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2021-12-31-accounts

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK'S HARROGATE CHARITY REG 1134657 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT AND ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

CHIA CH RCHC NCIL OF ST MARK'S HARR ATE CHARITY RE li PENDE THEP XAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBE F ST MARK'S RCH HARR ATE ACC NTSF R THE YEAR CEMBER 2 21 Respective Responsibilities of the PCC and Examiner The PCC are re5pon5ible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC consider that an audit Is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Att 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts Ltnder section 145 of the 2011 Act. To follow the procedures laid down in the general Dirertions glven by the Charity Commission (under sertion 145(5)Ib) of the Charities Act, and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Ba$ls of Independent Examlner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions glven 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 explanatlons from the PCC concemlng any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no oplnlon Is glven as to whether the accovnts present a 'true and falr, vlew ané the report Is limlted to those matters set out in the staternent belov4. Independent Examlnerf• Statement In connection with my examination. no matter ha5 come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: To keep accountlng recor(Is In accordance wlth section 130 of the 2011 Act; and To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charlties Act have not been met; or 2. to whSch, In my oplnlon, attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. D T Kitson FCCA ulmer & Co Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Mount Parade Harrogate HGI IBX Statutory Auditors Date 2022

PAR CHIAL CHURCH CO NCIL F ST MARK'S HARR AT srATEMENT OF FINANCIAL A 21 Note Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds 2021 2020 INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Donors Encome from Charitable and Ancillary Trading Other Ordinary Incoming Resources Income from Cash Deposits TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 362.757 3,451 366,208 390,942 2b 9.096 9,096 8,045 2c 2d 3.204 34 8,533 11,737 34 4,221 273 375 091 387 075 403 481 RESOURCES USED Mission & Charitable Givin9 Activities directly ￿lating to the Work of the Church Church Management & Adrninistration 3a 36,624 36,624 36,143 3b 334.152 4,548 338,700 368,542 3c 11.869 311 12,180 10,742 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 382 645 387 504 415 427 NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES (7,554) 7.125 (429) (11,946) Investment Property Fair Value Galn on Investment Property 7,554 7,554 5.426 20,000 20,000 NET RESOURCE MoveMENT 27.125 27.125 (6,520) Transfers Between Funds 7,020 (7,020) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 7,020 20.105 27,125 (6, 520) Balances Brought Forward at l January 2021 (2020) li 107,489 335.546 443,035 449,555 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 2021 {2020) li 114 509 355 651 470 160 443 035

HIAL F sr MARK'S HARR BALANCE SH EMB Note 2021 2020 FIXED ASSETS Investment Property Tangible Fixed Assets 330,000 10.164 310,000 9,056 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors & Prepayments Cash at Bank and in Hand 30,582 193 951 224,533 22,273 114 074 136,347 LIABILITIES - Amounts Falllng Due Within One Year (94,537) (12,368) NET CURRENT ASSETS 129 996 123 979 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 470,160 443,035 NET ASSETS io £470 160 £443 035 FUNDS Unrestrlcted Undesignated Designated 99,359 15,150 355,651 93,446 14,043 335,546 li li Restrltted £470 160 £443 035 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9" March 2022 and signed on its behalf by: RJB Ma (Treasurer) Revd. Mike Resch (Vicar) The attached notes form part of these Accounts

CHIAL CH RCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK. GATE NTOF SH FLOWS DE EMBER 2 21 Note 2021 2020 in cash infl tfl Net incoming (outgoing) resources for the year Adjustments for: Depreciation (Increase) decrease In debtors Increase (decrease) in creditors Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets Interest receivable Net cash inflow (outtlow) from operating attivities (429) (11,946) 5.230 (8, 309) 82,169 252 34 5,267 5,910 16,444} STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating artivlties 78,879 {7,486) Returns on Investments Interest received Income from investment property 34 7,554 273 5,426 Investing actlvlties Purchase of tangible fixed assets Dlsposal of tanglble fixed assets 17,090> 500 {2,598) N•t ca$h Inflow (ouffiow) 79.877 (4,385} Cash at bank and on hand at beglnnlng of year 114,074 118,459 Cash at bank and on hand at end of ye•r £193 951 £114 074

PAROCHIA HCO NCIL OF 'S HARROGA TE FINAN IAL NT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting & Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland IFR51021 issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom& Republic of Ireland (FRS 102>, Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Acl 2011. The financial statements have been prepa￿d under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. Funds General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrirtions regarding thelr use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. The Accounts Include all transactlons, assets and Ilablllties for whlch the PCC Is responslble 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. Incomlng Resources Collectlons are recognised when recelved by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned givlng receivable under covenant and gift ald Is ￿cOgnised only when ￿Ceived. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised in the period that the underfying donation is received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Funds raised by the bookstall and all church events a￿ accounted for gross. Incom Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. In m Investments Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same attounting year. Reali5ed gains or losses are recogni5ed when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

CHIAL CH RCHC F ST MARK'S HA NOTES TO THE FINANCIA TATEMENTS rEn 21 I. ACCOVNTTNG POLICIES (continued) Resource$ Used Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded. if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Actlvltles Dlrertly Relating to the Work of the Church The diocesan quota or parish share is accounted for when payable. Any quota unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these Accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability if there Is a realistic expectation that the arrears will be paid within the following year and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet. Flxed Assets in Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the Accounts by s. 10{2) of the Charities Art 2011. No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and whlch requlre a faculty for disposal slnce the PCC conslders this to be inalienable property. All expenditure Incurred durlng the year on consecrated or beneflce bulldlngs and movable church fumishings, whether maintenance or improvements, Is written off as expenditure In the Statement of Flnancial Artivltie5 and separately disclosed. Freehold property owned by the church is held at fair value within the accounts. Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment used within the church premises are depreciated on a straight line basis from the date they are brought Into use over the folloY4ing penods: Fixtures & Fittings 10 years Offfice Equipment 4 years Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £l.000 or less a￿ written off when the asset Is acquired. nv Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. The fair value is based on a professional valuation. Amounts ovving to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fee5, ￿ntS or other income are shown as debtors le55 provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

PAR CHIAL CH F ST MARK'S HAR TE NOTES TO THE F TEMENTS rEn 21 INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2021 2020 2a) Incoming Resources from Donors Planned Giving Income Tax RecoveredlRecoverable Planned Giving via Envelopes Gift Day [note 12] Collections Sundry Donation5 & Le9acies via Bank 266,358 266,358 282,818 60,769 5.284 6,742 2,308 60,769 5,284 6.742 2,308 66,649 11,120 1,098 362 757 366 208 390 942 2b) Income from Charltable Anclllary Tradlng Church Lettings Toddler Groups Wedding & Funeral Fees Bookstall 6,675 570 1,845 6,675 570 1,845 6,532 888 532 93 2c) Other Ordlnary Incomlng Resources Solar Panel Feed-In Tarlff Grants Insurance Claim 3,204 3,204 8,533 3,082 8.533 2d) Income From C•sh Deposlts Inte￿$t 34 34 273

CHURCH C UNCIL FsfMAR HARR ATE O THE FZNANCIAL STATEMENT 21 RESOURCES USED Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2021 2020 3a) Mlsslon & Charltable Glvln9 Home Mission Partners Relief and Development Agencies Overseas Missions Partners Miscellaneous Awaiting allocatlon 13.464 13.464 14,101 8,550 11.000 650 8,550 11,000 650 6,600 12,020 1,920 3b) Actlvlties Dlrectly Relatlng to Work of the Church Mlnistry - Dlocesan Parlsh Sha Other Mlnlstry Costs Building Running Costs Major RepairslProjetts Upkeep of Servlces Adult Mlnlstry Youth & Children's Ministry Kitchen, Hospitality & Caterlng Staff Cost [note 4] Training Hardshlp Fund Gifts Klngdom Llfe Bookstall 210,243 2,236 27,630 210,243 2,236 28,832 210,243 2,187 27,501 690 4,475 81 2,821 465 109,084 625 1,710 84 8,500 76 368 542 1,202 4,787 537 3,491 772 81,869 1.930 200 477 829 5,616 537 4,319 772 83,558 1.930 200 477 828 1.689 20 334 152 20 338 700 3c) Church Management & Admlnlstratlon Telephone, Postage & Office Supplies General Administration Costs Computer & Software Legal & Pmfessional Fees Independent Examiner's Fee Depreciation 2,428 1,367 2,044 425 375 191 52 68 2,619 1.419 2,112 425 37S 2,790 818 1.517 350 311

IAL CH RCH MARK'S HARR ATE TO THE FINANCIA TEMENT rEn 21 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2021 2020 STAFF cosrs Salary Costs (including Associate Minister) Stipend & Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Costs 80,035 131 1,689 81,724 131 106,161 1,189 109 084 Ministry Staff Administration & Communications Staff Cleaning Staff 50,835 50,83S 62,657 31,034 1,689 32,723 41,209 109 084 The Associate Mlnister is part-funded by the Diocese. INVESTMENT PROPERTY Freehold Land & Bulldlngs Cost / Falr Value At l January 2021 Fair Value Adjustment At 31 December 2021 310,000 330 000 Investment Property - 30 Halstead Road, Harrogate. The property was professionally valued as at 31 December 2021. No depreciation is charged on the investment property, so the above Fair Value a150 represents the Net Book Value. The original cost was £113.303. 2021 2020 Income Rent Received Property Expenses Net Income ii,ioo 6.968

PAR CHIAL CHURCH C NCIL RR ATE OTES TO THE FZNANCIAL STAT 21 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Office Equipment AV Equipment Total Compute&S & Audio Visual Equipment Cost At l January 2021 Additions in the year Disposals in the year At 31 Oecernber 2021 5,246 15,998 7.090 21,244 7,090 Depreclatlon At l January 2021 Charge in the year On disposals At 31 December 2021 1,986 1,186 447 10,202 4.044 12,188 5,230 447 r4et Book Value At 31 December 2021 At 31 December 2020 2021 2020 DEBTORS Debtors Prepaid Expenses Accrued Income - including Gift Aid 1.131 5,014 194 5,070 CASH AT BANK & IN HAND CBF Church of England Oeposit Account Bank Current Accounts - CAF Bank Ltd Cash in Hand & Floats 59,432 134,412 107 193 951 59,401 54,478 195 114 074 LIABILITIES - AMOUNTS FALLIf4G DUE wrrHIN ONE YEAR Creditors Accruals and Deferred Income [note 12] Other Liabilities 6,125 84,564 3.757 1,872 io

F ST MARK'S H OTES NA TEMENTS rEn 10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND restrlcted Restricted Total Investment Property Tangible Fixed Assets Current Assets Current Liabilities Fund Balance at 31 December 2021 330,000 330,000 10.164 224,533 10,164 173,883 50,650 114 510 355 650 470 160 11. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS Balance at 01101121 Incomlng Resources Resources Transfersl Balance at Used Revaluatlon 31112121 Restrlcted Funds Organ Fund Kitchen & Catering Flowers Other Restrlcted Grants {see note) Harro9ate Clothes Bank 2018 Gift Day 1,920 6,559 260 1306) 1,614 6,559 226 490 1524) 1,979 3,431 (3.631) 70 1,849 89 8.063 (398) 7,754 25,546 11,984 (4,8591 17,020) 25,651 Flxed Assets Investment Property 310 000 335 546 330 000 355 651 Unrestrlrted Funds Tangible Fixed Assets Mvsic & Choir Oiscretionary Hardship Fund 9.056 3,836 (5,205) 6.312 10,163 3,836 14,043 (5.2051 6,312 15,150 General Reserve Legacies 6,797 382,645 (377.440) 708 12,710 93,446 382.645 (377.440) 708 99.359 107 489 382 645 114 509 Total Funds 443 035 394 629 387 504 470 160 li

CHIAL CH RCHC NC sr MARK'S HA ATE TES TO THE FINANCIAL ATEMENTS rEn 21 11. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS (continued) The following restricted grants were received during the year: al Allchurches Trust Youth and children's work equipment Development of the Church 9arden5 for better use by the community £1,250 £422 Co-op Local Community Fund £2,181 £1,426 12. GIFT DAY The Glft Day in November raised funds to cover the 202 1 deficit and the anticipated income shortfall in 2022 and allow recruitment of key staff positions to proceed. The portlon of the income not required to cover the 2021 deficit 15 treated as deferred income in these accounts for release In 2022 when the ftjnds are spent. Detsils of the amounts recelved and the allocatlon between reportlng years Is shown below. Amount recelved In the year Glft Aid claimed on the above Total 70,074 AmoLtnt recognised as Income In these accounts Amount in deferred income for ￿lease in 2022 Inote 9] 6,742 Of the deferred income amount above, £25,000 Is a restricted donation specifically to be spent on the appointment of a new youth pastor. 12

PAR CHIAL CH RCHC NCIL F sr MARK'S HARR AT NOTES TO THE FINANC AL sfATEMENTS rEn 21 13. AMOUNTS RECEIVED FOR DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE THE CHURCH Awaitlng dlstrlbutlon at the yea￿end 2021 Llghthouse Group Various staff collections Intern sponsorship Family in Need Appeal Flor collertion Harvest Sunday for TEAR Fund Remernbrance Sunday (Poppy Appeal) Other miscellaneous Christingle Service {Children's Society) Christmas Collettions 2021 290 79 400 1,760 40 1,450 671 262 334 89 iio 245 91 The above speclfic donatlons recelved for distrlbution outslde the Church are shown for note only and are not included in income or expendlture. The amount awaiting distributlon is Included in Other Llabilities. 14. VOLUNTEERS The current work of the Church could not be sustained wlthout the contrlbution made by many volunteers in all aspects of its ministry. Around 100 members of the congregation assist in various ways. Many activities ￿lY almost entirely on volunteers, either behind the scenes in the runnlng of the church or more visibly during Sunday servlces. Teams include those helping with.. worship, cleaning, flowers, pastoral visiting, hospitality. prayer ministry, toddler groups, vouth & chlldren's mlnistry, Sound and visuals. and bulldlng management & rnaintenance. Ln addition, volunteers are Involved In govemance through the PCC and Standing Committee. More information is given in the Annual Report. 15. LEASING The Church has leose agreements in respect of hy9iene equipment over five years cornmencing October 2020 at a cost of É29 per month and a photocopier supplied over five years commencing February 2018 at a rental cost of £67 per month. 13

PAR CHIAL CH RCHC NC MARK'S HARROGATE NOTES TO TH NANC rEn 16. TRUSTEE & STAFF REMUNERATION staff costs are detailed in note 4 and the average number of staff employed was 6 (2020'.8). Most staff are employed on a part-time basis. No employee earned more than £60,000 in the year. At the year-end. 5 {2020: 5) people were employed by the PCC. This indudes the Associate Minister. Included in Salaries are the contributions to Leeds Diocesan Board of Finance in respect of the Associate Minister who is a member of the PCC. No other member of the PCC received remuneration from the PCC in the year. In the year to 31 December 2021, members of the PCC had expenses reimbursed as follows: Total expenses paid to PCC members The number of PCC members who received payments for expenses Incurred £5,910 £4,203 The nature of the expenses paid were nonnal clergy expenses such as phone, travel and other reimbursements and payments in respert of other costs properly incurred by PCC members in the perforrnance of their duties. Thls wlll Include expenses not a1￿C￿Y assoclated wlth their role as PCC members. There are no related party transactions that requlre disclosure. The PCC operates a defined contributlon penslon scheme. Contrtbutlons are charged In the perlod to which they relate Inote 41. 14

PAR CHIAL CH RR TE SI NIFICANT INFORMATION The charity's activities are covered in the Annual Report. The charity's governing document is the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as arnended and Church Representation Rules. The charitable objects are promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole rnission of the Church. The Trustees have regaré to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. Charity Trustees: See Annual Report Charity Registered Number: 1134657 Address: St Mark's Church. Leed5 Road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY Bankers CAF Bank Ltd & CCLA Independent Examiner: D Kit50n Bulmer & Co Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Mount Parade Harrogate HGI IBX Trustees. Responslblllty for the Accounts Charity law ￿qUireS the Trustees of the association to prepare a receipts and payments account and a statement of assets and liabllltles for each flnanclal year. In additlon, the Trustees are responslble for keeping proper accounting record5 which are svfficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and to disclose with reasonable accurate at any time the financial posltion of the Assoclation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets and hence for taklng reasonable steps for the P￿ventIon and detertion of fraud and other irregularities. 15

Annual Report Celebrating God’s Work through St. Mark’s

2021

2021 Vicar’s Report

2021 Reports from Staff Team

We are passionate about journeying alongside all ages and backgrounds as they discover more of Jesus. We are people who party, proclaim and pray.

2021 Mission Report

2021 Operations Report

– including Fabric, Finance and General Purposes

2021 Safeguarding Report

Finance

Facts and Figures

2021 PCC leadership and make up

Mike Resch Vicar’s Report

As I look back over my first year it is not one I would have expected. With the pandemic still shaping what we can and can’t do it has been a year of tentative planning, canceling ideas, or changing formats. Personally, for Liz and I, both experiencing a loss of a parent plus another family member, has meant the year has been emotional. Yet as I reflect over the 2021 there have been some wonderful things to celebrate.

Natalie started training for ordained ministry at St. Mellitus in London after stepping down from her role as Youth Leader. Although sad for us, good news for the Church of England who will gain an amazing Christian servant into its ranks. The Gift Day that has raised £89,000 plus a promise of another £25,000 next year has enabled us to have the funds to look ahead and plan to employ a new Youth Pastor, a Children and Families Leader, and an Office Admin Support Worker. Thank you so much for your generosity which is very much appreciated.

Last year at the APCM the church reviewed 2020 and paused to sense the way forward. As I arrived, the Annual Report had been written and agreed upon by the PCC, and so my report was a vocal one.

I shared how I believe each church needs to show three dimensions to be a balanced church.

The three dimensions, previously spoken about at St. Marks, are based around: UP - IN - OUT.

I shared three aspects to each dimension that I believed we as a church family needed to focus on over the coming few years.

We developed a sermon series unpacking each dimension to help the church explore how to grow in each area. Those teachings are available on YouTube in the St Mark’s channel. Here is a snapshot.

UP

Intimate Worship - Where we seek God and to know His presence amongst us. Two-way Prayer - Talking and listening to God as in any relationship. Authority of the Bible - Being rooted in the Bible and its teachings over the world.

IN

Community - Coming together to worship as a community rather than individuals. Family - Understanding we are all equal under the same heavenly Father. Discipleship - Helping each other to grow more like Jesus.

OUT

Transformation - Being a transforming agent within Harrogate to become more like Heaven. Generosity - Being generous in a self-absorbed culture. Evangelism - Sharing the good news of Jesus and the Kingdom of God.

We also labeled these three dimensions Pray - Party - Proclaim. One of the big disappointments this year due to Covid has been the difficulty to enable parties to happen. The uncertain nature of the virus has made it difficult to commit to larger gatherings.

During the past year, we also provided four marks of membership designed to help people gain a deeper understanding of the responsibility we have as members of St Marks. It is good to highlight expectations for St Mark’s church family however, all are welcome to attend, and we would never turn anyone away.

Last year’s report, noted the anticipation that Res Bites could return to St. Marks in 2021. This has been the topic of much prayer, discussion, and movement over the past year; Res Bites continues to be an amazing project and supports many needs, but I felt that St Mark’s was not the best venue. Time will tell if this decision was right or wrong. We persist in praying for Res Bites, Michelle, and the team. St. Mark’s members continue to help through volunteering and we are thankful to have played our part in the project. Mike Procter oversees the Harrogate Clothes Bank and updates PCC regularly on its current position and activities. It continues to help those in need and has recently moved its operations to Hornbeam Estate alongside Res Bites who are sharing the costs.

In the coming year on Sunday mornings (and through many of the small groups), we will be looking at Luke’s gospel, looking into generosity and series on the person of the Holy Spirit. This will take us until summer when we will assess the next steps. We are also dedicating a couple of Sundays a year to the Environment as we remember God’s call on us to exercise our authority and responsibility to care for the planet. We are hoping during the year to achieve a Silver Eco level award. There will be some simple and hopefully fun activities that we can all be involved in.

The APCM is also important as it brings together a new PCC who will continue to help shape the future

of St. Mark’s under my leadership. Please pray for us as we gather together on 21st May for our Vision Day when we hope to discern God’s next steps and to have the courage and boldness to follow His will.

I wish to thank the staff team, Churchwardens, Treasurer, PCC Secretary, and the army of volunteers that helps St. Marks to run and operate.

Kim Mason Curate’s Report

To grow in our faith we need to live in open and accountable relationships. This level of commitment to each other cannot practically be done in our corporate Sunday worship, but in a place where we can have close friendships. It is in this context that we learn to love each other, love God and grow in wholeness. So we ask all our members to commit to maintaining open and accountable relationships by joining a small group at St Mark’s. We have over two dozen groups; some with a strong missional focus, some meeting around a joint interest or activity, and some focussed on prayer and Bible study.

Throughout the Pandemic our small groups have continued to be our primary route for delivering pastoral care with groups moving flexibly between meeting online and in person. At the start of the year many enjoyed meeting Mike and Liz as they toured around the groups; Passover was celebrated by various groups and a number of groups with children used of our newly produced family friendly liturgy; and The Mother’s Union flower demonstration was a huge success and greatly enjoyed by all.

We are exceptionally thankful for all of our small group leaders who put in untold hours to care for and nurture their group members. We would also like to express our thanks for the The Re-Creation Community who have led a number of church wide events throughout the year including the screening of ‘2040’, creation prayer events and prayer trails through the gardens.

Youth Team Youth Ministry Report

During lockdown we did an Escape room online which baffled the leaders but the kids solved the problem - amazing! The young people were very sad to see Natalie go but it was good to say good bye at her leaving party. We had a summer outing to Almscliffe Crag where we played a team building games and had hot chocolate. It was great to see each other in person again and enjoy the outdoors.

This has been a year of change with Natalie leaving and the youth leaders working out what our ministry is. Natalie spent a lot of time interacting with the young people and they have missed this. We have been evolving what we do on a Sunday Evening but incorporating fun, food, and friendship. By combining the age groups the evening has become more exciting and engaging for the young people. We focus on a subject and explore with young people what it means for each of them and share what we believe too. Our hope is that they enjoy what we do, build relationships, and come to know God, taking on his values for themselves.

We are very grateful for the volunteers who are all passionate about young people. Thanks to the church PCC for partially funding some of us to go to the National Youth Ministry Conference. This really encouraged those that went and gave us a fresh sense of purpose for the youth. We also went with Emma from St John’s and Shua from Mowbray which led onto a joint youth event - Glow Party for halloween. It was great to have a bigger gathering for the young people as well as the leaders.

Connect girls is a group exclusively for girls in school years 10-13 meeting during term-time at Artizan Cafe. The group provides a space to support girls to be christian women in the world we live in today. Topics are led by the girls and discussion, activity and prayer are tailored to help them explore some of their challenges and questions. Following Natalie’s departure, Kath Lee continues to lead the group now supported by Liz Resch, Hannah Laughlan and Janet Green. It is a blessing to spend time with our young people and be a small part in their teenage journey.

We are hoping and praying for a new church Youth Pastor who will be able to develop the youth ministry and enable our young people to grow in faith.

Week by week we are privileged to see children find out more about Jesus and his love for them, and adults and young leaders growing in their gifts.

Liz Resch Children’s Ministry Oversight

In joining St Marks, it was so encouraging to know that the PCC had identified children as an area of focus in the life of the church. 2021 saw the whole team seeking to grow relationships within the groups, as well as looking out to connect with those not yet part of the life of St Marks. I am so thankful to all who have worked to enable children to get to know Jesus in a year that has provided many challenges. This vital work would not have been possible without the dedication and faithfulness of each team member. I would particularly like to thank Rachel Tunnicliffe, Becky Onslow, Lizzy Stansfield, Gail Vlack and Frances Bryant for their faithful ministering this year. Also, to Rachel Batchelor and Keren Hamilton for their admin help.

As we enter 2022 I am convinced of the importance of our children, and how great a gift they are to our life at St Marks. I continue to pray for this work, both during the week and on Sundays

The whole children’s team is an incredible one to be part of.

Please do continue to pray for this work, and be open to God calling you to join us.

Rachel Tunnicliffe Children’s Ministry Report

The Tide groups exist to disciple primary school age children. We have around 200 children – a huge blessing and quite a challenge! Many of these children are new to Church and are being introduced to Jesus for the first time, whilst others are being discipled at home. We see the opportunity and the responsibility of this mission river flowing into our building and we seek to share Jesus’ love with each child, whatever their background.

We focus on relationships – between the children and their peers, children and adult leaders and children and our teenage leaders, but most importantly each child’s relationship with Jesus.

We have had to be adaptable in uncertain times, moving to afternoon zoom groups and then back into Church at the 10.30 service, and responding to changing restrictions. We were given the word “faithfulness” and God has certainly been faithful. We have more children in the Tide than before the pandemic – 193 primary children registered for groups at the 10.30 service (242 on roll). We are thankful, and must honour the blessing God is giving us.

Week by week we are privileged to see children find out more about Jesus and his love for them, and adults and young leaders growing in their gifts.

Effective discipleship in this context takes a lot of people. Our prayers have been answered and new volunteers have come forward and completed our safer recruitment process. New young leaders have joined the team too. We are thankful for the new energy, gifts and ideas they have brought to the Tide groups. We still need more men involved!

Gail Vlack Children’s Events Report

Children’s Events at St. Mark’s aim to inspire children and families to love and follow Jesus. This ministry holds one-off events throughout the year to bring families together to celebrate and give the opportunity to invite families from the fringes of our church family or those that do not regularly attend church. They are seeker-friendly, fun, party-style events, with goody bags, live music, age-appropriate games, activities, worship and prayer.

This year we held a Light Party on October 31st, as a safe, Christ-centred alternative to Halloween for families with primary-aged children. This free event was advertised in our children’s groups, church newsletters and also in local schools. We asked families to register on churchsuite, and 60 children signed-up, each receiving a goody bag. It was lovely to have youth leading the worship with Chris Mason and it was great to see the church all lit up with disco lights. Thanks to Rachel Tunnicliffe and Dave Ferguson for agreeing to lead with Gail at the last minute, due to Covid absences. It was a wonderful time of seeing God bringing people together and encouraging children to respond to the light of Jesus. We were able to invite families to children’s groups and the Christingle Service.

In 2022 we would love to hold an Easter event for families and a Light Party in October. We will also look at what to provide for children in the summer for a ‘Holiday Club’. We would love to encourage more youth to be equipped to serve at these events. And there has been interest in starting a dance ministry group that could collaborate at these events to encourage creative ministry and gifts.

Gail Vlack Toddler Ministry Report

Our Toddler Ministry team vision is to develop the lives and potential of young children and their families by creating a fun, safe environment to play, share and grow. We show God’s love by building relationships in a nurturing, supportive, welcoming community where every adult and child feels cared for and valued.

In Spring 2021 we put together toddler trails that families could complete in the church grounds and supplemented this with online resources and toddler praise sessions on YouTube. These resources continue to be used with baptism families and to support the work that has been going on in person in recent months.

Outdoor Toddler Praise sessions started in May 2021 in the church garden. Our team of volunteers and families were delighted to be meeting in person and using the outdoor space allowed us to connect with God and nature in new and exciting ways. We ran two Toddler Time events for families with young children in the summer term to help connect families with church.

In June 2021 we launched an outdoor baby group. This was the first time we had aimed a group at parents with children 0-12 months. We were interested to meet a new demographic that would not have attended our traditional toddler groups before, younger parents, usually on maternity leave and looking to connect with parents in a similar situation.

In September we were pleased to reopen our indoor groups. Our Monday & Wednesday Toddler Praise groups meet fortnightly in church and offer age-appropriate worship, bible stories, activities, games & prayer. Our Tuesday & Thursday Toddler Groups meet weekly in the North Room and offer play, support, community

and friendship to families with children under 5. Our baby group had limited success meeting indoors on a regular basis, but a Baby Christmas Party was a big success. By the end of the year we were engaging with about 50 families per week across all the groups.

This year we have improved our communication with families with the use of churchsuite for registration. This enables us to send emails, send invitations to church events and encourage the families to enter more into the family at St. Mark’s. Reduced numbers in our groups have helped develop closer relationships and encourage more reliable attendance and commitment. It has also allowed spaces to open up quicker for new families, as families must re-register each term, so we aren’t keeping spaces for families that don’t attend.

We are thankful to our team of 13 volunteers who use their gifts and talents to support families in our community and show the love of Jesus each week.

In 2022 we would love to connect with other churches and reintroduce the town-wide prayer and networking annual gathering of toddler leaders we held at St. Mark’s before lockdown. We hope that our baby group will grow in numbers and regular attendees and offer support to vulnerable mums and first-time parents. We are looking to grow our volunteer team so we have enough support for each group and can provide refreshments regularly. We will also continue to look at how we use outdoor space and encourage the groups to be good stewards of our environment. We will look to successfully apply for grant money from the North Yorkshire Early Help Team to expand our resources for infants, improve the comfort of young families in the North Room and offer free books to all children in our groups at Christmas and Easter.

Gail Vlack Baptism Visiting Ministry Report

Our baptism visiting team supports families that are having children baptised at St. Mark’s by visiting them at home before and after the baptism, introducing them to the ministries of the church, helping them connect and praying for them. This ministry restarted in May 2021 as restrictions eased. 15 families had children baptised in 2021, with 20 children being baptised throughout the year.

Thanks to our team of seven volunteer

baptism visitors and also those members of our congregation that accompany them on home visits. By providing a warm welcome, information about our church community and offering support they are sharing the love of Jesus and being missional in their outreach.

Families give very positive feedback following the baptisms, and mention the warm welcome, the personal feel of the service and the relaxed atmosphere. This year they seem even more grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with family and they seem more open to connecting with our church family following the baptism. This year we have seen more families attending the welcome service following their baptism.

Communication has improved with the enhanced use of churchsuite to ensure that all families are included in our database and any new families added to the newcomer flow, so we can encourage as many families as possible to stay connected. They are also able to opt in to receive toddler communications and we have noticed more families joining our toddler groups and toddler praise sessions this year following the baptism.

Thanks to Janet Green for ensuring the resources we provide the families are up to date, relevant and invitational. Thanks to Ann Fitzgerald for her secretarial support, this has supported clergy and office staff and allowed smooth communication with the families, godparents and visitors.

In 2022 we would love to add a few new volunteers to our visiting team. We would love to see even more baptism families attending church regularly following the baptism. It would be great to raise the visibility of this ministry, to recognise the volunteers for their service and ensure the congregation are aware of the visiting role and how they can pray for and support the baptism families.

By providing a warm welcome, information about our church community and offering support they are sharing the love of Jesus and being missional in their outreach.

Shirley Jones Prayer Ministry Report

The vision of prayer ministry is to have a committed and passionate team who are available to come alongside members of St Mark’s to help them in their journey to be closer to the person God means them to be and to join in with their experience of the reality of His presence, love and power. This involves listening with a compassionate heart, a faith in the willingness and ability of God to intervene in people’s lives and situations and to being committed to be available to pray with people during and after church services and whenever the need arises midweek.

It is always a highlight of praying for others when we witness God working in people’s lives and answering our prayers. We have been encouraged by the feedback from those who we have been praying for, in particular from those who availed themselves of the prayer soaking opportunities at the Sanctuary events and who received healing and a real sense of God’s presence. We have also been encouraged by the support and commitment to prayer ministry by the clergy team in services.

The prayer ministry team is 15 strong and are a team who are gifted by the Holy Spirit in faith, discernment, wisdom, words of knowledge and above all love for those they pray with. They are committed to prayer and to keeping up to date with training and to meeting together for mutual support and encouragement. They provide an internet prayer presence and respond instantly to those prayer requests received by email. A small group are also part of the intercessory prayer team who regularly pray each week.

Frances Bryant Prayer Coordinator Report

As Prayer Coordinator I seek to draw people together to pray in dependence on God who’s at work in all of us and in Creation. I hope to enable all ages to engage in prayer – for the church, town, nation and world, recognising our responsibility to be ‘Good News people’ everywhere. On Sundays, individuals and families lead our outward-focused prayers. At monthly meetings we hear from and pray for our mission partners who bring hope to those on the fringes - the poor, the homeless – both in the UK and abroad. We also pray for our church ministry teams.

Throughout 2021, St Mark’s prayer meetings focused on praying into the Climate Crisis. Working with our Parish and Diocesan Environment Officers, Deborah and Jemima, this culminated in 11 days of prayer in November, with stories from the frontline of the Climate Crisis around the world going out to St Mark’s and across the Diocese. Thanks to the Communications teams, especially Janet Green at St Mark’s, and Charlie Scott at the Diocese. Both our congregations engaged thoughtfully with creation prayer activities during the COP, and we hope to continue this momentum in 2022.

The Sunday Intercessions team is made up of volunteers. Particular thanks to Ruth Cundy who helps lead prayer meetings to keep us connected with the wider world. A smaller team meets weekly, praying for the wider community, those in need, and the work of the church and its mission partners.

Catherine Gibbon Pastoral Support Report

The pastoral activity at St Marks in 2021 covered:

Highlights and Special Mentions

The tremendous job Jose Rhodes and her team of volunteers have done in providing lunches to 47 elderly households. An incredible organisational feat, cooking soups, baking, delivering, keeping in touch with so many from St Marks especially at a time when we couldn’t meet in church.

The bereavement Journey which we first ran in June for 6 weeks for members of St Marks who have been bereaved. After it’s success we are starting the next course on 27th Jan and this time have advertised far and wide to benefit the Harrogate community.

The Thanksgiving and Remembrance service held in January for those bereaved at St Marks and for those who had their funeral at St Marks over the past two year. We were able to offer refreshments afterwards. A lot of positive feedback was given.

The huge number of newcomers and returning to hosting the popular afternoon tea at the Woodroofe’s home. Seeing some of those people become active members of St Marks, joining community groups and serving.

Setting up the 18 – 30 community group. An age group that was under represented in the past but which has grown in the past year. Ali and Mike Barker now run this group at their home.

Sue Russell Midweek Ministry Report

Sadly we were forced to close again just before Christmas, but we remain optimistic that we will be able to get back on track in early 2022. The groups are ready to return as soon as it’s safe to do so and we are grateful for offers of help from people new to St. Mark’s.

Morning meets was re-named this year in order to better to reflect the mission and outreach aspect of the ministry. Its aim and vision is to blur the lines between church and community and to build one seamless society which honours God and begins to address the twin problems of loneliness and isolation in Harrogate.

We would like to add more activities, although it’s uncertain at the moment as to whether we shall have the resources to open five days a week. My hope is that we may be able to achieve a re-launch with a new name, eyecatching image and fresh publicity in the form of flyers delivered to every home in the parish.

Unfortunately the COVID pandemic resulted in significant disruption last year but, when some of the restrictions were lifted, we were delighted to welcome two home groups to the church on Tuesday mornings and to be able to offer them hospitality. The same was true for the Holy Communion congregation on Thursdays. It was wonderful to be able to welcome people back to the café after such a prolonged break and it was undoubtedly the highlight of the year.

Enormous tribute is due to the volunteers who have continued to demonstrate their commitment to this ministry through a difficult two years, and I thank them all.

Janet Green Communication & Digital Report

Good communication can help us to live out our calling to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. My role is to support St Mark’s to do this in the unique context in which we are placed, and in a way that is most effective and relevant to the many audiences that we seek to serve.

Throughout 2021, our communications have had to consider our church family at home as well as those returning to the building as we aim to inform and connect both audiences with the ministry and mission of St Mark’s. We continue to give thought and consideration too, to our wider audience and those not yet part of our church family, including newcomers and seekers.

With the arrival of Mike and Liz, the focus has been on helping our church family get to know more of who they are. Whether through communicating their vision, teaching topics, or spending time producing videos such as ‘Moments with Mike’, all have helped to gain a greater understanding of their voice and what God has laid on their hearts.

MyChurchSuite, our member-facing App, was introduced to the congregation through email and video communications.

COP26 encouraged us to consider how we can highlight the environment through our various communication platforms. It was a privilege to work with Deborah Booth and Frances Bryant on this project and continue to do so as we look at keeping the environment firmly on our communication agenda.

Our digital presence continues to be a valuable tool in communicating the Good news. Time has been spent updating various areas of our website, getting planning social media activity, and creating content.

With the return of children’s groups to the building in September, it was been helpful to be part of the registration process and support in communications with many new and existing families.

The Gift Day prompted some work on our giving communications including website updates and making the regular giving form more accessible through a new digital version of the form.

Easter and Christmas are always key dates in the communications calendar and much time is spent producing helpful ways for our church family to engage with, and to invite others to the celebrations.

The nature of communications means working across the breadth of the church, with teams, volunteers and individuals. There is much joy in supporting them to regularly communicate their ministries or information in the most effective way possible. Projects can range from information-based communications to wider creative content plans.

We have much to communicate and share at St Mark’s, part of disseminating this information involves some updating and administrative work. I am especially thankful to Ruth Wilson who provided administrative support for our Easter campaign 2021 and also to Jen Dening who updates ‘A Church Near You’ regularly.

I would like to give special thanks to the AV team including Jon Dening; Jay & Josh Vlack; Darren & Samuel Kidd; Ben & James Handley and Simon Green. It is through their knowledge, wisdom, and expertise that we have been able to stream our services. With services back in the building plus online they now juggle the sound and tech for both dimensions, serving faithfully each month and extra when required. I am particularly grateful to the young people who have stepped up to serve. It is our hope that more people will join the team this year.

It’s with thanks also to Stuart Holland, Tim Cundy, and again Jon Dening for creating our new AV area. It has been a delight to witness their teamwork and see a vision come to life.

Mike Procter Mission Ministry Report

Alpha

The Alpha Course outlines the core principles of the Christian faith that all denominations agree on. By focusing on the fundamentals, it is an opportunity for people to engage in discussions regardless of where they are on their faith journey.

Our 2020 course had to move onto Zoom midway through and we were unsure how many people would sign up for a Zoom course in 2021. No-one as it turned out! Maybe we were all getting a bit zoomed-out by then. We ran a face-to-face course in the autumn and although continuing nervousness around Covid meant it attracted only a small number, we had some fascinating discussions in part because of the cultural diversity in the group.

My hope for 2022 is that every member of St Mark’s seeks opportunities to invite friends, neighbours and colleagues to Alpha, pointing them to information about the course, and when the dates of the next course are published gently reminding them. The hope of the Church is transformation by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Alpha is a wonderful way for us all to help realise that hope.

For more info: alpha@smch.org.uk

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Harrogate Clothes Bank is a St Mark’s project and was set up in 2016. Everything we supply is free and anyone can use the service. Most of our customers need lots of items, sometimes quite suddenly. The majority of people self-refer but many organisations signpost to us including; Resurrected Bites, Canaan (free furniture), Foodbank, Harrogate Homeless Project, NYCC Social Services, Harrogate Borough Council, the Probation Service, GPs, the JobCentre, schools, churches, refugee support charities, women’s refuges, etc.

In 2021 we opened to customers once a week when Covid rules allowed and we made homedelivered when they didn’t. In August we moved from McCarthy’s Storage World to temporary accommodation kindly provided the Harrogate & District Scouts, and in September we moved to a warehouse on Hornbeam Park. Over the year our team of 20 to 25 volunteers served over 280 local families and individuals, providing over 5,000 items. In addition we gave approximately 1,000 items to organisations supporting refugees outside the UK. We don’t have space to store out of season clothes so these are sent to other clothing charities. Badly worn, damaged or soiled clothes are sent for recycling. Our main cost is rent and in 2021 this was met mainly by grants. In May we held a pop-up fundraising sale at St Mark’s and raised £750 which was a great help.

We’re now open every Wednesday 10-12 and one Saturday a month 10-12. My hope for 2022 is that every member of the St Marks family visits us, and brings a friend. Anyone is welcome to buy items and money raised in this way can form a significant part of our income - you might be surprised by the quality of clothes we stock. We’d also welcome more volunteers. If you’re active on social media please share our Facebook posts and help raise awareness of this wonderful resource.

Email: harrogateclothes@gmail.com Web: HarrogateClothesBank.co.uk Facebook: Harrogate-Clothes-Bank

St Mark’s Mission Support Group Allocation of the Budget 2021

Jose Rhodes Mission Support Group Report

Covid, personal contact remained limited, but we give thanks that: -

Throughout the year, St Mark’s continued to give prayer support to our mission partners during church services and at the monthly prayer gatherings held on zoom. Despite a fall in the mission budget for 2021, giving to our long-term partners was maintained at £20,000. The remainder of mission giving was spread across a wide range of organisation, but focused especially on those involved with the environment, social justice, including food banks, and overseas aid to those areas most affected by Covid (Nepal and India) or in response to Tearfund appeals (Afghanistan and DCR). Full financial report attached.

A major highlight of the year was a garden party for the church family to meet Paul and Ruth Turner before they returned to Peru. Invited in shifts, 60 people enjoyed tea, cake and chat in a socially-distanced manor in the safety of the outdoors. For a brief period life seemed more normal and we hope and pray that this will continue into 2022.

With thanks to our MSG team for all that they do: Frances Bryant, Ruth Cundy, Jen Dening, Val Hall, Susie McQuade, José Rhodes

LONG TERM MAIN MISSION PARTNERS

Home
Caring For Life
£4,000
In2Out
£3,000
Wellspring
£3,000		 Home
Caring For Life
£4,000
In2Out
£3,000
Wellspring
£3,000
International
Latin Link (Turners)
Mission without Borders
Artizan International		 £4.000
£3,000
£3,000

UNALLOCATED

Unlike in previous years, the MSG did not consult the congregation regarding the unallocated. This was difficult decision, but we received so many requests from organisations that we support already, that we concentrated on these.

Home

Home
Lifeline
CMS (Hemburys)
Harrogate Food Bank
Bradford Food Bank
A Rocha UK
H’gate Clothesbank
Res. Bites Cafe
Harrogate Homeless
Wetherby YOI Xmas
Prison Fellowship
Christmas outreach
Overseas
~~A Rocha International~~		 £1500
£1000
£1000
£1000
£500
£500
£500
£500
£500
£300 (Angel Tree project)
£414 (Wetherby YOI, IDAS)
~~£1000~~


Open Doors
£1000
Nepal Int. Fellowship
£1000
Tearfund Afghanistan
£500
Shalom Décor (Flor)
£400
Bellary Grain Kits
£250
India coronavirus (CA)
£250
Tearfund DRC appeal
£250
Christian Aid week
£250
Total Mission Giving at Home and Overseas
£12,614
Total Spend
£32,614

Cathy Meadows Operations Report

Tim Cundy Fabric Report

Including Finance and General Purposes

It’s been a very successful year in terms of operations and office work at St Mark’s.

The Estate Management Team have been meeting monthly, either virtually or in person, to discuss and implement the maintenance and repair of the church building. Their guidance and practical help has been a blessing to us all. It’s fantastic to see the range of skills people have and the time they will give - our church building has at least one issue that needs attention every single week and this team of people attend to it.

See Tim’s Fabric Report for more information.

Additionally, we responded to the Jan-March lockdown and restrictions by taking the opportunity to clear out, clean up and reorganise things from top to bottom – from the North Room loft to the cellars. This has freed up more storage space, and helped us comply with Health and Safety regulations by allowing clear access to the boilers and gas supply, for instance. Nothing useful has been thrown away but has been donated to charity. This is a much better use of resources when someone else can use what we don’t need.

Cleaning the building continued with our reliable volunteer cleaners – each taking on a space or specific task and they continue to do so. Most of the church is still cleaned by volunteers, but since August we have employed the services of a contract cleaner three sessions a week for high use areas such as the toilets, kitchen floor and surfaces, and emptying of bins. The church windows and doors were given a one-off clean by a window cleaner back in August.

Outdoor space has come into more focus for us all recently and 2021 saw the installation of picnic tables and benches and portable gazebos (grant applied for and received from the Coop) and a new ‘garden trail’ was created. Initially, this was with children in mind, but at Christmas was used as a ‘prayer trail’ for everyone. We hope that small groups will create differently themed prayer trails over the coming year. Additionally, more garden plots have been adopted by church family and we hope to see the garden developing too.

Office-wise, we have been reviewing and revisiting some of our policies and procedures, including the Room Hire Policy and Wedding Procedures. These may seem very different entities, but, besides their obvious aims, the

main aim is that anyone who has any connection with St Mark’s not only finds us both welcoming and professional, but we hope we radiate the Christian ethos.

Furthermore, staff and volunteers have been doing some excellent work regarding fire safety. The Fire Safety Policy has been revised, new procedures put in place, a very informative Fire Safety Training session was delivered and a fire practice evacuation carried out on a small cohort of people. We will regularly be carrying out practice evacuations in future including whole church evacuation and delivering the fire training session again.

There are more policies we aim to work on in 2022.

Our volunteers continue to be the only way we function at church and 2021 saw a new IT volunteer, a new Kitchen Coordinator volunteer and two new volunteer office assistants come on board. We keep asking for new volunteers and they keep coming!

Philippians 4:19

‘My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The Estates Management Team has met monthly during the year and has been a useful forum for dealing with many issues relating to the church building.

The only major project this year has been the new AV desk. We are extremely grateful to all those who have helped with the successful implementation of this project, particularly Stuart Holland for the construction of the desk and Jon Dening for the very complex task of re-routing cables to the desk.

The volunteer team doing other maintenance jobs, clearing gutters and a multitude of minor repairs in the building has saved us considerable expense and we are blessed with so many willing helpers. One long overdue task was to clear out the two cellars allowing easy access to the heating boilers, electrical switchboards and other equipment.

Mark Siddall Safeguarding Report

We are blessed in having so many children and young people involved in our church, and we know how important it is to provide a safe and secure environment for all those connected to St Mark’s

At St Mark’s, safeguarding is at the heart of who we are and what we do. We are blessed in having so many children and young people involved in our church, and we know how important it is to provide a safe and secure environment for all those connected to St Mark’s. We also know that there are some individuals who pose a risk to others, and so we recognise the need to be constantly vigilant and to ensure that safeguarding is regarded as everyone’s business.

One of the key safeguarding activities during the past 12 months has been to ensure that officers and volunteers are safely recruited. This has necessitated regular contact with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), both in respect of new volunteers and also for those existing volunteers whose DBS certificates required renewal.

Because it is the type of role undertaken by an individual that determines whether a DBS check can be applied for, and what type of DBS check can be requested, we have been revising various role descriptions in order to ensure not only that they are accurate, but also to ensure that they enable a DBS check to be legitimately applied for. The revision of role descriptions will continue throughout 2022.

Additionally, we have required officers and volunteers to attend relevant safeguarding training. For many, this has entailed participation in the Basic Awareness, and the Foundations training, but others have attended additional training, depending on their role within the church. It is difficult to overstate the importance of such training, and we now require training to be renewed at least every 3 years.

It is understandable that some within the congregation might struggle with the notion of abuse within the church, and might wonder how to respond either to a disclosure or to something of concern that they become aware

of. For most individuals, responding to a safeguarding issue is not an everyday occurrence. Consequently, a guide has been produced which gives basic information about types of abuse, how to respond in different situations, and the contact details of individuals and organisations that can offer help. The guide is located on the St Mark’s website, and so is available to all.

Throughout the year there has been a fairly small number of issues of concern that have arisen. Where appropriate, there has been liaison with the diocesan safeguarding team, in order to resolve such issues. In addition, in 2021 we established a link with a named individual in North Yorkshire Police. The purpose of the link was to enable St Mark’s to share information of concern in confidence, and to receive any such information from the police. It is not unknown for offenders who pose a risk to others to attach themselves to a church, and in such cases the exchange of information becomes a high priority.

During the past 12 months the PCC has required a report from the parish safeguarding officer at every meeting, and this has helped to keep the issue of safeguarding at a visible level. Additionally, St Mark’s adopted the Church of England’s parish safeguarding dashboard in 2021. This is an electronic information system which enables the church to assess and track its performance against best safeguarding practice. All PCC members have access to the dashboard, and the dashboard is a key tool used by the safeguarding officer and the safeguarding admin officer.

An ongoing task during the last 12 months has been to review and streamline paperwork, and to move to electronic versions and systems wherever possible. This is intended to free up time and focus, and the process will no doubt continue during 2022.

Lastly, the church established a risk assessment group during 2021, and the safeguarding officer became a core member of the group. This was another sign of the importance that St Mark’s place on good safeguarding practice, and it bodes well for the future.

Richard Marjoribanks Treasurer’s Report

Headlines :

The Gift Day in November is the key factor in our results this year with £6,700 (included in Donations in the chart below) used to cover the deficit and leave us with a break-even position. It also enables a more optimistic start to financial planning in 2022 with the budgeted deficit for that year also covered in full. As we start to emerge from the worst of the pandemic, the St Mark’s finances also reflect the cautious return to some form of normality with letting income starting to pick up along with wedding and funeral fees now that these services are allowed to be held in the Church. However, the last year has seen our core Planned Giving Income and Gift Aid fall further by just over £28,000 as people have left Harrogate or had to cut their giving. However, we are in a much more fortunate position than many churches as the revenue loss, while still serious, is under 8% of total Planned Giving. And monthly Planned Giving remains a key foundation to the work and ministry of the Church.

We maintained staffing levels throughout the year and continued to rely on volunteer help in cleaning the building. As activity in the building picked up, we took the decision to bring in contract cleaners a few hours a week to cover key cleaning tasks. It also became clear that we cannot hope to keep office staff at the lower levels resulting from the decision made in 2020 and will probably need to add extra paid resource in 2022. We did though take the decision to defer advertising for a new Youth Pastor, when Natalie left us in July, and this saved around £12,000 in the year.

We were able to maintain Parish Share payments to the Diocese at the level requested with the request maintained at the 2020 level. The St Marks payment is an important element of the Diocesan income from Churches in our Deanery representing over 12% of the total. On average, the 32 congregations in the Deanery were only able to pay 77% of the Share Request in 2021.

Mission Support Giving, at £36,624, is slightly above the 2020 level but, with changes in the way people are giving, this is now calculated on total Income from Donations & Legacies (Incoming Resources from Donors in these accounts) to include one-off donations. We hope to continue to maintain this 10% tithe in future. The allocation of this giving is administered on behalf of the PCC by the Mission Support Group.

Based on our 2021 expenditure, our financial ‘free’ reserves at the end of the year, at £93,359 (2020: £93,446), represented 3.1 months of expenditure. These are the Unrestricted Funds that are not designated for a specific purpose or tied up in Fixed Assets.

Reserves policy

In 2020, the PCC reviewed its policy on the minimum level of unrestricted reserves that should be maintained. Whilst recognising that a faith organisation such as a Church should perhaps operate on a nil reserves basis, this policy has been arrived at in light of the statutory responsibilities to the staff employed by the PCC, should income reductions require a reassessment of the number of paid positions, as well as the time required to seek additional financial support to fund the Church’s vision for mission. The potential for the one-off substantial repair liabilities that can arise from the quinquennial inspection has also been considered. Reserves represented by tangible fixed assets will be excluded as they are by nature not immediately realisable. The PCC also took note of the minimum reserves policy adopted by the Diocese of Leeds. It has therefore been decided that St Mark’s will fall in line with our Diocesan policy and will aim to have a minimum level of liquid reserves representing two months of normal ongoing expenditure.

Facts & Figures Attendance

In-person attendance and online view figures October services 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
DATE IN-PERSON ONLINE VIEWS
9AM 10.30AM 9AM 10.30AM
03RD 45 84
OCT 63 206
10TH 56 77
OCT 62 226
17TH 34 49
OCT 59 211
24TH 37 49
OCT 57 166
----- End of picture text -----

Electoral Roll

----- Start of picture text -----
2019 2020 2021
Year
412
3 3
76 78
Number of member on St Mark’s electoral roll
----- End of picture text -----

Occasional Offices

----- Start of picture text -----
BAPTISMS WEDDINGS FUNERALS
20 7 14
INCLUDES 4 FUNERALS
AT THE CREMATORIUM ONLY
----- End of picture text -----

*View count is based on YouTube analytics taken from the date of the event until 26th January and therefore includes live views and watch again. YouTube counts a views when: A user intentionally initiates the watching of a video. The user watches it on the platform for at least 30 seconds. Views do not mean the user has watched for the total broadcast time and therefore views should be considered alongside watch time.

PCC Leadership & What it is and what it does

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Measure. The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules. St Mark’s PCC has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building.

It seeks to promote the following stated priorities:

The PCC oversees the church’s strategic and annual plan, agrees the budget, and monitors progress made against both of these. It oversees the appointment of the members of the leadership team.

Membership 2021: Incumbent: The Revd. Mike Resch (from March), The Revd. Liz Resch (from March); Associate Minister: The Revd. Dan Watts (Standing Committee); Curate: The Revd. Kim Mason (Standing Committee); Curate: The Revd. James Handley; Associate Vicar: The Rev John Duff; Church Wardens/Standing Committee:

Mrs Alison Glover and Mr David Ferguson; Reader Representative: Mrs Ruth Cundy; Deanery Synod Representatives: Mrs Licy Dorsey (Disability Officer), Dr Susan Atkin, Dr Michelle Hayes, Mrs Jeannine Fisher and Mr Chris Mason. Elected members: Mrs Rebecca Onslow (second term), Mr Wayne Brown, Mrs Sara Ferguson, Mr Mike Procter (Tree Officer), Mr Neil Tunnicliffe, Mrs Carol Bexon, Mrs Carol Bracher (second term), Mrs Deborah Booth (Environment Officer), Mrs Ann FitzGerald (PCC Secretary/ Standing Committee), Mr Richard Marjoribanks (Treasurer/ Standing Committee), Mr Mark Siddall (Parish Safeguarding Officer), Mrs Gail Vlack.

Ceased during 2020: Mr Keelan Glendinning, Mr John Hammerton and Mr Alan Stokes.

Not on PCC but in a designated role and will attend as required: Natalie Jones (Youth Pastor); Tim Cundy (Deputy Warden); Catherine Gibbin (Pastoral Director); Janet Green (Information & Communications Officer); Frances Bryant (Prayer Co-ordinator); Shirley Jones (Prayer Ministry Co-ordinator); Suzie McQuade (Safeguarding Administrator), Cathy Meadows (Office Manager/ Electoral Roll Officer); Neil Meadows (Health & Safety Officer).

Other PCC committees/groups: The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council, and oversees the week-by-week operations and the finances of the church.

The PCC has three other main sub-committees:

The Strategic Planning Group - which prepares the church’s annual strategic/mission plan for the consideration and approval of the PCC, and monitors progress against that plan;

The Estates Management Committee - which meets regularly to review and advise on the maintenance of the church infrastructure and estate and the day-to-day management of the building.

Finance Sub Committee - supports the Treasurer in decision making and helps in preparing papers to be presented at Standing Committee and the wider PCC

Other committees include the Mission Support Group, which aims to engender understanding, involvement and commitment to world-wide mission within St Mark’s, and is chaired by Jose Rhodes.

In 2021, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and circumstances of having a new Vicar, the PCC has met monthly instead of quarterly as previously. The future pattern of meetings will be reviewed in 2022. The pattern of meetings will have at its heart the need: First, to agree and adopt an annual strategic/mission plan and a supporting budget at the start of each calendar year. To review and approve the annual report, and consider proposals which are required for the consideration of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in April. To review progress against the strategic/mission plan as the year progresses. From the autumn onwards, to consider and approve the next year’s plan – and so on, in a repeating annual cycle. PCC members are encouraged to join the teams/groups that deliver the plan, though not at a level that would create conflicts of interest. New PCC members are given information pertinent to their role as members of the PCC and are eligible to attend Diocesan training courses as appropriate. Those attending courses are asked to report back to PCC.

Risk Management: The PCC acknowledges its responsibility to identify, assess and manage the major risks to which it is exposed. It is developing a register of major risks and continues to enhance plans to ensure that systems and processes are in place to mitigate exposure to these risks. Major risks arise from a variety of aspects of the church’s internal operations and external environment, including security, health and safety and finance and individual policies and procedures have been developed to address many of these areas. Monthly financial reports are submitted to PCC and budgets agreed before the start of each year. The PCC is further developing procedures to meet its responsibilities in this area and monitoring implementation of the necessary mitigating actions.

Conflicts Policy: The PCC has adopted a policy to identify any conflicts of interests that any member may have that may exist which could potentially affect the proper operation of the Council. Potential conflicts can arise where a PCC member has a personal interest or involvement in an organisation which the PCC intends to support financially or from which the PCC propose to purchase goods or services. A standard agenda item at the start of every meeting gives opportunity for PCC members to declare potential conflicts that may arise in the course of the meeting and members are also required to declare any conflicts that arise during the course of discussion that had not been identified at the start of the meeting. Conflicts so declared are recorded in the minutes of the meeting along with any action taken to deal with the conflict. Conflicted members will abstain from voting on the relevant issue and may be asked to leave the meeting during discussion if felt necessary. A Register of Interests is completed by all PCC members following the APCM each year.

smch.org.uk

Visit St Mark’s Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate HG2 8AY Call 01423 544528 Email office@smch.org.uk