## **The Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Evangelist, Preston, Brighton**
**Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2024**
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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 2024**
## **CONTENTS**
Page 3 Trustees’ Annual Report 23 Report of the Independent Examiner 24 Statement of Financial Receipts and Payments 25 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 26 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:
- To promote the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.
- To seek to foster an environment where disciples can grow and flourish.
- To increase the membership of the Church.
- To co-operate with our ecumenical partners wherever possible.
- To serve our community through the administration of the Occasional Offices of baptism, marriage and funeral rites, pastoral care, and evangelisation.
- To promote fellowship, friendship, and community through an active programme of social activities.
- To become an inclusive, welcoming, outward-looking, thankful community who create a safe space in which to get to know God, explore Christian spirituality and worship; to relate our lives as disciples to this faith and to celebrate God’s great gifts to us.
- To care for the buildings of which we are temporary custodians; to maintain the fabric and to make sure it is best suited to serving the mission of God in this parish.
- To foster positive links with businesses, schools, and other organisations within the community of Preston.
## **What we planned to do to achieve our charitable objectives**
When planning its 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, the PCC has discussed and planned the following objectives and activities to fulfil its aims:
- Fulfilling safeguarding responsibilities through safeguarding training for individual PCC members and ensuring compliance with Simple Quality Protects
- Teaching and nurturing new and existing believers
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- Putting faith into practice, through prayer and scripture, music, and sacrament
- Offering worship and prayer, learning about the Gospel, in small group situations
- Assisting people from all walks of life to develop their knowledge of, and trust in, Jesus.
- Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish
- Providing assistance to the poor and needy of the parish
- Reaching out to the unchurched through community events and special services
- Maintaining the fabric of the church building.
## **What we achieved and how we affected beneficiaries’ lives**
## _**Attendance at worship**_
The church welcomes visitors from within as well as outside the parish boundary. Visitors attend by personal choice and, it is a great pleasure to welcome anyone from all walks of life to take part in the life of the church. The PCC contends that voluntary attendance to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, is a major demonstration of the public benefit of its activities.
_‘A big thank you to you and your team for such a warm welcome today. You really are doing the job of connecting with the local community . . . We felt fully able to participate in our own way . . . Thank you for having us. I have benefitted from the ashing and communion that you gave me, and have had good conversations with my 3.5 year old grandson about it.’ BG_
The average weekly attendance, counted during October was 70 adults and children, and the usual Sunday attendance was 59. A steady rise in service attendance has continued and it is a great encouragement to welcome new people to St. John’s.
Until the end of June, there was a weekly Thursday evening Eucharist, in addition to the weekly Wednesday morning Eucharist.
There were services throughout Holy Week and Easter, including joint Parish Eucharists with the Church of the Good Shepherd. The Archdeacon of Brighton & Lewes, the Venerable Martin Lloyd-Williams, attended the Eucharist on the Tuesday of Holy Week to license the Priest-in-Charge, the Rev’d Emma Ham-Riche, as Rural Dean of Brighton.
On the Wednesday of Holy Week, St John’s hosted the Diocesan Chrism Mass. The Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev’d Will Hazlewood presided and blessed the oils, and the Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Rev’d Dr Martin Warner preached. This service was attended by clergy and laity from across the Diocese.
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The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday was followed by a Vigil, and Good Friday was marked by the Stations of the Cross, 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 22 July, the Rev’d Sarah Van den driessche was licensed as Associate Vicar by the Acting Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes, the Rev’d Sam Carter, and on 9 December, the Rev’d Dr Anna Bouch was licensed as Associate Vicar by the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev’d Will Hazlewood. Both the Rev’d Sarah and the Rev’d Anna are self-supporting ministers, working in full time secular employment in addition to their priestly ministry.
_‘Just wanted to say what a beautiful and affecting service it was this afternoon, I was in tears several times remembering my lovely Mother and Father and my wonderful Husband. Thank you so much!’ JW_
The members of the Guild of Servers of the Sanctuary from across the Diocese of Chichester visited St John’s in September and held a service of Guild Office and Benediction. A service remembering those we love but see no longer was held for All Souls in November.
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 76 adults and children, who all enjoyed making their own Christingles as part of the service. A joint Christmas celebration with City Gate Church was attended
by 45 adults and children, who all enjoyed seasonal refreshments afterwards too.
Community Carol Singing was attended by a total of 63 adults and children, who also enjoyed seasonal refreshments afterwards. On Christmas Eve, the Crib Service was attended by 166 adults and children, who all joined in enthusiastically. Christmas attendance was over 130 adults and children.
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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 continued on the third Sunday of each month.
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 3 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. One person was confirmed by the Bishop of Horsham, the Rt Rev’d Ruth Bushyager, at St Nicholas Brighton in May, and another was baptised and confirmed by the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev’d Will Hazlewood, at All Saints Hove in November.
On 27 April at Chichester Cathedral, Erika Schilsky was licensed as an Authorised Lay Minister for Liturgy and Worship. Wider participation of the church family has been encouraged in leading various aspects of worship, lending great led encouragement to those involved, as well as the whole congregation. St John’s continues to seek to extend the , opportunities for the exercise of ministry and gifts within the life of its community and during the year. New intercessors, new readers and a new server 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 November, followed by a Vision Afternoon.
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## _**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. On Sunday 7 April, there was an Open Church for
the Brighton Marathon, providing refreshments and toilet facilities to spectators, as well as cheering on the runners! On Saturday 3 August, there was an Open Church for Brighton Pride, providing refreshments and toilet facilities to passers-by.
Several fundraising quizzes were held throughout the year, and a Summer Fayre, and Christmas Fayre were held in the church.
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. The choir of St Luke’s, Queens Park
sang.
In October, a Harvest Lunch was enjoyed by members of the congregation, their family, and friends, raising funds for Brighton Food Bank.
On 8 October, St John’s hosted a Diocesan Racial Justice study day, which included a session on Unconscious Bias and Conscious Inclusion, led by Rise Training Group, a presentation by Revd Canon Dr ig y ditanne oeenei) Ys AR cet| papeMase nt | Sharon Prentis, Deputy Director, Racial Justice Unit, ects | Say ays if me Church of England on ‘Embracing Diversity, - = z yp Embodying Love: Discipleship and Mission in a a, So ——— Racially Just Church’, and input on ‘How to aa, rr incorporate Racial Justice in your Preaching or Teaching’. The day ended with a Eucharist, at which the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev’d Will Hazlewood presided.
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In December, a group of singers and musicians from St John’s and City Gate Church led an evening of Carol Singing at the Crown and Anchor pub.
2024 also saw the formation of an Eco Church team, who began exploring ways to achieve an A Rocha Eco Church silver award. There is now a textile recycling bank on the forecourt of the Knoyle Hall, and plans are underway to develop a community garden in the
outside space around the church building. St John’s is part of the Carbon Net Zero community in the Diocese of Chichester, having been identified as one of the top carbon emitting church buildings in the Diocese. A free energy audit has been carried out as a result.
## _**Provision of the church building for people to enjoy**_
_I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you . . . for officiating J’s funeral service . . . I appreciated the care you took with every aspect of the service, particularly the honour and reverence for Jean. The homily was full of meaning and beautifully expressed. . . . JA_
There were 5 baptisms, 3 funerals and 1 wedding in the church during the year. There was also a Thanksgiving for Marriage to celebrate the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of two members of the congregation. The church continues to be appreciated by parishioners and many others, as a space where life events can take place with thanksgiving.
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 Ottoventi Wind Ensemble performed in April. Brighton Early Music Festival held an event in the church in September.
In November, St John’s hosted the Interfaith Contact Group of Brighton & Hove’s Interfaith Service, which was attended by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, as well as Peter Kyle MP and Sian Berry MP, and representatives of faith communities across the city.
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_‘We really do love having our concerts in your beautiful church, so thank you for having us. I'll be in touch in the new year to book our dates for next Christmas! . . JR_
Balfour Primary School held four Christmas Concerts in the church, to which parents were invited. 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 six people who are unable to attend church. Two members of 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 first Sunday of each month.
## _**Provision of tangible support to the poor and needy**_
The church is a donation point for Brighton Food Bank, and regular deliveries are taken to the Food Bank from St John’s. Food was donated by St John’s at Harvest.
_‘Thank you so much for this which is helping us to make a real difference to the now 15 or so households who visit every week including a number from rented homes in Knoyle Road’ . . Balfour Food Bank_
Balfour Food Bank operates 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.
St John’s began working with the Brighton and Hove Fostering Team, raising awareness of their ‘Faith and Fostering’ initiative. The Fostering Team had a stall at both the Summer and Christmas Fayres, engaging with members of the local community.
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## _**Other charitable giving**_
Throughout the year, the church family has supported many mission and charitable societies, including:
- the Christingle Service collection for the Children’s Society £183.47
- Collection for Brighton & Hove City Mission Foodbank which raised £220.
_‘Please do pass on to the PCC our gratitude in the support they give us by not charging for the use of the hall. …’_
- _Family Support Work_
The Brighton and Hove Arts Orchestra Christmas concert raised £608.95 for Chomp.
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**Financial Review**
## _**Incoming and outgoing resources**_
The total receipts on general unrestricted funds received were £125,898 and are detailed in the Financial Report.
The planned giving through the Parish Giving Scheme reduced but the total voluntary income including tax recovered, but excluding legacies, increased. This is partly due to Gift Aid, including back dated Gift Aid, being claimed for the first time in a number of years. Gift Aid is automatically recovered on donations made via the Parish Giving Scheme.
There has been an 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 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 £51,783 paid to the diocese for our share of all churches’ Parish Ministry Costs. The full Parish Ministry Cost (PMC) for 2024 was £81,445 **.** This year the contribution from St John’s increased by 3.4% on the previous year and the church is meeting 64.3% of the costs allocated to this church compared with 60.9% 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**_
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The PCC also supported the clergy by paying Council Tax of £4,682, Water and environmental charges amounting to £888 for the Vicarage plus other annual costs towards travel, hospitality, telephone, postage and broadband amounting to £45.
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**_
The overdue Quinquennial Inspection was carried out over two days in February & March, and the report was received in April. There were no major projects carried out during the last year.
## **Why we hold some money in reserve**
## It is the PCC’s policy:
- to maintain a balance on the general unrestricted funds which equates to approximately two months’ worth of unrestricted payments as contingency against unforeseen situations.
- to spend restricted and endowment funds in line with their terms and conditions
- to invest fund balances with the CBF Church of England deposit fund. (Currently such funds are restricted or endowment funds only)
- As well as holding the above general reserves, from time to time the PCC receives restricted legacies for expenditure on restricted purposes, defined by the donor. We aim to expend such 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
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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 health and safety within the church building
- The need to fund unexpected costs associated with the church's listed buildings such as ageing glass windows and ongoing necessary roof repairs.
- An unexpected fall in income, particularly given the dependence of the church on a limited number of major regular donors.
- The requirement to find volunteers with the appropriate skills, time, and commitment to support the ministry of the congregation: in particular to find a new treasurer.
- Reliance upon the Diocese to continue to provide financial support whilst we work towards paying our full Parish Ministry Costs for clergy ministry.
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. It aims to maintain its properties to a high standard and carry out the priority items of a quinquennial review in a timely manner.
## **Future Uncertainties**
The PCC’s inability to meet its PMC is a concern, but the PCC hopes to increase regular giving via a Stewardship campaign to ensure it is 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.
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## **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.
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: 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_ Alexandra Harrex _until APCM of 2027_ [PCC Secretary] Charlie Hughes-D’Aeth _until APCM of 2027_ Lisa Williamson _until APCM of 2027_
Deanery Synod Representatives elected to serve until 2026
Susan Seymour [Safeguarding Officer] Richard Benton-Stace Jennifer Wheeler
*Resigned at the APCM of 2024
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 May 2024 revoked the decision made at the APCM in April 2018 to allow elected PCC members to serve two consecutive terms of three years. This means that from 2025, elected PCC members will serve one term of three years before being required to have minimum one-year break.
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## **Deanery Synod**
The Parish of St Johns has three allotted places on Deanery Synod (based on Electoral role numbers). Deanery Elections are due again at the 2026 APCM. 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.
During 2024 A new Rural Dean was appointed, Rev Emma Ham Riche (St John’s, Preston). The Deanery Secretary Mrs Carole Copelin, stood down having been Secretary since 2011 and was replaced by Mrs Jennifer Wheeler. Fr Ben Eadon (St Bartholomew’s) stood down from standing committee following his move to Walsingham. Mr Martin Cruttenden Deanery Lay Chair for a phenomenal 21years died in May. Bishop Martin presided at his funeral praising the luminosity of his Christian faith in the Deanery and Diocese
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 2024: - Synod 1 – March 2024 – St Andrews, Moulsecoomb Synod 2- June 2024 – St Laurence, Falmer Synod 3- September 2024 – All Saints, Patcham Synod 4- November 2024 -St Pauls, West Street
## **Synod 1**
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Asha Mainwaring the Schools Team Leader at Brighton and Hove City mission talked of some of the work that was going on in Brighton schools. The Mission had good links with some schools and worked regularly with them but they wanted to undertake more things but were prevented from doing so because of a lack of volunteers. Prayer, participation and Synod then spent some time in small groups working out how parishes could participate in the work, reflect on what had been said and to think about prayer and what an aspirational target might be for their parish.
A statement was read out on behalf of Fr Ben Eadon (St Bartholomew’s and a Governor of the school) regarding the proposed closure of the school. At the full council, 32 had voted for closure, 10 against and 1 abstention. This was not a surprise and the schools governing body remained deeply concerned believing that the council did not understand the impact of the disruption on the many pupils that had additional needs or were vulnerable. Synod were asked to keep everyone involved with the school in their prayers.
Deanery were reminded that elections for Diocesan Synod were due in the summer of 2024.
Rev Buff Stone (associate vicar at St Lukes, Prestonville) was introduced as the newly appointed Diocesan Environment Officer. She said God’s Creation mattered to us as “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24.1) and that “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good” (Genesis 1.31.)We are commanded to love our neighbour and the fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion is to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
When it goes wrong others are affected. In referring to the greenhouse gas emissions (air travel/oil, gas and coal/transportation/agriculture and waste/industry and buildings) effect Rev Buff said that this was like a bath being filled too full with hot water. If you don’t let the plug out or make the plug hole bigger you have an ecological crisis. Only half of Green House Gases (GHGs) are absorbed by trees, plants, soil and oceans; half of GHGs stay in our atmosphere for decades to 100s of years. The solution is to turn off the tap (using electric cars/cycling/ using electric/wind and wave power) and widen the plughole as well (protecting and growing healthy forests and soils). Rev Buff used the following slide to illustrate what she had said.
Here are 4 Principles:
1.Well thought out actions reduce our impact 2.There is no neutral ground 3.We act individually and together influence others 4.Collaboration is the key!
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Rev Buff said that as the new Diocesan Environment Officer, she was very much the hearts and minds bit of the organization and her role was to set up a network, sign people up to A Rocha (see Deanery Synod of February 2023) to provide teaching and show practical steps to enable parishes to move towards parishes engaging with the A Rocha scheme and gaining an A Rocha award. Details of the Diocesan Environment Day are below. She was looking for Deanery and parish ECO representatives.
## **Synod 2**
A presentation was given by Catherine Halloran who took the opportunity to launch the Brighton/Hove children and youth hubs. The Diocesan vision was to facilitate a local Hub run by our employed, experienced children and youth workers for anyone to attend who is reaching the young people of their parish. The Hubs would be a place for training, questions, networking with other local churches to gain wisdom, ideas and create unity as we reach the masses and of course praying for one another in the work that we do.
The Diocesan Mission was linked with that of the Brighton Deanery Mission Action Plan which is to open up the worshipping communities across the city by reaching out to those who live, work and visit our city enabling us to develop a Deanery wide community that recognises the strength that we have by maintaining different traditions. The role was to establish support for leaders of Church activities such as Messy Church, youth work, carer/parent, and child groups, to identify the needs of the group and to provide/signpost any training identified as needed. Training feedback from questionnaires so far suggested first aid, mental health, sign language, neurodiversity/children with additional needs and volunteer recruitment as everyone seemed to struggle with that.
Deanery was asked what would be useful to them as a Church? Feedback suggested funding support, rebuilding relationships with schools especially post Covid, volunteer recruitment and support, resourcing e.g. activities, print outs, bibles, books, toys etc. Feedback would be instrumental in helping to understand the needs of the deanery and to create a poster for the children and families to know where they can go in the week. Other hubs exist in Horsham and Lewes; this was a way in which to open up and develop unity within our different traditions. Feedback suggested a couple of churches are working towards opening their church during the week and examples given.
Suggestions were given in relation to linking up with others or providing webs or networks that could be accessed. All have said that it is difficult drawing in new children whereas a poster advertising various events gives families greater options particularly as children’s events are expensive to visit.
Synod were asked the top needs and musts for children’s work. Lack of children, how to recognise and integrate the established uniformed youth organisations. A WhatsApp group was suggested and provision of special things for those who needed additional support in school and in life such as those with neurodiversity. St John’s college could come and give talks about neurodiversity and any special skills necessary for those volunteering with children/young people with neurodiversity. Having sufficient space, sufficient volunteers and how this might translate to working with teenagers and how children could be transitioned from messy church into mainstream church were some of the issues raised. The question was asked whether smaller churches needed to group together as children like to be with children of their own age. Would, for example, groups of churches together be able to then provide the shortfall in volunteers?
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Communicating what was happening was important – anything that joins up the individual churches. Resource sharing would be welcomed as many resources were from the 1990’s. Various suggestions were given in relation to linking up with others or providing webs or networks. Synod were surprised to hear that, as the hub coordinator, was a volunteer. Networking was already available in secular charities (Amaze, Sunflowers and Pebbles) and although not church run, they did provide support to children. Lastly Catherine said that they had a huge supply of baby and children’s clothing and if any church knew of anybody in need, they would be happy to pass items on.
A brief update was given on the proposed closure of St Bartholomew’s CE primary school; the governing body had requested the matter be referred to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator.
Synod were informed that unless a replacement secretary were found certain things would not be done. Brighton Deanery is the largest Deanery in the Diocese and the Lay Chair and Rural Dean did not have the capacity to take the work on.
The Deanery were reminded that the Diocesan Year of Faith starts at Advent 2024 - It will mark 950 years since this Cathedral moved from Selsey to Chichester. Each Deanery has been allotted a date for this to start and for Brighton Deanery this is 30 January 2025 when Bishop Will would be present.
Fostering in Brighton & Hove are keen to partner with churches to raise awareness of fostering & encourage new foster carers, as well as acting as support networks for foster carers. The Rural Dean will meet with the team in July.
Love Matters - a report of the Archbishops Commission on families and household was available to be taken away. It is a brief guide and questions for use locally in parishes, Deaneries and Dioceses. The full report, the summary report and the supporting theology and practice papers can be found at churchofengland.org/families-and-households.
A written report on General Synod had been issued with the agenda.
## **Synod 3**
This was a joint meeting including Wardens and Treasurers because of the guest speaker. **S** arah Rogers the Chichester Diocesan Parish Advisor for Finance, Stewardship and Governance, (also Hove Deanery Lay chair and on Diocesan Synod.) gave a presentation on church finances. She said the Value of Legacy giving to the charity sector in 2022 was £4 Billion, 6 in 10 lifeboat launches are only possible due to legacies and Anglicans are 18 time more likely to leave a gift in their will. Wills were important because you choose what happens to your assets, you can plan for your children’s needs, protect your property, reflect modern family life, can reduce your inheritance tax bill, include a charitable gift and this gives peace of mind.
Bequests have halved in ten years – against trend of increased death rate nationally. Income remains buoyant because of house price inflation but will dwindle if bequests continue to drop, Income stability important during pandemic, Anglicans 3x likely to leave a legacy to charity than their church, only 15% of Anglicans have been asked to leave a legacy to their church.
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The Diocese has been very fortunate because of previous people at Church House who have advised on legacies and giving and this has resulted in legacies being able to fund the fabric of a church building or the employment of youth workers. Anglicans are three times more likely to give to charities and not to their parish church. Only 15% of people in the Anglican survey had ever been spoken to about legacy giving so it is important to get the message out there. Sarah Rogers gave a number of reasons why it was important to both make a will and to encourage gifting. Some Rural parishes are now secure because of legacies.
Sarah said that it was important to be specific about where the money was to go and for what purpose and suggested a form of words to use. As the Uk was becoming a cashless society digital giving donation devices were now the norm and often resulted in large returns for a small outlay – usually for visitors or tourists. A number of successes of digital giving results in the Diocese were mentioned. She said people need to understand what the impact of their giving is going to do (provide a new member of staff or enable an organist to be employed) and by doing it as a congregation has more impact.
The Lay Chair said that following the last Synod, some Synod members had asked whether the outstanding children’s and young people’s money, held in the Deanery funds, could be used for the Hubs. It was explained, for the benefit of new Synod members, that this pot of money sat in the Deanery bank account having been given to the Deanery by the Diocesan Mission Fund for the specific purpose of employing a Deanery children’s and Youth worker. Secretary’s note: Covid brought an abrupt end to this post and money remained. However, as this money came from the Mission Fund (and remained Mission Fund money) any change of use from its original purpose was required to be approved by the Diocesan Mission Fund. The Rural Dean thanked Mr Martin Auton Lloyd for his work on this.
The results of the Diocesan Synod elections were as follows: -
**Clergy:** Rev Dr Tim Edge, Rev Canon Helen Garratt, Rev Tom Holbird, Rev Dr Dominic Keech, Rev Dr Kate Middleton, Rev Dan Millest, Rev Martin Poole, Rev Emily Roe, Rev Canon Andrew Woodward, Rev Elizabeth (Buff) Stone.
**Laity:** Mr Martin Auton Lloyd, Mr Thomas Elliott, Mr Michael Miller, Mrs Kate Millest, Mr Paul Turton
2 vacancies in each house remained.
There were reports from General Synod and Diocesan Synod.
Rev Martin Poole as a Trustee of Crossover said it had been set up in 1997 and was committed to serving and feeding the homeless in Brighton. It had spawned Safehaven and in 2013 had started Saturday at six and the following year had started Saturday and Sunday breakfasts. In 2018 Youth with a Mission (YWAM) had become involved and had stored the original burger van “Kitty” and the latest van “Tommy”. Between 30-50 were provided with breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning. However, in August 2024 YWAM had to stop their involvement and consequently the service was suspended. ‘Tommy’ the van was still available but a permanent storage site for it was now needed. There was money to run the service and provide training but there were no volunteers. Martin asked whether anyone at the Synod meeting wanted to become involved or whether their church was interested – this was an opportunity to love your neighbour.
19
The Rural Dean, Fr Andrew Woodward (an ex Rural Dean of Brighton) and Archdeacon Martin then paid a tribute to and thanked Carole Copelin the Deanery Secretary for her 13 years of service to the Deanery in that capacity. Archdeacon Martin said that she had graced the life of the Deanery and he was speaking on behalf of the Diocese to give a profound vote of thanks for all the many hours of service to the Deanery over the years. Fr Andrew said Carole had been a fantastic Deanery Secretary, she did so much work behind the scenes and a huge thank you was owed to her. Rev Emma then gave Carole a book on the churches of Sussex (including a couple in the Deanery) and Flowers on behalf of the Deanery. Additionally, there was a printed booklet with tributes from both churches and individuals from within the Deanery.
Carole (a bit overwhelmed) then thanked the Deanery for the gift and the many good wishes she had received and said the servant song, “Brother, sister let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you” was she hoped, something that had been true of her as secretary in serving the Deanery. It had been a privilege to serve as Deanery Secretary. Her favourite hymn, “To God be the glory”, had been sung earlier and Carole said it was the gospel in three verses and it acknowledged that it was by God’s mercy what she had accomplished as secretary it was not down to her – all Glory goes to God. Jenny Wheeler was welcomed as the new Deanery Secretary.
## **Synod 4**
Bishop Nick Holtam commented on and led a discussion on the recent events in the Church of England following the publication of the Makin Report. He then went on to seek increased support in the Deanery for Christian Aid Week 2025 and talked of the Christian Aid Christmas Appeal which was for was South Sudan, the poorest country in the world.
The Revd Martin Poole gave a presentation on St Luke’s Advice Service. This Service had grown enormously since its inception and provides invaluable help to those who find themselves in debt while also giving advice and help to those who find difficulty negotiating the benefits system, are unable to read or who may need an interpreter. There are many in our community who fall through the cracks for one reason or another. In some cases, these problems can take up to six years to resolve. Increased funding is needed to keep this invaluable service going which is beneficial for everybody in our community.
The Rural Dean summarised what has been going on over the last three years as this evening marked the end of this phase of the Deanery Action Plans. Synod were reminded us of the “4 Mores”, more open, more converted to Jesus Christ, more generous and more engaged. Members were encouraged to share experiences as to what had been achieved in their individual parishes, what had been successful as well as what could have been done better.
Diocesan Synod Elections. There have been two Laity representatives elected, Gillian Burt and Liz Telcs.
## **Deanery Finances**
The pledges for 2024 were not dissimilar to those made in 2023 but parishes were not becoming self-financing quickly enough and ultimately this could lead to longer vacancies or merging of parishes. Overall, the Parish Ministry Costs (PMC) figures for Brighton were up but as a percentage they were down.
Brighton Deanery hosted the autumn Annual Deanery Treasurers meeting with Hove Deanery at the Ascension Church which was an opportunity for Treasurers and Wardens to ask Church House
20
questions on the finance particularly so this year as there are some changes afoot regarding how PMC is calculated.
Venue: Ascension Church Hall, Westdene. The Diocese is running at a deficit. A 4% increase was mooted for 2026.
## **Carole Copelin**
## **Deanery Secretary (until 8 October 2024)**
This Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by The Rev’d Emma Ham-Riche (PCC Chair)
Date: 13.04.2025
21
## **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 2024**
## **CONTENTS**
Page 23 Report of the Independent Examiner 24 Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments 25 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 26 Notes to the Accounts
22
## **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 2024.
## **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:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
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**
## **Examiner’s address**
11 Varndean Gardens BRIGHTON BN1 6WJ
23
## **Summary of Financial Receipts and Payments**
||**_Unrestricted_**|**_Unrestricted_**||**_Total_**|_Total_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**General**
**Funds**|**Designated**|**_Restricted_**|**All Funds**|_All Funds_
_2023_|
|||**Funds**|**Funds**|**2024**||
|**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments income
Other receipts|£
55,938
2,037
64,113
3,316
-|£|£|**£**|_£_
_49,456_
_2,506_
_56,771_
_3,436_
_1,090_|
|||||||
|||-|494|**56,432**||
|||-|-|**2,037**||
|||-|-|**64,113**||
|||-|-|**3,316**||
|||-|-|**-**||
|||||||
|**Total received**|**125,404**|**-**|**494**|**125,898**|_113,259_|
|**Expenditure on:**
Cost of raising funds
Charitable costs
Trading costs
Other payments|250
121,909
12,881
-||||_610_
_119,504_
_15,980_
_-_|
|||||||
|||-|-|250||
|||-|540|122,408||
|||-|-|12,881||
|||-|-|**-**||
|||||||
|**Total paid**|**135,040**||**540**|**135,580**|_136,094_|
|**Net income or (net expenditure)**|**(9,636)**||||_(22,835)_|
|||**-**|**(46)**|**(9,682)**||
|Transfer between funds *|137|-|-|**137**|_183_|
|**Net movement in funds**
Bank current and Deposit account at
1 January 2024|**(9,499)**
40,226|**-**|**(46)**|**(9,545)**|_(22,652)_
_62,999_|
|||-|121|**40,347**||
|**Bank accounts at 31 December 2024**|**30,727**|**-**|**75**|**30,802**|_40,347_|
* Year on year movement on balance sheet relating to payments due and receivable.
24
## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
||**_Unrestricted_**|**_Unrestricted_**|**_Restricted_**
**Funds**|**_Endowed_**
**Funds**|**_Total_**
**All Funds**
**2024**|_Total_
_All Funds_
_2023_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**General**
**Funds**|**Designate**
**d**
**Funds**|||||
|**Assets:**
Bank current account
CCLA Deposit Fund|£
11,972
18,755
~~ee~~|£
-
-
~~ee~~|£
75
-
~~ee~~|£
-
-|**£**
**12,047**
**18,755**|_£_
_22,537_
_17,810_|
|**Total bank and deposit accounts**|**30,727**
~~ee~~|-
~~ee~~|**75**
~~ee~~|**-**|**30,802**|_40,347_|
|CBF Investment Fund Miss Druce
CBF Investment Fund
Porter/Thwaites
CCLA Investment fund
11,196 Lloyds shares|**-**
**-**
60,401
6,093
~~ee~~
~~ee~~|-
-
-
-
~~ee~~
~~ee~~|-
-
-
-
~~ee~~
~~ee~~|39,355
13,272
-
-
~~ee~~|**39,355**
**13,272**
**60,401**
**6,093**
~~ee~~|_38,474_
_12,976_
_59,049_
_5,342_|
|**Investment assets**
**at market value**|**66,494**
~~ee~~|**-**
~~ee~~|**-**
~~ee~~|**52,627**
~~ee~~|**119,121**
~~ee~~|_115,841_|
||~~re~~|~~re~~|~~re~~|~~re~~|~~re~~||
|**Total assets**
~~eo~~|**97,221**
~~re~~
~~eo~~|**-**
~~re~~
~~eo~~|**-**
~~re~~
~~ee~~
|**52,627**
~~re~~
~~ee~~
|**149,923**
~~re~~
|_156,188_|
|~~eo~~|~~ee~~
~~eo~~|~~ee~~
~~eo~~|~~ee~~
~~ee~~
|~~ee~~
~~ee~~
|~~ee~~
||
|**Total liabilities**
~~eo~~|**(320)**
~~eo~~|**-**
~~eo ~~|**-**
~~ee~~
~~TT~~|**-**
~~ee~~
~~TT~~|**(320)**
~~TT~~|_(183)_|
This financial report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by Rev’d Emma Ham-Riche (PCC Chair)
Date : 13.04.2025
25
## **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_
_2023_|
||**General**|**Designated**|**_Restricted_**|**All Funds**||
||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**2024**||
||£|£|£|**£**|_£_
_31,072_
_10_
_5,022_
_2,680_
_158_
_5,408_
_1,763_
_2,000_
_893_
_450_|
|Planned giving (excl. tax refunds)|27,400|-|-|27,400||
|Planned giving (no tax refunds)|2,604|-|-|2,604||
|Loose cash collections|4,016|-|-|4,016||
|Donations|7,815|-|-|7,815||
|Donations Messy church|527|-|-|527||
|Gift Aid recovered|10,293|-|-|10,293||
|Special appeals for charities|-|-|494|494||
|Legacies|1,600|-|-|1,600||
|Flower sponsorship|738|-|-|738||
|100 Club|945|||945||
|**Donations and legacies total**|**55,938**|**-**|**494**|**56,432**|_49,456_|
|Fees for weddings & funerals|2,037|-|-|2,037|_2,506_|
|**Charitable activities total**|**2,037**|**-**|**-**|**2,037**|_2,506_|
|Hall Hire receipts|55,633|-|-|55,633|_49,996_
_2,809_
_2,618_
_875_
_240_
_206_
_27_|
|Use of church|2,692|-|-|2,692||
|Other fundraising|4,274|-|-|4,274||
|Coffee|979|-|-|979||
|Harvest Lunch donations|321|-|-|321||
|Sales of parish magazine|214|-|-|214||
|Photocopier|-|-|-|-||
|**Other trading activities total**|**64,113**|**-**|**-**|**64,113**|_56,771_|
|Bank & CBF deposit interest|992|-|-|992|_1,185_
_1,969_
_282_|
|CBF investment fund dividend|1,999|-|-|1,999||
|Lloyds shares dividend|325|-|-|325||
|**Investments income total**|**3,316**|**-**|**-**|**3,316**|_3,436_|
|Insurance receipt|-|-|-|-|_1,090_|
|**Other receipts total**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|_1,090_|
|**Total received on all funds**|**125,404**|**-**|**494**|**125,898**|_113,259_|
26
## **Analysis of total paid**
||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**||**Total**|_Total_
_All Funds_
_2023_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**General**
**Funds**|**Designated**|**_Restricted_**|**All Funds**||
|||**Funds**|**Fund/s**|**2024**||
||£|£|£|**£**|_£_|
|Cost of fundraising activities/events|250|**-**|**-**||_610_|
|**Cost of raising funds**|250|**-**|**-**||_610_|
|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|51,783
1,050
17,561
45
218
5,654
3,381
5,691
1,222
11,246
8,638
-
9,544
5,876|-|540||_1,720_
_48,000_
_1,101_
_13,756_
_302_
_307_
_6,784_
_2,939_
_3,922_
_1,519_
_14,864_
_6,128_
_4,820_
_7,711_
_5,631_|
|||-|-|51,783||
|||||1,050||
|||-|-|17,561||
|||-|-|45||
|||-|-|218||
|||-|-|5,654||
|||-|-|3,381||
|||-|-|5,691||
|||-|-|1,222||
|||-|-|11,246||
||||-|8,638||
|||-|-|-||
|||-|-|9,544||
|||-|-|5,876||
|**Charitable costs total**|**121,909**|**-**|**-**|**121,909**|_119,504_|
|Church Hall running expenses
Church Hall caretaking & cleaning
Church Hall maintenance & redecoration
Church Hall equipment|10,442
-
2,439
-|-|-|**10,442**|_14,186_
_-_
_1,794_
_-_|
|||-|-|-||
|||-|-|**2,439**||
|||-|-|-||
|**Trading costs**|**12,881**|**-**|**-**|**12,881**|_15,980_|
|Other payments|-|-|-|**-**|_-_|
|Other payments total|-|-|-|**-**|_-_|
|**Total paid on all funds**|**135,040**|||**135,580**|_136,094_|
* _Reimbursed expenses allocated under other headings_
27
## **Staff costs**
|**Charitable costs**
Wages, salaries and honoraria
**Trading costs – Church Hall staff costs**
Wages, salaries and honoraria*
Total|**2024**|**_2023_**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**
**11,185**|**_£_**
_13,756_|
||**11,185**|_6,644_|
||||
||**2024**|**_2023_**|
||**£**
**7,037**|**_£_**
**_-_**|
||**7,037**|**_-_**|
||**17,561**
**13,756**||
*2023 Church Hall Staff Costs included in Charitable costs
## **Statement of funds**
|**Statement of funds**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Balances**
**b/fwd**
**1 Jan 2024**|**Income**|
**Expenditure**|**Transfers,**
**other gains**
**and losses**|**Balances**
**c/fwd**
**31 Dec 2024**|
|CBF Deposit Fund Porter/Thwaites
CBF Investment Fund Miss Druce|£
**12,976**
**38,474**|£
-
-|£
-
-|£
296
881|**£**
**13,272**
**39,355**|
|**Total of all endowed funds**|**51,450**|**-**|**-**|**1,177**|**52,627**|
|11,196 Lloyds shares
CCLA Investment fund
CCLA Deposit account
Barclays current a/c|**5,342**
**59,049**
**17,810**
**22,537**|-
-
945
124,953|-
-
-
135,580|751
1,352
-
137|**6,093**
**60,401**
**18,755**
**12,047**|
|**Total of all unrestricted funds**|**104,738**|**125,898**|**135,580**|**2,240**|**97,296**|
|||||||
|**Total funds**|**156,188**|**125,898**|**135,580**|**3,417**|**149,923**|
28