerks to support and enhan￿ the girls, singing. The resignation of the Assistant Director of mU￿C was a disappoinknent to all, but we thank him for his contribution, and wish him well in his new position. We remain committed to the importance of safeguarding. which is discussed at every PCC meeting. All DBS checks are complete and up to date. The Parish Share is paid in full. This was made possible by an emergency appeal held just before Christmas. We are very grateful to all our generous benefactors. Being in interregnum, as we are presenty. can b8 an unsettling time. As a PCC ¥￿ remain dedicated to preserving the spiritual and material tradiiions of our worship at St. Faith's, and we look forward with faith and posittvty to the appointment of a new incumtent. Vivienne Shillitoe PCC Secretary Report of the Sefton South Deanery Synod Deanery Synod met four times during the year 2023. In addttion to the usual standing items such as finance, and reports from Diocesan Boards, a numL*r of new inrtiatives were reported upon as highlighted below. Page 7 of 14 st Falth's Church. Gre•t Cvogby Is a Regls*Trd Charity No. 11￿18 8 March 2023 at Great Crosby St Faith Nadine Daniel, a General Synod representattve for the Diocese. gave an account of pro￿edIngS at the latest evenfful General Synod held in London. 25 May 2023 at Lltherland St Philip A presentation was given by Rev Canon Malcolm Rogers MBE, the Diocesan Canon for Reconciliation, on the work of the Triang￿ of Hope. As a result of this presentation, it was agreed that Sefton South Deanery make a donation of £50[￿ towards the Triangle of Hope Pilgrimage starting in July 2023. Karyn Smith had asked to stand down as Synod Secretary. She was thanked for her work Jonathan Grffin agreed to take up this role. Nancy Bell retired from the role of Deanery T￿aSurer which she took up on a temporary basis 38 years previously. Nancy was heartily thanked for her work and Servi￿ to us all. 28 S8Ptember 2023 at Bootle Chrlst Church A presentation was given by Rev Canon Andrew Stott. Andrew updated u5 on the good work being done in the first part of the TriaTr3le of Hope pilgrimage. The Deanery Bank account needs new signatories. It was proposed to add Rev Andrew Stott, George Carter and Barry Gray to the e￿$tIng signatory of Rev Gregor Cuff. {Gregor ¢onf8sses'. Owng to my re￿nt absen￿ from worK I havè ncrt put this into action at the time of writing). 1 November 2023 at Llvefpool Seafarers, Centro A presentation was given by John Wlson about the work of the Lrierpool Seafarers, Centre (LSC). Please note that the Mersey Mission to Seafarers. which is one of the partners at LSC, is distinct from the national body 'Mission to Seafarers. and donations sent to the one do not percolate through to the other. Therefore, rf you make donations to a seafaring charity. please be sure which charity you are supporting. Revd Gregor Cuff Christ Church with St John. Watertoo Report on the Church Fabric Church and Hall The maintenance of such a large building as St Faith's is a nevervending task, although the main focus in 2023 wa$ on the °Back of Church Development" (see below) and the lighting system. On Easter Day, following Evensong, Archdeacon Pete Spiers fomially opened and dedicated the °Mackert Room. in the hall. The room was r￿eCOrated and now has a TV, WIFI access to the intemet and the music library was extensively overhauled at the beginning of January. As well as the Musi¢ Department, the room is used on a regular basis by church and extemal groups. Page 8 of14 st Falth'$ Church. Grnat Cro•ty TS a Registered Charlty 140. 1134518 The lease for the electriGty Sut￿Station off Kingsway became due for renewal in April. Happily, the process was simpler this time and tt has been renew8d on a rolling rent review basis. The new lease is until April 2048. A ￿MplaInt aboLrt an overhanging tree was dealt wtth and the tree was thinned out and the overhang redu￿d. The Council complained about trees blocking the Kingsway traffic lights and so the trees were pruned bath. The boiler controls had not been working proFety and only one of the boilers seemed lo be working at any one time. A seprfice was carried out, resolved the problem, and a new 'Hive° controller was fftted. This is a 'smart' way of controlling the heating and can now be controlled remotely using a phon& app. A number of repairs Y￿re carried out in the hall to their heating system and boiler. Several call-outs to the water boiler in the hall did not resolvè the problems so it was removed and replaced with a new starmd-alone boiler. The hall floor was completely restored in the summer at a cost of £9.600 which was paid for by the insurance company, less an excess fee of £250. Tr work has been done to a very high standard and should last for many years. In September, it was found that the fire alann in the hall was not working properfy. On closer examination, the system was found to be obsolete and had not been serviced for many years. An independent detailed fi￿ risk assessment was carried out and quotations have been sought for a new fire alarni system. Other recommendations to tidy up several areas have already been Carried out. The regular tuning of the organ continues to be undertaken and. each time, there is a big improvement in the quality of the sound produc￿. Other running repairs have been carried out during the year but, unfortunately, the grand organ project could not go ahead as hoped due to funding priorriies being focused on other issues. We are very grateful to the ¢hurc*wardens and many others who care for the buildings by cleaning and maintaining them. providing flowers and generally ensuring that the fabric of the churth and hall is in a goc*J State of repair. Back of Church Development After several months of meetings. emails, consultations, preparing a °Statement of Significan￿. and °Ststement of Needs.. permission and a Facuty was finally received in August. Unfortunately, however, tenders had been invited for the works from three companies and. atthough the estimate from the QuantTty Surveyors had suggested a figure of £87k, the successful tenderer. after careful assessment by our architect. had submitted a price of £135k. This was way beyond our budget and so the PCC. reluciantly, deuded to defer the scheme for the time b8ing in th8 hope that extemal grant fvnding coukj be found. Instead, priority was given to the installation of a new lighting system to replace the old system which was fitted in the 1970s. Most of the lighting is now complete at time of writing and has made a significant drfte￿nce al￿ady. The scheme was carefully designed to ensure the right levels of lighting throughout the Ghurch and the electricians have done an excellent job, leaving everything clean and tidy after their work. All the lights are LED. energy efficierrt and have 8 life of over 20,OOOhrs. p￿e90f14 St Falth'$ Church. Groat Cro¥by is a Reglstered Ctorfty No. 1134518 Report of the Director of Music 2023 was without question one of the busiest years for St Faith's Crosby Music in recent history. Thanks to the heroic efforts of all our musicians and volunteers. St Faith's has continued to cement itself as the premier Pansh Church for consistent qualrty music within the Diocese of knverpool. Undoubtedly, the biggest aGhievement of this last year has teen the re-introducing of children singing in the church choir for the first time in many years. The Junior Choir, fomied in Easter 2023, has gone from strength to strength, with 22 active primary chikjren singing. The Girls, Choir, formed in September 2023, has grown similarly. with 8 secondary aged girls as part of this group. At the end of the year. St Faith's had 30 choristers. which is a fantastic achievement! September 2023 also saw the introductÉon of 8 professional lay-clerks to sing wrth the children. The appointment ofthe lay derks has undoubtedly raised musical standards to a pla￿ that would not have been possible without them. The St Faith's Consort has continued to grow, w¥th 40 members on the emailing list to sing at ￿levant services. The Parish thoir continues to have 5 members. All this combined rneans that st Faith's has 83 active singers who have partlGipated and elevated our worship and events over the last year. This figure is truly remarkable and represents a huge growth in the choirs, numbers from 2022. Due to the vast increase in singers, St Faith's Crosby Music was able to support and enhance the liturgy of the biggest ever Servi￿ sd￿dule since the tum of the millennium at st Faith's. In addition to the Sunday Parish Eucharist, 2023 saw regular monthly Evensongs and Mattins that was well attended by the Choir and congregation alike. The now regular weekly Compline series for Lent 2023 retumed with other Compline services held throughout course of the year. In September 2023, the choir begun ￿ngIng regular weekday masses on a Tuesday, but the announcement of Fr John's retirement put this on hold. It is hoped that 2024 will see the re-introduction of Y￿ekday sung masses. As well as singing the highest numtrer of seprfices, 2023 also saw a vast and varied COn￿rt programme. The usual weekly Saturday Lunchtime Concerts ran for eight weeks. Whilst attendance was lower than previous years. this still provided a vital income stream. In addition to this, the Music Department held a Summer and Christrnas concert of their ovm, both filling the church to capacity. A 'Night at the Musicals, fundraising everrt was held to purchase new choir folders, and Lunthtime concerts were also held in October and November as an expansion of the programme. Vvhilst 2023 see a b￿ 'Come & Sing, concert (as a 'Messiah' is being planned for 2024), our Come and Sing Evensong attracted many people into the church. Ail concerts have operated under our'Free Music for All, stheme. and despite not charging for any of these events, the donations received have continued to ensure that the Musi¢ Department is a major contribLrtor to St Faith's church funds thanks to the success of all the events held. The choir also sang at parishes in the DI0￿Se of Liverpool & Blackbum. The St Faith's Music Stsff has seen an expansion in 2023, notably with the appointment of an Assistant Director of Musi¢ and Organist, Peter Kwater. This position was vital to enable the gr0￿h that has been achieved. In addition to this, 2 volunteer choir chaperones and librarians have been appointed, and St Faith's is very grateful for all the hard work they have done. January 2023 saw the complete ￿-Organisation and cataloguing ofthe St Faith's Music Library after years of neglect. Al music was re-ordered, illegal photocopies disposed of. and a digital catalogue of all St Faith's music created. This has greatly improved efficiency whibt making sure all music is held legally. St Faith's Crosby Music's social media and online presence has continued to expand in 2023. The St Faith's Crosby Music Fa￿bOOk page attracted 18k sile vistts, WFih an additional 13k extemal interactions, and sk Gontent interactions. This means the total reach for Facebook Paje 10 of 14 St Faith's Church. Grnatcrosby Is a R¢glstered Charity No. 1134518 was just over 36k people. The Instagram & Twitter pages have continued to grow in similar ways. The Music Department has also been sending out monthly newsletters using Mailchimp and now maintains a gro￿llng list of 370+ members. Purple Fox Design have continued to assist with graphic design vthere this can't be done in house. Our professional branding, online presence and excellent physical marketing have resutted in thousands of peO￿e coming into St Faith's ¥*ho never woukl have been before. A significant amount of V￿rk was done to secure the future of the pipe organ at St Faith's, wrth Harnson and Harrison doing a grand job to keep the organ sounding as best as it can. A tremendous deal from Skrabl Organ builders was secured to restore the organ, but lack of funds meant this project did not progress any further. The pipe organ remains the chLJrch's single highest value asset but is in a critical condition. 2023 has seen significant gro*th in all areas of music at St Faith's. and I should like to thank each and every person who has made this possible! 2024 will only see the same growth continue. Joe Watson Director of Music Financial Review Each year, we seem to fa￿ new financial challenges and 2023 was no drfferent. Reduced attendances, deaths and removals have inevttably affected our levels of giving and the numbers of people able to carry out tasks in the church. There are now only two local banks for the church, in Bootle arKI Maghull, bLrt we have managed to switch to most giving through direGI bank transfers. Some income is still received in cash (and welcomel) but we are tying to move away from it. A small card reader bought in the autumn has already been used for about £200 in payments. We have registered with the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) for all planned giving that reduces the administrative burden on the parish. Only a few have registered so far bui letters will be sent out to the congregation to encourage everyone to join. The figure of £29,336 for the year in planned gNing is still very good but it has fallen steadily over the past few years and is below £30,000 for the first time. We need to arrest that decline as a priority. We are very grateful to all those who give regularfy and generously and especially those who contributed to the Christmas Appeal that enabled us to pay off our Parish Share as requested by the Diocese. The payment of Parish Share continues to be a real financial challenge, even though the figure was reduced in 2022 but it is still £2,841.46 eve month. The recovery of Gift Aid tax remains an important SOU￿ of income and thanks are due to our Gift Aid Officer, Rick Walker. for processing the daims so efficiently. We were also able to claim back £2,323 in VAT under the 'Listed Places of Worship Grants sd￿Me. for repairs and consultancy fees. Utilities costs have risen sharply due to the new gas contract that started in August 2022. Happily, negotiations are ￿rrentlY under way for the contract renewal that indicates a significant reduction in the cost of gas from August 2024. Page11 of14 st Falth's Clwr¢h. Grnat Crosby i¥ a Regislered Chaiity No. 1134518 Expenditure for the year has, happily and desyte the surge in gas prices. fallen slightly and should fall further in 2024. A new heading 'salaries and support costs. covers three members of staff as well as the atjsociated on-Gosts. We ended the year with a posrtive balance again. further payments were reoived from the estate of the late Liz Mackert that totalled £16,394. There are strict limrtations on tts use for the "maintenance. upkeep, repair and provision of addrtional facilities to benefrt the structure, hall. car park and gardens of the Church. and this is continuing to make a signfficant difference to the ¢hurch fabric. We continue to be grateful to all those who give so much of their time arKI talents in raisir mu¢h-needed funds for the chU￿h. The musical events have proved to be very popular, both in terns of financial benefft arKI by intr(xJucing hundreds of new visitors to St Faith's. The PCC continues to act responsibly and tKudently in the rnan￿ernent of the charity's financial affairs. David Jones MBE Parish Treasurer Reserves Pollcy It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted fijnds (rf possible) that equates to at least three months, unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £20,000. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to cover emergency sttuab'ons that may arise from time to time. The balance of £26,503 held on unrestrided (including designated) funds at 31 De￿rnber 2023 exceeded this tsrget. Risk Management The major risks to which the PCC are exposed are being reviewed and a Risk Management Plan had been prepared and updated during the Covid pandemic. Risk can be defined as 'the threat that an event or action will adversely affect an organization's ability to achieve tts objedives and execute its strategies,. The risks may be r*orized as follows.. Financial risk- the most common category of risk and many non-financial risks can be measured in tenns of financial impact. The PCC approved a °Financial Controls and Purchasing Policy. to manage financial risk. Re utational risk - rAn have an impact rf unwelcome publicty hinders the mission of the church. Media releases are issued to local newspapers and the Diocesan Bulletin. Statuto and le al uirements such as heath and safety, employment law, Charities Act, and child protection. The PCC has policies in place and these will be publicly available on the new church website. O rational risk relates to threats to the Church's ability to deliver tts objectives owing, for example, to damage to the church building. Plans for 2024 Aims and o To appoint a new Vicar for the United Benefice How we to a¢hleve this The Parish Profi￿ has been agreed by the PCCS of St Faith's and St Mary's and the Section 12 meeting with the Archdeacon and Patrons to ree the Role Descri ion and rimescale By Summer 2024 Page 12 of 14 St Faith's Church. Great Cmsby Is a Rfjgistered Charity No. 1134518 advertising of the vacancy should be held SOM. The DI0￿Se have supported our wish to have a new incumbent in place as quid(ly as ssible. The new lighting system is almost complete and is expected to be finished by the end of Apnl 2024. Work on the accessible entrance will start trywards the end of The building of the Juniorchoirand the Girfs, Choir has been a great success and this now needs to be taken fiJther by developing the adults, choir arKI integrating the three to ether on more occasions. Weekly attendances have fallen over the past few years and need to be rtrbuim as a priority. More volunteers are needed for many churth tasks. Some membèrs of th8 congregation are still tsolakn'ng at home and we need to support them. Parents of new choir members shoukl be encouraged to become active members of the church. WTth our Ioc21 schools. especially Waterloo Primary and MerGhant Taylors, should be re- established. Progress has been slow on developing the new church webstte and this needs to be Comp￿ted and extended to provide for improved communication church members. wth a regular online newsletter and online gNing. Regular marketing and raising the church's file is necessa To complete the new lighting system and the accessible entrance to the d)urch By May 2024 To strengthen the Parish Choir From April 2024 To re-build the congregation Ongoing To develop our online presen and visibility in the parish Ongoing Volunteers We should like to thank all those vlho work so hard to make our Ghurch the lively and vibrant communty that it is. In particular, we thank our past chUr￿￿ard&nS, Mr Gareth Griffrths and Mrs Brenda Cottarel, who gave so much of their time to the care of the church and Tts people, and Mr David Jones, our Treasurer, who manages the church finances so carefully, all the member5 of the PCC, Assistant Wardens, sidespeople, our Director of Music and the Music Department, the Catering team and those who dean and tidy the churGh. A special 'thank you. this year to our Ministy Team who are working harder than ever during the interregnum to ensure St Faith's continues to flourish. Page 13 of 14 St Falth's Church. Gr•atCmsby is • Reglstw¢d CIHrfty No. 1134518 God of Mission who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions, and power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers in spiritual commitment to you and in service to our local community, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A prayerfrom -LeadirJg Your Church Into Gmwlh" Appmved by the PCC on 7 Awil 2024 and signed on thelr behalf by Mr. Rl¢k Walker Acting Chaimian of the PCC Page 14 of 14 St Faith's Clwr¢h. Gmt Croslry Is a Regist•red Charity No. 1134518 The Parish of St Faith, Great Crosby Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31" December 2023 Unrestricted Des￿nated Restiirted Funits Fund5 Fund5 Total 2023 Total 2022 Note INCOME Donations and legacies Fundraising activit￿$ Church activlties Investments TOTAL INCOME 21a) 2{b) 2{c) 2{d) 54.799 10,639 20,636 1.275 87.349 199 4.149 16.743 3.665 71.741 18,453 20,636 1,275 20.408 112,105 224,014 14,750 15,407 355 254,526 EXPENDITURE Raising funds Church activtties TOTAL EXPENDITURE 3{a) 31bl 1.916 l(X),342 102.258 128 2.423 2,551 1.265 3.309 24.746 127,511 26.011 130.820 4,172 127,557 131,729 NEf INCOMEI IEXPENDITUREI BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINI ILOSSI Gainlllossl on investment Transfer offvnds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BALANCE BIFWD I JANUARY 2023 BALANCE CIFWD 31 DECEMBER 2023 114,909) 257 18,930 4.278 21.￿5 26.183 1,797 15.6031 118,715} 257 122,797 {5,9901 112,940) 14.1931 118.5431 118,4581 4.513 106.384 132.802 320 87,841 114,344 123,801 9,001 132,803 The movements in Designated and Restricted Funds were as follov Balan Income Expendrture Blfwd Transfers Balance Clfwd DESIGNATED Events Fund Catering Fund Boiler Fund 2,265 125 2,123 4.513 393 35 2,123 2.551 15.9cKI) 1901 320 15,9901 320 REsTricfED Building & Repairs Fund ICQ CLUB Mission 105.C64 1.320 16,394 3,665 349 20,408 24.396 1.266 349 26.011 112,(¥J)) {9401 85,062 2,779 ICE.384 {2,7401 87.841 The Parish of St Faith, Great Crosby Balance Sheet at 31 December 2023 Unrestritted Desi8nated Restricted fund funds funds TOTAL 2023 TOTAL 2022 Note Flxed assets Tangible assets Investment 4.411 3,846 8.257 4.411 3,846 8.257 8.822 3,589 12,411 Cuffent assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 5.219 19,626 24,845 5.219 87,841 107.787 87.841 113,C()6 12,471 124.971 137,442 320 320 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 6.919 6,919 17,051 Net current assets 17,926 320 87.841 106.087 120,391 Total netussets 26.183 320 87.841 114,344 132,802 PARISH FUNDS Unrestricted fund5 Designated funds Restricted income funds 26,183 26,183 320 87A41 87.841 87.841 114.344 21,905 4,513 106,384 132,802 320 26,183 320 Approved by the Parochlal Church Council on 7 April 2024 and signed on their behalf by Mr Rlck Walker Actlng cha1rn￿n of the PCC David Jones MBE The Parish of St Faith, Great Crosby Notes to the Financial Statements forthe year ended 31# December 2023 ACCOUNTING pouaES The financial statements have been p￿pared in accordance with the Ststement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Chartbes preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Church Accounting Regulations 2(X)6. 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 affiliation to onother body. nor those that are infomal gatherings of church members. FuDds General fund represents the funds of the Parochial Church Council I"PCUI that are not subject to any restrirtions regarding their use and are available for application for the general purposes of the charity. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the trustees are also ￿n￿striCted. Designated funds are general funds for which the PCC has designated that they should be used for a specific purpose. Restritted funds represent 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 spectfic object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year rnust be carried forward as a balan￿ on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Income Donation5, legocies and other voluntory income Planned givin& collettions and donations are recognised when receNed. Tax ￿fundS are recognised when the incoming ￿source to which they relate is re￿IVed. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally errtitled to the amounts due. All other incorne is recognised when it 15 recer¥able. incoming ￿$OUrceS are accounted for gross The charity received substantial amounts of voluntary help from its supporters, but no attempt is made to place a financial value on these ser41￿S and they have not been included. ExPendI￿re Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. or when awarded, rf that award creates a binding or constmctNe obligation on the PCC. The dlocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restrirted fijnds. All other expenditure 1$ 8enerally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. Fixed assets Consecrated and benefice property ts N)t Induded in the accounts in accordance wsth s.96121 la} of the Charities Art 1993. The Parish of St Faith, Great Crosby Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31# December 2023 Flxed assets (conttnued) Movable church fumi5hings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which quire a faculty for disposal are inalienable property. listed in the church'5 inventory, which can be insperted lat any reo50nable timel. For anythin8 acquired prior to 2(M)5 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial ststements. Subsequently no indNidual item has cost more than £l,IXJO so all expenditure ha5 been written off when incurred. Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment WFth a purchase price of £i.IXXI or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments a￿ valued at market value at 31* December. 2 INCOME Unrestricted Designated Restricted Funds Funds Funds TOTAL 2023 TOTAL 2022 21al Voluntary income Planned giving Gift aid donations Tax recoverable Collections Donation5 Legacies Grants 29.336 2.328 9,327 1,184 5.050 29,336 2.328 9.327 1,184 5.598 16,394 7.574 71.741 31,832 1.732 9,370 2,371 40.959 128,194 9,556 224,014 199 349 16.394 7,574 54.799 199 16.743 21bl Fundraising activities 100 Club Appeals Events 3.665 3,665 9.405 5.383 18,453 4.335 1,461 8.954 14,750 9.405 1,234 10,639 4.149 4.149 3.665 21cl Church actNities Fees Church hall Land rent Candles. cards and b￿kS Other 2,702 16,333 578 334 2,702 16.333 578 334 689 20.636 1,117 13.387 310 436 157 15,407 20.636 21dl Investment Dividends Bank interest 93 1.182 1.275 87.349 93 1,182 1,275 112,105 61 294 355 254.526 Total Income 20,408 The Parish of St Faith, Great Crosby Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31" December 2023 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Funds TOTAL 2023 TOTAL 2022 3 EXPENDITURE 31al Raising funds Events 100 Club Bank charges 35 1,639 1,2 470 3,309 1.2(K) 65 1.265 2,4 428 4,172 312 1.916 93 128 31bl Church activities Missionary and charitable giving Ministry: Diocesan parish Share Clergy expenses Vicarage expenses Ministry team expenses Salaries and support Church running expenses Utilities Building insurance Building maintenan Professional fees Upkeep of services Music department Depreciation Hall expenditure Printing and stationery Parochial council expenses Sundries 349 349 34.091 1,285 264 392 19,235 951 35.419 902 2,775 ioj 34,091 1.285 16991 392 19.235 963 7.497 5.142 961 297 2,353 7.993 15.490 5,142 9.739 6.390 2.353 7.306 4,411 14.417 5,248 1.307 92 127.511 8,242 4.766 19,311 11,021 1,521 19,766 4,411 11,293 4,681 1,748 650 127.557 8.778 6,093 2.288 13,847 5.248 1.307 92 l(Xl.342 2,123 570 2,423 24,746 Totsl expendlture 102.258 2,551 26.011 130,820 131.729 No payments were made to the Independent Examiner. The Parish of St Faith, Great Crosby Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31" December 2023 PAID EMPLOYEES 2023 2022 Salarles 15.762 Employerfs national insurance 15,762 The average number of employees ernployed by the PCC durtng the year was 2 and none for 2022. Some expenses were reimbursed to trustees for serrfices Otherthan as trustees during the year. FIXED ASSErs 51al Tangible Church equipment C05t At beginnin8 of the year Addttion At end of the year 17,645 17,645 Depreciatlon At beginning of the year Charge for the year At end of the year 8.823 4.411 13,234 NET BOOK VALUE At beginning of the year At end of the year 8,822 4.411 51bl Investment Standard Chartered PIC 3,589 257 Market value At I"January 2023 Revaluation gain At 31° December 2023 2023 2022 DE8TORS Tax recoverable Other 2,895 2,324 5.219 2,265 10,206 12,471 LIABILMES: amounts falling due within one year Other 6,919 17,051 Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the Parochial Church Council IPCC) of St Faith, Great Crosby on the accounts for the year ended 31" December 2023. which comprise Trustees. Report. ststement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet and related Notes. Respecllve responslbllltles of Trustees and Examiner The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charrties Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act. to follow the procedures laid down in the generdl Directions given by the Charty Commission (under section 14515){bl of the Charities Artl, and to stste whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the independent Examlnerfs ststemenL My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Direction5 given by the Charity Commission. An examination intludes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the PCC concerning any such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is gNen as to whether the financial statements present a "true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs statement In connection with my examination, no material matter5 have come to my attention whith gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or the actounts do not accord v•ith the accounting records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the financial ststements to be reached. Raymon issexFCA 32 Brooklands Avenue, Waterloo, Liverp¢x>l. L22 3XZ Date.. 23 February 2024