OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Stephen And St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham

2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2023

Accepted and approved by the PCC at a meeting on 19th March 2024

Charity Number 1135051

1

CONTENTS

Introduction from Chris Hobbs 5
Annual Report of the PCC 6 - 10
Fabric Committee Report 11
Electoral Roll Report & Safeguarding 12
Reports on Church Life 13 - 22
Financial Statements 23 – 38
Independent Examiners Report 39

3

Introduction

It would be easy to read the reports that follow with a feeling of pride, as if to say, ‘Look what we have done! Aren’t we great?’ Instead, reading them is an opportunity for thanksgiving, and for us instead to say, ‘Look what the Lord has done! Isn’t he great?’ I hope you will take up that invitation.

Nowhere are we more aware of God’s goodness than in the extraordinary response to the recent Giving Appeal. You may find it strange that that does not feature in this Annual Report. That is because the financial, fabric and PCC reports are for the year 2023. But that doesn’t stop us giving thanks to God for his kindness and faithfulness to us now!

Every year post-Covid feels like another step back to normality, although it seems to me that we are still getting back to where we were. At the same time, nothing remains entirely the same and we will never get back to exactly where we were. One major change we have seen in the past few years is the number of people from Hong Kong who have joined us, and it is especially encouraging to see them becoming more and more part of our church family.

So, please read on, and do so with thanksgiving in your heart:

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love towards us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever. Praise the LORD. Psalm 117 (NIV)

Yours warmly, in Christ,

Rev Chris Hobbs

Senior Minister/Vicar

5

Annual Report of PCC for 2023

Background

The parish has two church buildings, St Stephen’s and St Wulstan’s, with Rev Chris Hobbs serving as Vicar, and Ben Wells as Associate 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 2023 the following served as members of the PCC:

Clergy

Rev Chris Hobbs Vicar Rev Ben Wells Associate Minister

Wardens

Mr Richard Phillips Mrs Chris Stonehouse

Deanery Synod Representatives

Mr Ben Barker Mr Christopher Barry Miss Helen Buckley Mr Paul Coley Mr Nick Devas Mr David Sydenham Mr Andy Walker

until APCM 2023

until APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 until APCM 2023

Elected Members

Miss Abigail Embaie Mrs Sue Fearon Mrs Mandy Hughes Mr Eldric Li Mrs Ruth McNeill Mrs Karen Pearson Mr Michel Randrianandrasana Mrs Paula Richardson Mrs Faith Sen Mr Martin Sherlaw Mr Harry Stileman Mrs Stephanie Tam

until APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 until APCM 2023 from APCM 2023 until APCM 2023

Co-opted Member

Mr Thomas Bryant (PCC Safeguarding lead)

from May’23 PCC Meeting

Parish Treasurer

Mrs Karen Pearson

6

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 February 2022

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.

7

SSSW Finance Report for 2023

2023 was a very interesting year for finances. Having held the 2023 giving appeal at the end of 2022, the PCC agreed a budget for 2023 of £365,039 to cover the increases caused by the appointment of Ben Wells as our Associate Minister, the expected increase in utilities cost and increased support for new mission partners. This was an increase of £17,569 over the budget for 2022.

The March 2023 PCC endorsed the decision to reduce the payments to the Diocesan Common Fund by £1000 per month in response to LLF. This reduction has continued into the 2024 budget.

However, in 2023 we lost a number of significant givers to the church, and other members were forced by their personal circumstances to reduce giving. This meant that by September we were expecting a deficit for the year of £32.5K, with a possible year end deficit of £45,000.

The 2024 giving appeal, launched in December and backed by teaching in January, alerted the congregation to the seriousness of our financial position, and you will be aware of the wonderful response we have received – 49 existing givers have increased their monthly donations, 18 new givers have commenced monthly donations and we have received 26 one-off donations.

As a result of some of the one-off donations being received in December, the overall deficit for 2023 was £29,415 (compared to a surplus of £27,443 overall for 2022). For General Fund (which covers most of our regular expenditure), 2023 showed a deficit of £25,052 compared to a surplus of £23,622.

We have continued to reduce the number of restricted funds operating; The remaining funds in the Maduk fund have been disbursed to help the family move to and settle in the UK, and the remaining Winter Night Shelter funds were sent to Birmingham City Mission to be used in their work with the homeless of Birmingham.

The amount given through the Missionary Fund in 2023 was £57,650. No donations were given for political purposes. Karen Pearson

8

Review of PCC meetings in 2023

At its meeting in 2023, the PCC:

January 24th

March 28th

May 23rd

July 11th

September 26th

9

November 28th

December 19th (Emergency Meeting)

10

FABRIC COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2023

The Committee continues to meet on a quarterly basis, and comprises:

Tim Pearson

Sally Hill Paul Coley

Thanks are given to Church members who supported the two Maintenance Mornings, in May and November.

Financial summary:

Budget £11,500 Actual expenditure £10,784.28

The largest items of expenditure were:

All costs are inclusive of VAT.

Matters worthy of comment:

Tim Pearson

Chair, Fabric Committee 1[st] March 2024

11

Electoral Roll Report

The electoral Roll was revised in April 2024 .

The numbers for the last three years are shown below:

2022 : 161 2023 : 172 2024 : 165

14 people came off the electoral roll 7 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.

12

Reports on Church Life

Sunday Services

We continue to enjoy meeting in person on Sundays, and have almost forgotten the different ways in which we met online, or both in person and online, during Covid. We also continue to enjoy gentle growth – both at 10am at St Stephen’s (where we are routinely very full, typically around 180 and peaking over 200), and also at 6pm at St Wulstan’s (where we are normally in the 40’s – in numbers, not in age!).

It has been a particular encouragement to see our friends from Hong Kong being steadily integrated into the life of the church family, and it has been very useful to have automatic translation available at the 10am services.

At 10am we have had sermon series from: Romans 12-16 (Good News from God), John 19-21 (That You May Have Life), Song of Songs (The Love of Loves), 1 Peter (To This You Were Called), and Matthew 5-7 (The Greatest Sermon Ever).

At 6pm it has been: Isaiah 49-55 (Here is Your God), 1 Corinthians 15 (Raised!), John 1- 4 (Making God Known), Psalms 84-89 (In Praise of God), ‘We Are Church,’ and 1 Timothy (Teach These Things).

We have also enjoyed a Baptism and Confirmation service in April, a World Mission Sunday in May, a Vision Sunday in October, and a couple of Praise Evenings. Chris Hobbs

Fellowship Groups

Fellowship Groups remain an essential part of pursuing our vision of ‘knowing Jesus + making Jesus known’ as we help one another to hear from God’s word, pray together and for one another, care for one another, and encourage one another in mission. So, Fellowship Groups are about four things: Bible, Prayer, Care and Mission. It remains an aspiration, but I would warmly encourage everyone to be part of a Fellowship Group if you possibly can.

In September, as is our custom every 3-4 years, we ‘reset’ the groups with a few new leaders and some new venues, and adding a single person as a third leader to half a dozen groups to help with leading studies and pastoral care. The overall number of groups and number of people in groups remains relatively constant with 14 groups meeting (10 on Wednesday evening, one for women on Tuesday morning, one on Tuesday afternoon, one on Thursday evening and one on Zoom on Wednesday evening) and around 140 people altogether in groups. Once a month we meet together as a church family for the Prayer Gathering, where we normally see 30-40 people, and there is room for social events throughout the year.

The Bible studies this year have continued to follow the 10am sermon series, so we have studied Romans 12-16 (Good News from God), Song of Songs (The Love of Loves), and Matthew 5-7 (The Greatest Sermon Ever). Chris Hobbs

13

Evangelism

Over 80% of our parish are between the age of 18-36 (largely students) and so one major focus evangelistically was this large non-Christian student population.

University of Birmingham Welcome Week 2023

To this end, we put on a number of ‘welcome events’ for students arriving in our parish to live at the end of September. The aim was to practically show them the great welcome that we have received through Jesus, but also to share the good news of Jesus with them.

We ran welcome events (café, board game evening, BBQ) as well as a welcome service with a talk about being ‘Welcomed by Jesus’. A good number of guests came which was encouraging. We also handed out around 90 ‘Welcome Packs’ containing ‘student essentials’ (pasta, sweets, scourer, tissues etc), a free gospel and details about our church.

At the Welcome BBQ one student said ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what does go on at church?’ This highlighted that for many students living in our parish, church and Christianity is an increasingly alien concept.

Evangelistic Courses and Bible Studies

The Christianity Explored course in the autumn was cancelled due to lack of interest. We ran a Hope Explored course after Christmas and it was great to have a varied group wanting to explore Christianity (ages, ethnicities etc). We hope to run another Hope Explored during the summer term.

It has been encouraging also to hear stories at Prayer Gatherings of people seeking to engage with friends and work colleagues and making Jesus known wherever they are. Ben Wells

World Mission Committee

The task of the World Mission Committee is to help the church maintain and develop our commitment to world mission, and to support our Mission Partners.

Members of the WMC in 2023 were Nick Devas (Chair), Maurice Sinclair, Ben Wells (from April), David Stokes, Faith Sen (until April), Anne Ruck (until January 2024) and Elizabeth Barry. We met four times in 2024, on Zoom.

The church supports in prayer and financially five Mission Partners and their families plus two more Associate Mission Partners/couples, serving in different places. While several are based in the UK, their ministry is international. Opportunities are provided for them to share prayer requests in the monthly church prayer meeting, to speak in church when they are available, and to be linked with a couple of fellowship groups each for prayer support. Many in our church also support them individually in prayer and financially.

Highlights of 2023 were:

14

Nick Devas, Chair of World Mission Committee

Men’s Ministry

Men's stay and play is taking place on a monthly basis and we typically get 15 to 20 parents attending with their children. Some regulars and some join us as a one off. It's generally relaxed, deliberately unstructured and the guys appreciate the space to play with their kids and chat to others. It continues to be good opportunity for SSSW men to invite friends to. I'm convinced it's worth doing to get guys into church.

Men's breakfasts are taking place once a term and we get between 25 and 30 attending. Content is kept light with the emphasis on fellowship and praying together. Having a regular team is a challenge to ensure we can cook on the day. Encouraging fringe men to join us is a priority. It tends not to attract the youngest or oldest guys or international family. The 8am start isn't going to suit everyone.

Drinks socials at Country Girl pub are also happening about once a term and numbers vary a lot but that's OK. The aim is simply for good chat and getting guys better connected including new people and friends of SSSW men.

About 12 men attended the Men's Convention in May 2023. Chris Stonehouse and Ben Barker

Children and Families Ministry

The regular children’s groups have continued ad continued to be a joy! Sunday Club and Sparks meet on Sunday mornings. Explorers on Thursdays happens in the evenings during term time.

These groups are lovely! I’m very thankful to God for leaders who really love Jesus and want to make him known to the children. They are kind, engaging and servanthearted.

We had a great Holiday Club in August. We were super heroes! We laughed lots, made slime, decorated capes and learned about Jesus, the real super hero.

In October half term we ran a Light Party – celebrating Jesus, the light of the world. We haven’t run one of these parties for 10 years! But this year we had children wanting to come and had leaders willing to lead! Hopefully we’ll do it again next year…

We ran the Christmas Adventure at the start of December. The lack of real life animals didn’t seem to put people off and we had a great time meeting shepherds, drinking hot chocolate and learning about the very first Christmas. It was great to see lots of friends and visitors there.

15

Work in schools

I’ve continued to lead assemblies at St. Mary’s, Tiverton and Bournville Village Primary Schools. We were very pleased to welcome Raddlebarn school to church for their Christmas Carol Service and Year 1 for a visit.

Helen Buckley, Children’s & Families Minister

Stay and Play

Stay and Play is a lovely group on Friday mornings for parents, carers and their toddlers and babies. We aim to be a welcoming and positive first point of contact for those who have never stepped into a church before. Each week we play, chat, have snacks, read a story and sing songs. We have a very kind team of helpers who set up, tidy up, register guests, as well as make them hot drinks and snacks.

We get up to 20 non-church households each week, some who are regulars and some new. It is a great opportunity to serve different families in our communities and welcome them into our church where they can build relationships with Christians and connection with our church family. We hold a party at the end of each term and we're looking forward to the Easter one soon where we'll share the Christian Easter story and a chocolate egg hunt!

Since last summer we have started a termly evening social for just the grown-ups aiming to build on the friendships that have started on a Friday and these have been a great addition.

Alice Johnston

Youth & Families Ministry

One big encouragement from early in 2023 was our baptism and confirmation course, leading up to our confirmation service in April when 5 young people were baptised and/or confirmed.

Pathfinders have continued to meet on Thursday evenings, with an attendance of around 15-20 young people reducing to 10-15 since September when a large group moved up to Cross Section. 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!

On Thursdays we continued our BIG Bible Overview until summer 2023, and since September we’ve been considering “Big questions about Jesus”.

We’ve met as a smaller group on Sunday mornings, but we have really enjoyed having more time to look deeper into what God has to say to us in his word.

Our leaders for Pathfinders in 2023 were Tom Bryant, Christy Fung, Sophie Hobbs, Charlie Robinson, Chris Stonehouse, James Bowles, Katherine Wong and Faith Sen. Please pray for a new (ideally Cantonese speaking!) female leader this year.

Our annual weekend away at Gaines in November 2023 was a really fun time to build and deepen friendships, and was only about 30% wet…

The summer camp for Pathfinders, Quinta, went really well. Tom Bryant, Charlie Robinson, Helen Buckley and Martin Sherlaw went as leaders along with 10 Pathfinders, who had a great time! This year the camp is again hugely

16

oversubscribed. Please pray for that situation. Please also pray for a camp for the older teenagers.

Cross Section (for years 9-13) underwent a big transformation in September, with a big new group of young people moving up to the age group, and two new leaders. We have been having a really encouraging time studying the Bible on Thursdays and Sundays whilst enjoying many laughs, often at Tom’s expense.

During 2023 Cross Section was led by Tom and Naomi Bryant and Helen Buckley, who passed it on to Tom Bryant, Mandy Hughes and Nathan Somanathan. Tom Bryant, Youth & Families Minister

Students 2023

Summer Term 2023

We did a series on ‘Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known’, looking at some of the beautiful pictures of who we are as God’s people (e.g. living stones in 1 Peter 2) and thinking about serving at church and world mission amongst others. We also said goodbye to students leaving us at the end of their studies.

Autumn Term 2023

Autumn is a term to welcome students, so we looked at Luke’s gospel with its focus on who Jesus is and what he’s done. We also went to the DEF ‘God, Sex and Marriage’ session and did a seminar about prayer. Another real highlight was interviews with the wider church family about God’s work in their lives.

Spring 2024

As we studied the book of Acts, it was great to see students catching the vision of being caught up in this bigger gospel story, making Jesus known to others, just as someone first brought the good news to us. It was good also to attend the Christian Union’s Events week in February and to see a couple of new students join us towards the end of term.

We returned to Quinta in March for another student weekend away, studying Obadiah with its warning for all who oppose God, and its picture of the glorious restoration God will one day bring in.

Please pray for wisdom as we seek to build a sustainable student work, especially with smaller numbers this past year.

Ben Wells

International Students Ministry

We are blessed to be located where students from all over the world come to study, giving great potential for mission to the nations, and a number of international students join us at church each week. But many things make connecting with international students more difficult than in the past, not least the wariness of many about anything to do with religion. Nevertheless, we thank God for the opportunities we do have, especially in collaboration with the work of Friends International and our Mission Partners, Mike and Rachel Hill.

The main way we meet international students is through Globe café, which meets each Monday evening at St Wulstans, with occasional activities at weekends. Attendance averages around ten, mainly Chinese and mainly female students

17

recently. There is a committed team of volunteers, led by Chris Stonehouse, but some younger and female volunteers are needed! The cafe is a way to develop friendships with students from which we can invite them to other activities such as church services and Bible studies. Last term, the Hills were on sabbatical and Chris Stonehouse watched over the Friends International work in Birmingham.

The Chinese Bible Study continues to meet on Sunday evenings, led by Nick and Pamela Devas with David Chen, and around eight to ten members, some of whom are long-term residents rather than students. We praise God for the spiritual growth we see, and we pray for more to join. We continue to do online Bible studies with a number who have returned to China.

For many years we have also had a number of Indonesian students in our church. For them, there is an Indonesian Christian Community led by Kent and Erny, which is mainly online, and includes some long-term residents as well as students. Nick Devas and Chris Stonehouse

Music Ministry

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

When we sing together at church we sing “up” to God with songs of praise and adoration, and we sing “out” to one another with words of encouragement and truth.

Thank you to our great musicians for serving faithfully in this ministry. During 2023, we were particularly grateful for the gifting and service of a number of students.

We’ve been able to learn a number of new songs over the last year, including some from our very own David Sydenham. Why not use the lyrics from these songs below to “give thanks to God the Father for everything”?

“O come to the table, Where you’ll find mercy for your soul. O come, He is able, To wash your heart and make you whole.”

“His name is True King, Lord of creation, Ruler without end.

I call Him Hope, Peace, Wonderful Saviour, And what joy that Jesus calls me friend!”

“Here we stand the church of the redeemed Ransomed by the blood that sets us free. From the darkness, brought into the light; Enemies of God now His delight.” Allan Ooi

18

Ministry for Senior Members

In 2023 we have seen the development of a new ministry among senior members of the church. This began with ‘Lent teas’ in 2023 and has developed into a monthly meeting for seniors which has become known as ’Senior Tea’. This is held every second Thursday in the month and provides an opportunity for socializing over delicious cakes and tea as well as a time for teaching, singing hymns and prayer. We have enjoyed a number of speakers from within the church as well as a few visitors. A memorable visitor was Charlie Butler, now vicar of St Bart’s Edgbaston who reminded his audience that a number of those present had probably looked after him in crèche at some point. We have been delighted by the way members of the community have started to come regularly to the teas even if they are not members of the church. During Lent this year Maurice and Gill Sinclair led a course that helped us look at what the Bible had to say about some of the issues we face as we age. Again, this was attended by a wide variety of people from within and outside the church.

Thank you to all of those who have supported this ministry with baking, speaking, playing music, moving chairs and tables and serving tea and coffee. Helen Hobbs

Hong Kong English Conversation Group

The English Conversation Group started in late 2021, in response to the need expressed by Hong Kong friends joining our church for help with improving their listening and speaking. It has grown steadily from around 10 at the start to around 30 by the end of 2023, as new people have arrived, while others have left as they get jobs or join formal courses. Each Monday morning we have a topic with questions that can be discussed at whatever level they feel comfortable with. For those with very limited English, there is a small class taught by Pamela. We are grateful for our dedicated team of nine who help each week. We have also had occasional trips out, to the University campus, Bournville, Sutton Park and the Severn Valley Country Park.

Only some of those who join are members of our church, others belong to the Birmingham Chinese Church, or are not (yet) Christians. For the latter group we have been able to offer opportunities to find out about the Christian faith. A number have joined the church’s Hope Explored course, and we have hosted a Christianity Explored course in English and Cantonese. Praise God, some have come to faith through these, and three were baptised during 2023.

In October 2023, one of the Hong Kong group, Sam Chow, was appointed as a Ministry Trainee. This has been a great help in supporting the work with the growing number of HK friends joining our church. In late 2023, Sam and some helpers started a Cantonese Bible study group to run after the Conversation Group on Mondays. This is designed for both seekers and believers. So far, around 20 join this each week. Nick & Pamela Devas, Richard & Jean Phillips

Welcome Box

Welcome Boxes is an initiative to welcome and reach out to asylum seekers and refugees who are local to our parish, in partnership with Welcome Churches. In 2022 and early 2023, we established several friendships between church members and asylum seeking families at local accommodation and were able to invite them to church events. Sadly, in April 2023, their accommodation was shut down and they

19

were dispersed across the Midlands. Positively, however, this has resulted in an improvement in their living conditions and, where possible, we used Welcome Churches’ Network to try to link them with other churches.

Since then, we have been working with another accommodation provider in Birmingham but further away. It is too far for the residents to realistically walk to our church, but this has opened the opportunity to work with Christchurch Summerfield in Edgbaston. We have partnered with this church so far to put on family-friendly Easter and Christmas events with crafts and a Christian message, and are exploring opportunities for something more regular. We are delighted that, as a result of this, a Christian family living there have been attending Christchurch. As circumstances for refugee neighbours changes unpredictably, it is wonderful to be able to partner with churches to share in this calling and to help create stability and welcome.

Another highlight of the past year was Refugee Sunday in June. 20—30 from the church family joined us for lunch, learning and prayer, and Daniel Maduk and Sue Stokes were interviewed to share their experiences of living in the UK as a refugee and befriending respectively.

Christopher Barry

Christians Against Poverty : Birmingham South Debt Centre

The South Birmingham Debt Centre has been operating for nine years, one of many similar centres across the UK, with expert advice provided for clients by CAP headquarters in Bradford. Funding and other support has been provided by several local churches, including our own. Throughout this time our debt centre manager and debt coach has been Judy Ward, a member of Christ Church. Judy has now decided to retire from this very demanding role, and the three supporting churches have reluctantly decided to recommend that the centre should close once the last clients have been processed.

During the time the centre has been open, over 150 clients have signed up to be helped by CAP. Of these, 58 have become fully debt free (with more likely to follow before the centre closes). The total amount of debt dealt with by the centre comes to just over £700,000. Many clients have seen God at work in their lives, and some have become Christians.

As the centre closes, we have much to be thankful for:

According to CAP, 14million people in the UK live in poverty, and the work of the charity nationally is ongoing. Please consider how you might support CAP through prayer or by giving. If you would like to know more do ask me, or visit the CAP website.

Richard Phillips

Winter Night Shelter

As this area had been dormant for 5 years, the PCC decided to ensure that the static balance of funds was applied in line with the original purpose.

20

The balance of funds held, £1,096, was transferred over to Birmingham City Mission in June 2023 to be applied in support of their work with the homeless in the city.

21

Financial Statements

2023 General Fund Income

----- Start of picture text -----
2.8%
2.9%
5.6
2.2%
16.8%
64.8%
10.4%
----- End of picture text -----

Gifts - Standing Orders Gifts - Other Income Tax on gifts Diocese re curate housing Weekend Away Room Hire Income Other income

2023 General Fund Expenditure

----- Start of picture text -----
0.4
2.3
2.5
5.8 14.7
2.0
8.7
0.1
33.4
16.0
14.0
----- End of picture text -----

Diocesan Common Fund Clergy costs Office Salaries Ministry Trainee

Missionary Fund/Gospel Causes Buildings & Maintenance Ministry Costs Weekend Away Office and Ancillary costs Evangelism Other costs

22

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 01 JAN 23 TO 31 DEC 23

01 Jan 22 -
01 Jan 23 -
31 Dec 22
31 Dec 23
Unrestrd Restrict Endowment Total
All Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
336,622 Incoming resources from donors 296,518 2,592 - 299,110
8,764 Grants received - - - -
19,062 Income from operating activity 41,783 3,478
- 45,261
- Activities to generate funds - - - -
280 Income from Investment 2,170 - - 2,170
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
364,728 Total Incoming Resources 340,471 6,070 - 346,541
Resources Expended
- Cost of Generating Funds - - - -
60,394 Grants 58,757 7,067
- 65,824
276,365 Expenditure on church work 306,715 2,599 - 309,314
426 Buildings development - 717 - 717
100 Governance costs 100 - - 100
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
337,285 Total Resources Used 365,572 10,383 - 375,955
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
27,443 NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES(25,102) (4,313) - (29,415)
Gains and Losses on Fixed Assets
- 500 (500) - -
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
27,443 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (24,602) (4,813) - (29,415)
462,463 Fund Balances B/fwd 01Jan23 467,428 22,478 0 489,906
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
489,906 Fund Balances C/fwd 31Dec23 442,825 17,665 0 460,490

23

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DEC 2023
31 Dec 22 31 Dec 23
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
392,245 Buildings at Cost 392,245
CURRENT ASSETS
5,261 Income tax reclaimable 1,858
1,700 Other debtors 846
9,790 Prepayments 5,460
---------- ----------
16,751 Total Debtors 8,164
Cash At Bank and In Hand
26,937 Lloyds Bank Current Account 31,415
29,490 Lloyds Bank Treasurers Account 3,696
1,000 St Stephens Building Fund CBF 1,000
80 Cash 75
41,000 St Stephens/St Wulstans CBF 41,000
---------- ----------
98,507 Total Cash At Bank and In Hand 77,186
---------- ----------
115,258 85,350
---------- ----------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors Due Within One Year
442 Diocesan Fees Payable -
3,794 Other Creditors -
11,150 Accruals - Missionary Giving 14,025
2,211 Accruals - Other 3,079
---------- ----------
17,597 Total Creditors Due Within One Year 17,104
97,661 NET CURRENT ASSETS 68,246
489,906 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 460,491
---------- ----------
489,906 NET ASSETS 460,491
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted Funds
72,304 Parish General Fund 47,251
392,246 Property Fund 392,246
2,878 Discretionary Fund 3,329
---------- ----------
467,428 Total Unrestricted Funds 442,826
Restricted Funds
4,887 Missionary Fund 4,888
4,365 St Stephen's Building Fund 5,148
7,142 Senior Members Ministry Fund
6,143
781 Stay and Play Fund 327
1,096 Winter Night Shelter -
4,206 Maduk Fund 1,159
---------- ----------
22,478 Total Restricted Funds 17,665
---------- ----------
489,906 TOTAL FUNDS 460,491

24

SUMMARY OF MOVEMENTS ON ALL FUNDS 01 Jan 23 TO 31 Dec 23

BALANCE FUND INCOME EXPENSES TRANSFERS BALANCE
31 Dec 22 /GAINS 31 Dec23
£ £ £ £ £

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

72,304
 Parish General Fund 340,020 365,573 500 47,250
392,246 Property Fund - - - 392,246
2,878
 Discretionary Fund 450 - - 3,328
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
467,428 Totals of Unrest. Funds 340,470 365,573 500 442,825

RESTRICTED FUNDS

4,887		 Missionary Fund 1,856 1,856 - 4,887
4,365 St Stephen's Building Fund 1,500 717 - 5,148
7,142 Senior’s Ministry 417 1,416 - 6,143
781 Stay and Play Fund 1,229 1,183 (500) 327
1,096 Winter Night Shelter - 1,096 - -
4,206 Maduk Fund 1,067 4,115 - 1,158
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
22,478 Totals for Restricted Funds 6,069 10,383 (500) 17,663
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
489,906
 TOTALS FOR ALL FUNDS 346,539 375,956 - 460,490
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
NET MOVEMENT IN TOTAL FUNDS IN THE YEAR
01 Jan 22-
01 Jan 23-
31 Dec 22 31 Dec 23
£ £

23,622		 Parish General Fund
 -25,054
3,822 Movement on other Funds - 4,362
---------- --------
27,444 -29,416
========== ========

25

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENTS 01 Jan 23 TO 31 Dec 23

Parish General Fund (Unrestricted Fund)

01 Jan 22 - 2023 Budget
31 Dec 22 12 Months
£ £
Income
21,778
Gifts - Loose Cash/Cheques 2,500
90 Gifts - Envelopes -
217,657 Gifts - Standing Orders 235,714
5,371
Gifts – CAF/Stewardship/Charity Trust 4,800
56,544
Income Tax on gifts 51,600
27,558
Gifts - Giving Response 45,972
2,521
Wedding/Funeral Fees 2,600
-
Weekend Away Income -
2,273 Children & Youth Work Event Income
2,875
4,640
Other income 3,000
9,560 Room Hire Income 10,680
7,500 Diocese re Curates Housing -
280 Interest 300
---------- ----------
335,772 TOTAL INCOME 360,041
---------- ----------
Expenditure
63,789 Diocesan Contributions 62,799
30,896
Church Manager – S&RC 33,409
662
Ministry Trainee Costs 900
36,676
Children's Worker – S&RC 39,905
30,691
Youth Worker – S&RC 33,627
-
Associate Minister – S&RC
38,786
5,037
Clergy Expenses 5,000
3,819
Staff Expenses 3,460
377 Speakers Expenses 573
7,257
Office 8,000
2,135
Children's work 2,810
3,502
Youth work 4,270
6,454
Insurance 7,141
12,774
Buildings/Maintenance 11,500
10,052
Utilities: Heat, Light and Power 31,830
4,051
Cleaning 6,355
100 Consultancy, inc. Independent Examiner 100
12,675
Curates Expenses -
750 Midlands Gospel Partnership 750
- Weekend Away / at Home -
1,173
Music 1,320
1,225 Student Work 1,490
2,522
Evangelism 3,000
251 Parish IT Systems 487
250 PA Systems Equipment 560
3,112
Miscellaneous Expenses 2,750
1,780
103 Bournbrook Road -
886 Kitchen 1,000
11,339
St Wulstans developments 570
2,000 CAP Contribution 2,000
2,578
NIV 2011 Pew Bibles
-
52,100 Transfer to Missionary Fund 57,650
843 Contingency 3,000
2023 Employers Nat. Ins. Allowance (5,000)
---------- ----------
319,330 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 360,041
---------- ----------
16,442 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT)
48,682 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23
----------
65,124 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23
==========
6,745 Assoc Min Fund TRANSFERS IN
435 Min Trn Fund
Stay & Play Fund

72,304 Fund adjusted balance carried forward 31 Dec 23
 01 Jan 23 -
31 Dec 23
£
2,944
-
213,375
7,767
52,139
19,842
1,899
19,087

1,844
6,844
12,109
-
2,169
----------
340,019
----------
53,675
31,936
440
38,079
34,229
41,286
7,430
2,396
150
7,341
2,039
2,521
6,863
10,620
26,406
7,231
100
-
750
21,140
1,210
1,618
1,550
880
541
2,950
165
1,308
357
1,500

-
57,650
1,211
----------
365,572
----------
(25,552)
72,304
----------
46,752
==========
-
-
500
----------
47,252

26

Missionary Fund (Designated Fund)
01 Jan 22- 2023 Budget 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22 12 Months -31 Dec 23
£ £ £
Income
52,100 Transfer from Parish General 57,650 57.650
- Specified Gifts - 1,525
- Income Tax on gifts - 331
---------- ---------- ----------
52,100 TOTAL INCOME 57,650 59,506
---------- ---------- ----------
Expenditure
2,400 Friends International re Hills 2,500 2,500
11,300 Agape re McNeills 12,000 12,000
11,300 Agape re Keates 12,000 12,000
11,300 Reach Across re Harveys 12,000 12,000
8,300 Agape re Griffins 8,800 8,800
- Short term assignments 500 500
7,000 Support for Foxes 8,800 8,800
500 Crosslinks re Marsabit youth 1,050 1,050
-
Bolivia mission funding disbursements
 - 1,856
---------- ---------- ----------
52,100 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 57,650 59,506
---------- ---------- ----------
- SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) -
4,887 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 4,887
---------- ----------
4,887 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 4,887
========== ==========
St Stephen's Building Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 22 - 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 23 - 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
- Donations - Cash
 -
1,200 Donations - Standing Orders 1,200
300 Income tax reclaimed 300
- Income from events -
- Bank Interest -
---------- ----------
1,500 TOTAL INCOME 1,500
---------- ----------
Expenditure
- Professional expenses -
426 New equipment / infrastructure 716
- Transfer to Parish General Fund -
- Sundry maintenance & repair costs -
---------- ----------
426 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 716
---------- ----------
1,074 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) 784
3,293 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 4,364
---------- ----------
4,364 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 5,148
========== ==========

27


Seniors Ministry Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 22 - 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22
- 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
- Seniors Ministry Income -
217 Donations - Cash 417
---------- ----------
217 TOTAL INCOME 417
---------- ----------
Expenditure
- Session refreshments 104
- Special event meal costs 58
85 Sundry expenses 1,254
---------- ----------
85 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1,416
---------- ----------
132 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) (999)
7,009 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 7,142
---------- ----------
7,142 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 6,143
========== ==========
Stay and Play Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 22 - 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22
- 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
1,116 Stay and Play - Income
 1,230
----------
----------
1,116 TOTAL INCOME 1,230
----------
----------
Expenditure
602 Stay and Play - Expenditure
 1,183
- Transfer to General Funds 500
----------
----------
602 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1,683
---------- ----------
514 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) (453)
47
267 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 781
---------- ----------
781 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 328
========== ==========

28

Associate Minister Fund (Restricted Fund)

01 Jan 22 -
01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22
- 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
60 Gifts - Loose Cash/Cheques
 -
11,172 Gifts - Standing Orders
 -
560 Gifts - One Off -
- Gifts - Annual
-
2,800 Income Tax on gifts -
3,450 Gifts - Stewardship -
- Gifts - CAF -
7,574 Transfers from Parish General Funds
 -
----------
----------
25,616 TOTAL INCOME -
----------
----------
Expenditure
17,331 Salary and pension costs -
1,540 Council tax
 -
----------
----------
18,871 TOTAL EXPENDITURE -
----------
----------
6,745 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) -
6,745 EOY transfers OUT: to General Fund
 -
----------
- Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 -
---------- ----------
CLOSED - Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 -
===========
===========
Discretionary Fund (Designated Fund)
01 Jan 22 - 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22 - 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
540 Gifts - Discretionary Fund 360
90 Income tax on gifts 90
---------- ----------
630 TOTAL INCOME 450
---------- ----------
Expenditure
734 Grants -
- Transfer to other Funds -
---------- ----------
734 TOTAL EXPENDITURE -
---------- ----------
(104) SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) 450
2,982 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 2,878
---------- ----------
2,878 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 3,328
========== ==========

29


Ministry Trainee Fund (Restricted Fund)
Ministry Trainee Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 22 - 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22 - 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
14 Gifts - Bank Transfers -
4 Income tax on gifts -
---------- ----------
18 TOTAL INCOME -
---------- ----------
Expenditure
- Disbursements -
---------- ----------
- TOTAL EXPENDITURE -
---------- ----------
18 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) -
416 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 -
---------- ----------
434 Balance 31 Dec 23 -
434 EOY transfers OUT: to General Fund -
---------- ----------
CLOSED - Adjusted Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 -
========== ==========
Maduk Fund (Restricted Fund)
01 Jan 22 - 01 Jan 23
31 Dec 22 - 31 Dec 23
£ £
Income
6,020 Gifts 860
- Transfer from Discretionary Fund -
1,413 Income tax on gifts 208
---------- ----------
7,433 TOTAL INCOME 1,068
---------- ----------
Expenditure
4,810 Grants and disbursements 4,115
---------- ----------
4,810 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4,115
---------- ----------
2,623 SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT) (3,047)
1,583 Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23 4,206
---------- ----------
4,206 Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23 1,159
========== ==========

30

Winter Night Shelter Fund (Restricted Fund)

 01 Jan 22 -                                                       01 Jan 23
 31 Dec 22                                                       - 31 Dec 23
         £                                                                 £
    Income
         -    Gifts                                                        -
         -    Income tax on gifts                                          -
----------                                                         ----------
         -    TOTAL INCOME                                                 -
----------                                                         ----------
              Expenditure
         -    Grants and disbursements                                 1,096
----------                                                         ----------
         -    TOTAL EXPENDITURE                                        1,096
----------                                                         ----------
         -    SURPLUS (OR DEFICIT)                                    (1,096)
     1,096    Balance brought forward 01 Jan 23                        1,096
----------                                                         ----------
     1,096    Balance carried forward 31 Dec 23                    CLOSED  -
==========                                                         ==========

31

Parish of St Stephen and St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham

Notes to the financial statements 2023

Accounting policies

These 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 & Families Minister, Youth & Families Minister and Administrative staff), the Diocesan common fund, buildings insurance, clergy housing and other parish expenses.

The PCC approved a transfer of £57.6k during 2023 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 designated 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. The fund was closed in 2023 with the transfer of the residual balance to Birmingham City Mission to be applied to their work with homeless people.

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 were 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: the Youth & Families Minister. Future funding and costs will be passed through General Funds to reflect this change.

32

Parish of St Stephen and St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham

Notes to the financial statements 2023

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 were only used for this purpose this was deemed to be a restricted fund. The PCC approved transfers totalling £7,574 from the Parish General Fund during 2022 to ensure that sufficient funds were available to cover Associate Minister Fund costs. At the 2022 year end the balance left on the fund, £6,754, was transferred to the General Fund leaving the fund left at a nil balance at year end. From January 2023 the cost of employing the new Associate Minister has been dealt with through the General Fund.

Remuneration

The PCC’s employees were paid from the Parish General Fund.

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 2024 and accrued to 2023.

Prepayments relate to a proportion of the annual insurance premium paid in 2023 which relates to insurance cover in 2024 together other smaller advance payments relating to Church activities in 2024.

Current Liabilities

This primarily consists of amounts due for sundry items relating to the Parish General Fund incurred during the final quarter of 2023.

All Parish Share (Common Fund) contributions for 2023 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 91.6% of the maximum possible on the total donated income, excluding CAF and Payroll giving (2022 : 91.6%). Efforts to maintain this high rate of tax efficient donations / giving are part of a constant process in this area.

33

Parish of St Stephen & St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham

Notes to the financial statements 2023

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 and B Wells received the following non specific expenses:

H Buckley (Deanery Synod Representative to April 2023) was employed by the parish as Children’s & Families Minister and received a salary of £34,023 and pension contributions of £2,518 were made on her behalf.

T Bryant (co-opted to the PCC as Safeguarding lead from May 2023) was employed by the parish as Youth & Families Minister and received a salary of £30,621 and pension contributions of £2,266 were made on his behalf.

34

Parish of St Stephen & St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham

Statement of Accounting Policies 2023

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.

35

Parish of St Stephen & St Wulstan, Selly Park, Birmingham

Statement of Accounting Policies 2023

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.

36

Vicar:

Rev. Chris Hobbs 18 Selly Wick Road Selly Park Birmingham

Bank:

Lloyds Bank 142 Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham

Independent Examiner: Mr. Dale Brusby 11 Woodstock Court Birmingham

Chris Hobbs (Chairman)

37

CHARITY (OMMISSIIJY FOR EKAAK) AM) WALES Independent examinerfs rnport on the accounts S•ction A Ind•ppnd•nt Exwnin•r'• R•port R•port to ¢h• InMty• m•mb•rn of On •ccounts for th• y••r I13￿1 Irf •ny) g•1 oul OD P•9•• 22.37 •nty rtr• Tr￿ y•w •thJ 31112 12023. R••pofi•lblld• wd nder 8eclw)n 145 crfihè 2011 •KI m (wryrg my ex￿￿￿)n, I unL 14S5Xbl (rf A Indèpendeni Tr Lwty'i grrn¥ £2Y) Cn) ard l ¥n qud to •x•mlnorf• 8tslem¢nt undertake tr ex•M•lw by 4 ¢wfwd rrwnb•f d Chart¢Md that tho a In ¥*J Nam•: Bru•ty R•le¥iTrt wof••slonal ACIAA CGk qualifi¢atiorf•l or body | IER O¢t 2018 38