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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mark's Harrogate

2023-12-31-accounts

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

2023

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Follow Jesus Make Disciples Build the Kingdom

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2023 Vicar’s Report

2023 Reports from Wardens & Team Members

2023 Mission Report

2023 Operations Report

– including Finance & General Purposes and Fabric

2023 Safeguarding Report

Facts and Figures

2023 PCC leadership and make up

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Mike Resch Vicar’s Report

Recently, I asked the staff team, “If McDonald’s makes burger and Pizza Hut makes pizzas what does the Church make?” They said in unison, “Disciples.” This really pleased me as it matches the call of Jesus to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

A disciple of Jesus is not only a follower of his teaching but also of his life. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.’ Paul calls us to be ‘Christ’s ambassadors of God’s Kingdom’ (2 Corinthians 5:20). With this in mind, we believe St Mark’s mission is to:

Follow Jesus

Make Disciples

Build the Kingdom

This year, PCCs discussions and meetings led to a joyous Vision Sunday where we shared the priorities for St. Mark’s as follows:

Children and families

Young people

Small Groups

We identified these priority areas where growing disciples can happen across the spectrum of the church.

Jesus showed that the key to making disciples is not just feeding people with information but also helping them to live out the original plan of God. Whilst spending three years with a group of people he modelled how to make disciples; putting teaching with practical and radical living amongst ordinary people. Jesus’ holistic approach of discipleship is what we are keen to grasp.

We learn together from him and live it out where he has placed us. Be that in our homes, work or leisure activities. Jesus revealed that we are all called to be a disciple making disciples wherever we are. We are here at St. Mark’s to equip and develop the gifts God has given you, to be the church wherever you are and expectant that he will use each of us to further his Kingdom.

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Dave Ferguson on behalf of Churchwardens, Dave and Mel Churchwardens’ Report

For 2023, we wanted the Churchwardens’ report to reflect St Mark’s recent journey, where we have redefined who we are as a church and the unique mission we have.

So it’s important to remind ourselves of

So who are we? As a Church, we call ourselves a lively and multi-generational Church of England church in the heart of Harrogate with a charismatic, open evangelical style. Our Website states that, we are passionate about journeying alongside all ages and backgrounds as they discover more of Jesus. We are people who pray, proclaim and party!

It is within these three Ps that we have defined our nine core values; to help to shape our behaviour and how we relate to God, each other and the world.

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These values include:

- Pray – Relationship with God

o Intimate Worship

o Two-way prayer

o Authority of the Bible

- Proclaim – Relationship with the World

We hope you agree that this sets us up as a church for God by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow us numerically and draw us closer to Him.

I must admit, that I personally have been so inspired by this calling on us as a church that I am stepping aside at the forthcoming APCM. This is because I can’t stop myself from getting stuck in to what God is doing through our young people and therefore have felt the call on my life to invest further.

o Transformation

o Evangelism

o Generosity

o Discipleship

The PCC’s desire is for St Mark’s to see these values as our DNA. To support us all in living this out, PCC worked through setting out our 3 priorities for the next few years. These priorities were shared in October at a magnificent Vision Sunday service and lunch where all congregations, worship styles and ages came together. The purpose of this service was to recognise that together, we are one church, one community and worship together; thanking God and praising him for working through people of St Mark’s in the past, present and future.

To support us to live out the greatest commandment of ‘Loving God and Loving Others’ the priorities presented were:

I am super excited by what God is doing at St Mark’s, look forward to welcoming the future arrivals of our new Curate, Esli, and her family, as well as a new Associate Minister to support the amazing work Mike and the rest of the staff team are doing.

We would like to finish this report by thanking our Clergy and Staff teams; for their ministry, keeping the lights on and for going above and beyond. Finally, we would like to share the verse we have started many of our PCC meetings,

John 15 vs. 7 & 8:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

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Hannah Ferguson Youth Ministry Report

Vision

This year we have been dreaming big for our youth ministry. On Vision Sunday, we talked about an ambitious vision for how we believe God is calling our youth ministry to grow and requirements for their own space in the coming years.

At St Mark’s, we offer a range of groups to draw our young people together to pray, proclaim and party. This year we have formed a Bible Study group out of Youth Alpha for our older teens and launched our new leadership training group for those serving in our children’s ministry; providing new ways to disciple our young people. We are already seeing fruit!

Highlights

This year we’ve seen prayers answered, friendships formed and young people deepen their faith. Our Sunday morning group ‘Elevate’ has grown significantly and is now bursting at the seams for hot chocolate and discipleship. Our youth and leaders supported and invested in other churches across town at the Harrogate Youth Glow Party at St Andrew’s as an alternative to Halloween. Many have

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also supported the Harrogate Youth Worship Nights, investing in their relationship with God through growing in their Worship; two of our young people have also spoken at these events. This year, we have taken two groups for weekends away at Yorkshire Camps, these have been fantastic bonding experiences and created opportunities to recentre what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Volunteers contributions

None of the highlights above would have happened without our amazing team of volunteers. We have a number of different teams and every single individual within them is incredible! God has blessed us with amazing giftings and answered our prayers when regular teams needed to grow. Please continue to pray for our young people and for their parents as they grow in their discipleship together as families.

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Liz Resch Children’s and Families Ministry Leader

Vision

The vision for children and families in 2023 continues to be one of growing faith, deepening relationships and seeking to encourage and equip children and their families to daily live out their relationship with Jesus.

This vision is for those currently worshipping at St Marks, but also seeks to reach children and families to share the good new of Jesus more widely. As faith grows and is nurtured, we continue to look to reach more children, to give opportunity for God-given gifts to be used, and to learn alongside one another. Our prayer is that God is glorified in everything.

Highlights

2023 was an amazing year. Our Sunday morning groups continued to build on previous years,with children growing in their discipleship, relationships with teams and each other. A significant number

made commitments for life-long friendships with Jesus. Church at 4 has flourished, with the monthly Lego church being a space to creatively respond to God and have fun. We had our first baptism at Church at 4 in November.

We enjoyed making Easter gardens, celebrating the wonderful world God created at Holiday club, seeing the dark lit up on October 31st, concluding with making nativity scenes in shoe boxes.

Volunteers contributions

This work could not happen without the hard work of so many leaders, helpers, pray-ers and encouragers. Thank you so much: particularly to Becky Onslow, Rachel Tunnicliffe, Lizzy Stansfield and Gail Vlack who lead our amazing Sunday morning teams. Please do join us as we continue to adventure with God.

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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.

This year our toddler ministry has continued to flourish at St. Mark’s. We hold Toddler Groups on Tuesdays & Thursdays weekly and Toddler Praise on Mondays & Wednesdays each fortnight and Baby Group on Thursdays each fortnight. We engage with about 70 families across all these groups, a few of these are from our church or other churches in Harrogate, but most are from non-church attending families.

This year we have noticed that mothers of young children are returning to work much quicker and working more hours than before, with more limited time available in the week to attend groups. The importance of engaging with these families in the time they have with their young children is more important than ever. The baby group enables us to connect with mothers while they are on maternity leave.

stepped up to help. We are blessed to have a team of 18 volunteers who use their gifts and talents to support families in our community and show the love of Jesus each week.

We have continued to hold twice yearly Toddler Leader Gathering for leaders from churches across Harrogate. It has been challenging to keep contact with other churches and attendance has been varied, but the benefits of connecting with other churches and sharing our successes & challenges and meeting to pray over our groups and our town has been powerful. It has also been helpful to meet with Jo Young from the diocese and also to network with national toddler group leaders through social media. We are looking forward to the Playtime Conference in Sheffield in September.

In the coming year we will continue to look for ways to be invitational to our toddler families, to forge links between groups and the Monday Mums Community and help toddler families get connected to our wider church family. We are looking to apply for a North Yorkshire Early Help grant to support our toddler provision, and in particular are looking to provide First Aid training.

We have had some changes in our volunteers this year and are so thankful for new people that have

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Catherine Gibbon Pastoral Support Report

In February, Rainbow Through the Rain was re-introduced by Olivia Lambert, a monthly support group with a Christian focus, for those in our local community and at St Mark’s who have been bereaved. This has complimented the Bereavement Journey (a 7 week course for those bereaved), which we ran twice this year at St Mark’s, one of which we did jointly with St Peter’s. Feedback from the course was extremely positive. One lady wrote, “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in ensuring that the participants have been offered a very warm, supportive, Christian welcome and environment in which to explore, express and work through the issues covered in the excellent videos. The generous hospitality speaks of the warmth and inclusivity of the St Mark’s church community, may your work in this important area of ministry continue to flourish”. A team of eight from the pastoral team helped run the course including Jenny Jones who is a Cruse Counsellor and Margaret McMaster who provides bereavement support for Just B.

Rev. Geoff Herbert now provides a monthly communion service at Larchfield Manor as well as Ashfield Court. Hazel Robinson does the same at Carlton Lodge and there are plans for Mike Resch to hold one at Matcham Grange as a joint venture with Christ Church and Woodlands Methodist.

After 5 years as Pastoral Director I will be stepping down as I am moving to another job. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement in my 5 years in this role which I have thoroughly enjoyed, and for the wonderful pastoral care the pastoral team provide for our church family and local community.

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Shirley Jones Prayer Ministry Report

Vision

Prayer ministry is an act of service to church members and where appropriate the wider community. Our vision is to be a blessing to others by praying with and for them. We do this by demonstrating the love of our Father, by inviting Jesus to be present with us as we pray and by being expectant that the power of the Holy Spirit will work through us and in the people and situations we are praying for. Because we know that prayer is important and changes things, we hope that anyone coming forward for prayer will ultimately be given the freedom to be who God intends them to be.

Highlights

Our prayer ministry team are a committed, faithful and quiet presence, at the front of church, in all 9am and 10:30am services. Many people have been prayed for with varying outcomes, some spectacular answers to prayer and some of what appear to be on the surface, disappointments. We are always encouraged when we see God at work when we have prayed for His guidance in any situation and for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Volunteers

The team is 12 people strong. Typically, most team members are available once a month to be on the rota and preferably serve in twos. We would love to see new members join our team who have a commitment and a heart for praying with others. Training is provided.

As a team we seek God’s wisdom and guidance for all our and others’ needs. We are committed to prayer and to keeping up to date with training and with meeting together to minister to and encourage one another. We 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.

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Frances Bryant Prayer Coordinator Report

Vision

Called to be ‘Good News’ people – who pray, proclaim the good news of Jesus, and party – is who we are at St Mark’s. Prayer is at the core of our life together, deepening our dependence upon God and interceding for others and the world. We hold monthly Prayer & Praise services, weekly intercessory team meetings, and pray for our long-term mission partners for a season each year. Praying is corporate but also individual – we offer a church prayer diary for individuals/small groups to use. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s heart for justice, peace, reconciliation and love in the world.

Highlights

Monthly Prayer & Praise services, highlighting our six long-term mission partners featuring inspiring talks and updates from those organisations

A growing team of (now 18) people leading Sunday prayers

An inspiring ‘Kingdom Come’ Prayer evening in May, uniting local churches in worship and prayer for God’s kingdom to grow in Harrogate

A committed team praying for our Summer Holiday Club, “Wonderzone”

A weekly team praying for pastoral needs, the wider world, and the life of St Mark’s

Regular prayer for God’s Creation as St Mark’s works towards ‘Net Zero’, through intercessions, the prayer diary, prayer meetings and prayer videos

Volunteers

The whole team is made up of volunteers, leading intercessions on Sundays, and connecting with mission partners and local needs. Thanks to all who help us to pray at St Mark’s, demonstrating our dependence on God. I look forward to what God has in store in the coming year.

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Janet Green Communication & Digital Report

Digital and communication aims to support St Mark’s in its call to follow Jesus, make disciples and build the kingdom. To share the good news in our unique context, and in a way that is most effective and relevant to the various audiences that we seek to serve.

St Mark’s are people who pray, proclaim and party and in our communications we seek to share the essence of who we are whatever the medium. Through effectively promoting, documenting and celebrating the ministry and mission of St Mark’s, whether to our existing church family, newcomer or seeker, we hope to point people to Jesus.

Communication seems to support so many areas of ministry at St Mark’s and there is much joy in working across the bredth of the church with teams, volunteers and individuals.

This year’s highlight has to be spending more time in and amongst the people of St Mark’s. Having the opportunity to be a fly on the wall in children and youth groups and at holiday club whilst creating content for Vision Sunday. Hanging out with small groups and witnessing the faithful and prayerful people loving and supporting each other whilst filming them for Vision Sunday. Sharing in with the fun of filming our young people as they act out the budget nativity.

Volunteers

There are some amazing people who I get to regularly serve alongside and who I am so thankful for including; the AV team, Zionworx team, IT - Jon Dening and Jen Dening for her diligence over ‘A Church Near You’.

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Deborah Booth Environment Report

Half of our environment group (Mike Procter, Stuart Holland, Tim Yarborough, Cathy Meadows) is working on the technical side of getting our church building to net zero.

Our net CO2 emissions in 2023 were 47.7 tonnes.

Our heating is provided by 2 gas boilers which are 25 years old, and located in a cellar beneath the choir vestry. There is underfloor heating in the community room, nave and chancel, and radiators elsewhere. We would like to burn less gas, and this year will be continuing to explore best options: more solar panels (to add to our existing 39), plus batteries, infrared heaters and heat-pumps. Our electricity currently comes from a green company who derive their energy from wind turbines and solar panels. All stages of the process of changing our heating will proceed slowly to see how different parts of the building respond. New LEDs and automatic switch-off lights were installed this year, meaning less power used and wasted.

The cost of heating and lighting our church building in 2024 is likely to be around £18,000.

The other half of the environment group (Mike Resch, Liz Resch, Ian Booth, Frances Bryant, Janet Green, Jen Dening, Francesca Ellis) have been working on our Eco Church Gold award, which gave rise to the following actions:

In April, a four week sermon series on care for creation.

In May, a public Declaration of Climate Emergency. (See Climate Emergency Toolkit website).

In June, a four-week encouragement to leave the car at home for journeys to and from church.

In October, a new series of monthly videos on social media, showing how individual church members have reduced their carbon footprint.

In November, employment of a local gardener to boost the efforts of volunteer gardeners.

In December, the urging of church members to write to local councillors and MP about the State of Nature in Britain.

Our Environment page on the church website is well worth a visit.

Thank you to everyone at St Mark’s for being willing to make changes in lifestyle and to see creation-care as integral to discipleship.

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Mike Procter Mission Ministry Report

Alpha

In 2023 we ran two courses for a total of 16 guests, facilitated by two small teams of hosts and cooks.

The evenings started with a meal followed by a video or talk on one aspect of Christian faith, then a frank and open discussion. As always, those attending the courses in 2023 were at various stages of their faith journey. Some had attended churches for over 70 years, others rarely or not at all. All however found the course to be valuable. One often heard comment is that the Alpha has opened new understanding and helped faith become more centred on relationship with, than knowledge of God.

The hope of the Church is transformation by the good news of Jesus. Alpha is a wonderful way for us to help realise this hope. My hope for 2024 is that more members of St Mark’s set aside 2 hours a week to accompany a friend, neighbour or colleague on this life changing 10 week course.

Harrogate Clothes Bank

Our vision is to provide free clothes for individuals and families on a low income or who find themselves in need.

Our volunteers engage with adults and children in an open, friendly and non-judgemental way, to create a shopping experience that provides dignity and respect.

Working with local partners, for example; Harrogate Homeless Project, IDAS women’s refuge, social services and prisoner support case workers, we provide clothes to people who have very specific and urgent needs.

We help reduce the environmental impact of unwanted clothing. In 2023 we gave over 3,000kg of our excess donations to other clothes charities and the CTR Group who ‘reuse, recycle and repurpose practically everything’.

Partnerships with several schools have provided opportunities to educate students about social inequality and environmental issues, as well as giving them opportunities to organise clothes swap events and collections.

Data

l 66% had children.

l 50% were employed (60% increase on 2022).

Volunteers

Our 2023 costs were £8,300 (rent was £7,800). We raised just over £10,000.

We are extremely grateful to the many local businesses who helped the fund raising and donations required to ensure Clothes Bank can function.

Many of our volunteers, in addition to sorting donated clothes and serving customers, also contribute a significant amount of time to; fundraising, outreach, partner liaison, etc. for which we are also extremely grateful.

Aim 2024

Increase awareness of Harrogate Clothes Bank and reach more people who are in financial hardship.

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Jose Rhodes Mission Support Group Report

Despite financial constraints, St Mark’s maintained its commitment to tithe its giving and over £31,000 was donated to our mission partners. Our long term partners (Caring for Life, In2Out, Wellspring, Artizan International , Latin Link and Mission without Borders) were supported in prayer through the monthly prayer diary and each took part in a Sunday evening service, giving the opportunity to talk about their work as well as receiving prayer support. St Mark’s assisted three of them with applications to the Christmas Big Give. All were successful and well exceeded their targets, jointly raising £38,000. Easter and Christmas outreach provided eggs, gifts, and Bible comics to 200 young people in Wetherby YOI and families in IDAS.

Overseas partner – Mission without Borders hosted ‘An Evening for Ukraine’ at St Mark’s in September. Over 150 people enjoyed a stunning evening of musical entertainment from world-class pianist Sasha Grynyuk, from Ukraine, and soprano Alexia Mankovskaya. From Schubert to Dvorak the musicians sought to demonstrate “Music without borders”, and the evening brought together church members, supporters of MWB from the north of England, Ukrainians living locally, and music lovers. Over £1000 was raised for MWB’s humanitarian and education work in Ukraine, run through local churches.

However, it was with great sadness that we heard of the death of John Chamberlain, UK Country Director of MWB, following a heart attack in October.

At Home - Wellspring Therapy and Training celebrated its 20th Anniversary in October with a Service of Praise and Thanksgiving at St Andrew’s Starbeck attended by their Patron the Bishop of Leeds, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and 150 Friends and Supporters. Wellspring co-founder Elaine Wainana recalled the very early days when the vision was established by a small group of people to set up a Christian Counselling Centre in Starbeck. There is no doubting that this was an act of faith and it was amazing to see how God has been supporting and upholding the vision ever since.

During 2023 Wellspring has increased the number of counselling sessions on offer to clients and hope that future expansion will avoid the need for waiting lists for any type of support. A training programme for Counsellors is being established for those who wish to gain a qualification for working with children and young people, an area of great need. Two further Wellspring Centres have been established (St Stephen’s in Bradford and St Michael’s in York) both modelling Wellspring methods and Christian values. Partnering with Mind on the Route One to Wellness Project in Harrogate, the Orb Community Enterprise and Claro Enterprises, has linked Wellspring with innovative local wellbeing initiatives.

Post-pandemic, the Thursday Communion lunches have returned with their strong mission focus. The Thursday congregation has enjoyed hearing from, and supporting, a wide range of organisations including our own mission partners, CMS associates Chris and Anna Hembury and the Farming Community Network providing counselling to farmers in North Yorkshire. In 2023, the Mission Support Group was able to consult with the congregation on a small grant scheme, whereby individuals could apply for a grant of up to £400 for the organization in which they were involved. The scheme proved popular and all 12 requests were met. They ranged from the Mother’s Union providing needy families with holidays at Primrose Valley in Filey, to Justearth, supporting church groups running training programmes for small holders in Maseno, Kenya. A full list of the organisations supported is included in the MSG financial report and it illustrates the very varied and interesting nature of our commitments to the wider church.

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St Mark’s Mission Support Group Allocation of the Budget 2023

LONG TERM MAIN MISSION PARTNERS

Home
Caring For Life
£4,000
In2Out
£4,000
Wellspring
£4,000		 Home
Caring For Life
£4,000
In2Out
£4,000
Wellspring
£4,000
International
Latin Link (Turners)
Mission without Borders
Artizan International
Total Mission Partners		 £4,000
£4,000
£4,000
£24,000
OTHER PAYMENTS MADE
Tearfund Syria earthquake appeal
CPAS emergency request
Easter/Christmas outreach Wetherby YOI and IDAS
Embrace the Middle East (inc. Christmas Giving)
12 small grants of £400 each to organisations
suggested by the congregation:
Mothers’ Union AFIA (Away from It All).
Christians against Poverty
Church Pastoral Aid Society
Church Mission Society (Anna and Chris Hembury
Farming Community Network
Harrogate Food Bank.
Justearth
Netmakers
New Wine Trust
Resurrected Bites
Shevet Achim
St George’s Crypt
Springboard
Total other payments
Total Spend		 £300
£500
£935
£1,000
£5,200
)
£7,935
£31,935

The above is a provisional budget as MSG precise budget is 10% of church giving for 2023. I understand the December cash collections have been banked and I have requested that the MSG is informed of the precise budget. We normally make the final allocations in January. We have held some funds in reserve in case of a shortfall in the provisional figure and will make donations once the final figure is known.

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Cathy Meadows Operations Report

Including Finance & General Purposes and Fabric Report

Estate Management Team continued to work on repairing and upgrading our building. Achievements include the finished plans for renewing the kitchen and updating the Community Room which will be sent to the Diocese for approval imminently. Also, installation of led lighting on sensors at the entrances and exits, toilets and stairs has had the threefold benefit of improving the lighting, fulfilling health and safety requirements and lowering our electricity usage.

The quinquennial inspection will be carried out in 2024 and a new inspector has been appointed.

A new Health & Safety Coordinator has been appointed and successfully undertook training - all under the guidance of our volunteer H&S Consultant. Our H&S Policy is in its final draft and more of our responsibilities are being fulfilled. We are still working on further policies including updating the employee handbook and drafting a new volunteer handbook. We are thankful for all the volunteers who continued in post and for those who took up responsibilities.

Our Pastoral Director left at the end of 2023, and in addition to her current role, our Safeguarding Administrator took on the newly formed role of Pastoral Administrator. The vacant Assistant Office Manager post was also filled. With many part-time people in the office, space remains a challenge and is prayerfully being considered.

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Mark Siddall Safeguarding Report

Our aim has been to keep our children, young people, and vulnerable adults safe from harm. This has been especially important, given our large number of children and young people connected to the church, and so we have gone beyond the Church of England’s minimum safeguarding requirements. We have tried to enable individuals to progress on their faith journey in as safe an environment as possible.

Of all the Church’s safeguarding processes, we have regarded training as being of prime importance, as such training enables individuals to be alert to situations of potential harm, and to respond more appropriately. So this year, more than 230 volunteers and staff have been trained and/or checked. These individuals have served in every ministry in the church, without exception, and this has given us an extensive range of safeguarding coverage.

Our admin officer has undertaken the necessary co-ordination to ensure that this large number of volunteers is trained and checked when they should be.

Safeguarding and pastoral staff have worked closely on some situations where there has been a need for joint work.

The small number of safeguarding issues have been monitored and managed appropriately.

Volunteers are the safeguarding eyes and ears of the church, and so it has been reassuring to have such a large army of trained individuals. They have been absolutely central to our work, and they have been one key reason why we have not had to manage a significant number of safeguarding situations in the last 12 months.

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Facts & Figures Attendance

In-person attendance at October services 2023

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SUNDAY SERVICES THURSDAY
9AM 10.30AM 4PM 6.30PM 11AM
5TH OCT
1ST
OCT 84/0 149/98 32/46 12 30
12TH OCT
8TH
76 122/84 20/20 22 36
OCT
19TH OCT
15TH
89 179/80 20/21 9 26
OCT
26TH OCT
VISION
SUNDAY 37
22ND OCT 209/72
HALF
TERM
29TH OCT 94 69/29 16
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Occasional Offices in 2023

Electoral Roll

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BAPTISMS WEDDINGS FUNERALS
20 4 18
(INCLUDES 1 ADULT)
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412 276 286
2021 2022 2023
Year
Number of member on St Mark’s Electoral Roll
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N.B. We believe the 2022 figure has declined due to Covid and cleansing of the database. Churches can remove someone from the Electoral Role if they haven’t attended a church service once a month in the last 6 months. Rules around this can be found in ‘Church Representation Rules’, a book of legal governance for the church (available online and in the church office).

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Zoe Robinson PCC Secretary Report

Members of the PCC met seven times in 2023 including a Vision Day in May. The Vision Day is an annual event and provides an opportunity for members of the PCC to consider the next stage in the church’s journey. This year the focus was around planning for growth, both numerically and spiritually. The three priorities identified were Children, Young People and Small Groups.

Our discussions focused on the resources needed to deliver growth, identifying the resources we already have and thinking about how those resources could be adapted for children and young people.

The PCC’s Vision was presented to the church family at A Vision Sunday service on 22nd October. How we now deliver that Vison is an ongoing discussion at PCC meetings.

The PCC has been considering how the church building and facilities can be improved to create a more open and welcoming space for people when they first come into church and to better serve the congregation and local community.

Anther topic discussed at PCC meetings has been the challenge of a reduced clergy team following the departure of Kim and Dan and an awareness by the PCC of the pressure that this has placed on the remaining clergy team and Mike in particular.

One of the difficulties in addressing the need to recruit another Associate Minister has been managing finances and an awareness of the gap in the church’s budget. Like the rest of society, we have seen our bills increase and at the same time regular giving has reduced in part due to the pressure on families during the cost of living crisis. The PCC closely monitors the financial position and considers how best to reduce the gap between income and expenditure.

The PCC remains committed to achieving its objective of reaching carbon net zero by 2030 and has considered and agreed proposals for a phased approach to improving our heating system to reduce our use of fossil fuels.

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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:

l to worship the living God;

l to grow in faith;

l to serve the people of our parish and community;

Committee: Mr David Ferguson (Vice Chair) and Ms Mel Scott; Reader Representative: Mrs Ruth Cundy; Deanery Synod Representatives:, Dr Susan Atkin (until September 2023), Mr Steve Brown (until September 2023); Mrs Hazel Robinson (Disability Officer) and Mrs Catherine Gibbin (until January 2024). Elected members: Mrs Rebecca Onslow (until APCM 2024), Mr Wayne Brown (until APCM 2025), Mr Mike Procter (until APCM 2024) (Tree Officer), Mr Neil Tunnicliffe (until APCM 2025), Mrs Deborah Booth (until APCM 2024) (Environment Officer), Mr Mark Siddall (until APCM 2024) (Parish Safeguarding Officer), Mrs Gail Vlack (until APCM 2026) Mrs Jenny Dening (until APCM 2025) (Standing Commiteee), Mrs Juliette Leyland (until APCM 2025), Mrs Lee Milne (until APCM 2025), Mr Alex Minnett (until APCM 2024) (Standing Committee), Ms Francesca Ellis (until APCM 2026 and Mrs Zoe Robinson (until APCM 2026) (PCC Secretary/Standing Committee).

l to share Christ’s love and truth through our living witness;

Ceased during 2022: Mrs Ann Fitzgerald, Mrs Carol Bexon, and Mrs Licy Dorsey

l to deepen our links with the world-wide church;

l to work for justice and peace and to care for creation.

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 2023:

Incumbent: The Revd. Mike Resch (Chair and Standing Committee); The Revd. Liz Resch (Children’s and Families Ministry Leader); Associate Minister: The Revd. Dan Watts (Standing Committee) (until January 2023); Associate Vicar: The Revd. James Handley; Associate Vicar: The Revd John Duff; Church Wardens/Standing

Not on PCC but in a designated role and will attend as required: Hannah Ferguson (Youth Pastor), Catherine Gibbin (Lay Pastoral Minister) (until January 2024); Janet Green (Communications & Digital Officer); Frances Bryant (Prayer CoOrdinator); Shirley Jones (Prayer Ministry CoOrdinator);Charlotte Jenkinson (Safeguarding Administrator); Cathy Meadows (Office Manager/ Electoral Roll Officer and Health and Safety CoOrdinator); Alice Alsop (Accounts Manager) (until January 2024)

Other PCC committees/groups:

The Standing Committee - is chaired by Mike Resch. Other members: Dave Ferguson (Vice Chair); Mel Scott; Jen Dening; Alex Minnett and Zoe Robinson.

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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 two other main sub-committees:

The Estates Management Committee - chaired by Cathy Meadows, meets regularly to review and advise on the maintenance of the church infrastructure and estate and the day-to-day management of the building

The Environment Committee - chaired by Deborah Booth, meets to consider and report to the PCC on how St. Mark’s can respond positively to the Climate crisis.

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

The pattern of meetings has 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. Bi-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 proposes 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 during 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.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

PCC REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Parochial Church Council (“the PCC”) has pleasure in presenting its PCC Report together with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the PCC’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The PCC is a Public Benefit Entity. The members have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the Public Benefit requirements under the Charities Act 2011.

The following information for the Charity is included in the annual report pages 1 to 28: -

The Charity’s governing document is the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation Rules. The charitable objects are promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church.

Charity Name: Parochial Church Council of St Mark’s Harrogate Charity Members: See Annual Report (page 27) Charity Registered Number: 1134657 Address: St Mark’s Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY Bankers CAF Bank Ltd & CCLA Independent Examiner: S B Wearing FCA, DChA HPH, Chartered Accountants Conyngham Hall Business Centre Bond End Knaresborough North Yorkshire HG5 9AY

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

PCC REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Financial Review

Total income for the year was reported as £384,402 (2022: £467,559) with the majority of the decrease reflecting the inclusion of a significant Gift Day income in 2022 (£77,639). There was however, in line with many charitable organisations, additionally, a reduction in Planned Giving from 2022. Taken together, these factors have contributed to a reported deficit for the year of £21,567 (2022: surplus of £60,420).

Notwithstanding a reduction in income, we have continued to support Mission & Ministry in our Parish, Diocese and Overseas in the amount of £31,945 (2022: £39,273).

We end the year with Cash at Bank in Hand of £157,453 (2022: £194,381) and retain an investment property, most recently valued at £330,000 (2022: £330,000).

Reserves

Our General Reserves at the year end amount to £143,796 (2022: £149,929) which represents just over 4 months of our total expenditure in 2023.

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 adopt a policy of holding at least 3 months of forecast expenditure in General Reserves.

Statement of responsibilities of the PCC

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales and guidance issued by the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England require the PCC to prepare financial statements which give a true and fair view of the PCC’s financial activities during the year.

In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the PCC should follow best practice and:

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

PCC REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The PCC are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the PCC and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the PCC and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the PCC on 27 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Revd. Mike Resch (PCC Chairman)

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE (CHARITY REG 1134657)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PCC OF ST MARK’S CHURCH HARROGATE

ON ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

I report to the members on my examination of the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of St Mark’s Harrogate (“the PCC”) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

This report is made solely to the PCC’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the PCC’s members those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the PCC, the PCC’s members as a body and the PCC’s members as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’) and the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the regulations’).

I report in respect of my examination of the PCC’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out m

y examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. My examination was also carried out in accordance with the terms found in the current Church guidance issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

S B Wearing FCA, DChA

HPH, Chartered Accountants Conyngham Hall Business Centre, Bond End, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9AY

27 June 2024

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming Resources from
Donors
2a
Income from Charitable and
Ancillary Trading
2b
Other Ordinary Incoming
Resources
2c
Income from Cash Deposits
2d
TOTAL INCOMING
RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Mission & Charitable Giving
3a
Activities directly relating to the
Work of the Church
3b
Resurrected Bites Transfer
3c
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET INCOMING (OUTGOING)
RESOURCES
Investment Property
5
Fair Value Gain on Investment
Property
Transfer Between Funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Balances Brought Forward at
1 January 2022 (2021)
11
BALANCES CARRIED
FORWARD AT
31 DECEMBER 2023 (2022)
11		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Funds
£
Funds
£
2023
£
2022
£
343,720
5,388
349,108
434,034
18,179
-
18,179
24,093
4,599
9,083
13,682
8,314
3,433
-
3,433
1,158
369,931
14,471
384,402
467,599
31,635
310
31,945
39,273
349,667
20,546
370,214
359,703
12,084
288
12,372
11,999
393,387
21,144
414,530
410,975
(23,490)
(6,639)
(30,129)
56,624
8,562
-
8,562
3,796
-
-
-
-
3,516
(3,516)
-
-
(11,412)
(10,155)
(21,567)
60,420
155,208
375,372
530,580
470,160
143,796
365,217
509,013
530,580

The notes on pages 36 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Investment Property
5
Tangible Fixed Assets
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors & Prepayments
7
Cash at Bank and in Hand
8
LIABILITIES - Amounts Falling Due
Within One Year
9
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
10
FUNDS
Unrestricted
- Undesignated
11
- Designated
11
Restricted
11		 2023
£
2022
£
330,000
330,000
13,119
10,696
36,455
6,500
157,453
194,382
193,908
200,882
(28,014)
(10,998)
165,894
189,883
509,013
530,580
509,013
530,580
128,211
137,911
15,585
17,297
365,217
375,372
509,013
530,580

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 27 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by: -

Mr S McKee

(Treasurer)

Revd. Mike Resch (Vicar)

The notes on pages 36 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Reconciliation of operating income to net
cash inflow (outflow) from operating
activities
Net incoming (outgoing) resources for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
(Increase) decrease in Debtors
Increase (decrease) in Creditors
Interest Receivable
Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities
Returns on investments
Interest Received
Income from investment property
5
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
6
Net cash inflow (outflow)
Cash at bank and on hand at beginning of year
Cash at bank and on hand at end of year
8		 2023
£
2022
£
(30,129)
56,624
1,685
3,232
(29,955)
24,082
17,016
(83,539)
(3,433)
(1,158)
(44,816)
(759)
(44,816)
(759)
3,433
1,158
8,562
3,796
(4,108)
(3,764)
(36,928)
431
194,381
193,951
157,453
194,381

The notes on pages 36 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. 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 (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom& Republic of Ireland (FRS102), Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared 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 restrictions regarding their 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 transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

Incoming Resources

Voluntary Income & Capital Sources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.

Planned giving receivable under covenant and gift aid is recognised only when received.

Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised in the period that the underlying 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 are accounted for gross.

Other Ordinary Income

Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.

Income from Investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.

Gains and Losses on Investments

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Resources Used

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities Directly 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.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated Land and Buildings and Movable Church Furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the Accounts by s.10(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvements, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities and separately disclosed.

Other Property

Freehold property owned by the church is held at fair value within the accounts.

Fixtures, Fittings and Office Equipment

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years from the date they are brought into use. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. The fair value is based on a professional valuation.

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

Stock

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. INCOMING RESOURCES
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £
 £ £
2a) Incoming Resources from Donors
Planned Giving – via Bank 238,931 - 238,931 261,929
Income Tax
Recovered/Recoverable		 56,088 - 56,088 54,875
Planned Giving – via Envelopes 7,011 - 7,011 5,785
Gift Day - - - 77,639
Collections 8,685 - 8,685 5,266
Sundry Donations & Legacies 33,006 5,388 38,393 28,540
343,720 5,388 349,108 434,034
2b) Income from Charitable Ancillary Trading
Church Lettings 10,735 - 10,735 16,833
Children & Youth Events 3,543 - 3,543 2,775
Wedding & Funeral Fees 3,866 - 3,866 3,968
Bookstall 35 - 35 517
18,179 - 18,179 24,093
2c) Other Ordinary Incoming Resources
Clothes Bank - 9,083 9,083
Solar Panel Feed-In Tariff 4,124 - 4,124 2,964
Grants 475 - 475 5,350
4,599 9,083
13,682
8,314
2d) Income From Cash Deposits
Interest 3,433 - 3,433 1,158

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. RESOURCES USED

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
3a) Mission & Charitable Giving
Home Mission Partners 17,835 - 17,835 20,722
Relief and Development 1,000 - 1,000
Agencies -
Overseas Missions Partners 12,800 310 13,110 18,000
Miscellaneous - - - 551
31,635 310 31,945 39,273
3b) Activities Directly Relating to Work of the Church
Ministry – Diocesan Parish
Share		 212,440
-		 212,440 212,385
Other Ministry Costs 3,313 - 3,313 2,192
Building Running Costs 39,590 8,281 47,870 29,237
Major Repairs/Projects - - - -
Upkeep of Services 6,736 213 6,949 8,962
Adult Ministry 1,259 - 1,259 1,082
Youth & Children’s Ministry 6,522 - 6,522 4,110
Kitchen, Hospitality & Catering 2,123 - 2,123 1,918
Staff Cost [note 4] 77,135 12,053 89,187 97,471
Training 500 - 500 1,518
Hardship Fund - - - 52
Gifts 50 - 50 278
Bookstall - - - 499
349,667
20,546		 370,214 359,703
3c) Church Management & Administration
Telephone, Postage & Office 3,437 221 3,658 3,229
Supplies
General Administration Costs 2,109 - 2,109 1,683
Computer & Software 2,593 34 2,628 3,183
Legal Fees 1,272 - 1,272 672
Independent Examiner’s Fee 1,020 - 1,020 -
Depreciation 1,653 33 1,685 3,232
12,084 288 12,372 11,999

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DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
4. STAFF COSTS
Salary Costs
(including Associate Minister)
Stipend & Salaries 74,651 11,438 86,089 95,387
Social Security Costs - - - -
Pension Costs 2,483 615 3,098 2,084
77,135 12,053 89,187 97,471
Ministry Staff 32,355 12,053 44,407 51,549
Administration &
Communications Staff		 44,780 - 44,780 40,325
Cleaning Staff - - - 5,596
77,135 12,053 89,187 97,471

The Associate Minister was previously part-funded by the Diocese. The replacement Associate Minister will also be part-funded by the Diocese under a new agreement from 2024.

5. INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Cost / Fair Value
At 1 January 2023
Fair Value Adjustment
At 31 December 2023		 Freehold
Land &
Buildings
£
330,000
-
330,000

Investment Property – 30 Halstead Road, Harrogate.

The property was professionally valued as at 31 December 2021. No revaluation deemed necessary due to market insights received, indicating that if the property were to go to market then the property would be of interest for buyers looking to spend £300k to £350k.

Subsequently, no depreciation is charged on the investment property so the above Fair Value also represents the Net Book Value. The original cost was £113,303.

Income
Rent Received
Property Expenses
Net income		 2023
£
2022
£
11,400
11,400
(2,838)
(7,604)
8,562
3,796

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DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Office
Equipment
£
AV
Equipment
£
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
Kitchen
Equipment
£
Total
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023
4,047
23,088
-
3,764
30,899
Additions in the year
-
96
4,012
-
4,108
At 31 December 2023
4,047
23,184
4,012
3,764
35,007
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
3,450
16,753
-
-
20,203
Charge in the year
567
710
33
375
1,685
At 31 December 2022
4,017
17,463
33
375
21,888
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2023
30
5,721
3,979
3,389
13,119
At 31 December 2022
597
6,335
-
3,764
10,696
2023
2022
£
£
7.
DEBTORS
Debtors
3,169
1,243
Prepaid Expenses
5,722
5,257
Accrued Income – including Gift Aid
27,564
-
36,455
6,500
8.
CASH AT BANK & IN HAND
CBF Church of England Deposit Account
62,143
60,213
Bank Current Accounts – CAF Bank Ltd
94,527
132,411
Cash in Hand & Floats
783
1,757
157,453
194,381
9.
LIABILITIES - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors
28,014
9,002
Accrued Expenses
-
350
Other Liabilities
-
1,646
28,014
10,998		 Office
Equipment
£
AV
Equipment
£
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
Kitchen
Equipment
£
Total
£
4,047
23,088
-
3,764
30,899
-
96
4,012
-
4,108		 Office
Equipment
£
AV
Equipment
£
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
Kitchen
Equipment
£
Total
£
4,047
23,088
-
3,764
30,899
-
96
4,012
-
4,108		 Office
Equipment
£
AV
Equipment
£
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
Kitchen
Equipment
£
Total
£
4,047
23,088
-
3,764
30,899
-
96
4,012
-
4,108
4,047
23,184
4,012
3,764
35,007
3,450
16,753
-
-
20,203
567
710
33
375
1,685
4,017
17,463
33
375
21,888
30
5,721
3,979
3,389
13,119
597
6,335
-		 3,764
10,696
2023
2022
£
£
3,169
1,243
5,722
5,257
27,564
-
36,455
6,500
62,143
60,213
94,527
132,411
783
1,757
157,453
194,381
28,014
9,002
-
350
-
1,646
28,014
10,998

41

DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Investment Property
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Fund Balance at
31 December 2023		 Un-
restricted
£
Restricted
£
Total
£
-
330,000
330,000
13,119
-
13,119
158,691
35,217
193,908
(28,014)
-
(28,014)
143,796
365,217
509,013

11. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS

Restricted Funds
Organ Fund
Kitchen & Catering
Flowers
Other Restricted Grants
Harrogate Clothes Bank
2021 Gift Day
2018 Gift Day
Fixed Assets - Investment
Property
Unrestricted Funds
Designated
Tangible Fixed Assets
Music & Choir
Discretionary Hardship
Fund
Undesignated
General Reserve
Total Funds		 Balance at
01/01/23
£
Incoming
Resources/
(Resources Used)
and transfers
£
Balance at
31/12/23
£
1,614
(1,614)
-
6,559
(265)
6,294
226
334
560
1,771
1,439
3,210
7,754
2,005
9,759
19,800
(12,053)
7,748
7,648
-
7,648
45,372
(10,155)
35,217
330,000
-
330,000
375,372
(10,155)
365,217
10,696
2,423
13,119
5,450
(2,983)
2,467
1,151
(1,151)
-
17,297
(1,712)
15,585
137,911
(9,700)
128,211
155,207
(11,412)
143,796
530,580
(21,566)
509,013

42

DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12. GIFT DAY

The Gift Day in November 2021 raised funds to cover the 2021 deficit and the anticipated income shortfall in 2022 and allow recruitment of key staff positions to proceed. The portion of income not required to cover the 2021 deficit is treated as a release of deferred income in these accounts. Details of the amounts are below:

Amount recognised in 2021
Amount recognised as income in 2022		 6,742
77,637
84,379

13. AMOUNTS RECEIVED FOR DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE THE CHURCH

Home
Caring for Life
In2Out
WellSpring
Overseas
Latin Links
Artizan International
Mission without Boarders		 2023
£
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
24,000

The above specific donations received for distribution outside the Church are shown for note only and are not included in income or expenditure. There are also a number of additional one off donations made by St Marks, though not deemed material enough for inclusion within this note.

43

DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK’S HARROGATE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. VOLUNTEERS

The current work of the Church could not be sustained without the contribution made by many volunteers in all aspects of its ministry. Over 100 members of the congregation assist in various ways. Many activities rely almost entirely on volunteers, either behind the scenes in the running of the church or more visibly during Sunday services. Teams include those helping with: worship, cleaning, flowers, pastoral visiting, hospitality, prayer ministry, toddler groups, youth & children’s ministry, sound and visuals, and building management & maintenance. In addition, volunteers are involved in governance through the PCC and Standing Committee. More information is given in the Annual Report.

15. LEASING

The Church has lease agreements in respect of hygiene equipment and office supplies. Cathedral Hygiene provides sanitary bins at a cost of £29 per month over five years concluding October 2025. It’s Clean provides nappy bins and use of a changing table at a cost of £170 + VAT per year. Photocopier supplied by Konica Minoltaover five years commencing February 2018 at a rental cost of £56 + VAT per month.

16. PCC MEMBER & STAFF REMUNERATION

Staff costs are detailed in note 4 and the number of staff employed at the year- end was 8 (2022:9). Most staff are employed on a part-time basis. No employee earned more than £60,000 in the year. This includes 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. Elizabeth Resch and Catherine Gibbin were appointed to the PCC and received remuneration from the PCC in the year.

In the year to 31 December 2023, members of the PCC had expenses reimbursed as follows:
2023 2022
Total expenses paid to PCC members £3,775
 £3,106
The number of PCC members who received payments for
expenses incurred 6 3

The nature of the expenses paid were normal clergy expenses such as phone, travel and other reimbursements and payments in respect of other costs properly incurred by PCC members in the performance of their duties.

There are no related party transactions that require disclosure.

The PCC operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the period to which they relate [note 4].

44

DocuSign Envelope ID: B98331D3-4701-4B55-BF72-F88FE46B5FF4

smch.org.uk

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