www.ccbedford.org
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND**
**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
**FOR**
## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE**
## **ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF**
**CHRIST CHURCH BEDFORD (“Christ Church”)**
**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1134785**
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **CONTENTS**
|**Report of Trustees**|**2-12**|
|---|---|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|**13**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**14**|
|**Balance sheet**|**15**|
|**Cash Flow Statement**|**16**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**17-27**|
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **Report of Trustees**
The trustees present their report and the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 published in October 2019.
## **COVID-19 and Beyond**
COVID-19 continued to have an impact upon the life of the church and the community in 2023, at various times throughout the year people within the congregation have had Covid and chosen to self-isolate, including the vicar during the summer. On top of this there are several families and individuals who for various reasons are unable to attend in person. We continue to stream our Sunday 10.30am service on YouTube, and significant other services (for example, our midweek Lent Course) so that as many people as possible can participate.
2023 has also been a year where the continued cost-of-living crisis greatly impacted the country and our community here in Bedford. We have seen numbers attending Foodbank increase, as well as people struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. At the beginning of the year, we helped several people with Winter Fuel payments.
## **Aims and purposes**
The primary responsibility of Christ Church Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, Reverend David Thomas, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The following mission statement, core values and headline priorities rolled over into 2023. Alongside this was a key action to begin reviewing the main priorities and organisational structure for Christ Church.
The mission statement of our Church is _‘To enable everyone to become maturing followers of Christ, who experience and live out God’s love daily in every part of their lives’._
The Core Values of our Church are: -
|**G**enerous|in faith|
|---|---|
|**R**eal|about ourselves|
|**A**ccepting|of all|
|**C**ompassionate|to our community|
|**E**ncouraging|all who come|
The headline priorities of our Church for 2023 continued:
1. Making new disciples
2. Deepening our faith
3. Transforming our community
4. Visible social media
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
**REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
## **Objectives and activities**
When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charities Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. We 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 within and outside of the parish.
- Mission and outreach work.
To facilitate all this, we maintain the fabric of the Church and complex at 140 Dudley Street. The PCC also had responsibility for the upkeep of 161 Dudley Street.
The main Priorities and Objectives of our Church for 2023 were: -
## **Priorities and Objectives**
Following a review of the Mission Action Plan (MAP) in September 2022, it was decided that additional key priorities for 2023 were to review the church’s Vision Statement, and the organisational structure of Impact Groups working on behalf of the PCC. Therefore, the MAP remained the same (as seen below) and once the Vision and re-organisation had taken place, the MAP would be reviewed.
## **1. Making new disciples**
- a. Offer enquirers courses (e.g. Alpha, Grow, Parenting etc) 3 times per year so that at least 10 people come to faith in each year
- b. Members intentionally praying for 5 friends/relatives to come to faith
- c. Intentionally offer invitations to friends/relatives to enquiry course or Sunday worship
## **2. Deepening our faith**
- a. Promote active membership of weekly Home Groups, who create their own goal for next 12 months for a ministry area
- b. Ministries (Men, Women, Seniors, Children and Youth etc) to create clear goal to fulfil the priority ‘Going deeper into God’
- c. At least fortnightly, promote personal testimony stories to encourage maturing followers of Christ (whole life discipleship)
## **3. Transforming our community**
- a. Increase involvement and presence at Castle Newnham School (e.g. minimum 1 x Governor, provide Open the Book, support and nurture CU, offer lunch clubs, etc)
- b. Start Christians Against Poverty Debt Counselling service
- c. Establish and promote annually a new sustainability initiative across Devon Park and Castle Road
## **4. Creating a greater and more visible social media presence**
- a. Train 2-3 church members in the next 12 months in delivery of Social Media posts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc)
- b. Ensure regularly weekly flow of news and events via Social Media
- c. Change over the next 12 months physical outdoor signage
In order to achieve these objectives and respond to realised needs: -
- The new Vicar continued to meet regularly with church leaders of different denominations in Bedford, as well as playing a role in the Bedford Deanery (joining the Standing Committee for Deanery Synod).
- The Standing Committee (subset of PCC, including the Church Wardens), worked to create a new Vision Statement, and reviewed the existing Impact Group Structure.
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
- The Church Wardens worked closely with the Vicar and Staff Team to ensure that the day to day running of the church continued as smoothly as possible.
- The Impact Groups continued to look after different areas of the life of the church and ensure that the church continued to be active in the community.
- Areas of the church which needed new volunteers were identified.
## **Achievements and performance**
2023 was Rev David Thomas’ first full year as vicar of Christ Church. Sunday attendance throughout 2023 remained steady, and Christmas saw an increase.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but gives a flavour of some of the significant things which took place in 2023:
- A Church Weekend Away took place in March, where a new Vision Statement for the church was presented. The weekend away broke even in terms of cost.
- A Midweek Lent Course. This regularly saw 50+ people attend in person and online.
- Involvement with the HOPE Bedfordshire Good Friday Walk of Witness.
- Two weddings took place in April.
- A new Sound Desk was installed, leading to an improvement in quality of sound.
- Continued to have some longer services focused on worship and prayer throughout the year.
- Introduction of a new prayer meeting on Sunday mornings before the 10.30am service.
- Continued to have members of the congregation explore different callings to ministry. This included one person completing Foundations for Ministry training, one person become a Lay Leader of Worship. And two more people beginning Foundations for Ministry training.
- We were asked to host Readers in Training for two short-term placements in 2023.
- Application for a curate in 2024 accepted by the diocese.
- Growing number of young families attended our Sunday 10.30am family service.
- Reorganisation of the 10.30am family service in September which now sees the main service and all the groups (children & youth) looking at the same material.
- Introduction of new musicians at both the 10.30am and 7pm services.
- Restructuring the Impact Groups to better align to the new vision of the church (closing of Fellowship & Outreach IGs, replaced with Pastoral Care & Engagement IGs).
The new vision statement of Christ Church adopted in March 2023 is:
_We are a people being transformed by the unconditional love of God; seeking to bless our community, and longing for all to experience the hope we have in Jesus._
## **Staff Team**
There have been a number of changes to the staff team over 2023.
- Ellie Ryan-Johnson stepped down as part-time Trainee Youth Minister in January due to personal reasons.
- Laura Jewell and Vikki Thomas were appointed as 18-30s Pioneer and Vicar’s PA respectively (part time roles).
- Pauline Grimley, Vandon Grimley, and Dawn Hire continued to be a steady and invaluable presence looking after the Office, Buildings and Hall Hirers.
- Ruth Hulme continued in post as our imaginative and hard working Children’s Minister,
- AJ Wade covered our Youth Work and Social Media presence for 6 months before moving to Birmingham to continue his training towards ordination.
- Vikki Thomas as a volunteer took over organising our Youth Work after AJ Wade left while we look to employ someone in this role.
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
- The PCC agreed that moving forward the church should look to employ a full-time Youth & Student Minister. The extra funding required for this came from a generous donation from a member of the congregation, and a successful grant application from the Diocesan Growing Younger and more Diverse fund. The first round of advertising in November did not yield any applicants who met the PCC’s criteria of qualifications/experience. The post has been readvertised in February 2024.
## **Role of Volunteers**
Without volunteers most activities which Christ Church puts on would cease to operate. We are extremely grateful to everyone who gives up their time and energy to serve both the church and the community.
We see this especially in areas such as our musical worship, our children’s and youth work, and our engagement with older members of the community. Without the many volunteers our Children’s Minister (Ruth Hulme) would be unable to do all she does. Without volunteers, such as Vikki Thomas, our Friday Night Youth would have stopped. We are also extremely grateful for all that Rachel Bennett does, whether that be organising holidays, Go4Gold or the Sunday afternoon walks to name a few.
Christ Church continues to be one of several distribution centres for Bedford Foodbank. Many of the volunteers helping on Tuesday afternoons are from Christ Church. 2023 continued to see large numbers of people attending.
## **Children and Youth Ministry**
2023 saw lots of activities in person for our Children’s Ministry:
Sunday ministry was reorganised in September:
- Imagine (0 to pre-school): 10 children weekly
- Wonder (reception to year 3): 5 children weekly
- Marvel (years 4 to 6): 6 children weekly
- Wild Church: 10 families 11 children, monthly 3-5 families attending
- Pop up breakfasts: 5-10 families quarterly
## Midweek ministry:
- Forge: 9 children weekly
- Morning Out: 35-45 children weekly
- Little Fishes: 2-5 babies weekly
## One Off Events:
- Summer holiday club ran across 5 mornings - 58 children in total
- Easter Faith Trail : 7 families attended to explore activity stations about the Easter Story
- 20 Holy Week boxes given to families
- Church weekend away: 15 children
- May - Bedford Treasure Trail: 5 families
- October Light Party - 20 children
- Christmas - It's a boy - 100 adults and 100 children attended to hear the nativity story through pantomime
- Celebrating Christmas Around the World:
- African Drumming Workshop – 16 families
- Christmas Decoration making – 5 families
- Christmas Praise Party – 19 children
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
Since AJ Wade left in August J-team and Friday Night Youth have kept going thanks to the teams of dedicated volunteers. Since September, the teaching in J-team has been following the sermon series in line with all of the children's and youth Sunday groups. The average attendance is 5-8 young people.
Friday Night Youth has followed the same pattern as previously, the evening starts with a relaxed time of games before some discussion time. The young people decided what topics they wanted to discuss. The group has definitely bonded together as a whole since some new faces moved up to the group in September. The average attendance is 8-10 young people each week. Highlights in 2023 included the now annual trip to the Hamilton’s back garden for Fireworks Night.
It is impossible to quantify in financial terms the contribution made by these and many other volunteers, but it is considerable, without which the PCC would not be able to fulfil its charitable objectives.
We thank all the many volunteers, who work so hard to make this church the lively and vibrant community that it is. In particular, we thank the Churchwardens, Kay Berrington and Andrew Russell who have continued to work so tirelessly on our behalf during 2023.
## **Worship and Prayer**
Worship and prayer continue to be central to the life of Christ Church. We are extremely grateful to all who have been involved whether playing and singing, projecting words onto screens, operating the sound desk and live streaming our services.
Some highlights in the year include:
- The Carols by Candlelight service which saw 243 people attend, a near 50% increase from 2022.
- The Carols on the Lawn service which saw so many people attend that people at the back couldn’t hear what was going on!
- Introduction of Music Stand app at the 7pm service, for the musicians to reduce the amount of paper copies of music.
Average attendance at 9am has been 17 people, at 10.30am 160 people, and at 7pm 40 people. We continue to livestream our 10.30am service but as the community gets used to being able to worship together in person, we have seen less people joining us online. However, this continues to be a valuable part of the worshipping life of the community for those who are unable to attend for a variety of reasons, including ill health, home and work commitments.
At present, there are 290 names on the Church Electoral Roll, 69 of whom are resident within the parish. 10 names were added during the year and 13 were removed either through death, or because they moved away from the parish or to another church.
As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at life’s milestones: 4 baptisms, 1 thanksgiving for the gift of a child, 2 weddings, and a total of 2 funerals and services of thanksgiving.
## **Deanery Synod**
We had 4 Deanery Synod elected representatives (reduced to 2 from 1 July) and 2 Diocesan Synod representatives, offering an important link between our parish and the wider Church of England. At each Deanery Synod meeting, there is a primary focus of discussion, and the opportunity to hear of the work of the wider church: General Synod, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Board of Finance and Deanery Standing Committee. There were 4 Deanery Synod meetings in 2023:
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
March – Anne Barker, chaplain at HMP Bedford, spoke about the joys and challenges of her role and Gillian Kern, chaplain at HMP The Mount, spoke about the Welcome Directory, which aims to help faith communities become places where people who leave prison find acceptance.
May - Sam Cappleman, Area Dean, spoke on Diocesan finances and the opportunity to apply for funds for the ‘Growing Younger and More Diverse’ initiative. Malcolm Grant from the Beds & Herts Historic Churches trust explained that the trust gives grants to churches in the St Albans Diocese to help them with the maintenance and repair of the church fabric. The fund is supported by donations (such as the Wixamtree Trust) and legacies, together with church and individual membership and fundraising activities.
June – Robert Hargrave (Diocesan Director of Communications) and Dave Pickett (Creative and Digital Communications Partner) spoke on communicating well and the different ways that this can be done in the modern world. David Thomas reviewed what is happening at Christ Church.
October - Young people from the Church of The Transfiguration, Kempston gave a presentation on Carbon Footprint matters. They reminded the attendees that the environment and God’s creation are critical elements of our stewardship, mission, ministry and of our broader engagement with those of all ages in our communities.
## **Pastoral care**
Pastoral care continues to be an important area for the life of the church. So much so that in the review of the Impact Groups a new Pastoral Care Impact Group was created at the end of the year. Home Groups continue to be the centre of pastoral care and we are particularly grateful to Pauline Barber (a volunteer) for all she does in overseeing this area of ministry. Over 50% of electoral roll members are a part of a Home Group. Each week at the Staff Team meeting, pastoral concerns are discussed and church members not seen for a while are attempted to be contacted by someone, often the vicar or church warden(s).
Activities such as Ladies Elevenses and Men’s Breakfast continue to be key areas of pastoral care and time. The vicar continues to take home communion to people who need it, whether on a regular basis or one offs due to illness and the like.
Our parish magazine is published bi-monthly and continues to create a pastoral, spiritual and informative link amongst church members, hall users and our local community.
## **Mission and Evangelism**
Helping others is a demonstration of our faith, whether practical, emotional or spiritual.
The Mission Impact Group channels support and news between our Mission Partners, scattered across Africa, the Middle East and Europe, and encourages prayer for them.
Mission Direct, a small UK Based charity, whose Executive Officer attends Christ Church, was the Bishop of St Alban’s Harvest Appeal charity for 2023. Christ Church raised money for them both at the Harvest Appeal and as a part of the Christmas giving.
A Youth Alpha Course was run after Easter on Friday Nights.
A new Impact Group looking at Engagement was created at the end of 2023 with a view to see what the needs of the community are, and how Christ Church can better engage and meet those needs.
A number of volunteers from Christ Church helped the King’s Arms Project winter night shelter, whether making meals or spending time with rough sleepers.
Rev David Thomas took communion once a month to Dame Alice Court care home.
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
## **Ecumenical Relationships**
We continue to be blessed by our ecumenical links to other local churches across Bedford and benefit from HOPE Bedfordshire. We actively supported the town-centre open-air Good Friday Witness, attended by over 1000 people and a number of our congregation attended various Hope Bedford activities throughout the year.
Rev David Thomas took communion once a month at St John’s Church Bedford during their vacancy.
## **Financial review**
Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £356,172, with £189,033 from standing orders and £43,933 was from Gift Aid. Restricted donations totalled £31,471 of which £4,504 was from gift aid. Further details are shown in the annual financial statements.
£361,109 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from Christ Church, including the contribution to the diocesan parish share of £147,512 which largely provides the stipends and housing for the clergy.
Net movement in funds was an increase of £24,771 during the year, and the total reserves increased to £236,145.
The principal source of donations are the church members. The PCC takes its environmental, social and ethical duties seriously and consideration of these undergird the ministry decisions of the church.
## **Reserves policy**
It is PCC policy to try to maintain sufficient funds, being between 3 and 6 months of expenditure to ensure the smooth financial running of the church, and ensure that unexpected expenditure can be met as and when required. Total funds held at the year end amounted to £236,145.
The balance on the general reserves at the year end was £146,167 which is considered adequate since it represents approximately 5 months of expenditure, and is therefore within the PCC policy. Total unrestricted funds (including the general fund) amounted to £200,488 with £34,321 representing amounts raised in respect of a previous house purchase.
The purpose of any restricted fund is noted in the financial statements. Restricted funds are in respect of specific projects and or schemes.
## **Financial risks**
Total restricted funds amounted to £35,657. The cash reserves of the church, excluding restricted funds, totalled £148,103 as at 31 December 2023. The budget for 2024 was approved by the PCC showing a deficit of £17,000. Most of the income generated by the church is from regular standing orders. The level of standing orders has remained consistent during the year and this, together with careful management of resources, has not had a significant impact on the financial risks of the church. The PCC therefore considers it has sufficient resources to sustain its purposes and activities during 2024.
## **Plans for future periods**
At the beginning of 2023, the PCC agreed to look at selling the existing curate’s house (161 Dudley Street), which is will complete in April 2024, and to purchase a new property on the Devon Park Estate which completed in March 2024.
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
Advertising for a new Student & Youth Minister in February 2024.
Creation of a new Mission Action Plan to replace the existing one.
In summer 2024 a stipendiary curate will be joining Christ Church.
## **Risk management**
The PCC is aware of its risk management duties and in 2023 the Lone Working policy, and Safeguarding Policy, were reviewed and signed off by the PCC. All PCC trustees, youth and children's paid and voluntary leaders, and volunteers in contact with vulnerable adults are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked.
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline measure 2016. We continue to take seriously the need to look after children and vulnerable adults. The PCC have adopted all the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance, as well as “Promoting a Safer Church” (child protection and vulnerable adults policy) and the Domestic Abuse statement.
Safeguarding information is displayed in the Church Porch, on the halls noticeboard and on the church website. In addition there is a child friendly version on the halls noticeboard. Contact details for those wishing to obtain advice, raise any concerns or make referrals to the statutory authorities are included on the posters and in our Safeguarding Policy, which is issued to everyone who applies for a DBS check and Worker’s Pocket Guides produced by 31:8 are included in the staff and volunteer ID lanyard pockets.
We have a Parish Safeguarding Officer who is also Lead Recruiter, a Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer and an Assistant Recruiter. Those who work with vulnerable groups in the Parish are recruited in accordance with the Practice Guidance Safer Recruitment July 2021. We work to ensure that DBS checks are renewed every three years and that all those who have been safely recruited and all members of the PCC, have undertaken the appropriate safeguarding training within the last 3 years. The team meets regularly and we use the Parish Dashboard system for record keeping and to monitor our compliance with the various policies and the practice guidance of the Church of England.
We continue to ensure that there is adequate insurance cover for all activities involving children or adults undertaken in the name of the Parish. There have been 4 issues of safeguarding concern reported during 2023. These matters were dealt with according to the relevant safeguarding policies and guidance, by the Parish Safeguarding Officer, the Vicar and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Safeguarding is a standing item on the PCC agenda and safeguarding matters have been raised with the congregation. The latter included raising awareness of the Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor investigation, undertaken by the Diocese of St Albans and the National Safeguarding Team and giving an opportunity for anyone affected to discuss any concerns. The congregation was also given an update as to how safeguarding works in services on 26 November 2023.
From a financial perspective, the PCC has delegated a level of responsibility to the Resource Impact Group along with the Treasurer to look after the accounting and budgets. The Treasurer regularly reports back to the PCC how things look compared to budget.
## **Structure, governance and management**
Christ Church is a corporate body established by the Church of England, and it is part of the deanery of Bedford and the Diocese of St Albans.
The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity.
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules (CRR). At Christ Church the membership of the PCC consists of the licensed clergy, churchwardens, one of the Readers, members of Diocesan and Deanery Synods and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll, and so if they fulfil the criteria (as per CRR) they can stand for election to the PCC.
New PCC members/trustees were offered a copy of _The PCC Member’s Essential Guide_ , and a copy of the PCC Notes of Guidance.
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 PCC met 6 times during 2023 with an average attendance of 72%.
Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has a number of impact groups, each one dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These groups, which include communications, mission, buildings, outreach, resourcing, fellowship, and young people, are all responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly with reports of their meetings, decisions and recommendations being received by the PCC and discussed as necessary.
_Standing Committee:_ This committee is required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.
_Buildings Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for the management and development of Christ Church PCC’s buildings and infrastructure.
_Communications Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for oversight of both external and internal communications, including our physical and online presence.
_Fellowship Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for the planning, resourcing and delivery of events focused on the development of fellowship within Christ Church.
_Mission Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for caring, praying and practically supporting our Mission Partners and Organisations and encouraging vocations and support to mission at home and overseas.
_Outreach Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for the planning, resourcing, coordination and delivery of all pre-evangelistic, evangelistic and early discipleship support at Christ Church.
_Resourcing Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for the financing of Christ Church and the prudent management of its financial resources.
_Worship Impact Group:_ This group is responsible for the planning, resourcing, coordination and delivery of all corporate worship at Christ Church.
_Young People’s Impact Group:_ The Young People’s Impact Group is responsible for supporting the Youth Minister and the Children’s Minister in developing and implementing a strategy for young people’s and family work at Christ Church, which directly contributes to the achievement of Christ Church’s mission.
In 2023 the Fellowship and Outreach Impact Groups stopped operating. They are to be replaced with a Pastoral Care Impact Group and an Engagement Impact Group. This followed a review by the Standing Committee with an aim that the structure of Impact Groups (IGs) needed to better reflect the new vision and meet the everchanging demands of church life following the global pandemic and change of vicar. The other change was bringing in the Home Groups into the IGs structure, so that there could better communication and joined up working between IGs and Home Groups.
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
## **Administrative information**
Christ Church is situated at 140 Dudley Street, Bedford. It is part of the Diocese of St Albans within the Church of England. The correspondence address is 140 Dudley Street Bedford MK40 3SX. Registered charity number 1134785 under the name the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church Bedford. It is also known as Christ Church Bedford, PCC or Christ Church.
PCC members who have served at any time from 1 January 2023 until the date of this report was approved are:
|are:|||
|---|---|---|
|**Ex-Officio Members:**|||
|Incumbent|The Revd David Thomas|Chairman|
|Wardens|Mrs Kay Berrington||
||Dr Andrew Russell||
|Reader|Mr Michael Bishop||
|Diocesan Synod|Mr Daniel Gicharu||
||Mr Christopher Stevens|Treasurer|
|Deanery Synod|Ms Rachel Bennett||
||Mrs Margaret Cottenden|(from 3 May 2023)|
||Miss Helen Ryan|(until 30 June 2023)|
||Mr Paul Templeman|(until 30 June 2023)|
||Mr Anderson (AJ) Hutchinson-Wade|(until 30 June 2023)|
|Elected Members:|Mr Simon Berrington||
||Mr Christopher Brown|Lay Chair of the PCC|
||Mr Tony Daniels||
||Dr Jonathan Day|(from 3 May 2023)|
||Ms Rachel Day||
||Mr Stephen Gardner|(from 3 May 2023)|
||Mr Martin Hamilton||
||Ms Amy Hutchinson-Wade|(until 3 May 2023)|
||Ms Susan Marshall||
||Mrs Jennie McAdam|(from 3 May 2023)|
||Mrs Kathryn Priddin|(until 3 May 2023)|
||Mr Thomas Rees||
||Miss Eleanor Ryan-Johnson|(until 3 May 2023)|
||Ms Christine Somervell||
||Mrs Cynthia (Sue) Templeman||
|(PCC Secretary)|Mrs Pauline Grimley
|(not a PCC member)|
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **REPORT OF TRUSTEES**
## **Bank:**
CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
## **Independent Examiner:**
Suzanne Goodson BSc FCA Wright Connections Limited Registered Auditors Bedford I-Lab Priory Business Park Stannard Way Bedford MK44 3RZ
Day-to-day management of the charity is delegated to the incumbent:
**Incumbent:**
## **The Revd David Thomas**
Christ Church Vicarage 115 Denmark Street Bedford MK40 3TJ
Approved by the PCC on 9 April 2024 and signed on their behalf:
Revd David Thomas (PCC Chair)
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**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church Bedford**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 14 to 27.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity’s trustees 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 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**
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Suzanne Goodson BSc FCA Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales Wright Connections Limited Bedford I-Lab Stannard Way Bedford MK44 3RZ
09/04/2024
Date: .............................................
13
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including Income and Expenditure account)**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023**
|_Note_
**INCOME FROM**
Donations and Legacies
_4_
Charitable activities
_5_
Other trading activities
Investments
_6_
**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Charitable activities
_7_
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**Transfers between funds**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**Reconciliation of funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
_18_
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD at**
**31 December 2023**
_18_|**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
256,499
31,471
93,506
0
5,723
0
444
0|**Total Funds**
**Total Funds**
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
**£**
**£**
287,970
278,108
93,506
70,491
5,723
5,560
444
212
387,643
354,371
362,872
326,079
362,872
326,079
24,771
28,292
0
0
24,771
28,292
211,374
183,082
236,145
211,374|
|---|---|---|
||356,172
31,471||
||361,109
1,763||
||361,109
1,763||
||(4,937)
29,708
0
0
(4,937)
29,708
205,425
5,949||
||200,488
35,657||
All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities
14
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 December 2023**
|**_Note_**
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
_12_
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
_13_
Cash at bank and in hand
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors due within one year
_15_
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE
AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
_16_
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
_18_
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS|**£**
**£**
£
£
**101,416**
104,716
**17,758**
17,363
**236,508**
216,871
**254,266**
234,233
**-119,537**
-71,896
**134,730**
162,337
**236,145**
267,053
**0**
-55,679
**236,145**
211,374
**200,488**
205,425
**35,657**
5,949
**236,145**
211,374
**31-Dec-23**
31-Dec-22|
|---|---|
|||
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9th April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Revd David Thomas Chairman
Mr Christopher Stevens Hon. Treasurer
The notes on pages 17 to 27 form part of these accounts
Charity registration number 1134785
15
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **CASH FLOW STATEMENT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023**
|**Note**
**Cash flow from operating activities**
Cash generated from activities
3
**Cash flow from investing activities**
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets
Interest received
**Net cash flow from investing activities**
**Cash flow from financing activities**
Interest paid
**Net cash flow from financing activities**
**Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents**
**Cash and cash equivalents at 1.1.23**
**Cash and cash equivalents at 31.12.23**
**Cash and cash equivalents consists of**
**Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period not available for charitable purposes
as held as agent|31-Dec-23
26,044
(1,768)
444
**(1,324)**
(5,083)
**(5,083)**
**19,637**
**216,871**
**236,508**
**236,508**
984|31-Dec-22
45,053
(17,630)
212|
|---|---|---|
|||**(17,418)**|
|||(4,928)
**(4,928)**|
|||**22,707**
**194,164**|
|||**216,871**|
|||**216,871**|
|||189|
||||
16
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st December 2023**
## **1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **a) General information**
Christ Church, a registered charity in the United Kingdom is a corporate body established by the Church of England, and it is part of the deanery of Bedford and the Diocese of St Albans. Its trustees are all members of the Parochial Church Council and they operate under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity administrative information on page 11 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are shown on pages 3 to 10 of these financial statements.
## **b) Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared 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 Accounting Practice.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the 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 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 financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years prescribed.
## **c) Income recognition**
## **Voluntary income and capital sources**
All incoming resources , including government grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
Collections are recognised when made. For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. Pledged amounts are only recognised on receipt of the funds.
Income tax recoverable on gift aid scheme donations is recognised in the period the income is received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of the entitlement and the likely amount due.
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
17
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st December 2023**
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustee’ Annual Report.
Where practicable, gifts in kind donated for distribution to the beneficiaries of the charity are included in stock and donations in the financial statements upon receipt. If it is impracticable to assess the fair value at receipt or if the costs to undertake such a valuation outweigh any benefits, then the fair value is recognised as a component of donations when it is distributed, and an equivalent amount recognised as charitable expenditure.
## **Legacies**
For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed.
## **Other trading activities**
Other trading activities represent feed in tariffs from solar panels and are recognised on entitlement.
## **Other ordinary income**
Rental income from the letting of church premises is accounted for when earned. Fees due to the PCC for weddings, funerals, etc. are accounted for on an event by event basis.
## **d) Expenditure recognition**
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
## **Costs directly related to the work of the church**
The Diocesan parish share is accounted for when payable and any amount unpaid at 31st December is included as a creditor in the Balance Sheet. Grants and donations are accounted for at the earlier of payment or formal approval by the PCC. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
## **e) Tangible fixed assets**
## **Consecrated land and buildings and moveable church property**
Consecrated and beneficial property is excluded from the financial statements 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 these to be inalienable property.
All expenditure on consecrated and beneficial property and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off in the year incurred. This includes all expenditure incurred to date in respect of the Hall Redevelopment Project, including the build costs, since the build is occurring on consecrated ground, and as such cannot be capitalised.
## **Other land and buildings**
Other land and buildings held on behalf of the PCC for its own purposes are valued at cost. No depreciation is charged on such properties since it is considered that the estimated residual value of the properties is in excess of the purchase price. Any expenditure on maintenance or improvement is written off in the year incurred.
18
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st December 2023**
## **Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment**
Equipment purchased within the accounting period is capitalised on the balance sheet. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off in the year in which the asset is acquired.
## **Depreciation**
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset in a systematic basis over its expected useful life. Depreciation rates used are as follows: -
Furniture and solar panels – 10% per annum (estimated useful life 10 years), Equipment – 33.33% (estimated useful life 3 years)
## **f) Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
## **g) Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
The purpose of any restricted fund is noted in the financial statements. Restricted funds include amounts raised for the Hall Redevelopment Project (HRP).
The financial statements include transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe an affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
## **h) Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
## **i) Bank and Cash**
Bank and Cash include short-term deposits which include cash held on deposit at CAF Bank.
## **j) Loans**
Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the transaction price including transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less impairment. If an arrangement constitutes a finance transaction it is measured at present value.
## **k) Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within 1 year**
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31st December in respect of fees, rents or other income are included as debtors at transactional values less any provision for amounts that may prove to be uncollectible. Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
## **l) Judgements**
No judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies.
19
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023**
## **2 YEAR ENDED 31 December 2022 Comparatives**
|_Note_
**INCOME FROM**
Donations and Legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Charitable activities
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**Transfers between funds**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**Reconciliation of funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD at**
**31 December 2022**|**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Total Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**31-Dec-22**
**£**
**£**
**£**
268,576
9,532
278,108
68,625
1,866
70,491
5,560
0
5,560
212
0
212
342,973
11,398
354,371
317,098
8,981
326,079
317,098
8,981
326,079
25,875
2,417
28,292
9,671
(9,671)
0
35,546
(7,254)
28,292
169,879
13,203
183,082
205,425
5,949
211,374|
|---|---|
All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities
20
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
**3 Reconciliation of net expenditure for year to net cash flow from operating activities**
|**Net expenditure for year**
Interest receivable
Interest payable
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Decrease (increase) in debtors
Increase (decrease) in creditors
**Net cash flow from operating activities**
**4 Income from Donations and Legacies**
Gifts
Legacies
Other Donations
**5 Income from charitable activities**
Rental income
Grants
Events and activities
Fees
`
**6 Income from investments**
Deposit interest
**7 Charitable Activities Costs**
Direct costs
£
Church Activities
336,836
See note 21 for further details
**8 Support/ Governance costs**
Independent examiner's remuneration
**9 Net income for the period is stated after charging**
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets|Direct costs
£
336,836|31-Dec-23
£
24,771
(444)
5,083
5,068
(396)
(8,038)
**26,044**
31-Dec-23
£
237,470
1,000
49,500
287,970
31-Dec-23
£
44,325
0
48,261
920
93,506
31-Dec-23
£
444
Donations
£
26,036
31-Dec-23
£
1,620
31-Dec-23
£
5,068|31-Dec-22
£
28,292
(212)
4,928
6,804
(4,875)
10,115|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**45,053**|
||||31-Dec-22
£
241,225
13,617
23,267|
||||278,108|
||||31-Dec-22
£
39,366
250
29,275
1,600|
||||70,491|
||||31-Dec-22
£
212|
||||Total
£
362,872|
||||31-Dec-22
£
1,620|
||||31-Dec-22
£
6,804|
21
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
## **10 Trustees and key management personnel remuneration and expenses**
Two trustees (E Ryan-Johnson £835, AJ Wade £8,812) received £9,647 for church work during the year (2022 - Three - W Pegg. E Ryan-Johnson, AJ Wade £5,426) None of their remuneration related to their role as a trustee
In 2023 and 2022 the incumbent and in 2022 the curate were remunerated by way of a stipend by a a related party, being the Diocese of St Albans who are responsible for setting the level of remuneration. As is standard practice in the Church of England the clergy were provided with housing by the Diocese (incumbent) and PCC (curate).
Two trustees, including incumbent, were reimbursed £373 during the year (2022, Four trustees - £1,343). This was for travel, hospitality, books and expenditure on behalf of the church.
## **11 Staff Costs**
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Defined contribution pension costs|31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
£
£
76,485
64,117
0
0
3,372
2,670
79,857
66,787|
|---|---|
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
|Youth Minister and Children's Minister
Other|2023
2022
2
2
7
6
9
8|
|---|---|
No employees received remuneration in excess of £60,000
## **12 Fixed Assets**
|COST
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022|Freehold
Property
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
90,000
108,009
198,009
0
1,768
1,768
0
(23,628)
(23,628)|
|---|---|
||90,000
86,149
176,149|
||0
93,293
93,293
0
5,068
5,068
0
(23,628)
(23,628)|
||0
74,733
74,733|
||90,000
11,416
101,416|
||90,000
14,716
104,716|
## _Note:_
_The property held at 31 December 2023 consists of 161 Dudley Street, Bedford, which is subject to an equity sharing loan from the Church Commissioners (see loan note for further details)._
## **13 Debtors: amounts falling due within 1 year**
|**Debtors: amounts falling due within 1 year**
Other debtors|31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
£
£
17,758
17,363
17,758
17,363|
|---|---|
22
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
## **14 Monies raised for others**
During the year the following monies were collected for external organisations
||31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22|
|---|---|
|Staff leaving gifts
Christmas Appeal 2022
Bedford foodbank
Bishop's Harvest appeal
Tearfund
Ordinand training
Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust
Other|£
£
435
4,420
543
208
90
0
634
0
239
0
0
66
0
385
583
219|
||2,524
5,298|
A total of £984 was held as at 31 December 2023 (£189 31 December 2022) These are included in other creditors in note 15.
## **15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
|Hall Redevelopment
Other creditors
Loan to purchase curate's house (see note 16)|31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
£
£
57,252
57,252
6,606
14,644
55,679
0
119,537
71,896|
|---|---|
## **16 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year**
|Loan to purchase curate's house|31-Dec-23
31-Dec-22
£
£
0
55,679
0
55,679|
|---|---|
The PCC has a loan of £55,679 from the Church Commissioners which was taken out to assist with the purchase of 161 Dudley Street (the Curate's House) This is an interest only value linked loan representing 62% of the original value of the property. It is repayable on sale of the property together with a 62% share in any increase in value since acquisition. See note 19.
## **17 Related parties**
The Diocese of St Albans is a related party by way of the constitution Details of receipts from related parties are found in note 21 Details of payments to related parties are found in notes 22 and 23
23
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
## **18 Fund reconciliation - 2023**
## **Unrestricted funds**
|General fund
Designated funds - repairs to church
Unrestricted house reserve - 161 Dudley Street
**Restricted funds**
Vicar's discretionary fund & restricted mission
Youth and Student Minister
New Curate's house
Halls Redevelopment funds
Holiday at Home
Total restricted|Balance at
Balance at
01-Jan-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
151,104
356,172
(361,109)
146,167
20,000
20,000
34,321
34,321|
|---|---|
||205,425
356,172
(361,109)
0
200,488|
||Balance at
Balance at
01-Jan-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
4,366
1,756
(1,703)
4,419
0
12,500
12,500
0
17,215
17,215
273
0
0
273
1,310
0
(60)
1,250|
||5,949
31,471
(1,763)
0
35,657|
|Fixed assets
Cash and current investments
Other current assets
Creditors: amounts due in less than one year
Creditors: amounts due in more than one year|Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Total
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
101,416
101,416
148,103
88,405
236,508
13,254
4,504
17,758
-62,285
-57,252
-119,537
0
0|
|---|---|
||200,488
35,657
236,145|
## **19 Post Balance Sheet events**
The PCC has approved plans to sell 161 Dudley Street in 2023 and a sale was agreed in February 2024 subject to contract for a total of £365,000 (gross) and £357,400 (net of costs). £221,100 of the net proceeds will be used to repay the value linked loan. We will receive the remainder of the proceeds of £136,300. Completion is set for 12 April 2024
We have acquired 18 Hartland Avenue on 1 March 2024 for £330,000. This has been partially funded from a short term loan from the diocese with the remainder funded from a gift day (approx £115,000) plus our own resources. The loan from the diocese is expected to be fully repaid after the sale of 161 Dudley Street completes.
## **20 Contingent Asset for grant to employ a Youth and Student Worker**
A total of £60,000 has been awarded by The Diocese of St Albans to be paid in equal annual instalments over a three year period to cover the term of the employment contract. This is conditional on the successful appointment of a suitable candidate, the process for which is not deemed to be in the full control of the PCC. To date the vacant position has been advertised and applicants were interviewed however no appointment was made. Income from the grant will be recognised once the PCC is confident that an appointment can be made.
24
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
## **21 INCOME**
|**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**Income from Donations and Legacies**
Standing orders & Envelope Scheme
189,033
Legacies
1,000
Basket Collections
0
Income tax reclaimed
43,933
4,504
New curate's house
15,211
Other donations
22,533
11,756
256,499
31,471
Note - included above are the following amounts given by trustees
Unrestricted
Total
**Income from charitable activities**
Rental income
44,325
Social & Youth Events
43,540
Grants
0
Morning Out receipts
2,406
Lunch Club Receipts
1,423
Holiday at Home
0
Fees
920
Sundry receipts
891
93,506
0
**Income from other trading activities**
Income from solar panels
5,723
5,723
0
**Income from investment**
Deposit interest
444
0
444
0
**TOTAL INCOME**
356,172
31,471|**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
189,033
1,000
0
43,933
4,504
15,211
22,533
11,756|**Total Funds**
**Total Funds**
**31-Dec-23**
**31-Dec-22**
**£**
£
189,033
194,614
1,000
13,617
0
121
48,437
46,489
15,211
0
34,289
23,267
287,970
278,108
30,380
27,347
30,380
27,347
44,325
39,366
43,540
20,333
0
250
2,406
2,273
1,423
1,766
0
1,866
920
1,600
891
3,037
93,506
70,491
5,723
5,560
5,723
5,560
444
212|
|---|---|---|
||256,499
31,471||
||93,506
0||
||5,723||
||5,723
0||
||||
||444
0||
||||
||444
0|444
212|
|||387,643
354,371|
||356,172
31,471||
25
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**22 Resources spent**
_Notes_
**Grants**
Mission and charitable giving
Other donations
**Directly relating to Church Ministry**
Parish share - payment Diocese
Clergy & staff expenses
Housing costs
Services including music
Telephones
Books
Explorers, Holiday Club & Youth Work
Training
Morning Out
Lunch Club
Holiday at Home
Outreach (including social events)
Sundries
Interest payable
**Church management and administration**
Heat and light
Insurance
Cleaning Materials
Church and property maintenance
Equipment - not capitalised
Hall Redevelopment
Salaries and wages
Printing, postage and stationery
Other
Depreciation
Support/Governance Costs
**TOTAL RESOURCES SPENT**|**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
24,333
885
0
818
24,333
1,703
147,512
1,291
2,296
4,723
1,468
243
4,553
0
1,583
503
60
41,570
3,861
5,083
214,686
60
15,194
2,596
4,380
9,470
0
0
0
79,857
1,948
1,956
5,068
120,470
0|**Total Funds Total Funds**
**31-Dec-23**
**31-Dec-22**
**£**
**£**
25,218
28,604
818
6,112
26,036
34,716
147,512
140,094
1,291
1,721
2,296
332
4,723
5,320
1,468
2,301
243
91
4,553
3,296
0
978
1,583
951
503
507
60
1,841
41,570
20,603
3,861
5,831
5,083
4,928
214,746
188,794
15,194
8,065
2,596
2,427
4,380
4,163
9,470
8,097
0
272
0
0
79,857
66,787
1,948
2,542
1,956
1,792
5,068
6,804
120,470
100,949
1,620
1,620
362,872
326,079|
|---|---|---|
||1,620||
||||
||361,109
1,763||
26
**PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, BEDFORD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**23**
**DETAILS OF MISSION AND CHARITABLE GIVING**
OVERSEAS
SIM (supporting the Deneufchâtel's)
Gayet (work in Belgium)
Barnabas fund
Diocese of Gulf and Cyprus
Open Doors
Egypt EDA
Frontiers (supporting Bradleys)
Samuti - interfaith helpers
Friends of Johannesburg Bible College
Neno Macadamia fund
Malawi Orphan fund
Tearfund
**HOME**
Bedford Area Schools Christian Support Trust
King's Arms Project - Bedford
Bedford Street Angels
Bedford Foodbank
Friends for Life
Hope Bedfordshire
Christians Against Poverty
Other specific giving
Total Mission
**OTHER**
Other donations
**TOTAL MISSION GIVING**|**Total**
**General**
**Restricted**
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
2,730
0
**2,730**
6,300
0
**6,300**
0
0
**0**
0
0
**0**
500
0
**500**
500
0
**500**
4,925
0
**4,925**
175
0
**175**
1,100
0
**1,100**
500
0
**500**
1,050
0
**1,050**
500
0
**500**
**18,280**
**0**
**18,280**
5,403
0
**5,403**
0
0
**0**
50
0
**50**
500
0
**500**
0
0
**0**
100
0
**100**
0
0
**0**
0
885
**885**
6,053
885
**6,938**
24,333
885
25,218
0
818
**818**
0
818
818
**24,333**
**1,703**
**26,036**|**Total**
31-Dec-22
£|
|---|---|---|
|||2,900|
|||6,500
500|
|||1,058
0|
|||0|
|||6,500|
|||100|
|||1,050|
|||500|
|||1,650|
|||0|
||||
|||20,758|
||||
|||5,500|
|||500
50|
|||500|
|||554|
|||100|
|||500|
|||142|
||||
|||**7,846**|
|||**28,604**|
||||
|||6,112|
||||
|||**6,112**|
||||
|||**34,716**|
_Note: Mission giving was set at 10% of General Gifts in 2023 (2022: 14%)_
27