PARISH CHURCH ST JOHN THE BAPTIST STAFFORD
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FOR THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
30[th] April 2023
Incumbent:
The Revered Dr Carl Rudd The Rectory Westhead Avenue Stafford
Independent Examiner:
Mr Malcolm Kidd Chestnut Close Derrington Stafford
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, STAFFORD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE P.C.C. FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022
Index
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Administrative Information 3. Structure Governance and Management
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Objectives and Activities
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Rectors Report 4. Review of the PCC Meetings 5. Curates Report 6. Church Wardens Report 6. Fabric Report 7. Deanery Synod Report 7. Electoral Roll 8. Treasurers Report 10. Independent Examiners Report 11-12 Statement of Financial Activities & Balance Sheet
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Accounting Policies 14-16 Notes to the Financial Statements
Other Church Reports
Youth & Children’s Worker Report M&M’s/Place of Welcome Baptism Pastoral Care World Focus Group Prayer Chain Music Flower Group
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1. Administrative Information
The parish church of St John the Baptist is situated on Bedford Avenue, Littleworth, Stafford ST16 3LH.
The correspondence address is The Rectory, Westhead Avenue, Stafford.ST16 3RP.
The Parochial Church Council is a registered charity with the Charity Commission.
PCC members who have served since the last Annual Parochial Church Meeting are:
Incumbent The Rev’d Dr Carl Rudd Curate The Rev’d Sue Cooke Readers Mrs Isobel Wakerell Mr Francis Tamba Wardens Mrs Anne Scott Mr Francis Tamba Deanery Mrs Wendy Clark Synod Representative
Elected Members Mrs Pam Ayre Mrs Naomi Blears Mr Eddy Chambers Hon Treasurer Mr Suresh Rajbhandari Mrs Isobel Wakerell Mrs Ann Woodcock
Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election if they feel called to do so.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish.
Rectors Report
The last few years have not been easy and I want to thank everyone who has pushed themselves to keep coming out each week to church, and for the many varied acts of service each person brings to the family of St Johns. Every single
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person is a brother or sister in Christ, loved by God and by the family here and it is together that we are the church in this place.
It was a joy to go through 2022 and see our worshiping heart grow. We have seen increasing joy throughout the year as groups have met to read and share God’s word together both during the day and in the evening. We can hear God’s voice more, share with one another and grow in relationship with God and each other. This year we have been able to return over time to communion using the common cup at the communion rail.
Places of Welcome and our Mary and Martha group (M and M’s) have both seen growth this year sharing God’s love with our wider community. These relationships breakdown barriers for people coming into church and give a weekly purpose to those for whom each day is the same and may experience an isolated existence. Groups for youth and children have continued and a new group has begun for children in school on the first Monday of each month.
We will only grow with God and see the church grow in number when we give time to intentionally make new relationships, to help those who God is speaking too to ask him into their life and then to mature their relationship with God. Together we are Gods hands and feet in this place and are seeing his blessing by making these choices. Please take time to pray for what happens in church and through church in our wider community.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37 v2-4.
PCC Review of the Year 2022
We give thanks that we are beginning to enjoy a more normal pattern of life and worship now that the worry of covid has lessened. We have, in accordance with Diocesan advice and the agreement of PCC returned gradually to the use of the Common Cup for Communion. In stages we have ceased the intinction of wafers followed by a return to the altar rail. This has been welcomed, along with some trepidation, by most of the congregation.
We thank Carl, Sue, Isobel, Christina and Francis for their ministry during the good and the not so good times along with others who have provided worship during the year, including Gay Pye, George O’Brien, Nick Adams and Roger Huddleston. During the summer Dawn Walker spent placement time with us as an ordinand in training. We also enjoyed having Revd. Garry Higgs with us during Advent and Christmas for extended experience in the third year of his curacy at his training Benefice.
Megan Davies has continued to provide activities and worship for the younger generations.
Some of us were able to share in Sue’s priesting ceremony at St Mary’s, Uttoxeter in June followed by a Benefice lunch the following week. Sue’s contributions to church services, pastoral care and children’s work are much appreciated.
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We were able to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee along with the rest of the nation followed far too soon by her Majesty’s death and funeral. To commemorate the Jubilee, we contributed to a collection of £230 for The Queen’s Green Canopy which enabled us to purchase 23 trees through the Woodland Trust.
As a Benefice we enjoyed an Away Day at Shallowford in May and have presented candidates for Confirmation to the Bishop in February at St John’s and November in Gnosall.
The hall is once again being hired regularly by different groups as well as for private parties and other events such as a Repair Café held in the hall with all manner of broken items brought for repair & refurbishment. Thanks to Jane Judson for her dedicated and reliable management of the bookings.
Home groups conducted in church have continued throughout the year thanks to leaders Carl, Sue, Francis, Isobel & Christina. We have explored and studied Sharing the Easter Story by Sally Welch during Lent and the Book of Hosea during Advent.
In November we spent a Saturday in church reading St Matthews Gospel chapter by chapter. Quite an experience for everyone who attended which also included a shared meal at the point of Communion in the Bible reading.
Those who read during services undertook some practice with both reading and managing the microphone to improve the experience for listeners.
Some members of the congregation have undertaken defibrillator training.
Throughout the year we have continued to tithe 10% of our income through the World Focus Group. We have also supported the people of Ukraine where possible. Christian Aid, House of Bread are among regular recipients along with other local, national & international charities.
Sadly during the year, we have lost some long serving members of the congregation but we can rejoice in the increasing number of new faces coming into church to worship.
Anne Scott April 2023
Curate’s Report
I see that I began my last report by thanking the Ministry Team, Churchwardens and, especially Carl. I begin this report by doing the same – for their encouragement, support and friendship – and I thank the whole church family, too, for the same. It has been an even busier year in that I’ve been licensed to do more and I love it that no two days are ever exactly the same. Since July last year when I was priested
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in Uttoxeter, I have been allowed to share Communion across the Benefice, take weddings and I began my independent baptism ministry.
Sharing Communion has been really special and I have enjoyed it in less formal environments other than simply in church; taking it to Bradbury House is a privilege as is sharing Communion with those unable to come into church. Being part of the ‘Wednesday Team’ is also a pleasure.
I have continued to find funeral ministry a privilege and am looking forward to sharing the leading of our Funeral Planning events. Baptisms, too, are increasing in number and I enjoy leading families through the START course; this is another opportunity to build relationships with families which I believe is fundamental to our ministry. Wedding preparation provides the same opportunity and it has been a joy to lead two couples in their journey to the altar and I look forward to many more.
As we think of relationships, a part of every week is spent at Place of Welcome, where we really are seeing the fruit of sitting and being and spending time with those who come through the doors each week. I am still amazed at the impact of those boards on the pavement!
Sunbeams continues to thrive under Megan’s leadership, and I enjoy the company of the grown-ups who attend along with their children. This provides opportunity again for conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. We also provide a homemade soup lunch once a month now for anyone in the group and this is becoming increasingly popular. Homegroups continue to succeed with numbers growing and I enjoy the leading of these groups.
Attending training events and studying is important as well as obligatory; sharing the result of this has been rewarding, too – the Matthew’s Gospel Reading Day was enjoyed by all who attended.
School ministry has been rewarding, too; sharing worship in church as well as at school has been exciting – as has the beginning of an after-school club once a month. My work as a governor continues, too.
So, no two days are the same but all, I hope, will bear fruit in sharing the love of our Lord Jesus.
Sue Cooke
Church Wardens Report APCM 2023
It has been another busy year and although the pandemic had slowed down, many people were still nervous of infection and mixing too closely. But slowly we have returned to worshipping as near as possible to normal. We share The Peace by waving to each other as it is important that everyone feels comfortable in church. Towards the end of the year, we made step by step changes to Holy Communion and returned to using the common cup with no intinction.
We thank Carl for his continuing leadership of the ministry team, Sue, Isobel, Christina & Francis along with Megan and her valuable contribution working with the children & young people both in church and at St John’s school. Sue has become an important part of the team and is enthusiastic in her ministry, pastoral work in the Benefice & with Sunbeams. In the summer Dawn Walker spent six weeks with us as part of her Ordinand training and for a short time during Advent & Christmas, we welcomed Revd. Garry Higgs gaining experience during his curacy.
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We meet regularly with Carl as wardens to work closely together on different aspects of church life and to ensure that he, Aileen & Lydia have the support that is needed at St John’s.
We also meet with our fellow wardens from Tixall & Ingestre for both social and business reasons. It is good to share common events or problems and to maintain awareness of other churches in the Benefice.
It is wonderful to note many new members of the congregation and to feel that God is giving us His blessing to move forward.
We look forward to the APCM and hope that anyone who feels called to become more involved in church life will step forward to join PCC or any of the other groups working to keep St John’s functioning as a living growing church family.
We thank those who are already involved in World Focus Group, Pastoral Care, Sacristy team, on the cleaning and refreshment rota’s or who provide lovely floral arrangements, not forgetting M&M’s and Place of Welcome leaders and participants. We are thankful that during the year there have been no safeguarding incidents & thank Ann Raba for continuing in the role of safeguarding officer.
To Jane Judson for managing the hall & church bookings, an important role in these days of the church building being used by us and other groups in the community, you are much appreciated.
We also thank Jackie Palphreyman and Jackie Courtney as administrator and cleaner respectively.
Music is a large part of worship, so we thank Jamie, Chris, Liz, Isobel, Christina and Suresh for their diligence throughout the year providing accompaniment to our singing. Sadly Alan, Margaret and Ann have had to step back for now, so we wish them well and thank them for their years of valuable service.
To those who welcome, read, pray, record and manage the sound and vision equipment we say thank you for your contribution to services.
We also express our thanks to Ian Ryder and Rajan Sambandam for their unstinting work maintaining the building and the gardens along with Steve Gale’s litter picking. We bade farewell to our most gracious Queen, Elizabeth II during the year and thanked God for her many years of unbroken and faithful service. We pray for the new King, Charles III as he takes on the task and ask for God’s blessing on him. We pray for the families of those in the congregation who have lost loved ones this year and commend those who have died to our Father’s care.
John 15: 12 My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you.
Anne Scott & Francis Tamba
Fabric Report APCM 2023
All maintenance to the boilers and the annual servicing has been carried out. PAT testing of all electrical equipment in use has been completed. The lightning conductor has been inspected.
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Numerous repairs have been carried out including a new main door lock being fitted & keys distributed.
A lock has been fitted to the cleaner’s cupboard door for safety reasons with a key being kept in the kitchen.
The drainpipe on the exterior wall has been fitted with new brackets. The lighting in the gentlemen’s toilets has been upgraded & some tiles in the ladies had to be replaced. Extra notices have been placed near the light switches urging people to turn off the light on leaving. This is particularly important in the gentleman’s toilets as the fan continues to run.
We have been monitoring the water taps and asking key holders to ensure no taps are left running before leaving the building. Taps have been left on at times overnight, so consideration is being given to replacing with self-closing taps. Quinquennial advisory repairs to the dormer windows have been done enabling the buckets catching drips to be removed from the church aisle. The rear stained-glass window has had parts of the sealant replaced, the remainder will be completed in 2023.
The lobby between the rear exit, meeting room & office has been refurbished and painted by Rajan Sambandam. So grateful thanks to him.
Thanks to Francis and Rajan for their work keeping the garden and surrounding area mown and tended especially during the summer months, and to Steve Gale for regular litter picking.
Without the constant attention by Ian Ryder much of this work and maintenance would have to be carried out by outside companies so we are indebted to Ian for all that he does at St John’s as well as ensuring that the heating is controlled & timed for users both in church & the hall.
Anne Scott
Deanery Synod Report
Few meetings have been held this year, but one in Stafford gave us a chance to get to know our three curates: Iain from Castle Church; Danny from St Mary's and our own Sue. Through a series of questions posed by the host, they were able to describe their experiences since becoming curates and the aspects which surprised them.
The wearing of the dog collar gave Iain more of a burden for people, gave Sue more confidence in God and made Danny feel the responsibility more. Other people's reactions towards them changed - either to avoidance or friendliness and respect. The dog collar opened doors and gave possibilities like freedom to go into hospital.
The lack of curate's houses in the local area meant that Danny, living 10 miles away in Stone, feels a disconnect with his parish. Sue questioned whether her lengthy travel, sometimes 3hrs in one day, was a good use of her time.
They shared a little of the breadth and variety of work in their parishes. Danny spoke about the vulnerable people who came when St Mary's was open for signing the book of condolence and of his work at the House of Bread. Iain struggled with more houses, more people but fewer facilities, no shared history or sense of community.
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Sue spoke about working with children in the school, the elderly in Bradbury House and those in the villages. Stuart Hodson from Mid-Trent pointed out that half our parishes are rural and that we should be more outward-looking.
The overriding sense which we got from all the curates was the joy they found in their service, whether it was crying at weddings and baptisms, seeing believers' joy in their suffering, sitting with someone at the end of their life or taking a funeral. None showed any doubt about their calling to ministry. With these things in mind, let us be sure to pray for our curate and offer support in whatever ways we can.
Wendy Clark - Deanery Synod Rep
Electoral Roll Report
The total number of people on the Electoral Roll is 99 as opposed to 98 last year.
The figures are as follows-
Age Group Inside Parish Outside Parish Total Under 25 2 2.04% 1 1.02% 3. 3.06% 25-44 11 11.22% 6 6.13% 17 17.35% 45-59 16 16.32% 3 3.07% 19 19.39% 60+ 37 36.73% 23 23.47% 60 60.20% Totals 66 66.31% 33 33.69% 99 100%
Sadly two of our friends have died, Keith Pearson and Audrey Betteridge during the the year,both are sadly missed.
If you are a regular visitor to St John's and are not already on our Electoral Roll, please consider completing an application form for enrolment.
You will be able to vote at our Annual Parish Council Meetings and this allows you to have a more active roll in our Church community.
" The Spirit of the Lord fills the world and knows our every word and deed"
Ann Woodcock Electoral Roll Officer
Treasurers Report
Finance report for APCM 30[th] April 2023
My thanks, as usual, to all who have assisted me -Treasury Team members and sides people.
As last year, I have used Receipts and Payments accounting as allowed by The Charity Commission. This means that I have not allowed for amounts outstanding and receivable at the 31[st] December as well as not apportioning amounts paid in the
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year that refer to 2022 (prepayments) and calculations of expenditure to 31[st] December that will be included in 2023 bills (accruals).
Accounts for 2022
This is the first set of “normal” accounts after 2 years of being affected by Covid. You, the Church members, contributed around £57,000 (including gift aid) towards church finances and I thank you all for your generosity.
The Unrestricted funds of the Church are the General Fund and the Designated Funds.
The total General Fund income for the year was £67,314 and expenditure £84,607 giving a deficit of £17,293. This deficit included a full year of our Youth and Childrens Worker’s salary and expenses paid out of the General Fund. After transferring £12,505 from the Youth Worker Restricted Fund the deficit was reduced to £4,788. The Designated Funds are Fabric, Office, Rectory (decoration) and Piano. Income to Designated Funds was £675. The funds were reduced by £4,781 (£3,741 for repairs to windows, £900 to replace the office photocopier and £140 for a cartridge printer). At the year-end Designated Funds totalled £16,240, an overall reduction of £4,105 in the funds.
The Restricted Funds of the Church can only be used for the purpose for which they were given. A summary of these funds can be found on the last page of the accounts.
The Statement of Assets and Liabilities record that most of the funds are in deposit accounts, our bank current account and a small amount in cash balances. Adjustments were made for amounts paid in advance and monies held for third parties. (Liabilities)
The church tithes 10% of its General Fund income. I have noted as a liability the amount still to be distributed at the year-end being £5,457.
Reserves Policy
The Charity Commission dictate that it is only the General Fund that is “readily available”. At the 31[st] December 2022 the balance of the General Fund totalled £18,591.
Based on 2022 running costs averaging £6,000 a month, the above figure is insufficient to satisfy our Reserves policy of representing six to nine months operating costs. It would only cover 3 months.
Quinquennial Survey
PCC agreed in 2019 that the Designated Fabric Fund should be used for Quinquennial costs, (required by the five-year survey of the building). The balance of this Fund at the year-end is £11,990. Expenditure over the next few years is expected to exceed this figure.
Conclusion
Our financial situation over the next year or so gives cause for concern and is continuing to be addressed by the PCC.
Eddy Chambers, Hon Treasurer
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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, STAFFORD CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1138634 INDEPENDENT EXAkllNER'S REPORT This report 1$ on fi'nancial statements ol the Parochial Church Council IPCCI fart year endéd 3181 December 20L. Resp¢¢tive Tesponsibilits ol the PCC and the Examiner. As members of the PCC. you are reskY)nsible for the PParatIon of the financial statements. You consder that an audit is not required for this year undw Sethon 144121 DI the Chantie$ Act 2011 and th an independent examination Is needed It is my responsibilrty lo examine the accounts er sedion 145 of the 2011 Act., follow the wo¢edures laid down in the general dIrelonS given by the C(¥nmi55ion under sedion 14515llbl of the 2011 Act.. and slate whether particular matters have come to rny attention. 8asl$ of Indopendent Examine3 Ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with the geneial directions given by the Charity Commis&on. That examination includes a review ofthe accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of th& a¢¢ounls posented with those records It also iTrcludes consideration of any unusual item8 or disclosures In the accounts and seeking explanations from you as PCC memb&rs coneeming any such rnallers. The proc&dures undertaken do not provide all the evidell that would be required In a lull audit and consequently nc opinion is given as lo whether the financial stalomenls present a Itue and fair view and the report Is limited lo those matters set out in the next statement. Independènt Examlners Statem8n¢. In connection with Ihe examination. no rnatters have come to my attention. which gives me rèssonakAe cause to believe that In any malerial respeLI the requiremenl5' to keep accounting records in aC¢or{Yan wth section 130 of the 2011 Act.. or to prepare financial slalemenls, which ae¢ord with the a¢unting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not be mel, or to which. in my opinion. attention shoukl be drawn ta en8bie a proper und&rstsnding of the account5 to be reached. I hav& no con¢ern5 and have come acros8 no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attantion Bhould be drawn in this report to enable a prowr under$landing olth• accounts lo b8 reached. Signed Date 2* March 2022. Mr. M. D. Kidd CPFA Chestnut Clos? Derrington, Stafford li
RECEIPTS and PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Restrict | Endow | Prior | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | ed | - | Total | year | |||
| Gener | Designat | total | |||||
| al | ed | funds | ment | funds | funds | ||
| Not | |||||||
| e | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Incoming resources from generated | |||||||
| funds | |||||||
| Voluntary income | 2(a) | 55,748 | 521 | 14,640 | 0 | 70,908 | 68,557 |
| Activities for generating funds | 2(b) | 8,631 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8,631 | 3,813 |
| Investment income | 2(c) | 332 | 155 | 0 | 0 | 487 | 21 |
| Incoming resources from charitable | |||||||
| activities | 2(d) | 2,098 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,098 | 1,872 |
| Other incoming resources | 2(e) | 506 | 0 | 2,148 | 0 | 2,654 | 5,944 |
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| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED Cost of generating funds Cost of generating voluntary income 3(a) Fund raising trading cost of goods sold 3(b) Charitable activities 3(c) Governance costs 3(d) Other resources used 3(e) TOTAL RESOURCES USED EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER PAYMENTS BEFORE TRANSFERS TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 4 Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS ALL ASSETS AT 1st JANUARY 2022 ALL ASSETS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 5 |
67,314 675 16,788 0 84,778 80,206 |
|---|---|
| 203 0 0 0 203 0 109 0 0 0 109 133 84,295 4,781 53 0 89,129 77,396 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,399 0 1,399 543 |
|
| 84,607 4,781 1,453 0 90,841 78,072 |
|
| - 17,293 -4,105 15,335 0 -6,063 2,135 12,505 0 0 0 12,505 10,080 0 0 -12,505 -12,505 -10,080 |
|
| -4,788 -4,105 2,830 0 -6,063 2,135 23,379 20,345 9,906 0 53,630 51,495 |
|
| 18,591 16,240 12,736 0 47,567 53,630 |
N.B Any small discrepancies will have arisen due to rounding to the nearest pound.
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Parochlal Church Councll of St John th• Baptist, Stafford STATEMENT OF ASSETS and LIABILITIES - 31st DECEMBER 2022 Unrestricted funds General De$ign•tod Re¥trbCted Endow fund ment Total funds Total funds 2021 Cash fvnd8 Cash at bank C33h in han Deposit funds-CCLA 4.419 888 22.259 18.728 1,446 13.820 -724 10,846 8,907 116 41,983 51.006 11.469 12.915 33.729 44.739 13.096 Olh•r monetary assets LDBF-Rectory decoration fund 1.325 1.325 1.325 Assots r•taln•d for Chur¢h us Piano 2.000 2,000 2.000 Curr•nt As*ts Dbtors and prepayrnents 350 Llabllltles Agency collections Chur¢h tithe Monies received in advance 360 360 5,457 137 5,954 5.457 137 5.594 3.423 83 4.475 360 N.B Any $mall discrepancies will have arisen due to rounding to the nearest pound. Approved by The Parochlal Church Coun¢ll on tho 13th Fobruary 2023 Rev Dr Carl Rudd ob¥1 Wakoroll R•ctor Lay Chalr 14
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Stafford
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Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ending 31st December 2022
Accounting Policies
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2008 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2015, taking advantage of the relaxations for small charities.
With effect from the 1st January 2020 the church has adopted Receipts and Payments accounting.
Funds
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also available to the PCC. Restricted funds are funds given for a particular purpose and events where the money raised was for a particular purpose.
These accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of Church groups that owe their affiliation to another body or that are informal gatherings of Church members.
Incoming resources
Voluntary income and capital sources
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised only when the tax refund is received. Such refunds are allocated to the General Fund except for the tax refunds on donations to the Youth Worker's Fund and Project Funds for major improvements. Grants and legacies are accounted for when received. Funds raised by hospitality, soup lunches and similar events are for the most part accounted for net, unless it is practicable to account for them gross. Sales of books are accounted for gross.
Other income
Rental income due from letting of church premises is accounted for as income when received. Fees payable to the diocese and to organists and vergers are held in an Agency collection account until paid. In a similar manner, events not directly relating to church business where the church account is used for gathering deposits and paying out the same are held in Agency collection.
Income from CBF deposits
Interest payments are accounted for when they enter the various accounts.
Resources used
Activities directly relating to the work of the Church
The diocesan parish share is accounted for when paid. Any parish share un-paid at 31 December would be provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not legal) liability and is shown as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Fixed assets
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Consecrated property and movable Church furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s10(2) (a)&(C) of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable Church furnishings held by the Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church’s inventory which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). Inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 is not valued as an asset to facilitate comparison with previous years and as such is not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since then have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently expected useful economic life on a straight line basis.
Other fixtures fittings and office equipment
Equipment used within the Church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over five years for furniture, five years with residual value for musical instruments, and three years for computers. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £5000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Stafford
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Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ending 31 December 2022
RECEIPT S
| Note VOLUNTARY INCOME 2(a) Regular Giving Collections and Other Giving Gift Days Covid-19 Giving One-of Gifts/Grants Tax Recovered on Gift Aided Giving Legacies Recurring Grants-Youth Worker ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS 2(b) Activities and Events Income from Church Hall Lettings INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS 2(c) Interest Received CHURCH (CHARITABLE) ACTIVITIES 2(d) Fees from Weddings and Funerals Church Hall Lettings-Objectives OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES 2(e) Grants-Corona-Virus Job Retention Scheme Restricted Receipts from Group Funds Other Funds Generated |
General Designated Restricted Total Total 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ £ 40,920 0 3,880 44,800 37,272 3,453 0 0 3,453 2,305 0 0 0 0 9,392 1,795 521 950 3,266 1,059 9,580 0 810 10,390 10,033 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,000 9,000 8,496 |
|---|---|
| 55,748 521 14,640 70,908 68,557 |
|
| 1,580 0 0 1,580 556 7,051 0 0 7,051 3,258 |
|
| 8,631 0 0 8,631 3,813 |
|
| 332 155 0 487 21 |
|
| 1,534 0 0 1,534 1,567 564 0 0 564 305 |
|
| 2,098 0 0 2,098 1,872 |
|
| 0 0 0 0 5,163 0 0 2,099 2,099 781 506 0 49 555 0 |
|
| 506 0 2,148 2,654 5,944 |
|
| 67,314 675 16,788 84,778 80,206 |
N.B Any small discrepancy will have arisen due to rounding to the nearest pound.
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Stafford
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Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ending 31 December 2022
PAYMENTS
| Note s COST OF GENERATION OF VOLUNTARY INCOME 3(a) FUND RAISING TRADING COSTS 3(b) Activities and Events CHURCH (CHARITABLE) EXPENSE 3(c) Charitable Giving Parish Share Youth Worker's Salary and Expenses Administrator's-Salary Church Ofce Administration Expenses Expenses of Clergy and Lay Readers Mission and Training Upkeep of Services Church Running-Insurance Cleaner's Salary and Expenses Church Maintenance Upkeep of Grounds Gifts Miscellaneous expenses Church Running-Utilities Re-ordering of Church GOVERNANCE COSTS 3(d) OTHER RESOURCES USED Restricted Expenditure from Group Funds 3(e) TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 4 The PCC approved transfers to General Fund from: a Youth Worker Fund as a contribution towards Overheads b Youth Worker Fund as a contribution to ofset salary and expenses payments made |
Genera l Designated Restricte d Total Total 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ £ 0 0 0 0 0 |
|---|---|
| 312 0 0 312 133 |
|
| 4,766 0 0 4,766 4,087 47,342 0 0 47,342 43,397 11,202 0 0 11,202 10,321 4,499 0 0 4,499 5,324 956 1,040 0 1,996 1,191 183 0 0 183 305 958 0 0 958 742 99 0 1 100 150 1,389 0 0 1,389 1,017 1,829 0 0 1,830 1,761 4,707 0 0 4,707 4,214 1,671 3,742 53 5,464 1,895 0 0 0 0 20 266 0 0 266 230 275 0 0 275 60 4,152 0 0 4,152 2,219 0 0 0 0 462 |
|
| 84,295 4,781 53 89,129 77,396 |
|
| 0 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 0 0 1,399 1,399 543 |
|
| 84,607 4,781 1,452 90,841 78,072 |
|
| 960 0 0 960 860 0 0 -960 -960 -860 11,545 0 0 11,545 9,220 0 0 -11,545 -11,545 -9,220 |
|
| 12,505 0 -12,505 0 0 |
N.B Any small discrepancies will have arisen due to rounding to the nearest pound.
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• o ¢ I i i i -1 I 20
Youth and Children’s Worker Report January- December 2022
Children’s Church
Children’s church is available for those children and young people who would like to explore and understand more about God. We meet during the Sunday morning communion services, and we usually learn about the same bible readings that the sermon is based on. The session includes the welcome chant, a dance/song, a game and lesson (which usually involves an animated video), followed by a craft. This year we have been learning about the book of Hosea. Once communion has started in the service, we rejoin the church family to partake in communion, and have an activity booklet to complete at the back, as well as joining in with worship. The number of children varies week by week from 4-10. It is a privilege to watch these children grow in Christ.
Messy Church
Messy Church was put on hold in the previous year due to the pandemic. Consequently, the re-opening of this event has been slow but steady. From September, we have seen a significant increase in numbers, having more from St John’s School attending than previously during my time in this role.
JesusJam
JesusJam is a service on the third Sunday of the month at 4pm. Designed to cover the basics of God with lessons such as fruit of the spirit and Jonah and the Whale. Whilst feedback from attendees have been positive, with JesusJam providing lessons of value, numbers are still relatively low. With more encouragement to the congregation and other children’s groups, I am hopeful this will pick up in time. TNT
As with Messy Church, TNT struggled to keep going due to the pandemic causing the group to fizzle out. Again however, the group relaunched in September, which has now allowed Year 6’s to partake, as opposed to high school youth only. This decision was made, with the support of Carl, so that we can get to know the children in year 6, and then continue to support them as they transition into high school. Whilst the group is small, the children are incredibly dedicated and passionate, which can be seen in their learning. Over this time, we have been watching films (Kung Fu Panda, Paddington, Frozen etc) and relating it to bible stories. A huge thank you to Anne Scott who has been a great support.
Zone
In September 2021, we relaunched Zone which was a great success, and the success has continued throughout 2022. This is a 90-minute youth club, on Wednesday evenings, for young people in years 5, 6 and 7. The first half of the session is filled with games (table tennis, table football, pool, games consoles, etc.) with the second half dedicated to a planned craft activity, or games such as parachuting, scavenger hunts, pizza making etc. We also run a tuck shop during the first half of the session. The children were treated to a bouncy castle in the church garden at the end of the summer term which they loved! Attendance is constantly above 20, sometimes reaching up to 35! Thank you to all the volunteers who keep this group going.
Sunbeams
Sunbeams is a baby and toddler group on Monday morning (9.15-11am) and is one of our most popular groups. Four sets of toys are rotated, with a different set used
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each week. Different messy/sensory activities are also laid out each week such as coloured pasta, hook a duck, shaving foam snowmen etc. At the end of the session, we sit down for story and song time before we say goodbye. We see new families most weeks and I continue to receive new enquiries weekly. Our summer goodbye party was awesome, hiring a Cbeebies ball pool and soft play which the children loved. Our Christmas party this year was a great success, with thanks once again to Santa. Thank you to Vicky Huddleston and Sue Cooke for giving their time for this group by volunteering - we couldn’t do it without you!
School Worship
Each week I go into school to deliver worship to a phase of children (1&2, 3&4, 5&6) on a three week rota. The rota of lessons is supplied by the school, of which I then create the worship based on the recommended bible story. This will be a short bible story, followed by a prayer and dance/song (year group depending). Myself and Rev Cooke delivered the Year 6 leavers worship based on taking a journey and making the right decisions, the children also received a leaving gift from the church. The whole school have been able to come back to church for their services this year including Easter, Harvest and Christmas.
YNow
YNow is a new group for Years 1 and 2 on the first Monday of each month after school until 4.30pm, held at St John’s School. Led mostly by myself and Rev Cooke, the children partake in team games whereby the winning team end up with a prize (usually a chocolate bar). We also sing and dance to worship songs, with a time dedicated to teaching the children more about Jesus.
Reading to reception
This year we (Rev Rudd, Rev Cooke and myself) started going into school on a Monday afternoon to read to the children in reception. We have done this to start building the relationships with them, and allowing the children to recognise when they then enter weekly worship in years 1 and above. Whilst it is only a short time with them, it is a joy to read to them and get to know them more.
Megan Davies
JOINT ‘M&M’S’ AND ‘PLACES OF WELCOME’ REPORT 2022
During the past year both ‘M&M’s’ craft group and ‘Places of Welcome’ hospitality group have regularly met.
‘M&M’s’ meet on Tuesday mornings, and ‘Places of Welcome’ on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings
– both from 10.00am to midday.
‘ Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.’ Hebrews 13:2 This is a ‘key’ passage from the Bible for us and we are very blessed by ALL who join us on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. During the year about 4 new people have come through the doors only to subsequently never miss these mornings which have become an important part of their weekly routine.
During this time we have shared and enjoyed gentle and peaceful fellowship
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and it was a delight to celebrate the milestone birthdays of Maggi Pittard, Ann Bolton and Roger Maud.
‘M&M’s’ and ‘Places of Welcome’ happen because of a team effort. In September, we were very sorry to lose Dee Zhang - her most enthusiastic input was a great blessing to us all, but we wish her well as she trains to become a nurse - it is lovely that she and her family now worship at St John’s regularly.
It is an answer to prayer that there are so many helpers that we need a rota!!!! Carl, Sue, Anne and Liz help on Tuesdays (plus Francis when available), and Wednesdays are managed by Pauline and Tony Pittard and Steve Gale. ………. serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.’ 1 Peter 4:10
On Tuesdays ‘M&Ms’ numbers range from around 6 – 10 and ‘Places of Welcome’ from around 4 – 10.
On Wednesdays between 6 – 10 people meet under the ‘Places of Welcome’ scheme
– a gentle increase in numbers from last year.
On a remaining sad note, it is a great shame that Pat Leese has not been able to be with us
- she is very much missed but is always kept in our thoughts and prayers by those who visit her and Albert.
It is lovely to share Tuesday mornings with M&M’s and a pleasure to see their wonderful crafting skills which encourages others to be involved and initiates some excellent conversation!
The aim of the Groups remains the same
- simply to be there offering hospitality and a sanctuary to all who pass by and call in on St John’s.
It would be wonderful if the Church was able to open similarly on more days of the week
– but we pray and trust in God to guide us in this. Most importantly: ALL ARE WELCOME.
Liz Clarke
Pastoral Care Report
Pastoral care continues throughout the benefice with many (who may not be on ‘the team’) involved. If that’s you, thank you. You may not realise how much the odd phone call or contact is so greatly appreciated. Just saying hello to a new face or one you’ve not spoken to before can make such a difference. The team - Carl Rudd, Sue Cooke, Anne Scott, Lyn Ryder, Nicola Woodhouse and I-work across the three churches of the benefice and have met regularly throughout the year to pray for and bring to each other’s attention any needs or concerns.
Home communion is taken regularly, by all members of the team, to those who are unable to attend services. A monthly service is held at Bradbury House which extends our pastoral care to the wider community. Visits are made to people in their homes, in hospital, in a hospice or residential care or wherever the need arises. Visits and ongoing care and concern continue for families of those involved in
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funerals over the last year. It is often at such sad times that people engage with the church and welcome support that pastoral care can offer.
There is a notion that pastoral care is only for the older generation and whilst many visits do involve that group there are also many that involve people of all ages. We all need God’s tender care and compassion. Please, do inform a member of the team of any concerns. We are here to help each other and share Christ’s healing work in the benefice and wider community.
Isobel Wakerell.
WORLD FOCUS GROUP REPORT
Who we are?
We are a group made up of members of the congregation that support the Church by taking responsibility for allocating the Churches giving to charities.
We do this by meeting regularly, usually at a member’s home to discuss and plan how the allocated church tithes should be shared out.
We are often asked by members of the congregation to support a particular charity. This is in addition to our annual giving. It is then our responsibility to ensure the chosen charity meets all the church and charity commission guidelines, if this is approved, we then allocate the money.
Throughout the year we are often called to give one-off emergency donations to respond to national and international crises. This request, if approved by the group is then presented to the PCC for their agreement.
Along with the allocation of church giving the group also organises church collections such as Christian Aid week the Annual Harvest and Christmas charities Alongside this, we have also organised collections of non-monetary items i.e., blankets and gifts for charities such as the Stafford Women’s Aid and House of Bread.
St Johns is a generously giving church and we each feel privileged to be in the group.
Lynda Ryder, Isobel Wakerell. Eddy Chambers. Kate Passey , Steve Gale and Pam Ayre.
Lynda Ryder
Prayer Chain Report
God is Good all the time.
The Prayer Chain continues to be active. We have more than 50 people who have agreed to receive the prayer requests. To me this seems like quite a high number. Some days I don’t receive any prayer requests, most days there are some with the most in one day at 6. I try to get the requests out as quickly as I can although I sometimes miss them for a few hours, but as I am sure God is not constrained by time I do not worry too much.
I believe God answers prayer, otherwise I wouldn’t be involved. It does take me a few minutes as I use software to send texts and one email. Sometimes I get messages back to say prayers have been answered quite quickly such as one requesting help in a traffic hold up to meet an appointment time. Prayer worked!
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Please keep the requests coming and if you could also let me know the results of the prayer that would be great so that people who pray could know how God has responded.
Thank you. Helen Dart
Music Report
During this year we were able to sing together as a congregation again without Covid restrictions. Many have commented that they do not feel their voices are the same as pre-pandemic or the Covid virus has affected breathing. It really has been a case of ‘use it or lose it’. Please keep singing! We are praising God and He knows our weaknesses. A huge thank you to the musicians and Carl and Aileen who made it possible to have recorded songs throughout the pandemic when we could not sing together as a congregation.
Throughout the year a small group of musicians met regularly to pray and enjoy fellowship together whilst planning worship. We had our last recorded music in Sunday Worship on 24[th] April and since then due to the dedication of this team we have been able to offer live music every Sunday and some Wednesday afternoons. We are very blessed to have pianists Chris Scattergood, Christina Thomson and Liz Clarke together with Jamie Parkes on violin and guitar. Suresh Rajbhandari joins us on guitar when work commitments allow. As well as these commitments musicians have helped lead services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, two Remembering services, Christingle and Christmas services as well as at funerals held in St John’s. The team provide a wide range of styles in worship and we seek God’s guidance in the way ahead for music at St John’s. Please pray for us.
‘Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.’
Isobel Wakerell.
Flower Group Report
Whilst preparing to write this report on behalf of the Flower Group I looked back at previous APCM Reports in my Drop Box, my first ever Flower Group APCM report was written in 2014! I can only say a very humble thank you to the Lord and the amazing ladies past and present for their wonderful support and encouragement. It is a privilege to work in this ministry and we all thank God for the talents he has bestowed upon each of us, and for the blessings of flowers and foliage.
We have been blessed to welcome two new members over the past six months Noreen Prior and Caroline Highland, we are always happy to welcome new members.
In addition to the regular weekly church flowers and festivals of Easter, Harvest and Christmas and Remembrance Sunday, special floral arrangements marked the Late Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and sadly her death, also flowers in memory of the passing of Church Family Members.
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If you would like to sponsor a floral display for celebrations or commemorations, please contact a member of the Group as we are a self-funding group, hence fundraising events.
A fundraising Christmas Workshop in December was a great time of friendship, fellowship and fun and we hope to continue these events.
The Group thank everyone for the lovely comments that are frequently received about the floral displays.
Barbara Maltby
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