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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Mark, Colney Heath

2023-12-31-accounts

St Mark's Church, Colney Heath, Hertfordshire

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31st December 2023

Incumbent:

The Revd Caroline Keightley The Vicarage St Mark's Close Colney Heath, Herts AL4 0NQ

Bank:

Barclays Bank plc The St Albans Group P.O. Box 104 St Albans, Herts AL1 3AN

Independent Examiner:

A. J. Bennewith Esq 18, Farnham Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4XA

Registered Charity no. 1134735

St Mark's Church, Colney Heath, Hertfordshire

Index

Page i Index
Page 1-9 St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report
Page 10 Statement of Financial Activities 2023
Page 11 Balance Sheet
Page 12 Notes to the Financial Statements
Page 16 Accounting policies
Page 17 Independent Examination Report

Registered Charity no. 1134735 Page i

St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Aim and Purposes

St Mark's Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church of St Mark's, Colney Heath and the Church Centre.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at St Mark's. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

When planning our activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Commission's guidance on the public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus. Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish. Missionary and outreach work.

To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St Mark and the Church Centre.

Achievements and Performance

We have been able to continue and grow our worship and services throughout the year. For further details see the Assiciate Vicar’s report included as Appendix A and the Youth Ministry report included as Appendix B.

Worship and Prayer

Services

As a church we offer a range of services on a Sunday and over the course of the year. The 8.30am service is a quieter, reflective communion service; 10.30am follows a pattern of morning worship including children’s provision with the 3rd Sunday being communion.

Our online ministry has continued with live stream throughout the year, except for August.

Prayer

In person and WhatsApp prayer meetings have been taking place regularly, on a Monday morning, Wednesday lunchtime, Thursday evening and a monthly prayer evening called ‘In His Presence’ on the first Sunday of the month. Prayer texts were sent to church members during Advent.

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St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Fresh Expressions

In line with the Church of England’s wider strategy of developing new forms of church, Fresh Expressions, we have continued to develop our ideas. The Gathering is a monthly informal, interactive service for the retired and older members of the community, meeting in the church, and attracting around 25 people per month, enjoying an informal service, fellowship and friendship.

Attendance

At present there are 106 persons on the Church Electoral Roll, 64.5% of whom are not resident within the parish. This represents 80 households. The average Sunday attendance was 76 adults and 19 children. This number is increased significantly when we include all of our services (not just those that take place on a Sunday morning). We estimate that our worshipping community (those who join us for worship at least once a month) is 169. For our services on Christmas Eve/Day we welcomed 343 people to worship with us. The St Mark’s YouTube channel views average between 60-100 per week.

Occasional offices

As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we commit ourselves to following Jesus Christ, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God's blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief, give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and commend the person into God's keeping. We held an annual service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in May, for those who have been recently bereaved.

During 2023 we have celebrated 3 weddings, 0 baptisms, 0 confirmations, held 1 funeral, and 4 Interment of Ashes at our church. We have also conducted 1 funeral at the crematorium.

Deanery Synod

We have had two representatives to the Deanery Synod this year. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. Our Treasurer is also Deanery Treasurer, providing us with a further link.

The buildings

The Quinquennial work (The inspection was done in 2019) required on the church building has finally been completed this year, ready for the next inspection due in September 2024! Areas of Plaster had been removed from the church internal walls in 2022, to allow drying out. Internal redecoration work was completed in late 2023, along with some external painting during the Summer.

Many other buildings and grounds related tasks have been completed in 2023, including improvements to the centre car park and tree work in the Graveyard and round the Church centre. Investigations into the church heating have been ongoing throughout the year.

The grounds

The conservation group has continued to work on our church grounds, supporting the Wardens and Assistant Wardens with numerous activities and improvements. A woodland walk was created this year, including a lovely show of snowdrops in the spring.

Pastoral care

Every member of St Mark's is encouraged to be part of a Spur group, which meet at different times during the week: evening and daytime. Pastoral care takes place within these groups, as well as study and prayer.

A pastoral care visiting team supports those from within and outside of our church community that may be in particular need or not part of a spur group.

Discipleship and Teaching

Biblical teaching takes place primarily through Sunday morning sermons and Spur group bible studies.

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St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Mission and Evangelism

Helping others in need is a demonstration of our faith. Our Mission Tithe is calculated as 10% of all nonrestricted giving and Gift Aid. Our Tithe is divided into four, with donations to Open Doors (for the persecuted church), the 2:67 Project (benefiting youth in the local area), Feed -The Vineyard Food Bank (helping people in need in the local area) and The Bulgarian Support Fund (for the church in Varna). A donation was also allocated to STEP (benefiting youth in schools in the area). A small remainder was used by Spur groups for their own projects. Among those supported were Grove House, Amos Trust, MAF and the local Women’s Refuge. Our Harvest project this year was the Bishop of St Alban’s Appeal -’Cracking food poverty together’.This provided chickens to poor families in Kumi, Uganda. A Tear Fund Big Quiz Night was also held in October, raising money for Tear Fund’s work throughout the world.

We have partnered with Samaritans Purse for the shoebox Christmas Appeal again in 2023. The Church Centre was used as a collection/drop off centre for shoeboxes, which were then transported to the processing centre.

Our partnership with Acts435 has continued, a charity which matches people who want to give money, with those in genuine need (who might be of any faith or none).

An Alpha course ran from January to March 2023.

Community and Outreach

We have have continued to respond to the needs of the Local Community, and the cost of living crisis. We held a Big Lunch event, for 1 day in the Easter holidays, over 3 days in late August, and for 1 day in October half-term, providing lunch and activities for all ages.

We have also been supporting the Vineyard Foodbank by collecting items they require.

The Gathering has continued to meet once a month on a Tuesday afternoon. This is for the retired and older members of our community.

The monthly Saturday Men's breakfast has continued this year along with several curry nights (home cooked!) throughout the year. The monthly women’s brunch has also been running after the Men’s Breakfast. A joint Burn’s Night Celebration was held at the end of January.

The monthly Community Cafe provides a gentle welcome and introduction to church for anyone available on a Thursday morning. This is another social occasion to build community in the village.

The craft group and Knit and Natter provide further opportunities for people to interact in a friendly, relaxed environment.

The Vicar, Associate Vicar and Youth Minister trainee have shared the taking of fortnightly assemblies in the local primary school. The school normally holds services in the church at Christmas and Harvest, and visits at other times for class projects.

Smartees has continued meeting on a Wednesday morning in the Church Centre. This is a group for carers and children under Nursery age, with toys, group singing and a craft activity for the children.

The weekly event for young people, Connect, continued this year, for school years 6 to 8 after school on Thursdays.

This year’s Remembrance Service included a parade and attendance from the local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

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St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Financial Review

Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £164,508. Restricted donations of £5,063 were also received and are detailed in the Financial statements.

Planned giving decreased by 2%, but one off gifts increased by 22%. Total giving decreased by 5% as there were several special collections in 2022 (eg for Varna (Ukrainian refugees) and the hardship fund); we did not have any special collections in 2023.

Currently 64 individuals/households give regularly to St Marks, of the 80 households on the Electoral Roll (80%). All gift aid claims are up to date.

£187,662 (including restricted funds of £5,028) was spent to provide the Christian ministry from St Mark's Church, including the contribution to the diocesan Parish Share which was £70,073, £9,685 to fund Quinquennial work on the church building, £3,540 spent on the Church centre car park and £3,500 on tree work. The Parish Share provides the stipends and housing for clergy, training costs and pensions. The sum that the churches in the deanery have to find is shared between the churches according to a formula that is based mainly on a head count of the congregations.

The result for the year was a net loss of £16,900 on overall funds.

£5,600 of this was planned, as we used saved funds towards the cost of our Youth Minister trainee; the rest is due to the large amounts spent on our buildings and grounds.

In October 2023 our Pledge Sunday was a series of short presentations setting out the future needs of our church and a reminder to review our giving; 59 responses were received, totalling £679 per month before gift aid, 72% of our target, and some lump sum gifts, which have filled the budget deficit for 2023 and some carried over into 2024. The 2024 Budget shows a shortfall of around £14,750, with further impact of energy costs, and inflation.

The predicted budget deficit for 2023 was filled, mainly with lump sum one off gifts and not with monthly regular giving. Our remaining reserves are available to be used in 2024 to partially fund our Youth Minister trainee.

Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31st December on unrestricted funds totalled £21,928. Restricted funds of £7,019 were also carried forward.

Reserves Policy

The PCC has a reserves policy of maintaining sufficient funds, minimum of £10,000, in the general fund in order to maintain operational liquidity. This has been met this year.

It is our policy to invest our fund balances with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.

Volunteers

We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our Church what it is. In particular we want to mention our churchwardens David and Nigel, for all their work, both seen and unseen, and all other members of the PCC, for their valuable contribution to our ministry and for keeping the church running and flourishing.

Plans for the Future

As we look ahead St Mark’s recommits it’s plans and aims to fall in line with what God is calling us to do next, in the pursuit of our overall aims and objectives.

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St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Structure, Governance and Management

The method and appointment of PCC members is as set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St Mark's the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our Vicar), Associate Vicar, Churchwardens, Deanery Synod representatives, and lay members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the Electoral Roll of the church. All those who regularly attend our services/members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The Treasurer is co-opted each year and others may be co-opted to perform specific roles, as required. The PCC has decided on the rule that PCC members are elected for a maximum of two consecutive 3-year terms and thereafter have to stand down for at least 1 year before seeking re-election.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met six times during the year, chaired by the lay vice-chair or our Vicar. The Standing Committee has power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. The Standing Committee has met before each PCC to check outstanding actions and to set the Agenda for the next meeting of the PCC.

Key items discussed at PCC during 2023 have included:

Safeguarding

The PCC has had due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The PCC are working through the “Parish Dashboard” to ensure that St Mark’s meets Diocesan safeguarding requirements, and we are currently at level 3. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) has continued to be supported by a small group who review the safeguarding policies produced by the Diocese and Church of England before taking them to the PCC for ratification.

We aim to ensure that all volunteers are recruited safely using the Diocesan policy. We work to ensure that all volunteers have the appropriate DBS and the majority have completed safeguarding training as appropriate. DBS checks and training will be refreshed in line with current guidelines.

Administrative Details and Trustees

St Mark's Church is situated in Colney Heath, near the A414 Longabout. It is part of the Diocese of St Albans within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Church Office, Church Lane, Colney Heath, Hertfordshire. AL4 0NH. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and as a charity with income of over £100,000 is registered with the Charity Commission: Registered Charity No. 1134735.

PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2023 are:

Ex Officio members
Incumbent: Revd Caroline Keightley
Associate Vicar: Revd Jill Suttie
Wardens: Mr Nigel Gibbins
Mr David Levy
Deanery Synod Reps: Mrs Lorraine Pizan (2 yrs to run)
Miss Heather Bennett (2 yrs to run)
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St Mwys Church 2023 Chaiity Trustees Annual Report Hon Treasurer (co-opted): Secretary {non-v(rttng).' Mfs Pam Fox Mrs J*ie Shaw Elethed members (7) Lwse N&¥l(Ne ffo APCM March 2023) Miss Sarah Archer (I YT to run) Mrs Claire Oliver (l yr to run) Lay l¥fjce-Chair Mrs Liz MooTe (l yr ￿ run) Mrs Amanda Furlory (2 yrs to run) Mrs Sara Martin (2 yrs to run) Mts Annie Hall {2 yrs to run) Mr Sheklon St(xrtt (From APCM Marth 2023)1 Approved by the PCC on April 2024 a￿1 signed on their behalf by Mrs C Olver PCC Laylfjce-chair ..................... .................................... Charity No. 1134735 Page 6 1814124

St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Appendix A – Associate Vicar’s Report

A full range of services and events took place at St. Mark’s during 2023, of which these are just a few highlights.

Early in the year arrangements were put in place to create a temporary leadership team to work alongside PCC and to support the work of St Mark’s during Caroline’s maternity leave. Alun Puddefoot co-ordinated this group which met for the first time in March with Caroline and then with greater regularity as maternity leave began, supporting church wardens and others, ensuring cover for services where necessary and overseeing events/issues as they arose.

In Sunday services our teaching series included the book of James, Elijah: man of God, and Encounters with Jesus from Mark’s gospel. We held a Passover Meal as well as Easter services and, at Christmas, carol services which were well attended. Rob Hagon joined our preaching and leading group, and others took on extra services, including a Rememberance service that included the community in a new way. We also had good support from the Diocese, in particular the Rural Dean and other clergy from the deanery. Our young people also participated in youth-led Sunday services: leading, speaking, leading sung worship and in technical and hospitality aspects too. In September Graeme Shaw completed his 3-year Reader training and was licensed (amid great rejoicing) in the Abbey.

Various groups continued to meet, including our Spur Groups, and in key areas such as safeguarging where the group made great progress with our safeguarding procedures. A new evangelism group was set up, and a group to oversee digital input and communications. The pastoral visiting team expanded to include and involve new people. On Sundays visitors continued to be welcomed, and during the week new people found a welcome at Community Cafe, craft and knit-and-natter groups and the Conservation team, as well as at Smartees and The Gathering.

We also continued our Big Lunch events throughout the year with a day in Holy Week, 3 days in August and a day in October, all of which were greatly appreciated and involved both the core team and many volunteers. Other key events of the year included two church family weddings and the annual Thanksgiving and Remembrance service in May.

So many people stepped up to take on new tasks and responsibilities during the year, both seen and unseen. The prayer, involvement and commitment of the whole church enabled us to serve God and our community; I am thankful, on behalf of all of us, for all the ways that love and support characterises St Mark’s.

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St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

Appendix B – Youth Ministry Report January 2023 – December 2023

‘And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and depth of insight’. Philippians 1:9.

In our youth ministry here at St Mark’s, we are dedicated to guiding and uplifting the next generation. This report outlines our recent activities, accomplishments and goals as we walk alongside young individuals in their faith and personal growth.

Sunday mornings - Each Sunday morning, we have gathered our young people to foster a sense of community and spiritual nourishment. Through engaging discussions on Old Testament biblical figures and various Old Testament books, creating a biblical timeline to aid us. We have worshipped and learnt together different spiritual gifts and how we best connect with God with a time to reflect on how we put these into practice.

Connect Youth club- It offers a welcoming space where young people can come together to forge connections and have fun. Connect continues to grow and be an invaluable club for young people living in Colney Heath. We have enjoyed various activities, copious amounts of pizza and made deeper connections with one another.

Explore spur group- Explore provides a space for in-depth discussions and exploration of faithrelated topics for young people in year 9 and above. Towards the end of 2023, Helena and I created explore. We have enjoyed our time together using a series to look at who is God and how this relates to me.

Youth led services- A highlight of 2023 was the introduction of youth led services, marking a significant milestone in our ministry’s journey. With the first service in March and subsequent one in October. We will continue to develop and follow God’s guidance on how we continue these. Our young people have led these services with such passion, creativity and a profound sense of purpose, both upfront and behind the scenes.

Lunch club at Colney Heath school- In 2023, we created a lunch club for year sixes. This is a space away from the hustle and bustle of a usual school day. Through activities and meaningful conversations, we were able to support one another, listen and provide helpful tips on how we can deal with different situations.

Social events- Our social events serve as moments of joy, laughter and bonding. We started with an exhilarating bowling session, then to lots of splashing and slides in our local swimming pool, and then to a thrilling ski slope adventure towards the end of 2023.

Fuel- It has provided invaluable opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. Visits to Verso Vineyard, St Paul’s and to St Mark’s Colney Heath have enriched our different expressions of faith and strengthened our connections with other Christians from the broader Christian Community.

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St Mark's Church 2023 Charity Trustees Annual Report

The 267 Project- Our involvement in various 267 events has been a cornerstone in our youth ministry growth and connectivity. Despite being a smaller youth group, our attendance at gatherings such as the 6,7,8 weekend, Ninja Warrior and the first Illuminate gathering which was held at Verso Vineyard. These have created invaluable opportunities for fellowship, learning and have been a whole lot of fun!

Step Schoolswork- Our partnership in Step Schoolswork has been especially meaningful for our smaller group within St Mark’s. It has provided unique opportunity for closer connections with young people in our community schools. We have also seen familiar faces from St Mark’s volunteering in these schools which has been wonderful for our young people to experience.

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the growth, connections and transformative experiences within our youth ministry. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to nurture faith, foster community and empower the next generation on their spiritual journeys.

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ST MARK'S CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2023

Parochial Church Council of St Mark, Colney Heath STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ending 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
TOTAL		 TOTAL FUNDS
Funds Funds Funds FUNDS 2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and Legacies 2(a) 151,804 2,069 153,873 159,196
Charitable activities 2(d) 10,580 10,580 13,075
Investments 2(c) 1,669 19 1,688 1,026
Other 2(e) 455 2,975 3,430 8,963
Total 164,508 5,063 0
169,571		 182,260
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable Activities 3 182,634 5,028 187,662 189,880
Total 182,634 5,028 0
187,662		 189,880
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (18,126) 35 0
(18,091)		 (7,620)
Gains on investment assets:
on revaluation 4 1,223
1,223		 (1,770)
Transfers between Funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (18,126) 35 1,223
(16,868)		 (9,390)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total Funds brought Forward 40,054 6,984 12,953
59,991		 69,381
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 21,928 7,019 14,176
43,123		 59,991

CONTINUING ACTIVITIES

All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities
The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of this account

Page 10

Parochial Church Counell of St Plark. Colney Heath Balance Sheet at 31 December 2023 Jrestricted Restrlcte Funds Funds TOTAL FUNDS 2023 TOTAL FUNDS 2922 Funds Note FIXED ASSETS: Tanplble Investwent Total fixod Assets CURRE1￿ ASSETS: 14, 176 14. 176 14. 222 14. 222 12, 998 12, 998 46 Debtars Short terrn deposlts e&sh at bank and in hand Total current Assets LIABILrrIES: 4, 925 31, 864 12. 215 48.2 76 5, 991 31,864 19,346 55. 411 2,242 47.808 16. 886 66, 196 7, 131 7.297 Creditors= Amounts falLing due wlthin one year Net Current Assets or liabliities {26.2761 21.928 (2341 6. 973 126, 5181 28.9•1 119,2031 48.993 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CiIRREIIT LIABIL￿lEs 21,928 7,819 14. 176 43. 123 59, 991 TOTAL NET ASSETS OR LIABILITIES: 21. 928 7.819 14. 176 43. 123 59, 991 PARISH FUNDS vnrestricted Restricted Endokuent 21. 928 21,928 7,819 14. 176 43.123 40,854 6. 984 12. 9S3 59, 991 7, 819 14, 176 14.176 21.•28 7.•19 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on April 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Cialre Oliver ( Lay Vice-chalr) Pamela Fox (m￿ber, Hon. Treasurer) Page li

ST MARK'S CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2023

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST MARK'S CHURCH, COLNEY HEATH Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Based on the model set of accounting policies, published by the Central Board of Finance of
the Church of England; full details given on page 16.
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS
2 INCOME Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
2(a) Voluntary income
Bank Direct 108,957 108,957 111,113
Bank Direct (CAF, GYE or Equiv) 300 300 300
Envelope Scheme 240 240 240
Loose gifts (Including card reader) 1,993 1,993 1,866
Other Donations 13,175 13,175 10,790
Gift Aid tax recovered 27,139 27,139 26,057
Support for Armstrongs 75 75 75
Centre Fund 375 375 375
Hardship Fund 0 0 3,120
Varna 0 0 4,023
Acts 435 480 480 150
Bishop’s Harvest Appeal 929 929 917
Spur Groups supported organisations Note 13 210 210 170
151,804 2,069 0 153,873 159,196
2(b) Activities for generating funds
None 0 0 0 0 0
2(c) Income from investments
Interest CBF Deposit Fund 1,146 1,146 601
Interest Current Accounts 102 102 18
Interest Easement Deposit Account 51 51 21
Interest Roberts Bequest Note 7 19 19 18
Cemetery Interest (Pugh and East) Note 7 370 370 368
1,669 19 0 1,688 1,026
2(d) Income from Church Activities
Income -Centre hire 6,385 6,385 5,600
Weddings/Funeral Fees 2,083 2,083 6,150
Marksmen 625 625 568
The Big Lunch 111 111
Passover Meal 270 270
The Tearfund Quiz 336 336
Community Cafe 347 347 378
Smartees 423 423 379
10,580 0 0 10,580 13,075
2(e) Other incoming resources
CHPC Grant for Closed Graveyard Maintenance 1,650 1,650 1,650
Diocesan Youth Grant 500 500 250
Government Grant for VAT recovery Quinquennial 0 5,284
Diocesan Grant towards energy costs 0 1,279
County Council Grant for The Big Lunch 500 500 500
Collection for Jill 455 455
Diocesan Grant for Energy Audit 325 325
455 2,975 0 3,430 8,963
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 164,508 5,063 0 169,571 182,260

3 EXPENDITURE

Ministry
Note 14
Office and Staff
Staff Salaries and NICS
Pensions
Note 5
Training
Telephone and Broadband
Office Equipment		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
TOTAL FUNDS
2022

3,562
0
0
3,562
4,616
40,755
40,755
33,498

2,442
2,442
1,604
667
667
414
388
388
458
22
22
343
44,274
0
0
44,274
36,317

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ST MARK'S CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS
Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
Church Centre
Gas (Church and Centre) 5,380 5,380 2,344
Water (Church and Centre) 337 337 347
Electricity (Centre) 1,764 1,764 824
Insurance (Church and Centre) 2,489 2,489 2,360
Maintenance 1,686 1,686 3,155
Car Park 3,540 3,540
Outdoor Lighting 0 0 1,518
Path by Centre Car Park 0 0 954
Cleaning/hygiene materials 272 272 187
Cleaning (Church and Centre) 3,114 3,114 2,964
18,582 0 0 18,582 14,653
Church Building and Services
Services expenses 2,465 2,465 2,730
New Bibles 817 817
Refreshments 617 617 705
Electricity (Church) 1,817 1,817 1,019
Energy Audit 89 325 414
Maintenance 2,060 2,060 4,783
Church North Path 0 0 12,264
Church path to emergency exit 0 0 1,990
Quinquennial Work 9,685 9,685 6,493
17,550 325 0 17,875 29,984
Stationery
Photocopier costs 1,595 1,595 1,740
Other stationery 344 344 227
Texts 74 74 67
Church Suite Database 651 651 561
2,664 0 0 2,664 2,595
Other
Youth Work 2,022 107 2,129 1,934
Smartees 172 172 149
Marksmen 568 568 419
Posters 0 0 25
Flowers 384 384 451
Deanery 45 45 45
Publicity (Christmas and Easter) 260 260 242
Monthly fee for CAF Bank Account 60 60 81
Website 627 627 572
The Gathering 143 143
Other 166 166 228
Acts 435 480 480 150
Hardship Fund 0 0 1,300
The Big Lunch 455 1,250 1,705 758
Passover Meal 175 175
Collection for Jill 455 455
Cemetery Interest (Pugh and East) Note 4 370 370 368
5,902 1,837 0 7,739 6,722
Mission
Mission Tithe 2023 Note 13 14,450 14,450 14,050
Bishop’s Harvest Appeal 929 929 925
Evangelical Alliance 130 130 130
CVM 60 60 60
Varna -to support Ukrainian Refugees 0 4,023
The Tearfund Quiz 336 336
Spur Groups supported organisations Note 13 210 210 170
Armstrongs 75 75 75
14,976 1,214 0 16,190 19,433
Diocesan Parish Share 70,073 70,073 68,066
Open Graveyard 351 351 2,248
Trees in Open Graveyard 3,500 3,500
Memorial Trees and Plaques 0 278
Closed Graveyard 1,652 1,652 3,648
Governance costs
Independent Examination of Accounts 1,200 1,200 1,320
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 182,634 5,028 0 187,662 189,880

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ST MARK'S CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2023

4 GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS – UNREALISED

Pugh Bequest 1st Jan 2023 7,763 31st Dec 2023 8,500 Net gain 737
I. F. East 1st Jan 2023 4,592 31st Dec 2023 5,021 Net gain 429
For Graveyard
Roberts Bequest 1st Jan 2023 598 31st Dec 2023 655 Net gain 57
1,223 
Interest arising on the Roberts bequest accrues to the Church maintenance fund.

'Cemetery Interest’ arising on the Pugh and East bequests is paid to the Parish Council for maintenance of the closed
graveyard.

5 STAFF COSTS

Honoraria and Wages

During the year the PCC employed two Parish Administrators, a cleaner and a Youth Ministry Trainee, all of whom earned
less than £60,000.
Wages and Salaries
Employers contributions to defined contribution pension Schemes		 TOTAL 2023
TOTAL 2022
43,869
36,462
2,442
1,604
46,311
38,066

6 FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY PCC

The Church and Centre are insured for £5,000,000 and are not shown on the balance sheet as the Church is a
consecrated building and the Centre is built on consecrated ground, both unsaleable without a faculty.

7 INVESTMENTS

Miss Pugh Bequest -Endowment Fund

376 shares at bid price on 31st Dec 20238,500
28.97 shares at bid price on 31st Dec 2023655

Income restricted (Churchyard upkeep). CBF Investment Fund Shares, held  by St Albans DBF as custodian trustee
Mrs Roberts Bequest -Endowment Fund28.97 shares at bid price on 31st Dec 2023

Income restricted (Church and Churchyard upkeep). CBF Deposit Fund, held by St Albans DBF as custodian trustee
I.F.East for Graveyard -Endowment Fund253 shares at bid price on 31st Dec 2023

253 shares at bid price on 31st Dec 20235,021

COIF (Charities Official Investment Fund) Charity Fund
Pugh
Roberts
East
8 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Bank (Current Account)
Bank (Business Premium Account)
CafCash Account
9 DEPOSITS
CBF Deposit Fund
Easement
10 DEBTORS
Gift Aid
Other
11 CURRENT LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE
Mission Tithe
Other
12 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Smartees
The Gathering (Old WB)
Subtotal of Unrestricted funds
Restricted Funds
Centre Fund
Diocesan Youth Grant
Diocesan Energy Audit Grant
Youth Equipment
Hardship Fund
Acts 435
Short Term Mission
Mission Evangelism (Used for The Big Lunch)
Mission (Armstrongs)
Mission (General)
Closed Graveyard
War Memorial Fund
Church Maintenance Fund
Subtotal of Restricted funds		 WITHIN ONE Y
At 1.1.23
38,809
499
746		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL 2023
TOTAL 2022
8,500
8,500
7,763
46
655
701
643
5,021
5,021
4,592
0
46
14,176
14,222
12,998
500
500
500
11,698
112
11,810
8,602
17
7,019
7,036
6,984
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
TOTAL FUNDS
2022
12,215
7,131
0
19,346
16,086
29,424
29,424
46,278
1,640
1,640
1,590
31,064
0
0
31,064
47,868
4,925
76
5,001
2,157
0
85
4,925
76
0
5,001
2,242
EAR
15,900
15,900
14,750
10,376
234
10,610
4,453
26,276
234
0
26,510
19,203
At 31.12.23

164,085
182,319
(18,234)
20,575

423
172
251
750

0
143
(143)
603
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Net movement
in funds
Transfers
between
funds
40,054
164,508
182,634
(18,126)
0
21,928
2,625
0
0
107
1,820
0
906
750
0
0
326
221
229
375
0
375
3,000

500
0
500
500

325
325
0
0

0
107
(107)
0

0
0
0
1,820

480
480
0
0

0
0
0
906

500
1,250
(750)
0

75
75
0
0

1,139
1,139
0
0

1,650
1,652
(2)
324

0
0
0
221

19
0
19
248
6,984
5,063
5,028
35
0
7,019

Page 14

ST MARK'S CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2023

Endowment Funds
Church Maintenance Fund
Churchyard Fund
Subtotal of Endowment funds
Total Funds		 At 1.1.23
At 31.12.23
598
57
0
57
655
12,355
1,166
0
1,166
13,521
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Net movement
in funds
Transfers
between
funds
12,953
1,223
0
1,223
0
14,176
59,991
170,794
187,662
(16,868)
0
43,123

Fund Descriptions

SmarteesFunds that have been raised by the Smartees mornings, for replacing equipment and other costs
The Gathering (Old
WB)Funds that have been raised by the Welcome Break termly events, for use in future events eg The Gathering
Building FundDonations for work on the Church building
Centre FundDonations for work on the Church Centre building
Youth EquipmentDonations toward large items of Youth Equipment
Hardship FundFund created to help those locally in need
Acts 435Funds held and administered for Acts 435
Short Term MissionDonations for grants toward Short term mission opportunities for members of the church
Mission EvangelismDonations for local Mission/Evangelism events
Mission(Armstrongs)Donations for John Armstrong
Closed GraveyardMaintenance of Closed Graveyard
War Memorial FundMaintenance of War Memorial
Church Maint FundHistoric Church maintenance fund
Churchyard FundEndowment Funds for maintenance of Graveyard and specific Graves
From Mission
Receipts in		 Expenditure From Gen
13 MISSION TITHE Tithe 2022 2023 in 2023 Funds
Spur Groups supported organisations
Amos Trust 50 100 (150)
Rennie Grove Hospice 25 55 (80)
MAF 25 55 (80)
Women’s Refuge 50 0 (50)
Mission Tithe 2023 (14,450) 14,450
2:67 Proj (£4,250),Open Doors, Food Bank,
Bulgarian Support Fund (£2,850 each)
STEP £400
Spur Groups/PCC to use in 2024 £1250

14 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No Trustees received Remuneration for their role as Trustees.

Revd C Keightley,Revd J Suttie,G Shaw(Lay Reader)and S Horner (Youth Minister Trainee) received working expenses.
Total Expenses paid were £4,616 in 2022 and £3,562 in 2023.

15 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no Related Party Transactions in 2023.

16 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and Legacies
Charitable activities
Investments
Other
Total
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable Activities
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Gains on investment assets:
on disposal
on revaluation
Transfers between Funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total Funds brought Forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 £
£
£
£
£
140,366
18,830
159,196
142,963
13,075
13,075
5,886
1,008
18
1,026
400
7,313
1,650
8,963
2,498
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
2022
TOTAL FUNDS
2021
161,762
20,498
0
182,260
151,747
168,147
21,733
189,880
152,631
168,147
21,733
0
189,880
152,631
(6,385)
(1,235)
0
(7,620)
(884)
0
0
(1,770)
(1,770)
1,870
(6,385)
(1,235)
(1,770)
(9,390)
986
46,439
8,219
14,723
69,381
68,395
40,054
6,984
12,953
59,991
69,381

Page 15

ST MARK'S CHURCH, COLNEY HEATH - ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS
102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)(effective 1 January 2015),
Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the
UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011.

The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention
except for 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.
Restricted  funds  can  only  be  used  for  particular  restricted  purposes  within  the
objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds
are raised for a particular restricted purpose.

Incoming Resources

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.

Other ordinary income

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

Income from investments

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

Gains and losses on investments

Realised gains or losses are realised when investments are sold.
Unrealised  gains  or  losses  are  accounted  for  on  revaluation  of  investments  at  31
December in any given year.

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  Parish  share  is  accounted  for  when  payable,  Any  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.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and buildings and moveable 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 moveable 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 buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or
improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

Other buildings

Expenditure on maintenance or improvement is written off as incurred.

Other fixtures, fittings, and office equipment
Equipment used within the church premises is written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December in any given year.

Current Assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in any given year are shown as debtors less
provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England
Funds or at the bank.

Registered Charity no. 1134735 Page 16

Inde endent Examirter'5 Re ort to the Trustees of St. Mark's Church Colne Heath I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 set out on pages 10 to 16. Respective responsibilitFes of tru5tee5 and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (undèr Sertion 144121 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 Actll and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedure5 laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act); and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the independent examiner's report My examination wa5 carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the aCCOLJnting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It a150 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation5 from VOLJ as trustees concerning any such matter5. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report 15 limited to those mattèr$ Set out in the Statements below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: iii which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to Comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. Dr to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. A J Bennewith, FCA, FCPI FFA, FIPA, DChA, FRSA Upper Ground Floc)r 18, Farnham Road Guildford Surrey GU14XA Date.. Page 17