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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Preston St John With Brighton St Augustine And St Saviour

2023-12-31-accounts

The Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist, Preston, Brighton

Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2023

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Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Report

of the Parochial Church Council

of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist, Knoyle Road, Brighton BN1 6RB

Registered Charity Number 1135100

For the year 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2023

CONTENTS

Page 3 Trustees’ Annual Report 19 Report of the Independent Examiner 20 Statement of Financial Receipts and Payments 21 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 22 Notes to the Accounts Website: www.brightonstjohn.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/prestonstjohn/ Incumbent: The Revd Emma Ham-Riche 33 Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6LA Independent Examiner: Ann Longhurst Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC 139-142 North Street, Brighton BN1 1RU

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Our aims and purposes as a charity

Every Church of England Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity, and its members are trustees of the charity. St John's PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, social, evangelistic, and ecumenical, especially:

What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives

When planning our activities for the year, our incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the specific guidance on ‘charities for the advancement of religion’.

The council has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

For this year we discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil our aims:

What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives

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Attendance at worship

The church welcomes visitors from within as well as outside the parish boundary. Visitors attend by personal choice and, it is our great pleasure to welcome anyone from all walks of life to take part in the life of the church. We contend that voluntary attendance to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, is a major demonstration of the public benefit of our activities.

The average weekly attendance, counted during October was 85 adults and children, and the usual ‘Thank you for the welcome after the Sunday attendance was 52. A steady rise in service service . . . this morning and for the chat. attendance has continued and it has been a great As I mentioned, M also felt very welcomed encouragement to welcome new people to St. when she visited in July. I enjoyed the John’s. service and meeting some of the other folk.’ ….GC At the end of September, a weekly Thursday evening Eucharist began, in addition to the weekly Wednesday morning Eucharist.

On the first Friday of March, St John’s hosted an ecumenical service for the World Day of Prayer and a Day of Prayer for the Parish, which included Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline was held on Wednesday 29 March, and was an opportunity to thank God for his goodness and to reflect on our response.

There were services throughout Holy Week and Easter, including joint Parish Eucharists with the Church of the Good Shepherd. The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday was followed by a Vigil, and Good Friday was marked by the observance of the Three Hours from 12-3pm, followed by the Good Friday liturgy. The Easter Liturgy was celebrated on Holy Saturday, and there were two services on Easter Sunday, one at St Peter’s, Preston Park.

On 21 May, the choir of St Luke’s Queens Park led a service of Choral Evensong, and on 18 June, St John’s hosted a Windrush 75 Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving at which The Rt Revd Leon Paul Golding, Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay, in the Diocese of Jamaica preached, and which was led by The Rt Revd Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Chichester.

Christmas was a very special time of celebration where many sections of the community came together to join in the services. Children and adults alike join in and memories are made. The DIY Christingle service was attended by a total of 52 adults and children, who all enjoyed making their own Christingles as part of the service.

Community Carol Singing was attended by a total of 83 adults and children, who also enjoyed seasonal refreshments afterwards. For the first time, a ‘Blue Christmas’ service was held on 23 December, offering a quiet space for reflection. On Christmas Eve, the Crib Service was attended by 254 adults and children, who all joined in enthusiastically. Christmas attendance was over 120 adults and children.

‘Went to Christmas eve crib service. Lovely service, led by the vicar who involved the congregation. An uplifting experience.’…GD via Google Review

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The ministry to children and their families continued with the monthly Messy Church on the second Sunday of each month at 4pm (except August and December). A monthly All Age Worship on the third Sunday of each month was introduced in the Autumn.

The livestreaming of the Parish Eucharist on Sundays via the Facebook page has continued to enable those who are unable to come to church to be able to join in with the worship.

Teaching, baptising and nurturing new and existing believers.

During the year there were 5 church funerals and 1 burial of ashes at St Peter’s Churchyard. There were five Baptisms during the year, and on each occasion, family and friends were warmly welcomed to the 10am Sunday Eucharist.

A greater number of the church family have continued to be involved in leading various aspects of worship, lending great encouragement to those involved, as well as the whole congregation. We continue to seek to extend the opportunities for the exercise of ministry and gifts within the life of our community and during the year, three new Lay Ministers of Holy Communion were commissioned, and three more transferred their existing ministry to St John’s. New intercessors and new Sidespeople have also joined the regular rotas.

A Bible study course ran throughout the year, and there were weekly Lent and Advent courses. A Quiet Morning for the PCC was held at the Bishop’s Palace in Chichester in September, followed by a Vision Afternoon. A ‘bitesized’ version was offered to the wider congregation on a Saturday morning in November. There were also workshops for Lay Ministers of Holy Communion and Intercessors.

Evangelism and outreach

Preston Friday Club, a fortnightly afternoon of talks, tea and chat in the Crowhurst Community Centre continued with its full programme of activities throughout the year.

Preston Coffee Pot continued to run on Wednesday mornings and there was a Big Lunch on Sunday 7 May to celebrate the Coronation, to which members of the local community were invited. On Saturday 5 August, there was an Open Church for Brighton Pride, providing refreshments and toilet facilities to passers-by.

Just before Easter, 120 children from Year 4 at Balfour Primary School visited St John’s to hear from Rev’d Emma how Christians celebrate Lent and Easter.

In April, Citizens’ UK Brighton and Hove held its Election Accountability Assembly at St John’s, at which hundreds of people from across the city held the two main parties aiming to run Brighton and Hove Council to account.

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Rev’d Emma led a Service of Choral Evensong for St Peter’s Day at St Peter’s Church in Preston Park, at the invitation of the Friends of St Peter’s, who look after the historic building, on behalf of the Churches Conservation Trust.

In July, St John’s hosted Refugee Tales, organised by Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group, on their five-day walk between Crawley and Worthing in solidarity with asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees. The evening event, featuring a host in the manner of The Canterbury Tales, a reading of two tales, and a live music performance, was attended by people across Brighton and beyond.

In October, a Harvest Lunch was enjoyed by members of the congregation, their family, and friends, raising funds for Brighton Food Bank and in November, a representative from Bowley and Gallagher Funeral Directors attended the service on Remembrance Sunday to lay a wreath.

Provision of the church building for people to enjoy

There were 5 baptisms, 5 funerals and 1 “Thank you so much for delivering the funeral service wedding in the church during the year. The last week . . . It really meant a lot to us to have the church continues to be appreciated by service in St John’s Church where as you know, many of parishioners and many others, as a space our family’s notable events have been held over a very where life events can take place with long period of time.” . . . CY thanksgiving.

In April 2023, following advice from the Diocesan Organ Adviser, Dr Alan Thurlow, the organ was brought back into regular use for the first time since 2020.

The church building continues to be used for events in addition to services. Brighton Orpheus Choir and the Brighton & Hove Arts Orchestra both used the church for concerts during the year, and The Imaginary Friends Duo performed in October. Balfour Primary School held three Christmas Concerts in the church, and Hopscotch Day Nursery also used the church for their Christmas Concert, to which parents were invited.

‘Thank you very much for all the support you have given Brighton Orpheus Choir. . . We really enjoy performing at St John's and look forward to singing in the church in the future.’ . . HB

There was a full church for Dorothy Stringer School’s Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at the end of term.

Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish

Home communion is regularly taken to three people who are too frail to attend church. The Healing Team support Brighton & Hove City Mission Care Homes’ Team at a monthly service in one of the Care Homes in the Parish.

The Healing Team also provide a monthly prayer ministry on the second Sunday of each month.

Provision of tangible support to the poor and needy

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The church is a donation point for Brighton Food Bank, and regular deliveries are taken to the Food Bank from St John’s. 161.1kg of food was donated by St John’s at Harvest and the harvest donations from local schools were once again stored and sorted in the vestry, before being returned to the Food Bank for distribution to clients.

‘Thank you so much for reintroducing us to this fabulous space . . .’ . . . Balfour Food Bank

From April, Balfour Food Bank began operating from the Knoyle Hall on Monday afternoons, providing food to their clients, as well as a ‘Lucky Dip’ for the local community to rescue surplus food and prevent food waste.

Storage of bikes is offered free of charge to the Brighton Multicultural Women’s (BMW’s) Cycle Club, a community group which provides a friendly and supportive space for women from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds to learn to cycle and develop confidence in cycling.

In December, gifts were donated to the families supported by Chichester Diocesan Family Support Work.

Other charitable giving

Throughout the year, the church family has supported many mission and charitable societies, including:

This is so wonderful - that’s an enormously generous and helpful amount of money and we are so grateful to . . . St John’s.’

… SC, Chomp

The Brighton and Hove Arts Orchestra Christmas concert raised £612.10 for Off the Fence and £612.10 for Chomp.

Financial Review

Incoming and outgoing resources

The total receipts on general unrestricted funds received were £111,496 and are detailed in the Financial Report.

The planned giving though the Parish Giving Scheme increased by £5,810. Our total voluntary income including tax recovered, but excluding legacies, increased by £3,815. This is partly due to no Gift Aid claims having been made (Gift Aid is automatically recovered on donations made via the Parish Giving Scheme).

One of the major impacts to the financial performance in 2023 (£3k surplus in 2022 to a £23k deficit in 2023) is the increase in utility costs because of the war in the Ukraine. There was a £20k increase in spend on utilities. (£9k in 2022, £29k in 2023).

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There has also been a £3k increase in Parish Share. In the Diocese of Chichester, the money which parishes give to the Diocese is known as Parish Share. In the New Testament we hear how members of the earliest churches gave generously, each according to their ability, towards the work of the wider Christian community. In a similar way the Church of England today relies on the generosity of its members to fund its ministry and mission. Individuals give to their local church; the PCC makes a financial contribution to the Diocese; in turn the Diocese pays and houses our parish clergy and provides other services.

Sharing the ministry costs of the Diocese of Chichester

The largest expenditure of the PCC was the sum of £48,000 paid to the diocese for our share of all churches’ Parish Ministry Costs. The full Parish Ministry Cost (PMC) for 2023 was £78,795 . This year the contribution from St John’s increased by 2.4% on the previous year and the church is meeting 60.9% of the costs allocated to this church compared with 58.5% paid last year.

The total relates directly to the housing, support, stipend, and pension costs of the clergy of this parish, training of new ordinands, a contribution to national church funds and, shared costs of the Christian family throughout the whole diocese, including assistance towards the upkeep of churches less able to manage than ourselves.

Staff costs

The PCC pays for an office administrator, cleaners for the church and halls, pianist, and bookkeeper.

Further details are provided in the notes to the accounts.

Trustee payments and expenses

The PCC also supported the clergy by paying Council Tax of £3,220, Water and environmental charges amounting to £454 for the Vicarage plus other annual costs towards travel, hospitality, telephone, postage and broadband amounting to £132.

PCC members claimed travel expenses for the Quiet Day in Chichester, as well as for attending Diocesan events.

There were no payments to persons related to or connected to the trustees.

Office costs

There were no extraordinary office costs during the year.

Repairs to the fabric of the church building

There were no major projects carried out during the last year.

Why we hold some money in reserve

It is the PCC’s policy:

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money as soon as possible after receiving the legacy, depending on the specific objectives of the donor.

The PCC recognises with gratitude and appreciation those groups and individuals who make their service of God and of His Church clear by their generous giving of their time, money, and effort. Much of the work of this parish is undertaken by a generation who are entering their senior years. Failing health and vigour are reducing energies which could be relied upon in the past.

For the Church to thrive and grow we need to continue to engage in evangelism, mission and faith sharing to encourage growth in numbers as well as growth in faith, love, and service. We were evangelised by those who helped to make Jesus real to us - and they did a successful job (otherwise we wouldn’t be here!) - so we need to do what they did and pass on our faith to this current generation.

Management of risks and their mitigation

The PCC has an ongoing task of reviewing the major risks which impact on the work of the churches in the parish. The usual fire extinguisher checks have been carried out.

The PCC consider that the principal risks and uncertainties are:

The PCC seeks to manage these risks and uncertainties by regularly reviewing its Mission Action Plan and its plans for the use of the church buildings. We aim to maintain our properties to a high standard and carry out the priority items of a quinquennial review in a timely manner.

Future Uncertainties

Our inability to meet our PMC is a concern, but we hope to increase regular giving via a Stewardship campaign to ensure we are in a strong position to meet regular commitments.

It is important to ensure that as the day-to-day costs rise, the growth in income is sustained through renewed giving pledges, to strengthen our underlying financial position. This will enable further improvements to be made to the fabric of our Church, in addition to building up reserves to repay the Diocesan loan.

Structure, governance and management of the charity

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011. Its charity number is 1135100. Its governing document is the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.

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During the year, the following served as members of the PCC:

Ex-officio members

Incumbent Rev’d Emma Ham-Riche [Chair] Churchwardens Judith Lawson from APCM of 2023 Cynthia McArthur from APCM of 2023 Elected members: Alexandra Harrex until APCM of 2024 [PCC Secretary] Susan Nye until APCM of 2024 Vacancy until APCM of 2024 Jane Millett until APCM of 2025 Susan O’Malley until APCM of 2025 Vacancy until APCM of 2025 Susan Crossfield until APCM of 2026 Diane Long until APCM of 2026 Linda Nutley until APCM of 2026

Deanery Synod Representatives elected to serve until xxxx

Susan Seymour [Safeguarding Officer] Vacancy Vacancy

Membership of the PCC is determined under the Church Representation Rules 2020 and consists of the incumbent (ex-officio), the Churchwardens (who are elected annually at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners), members of the Deanery Synod, and nine members of the church who are all elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Members are warmly encouraged to stand for election to the PCC and we try to ensure a balance of skills and experience where possible.

In addition, the APCM held in April 2018 approved a proposal that, at St John's, elected PCC members could service two consecutive terms of three years before being required to have minimum one-year break, which gives a six-year maximum, in line with the normal maximum term for a Churchwarden.

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Deanery Synod

The Parish of St John the Evangelist, Preston, Brighton has three allotted places on Deanery Synod (based on Electoral role numbers) there are two vacancies. The Deanery Synod consists of all licenced clergy to a parish/benefice within the Deanery and elected lay members from each parish. Decisions are made and the Synod acts as an intermediary between parish and Diocese. Deaneries can bring proposals and motions to Diocesan Synod for debate. There are presentations and debates and it is an opportunity to exchange views and share experiences with those from other churches. At each Synod the Rural Dean gives an update of what is happening across the Deanery, the Treasurer a verbal or written report about finances and depending on timing a verbal or written report on Diocesan Synod and General Synod.

The following is just a brief summary of the main issues/presentations. Full Synod minutes giving full details are sent to the Deanery representatives, clergy and PCC Secretaries for circulation usually within two weeks of the Synod and are available for anyone who wishes to see them.

There were four Deanery Synods in 2023: -

Synod 1 - March 2023 – St John, the Evangelist, Preston

Synod 2 - June 2023 – St Wulfran’s, Ovingdean

Synod 3 - September 2023 -St Batholomew’s

Synod 4 - November 2023 -St Cuthman’s

A new Rural Dean was appointed at the beginning of the year – the Rev Dr Anthony Moore (St Margarets, Rottingdean). Fr Anthony stood down in the autumn due to ill health. Rev Helen Garratt (Assistant Rural Dean) has been made a canon of the cathedral.

The Standing Committee was given more balance and Fr Ben Eadon (St Bartholomew’s was appointed) as was Rev Emma Ham Riche (St John the Evangelist) who filled the role of Assistant Deanery Secretary. Elections were due for Deanery Officers but existing officers all stood unopposed. The Deanery Secretary said that it she had been Deanery secretary since 2011 and that it was with great sadness that she was to give notice that she was to stand down after the September 2024 Synod. A replacement was sought.

New lay Deanery Representatives were elected from each parish, the term of office to run from 1 July 2023 and expire on 30 June 2026. Currently there were 19 vacancies across the Deanery and parishes were encouraged to try and fill any vacancies they had.

In 2023 Synod looked at the Deanery Mission Action Plans (MAPs) and concentrated on one particular area at each Synod with an opportunity at each Synod to discuss and progress what had been heard.

Synod 1

Synod members were asked to get together in small groups to consider the various parts of the MAPs. Each group was asked to feedback on paper so that these thoughts could be attached to the Deanery minutes. The questions were: -

10.1 To establish support for leaders of church activities such as Messy Church, youth work, carer/parent and child groups.

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10.2 To use the heritage assets to develop a trail/pilgrimage around the historic churches

10.3 To develop the work within all of the schools in the Deanery.

10.4 To create a shared experience of Eco church as a way to support each other moving towards the National Churches

10.5 To strengthen the Deanery Treasurers group to give support to new Parish Treasurers

Synod 2

Presentations were given on ECO church by Rev Richard Tuset (St Wulfran’s) and Mr Martin Pett (Voluntary Eco Church adviser, Trinity, Lewes)

Eco church was explained as was the process of applying for an Eco award. Run by A Rocha UK this equips a church to care for God's creation through their worship, buildings, land, community engagement, and individual lifestyles. Eco Church supports, directs and recognises a process of change. The application consists of five sections with different questions namely: - Worship & Teaching (10), Buildings (33),. Land (15), Engagement (27) and Lifestyle (15)

Nearly 200 countries have signed up to the 2015 Paris Agreement with a commitment to reduce emissions and to work towards a low-carbon economy. The Church of England in support of this and its commitment to its own 5th Mark of Mission has recognised the climate emergency. In February 2020 the Church of England General Synod passed a resolution recognising that ‘the global climate emergency is a crisis for God’s creation and a fundamental injustice’. It called upon all parts of the Church of England, including parishes, to work to achieve year-on-year reductions in carbon emissions, for which the church is able to take responsibility, and urgently to examine what would be required to reach net zero emissions by 2030. Archbishop Justin Welby said,

“That climate change is the greatest challenge that we and future generations face. It’s our sacred duty to protect the natural world we’ve so generously been given, as well as our neighbours around the world who will be first and worst affected. Without swift decisive action the consequences of climate change will be devastating”

St Wulfran’s shared their strategy for obtaining the bronze award.

Mr Martin Pett talked about caring for creation at Trinity, Lewes using the phrase Creation Care, as a faith-based way of describing all things Eco, Green or Environmental in a Christian setting, and as a way of showing a commitment to our biblical mandate as stewards of God’s earth. Greed and selfishness lead to creation being damaged and shows a lack of respect for God’s work and apathy can prevent us from doing anything about it. Churches need to find ways of promoting this spiritual and cultural transformation. Areas covered included the rain garden planet, welcome/interpretation boards, Trinity for Men (TFM) beehives and Eco Sunday school. There was an opportunity for Synod members to then discuss what they had hear

Synod 3

This Synod covered Heritage and Pilgrimage with a presentation by Rev Peter Blee, Rector of the benefice or Arlington, Berwick, Selmeston with Alciston and Wilmington. Rev Blee talked about the Cuckmere Pilgrim path – a 12-mile circular walk of seven Sussex churches comprising Selmeston, Arlington, Alciston, Berwick, Wilmington, Alfriston and Lullington. In his illustrated talk he pointed out his various buildings, memorials and decorations associated with the Bloomsbury artists.

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Further information is available at www.cuckmerepilgrimpath.org.u where there are full details about the types of landscape (marsh and reeds or sandy ridge etc) and terrain (high ground or seasonal stream etc) together with details of each church. The beauty of the pilgrim’s path is that it can be undertaken in one go or can be split between various sections of the trail It can be undertaken in a group or by just one person. A range of hand carved pilgrim staffs were shown.

Pilgrimage is a unique form of sacrifice and church and pilgrimage offer places for a unique kind of offering. The children from Alfriston primary school made a number of clay shells (shells are a sign of pilgrimage) and these, together with the pilgrimage passport card can be taken on the pilgrimage and the card send to someone - the walk can become an offering to that person. A local potter has also made a number of clay pots which can be found in each of the churches. This enables messages to be left by pilgrims for other pilgrims to read.

Walking has taken on a specific significance; people were doing this all over the country. Exodus reminded us of the beginning of a journey - and intimate and physical journey. Synod were shown an example of a lady who had brought her shell token on a pilgrimage from Southampton to Canterbury and, at Canterbury had passed on her shell to an American man who was walking from Canterbury to Rome. Heritage can be sacramental (God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Israel).

Michael Miller a lay member of Synod and Diocesan Synod and the assistant warden for lay Ministry for the Archdeaconry of Lewes and Brighton talked about lay vocation, discipleship and ministry in the Diocese of Chichester. His role was to support Lay ministers, Readers and those Authorised Lay Ministers and to encourage more people to come forward. An explanation of Lay Vocation was given. The hierarchy of vocations with Bishops, vicars, missionaries and Holy people at the top with a large group of people at the bottom of the tree meant those further up the tree were prayed for more frequently. The question was how could we repurpose those further down?

Research had found that 59% of those of working age said that the most challenging context in which to be a disciple of Christ was the workplace. 62% of those in full time paid employment experience little help from the life and ministries of the church to deal with the issues they faced at work. 47% said they did not have a story to tell about how God has worked in their lives (82% of those surveyed had been Christians for over 10 years). 59% of Anglicans surveyed said that their church does not equip people well for life in today’s world. All this means, 98% of people who are not in ordained ministry are neither adequately envisioned, nor appropriately trained, nor consistently prayed for, nor enthusiastically encouraged for mission nor ministry in the 90% of their waking lives that they do not spend in church related activities; so, we need to change the culture of the church.

Lay Ministry comprises three areas, Readers, Living Faith and Authorised Lay Ministry.

For Readers there is to be a new discernment process, with a reshaping of selection. This Ministry is involved with preaching, teaching and pastoral care in a parish; this role is flexible and each Reader finds their own role within parish life. Reader’s training covers two years of evening, day and online courses – it is not one size fits all! The new process will be a more gradual with input from the parish priest and the PCC. Readers have an ongoing ministry and have five yearly ministerial development reviews. These reviews will allow Readers an opportunity to stop and think where they are going. Readers can now have their license up to age 75 years of age with some winding down aged 75-80 and at age 80 they may now be given the title Reader Emeritus.

Authorised Lay Ministry differs from Readers, they are nominated by the incumbent and the PCC and receive practical skills-based training over a one-year programme.

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Living Faith is a programme that has been going for 4 years and promises an 18-week course which is usually face to face but was on line during Covid. The first term covers faith, kingdom and action; the second discipleship, vocation and ministry and the third mission and gospel. For those training for Authorised Lay Ministry the core modules are called know, love and follow. A chosen elective is made from chaplaincy, care for creation/ eco church, mission enabler, pastoral ministry, preaching, small group leader, rural mission and ministry and worship/ liturgy.

Whether a parish requires more staff, more skills, more ideas, or there is no money or time the solution may be volunteers, retired people, part timers, older people and, if unskilled, training can be given.

The authorised Lay Ministry (ALM)training programme provides flexible skills-based training for lay people. ALM ministry takes many different forms depending upon the parish base but in general ALMs lead, establish or work within a team of people working in an area of ministry and they also work to encourage and develop the gifts of others. There are no specific educational requirements, there must be a wish to know, love and follow Jesus, they must undertake the Living Faith course or a Core Module first and have the support of their incumbent.

Synod 4

The main speaker was Lizzi Demetriou, Schools & Youth Team Manager, Off the Fence Trust (OTF) as the Deanery moved on to look at developing work within all schools in the Deanery

Lizzi began her presentation with a video to give a taster of the work of the Schools & Youth Team (https://youtu.be/5KmqKsskank). A ‘straw poll’ of members present showed that many of the churches in the Deanery were already engaging with schools in their Parishes. Examples were given of the ways that OTF connect with schools, and ways Churches can connect also. The team run 14 Lunch Clubs each week, as well as a Youth Café run in a church and to which local schools are invited. It was suggested that churches might consider opening their doors, perhaps once a month, serving hot chocolate, offering games or discussing ‘big questions’. Prayer spaces are popular with schools, as it’s good ‘evidence’ for OFSTED inspections. She recommended the Prayer Space in Schools website: https://prayerspacesinschools.com

‘Hot Off the Press’ is offered to Year 5 & 6 just before Easter, in which pupils become investigative journalists, exploring the death of Jesus. Pastoral support is offered through the ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ programme, covering anxiety, bereavement, anger, relationships, risky behaviour. Free downloadable resources: https://www.offthefence.org.uk/sy-wheres-your-head-at ‘Head Over’ is a transition programme for small groups between Year 6 and Year 7.

Other examples were given for engaging in work with schools:

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The Diocese has produced a new Growing Partnerships document for non-church schools, and this was distributed.

Synod were told about the possible closure of St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School. There was to be a period of consultation about the proposed closure of the school. The school serves some of the most deprived children in Brighton. 50% of the children are of Global Majority Heritage, 50% are from deprived families and 10% of the children have Education & Health Care Plans. The proposed closure was described as being an injustice to these families, as well as the anxieties it is now causing.

The following motion was passed and subsequently a letter sent to the Council.

We, the members of Brighton Deanery Synod, call upon the Education Department of Brighton and Hove City Council to halt the closure of St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School, Ann Street, Brighton. The school plays a vital role in supporting low-income families with 55% of children on free school meals as well as 32% pupils with Special Educational Needs. With many of pupils living within close proximity of the school the additional costs of accessing the new schools for low-income families will cause further hardship.

The Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) is involved in the Consultation, but ultimately the decision will be for the Council.

Deanery Finances

In total the pledges by all 22 parishes amounted to £1.654 million (the total for 2022 was £1.6 million). A small deficit was carried over to 2023; the word deficit was Church House language.

As a Deanery we were down on our pledge amount but the Treasurer said that he suspected that as a Deanery we were not alone and the question had to be asked how the gap could be bridged and Church House would be asking that very question. Thanks were expressed to al the Treasurers for staying on top of PMC contributions.

The treasurer said that he would be asking parishes for £50 contribution to the Deanery bank – the last request was made over 3 years ag and it was hoped that the current balance would see the Deanery through another 3 years.

As the year progressed the Treasurer said, he was aware of some parishes who were finding it particularly difficult to keep up with their contributions.

The Treasurer had recently attended an online meeting of Deanery Treasurers as Church House took them through the 2023 budget numbers and gave a heads up for 2024. 2023 is expected to end with a deficit for the diocese of £800,000. This is largely due to parish share receipts coming in less than expected. Parish fee income is down by £60,000. Property Income receipts are £130,000 less than expected and clergy housing costs are much higher than expected. All of this, not surprisingly means that there is huge pressure on the budget. The Treasurer said that this came as no surprise since everyone is in the same boat.

As far as 2024 is concerned, the Treasurer said that he would shortly be sending out the 2024 budget booklet and the PMC cost calculations to parishes. These will reveal an increase in by just under 3.50% for 2024. Treasurers, Church Wardens and Clergy had been invited to the annual Deanery Treasurers meeting, which is shared with Hove Deanery. One year it is held in Brighton and the next

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year in Hove. It was to be held at Bishop Hannington Church on October 16[th] . Representatives of Church House, and Archdeacon Martin would be present to discuss in detail the budget and to answer questions.

Later in the year the Treasurer confirmed that, following an update from Diocesan Synod, the deficit in the Diocesan budget was due to a reduction in Parish pledges.

Diocesan/General synod Report

Reports on Diocesan and General Synod were given verbally and in writing and at General Synod covered the use of electronic registers book of services so that registers of services can now be held electronically, presentations on the restructuring of the National Institutions of the Church of England and also the resourcing of ministerial formation. Time was given to a presentation and discussion about the cost-of-living crisis and a motion was passed calling for the government to be generous in its support.

Final approval was given to the Diocesan Stipends Funds Measure, which will enable wealthier diocese to use some of its stipend fund to support those dioceses that do not have the historical wealth and investments.

Eight hours was spent debating the proposals brought forward by the House of Bishops in response to Living in Love and Faith (LLF). The response was accepted with an amendment that neither the prayers of blessing nor the pastoral guidance should do anything to alter the churches doctrinal teaching on Holy Matrimony. In addition to the debate, there was discussion in smaller working groups. Each group had a Bishop who was there to listen and report to the College of Bishops about what people thought of the prayers and what they thought should be in the pastoral guidance. The Bishop of London took quite a battering in the questions session on the Tuesday morning, which was questions on the LLF response whilst many of the questions were given written answers, she was very good at dealing with the supplementary questions. The next steps group made a statement at the end of the debate following the results to say that the College of Bishops will work on the pastoral guidance and refining the prayers so that they will be ready of Synod in July.

The LLF debate was difficult, and it was acknowledged that it was hard for everyone. The motion was amended to reflect this, beginning ‘There is deep hurt across the Church . . . ‘. The Church is divided, and it is challenging to know what to do. The Prayers of Love and Faith were approved. The standalone services now need to be voted on in all 42 Diocesan Synods, before coming back to General Synod, where there must be an 2/3 majority in each House. They can then be commended by the Archbishops as experimental for a period of time. The House of Bishops is meeting to discuss the way forward.

The Archbishop of Canterbury had given a powerful address about the situation in Gaza, encouraging prayer for Gaza and for peace.

Other areas covered were the Safeguarding Redress Scheme for survivors of abuse and other church failures. General Synod was dealing with the process and systems at the same time as the legislation, as an acknowledgement of past mistakes. Parishes would not be liable for any redress, but if there are any concerns, it was advisable not to change insurers for the time being because a new insurer will not cover historical claims.

At Diocesan Synod, news from the Diocesan Board of Education was positive. 127 schools had taken part in the Annual Leavers’ services, with upwards of 3000 children.

16

Grants had been received as part of the Church of England Carbon Net Zero strategic plan, and Synod agreed to use these to fund three Diocesan posts.

The Diocesan investment policy was discussed, with particular reference to disinvestment from companies involved in fossil fuel. However, a 2/3 majority voted to continue with these investments, in the hope that by being ‘inside the circle’ there is an opportunity to influence these companies.

The Diocesan Auditors were reappointed, and it was agreed that Diocesan Synod membership would remain at 270.

The Diocesan budget is showing a £1 million deficit, and there needs to be £200k of cuts from central/Church House costs, and £800k of cuts from ministry costs.

Finally, there was an update about Racial Justice, as well as news that Canon C30 has been amended so that the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is now the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

Full reports and minutes from General Synod and Diocesan Synod are available on the respective websites.

Carole Copelin

Deanery Secretary

This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Rev’d Emma Ham-Riche (PCC Chair)

Date: 25.04.2024

17

Financial Report

of the Parochial Church Council

of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist, Knoyle Road, Brighton BN1 6RB

Registered Charity Number 1135100

For the year 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2023

CONTENTS

18

Report of the Independent Examiner

This is my report to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist, Preston, Brighton on the annual report for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The PCC members are responsible for the preparation of the annual reports. The PCC members consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Charities Act’) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to :

  1. examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act;

  2. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and;

  3. to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that, in any material respect:

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Examiner’s signature

Examiner’s name

Ann Longhurst

Dated

18.05.2024

Examiner’s address

11 Varndean Gardens BRIGHTON BN1 6WJ

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Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
General
Funds		 Designated Restricted All Funds All Funds
2022
Funds Funds 2023
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments income
Other receipts		 £
47,693
2,506
56,771
3,436
1,090		 £ £ £ £
57,236
1,107
47,118
2,790
1,068
- 1,763 49,456
- - 2,506
- - 56,771
- - 3,436
- - 1,090
Total received 111,496 - 1,763 113,259 109,319
Expenditure on:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Other payments		 610
115,970
15,980
-		 319
78,601
27,009
-
- - 610
1,892 1,642 119,504
- - 15,980
- - -
Total paid 132,560 1,892 1,642 136,094 105,929
Net income or (net expenditure) (21,064) 3,390
(1,892) 121 (22,835)
Transfer between funds * 10,554 (10,371) - 183 -
Net movement in funds
Bank current and Deposit account at 1
January 2023		 (10,510)
50,736		 (12,263) 121 (22,652) 3,390
59,609
12,263 - 62,999
Bank accounts at 31 December 2023 40,226 - 121 40,347 62,999

*The transfer from the designated fund to the general fund relates to the refurbishment of the Knoyle Hall kitchen in the prior year that was not charged against the fund in the 2022 accounts.

20

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2022
General
Funds		 Designated Restricted Endowed All Funds
Funds Funds Funds 2023
Assets:
Bank current account
CCLA Deposit Fund		 £
22,416
17,810		 £ £ £ £ £
21,323
41676
- 121 -
22,537
-
-
-		 17,810
Total bank and deposit accounts 40,226 - 121 - 40,347 62,999
CBF Investment Fund Miss Druce
CBF Investment Fund Porter/Thwaites
CCLA Investment fund
11,196 Lloyds shares		 -
-
59,049
5,342		 35,166
11,860
53,972
5,084
- - 38,474 38,474
- - 12,976 12,976
- - - 59,049
- - - 5,342
Investment assets at market value 64,391 - - 51,450 115,841 119,982
Total assets 104,617 - 121 51,450 156,188 169,081
Total liabilities (183) - - - (183) -

This financial report for the year ended 31[st] December 2023, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by Rev’d Emma Ham-Riche (PCC Chair)

Date : 19.05.2024

21

Notes to the Annual Financial Report Analysis of Total Received

Notes to the Annual Financial
Analysis of Total Received		 Report Report
Unrestricted Total Total
All Funds
2022
General Designated Restricted All Funds
Funds Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £ £ £
25,262
3,420
7,804
1,157
157
2,735
2,370
3,675
10,000
656
Planned giving (excl. tax refunds) 31,072 - - 31,072
Planned giving (no tax refunds) 10 - - 10
Loose cash collections 5,022 - - 5,022
Donations 2,680 - - 2,680
Donations Messy church 158 - - 158
Gift Aid recovered 5,408 - - 5,408
Special appeals for charities - - 1,763 1,763
Grants (Energy/ Furlough) - - - -
Legacies 2,000 - - 2,000
Flower sponsorship 893 - - 893
100 Club 450 450
Donations and legacies total 47,693 - 1,763 49,456 57,236
Fees for weddings & funerals 2,506 - - 2,506 1,107
Charitable activities total 2,506 - - 2,506 1,107
Hall Hire receipts 49,996 - - 49,996 43,651
1,483
1,097
1,483
296
-
5
Use of church 2,809 - - 2,809
Other fundraising 2,618 - - 2,618
Coffee 875 - - 875
Harvest Lunch donations 240 - - 240
Sales of parish magazine 206 - - 206
Photocopier 27 - - 27
Other trading activities total 56,771 - - 56,771 47,118
Bank & CBF deposit interest 1,185 - - 1,185 594
1,958
238
CBF investment fund dividend 1,969 - - 1,969
Lloyds shares dividend 282 - - 282
Investments income total 3,436 - - 3,436 2,790
Insurance receipt 1,090 - - 1,090 1,068
Other receipts total 1,090 - - 1,090 1,099
Total received on all funds 111,496 - 1,763 113,259 109,319

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Analysis of total paid

Unrestricted Unrestricted
General
Funds		 Designated Restricted All Funds
Funds Fund/s 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Cost of fundraising activities/events 610 - - 610 319
Cost of raising funds 610 - - 610 319
Charitable grants and donations
Parish share to Chichester Diocese
Fees payable to diocese
Salaries and honoraria incl NI
Clergy and other people's expenses *
Messy Church
Church running expenses
Mission & evangelism costs
Other Ministry costs
Printing & photocopying
Church utility costs
Church maintenance & redecoration
Grounds upkeep
Insurance
Accounting and other financial fees		 78
48,000
1,101
13,756
302
307
6,784
2,939
3,922
1,519
14,864
4,236
4,820
7,711
5,631		 - 1,642 1,720 2,456
45,000
824
4,244
216
116
5,737
3,958
3,687
1,544
1,722
2,431
-
6,666
277
- - 48,000
1,101
- - 13,756
- - 302
- - 307
- - 6,784
- - 2,939
- - 3,922
- - 1,519
- - 14,864
1,892 - 6,128
- - 4,820
- - 7,711
- - 5,631
Charitable costs total 115,970 1,892 1,642 119,504 78,878
Church Hall running expenses
Church Hall caretaking & cleaning
Church Hall maintenance & redecoration **
Church Hall equipment		 14,186
-
1,794
-		 - - 14,186 6,603
5,746
11,439
2,944
- - -
- - 1,794
- - -
Trading costs 15,980 - - 15,980 26,732
Other payments - - - - -
Other payments total - - - - -
Total paid on all funds 132,560 1,892 1,642 136,094 105,929

** 2022 includes refurbishment of Knoyle Hall kitchen

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Staff costs

Charitable costs
Wages, salaries and honoraria
Trading costs – Church Hall staff costs
Wages, salaries and honoraria*
Total		 2023 2022
£
13,756		 £
6,644
13,756 6,644
2023 2022
£
-		 £
4,747
- 4,747
13,756
11,391

*2023 Church Hall Staff Costs included in Charitable costs

Statement of funds

Statement of funds
Balances
b/fwd
1 Jan 2023		 Income
Expenditure		 Transfers,
other gains
and losses		 Balances
c/fwd
31 Dec 2023
CBF Deposit Fund Porter/Thwaites
CBF Investment Fund Miss Druce		 £
11,860
35,166		 £
-
-		 £
-
-		 £
1,116
3,308		 £
12,976
38,474
Total of all endowed funds 47,026 -
-		 4,424 51,450
11,196 Lloyds shares
CCLA Investment fund
CCLA Deposit account
Barclays current a/c		 5,084
53,972
41,676
21,323		 -
-
1,134
112,125		 -
-
-
(136,094)		 258
5,077
(25,000)
25,183		 5,342
59,049
17,810
22,537
Total of all unrestricted funds 122,055 113,259 (136,094) 5,518 104,738
Total funds 169,081 113,259 (136,094) 9,942 156,188

24