Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2021
(Accepted and approved by the PCC at a meeting on 24th March 2022)
Charity Number 1135051
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CONTENTS
| Introduction from Chris Hobbs | 4 |
|---|---|
| Annual Report of the PCC | 5 |
| Fabric Committee Report | 9 |
| Electoral Roll Report & Safeguarding | 11 |
| Reports on Church Life | 12 |
| Financial Statements | 21 – 37 |
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Introduction
It feels strange writing this introduction, knowing that I won’t actually be at the Annual Meeting this year – for the first time in 22 years! And I’m sad to be missing it, as it will be our first ’normal’ annual meeting after the delays and online versions of the last two years. At the same time, I’m enormously grateful to be given the chance to take a sabbatical. Thank you.
The reports that follow relate to what happened in 2021. Unsurprisingly, much of what we were able to do, and not able to do, was heavily affected by where we were in the pandemic. Of course, in speaking of “what happened” and “what we were able to do”, we need to remember that what we are really talking about is what Christ did in and through us. It is that which is of lasting value and significance:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5, NIV
Yours warmly, in Christ,
Rev Chris Hobbs Senior Minister/Vicar
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Annual Report of PCC for 2021
Background
The parish has two church buildings, St Stephen’s and St Wulstan’s, with Rev Chris Hobbs serving as Vicar, Andy Martin as Associate Minister and Ben Wells as Assistant Minister.
The PCC has a duty, with the Vicar, as stated in the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956, to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish. The PCC also exists to co-operate with the Vicar in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
Membership
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the APCM in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the calendar year 2021 the following served as members of the PCC:
| Clergy | |
|---|---|
| Rev Chris Hobbs | Vicar |
| Rev Andy Martin | Associate Minister |
| Rev Ben Wells | Assistant Minister |
Wardens |
|
| Mr Ian Butler | until APCM 2021 |
| Mr Richard Griffith | |
| Mrs Chris Stonehouse | from APCM 2021 |
Deanery Synod Representatives |
|
| Mr Christopher Barry | |
| Miss Helen Buckley | |
| Mr Matt Killen | until October 2021 |
| Mr Andy Walker | |
Elected Members |
|
| Mr Rob Davies | until APCM 2021 |
| Mrs Pamela Devas | |
| Miss Abigail Embaie | from APCM 2021 |
| Mrs Sue Fearon | from APCM 2021 |
| Mrs Virginie Hannam | |
| Mrs Mandy Hughes | |
| Mr Adam Kendall | until APCM 2021 |
| Mr Tim Pearson | |
| Mr Michel Randrianandrasana | |
| Mrs Anne Ruck | until APCM 2021 |
| Mrs Faith Sen | |
| Mr Martin Sherlaw | from APCM 2021 |
Parish Treasurer |
|
| Mr Matt Killen | until October 2021 |
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Committees
The PCC operates through a number of sub-committees, which meet between meetings of the full PCC:
Standing Committee
This is the only sub-committee required by the Church Representation Rules. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the PCC. These are set out in the Terms of Reference agreed by the PCC in January 2012.
Finance Committee
This committee prepares the annual budget and monitors overall income and expenditure in the parish.
World Mission Committee
This committee maintains contact with the Christian workers whom we support outside the parish, both overseas and at home, and keeps the church informed about missionary matters. It recommends to the PCC the payments to be made from the World Mission budget.
Fabric Committee
This committee oversees the general maintenance and repairs of all church property, including the two church buildings of St Stephen’s and St Wulstan’s and the property at 103 Bournbrook Road.
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Financial Activities note for 2021
Financial Activities
The PCC approved a balanced budget for 2021 of £288,268, a reduction of £7,037 on the 2020 budget of £295,305. The Parish was forced to dramatically alter the scope of its activities for the majority of the year as various control measures relating to the Coronavirus pandemic were applied.
Financial Performance
Overall, giving to the Parish increased to £262,551 (2020: £245,164), and other income reduced to £16,297 (2020: £19,608). Total income fell short of the budgeted amount by £9,420.
The Parish was able to meet all of its financial commitments including the £62,799 (2019: £62,799) contribution to the Diocesan Common Fund as requested. It was also able to save in certain areas by virtue of the widespread Coronavirus restrictions impacting some areas of activity. Total expenditure was £7,950 below budget.
As a result of the above, the Parish General Fund incurred a deficit of £1,470 for the year ended 31 December 2021. The balance carried forward to 2022 was £49,182.
Restricted Funds
The Parish continued to operate a number of restricted funds in 2021. The total balance of restricted funds as at 31 December 2021 was £18,552. None of the restricted funds individually had a balance exceeding £10,000 at the year end.
Charitable and Political Donations
The PCC continues to make gifts from its donated income and the amount given through the Missionary Fund amounted to £45,700 (2020 : £44,100).
No donations were given for political purposes.
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Review of PCC Meetings in 2021
At its meetings in 2021, the PCC:
January (via Zoom)
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heard draft figures for the 2020 accounts showing a deficit of £4300.
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agreed updated Safeguarding Policy and appointed Helen Hobbs as Domestic Violence Contact
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agreed for Sunday services to continue online until March 7th during the pandemic ‘lockdown’
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agreed for Anne Ruck to join the Standing Committee until the APCM
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agreed for Andy Martin to have a 3-month sabbatical during 2021
March (via Zoom)
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approved the 2020 Finance, Fabric and PCC reports to be presented to the APCM
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heard a statement from the Vicar about the Lessons Learned Review concerning Jonathan
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Fletcher
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agreed that Sunday services would be at church as well as online from Good Friday, April 2nd
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agreed to make NIV 2011 our ‘official’ Bible version at church
May (via Zoom)
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welcomed new PCC members and elected officers for the year 2020-21
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agreed a revised Job Description and Contract for Tom Bryant as Youth Worker
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heard that the 2021 Giving Appeal had now raised £34,000 (113% of the ‘ask’)
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agreed a revised Domestic Abuse Policy
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agreed a timetable for learning from the Lessons Learned Review
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heard about plans for the St Stephen’s 150th Anniversary celebrations
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agreed a revised pattern of Sunday services for the summer period
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agreed for the Martins to remain in Bournbrook Road until July 2022, with Andy employed half-time
July (via Zoom)
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appointed Richard Griffith as Lay Vice Chair of the PCC
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heard that David Chen would be a Ministry Trainee from the autumn, subject to DBS and visa
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heard that a property had been found for the Wells to move to in July
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heard about progress in learning from the Lessons Learned Review
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agreed to have a wider discussion about church culture (later planned for May 2022)
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heard David Li’s reflections on his time as a Ministry Trainee
September
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agreed principles for 2022 budget setting
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agreed a Safeguarding Action Plan, and authorised various church activities
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heard that the main lessons to be learned from the Lessons Learned Review concerned informing the congregation regularly, record keeping, staff appraisals and accountability structures
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heard about A Passion for Life 2022
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heard a report on the recent ReNew conference
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heard a report on the Birmingham DEF
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agreed a Food Safety and Hygiene Policy
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November
- agreed the proposed budget for 2022, with the addition of new heating for St Wulstan’s
• agreed Safeguarding Action Plan, revised Policies for Safeguarding, Recruitment of ExOffenders and Parish Safeguarding Complaints Procedure, and authorised various nonchurch activities
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heard that Day Centre would be closing
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agreed to hold a Church Weekend Away at The Hays, Swanwick for 2-4 June 2023
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heard that we would now be addressing ‘Living in Love and Faith’ in February 2022
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Fabric Committee Annual Report for 2021
The Committee continues to meet on a quarterly basis, and comprises:
Tim Pearson Sally Hill Paul Coley
Due to anti-Covid guidance we did not hold the usual Spring Maintenance Morning. However by Autumn we held a more traditional Maintenance Morning. Thanks are expressed to those who helped.
On the whole 2021 proved a less demanding year than usual, probably due to buildings receiving lower usage than normal. This is reflected in the underspend shown below. However we expect the amount and cost of reactive repair work to return to a more normal level from 2022 onwards.
The suspension of normal Sunday services early in 2021 gave an ideal opportunity to repair cracked ceiling plaster in the nave. The £2,640 cost was charged to the 2020 budget.
The 2021 financial summary is as follows:
Budget £12,047 Actual expenditure £10,074
The largest items of expenditure in 2021 were:
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£2,183 Purchase of commercial level dishwasher for St Wulstans
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£1,476 Electrical repairs at St Stephens; mainly indoor and outdoor lighting
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£918 Electrical testing and follow-up repairs/upgrading at 103 Bournbrook Road
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£720 Structural engineer fee to analyse wall crack at 103 Bournbrook Road
All costs are inclusive of VAT, and rounded off to the nearest pound
Matters worthy of comment:
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The high cost of a dishwasher for St Wulstans is due to the new machine being a high-temperature, high speed, commercial model. A domestic model is too slow for large scale catering, and washing-up in the sink no longer meets public health standards.
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A significant amount was spent repairing and replacing defective indoor and outdoor lighting at St Stephens. Costs at this level are expected to continue for some years to come, but eventually the costs should fall as older uplighters in the nave are replaced by LED type units which normally provide a longer service life.
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Electrical work at 103 Bournbrook Road breaks down as £180 for 5-yearly testing – now a legal requirement for all tenanted houses – followed by £738 to rectify defects revealed.
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A structural engineer analysed a full height crack in the west wall of 103 Bournbrook Road, and advised that this is almost certainly not due to settlement, as feared. However, it is being monitored for possible movement.
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Approximately £2,500 was spent replacing the intruder alarm control panel and keypad at St Stephens, although the cost was met from the Building Fund, not by the Fabric budget. All other parts of the original system such as sensors and other wiring are retained, although we used a different firm to supply and maintain the equipment than the suppliers of the original system,
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which failed beyond repair after just seven years’ service. The new system continues to be monitored via a telephone line, which enables a monitoring station to contact a named member of the Church immediately if an activation occurs.
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No further progress is reported towards providing a new organ. It is envisaged that the Fabric Committee will continue to work with David Hoare to consider the various options for repair or overhaul, and for the possible introduction of an aesthetically and acoustically sympathetic electronic organ.
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Church of The Light, attended mainly by Christians from the Middle East, continues to use St Wulstan’s, in return for a monthly fee. However the Parish is still responsible for repairs.
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St Wulstan’s is still heated by a gas-fired, blown air heating system which is proving increasingly unreliable. Competitive tenders were sought in late 2021 for a replacement system; the overall cost is expected to be about £8,500 including VAT. Funding is awaited from the Building Fund.
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A number of members volunteered to redecorate parts of St Wulstans, comprising the lower nave walls and window sills, the wrought iron front gates and the external front door/window frames. Another member reinvigorated the front flower beds. Redundant rubber playground mat covering a side yard was disposed of. It is hoped that these works make the building more inviting.
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Weekly inspections of St Stephen’s and St Wulstan’s buildings took place during the pandemic, but ceased in September due to the buildings returning to regular use.
Tim Pearson Chair, Fabric Committee 11[th] February 2022
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Electoral Roll Report
The electoral Roll was revised in April 2022 . The numbers for the last three years are shown below:
| 2020 | : | 158 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | : | 170 |
| 2022 | : | 165 |
11 people came off the electoral roll 6 people came onto the electoral roll
Safeguarding
The council has complied with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
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Reports on Church Life
Sunday Services
I had to go through my PCC notes to be reminded just how much change there continued to be in our pattern of Sunday services throughout 2021. I’m sure I’ve got some of the details and dates wrong, and have missed out other things, but this gives a flavour of the changes and different versions of ‘church’ that we had during the year.
In January, we began with services at 9am, 10.30am, 6pm, asking people to register in advance, with no singing in church, and a livestream of the 10.30am service. Then we went into lockdown again and services were online only from 17th January.
From the Easter weekend, 2nd to 4th April, we started meeting in church again as well as online, with people sitting on the floor for some services, in chairs for others. On Easter Sunday, there was a prerecorded service as well as an outdoor service on the day.
From 27th June, we had two identical All Age services, as well as a 6pm service at St Wulstan’s, combining into a single morning service during the summer holidays.
From 5th September, the St Stephen’s 150th Anniversary weekend, we returned to a single morning service at St Stephen’s at 10.00am and an evening service at St Wulstan’s at 6.00pm, we reintroduced singing, and also re-introduced wine at the Lord’s Supper by using individual cups. Throughout the year we have continued to post DVDs of the live-streamed service to those who request them, which has become just a handful.
Here is a list of some of the things we have had to consider and adapt through the year: sanitising hands, wearing masks, spacing between household/bubbles, whether/how we could sing, registration online, livestreaming services, cleaning and clearing chairs, having lateral flow tests before coming, refreshments after church.
I am so thankful that we have been able to keep meeting as the people of God one way or another, for people's patience, understanding, and flexibility in coping with the constant change, and especially for those who helped to make the changes happen. It has not been an easy year, but God has been with us, and Jesus has been keeping his promise that “I will build my church.”
Chris Hobbs
Fellowship Groups
Fellowship Groups are central to our vision of ‘making disciples of Jesus … by prayerfully speaking God word’, especially with the aim of establishing and equipping us as disciples, and they have been especially important this year when it has continued to be difficult to meet together as a church family on Sundays.
The groups continued to meet on Zoom until the summer, with some outdoor gatherings when they became possible, and then returned to meeting in person (with a new group on Zoom for those unable to come in person). The Tuesday afternoon group for women ceased to be a recognised Fellowship Group in the summer, but have continued to meet informally. This means that we still have 15 groups (one meeting Tuesday afternoon, 10 Wednesday evenings, one Thursday evening, one Tuesday morning for women, one Wednesday morning for men, and one on Zoom on Wednesday evenings). Once a month we meet together as a church family for the Prayer Gathering, and there is space for social events at least once each term.
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A number of new people joined groups in the autumn. Attendance has been lower with groups meeting in person rather than on Zoom, partly due to Covid infections, and some have chosen to meet online for some meetings or some members, but on the whole it has been beneficial to meet in person as it has at church on Sundays.
The groups have continued to follow the morning sermon series, with the following studies: Between the Pain and the Promise (Lamentations), Learning to Follow Jesus (Mark 9-10), Good News from God (Romans 5-8), What is God Like? (1 John), The King has Come (Mark 11-13).
Chris Hobbs
Evangelism
We are committed to making disciples of Jesus by speaking God’s word wherever we are. The pandemic continues to have an impact on this in two ways, one negative, one positive. Negatively, people still seem reluctant to come out to large indoor gatherings in person; positively, a significant number are wanting to investigate the claims of Jesus.
We celebrated St Stephen’s 150[th] anniversary in September – see below. At Christmas we were able to hold our carol services in person and online so that lots of people were able to enjoy them and hear the good news of Jesus explained. Numbers who came in person were low, so let’s pray that the Lord would bring people out in greater numbers next year.
Our evangelistic courses continue to be a huge encouragement. Our team has been able to offer courses in person and online and seen good numbers at each. We have also been able to offer courses in Cantonese for the many new Hong Kong families who have been joining us. In the Christmas term we ran two Christianity Explored courses, followed by Identity for those who wanted to continue. After Christmas we ran Hope Explored, a new course from the CE stable, explains from John’s gospel the hope that Jesus offers. This short course (3 weeks instead of 7) was followed immediately with Identity. We currently have 7 participants meeting at St Stephen’s in person, another 7 meeting online, another 7 meeting for Identity in Cantonese, and two more meeting in person mid-morning. The Lord continues to work bringing people to know and trust his Son, Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!
Andy Martin
150[th] Anniversary
On 18[th] August 2021, St Stephen’s Church reached its 150[th] anniversary. We are very grateful to God for his goodness and faithfulness over these years, and we pray that over the next 150 years and beyond, until Jesus returns, there will be a church here to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in Selly Park, Birmingham.
We celebrated the occasion from 30[th] August to 5[th] September, with an Exhibition of Photos and Stories of many of the people who have been involved in the church family and the local community since St Stephen’s opened its doors, from John Jaffray and his daughter, Annie, who laid the foundation stone, up to many members of St Stephen’s today.
We held a 150[th] Anniversary Dinner in Church on Friday, 3[rd] September, which included a delicious meal and excellent entertainment from the One (Hundred and Fiftieth) Show team, during which they both taught us about the history of St Stephen’s and pointed us to the Saviour we follow.
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On Sunday, 5[th] September 2021, we held a day of celebrations. This began with two Services of Thanksgiving with guest speaker, Rico Tice, co-author of Christianity Explored. After the services, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch, Victorian-style fairground games and an inflatable slide, a 150[th] birthday cake and afternoon tea, and we buried a Time Capsule. The Time Capsule was buried by the Vicar, Chris Hobbs; our speaker, Rico Tice; Karen McCarthy, one of our local councillors; Betty Day, our eldest member; and Sophia Luckwell, one of our youngest members. The Time Capsule contains contributions from Raddlebarn School, members of the local community and the church family, past and present.
Equip
No activity in this area during 2021.
World Mission
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news….!” (Isaiah 52:7)
As a church we are committed to mission locally and globally. The task of the World Mission Committee is to keep the vision of World Mission fresh in the life of our church, and to support (in prayer, financially and practically) those the church has commissioned for the mission field.
The Committee met four times in 2021. We were given a budget of £44,300, which we shared between our Mission Partners. In December, Mark and Rebekah Fox, our “Candidate Mission Partners” were accepted by OMF to serve in East Asia once they have completed their studies at Oak Hill College (and subject to medical and financial clearances).
Because of the Covid situation, we were not able to have our usual World Mission Sunday programme. Instead, for the second time, we hosted a reasonably well-attended Zoom meeting with all our Mission Partners in which they shared valuable insights. Our Mission Partners are each linked with a Fellowship Group, and each month one of our Mission Partners is featured in the church prayer meeting. Vaughan Thomas from Open Doors spoke again at our Suffering Church Sunday in November when we were able to have an in-person gathering attended by 20 or so. The prayer meeting for the Open Doors and the suffering church meets roughly every two months on Zoom.
Our Mission Partners, like all of us, faced particular challenges in 2021 because of the Covid situation, with many activities having to take place online.
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John and Ruth McNeill: John moved on to leading the development Agapé’s digital media dissemination of the Jesus film resources to Eastern Europe, while Ruth heads up the Agapé resource centre (newly refurbished) in Birmingham.
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Phil and Ceri Keates continued to do much of their FamilyLife ministry online, with some in-person events in the autumn; Phil is also involved in the Bible training for Agapé staff.
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Mike and Linnet and their family were finally able to return to their assigned country at the end of the summer and reconnect with people there.
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Lyn and Andrew Griffin, as well as ministry to students in Italy (mainly online), their digital media work involved supporting other Agapé teams across Europe in developing their digital media strategies; more recently they have taken on the digital development of FamilyLife’s Toucan app.
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Mike and Rachel Hill had to find creative ways to connect with international students in Birmingham on- and off-line; although numbers reached were much lower than in normal years, this enabled some relationships to go deeper.
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Jomo Nderitu’s youth ministry in Kenya was also somewhat constrained by both Covid and tribal hostilities, but still managed to hold training and outreach activities across Marsabit Diocese.
Other elements of our world mission involvement include:
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The arrival of a number of Hong Kong families in our area being welcomed into our church and offered opportunities to explore the faith.
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The continuing work with international students – Globe Café, international Bible studies – much constrained by Covid restrictions (see separate report).
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Maurice Sinclair’s continuing involvement with Bolivia, linking churches in Birmingham with congregations in Bolivia for mutual encouragement and equipping
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A link with Chris and Zoe Fletcher’s work at a mission school in Hungary
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Anita Riley’s involvement with Life to Romania, supporting church holiday clubs and training of youth leaders
Nick Devas, for the World Mission Committee
Men’s Ministry
Men’s Ministry has been reduced due to the pandemic. We have had a Men’s Breakfast and a group of about 12 went to the Men’s Convention in November. There have been a couple of social evenings together in the Country Girl.
We are restarting Men’s Stay and Play in March, and hope to meet monthly.
There is an ongoing discussion about what is the role and need regarding specific Men's ministry events.
Chris Stonehouse
Children’s Work
In January Explorers on Thursday started off back on Zoom. Then, as COVID restrictions eased at Easter, we moved to meeting in actual REAL LIFE, outside in the church car park. This was brilliant. We were so pleased! We were very much aware of God’s kindness to us – we didn’t have to cancel any sessions due to bad weather. The children sat in hula hoops on the floor (to maintain social distancing) and we had great fun playing all sorts of games that didn’t require sharing any resources! Then in September we moved back inside the church building. We were very excited to welcome lots of new children.
Together we have looked at the book of Ruth, “Meals with Jesus” (Luke), Genesis 1 – 3, “Who? What? Jesus?” (Overview of Mark), “10 ways God is not like us” (based on the book “None like Him”).
We had a brilliant team of leaders: Naomi Bryant, David Sydenham, David Li and Helen Buckley.
Crèche
We re-started crèche at the end of June. A simple curriculum was introduced so that our children heard some great foundational truths about God. A big team of leaders have worked hard (and sacrificially) to ensure the group keeps going.
Sunday Club
In October we re-started Sunday Club – hurray! We spent the term looking at the book of Mark (as the main congregation did). It felt so good to have some sort of normality.
We’re very grateful for the team of leaders who served on Sundays (several of them every week): Myra Ling, Naomi Stevens, Ben Barker, Mark Johnston, Chris Stonehouse, Martin Sherlaw, Mandy Hughes and Helen Buckley.
The children’s work continued to be a source of great joy and real encouragement. Leaders have been hard working and shown great care and concern for the children. It was good to serve together. And, the children have been a delight!
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Work in schools
Unfortunately, due to COVID, I was unable to go into schools to deliver assemblies. However, with Allan Ooi’s help, I recorded a couple assemblies to send out. I also had the new experience of leading a “Teams” assembly for St. Mary’s.
I was invited to speak at Raddlebarn School’s open air Carol Service which took place in the park. It was a bit chilly but it didn’t rain and it was great to see staff and parents and carers there.
Please pray that we will be able to continue with schools work in the near future.
Helen Buckley Children’s Worker
Stay and Play
Stay and Play started up again in October 2021. We meet every Friday during term time.
The purpose of the group is to provide a safe, welcoming and happy environment for parents and carers of babies and toddlers. We aim to build relationships with those that come and to seek opportunities to share our faith with them.
In part because of Covid but also so we have time and space to build relationships, we have limited numbers, at first to 15 and now 20 households. We also require people to book in. We meet only in the main church building and have simplified refreshments. This has made the group much more manageable and the mixture of church families and visitors means it is much easier to make everyone feel welcomed. We are very grateful for those that manage refreshments and set up/set down each week.
We are planning a special event at Easter as part of the Passion for Life weekend. We are thankful for a core of regular visitors to the group and for the opportunities we have to build friendships with them.
Helen Hobbs
Youth work
If 2021 hadn’t followed 2020, it probably would have been fair to call it a uniquely challenging year! It has certainly been challenging, but mercifully less challenging than 2020, and through it all God our Father has been faithful as we have continued to pursue our vision: “Partnering with parents in making disciples of Jesus”.
Pathfinders began the year much as before: We met via Zoom on Thursday evenings, and joined in service on services, which were deliberately designed to be accessible for all ages.
From just after Easter the easing of COVID restrictions meant that it was possible to meet in person outdoors, so we had Pathfinders in the car park on Thursday evenings! Amazingly, we didn’t have to cancel any for bad weather!
From September it was safer (and warmer!) to meet indoors again, following our new risk assessment, so we met on Thursday evenings at St Stephens.
During the year Pathfinders on Thursday has grown in terms of attendance from around 7 or 8 to 15-20. We’re very thankful to God for the opportunity to tell lots of young people whose families are not regular church-goers about Jesus for the first time.
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On Thursdays we’ve studied: Ruth; “Meals with Jesus” (Luke); Genesis 1-3, “Who? What? Jesus?” (Overview of Mark); “10 ways God’s not like us” (based on the book None like Him); and Christmas!
From October it was possible to start meeting together on Sunday’s during the morning service. We’ve really enjoyed having more time to look deeper into what God has to say to us in his word.
On Sunday’s we studied Mark 11-13, and had some sessions to answer tough questions the young people had.
Our leaders for Pathfinders in 2021 were Tom Bryant, Christy Fung, Sophie Hobbs, and Charlie Robinson.
Sadly, our annual weekend away in October had to be cancelled, again! But we booked in for a weekend at Gaines in November 2022, so keep your eyes peeled for details!
The summer camp for Pathfinders, Quinta, went ahead as a one day only event. Tom Bryant and Elizabeth Barry went as leaders and had a great time organizing pool games! In 2022 we’re hoping lots of Pathfinders (and some more leaders) will join us!
Cross Section (for years 10-13) continued in 2021 on Zoom up until the Summer Holidays. We learned from the Bible together, and did some fun activities like a bake-along session where we made cookies with our favourite chocolate bars! After the break, we came back in person at St Stephens, and enjoyed the chance to study the Bible and eat toasties together.
Our Bible teaching has been very varied! We studied The Lord’s Prayer; Lamentations; Colossians; and None like Him.
An exciting highlight of our year was seeing one of our leaders, Imogen, marry Nate. We were only sorry that we had to watch via Zoom and couldn’t be there to cheer them on in person.
During 2021 Cross Section was led by Tom and Naomi Bryant, Helen Buckley, and Imogen Prasad/Jackson, as well as Helen Hobbs and Ruth Griffith, who helped as interpreters for one of the members.
Tom Bryant Youth Worker
Students 2021/22
The Lord is trustworthy and good – that’s what we have learnt this year with our students!
Summer Term 2021 During the summer we studied the book of Proverbs, a great joy in helping us to see that though we are finite, limited creatures, we have an Awesome Creator, perfect in knowledge and who can teach us what it looks like to live wisely in His world (Proverbs 9:10).
It was brilliant to do our last Rooted of the year in person (party at the Webb’s house!) after most of the year online, and to wish our leavers well as they headed off.
Autumn Term 2021 This autumn, we were able to return to our Tuesday evening Rooted meetings, with our usual format of homecooked food (expertly cooked by church family members), a short talk, Bible study and prayer. A huge improvement on Zoom!
It’s been encouraging to see a few new faces joining us this year, especially after the disruptions of COVID. We began our studies in the book of Ephesians, which we will look at for the entire 2021/22 year.
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Spring Term 2022 The term started with a focus on ‘making Jesus known’ and we looked at some of the Passion for Life materials, in preparation for the week of events exploring the Christian faith, which UoB Christian Union ran from 14[th] -18[th] Feb. It was great to be part of it!
We have also continued our studies in Ephesians, as well as a number of students joining for our weekend away at Quinta Hall, Shropshire from 18[th] -20[th] March.
We pray that all our activities this year, will lead our students to remain rooted in Christ, strengthened in their faith as they are taught, and overflowing with thankfulness for all He has done (Colossians 2:6-7).
Ben Wells
International Students
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
As we are all aware, the number of international students in our area is huge – perhaps a quarter of our parish population, albeit an ever-changing one. So, praise God for the opportunities we have to meet them, welcome them into our church, offer hospitality, build relationships, and share the gospel with them.
2021 has again been really difficult for this ministry. With most university courses being online, with many students remaining in their country, and only very limited, socially distanced contact, it has been a challenge to build relationships. Globe Café continued online through to the end of the summer, with a small group each week, and a few in-person activities (walks, garden parties). From late September, we re-started Globe Café in-person at St Wulstan’s on Monday evenings, led by Chris Stonehouse, with a great team. 40 students, with a good mix of nationalities, joined welcome meal at the start of term. But because there was no opportunity to connect with newly arriving students through the pre-sessional programme, and because of great wariness on the part of international students about mixing with others, numbers at Globe Café remained very low through the autumn term.
The Chinese Bible study continued online throughout, with participants both here and back home. It restarted in-person from November, with a small group and some committed helpers. Some other online one-to-one and small group Bible studies have continued with those back in their country.
The Indonesian ministry has also been somewhat limited as there are only a few Indonesian students who have linked up with the Indonesian Christian Community (ICC). ICC is presently led by Kent & Erny, who are based in Hereford but active in our church. ICC meetings have been held on zoom, which has meant that those back in Indonesia could join, but also sometimes at the Rucks’ house.
Nick Devas
Music Ministry
Music plays a vital role in the life of our church as we sing praises to God and sing truths to encourage one another. Singing is a natural response to God’s redeeming work in our lives and as we sing together week by week we’re living out Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:19-20:
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20
19
How great it’s been to be able to sing together again since last summer, even if it’s under a mask. It’s great to sing praises to God and to build one another up, so please do sing up in church and make a joyful noise together.
We’ve learnt some great songs over the last year. Do you recognise which songs these lyrics come from? Why not search for them on YouTube or Spotify and listen to them now?
“Creation awaits the glorious day, When Jesus returns and trials will fade.”
“Now the curse it has been broken, Jesus paid the price for me. Full, the pardon He has offered. Great, the welcome that I receive.”
“Jesus, You hold the world in Your hands, in Your hands. I am secure in Your plans, in Your plans.”
Finally, a huge thank you to all our musicians who faithfully use their gifts to serve us week by week. We could still do with a few more musicians to help, so if you’d like to serve in this way, please let me know! Allan Ooi
St Stephens Senior Ministry (formerly the Day Centre)
After consulting the PCC a decision was reached in November 2021 not to reopen the Day Centre. The club had been running since 1973 and it was sad to see it go. Our dwindling numbers, aging volunteers and all the additional health and safety measures required to keep it running, in the light of Covid, meant it was no longer viable.
We continue however to keep in contact with our members as we have done during the pandemic and are pleased that some have joined lunch clubs at Christ Church and St Francis.
Older people continue to be a very important part of our church. Currently St Stephens has almost 70 people aged over 60. Some of them are still in work but many are retired. They live very full and active lives, where health permits, and are actively involved in church life, their families and the community activities. Nevertheless it is possible that a new group may arise recognising that retired people do enjoy getting together from time to time.
Jean Phillips
Christians Against Poverty : Birmingham South Debt Centre
CAP is an international and well-respected debt charity. There are hundreds of local debt centres across the UK; the South Birmingham debt centre is financed and supported by three local churches, including St. Stephen’s & St. Wulstan’s. Judy Ward, a member of Christ Church, is our debt centre manager. Clients are visited by Judy (often accompanied by a volunteer) to determine their financial circumstances, then CAP headquarters in Bradford will draw up a plan to show clients the best way forward in order to become debt free. This usually involves preparing a budget so that debts can be paid off over a period of time, but in some cases bankruptcy is the only realistic option.
Working with clients became more difficult during the pandemic. Home visits were not always possible, and in many cases clients are not comfortable with technology. Nevertheless, the work of the centre was
20
able to continue, and over the past year we have seen the number of clients begin to increase, while other clients have become debt free. At Christmas we were once again able to give hampers to our clients, thanks to the generosity of staff at Paragon Bank.
Clients are usually happy for us to pray with them, and it is a great encouragement to see God answering prayer in situations which (humanly speaking) seem beyond hope. Earlier this year Judy visited St. Stephen’s to promote the work of CAP, and the video clip shown during the service was a great illustration of the way clients can come to the Lord and see their lives transformed. We continue to meet monthly (on Zoom) to pray for our clients, and you would be very welcome to join us.
Until recently Nicky Sammons was working with Judy as a CAP debt coach. Nicky has now moved on to other areas of ministry, and we would like to thank her for the amazing care and compassion she showed to her clients, some of whom were not just struggling with debt, but also burdened by a variety of problems including addiction and poor mental and physical health. As more clients are referred to us, it would be great to have a new debt coach to work alongside Judy – please pray!
If you would like to find out more about the work of CAP and how you could help, do please get in touch with me.
Richard Phillips
Winter Night Shelter
There were no activities at St Stephen’s in this area during 2021.
21
Financial Statements
2021 General Fund Income
----- Start of picture text -----
1.1%
2.7%
2.1%
17.2%
7.2%
69.8%
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Gifts - Standing Orders
Gifts - Other
Income Tax on gifts
Diocese re curate housing
Room Hire Income
Other income
----- End of picture text -----
2021 General Fund Expenditure
----- Start of picture text -----
1.8
2.8
2.6
3.2
22.7
14.3
13.0
10.7
10.7
16.6
1.6
----- End of picture text -----
Diocesan Common Fund
Clergy costs Office Salaries Ministry Trainee
Missionary Fund/Gospel Causes Buildings & Maintenance Ministry Costs Youth Worker
Office and Ancillary costs Evangelism Other costs
22
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 01 JAN 21 TO 31 DEC 21
01 Jan 20 - |
01 Jan 21 - |
|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
31 Dec 21 |
Unrestrd Restrict Endowmnt Total |
|
All Funds |
Funds Funds Funds Funds |
£ |
£ £ £ £ |
Incoming Resources |
|
304,307 Incoming resources from donors |
262,550 45,577 - 308,127 |
7,630 Grants received |
7,500 - - 7,500 |
12,807 Income from operating activity |
8,748 126 - 8,874 |
- Activities to generate funds |
- - - - |
289 Income from Investment |
51 - - 51 |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ---------- |
325,033 Total Incoming Resources |
278,849 45,703 - 324,552 |
Resources Expended |
|
- Cost of Generating Funds |
- - - - |
56,759 Grants |
- 53,916 - 53,916 |
282,147 Expenditure on church work |
280,218 - - 280,218 |
391 Buildings development |
- 2,251 - 2,251 |
100 Governance costs |
100 - - 100 |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ---------- |
339,397 Total Resources Used |
280,318 56,167 - 336,485 |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ---------- |
(14,364) NET RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS |
(1,469) (10,464) - (11,933) |
Transfers Between Funds |
|
- Miscellaneous Transfers |
- - - - |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ---------- |
(14,364) NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES (1,469) (10,464) - (11,933) |
|
Gains and Losses on Fixed Assets |
|
- |
- - - - |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ---------- |
(14,364) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
(1,469) (10,464) - (11,933) |
489,260 Fund Balances Bt Fwd 01 Jan 21 442,897 31,999 0 474,896 |
|
------- |
------- ------- ------- ---------- |
474,896 FUND BALANCES CD FWD 31 Dec 21 441,428 21,535 0 462,963 |
|
======= |
======= ======= ======= ========== |
23
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DEC 2021
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DEC 2021 |
|
|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
31 Dec 21 |
£ |
£ |
FIXED ASSETS |
|
392,245 |
Buildings at Cost 392,245 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
4,435 |
Income tax reclaimable 4,419 |
- |
Other debtors - |
6,761 |
Prepayments 7,638 |
---------- |
---------- |
11,086 |
Total Debtors 12,057 |
Cash At Bank and In Hand |
|
8,157 |
Lloyds Bank Current Account 8,623 |
16,663 |
Lloyds Bank Treasurers Account 10,156 |
1,000 |
St Stephens Building Fund CBF 1,000 |
80 |
Cash 80 |
51,000 |
St Stephens/St Wulstans CBF 41,000 |
---------- |
---------- |
76,900 |
Total Cash At Bank and In Hand 60,859 |
---------- |
---------- |
87,986 |
72,916 |
---------- |
---------- |
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
Creditors Due Within One Year |
|
- |
Diocesan Fees Payable - |
- |
Other Creditors - |
- |
Accruals - Missionary Giving - |
5,335 |
Accruals - Other 2,199 |
---------- |
---------- |
5,335 |
Total Creditors Due Within One Year 2,199 |
82,651 |
NET CURRENT ASSETS 70,717 |
475,454 |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 462,962 |
---------- |
---------- |
474,896 |
NET ASSETS 462,962 |
========== |
========== |
Represented by Funds |
|
Unrestricted Funds |
|
50,651 |
Parish General Fund 49,182 |
392,246 |
Property Fund 392,246 |
3,208 |
Discretionary Fund 2,982 |
---------- |
---------- |
446,104 |
Total Unrestricted Funds 444,411 |
Restricted Funds |
|
4,887 |
Missionary Fund 4,887 |
4,045 |
St Stephen's Building Fund 3,292 |
7,021 |
Day Centre (Senior Members Ministry) Fund 7,010 |
253 |
Stay and Play Fund 267 |
1,096 |
Winter Night Shelter 1,096 |
7,245 |
Youth Worker Fund - |
1,439 |
Associate Minister Fund - |
1,051 |
Ministry Trainee Fund 416 |
1,753 |
Maduk Fund 1,583 |
---------- |
---------- |
28,791 |
Total Restricted Funds 18,551 |
---------- |
---------- |
474,896 |
TOTAL FUNDS 462,962 |
========== |
========== |
24
SUMMARY OF MOVEMENTS ON ALL FUNDS 01 Jan 21 TO 31 Dec 21
BALANCE FUND |
INCOME EXPENSES TRANSFERS BALANCE |
|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
/GAINS 31 Dec 21 |
£ |
£ £ £ £ |
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS |
|
50,651 Parish General Fund |
278,849 212,190 68,128 49,181 |
392,246 Property Fund |
- - - 392,246 |
3,207 Discretionary Fund |
375 600 - 2,982 |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ------- |
446,104 Totals of Unrestricted Funds 279,224 212,790 68,128 444,411 |
|
RESTRICTED FUNDS |
|
4,887 Missionary Fund |
- 45,700 (45,700) 4,887 |
4,045 St Stephen's Building Fund 1,500 2,252 - 3,293 |
|
7,021 Day Centre Fund |
18 30 - 7,009 |
253 Stay and Play Fund |
108 94 - 267 |
1,096 Winter Night Shelter |
- - - 1,096 |
7,245 Youth Worker Fund |
12,166 28,496 (9,086) - |
1,439 Associate Minister Fund |
24,612 39,393 (13,342) - |
1,051 Ministry Trainee Fund |
4,074 4,709 - 416 |
1,753 Maduk Fund |
2,850 3,020 - 1,583 |
------- |
------- ------- ------- ------- |
28,791 Totals for Restricted Funds 45,328 55,567 (68,128) 18,551 |
|
------- |
------- ------- ------- ------- |
474,896 TOTALS FOR ALL FUNDS |
324,552 336,485 - 462,962 |
======= |
======= ======= ======= ======= |
NET MOVEMENT IN TOTAL FUNDS IN THE YEAR |
||
|---|---|---|
01 Jan 20- |
01 Jan 21- |
|
31 Dec 20 |
31 Dec 21 |
|
£ |
£ |
|
(7,238) Parish General Fund |
(1,470) |
|
(7,621) St Stephens Building Fund |
(752) |
|
9,822 Youth Worker Fund |
(7,245) |
|
(10,370) Associate Minister Fund |
(1,439) |
|
(478) Discretionary Fund |
(225) |
|
1,720 Movement on other funds |
(803) |
|
---------- |
------- |
|
- |
||
(14,165) |
(11,934) |
|
========== |
======== |
25
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENTS 01 Jan 21 TO 31 Dec 21
Parish General Fund (Unrestricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - 2021 Budget 01 Jan 21
31 Dec 20 12 Months - 31 Dec 21
£ £ £
Income
1,765 Gifts - Loose Cash/Cheques 2,540 2,035
294 Gifts - Envelopes 750 180
186,501 Gifts - Standing Orders 186,258 194,601
4,400 Gifts – CAF/Stewardship/Charity Trust 4,800 4,078
46,664 Income Tax on gifts 44,400 48,007
5,540 Gifts - Giving Response 31,333 13,650
3,276 Wedding/Funeral Fees 1,000 2,195
2,363 Other income/sales(excl books) 4,500 3,621
6,180 Room Hire Income 4,867 2,930
7,500 Diocese re Curates Housing 7,500 7,500
289 Interest 320 51
---------- ---------- ----------
264,772 TOTAL INCOME 288,268 278,848
---------- ---------- ----------
Expenditure
64,362 Diocesan Contributions 62,799 63,497
30,762 Admin & Finance Salaries 31,066 30,050
5,436 Ministry Trainee Costs 6,600 4,453
5,789 Clergy Expenses 5,000 5,712
217 Staff Expenses 750 1,754
- Speakers Expenses - 219
5,208 Office 5,332 7,106
35,847 Children's Worker - Salary 37,119 35,804
1,220 Children's work 1,550 1,372
857 Youth work 1,550 1,065
5,556 Insurance 6,250 6,729
12,194 Buildings/Maintenance 11,827 8,436
8,869 Heat, Light and Power 9,000 7,662
4,220 Cleaning 5,548 5,655
100 Consultancy, inc. Independent Examiner 100 100
14,020 Curates Expenses 13,900 17,274
750 Midlands Gospel Partnership 750 750
- Weekend Away / at Home - -
898 Music 1,495 1,135
913 Student Work 500 190
1,818 Evangelism 3,000 5,077
2,178 Parish Computer Systems 852 561
9,660 PA Systems Equipment 160 185
3,088 Miscellaneous Expenses 2,250 2,749
419 103 Bournbrook Road - 1,638
121 Kitchen 500 352
219 St Wulstans developments - -
- Transfer to Assoc. Minister Fund 17,370 13,342
1,433 CAP Contribution 2,000 2,500
44,100 Transfer to Missionary Fund 44,300 45,700
21,000 Transfer to Youth Worker Fund 15,700 9,086
(9,333) Transfer from Building Fund - -
- Contingency 1,000 165
---------- ---------- ----------
271,921 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 288,268 280,318
---------- ---------- ----------
(7,149) SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) (1,470)
57,800 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 50,651
---------- ----------
50,651 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 49,181
========== ==========
26
Missionary Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - 2021 Budget |
01 Jan 20 - 2021 Budget |
01 Jan 21 |
|---|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
12 Months |
- 31 Dec 21 |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Income |
||
44,100 |
Transfer from Parish General 44,300 |
45,700 |
1,301 |
Specified Gifts - |
- |
250 |
Income Tax on gifts - |
- |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
45,651 |
TOTAL INCOME 44,300 |
45,700 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
Expenditure |
||
256 |
Chris Hobbs trip to Myanmar - |
- |
2,200 |
Friends International re Hills 2,400 |
2,200 |
11,000 |
Agape re McNeills 11,000 |
11,000 |
10,000 |
Agape re Keates 11,000 |
11,000 |
11,900 |
Reach Across re Harveys 11,000 |
11,000 |
6,500 |
Agape re Griffins 8,000 |
8,000 |
(50) |
Specific Gifts - Open Doors - |
- |
- |
Short term assignments 700 |
- |
2,000 |
Support for Foxes 2,500 |
2,000 |
500 |
Crosslinks re Marsabit youth 500 |
500 |
- |
Weekend at Home costs - |
- |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
44,306 |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 47,100 |
45,700 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
1,345 |
SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) |
- |
3,542 |
Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 |
4,887 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
4,887 |
Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 |
4,887 |
========== |
========== |
|
St Stephen's Building Fund (Restricted Fund) |
||
01 Jan 20 - |
01 Jan 21 |
|
31 Dec 20 |
- 31 Dec 21 |
|
£ |
£ |
|
Income |
||
- |
Donations - Cash |
- |
1,691 |
Donations - Standing Orders |
1,200 |
413 |
Income tax reclaimed |
300 |
- |
Income from events |
- |
- |
Bank Interest |
- |
---------- |
---------- |
|
2,104 |
TOTAL INCOME |
1,500 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
Expenditure |
||
- |
Professional expenses |
- |
- |
New equipment / infrastructure |
2,252 |
9,333 |
Transfer to Parish General Fund |
- |
391 |
Sundry maintenance & repair costs |
- |
---------- |
---------- |
|
9,724 |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
2,252 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
(7,620) |
SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) |
(752) |
11,665 |
Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 |
4,045 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
4,045 |
Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 |
3,293 |
========== |
========== |
27
Day Centre / Seniors Ministry Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - |
01 Jan 21 |
|
|---|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
- 31 Dec 21 |
|
£ |
£ |
|
Income |
||
798 |
St Stephens Day Centre Income |
18 |
- |
Donations - Cash |
- |
---------- |
---------- |
|
798 |
TOTAL INCOME |
18 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
Expenditure |
||
330 |
Milk, Food, Cooks wages & Cake |
- |
- |
Christmas meal |
- |
580 |
Shencare Transport |
- |
121 |
Other Sundry expenses |
30 |
- |
Contribution to oven cleaning |
- |
---------- |
---------- |
|
1,031 |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
30 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
(233) |
SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) |
(12) |
7,254 |
Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 |
7,021 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
7,021 |
Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 |
7,009 |
========== |
========== |
Stay and Play Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - |
01 Jan 21 |
|
|---|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
- 31 Dec 21 |
|
£ |
£ |
|
Income |
||
401 |
Stay and Play - Income |
108 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
401 |
TOTAL INCOME |
108 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
Expenditure |
||
252 |
Stay and Play - Expenditure |
94 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
252 |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
94 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
149 |
SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) |
14 |
104 |
Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 |
253 |
---------- |
---------- |
|
253 |
Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 |
267 |
========== |
========== |
28
Youth Worker Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - |
2021 Budget |
01 Jan 21 |
|---|---|---|
31 Dec 20 |
12 Months |
- 31 Dec 21 |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Income |
||
- Gifts - Loose Cash/Cheques |
- |
- |
9,728 Gifts - Standing Orders |
6,536 |
9,519 |
4,351 Gifts - One Off |
- |
300 |
- Gifts - Annual |
- |
- |
3,249 Income Tax on gifts |
1,528 |
2,347 |
- Grants received |
- |
- |
21,000 Transfer from Parish General |
15,700 |
9,085 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
38,328 TOTAL INCOME |
23,764 |
21,251 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
Expenditure |
||
23,655 Salary and pension costs |
26,768 |
25,869 |
4,261 Oak Hill Fees |
2,618 |
2,370 |
335 Travel costs to Oak Hill |
- |
- |
185 Other Expenses |
300 |
257 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
28,436 TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
29,686 |
28,496 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
9,892 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) |
(7,245) |
|
(2,647) Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 |
7,245 |
|
---------- |
---------- |
|
7,245 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 |
- |
|
========== |
========== |
|
Associate Minister Fund (Restricted Fund) |
||
01 Jan 20 - |
2021 Budget |
01 Jan 21 |
31 Dec 20 |
12 Months |
- 31 Dec 21 |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Income |
||
- Gifts - Loose Cash/Cheques |
- |
30 |
18,877 Gifts - Standing Orders |
16,752 |
14,702 |
466 Gifts - One Off |
312 |
2,110 |
500 Gifts - Annual |
- |
500 |
4,543 Income Tax on gifts |
3,972 |
4,150 |
3,440 Gifts - Stewardship |
3,000 |
3,120 |
- Gifts - CAF |
480 |
- |
- Transfers from Parish General Funds 17,370 |
13,342 |
|
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
27,826 TOTAL INCOME |
41,866 |
37,954 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
Expenditure |
||
36,738 Salary and pension costs |
37,977 |
37,065 |
1,818 Council tax |
2,111 |
2,328 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
38,556 TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
40,008 |
39,393 |
---------- |
---------- |
---------- |
(10,730) SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) |
( 1,439) |
|
12,169 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 |
1,439 |
|
---------- |
---------- |
|
1,439 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 |
- |
|
========== |
========== |
29
Discretionary Fund (Unrestricted Fund)
01 Jan 21 - 01 Jan 21
31 Dec 21 - 31 Dec 21
£ £
Income
700 Gifts - Discretionary Fund 300
167 Income tax on gifts 75
---------- ----------
867 TOTAL INCOME 375
---------- ----------
Expenditure
845 Grants 600
500 Transfer to other Funds -
---------- ----------
1,345 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 600
---------- ----------
(478) SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) (225)
3,685 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 3,207
---------- ----------
3,207 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 2,982
========== ==========
Ministry Trainee Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - 01 Jan 21
31 Dec 20 - 31 Dec 21
£ £
Income
5,030 Gifts - Bank Transfers 3,395
932 Income tax on gifts 679
---------- ----------
5,962 TOTAL INCOME 4,074
---------- ----------
Expenditure
7,176 Disbursements 4,709
---------- ----------
7,176 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4,709
---------- ----------
(1,214) SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) ( 635)
2,265 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 1,051
---------- ----------
1,051 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 416
========== ==========
30
Maduk Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - 01 Jan 21
31 Dec 20 - 31 Dec 21
£ £
Income
2,765 Gifts 2,336
500 Transfer from Discretionary Fund -
738 Income tax on gifts 514
---------- ----------
4,003 TOTAL INCOME 2,850
---------- ----------
Expenditure
2,250 Grants and disbursements 3,020
---------- ----------
2,250 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 3,020
---------- ----------
1,753 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) ( 170)
- Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 1,753
---------- ----------
1,753 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 1,583
========== ==========
Winter Night Shelter Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 20 - 01 Jan 21
31 Dec 20 - 31 Dec 21
£ £
Income
- Gifts -
- Transfer from Discretionary Fund -
- Income tax on gifts -
---------- ----------
- TOTAL INCOME -
---------- ----------
Expenditure
- Grants and disbursements -
---------- ----------
- TOTAL EXPENDITURE -
---------- ----------
- SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) -
1,096 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 21 1,096
---------- ----------
1,096 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 21 1,096
========== ==========
31
Parish of St Stephen and St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham
Notes to the financial statements 2021
Accounting policies
These are given in a separate paper and are based on the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, prescribed by the General Synod.
Unrestricted, Restricted and Endowment Funds
A list of funds can be seen in the detailed balance sheet at the bottom of page 3 of the financial statements.
The Parish General Fund is used to pay for the running costs and maintenance of the two centres, non clergy staff (including Children’s Worker and Administrative staff), the Diocesan common fund, buildings insurance, clergy housing and other parish expenses.
All running costs associated with the Day Centre are held in a separate fund as these were in the past subject to funding from Birmingham City Council. The Day Centre ceased activities during the Spring of 2020 due to the successive Covid lockdowns, and ongoing concerns for the safety of its vulnerable clients. The PCC formally agreed to the permanent cessation of Day Centre activities at their meeting in September 2021. The remaining funds held were to be applied to the Seniors Ministry of the church as that developed.
The PCC approved a transfer of £45.7k during 2021 to missionary and charitable causes. This giving is reflected in the Missionary Fund. To emphasise the commitment to this purpose, the PCC has deemed this to be a restricted fund. This Fund also records where individuals have made specified gifts via the parish, which have been or will be passed onto the recipients concerned.
St Stephen’s Building Fund is regarded by the PCC as a restricted fund. The Fund was established for the purpose of the Building for the Future project to renovate the church building, the majority of work being completed in 2015 and a small contingency balance left to meet unforeseen requirements linked to the project. The funds held are now applied to projects associated with enhancing and maintaining the church building.
The Property Fund represents the purchase of 103 Bournbrook Road which took place in June 2010 as housing for the Assistant Minister.
A Winter Night Shelter Fund was created in 2013 to help with the needs of homeless people. In order to ensure donations are only used for this purpose this is deemed to be a restricted fund. There was no activity on this Fund during 2021.
A Youth Worker Fund was created in 2017 in order to administer donations given specifically to fund the youth worker as well as his expenses. In order to ensure donations are only used for this purpose this is deemed to be a restricted fund. The PCC approved transfers totalling £9,086 from the Parish General Fund during 2021 to ensure that sufficient funds were available to cover Youth Worker Fund costs. The Fund was left at a nil balance at year end to reflect a change of employment status for the youth worker to a permanent post. Future funding and costs will be passed through General Funds to reflect this change.
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Parish of St Stephen and St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham
Notes to the financial statements 2021
An Associate Minister Fund was created in 2018 in order to administer donations given specifically to fund the Associate Minister as well as his expenses. To ensure donations are only used for this purpose this is deemed to be a restricted fund. The PCC approved transfers totalling £13,342 from the Parish General Fund during 2021 to ensure that sufficient funds were available to cover Associate Minister Fund costs. The Fund was left at a nil balance at year end, but will continue to operate until July 2022 when the position of Associate Minister will fall vacant.
Remuneration
The PCC’s employees are paid from the Parish General Fund, Associate Minister Fund and Youth Worker Fund as appropriate.
Fixed Assets
This represents the purchase of 103 Bournbrook Road which took place in June 2010 to provide housing for an Assistant Minister.
Debtors and Prepayments
There are no significant debtors in the current year although a significant amount of income tax recoverable in respect of Gift Aid is due relating to unrestricted giving as well as donations to the various restricted funds. This balance was claimed in January 2022 and accrued to 2021.
Prepayments relate to a proportion of the annual insurance premium paid in 2021 which relates to insurance cover in 2022 together other smaller advance payments relating to Church activities in 2022.
During 2021, the PCC was made aware that the venue for its forthcoming church family weekend away had been placed into Administration and ceased to trade. A deposit of £500 had been paid as at 31 December 2020, which is recognised in Prepayments. The PCC understands from the appointed Insolvency Practitioner that a full restoration of this deposit will arise out of the Administration process. No provision is deemed necessary in respect of this amount.
Current Liabilities
This primarily consists of amounts due for sundry items relating to the Parish General Fund incurred during the final quarter of 2021.
All Parish Share (Common Fund) contributions for 2021 were paid in full during the year.
Income
Donated general income is recorded in accounts for the Parish General Fund.
The proportion of tax efficient giving was 91.2% of the maximum possible on the total donated income, excluding CAF and Payroll giving (2020 : 96.1%). Efforts to maintain this high rate of tax efficient donations / giving are part of a constant process in this area.
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Parish of St Stephen & St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham
Notes to the financial statements 2021
Related Party Transactions
The following members of the PCC had the following transactions with the parish during the year (other than the reimbursement of expenses incurred on behalf of the two churches):
-
C Hobbs, A Martin and B Wells received the following non specific expenses:
-
mileage which was paid at Diocesan rates of 45p per mile (30p per mile outside the Diocese).
-
contributions to housing and IT costs in line with PCC recommendations.
B Wells made a rent contribution of £200 per month from July 2021. This was in respect of enhanced, and more costly, provision of accommodation for the Curate from that date.
H Buckley was employed by the parish as a children’s worker and received a salary of £31,627 and pension contributions of £2,688 were made on her behalf.
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Parish of St Stephen & St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham
Statement of Accounting Policies 2021
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Funds
The Parish General Fund, the Property Fund and the PCC Reserve Fund represent 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.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body (e.g. St Wulstan’s Brownies) nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
Incoming Resources
Voluntary income and capital sources
Offerings are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.
Planned giving receivable under standing order is recognised only when received.
Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is received.
Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due.
Funds raised from the church bookstall are accounted for gross, as are donations for missionary purposes.
Other ordinary income
Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is paid.
Income from investments
Interest is accounted for when received except for interest due from HMR&C which is recognised when notified of the amount due.
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.
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Parish of St Stephen & St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham
Statement of Accounting Policies 2021
Fixed assets
Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by section 96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
No value is placed on movable church furnishings held by the churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment
Equipment used within the church premises will be depreciated on a straight line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £2,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
A photocopier is leased by an agreement entered into in August 2021.
Current assets
Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors.
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds or at the bank.
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Vicar:
Rev. Chris Hobbs 18 Selly Wick Road Selly Park Birmingham
Bank:
Lloyds Bank 142 Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham
Independent Examiner: Dale Brusby 11 Woodstock Court Birmingham
Chris Hobbs (Chairman)
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CHARNY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the truBteesl members of St Stephen's and St Wulstan's Churches, Selly Park On accounts for the year ended Dernber 2021 Charity no lif any) 1135051 Sot out on pages 23-37 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charityllhe Trusfi for the year ended 31112 12021. Responsibihi•s and basis of report A5 the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan wth the requirements of the Chanties Act 2011 I"Ihe Ad.) I report in respect of my examination of the Churches accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Acl and in carrying out my examinatlDn, I have followed all the apFli¢able Directions given by the Charity Commission uftder seth'on 14515)Ibl of the Act_ Independent The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualrfied lo examiner's statement undertake the examinat¢on by teing a qualffied member of Chartered InstitLrte of ManagementAccwntants I have completed my examinatson. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kepl in accordance with section 130 of the Charrties ACL or the accounts did not accord wrth the accounting cOrds,. or the accounls did not mplY with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charrties (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a llftje and fairf view which is not a matter cor15idered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come a0$$ 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. Signed: Dat¢: Il" 2v12 Name: Dale Brusby Relevant professional qualification{sl or body ACMA CGMA Address: 11 Woodstock CourL Kings Norton. BimiiNJham B30 1DX Oct 2018 IER 38