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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Matthew And St Nathanael, Bristol

2023-12-31-accounts

The Parish of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Bristol

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Registered Charity Number 1134719

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MATTHEW AND ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL (REFERRED TO IN THIS REPORT AS ‘ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH’ OR ‘ST MATTHEW’S’)

THE VISION OF ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH

St Matthew’s Bristol - Welcoming, vibrant and serving the community; God’s love in action

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT

St Matthew’s benefits the local and wider community by:

  1. Providing Christian religious worship services through regular services each Sunday and special services during different seasons (Harvest, Remembrance, Bereavement services) and at times of celebration (e.g. Lent, Easter, Christmas etc) and providing regular online worship on Sundays and at other times.

  2. Providing resources for moral, spiritual and intellectual development for its members and anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers

  3. Enabling Christians to be able to give to, and practically support their local community through a broad range of activities organised by the church. These include: Sunday Club, youth groups, refugee support, pre-school playgroups, home groups, prayer groups, community events, social outreach, arts events etc

  4. Allowing third party organisations to use church buildings and facilities where and when possible, to run activities that help build a healthier community, including: toddlers, Brownies, Guides, choirs, local interest groups, work with ex-prisoners and environmental groups

  5. Providing weddings, funerals and baptisms

  6. Providing a place for prayer and support

The Trustees (Parochial Church Council referred to below as ‘the PCC’) are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Matthew’s.

The Trustees believe that this report, taken as a whole, provides further evidence that St Matthew’s work in 2023 furthered its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

THE TRUSTEES

The Trustees of St Matthew’s Church are the PCC, which has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, in promoting the whole work of the Church in the ecclesiastical parish. The PCC is governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, called Measures. These are the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969, as amended)

PCC Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. After the APCM, the following served as members (normal retirement is at the APCM in the year stated, unless otherwise shown):

Incumbent Rev Ian Tomkins (Chairman) Wardens Mr David Aberdeen (from 28[th] September 2020) Ms Alison Edmonds (from 24[th] May 2021)

Representatives on the Diocesan Synod

Mr Andrew Lucas Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance
Mr Simon Pugh-Jones Chair of the Diocesan DAC
Representatives on the Deanery Synod
Mr Fabian Breckels from September 2020
Ms Laura Protheroe from September 2020
Elected members Ms Melanie Bunce from May 2023
Ms Elizabeth Cooke from May 2021
Mr Rob Cromwell from 22ndMay 2022 until May 2023
Mr Nigel Currie from May 2021
Ms Rachel Gardner from May 2023
Mr Richard Graham from May 2023
Mrs Waf Green from September 2020 until May 2023
Mr Andrew Hogg from May 2023
Mrs Margaret May from May 2021
Mrs Mary Parsons from September 2020 until May 2024
Mr Nick Stroud from September 2020 until May 2023
Mr Andrew Wood (Treasurer)
from April 2012 until May 2023
Mr David Fraser (Treasurer) from May 2023
PCC Secretary Mrs Mary Parsons from May 2022 until May 2023
Ms Julia Wright from May 2023
Associate Minister Revd Richard Pendlebury (Non stipendiary part-time)
Curate Revd Gaby Doherty (Stipendiary part-time) until November 2023
Banks National Westminster Bank plc, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 101, 1 Balloon Street,
Manchester M60 4EP
Independent Joshua Kingston ACA, Burton Sweet Limited
Examiner: The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court, Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton Bristol
BS48 1UR

THE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

The full PCC met 6 times during 2023, with an average attendance of 13.

The PCC operates through a number of sub-committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. All these teams report to, and are overseen by, the PCC.

Standing Committee: It has the authority to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. The Standing Committee consist of the vicar, the churchwardens, and three members of the PCC, and also met 4 times in 2023.

Missions Committee : It coordinates the church’s support to its mission partners. As well as sending financial support, it aims to keep in touch with their news, writes to them, and prays for them on a regular basis. The group also promotes awareness of mission in the church by keeping the congregation up to date with news and encouraging members of the church who sense a calling to mission.

Playgroup Management Committee : It has responsibility for the management of the St Matthew’s Playgroup on behalf of the PCC.

Building Team : It works with the vicar and churchwardens in the co-ordination and implementation of the care of the fabric of the church building and grounds including oversight of the audio-visual and computer equipment.

The Eco—Group sub-committee was commissioned by the PCC with terms of reference. The Eco Group mission is to celebrate and care for God’s creation, and to implement and promote sustainable practices within the St. Matthew’s Church Community and in the wider neighbourhood in accordance with St Matthew’s vision, to be Christ’s church, that is welcoming, vibrant and serving the community: a witness to God’s in action, all underpinned by the pillars of our discipleship, outreach, service, as a community of graze and gentleness.

Staff Team: The staff team comprises:

The staff team meets weekly on Monday mornings and the ministers meet every two weeks on Tuesdays.

The vicar also meets with the churchwardens, and the Standing Committee (see above) meets on alternate months during the year.

Growth : The PCC is seeking to encourage growth in faith and numbers, through encountering and entering a relationship with Jesus Christ, by bible teaching, discipleship and a foundation of prayer, and encouraging the church family in Christian service in the church, their communities and in their daily lives.

2023 was an encouraging year for St Matthew’s, with continued steady growth in numbers and diversity, and further engagement with our local community. Those from the Hong Kong BNO community have established a Friday meeting, the Friday Life Group, to grow community and help with learning about national and local culture, organisations, government, education etc., We are also continuing to provide an English Conversation group for those for whom English is not their first language.

We continue to be grateful to God for the encouragements of our church community remaining connected and active. Online worship has been maintained, with our weekly 10.30am Sunday service being live streamed. This is increasingly valuable, being viewed both by those enquiring about church, as well as church members who are unable to come to church, as well as regular online visitors. Pastoral care for all those in special need continues, with the continued operation of our organized pastoral care network, looking outwards to the community.

Services in church have continued their strong recovery, with growing weekly Sunday attendance at our flagship 10.30 service, and excellent attendance at Easter, Harvest and Christmas seasonal services too.

Ministries to children, families and youth have continued with fresh events re-growth of past ministries. Our children and families minister John Stilwell left in the middle of 2023, and we are reviewing our ministry to children, families and young people, and what next steps can be.

Our prayer and planning in 2023 continued with our vision statement very much in focus. Increasing our engagement with and service of our local parish community is a priority, with encouraging all ages. Our vision, to be ‘welcoming, vibrant and serving the community, with a focus on Discipleship, Outreach and service, is at the heart of prayer and planning for the future.

Our Eco-group has continued to oversee the regular opening of our gardens to the local community, and the development of our wildlife garden. With the clear and visible renewal of our church attendance, engagement with the local community and community activities, we look to the future with confidence and hope, and with a real sense of growth.

Worshipping and Deepening Discipleship Report

As a church we are continuing to focus on new vision of ‘St Matthew’s: Welcoming, vibrant and serving the community – God’s love in action ’. Our vision recognizes the changes both in society and church life due to the past years, with a renewed focus on creativity, boldness and the opportunity to build something new, as well as re-new existing ministries. Continued focus on the three essential pillars of church life - Discipleship, Outreach and Service to the Community is key to our growth in other areas as it is only by God’s grace that we will be able to build God’s Kingdom.

In 2023, we continued to offer our Alpha Course, with a well attended Alpha in the Spring. Easter and Holy Week was very encouraging, with the with beautiful services and increasing attendance.

We continued to give support to those on their own, and those without access to online, with visits, home communion and other help. We have continued to encourage our discipleship practices, and an outward looking focus of care.

Throughout the year, we engaged with families through the Tuesday toddlers and parents / carers ministry, Kings Kids, using the outside gardens as much as possible, Stay & Play, the shared ministry with E5 church in Stokes Croft, and outside summer events in the gardens, a Spring Fair, Harvest Fiesta, and November community fireworks. WE also hosted the local Kingsdown community Fair in the building and gardens.

At Easter and Christmas, our renewed programme of services included outside carols at the beginning of Advent, an event growing in popularity every year for the local community. In the autumn and the approach to Christmas, we again prepared for and promoted through invitations delivered to local households, the seasonal events and services programmes, always including the invitation to Alpha.

Worship

In 2023, our worship in church continued to recover well, with new members. We maintained online services through weekly live-streaming of the Sunday 10.30am service. The 5pm informal worship service continued, focusing often on issues of interest, and a more informal programme of meeting and worship, with communion once a month, but was phased out in the autumn, as

we looked to engage with more community outreached focused initiatives, and seasonal service opportunities.

We are committed to be bold and courageous, inspired by our outward looking vision, willing to try new things, to understand people’s needs and concerns, and new rhythms of life, and be prepared to be adaptable where necessary.

Our preaching continued to be a source of challenge and encouragement, with series on John’s Gospel, and our vision statement themes, as well as preaching on Christian stewardship, the environment, Advent, Christmas and Easter themes.

Our committed and talented musicians in our church community have continued to support our worship. Our Trinity College placements students continued to play an active and creative role in contribution to and supporting our worship and ministry.

Prayer

Prayer remains a vital and foundational element of church life. Our vision explicitly states that all our ministry is to be underpinned by a ‘Foundation of Prayer’. We maintain a cycle of prayer. We re-introduced a monthly prayer and worship evening, ‘St Matthew’s Prayer’. We have prayer time before our main Sunday service, and prayer ministry after Sunday services and have continued our focus on going deeper in prayer, offering sermon series, opportunities for prayer, encouragements through prayer materials during e.g. Lent and Advent materials and different creative ways of engaging in prayer.

Children’s and Youth Work

The impact of the pandemic on this vital ministry of the church, was huge, with changed family patterns, children and families moving on, and this impact continued to play out in 2023. We maintained the weekly Sunday morning Sunday Club for children, St Matts Youth groups on Sunday evenings and we maintain a healthy number in our youth group. With the departure of our CFY minister, we are re-engaging with this vital but challenging ministry in prayerful and creative ways, with a new group set up to look into the possibilities.

Kings Kids on Tuesday mornings for toddlers and parents/carers continued extremely well, with in between 30 and 40 children every Tuesday morning in term time. It is increasingly appreciated and popular in the local community, and much valued.

The use of our gardens in the summer has been really helpful and important for families, with many continuing to meet there in a self-organized capacity during the summer holidays, as they maintained the community grown by Kings Kids during term time. Summer was important for engaging further with local families, with the Spring Fair in May, and the Kingsdown Community Fair in June.

Our 2023 Harvest Fiesta in September was an event for families and local community, including apple pressing. Christmas 2023 was another hugely encouraging Christmas for the church for many years, with good attendance at the Christmas Christingle on Christmas Eve, and at our church Nativity the previous week. We participated again in the local community Advent Calendar displays, with a large-scale display on 24 December.

Midweek Discipleship

Our mid-week groups give an opportunity to share, worship, pray, and learn together. During 2023, there were 5 home groups meeting midweek with around half our regular adult attendees taking part in them. These groups have continued and we are seeing the growth and development of new groups, including a post Alpha group focusing on ‘The Bible Course’, and then encouraging participants into new groups after this.

The new groups for younger adults also began.

The monthly group for women, called Gather, which aims to be an informal and relaxed time for women to explore God’s heart through worship, creativity, discussion and friendship, continues to meet.

Attendance Figures

The Church of England assesses the size of the church community by counting the Electoral Roll and Average Sunday Attendance (ASA). ASA is our October average. Figures are set out below.

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Electoral
Roll		 143 158* 155 141 149 145 110 86 84 91 87 94
All Age
ASA**		 167 172 147 129 128 114 93 177 56 89 101 86
Adult
ASA**		 140 145 129 108 103 93 80 112 46 75 80 73
Child
ASA**		 27 27 18 21 25 21 13 19 10 14 21 6

*indicates complete renewal of the Electoral Roll

** in 2022, in common with many other churches, we also continued our services online

A measure of attendance is usual Sunday attendance. This is calculated by looking at the attendance across the whole year and taking out ‘unusual’ figures (e.g. Festivals, Baptisms). In addition to the church services in the building, St Matthew’s also has a regular viewing audience for its live stream Sunday service. The Electoral roll has begun to increase into 2023 as new people joined and average Sunday attendance in church began to pick up. Easter and Christmas showed a substantial pick up from the previous pandemic impacted years.

Festival Attendance

Service 2019 2019 2020 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 2023
Average
attendance		 Under
16		 Adult Under
16		 Adult Under
16		 Adult Under
16		 Adult Under
16		 Adult
Easter Day 19 114 - - - - 21 99 17 140
Carol Services 27 198 17 64 8 128 43 150 33 257
Christingle 105 203 - - 37 70 49 123 42 145
Christmas Day 12 96 0 66 7 69 17 100 10 95

For completeness our occasional office numbers are also set out below.

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Baptisms 6 7 7 10 2 3 2 0 5 1 3 3 1
Confirmatio
ns		 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0
Weddings 7 4 1 3 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 3 0
Funerals 4 4 3 1 1 2 0 2 2 2 4 4 3

Church Community Activities Report

Our aspiration continued to be a church which is ‘Welcoming, Vibrant and Serving our community – God’s love in action’, focusing on Discipleship, Outreach and Service.

Welcome

We have continued to major on developing, living out and sharing a culture of invitation and welcome within the whole congregation to encourage the church community to invite and welcome others and encourage them into the life and faith of the Church at St Matthews. Our service wardens and welcomers in church had a training and encouragement session, as we sought to learn how better to welcome into a church community. Our continuing Alpha Course provides the opportunity to constantly invite new contacts to explore Christian faith. This remains a key part of our vision process as we look to go deeper in understanding and giving a true and godly welcome to all.

Small Groups (between 5-12 members)

We continued groups in 2023. Growing new groups and developing post Alpha groups. Each group meets for fellowship, prayer and worship and pastoral support, both for each other, and for others in the church and community. The groups often follow the weekly sermon series in their studies. A new group for younger adults was started during the year, and a Hong Kongers group meets for Bible study.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care of the church community continues to be led by the vicar and staff team and the small group leaders. Our pastoral care network is organized, to ensure we respond appropriately to any needs here may be. This is aimed at ensuring no one is isolated, and also encourages pastoral care in the community. The first line of pastoral care is through the mid-week groups. The staff team and the pastoral care network also support a number of other individuals in the parish. Pre-wedding, Baptism and Confirmation conversations and visits and preparation continued to be undertaken by the ministry team.

St Matthew’s Eco Group

St Matthew’s has a huge concern for care for God’s creation, and our responsibility as Christians in encouraging this. We participate in the A Rocha Eco-Church scheme, and have been given the Silver award in the programme of working towards becoming carbon neutral, and in our promotion of and care for the environment. This group is active in the church and also in engaging with our community, e.g. organizing the regular plant sale, developing our beautiful gardens including a wild garden encouraging wildlife and biodiversity. This group actively seeks to help the church and wider community in our understanding of the critical issues facing our world and how we can all play a part in caring. This groups is now represented formally by the church with a commissioned sub-group of the PCC, showing the importance St Matthew’s attributes to Christian care for creation.

Church Community Social Events

Community events continued, with new initiatives, all of which were well received by our local community.

After church coffee times on Sundays have grown and are an essential part of our church community. The St Matthew’s Eco Group organized another Plant Sale and Teas in the beautiful St Matthew’s gardens in May. The Coronation was celebrated with a special service. A ‘Harvest Fiesta’ event in the church gardens again welcomed locals and visitors into the church and gardens, as did a substantial fireworks party for local families.

The gardens were open all summer for the community, and Tuesday afternoons in the school holidays, we hosted tea and cakes for any locals and visitors. Our church gardens are being very welcomed as a local community resource, especially for the many people who live in flats.

Serving our community and building our community contacts and relationships continues to be an important part of our vision and aims.

Outreach Activities Report

Being welcoming, vibrant and serving our community, and a visible presence of God’s love in action, by going into the world to make disciples and love our neighbour as ourselves.

Knightstone House

Our links with Knightstone House remain, but on a more informal and occasional basis, mainly seasonal occasions. Care for and contact with the members of the community continued where possible.

St Matthew’s Open House - ministry to the elderly

On Tuesday afternoons, once a month, Open House happens in the church hall. This offers friendship, tea and cakes, activities and topical talks, and is establishing itself well in church and community life, all run by faithful St Matthew’s volunteers. Open House continued to offer tea and cake in the garden during the summer holiday, every Tuesday afternoon.

Stay and Play

This ethnically diverse group continued, meeting weekly in The Elim Centre on King Square. It is led by volunteers from St Matthew’s and run in partnership with the St Paul’s Children’s Centre who provide a play specialist to work specifically with the children. St Matthew’s volunteers provide chat, tea and cakes for the parents, and this provides an important community resource.

King’s Kids

St Matthew's provides a group for young children and their parents or carers on a weekly basis under the leadership of our Children's, Young People's and Families' Minister, and then under the leadership of the vicar. In 2023, this continued to thrive, connecting hugely with the local community families. It is a lively, fun-filled morning and is much appreciated by the locals and families who attend.

St Matthew’s Playgroup

St Matthew’s PCC runs an OFSTED regulated playgroup that remains popular in the local area. The playgroup is managed by a sub-committee of the PCC. This also provides a huge contribution to the local community. The hugely dedicated team continued to rebuild, providing a vital resource for many in the local communities. It is an Ofsted inspected, ‘ Outstanding in all areas’ playgroup.

Support for Work outside the Parish

Overseas and home mission continues to be a priority for St Matthew’s. The Missions Committee recommended to the PCC the allocation of the Missions budget, which remained at 10% of the giving to the General Fund. In 2023, seven missionaries or societies were supported. Through use of our building and resources we also actively supported a number of locally-based charities including Sisters of the Church (based in St Paul’s and serving those in need in the local community) and Friends of Alalay (Santa Cruz) (Children’s charity).

Other

Nick Stroud, a member of St Matthews, continued to be involved with the Ashley House Probation Hostel community liaison and management group.

Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer and Administrator for Disclosure and Barring Service (Julia Wright) was available to deal with any concerns and dealt with the applications from those wishing to be involved with vulnerable adults, youth and children’s work.

Julia Wright continues to be St Matthew’s nominated person for Vulnerable Adults.

The Safeguarding policy, which covers Children and Vulnerable adults and children and addresses all areas of safeguarding in line with the Diocese of Bristol's policies, is reviewed by the PCC in October every year, and the policy is reviewed to include and update social media and online operations, as well as taking forward all safer recruitment guidance. The updated St Matthew’s Safeguarding Policy can be obtained from our website (www.stmatthews-bristol.org.uk) or from the church office.

Communications

Our website (www.stmatthews-bristol.org.uk) continued to be well-used and well-managed, and the newly re-launched site in March 2022 has been hugely appreciated and is a huge step forward in our communication.

We support an active Facebook page and Instagram account for St Matthews church news and information.

Weekly e-bulletins are sent to those who have requested them and all our sermons are available as a podcast. We have also ensured that any not online, have remained connected and in receipt of church news, community information, and items of practical and spiritual support.

The Building

A Quinquennial Survey took place in August 2023. The Architect’s Report records that, in summary, the building is structurally sound and generally in good condition. The Report noted certain issues and recommended the carrying out of certain works, all of which will be attended to over the Quinquennium.

The garden which surrounds the building is also generally in very good order and continues to be regularly used and enjoyed by both the children’s playgroup which meets in the building and also by members of the public to whom it has been opened up for a number of successful community events.

During the course of this year the following major works were undertaken:

There was also regular ongoing work and maintenance on the building and the garden.

Lay and Licensed Ministry in the Parish

Rev Richard Pendlebury continues at St Matthews as Associate Minister (self-supporting and parttime), and our curate is Rev Gaby Doherty (stipendiary part-time, until November 2023). They continued to offer their considerable gifts through preaching, teaching and leading of all ages, and supporting the ministry of the church during this challenging pandemic period.

Helen Aberdeen continues as a Licensed Lay Minister with St Matthew’s Church, bringing considerable gifts of preaching and teaching to the church.

In addition, the PCC employed one full-time and one part-time member of staff during 2023. Julia Wright was our part-time Administrator throughout the year. John Stilwell was our Children’s, Families and Youth Minister until the end of June 2023.

We are also very grateful to God to have a congregation and church family of people who minister in a wide variety of ways both in the church and across the City. Among them are musicians, intercessors, youth and children’s group leaders, vergers, social event organisers, home-group leaders, sacristans, assistants at Communion, cleaners, flower arrangers, pastoral visitors, online and tech editors, buildings experts and others who contributed to the ongoing ministry of the church, by quietly offering acts of service and prayer, and supporting each other during the past challenging pandemic year. They are all very much appreciated.

We are very thankful for all the church community and for the contribution they make to worship and the life of the church, some in public and visible ways, some hidden and unseen.

Finance

2023 saw a 10.4% decrease in the unrestricted planned giving (standing orders and regular CAF donations) of our donors due to the loss of some donors. In addition, a grant of £35,000 was received, credited to the Building Fund, to allow further installation of energy-efficient radiant heaters in the worship space, following a successful trial. Our designated missionary and charitable giving stayed at similar levels of support to 2022, and our support is based on a policy of 10% of regular giving, excluding one-off gifts and legacies. Our Diocesan Parish Share, given to the Diocese of Bristol, was at a slightly higher level compared to 2022, at £83,646.

Our Playgroup had a deficit of £9,903, after making a rental and premises cost contribution of £16,800 during the year for use of the premises, and after challenging conditions for all preschool groups where Local Authority fees have remained flat, per child, but labour costs have increased substantially with increases in the National Minimum Wage. The finances of the Playgroup are under critical review during 2024. Please see the full accounts for more information.

Reserves Policy

The PCC endeavours to carry such Unrestricted General and Designated Reserves as it considers necessary to finance the work of the church over a period between 3 and 6 months. However, it also recognises that its largest outgoing, the Parish Share, is not a contractual obligation, and therefore could be reduced in the event of a material reduction in donated income from members, currently sufficient to maintain this intended commitment.

Because of this flexibility, if necessary, in paying the Parish Share each year, the Trustees believe the charity is a going concern.

Unrestricted General reserves at 31[st] December 2023 were £19,546, up slightly from £17,234 at December 2022. The PCC's forecast expenditure for 2024 is around £13,000 per month, including a commitment of £7,049 per month for Parish Share, which is not a legally-binding liability.

Therefore, the Unrestricted General reserves represent around 1½ month’s normal expenditure, including Parish Share, before regular standing order income is received. However, Unrestricted Designated reserves totalled £73,862 at 31[st] December 2023, excluding the Fixed Asset reserve, and these can, at any time, be reallocated by the PCC to Unrestricted General reserves, increasing the cover to around 7.2 months of normal expenditure, including Parish Share, which falls just above its Reserves policy above, of 3 to 6 months of expected expenditure.

Grant making policy

As set out in note 10 to the accounts, the PCC adopts a policy of setting aside 10% of its regular income from donations for the support of mission partners, which further the ministry and charitable objectives of the charity, both in the UK and abroad, and details of these

organisations are set out in Note 10. Commitment is given to each mission partner for a period of 4 years, with a review on termination or extension towards the end of the third year, so that at least a year’s notice is given of support not continuing. The mission committee receives and considers, and recommends to the PCC, any application for new mission partner funding.

The Future

During 2023, the Rev Ian Tomkins continued to lead the church family through the continued recovery from pandemic, and back to a confident and community engaged church.

The church community continues to care for each other and serve our community and our neighbours in creative and imaginative ways. The creativity and imagination of the church community has continued to be stretched and valued, as we use our outside spaces more and more, including outside carols at Christmas, opening the gardens for the local community - all bringing us closer to this community, and helping us reconnect together. Our vision continues to develop and underpins our organic and developing ministries, encouraging in particular, as much local parish engagement and relation building as we can.

2023 was another encouraging year, consolidating much of the recovery of the previous year, and looking outwards, as we welcomed new members.

Many challenges remain, including the financial pressures on individuals and church organisations due to the cost-of-living costs and continuing uncertain economic times. But the resilience and commitment of the community at St Matthews continues to bless many. This is a community seeking to go deeper in relationship with God, committed and resilient, and with an outward focus on serving our communities.

FINALLY

This Annual Report is a composite document prepared collaboratively by the officers and members of the PCC, in line with the terms of the Charities Act 2011. We hope that it gives a clear picture of the life of the church and the way in which the PCC has administered the task placed on them as trustees of St Matthew’s Church.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signed on behalf of the Parochial Church Council

Tim Mizen Alison Edmonds Churchwarden Churchwarden

16 October 2024

St Matthew’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, pour out your Holy Spirit upon St. Matthew’s. Grant us a new vision of your Glory, a new experience of your power, a new faithfulness to your Word, a new consecration to your service so that, through our renewed witness your Holy Name may be glorified and your Kingdom advanced, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of PCC of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Bristol

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the PCC of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Bristol (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

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 Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. 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.

Joshua Kingston ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

Date: 16 October 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ending 31 December 2023

Note
INCOME FROM:
Donations and Legacies
2(a) & 2(d)
Charitable Activities
2(b) & 2(e)
Investments
2(c) & 2(f)
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Grants
3(a) & 3(d)
Activities directly relating to the work
of the church
3(b) & 3(e)
Church management & administration 3(c) & 3(f)
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE TRANSFERS
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
10
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 1 JANUARY
10
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
AT 31 DECEMBER
10		 Unresricted Funds
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
£
£
139,451
36,700
9,482
92,033
58
578
148,991
129,311
-
14,000
131,311
91,139
18,168
-
149,479
105,139
(488)
24,172
2,800
4,309
2,312
28,481
17,234
105,294
19,546
133,775		 Restricted
Funds
£
9,737
-
1,146
10,883
-
8,668
-
8,668
2,215
(7,109)
(4,894)
22,538
17,644		 TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
£
£
185,888
165,788
101,515
95,884
1,782
1,164
289,185
262,836
14,000
14,088
231,118
304,724
18,168
19,785
263,286
338,597
25,899
(75,761)
-
-
25,899
(75,761)
145,066
220,827
170,965
145,066		 TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
£
£
185,888
165,788
101,515
95,884
1,782
1,164
289,185
262,836
14,000
14,088
231,118
304,724
18,168
19,785
263,286
338,597
25,899
(75,761)
-
-
25,899
(75,761)
145,066
220,827
170,965
145,066
262,836
14,088
304,724
19,785
338,597
(75,761)
-
(75,761)
220,827
145,066

The comparatives funds are shown in note 5

The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above. All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Short term deposits
CBF - PCC Deposit
CBF - Educational Foundation
CBF - Mission Fund
Co-operative Bank Current Account
Playgroup Current Account
LIABILITIES
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
9
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL
FUNDS
Unrestricted:
General
11
Designated
11
Restricted
11		 2023
£
59,913
15,608
18,622
2,940
12,641
47,955
16,269
114,035
(2,983)
111,052
170,965
19,546
133,775
17,644
170,965		 2022
£
59,913
15,156
18,043
2,825
11,611
31,358
27,525
106,518
(21,365)
85,153
145,066
17,234
105,294
22,538
145,066

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 16 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Tim Mizen Churchwarden

Alison Edmonds Churchwarden

The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ending 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except for investments which have been included at fair value and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The accounts (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 Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The charity is a public benefit entity.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Church's ability to continue as a going concern because over 75% of its unrestricted income is made up of giving by standing order and associated Gift Aid recovered, which reflects an ongoing commitment to continue giving in future. Any future increases to giving may well be impacted by the general cost-of-living increases in the economy, and there are always uncertainties with church members leaving membership of the church.

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.

Restricted funds are those given by the donor and specified only to be used for specific purposes.

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.

Income

Voluntary income and capital sources

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

Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.

Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.

Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due.

Sales of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.

Other ordinary income

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

Income from investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable.

Expenditure

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 related to the work of the Church

The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when payable. Any Parish Share unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.

Governance

Governance costs represent the expenditure related to statutory requirements such as audit or independent examination and legal advice. They have been included within support costs relating to charitable activities.

Assets

Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.10(2)(c) 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 improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

Expenditure on the church building

During 2017 and 2018 the PCC undertook significant improvements to the entrance porch and ground-level hall. The PCC considers that the improvements are of a lasting nature and do not require depreciating. Any repairs to the building are expensed, as incurred.

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Equipment used within the church premises, costing less than £10,000, is expensed in the year in which it is incurred, for clarity. Any equipment above this limit is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

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 uncollectible.

Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.

Creditors

Creditors are measured at the settlement amount less any trade discounts.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

2.
INCOME
2(a) Donations and legacies
Standing Orders
Envelopes
CAF donations
Income tax recoverable on
Standing Orders, Envelopes,
and Sundry Donations
Cash Collections
One-off Donations
2(b ) Charitable activities
Church and Hall lettings
Fees
Playgroup
2(c) Investments
Dividends and interest
TOTAL INCOME		 Unrestricted
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
£
£
95,798
-
670
-
7,439
-
26,076
-
5,883
-
3,585
36,700
139,451
36,700
8,665
-
817
-
-
92,033
9,482
92,033
58
578
58
578
148,991
129,311		 Restricted
Funds
£
6,263
-
-
1,566
1,908
-
9,737
-
-
-
-
1,146
1,146
10,883		 TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
£
£
102,061
108,215
670
368
7,439
8,509
27,642
29,516
7,791
4,341
40,285
14,839
185,888
165,788
8,665
5,045
817
1,515
92,033
89,324
101,515
95,884
1,782
1,164
1,782
1,164
289,185
262,836		 TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
£
£
102,061
108,215
670
368
7,439
8,509
27,642
29,516
7,791
4,341
40,285
14,839
185,888
165,788
8,665
5,045
817
1,515
92,033
89,324
101,515
95,884
1,782
1,164
1,782
1,164
289,185
262,836
165,788
5,045
1,515
89,324
95,884
1,164
1,164
262,836

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

2.
INCOME (comparatives)
2(d) Donations and legacies
Standing Orders
Envelopes
CAF donations
Income tax recoverable on
Standing Orders, Envelopes,
and Sundry Donations
Cash Collections
Grant received - youth work
One-off Donations
2(e) Charitable activities
Church and Hall lettings
Fees
Playgroup
2(f)
Investments
Dividends and interest
TOTAL INCOME		 Unrestricted
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
£
£
107,735
-
368
-
7,509
1,000
26,986
2,410
2,172
-
-
-
4,131
10,708
148,901
14,118
5,045
-
1,515
-
-
89,324
6,560
89,324
73
234
73
234
155,534
103,676		 Restricted
Funds
£
480
-
-
120
2,169
-
-
2,769
-
-
-
-
857
857
3,626		 TOTAL FUNDS
2022
2021
£
£
108,215
102,012
368
-
8,509
6,899
29,516
35,294
4,341
1,096
-
10,000
14,839
84,672
165,788
239,973
5,045
2,383
1,515
885
89,324
91,741
95,884
95,009
1,164
678
1,164
678
262,836
335,660

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
£
£
3. EXPENDITURE ON
3(a) Grants (see note 8)
Missionary and charitable giving:
Church overseas
- missionary societies
-
2,000
- relief and development agencies
-
6,000
Home mission & other Church societies
-
6,000
-
14,000
3(b) Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
Ministry:
Diocesan Parish Share
83,646
-
Clergy expenses
1,195
-
Sundry Support
10
-
Assistant Staff (Children & Youth work) :
Salary
10,458
-
Playgroup:
Salaries
-
81,762
Other expenses
-
3,374
Church running expenses:
Heating and lighting
14,169
-
Cleaning & domestic
5,305
-
Insurance
5,562
-
Church maintenance
5,721
2,000
Books & publications:
Books & other materials
285
-
Upkeep of services:
Music
1,311
-
Altar & other requisites
144
-
Support costs:
Training
140
-
Children's & Young People's Work
497
417
Church Events
380
-
Church meals
532
-
PCC Gifts
-
-
Equipment
448
3,586
Governance costs:
Independent Examiner's Fees
1,508
-
131,311
91,139
3(c) Church Management and administration
Bank Charges
86
-
Printing, stationery and office expenses
906
-
Telephone
947
-
Sundry Administrative Costs
1,740
-
Salaries
14,489
-
18,168
-
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
149,479
105,139		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,668
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8668
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,668		 TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
£
£
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,088
14,000
14,088
83,646
80,097
1,195
876
10
50
19,126
32,838
81,762
77,097
3,374
4,000
14,169
9,582
5,305
5,424
5,562
5,194
7,721
82,082
285
450
1,311
643
144
240
140
35
914
1,053
380
1,023
532
506
-
264
4,034
1,972
1,508
1,298
231,118
304,724
86
21
906
2,323
947
851
1,740
2,496
14,489
14,094
18,168
19,785
263,286
338,597		 TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
£
£
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,088
14,000
14,088
83,646
80,097
1,195
876
10
50
19,126
32,838
81,762
77,097
3,374
4,000
14,169
9,582
5,305
5,424
5,562
5,194
7,721
82,082
285
450
1,311
643
144
240
140
35
914
1,053
380
1,023
532
506
-
264
4,034
1,972
1,508
1,298
231,118
304,724
86
21
906
2,323
947
851
1,740
2,496
14,489
14,094
18,168
19,785
263,286
338,597
14,088
80,097
876
50
32,838
77,097
4,000
9,582
5,424
5,194
82,082
450
643
240
35
1,053
1,023
506
264
1,972
1,298
304,724
21
2,323
851
2,496
14,094
19,785
338,597

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
General
Fund
Designated
Funds
£
£
3. EXPENDITURE ON (comparatives)
3(d) Grants
Missionary and charitable giving:
Church overseas
- missionary societies
-
2,000
- relief and development agencies
-
6,000
Home mission & other Church societies
-
6,000
-
14,000
3(e) Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
Ministry:
Diocesan Parish Share
80,097
-
Incumbent's expenses
876
-
Sundry Support
50
-
Assistant Staff (Children & Youth work) :
Salary
32,838
-
Playgroup:
Salaries
-
77,097
Other expenses
-
4,000
Church running expenses:
Heating and lighting
9,582
-
Cleaning & domestic
5,424
-
Insurance
5,194
-
Church maintenance
4,224
77,858
Books & publications:
Books & other materials
450
-
Upkeep of services:
Music
643
-
Altar & other requisites
240
-
Support costs:
Training
35
-
Children's & Young People's Work
1,053
-
Church Events
1,023
-
Church meals
506
-
PCC Gifts
264
-
Equipment
1,972
-
Governance costs:
Independent Examiner's Fees
1,298
-
145,769
158,955
3(f)
Church Management and administration
Bank Charges
21
-
Printing, stationery and office expenses
2,323
-
Telephone
851
-
Sundry Administrative Costs
2,496
-
Salaries
14,094
-
19,785
-
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
165,554
172,955		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
88
88
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
88		 TOTAL FUNDS
2022
2021
£
£
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,000
6,088
6,200
14,088
14,200
80,097
79,230
876
1248
50
10
32,838
28,338
77,097
75,452
4,000
5,440
9,582
5,457
5,424
4,543
5,194
5,014
82,082
13,510
450
75
643
1,057
240
187
35
250
1,053
439
1,023
(827)
506
299
264
-
1,972
138
1,298
1,200
304,724
221,060
21
137
2,323
1,675
851
990
2,496
1,858
14,094
11,819
19,785
16,479
338,597
251,739

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

4.
STAFF COSTS
Wages & Salaries
Employer's National Insurance contributions
Employer's Pension Contributions		 2023
2022
£
£
110,256
118,377
1,970
2,583
3,151
3,069
115,377
124,029

No employee was paid more than £60,000 per annum and no members of staff received any monetary benefit, other than statutory employer pension contributions at the minimum statutory rate, during the current or previous year. The Incumbent, who is a Trustee, was paid £nil in expenses (2022: £nil) and no other Trustees were paid any expenses, during the current or previous year.

During 2022 and until May 2023, the PCC employed Carmen Cromwell, wife of Rob Cromwell, a PCC member, as Children's Outreach Worker. For the period 1st September to 31st December 2022 Carmen was paid £3,213, including employer’s pension and national insurance contributions, and £5,042 for the period 1st January to 31st May 2023

The average number of staff, paid by the PCC and employed during the year, was as follows:

Playgroup
Administration (Office Administrator)
Cleaner
Ministry (Youth and Children, Worship and Young Adults)
Total		 2023
2022
5.00
5.00
1.00
1.00
-
-
0.92
1.33
6.92
7.33

The PCC delegates the day-to-day running of St Matthews to the staff team which consists of the above staff (excluding Playgroup), working under the line management of the Incumbent, and the Assistant Curates. In addition, the Churchwardens are closely involved in various day-to-day matters, where required. The total amount of salaries and benefits received by key management personnel was £53,150 (2022: £66,197)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

5. COMPARATIVE FUNDS

INCOME FROM
Donations and Legacies
Charitable Activities
Investments
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Grants
Activities directly relating to the work of
the church
Church management & administration
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET EXPENDITURE BEFORE TRANSFERS
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER		 General
Fund
£
148,901
6,560
73
155,534
-
145,769
19,785
165,554
(10,020)
7,488
(2,532)
19,766
17,234		 Designated
Funds
£
14,118
89,324
234
103,676
14,000
158,955
-
172,955
(69,279)
(1,140)
(70,419)
175,713
105,294		 Restricted
Funds
£
2,769
-
857
3,626
88
-
-
88
3,538
(6,348)
(2,810)
25,348
22,538		 Total
Funds
2022
£
165,788
95,884
1,164
262,836
14,088
304,724
19,785
338,597
(75,761)
-
(75,761)
220,827
145,066

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Vicar is remunerated by the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance, to which Parish Share is paid. No member of the PCC received any payment during the year.

During 2023 donations received (excluding gift aid recovered) from PCC members and their close family members (spouses, parents, siblings, and children) was £41,980 (2022: £73,122). The increase was a result of both changes in PCC membership and changes in individual giving by some PCC members.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

7. FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
DEBTORS
Income tax recoverable
Accrued income
Other debtors
Prepayments		 2023
£
59,913
-
59,913
59,913
59,913
2023
£
6,402
7,549
398
1,259
15,608		 2022
£
59,913
-
59,913
59,913
59,913
2022
£
4,770
-
8,403
1,983
15,156

8. DEBTORS

There were no capital commitments at 31st December 2022 or 31st December 2023

9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other creditors 2023
£
2,983
2,983		 2022
£
21,365
21,365

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

10. FUND DETAILS

The Restricted funds comprise:

Restricted Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:

Special collections
Youth Worker
Educational Foundation
St Matthews Mission
Playgroup		 Balance
at 1.1.23
£
3,439
3,037
2,825
6,128
7,109
22,538		 Income
£
1,908
7,829
115
1,031
-
10,883		 Transfers to
General
Fund
£
-
-
-
-
(7,109)
(7,109)		 Expenditure
Balance
at
31.12.23
£
£
-
5,347
(8,668)
2,198
-
2,940
-
7,159
-
-
(8,668)
17,644

The transfer from the Playgroup fund to the General fund (£7,109) was used to cover a proportion of salaries for Playgroup operating costs, with the balance covered from Designated funds

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

10. FUND DETAILS (continued)

The designated funds comprise those funds where the PCC has decided to put monies aside for administrative purposes only. Such monies may be redesignated at the discretion of the PCC.

The Designated funds comprise: a) The Mission Fund holds funds specifically designated for external mission.

The Legacies Fund holds the balance of funds remaining on legacies received, where the donor has not restricted their use but the PCC wishes to ensure they are used for specific purposes and not general day-to-day expenditure, typically something of a lasting nature.

Designated Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:

Mission Fund
Building Fund
Fixed Asset NBV
Legacies
Eco Fund
Toddlers
Playgroup		 Balance
at 1.1.23
£
1,613
12,049
59,913
22,242
-
3,932
5,545
105,294		 Income
£
-
35,603
-
-
960
715
92,033
129,311		 Transfers
from/(to)
General
Fund
£
14,000
-
-
-
-
-
(9,691)
4,309		 Expenditure
Balance
at
31.12.23
£
£
(14,000)
1,613
(2,000)
45,652
-
59,913
(3,586)
18,656
-
960
(417)
4,230
(85,136)
2,751
(105,139)
133,775

The Missions Group allocated £14,000 in grants this year, allocating to overseas mission societies and individuals: £2,000 to each of the Busoga Trust, Crosslink, Friends of Alalay, and FFRME, plus to home missions: £2,000 to each of Changing Tunes, CPAS, and the Sisters of the Church.

The balance of the Mission Fund is reviewed on an annual basis by the Mission Committee. The Transfer of £14,000 from the General Fund follows a policy, set by the PCC, of allocating 10% of General Giving to mission support.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

10. FUND DETAILS (comparative year: 2022)

Restricted Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:

Special collections
Youth Worker
Educational Foundation
St Matthews Mission
Bell-ringing Fund
Playgroup		 Balance
at 1.1.22
£
3,759
6250
2,763
5,333
134
7,109
25,348		 Income
£
2,169
600
62
795
-
-
3,626		 Transfers to
General
Fund
£
(2,401)
(3,813)
-
-
(134)
-
(6,348)		 Expenditure
Balance
at
31.12.22
£
£
(88)
3,439
-
3,037
-
2,825
-
6,128
-
-
-
7,109
(88)
22,538

The designated funds comprise those funds where the PCC has decided to put monies aside for administrative purposes only. Such monies may be redesignated at the discretion of the PCC.

Designated Funds: Movement on these funds was as follows:

Mission Fund
Building Fund
Fixed Asset NBV
Legacies
Eco Fund
Toddlers
Playgroup		 Balance
at 1.1.22
£
753
74,795
59,913
22,242
905
3,787
13,318
175,713		 Income
£
-
13,284
-
-
923
145
89,324
103,676		 Transfers
from/(to)
General
Fund
£
14,860
-
-
-
-
-
(16,000)
(1,140)		 Expenditure
Balance
at
31.12.22
£
£
(14,000)
1613
(76,030)
12,049
-
59,913
-
22,242
(1,828)
-
-
3,932
(81,097)
5,545
(172,955)
105,294

The Missions Group allocated £14,000 in grants this year, allocating to overseas mission societies and individuals: £2,000 to each of the Busoga Trust, Crosslink, Friends of Alalay, and FFRME, plus to home missions: £2,000 to each of Changing Tunes, CPAS, and the Sisters of the Church.

The transfer of £16,000 from the Playgroup fund to the General Fund, below, is a charge of £16,000 per annum for use of the church hall during the week.

The balance of the Mission Fund is reviewed on an annual basis by the Mission Committee. The Transfer of £14,860 from the General Fund follows a policy, set by the PCC, of allocating 10% of General Giving to mission support.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MATTHEW & ST NATHANAEL, BRISTOL Charity Commission Registration Number 1134719.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ending 31 December 2023

11. Analysis of Net Assets

Fixed Assets
Net assets
Fixed Assets
Net assets		 Unrestricted Funds
General
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2023
-
59,913
-
59,913
19,546
73,862
17,644
111,052
19,546
133,775
17,644
170,965
Unrestricted Funds
General
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2022
-
59,913
-
59,913
17,234
45,381
22,538
85,153
17,234
105,294
22,538
145,066

12. INVESTMENTS HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES

The incumbent and wardens are administrative trustees of the following investments held with the Central Board of Finance:

Market Value Market Value
2023 2022
£ £
54 CBF Fixed Interest Fund Shares 78 74
40 CBF Investment Fund Shares 904 826

Income from these investments is applied to the church's General Fund.

The incumbent and wardens, together with City Council representatives, are trustees of an Educational Foundation associated with the parish of St.Matthews, Kingsdown. It holds 1,054 income shares in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund, with a market value of £23,826 at 31st December 2023 (2022: £21,761).

This Educational Foundation does not form part of the assets under the direct ownership and control of the PCC.